Safety Fast! July 2020

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adly, but not unexpectedly, a few more of the more major events have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. As you will have read in Bill’s Chairman’s notes last month, the MGCC of Germany have postponed their European Event of the Year until August 4-8 2021. This in turn has had a knock-on effect for the forthcoming European Events of the Year. As such, events for 2022 (Belgium) and 2023 (Denmark) will remain in place and the Portuguese club will now organise the 2024 event instead of next year’s. Other major events that have been postponed are: MGF 25 which will now take place at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, on Saturday July 24 2021, the popular Silverstone Classic which was due to be held on July 31-August 2 has now been cancelled and the Practical Classics Car and Restoration, held at the NEC, has been postponed until March 26-28 2021. We’ve just been informed that MGLive! has been postponed until 2021 as well. As always, do keep an eye on our website www.mgcc.co.uk as in these uncertain times it’s the quickest way to notify you of any changes to events, etc.

I’ve recently received a letter from member Geoff Mansfield who says that next year marks two milestones for him, the 90th birthday of his M Type Sportsman Coupe, and Geoff’s 80th birthday. To celebrate, he is hoping to drive, at a very sedate pace, from John O’Groats to Land’s End whilst raising money for two charities close to his heart. The reason for the letter was to see if any members along the route would be prepared to help in times of trouble, or would just like to see the M Type, which is quite a rare model. The planning is in its infancy still, but do drop me an email at andy@mgcc.co.uk if you feel you’d be able to help, or want to cheer Geoff on his way and I’ll pass them on to Geoff.

At the time of writing, the UK lockdown has been lifted slightly, allowing us to use our MGs a bit more. For many, they will have only just started using their older MGs for the first time this year and the racers will have been busy preparing their cars ready for this; as you’ll read in Race Torque, it’s go, go, go for the MGCC race meetings.

Until next month, drive safely.

Andy Knott Membership Type

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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

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

INSIDE REGULARS 7 Club Matters and Kimber House News 8 News 12 Products 14 Postbag 16 Young Members Branch 64 Tech Tips 72 Race Torque 74 MGs on Track 75 MGCC Speed Championship 76 Overseas Review 78 Centre Updates 86 Register Updates 92 Classifieds 98 Looking Back

NEWSLETTERS 44 MGA Newsletter 49 Magnette Newsletter 54 MGF Newsletter 59 MG635 Newsletter

The MG SV Super Car, one of the last hurrahs for the MG Rover Group before their collapse in 2005.

Photo: MG Rover Group Press department

FEATURES

10 MGLIVE! ANNOUNCEMENT MGLive! event now on hold until 2021

18 THE MG ROVER STORY PART II Adam Sloman reflects on MG Rover’s highs and lows in its brief lifetime

28

34

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 mid1990s issues of Safety Fast!

At the Council meeting held on April 16 1988 the Building Appeal was formally launched in Safety Fast! and well received, with Peter Best as director of the Building Appeal. The battle was on, property prices had been rising whilst the Club Were procrastinating, and time was of the essence. A year later the Club had made its fifth and penultimate move to Radley.

During the summer of 1988 fund raising began in earnest, with contributions being received from all over the world. A proposal was put to the Vale of White Horse District Council for their support in developing one of a shortlist of four sites. However, more realistically, our excitement was increasing as we were becoming aware of the plans of Pavlova Leather who, it should be remembered, had sold the factory site to MG Car Company in 1929, almost sixty years before! The premises owned by Pavlova Leather Company adjacent to the MG Car Company’s former administration block did go on the market as a development site for eight flats. No. 11, the smallest semi-detached property, was still occupied by Geoff Blanch, a Pavlova employee, and his wife Rene; No. 12 was unoccupied, damp and in generally poor condition, but with considerable potential. www.mgcc.co.uk

28 BASIC TOOLS AND THEIR USES David De Saxe takes a light-hearted look at tools and their uses

34 HAM AND JAM OR HARVEY AND MARMALADE Malcolm Reeves and his RV8 adventure

42 SEEING RED The meeting of three Orient red MGAs

66 ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER John Lister sets to work on his 1275 Midget

69 SEAT SOLUTIONS A look at basic seat refurbishment you can carry out at home

JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 5

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CHAIRMANS NEWS

O

nce again I am writing with little certainty of the near future.

Let me start by explaining our decision to postpone MGLive! to 2021. In order to provide this event there are a number of things that must be brought together to make it stand up financially. These are planned ahead, starting about eight weeks after the event the previous year. Planning begins with putting the next year’s race programme

together and trying to tie down a suitable date amongst all the competing players for our traditional venue – not least F1.

They, however, have become a bit easier to second-guess over the last couple of years, notwithstanding the 2020 chaos.

So, switching a date midway through the planning process is very problematic.

This year we did our best to look at the alternative dates later in the summer that Silverstone offered, but could find nothing with any prospect of working for all of you, and without the whole package the event will not stand up financially or be worthwhile for you as members. And all that is without taking into consideration the fact that we may not be allowed to hold a mass gathering of MG folk from a huge geographic area, the possibility of changes of plan by the powers that be, or of course the fact that you yourselves may not wish to be involved in such a large gathering in these most uncertain of times.

So we have reluctantly postponed the event until 2021, when we are planning to run in our traditional mid-summer time slot, and we already have an outline agreement with Silverstone and some of our major suppliers. We are offering those who have already purchased tickets for 2020 options on ways forward, including a full refund.

Now to something which at the time of writing will happen this summer: we are to be one of the first organisations to get back into Club motor racing with our event at Donington Park in mid-July.

The meeting is being supported by all our championships, a small grid of MMM cars and three guests: Equipe Classic Racing, Mini and Morgan. All of the entry lists are filling nicely as I write in mid-June.

Under the current government and Motorsport UK guidance, the event will take place behind closed doors with a minimum of officials to make the event work safely. If the behind-closed-doors guidance changes, this will probably not be until the week before the event, so the only way of letting you know will be by the use of the internet.

We are all looking forward to gathering together again, and we are monitoring what sort of social gatherings may be allowed, as even a Zoom natter can’t replace the real thing. Currently, organised road runs are not permitted, but as soon as they become allowed we will advise all the Centres and Registers of the way to get going again; with luck you may be able to hold your planned late summer gatherings.

As last month, I sign off with: Please keep safe, and I hope we can all start meeting up with our MG friends soon.

Bill Sillcock

KIMBER HOUSE NEWS Many members are not fully aware of what their Club Membership has to offer. So here is a brief summary of just some of the benefits you receive from your Centre or Register.

With the lockdown easing and members taking to the road again it’s maybe a timely reminder that out Registers and Centres have committees that are there to help you. With time on our hands it is a good opportunity to register your car with your respective Register and the main Club.

The Registers rely on this information to keep a record of the cars that still exist and to help those who may be doing some history on their car and would like to make contact with a previous owner. This is

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done under strict guidelines as laid out in The General Data Protection Regulations or GDPR. Other help offered by the Registers is technical information and support and each Register has its technical guru who is on hand to help answer questions whenever possible. Some help is directly by phone or in the first instance by an email. From wanting to know the name of a paint colour to an explanation on replacing an engine is covered by the Register specialists. They also have online help with articles and notes covering many issues in detail with pictures and text.

Some Registers have technical days with presentations on topical matters. Social media plays a big part in our lives today,

so the Registers have encompassed this and also produce their own e-newsletters or publications, such as the MGF Register’s FasTForward magazine.

Centres offer the opportunity for meeting up with like-minded people, either at an event or a local Natter. They also organise many social runs to popular venues such as stately homes and other places of interest. They welcome ideas from members and of course anyone who wishes to organise an event is encouraged, with help on hand from the respective committees. To make contact with your local Centre or the Register you belong to, visit the main MG Car Club website where you will find all the relevant contact details www.mgcc.co.uk /benefits-of-joining/

JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 7

NEWS Anglia Centre AGM Date: September 26 2020 Time: 11.30am Where: The Lion P.H., 44 Ipswich Road, Needham Market IP6 8EH Telephone: 01449 720849

MG3 TO SUPPORT LOCAL COMMUNITY CHARITIES New MG retailer Paul Rigby MG is celebrating bringing the brand back to life on the historic Longbridge site by launching a charity initiative designed to help local communities in the area.

Located in the historic conference centre in the heart of the Longbridge site, Paul Rigby MG opened its doors in January 2020. To mark the occasion, they have launched a limited edition MG3 hatchback – “The Longbridge Edition” – specifically created to reflect the heritage of the brand’s past through its unique design features.

The company is selling raffle tickets for £10 each to win this exclusive car which retails at over £14,000. The proceeds of the raffle will benefit three local charities: B30 Foodbank, Pride of Longbridge and WAITS, a local domestic abuse charity.

Sam Rollason, Sales Manager at MG Longbridge, commented ,“We have spent considerable time designing this unique car to create a model that salutes the brand’s heritage through its design features and styling. The car is British Racing Green, one of the most iconic colours of the automotive world, with sport red roof and trim including the mirrors and front splitter. Inside, its matt black dashboard is offset by red highlights such as the air vents, and interior stitching. The car is uniquely badged as the Longbridge Edition and will be a complete one-off, making it an MG enthusiast’s dream.”

The car is available to view at the MG Longbridge showroom at Lowhill Lane, Rednal.

Raffle tickets are available to purchase by visiting the dealership, calling on 0121 295 9282, or emailing sales@mg-longbridge.co.uk.

IT’S GO FOR CURBOROUGH

After extensive consideration and canvassing of potential entrants, the Midlands Centre has taken the decision to go ahead with its August 2 Sprint meeting at Curborough.

“It was a close call,” said Centre chairman Roger King, “but it was made possible by partnering with the Shenstone and District Car Club, operators of the venue, on a 50/50 basis and we thank them for their great support. It will not be a full sprint type meeting in that there will be no competitive element, but rather what is known as a practice event. Cars will be timed for personal challenge but no awards will be given out. We believe there are enough entrants out there who will jump at the opportunity of a fun drive, exercising their car and most importantly, themselves! And at a lower entry cost than normal”.

Operating under strict Motorsport UK Covid-19 rules (which include funding by MSUK for protective equipment) and regretfully not allowing any non-competitor access to the site, the organisers are convinced that with the support of all entrants this need not prevent the staging of a successful meeting.

“If everything goes to plan and the virus continues to recede we are especially pleased that the MGCC Midland Centre will be taking a lead back into club motorsport”, said Roger King. “Of course, we recognise that a sprint meeting like this will only attract a tiny proportion of our members but we think this is a big step in getting back to normality when we can all enjoy meeting up with fellow MG enthusiasts, be it a Natter, a run, or just a meet-up.”

Finally, a reminder: spectators are not permitted to attend.

Note: Regulations and Entry form will be available on our website shortly and will be received by Shenstone and District via digital means.

8 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

Agenda 1. Present 2. Apologies for Absence 3. Approval of the Minutes of the last AGM (September 28 2019) 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Secretary’s Report 6. Treasurer’s Report and adoption of accounts for year ending 31/12/19 7. Election of Officers 8. Election of Committee 9. Any other business 10. Date of next AGM NB: The Anglia Committee hopes that the coronavirus situation will improve to enable the AGM to take place. In the event that such a meeting cannot be held, a new date will be published in Safety Fast!. Please let me have any apologies for absence. Roger Moran, Telephone: 01502 722122 / 07920 054422, Email: secretary@ mgccanglia.com

V8 Register AGM Sunday August 2 2020 at noon Because of the Covid-19 constraints, the V8 AGM will be online with voting using an online voting form for Members. Full details of the procedure for the meeting are available on our ‘More’ web page at www.v8register.net/more.htm Agenda 1. Approval of the last V8 AGM 2019 minutes 2. Matters arising 3. V8 Chairman’s report 4. V8 Treasurer’s report 5. V8 Secretary’s report 6. Other reports 7. Election of officers and members of the V8 Committee 8. Any other business Nominations for the V8 Committee should be to the V8 Secretary c/o victorsmith@v8register.net

Regrettably, an error found its way into the appreciation about Peter Green in the June edition of Safety Fast! It mentioned that Peter had owned and restored two of the 1933 Mille Miglia team cars, and that for a time all three original 1933 team cars were housed in Peter’s workshop.

In fact, all of the cars referred to were 1934 team cars.

The honour of restoring Count Lurani’s 1933 Mille Miglia team car K3003 fell to none other than Philip Bayne-Powell, who completed and raced the car before selling it. It subsequently found its way to the Peter Briggs collection in Australia where It still resides.

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NEWS MG LIVE!

MGLIVE! EVENT NOW ON HOLD UNTIL 2021

I

n response to constantly evolving information from UK Government regarding social distancing guidelines for public spaces and after extensive discussions with our venue and partners, the MG Car Club has been forced to reconsider any postponement dates for MGLive! in 2020.

It has become clear that it will not be possible to run an event on the scale of MGLive! this year and so instead, the MG Car Club will focus on planning for a fantastic weekend event for 2021.

The MG Car Club is committed to following UK Government advice on events and public spaces. Current public health advice suggests that we will be required to observe strict social distancing measures and limits on the numbers of people gathering, for the foreseeable future.

Furthermore, with such a packed calendar of motorsport events for venues such as Silverstone to fit into the remainder of the year, the rescheduling of MGLive! for a date that would deliver the sort of event our members and visitors expect and deserve is not possible. Also, motorsport is to be run behind closed doors for the foreseeable future, with no spectators allowed.

For accommodation booked in nearby hotels, attendees should contact their accommodation

provider and share this announcement with them in order to negotiate a refund.

For those who booked advance tickets or trade exhibitor pitches, bookings will be rolled over to 2021 and the prices paid for this year’s event held for next year’s. The MG Car Club will be contacting all advance-purchase ticket holders and exhibitors over the coming weeks with more details on your ticketing options. However, please be patient as we work our way through the bookings.

Adam Sloman, General Manager of the MG Car Club explained: “It has been a tremendously difficult and challenging time and whilst we had great ambitions of running MGLive! at some point later in the year, the impact of the circumstances that we are all being presented with has conspired to make that impossible. The well-being of Club members and show visitors is of paramount importance to us. I would like to thank the team at Silverstone, for doing all they could to try and accommodate us, and also all our partners, exhibitors and visitors for their patience and support. We will now take this time to work on plans for MGLive! next year to ensure that we all get to enjoy the most fantastic event the MG Car

Club has ever seen in its 90-year history. We will all need a really good party by then!”

Our #VirtualMGShow continues, however, over at www.photos.mgcarclub.co.uk so, if you have not yet shared your photo with us and exhibited your MG on our ‘Virtual Show Field’ then please do.

The MG Car Club will be announcing the dates and full information on the future of MGLive! for 2021 through the MG Car Club website, Safety Fast! and our social media channels. We will be aiming for a return to one of our traditional June dates next year.

I’ve bought tickets for 2020 and would like to carry these forward to the 2021 event. Is that possible?

Of course! We’d love to see you at our 2021 event. We will be contacting all advancepurchase ticket holders and exhibitors over the coming weeks with more details on your ticketing options. However, please be patient as we work our way through the bookings.

Can I get a refund?

Yes, you can. Full refunds will be made on all priced tickets at their purchase price. We will be contacting all advance-purchase ticket holders and exhibitors over the coming weeks with more details on your ticketing options.

However, please be patient as we work our way through the bookings.

What are the 2021 event dates for MGLive!?

We will be announcing the dates and full information on the future of MGLive! for 2021 through our website, the Safety Fast!

Magazine and our social media channels.

We will be aiming for a return to one of our traditional June dates next year.

10 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

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SIZE (LxWxH) 4.5 x 3 x 2.4M 6.1 x 3 x 2.4M 4.8 x 3.7 x 2.5M 6.1 x 3.7 x 2.5M 7.3 x 3.7 x 2.5M

EXC.VAT £229.00 £279.00 £279.00 £349.00 £419.00

INC.VAT £274.80 £334.80 £334.80 £418.80 £502.80

JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 11

PRODUCTS

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

MG CAR CLUB 90TH ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTS

CLUB ANNIVERSARY NOTEBOOK

MG CAR CLUB MEMBERS SPECIAL OFFER FROM CLASSIC CONCIERGE Half price classic car storage for the first 3 months in our secure facility in Oxfordshire, only a few miles from the spiritual home of MG and the Club HQ in Abingdon. With any 12-month storage plan that is taken you will receive the first 3 months at a 50% discount. Please contact us quoting your membership details to obtain the discount at Classic Concierge. www.classicconcierge.co.uk or telephone Mark on 07974 333789

Released as part of a collection of Anniversary products to celebrate the Club’s 90th Anniversary is the notebook with the special Club logo printed on the cover. It’s a ruled A5size notebook with fabric strip to indicate the current page you are using and an elasticated band to keep any loose documents securely inside. Priced at £9.50 plus p&p

CLUB ANNIVERSARY POLO SHIRT Another item from the Anniversary collection is the Polo Shirt. All popular sizes are available in men’s and ladies fittings. Navy Blue with the Club anniversary logo embroidered on the left side.

Priced at £25 plus P&P

CLUB ANNIVERSARY SMALL CAR BADGE

MGA COUPE REPAIR KIT FROM NTG Repair kit for MGA fixed head coupe; replaces worn spindle and bush. Priced at £52.80.

Available from: NTG Motor Services Limited, 282, Bramford Rd, Ipswich IP1 4AY. Web: www.mgbits.com. Telephone: 01473 406031

12 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

This is a must-have item from the collection. A beautifully sculptured car badge coloured in the Anniversary colours of green and gold. Across the badge is inscribed the 90 years from 1930 to 2020, depicting the number of years the Club has been running. There is also a larger version available. The small badge is priced at £22.50 plus p&p.

All items are available direct from the Club shop at shop. mgcc.co.uk or telephone Ineke on 01235 849737.

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

MG TD AND TF

MGA

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

MG MOTOR UK

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

SERVICE PACKS

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

BGR68B BGR68R BGR68C BGR68D MM001 MM061/84

£13.00 £13.00 £13.00 £13.00 £28.95 £6.95

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

ORD ER ON -LI NE

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POSTBAG THE 1100 AND 1300S

ON REFLECTION I guess many members can currently only reflect on better years past when MGs could be driven at will, and your anniversary event pictures in the May ‘Looking Back‘ reminded me of a good many. I am sure that many readers will also remember most of the events that I have attended over the years: MGA 50th and 60th, MGB and MGB GT 50ths, not to mention MGF 10, 15, 20 and the Zed10 Duxford meeting that you illustrated.

However, I wonder how many, like me, attended the Maestro 10th anniversary gathering held at Rockingham Castle in May 1993, pictured.

This was a must for me as I had enjoyed S-Series 1600, 2.0 efi and Turbo MG Maestros as company cars and I suspect that the event may have included the greatest number of Turbos ever to appear together at the same time. The weather was grey but the Maestros were certainly colourful.

Roger Martin

Thank you for a very interesting article about the MG 1100, published in the May issue. I remember them very well, I‘m 68 now!

The MG 1100 pictured in your article is in astounding condition – most 1100s and 1300s rotted away, including my 1967 Morris 1100 (YAR 783F) and 1971 Wolseley 1300 Automatic (TAR 244J). As an E reg it would have been 1966/67, so it might just have been young enough to have come out of the factory with the 1300 engine, but the norm was a twin carb 1100 and all of that age had the strip-type speedo.

It has apparently undergone some modification and your pictures show an exhaust silencer and dashboard from Mk2 MG1300 or Mk2 Riley Kestrel 1300, so a bit non-standard. The very first MG1300 was a single carb 60bhp which was very quickly superseded by a twin carb 65bhp and that in turn was superseded by a 70bhp twin carb two-door in late 1968. The 70bhp engine got the extra 5bhp from a higher compression big valve head and a long centre branch manifold and a bigger bore silencer like that fitted to the MG in your article. The Riley Kestrel 1300 Mk2 and the Austin/Morris 1300GT also had that engine. I‘ve attached some detail in the form of tuning data from the BL workshop manual.

Overall, quite nostalgic so thank you again for the article. I‘m still continuing with BL/Rover and now have a 1980 MGB GT LE (TAR 880W) and Mini 30.

Tony Erwood

FEBRUARY LOOKING BACK The picture of my black MGC GT shown was taken in the early nineties at the Ibergeregg, which is a pass in Central Switzerland which connects “Schwyz” (capital town of the canton with the same name) and “Einsiedeln” (famous for a big monastery).

The place may be recognised by Safety Fast! readers by the front page of the 1991 December issue, which featured my first

14 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

red MGC GT at the very same location. To round it off, the same car was pictured in the reverse direction at the same location and was used by the MGCC on a Christmas card.

I‘m still proud of that honour.

MarCus Brundler

www.mgcc.co.uk

POSTBAG LOOKING FOR MG 2313 I have enclosed a photo of my 1933 MG J2, registration MG 2313, that I was lucky enough to own between 1966 and 1973. It would be interesting to know if this car still exists.

Amazingly, I was given the car by one of my Dad‘s neighbours when I was 18 in 1966. The car had belonged to his daughter but she had got married and left home. The car had spent four years, with a broken crankshaft, in the open in the neighbour‘s garden so it was in a terrible state when I got it. However, during university holidays and with an enormous amount of help from my Dad (he had owned an F1 Magna in the 1930s) we managed to get the car roadworthy (of sorts) two years later. Being a student I had very little money, so the car ended up with many non-standard parts, as can be seen from the photo. This included the engine. We managed to find an ohc Morris Minor engine from the same period, i.e. a very similar block, but it had only one carburettor and lacked the cross-flow head. This resulted in very modest performance, particularly when it came to tackling hills!

Despite all this I ran the car as my only means of transport for four years, until one of the brake cables broke whilst cornering one day in 1972; fortunately no damage was done. I sold the

THE SHOPPING RUN The double-page spread in June’s Safety Fast! of photos from the Abingdon Works Centre’s imaginative ‘Classics on the Drive’ substitute for Drive-It Day was splendid, but some of us have been perfectly legally driving our MGs on the roads during lockdown. I know that “non-essential journeys” have been banned, but that still leaves the essential journeys. I surprised my wife by volunteering to do all the shopping for our household when lockdown started. Under normal

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car for £150 in 1973, having acquired a 1956 ZA Magnette as a suitable replacement. I saw the car a couple of years later, once the purchaser had carried out a full restoration.

The photo dates from the summer of 1970 whilst I was on a camping holiday in Devon with my girlfriend. How on earth we managed to carry all the luggage, plus a tent, in such a cramped space I can‘t imagine now.

I wonder what became of MG 2313.

Martin Butcher circumstances, I confess to hating shopping, except book shops and coffee shops, but during lockdown I have always made a point of using my MG TF160 for the weekly three-mile trip to the supermarket. It is admittedly less capacious than our Vauxhall Zafira Tourer, but it is more fun to drive and it does have enough room in the boot for the weekly shop.

The shopping Run may be a poor substitute for, say, the Old Speckled Hen Run, but it is at least a taster of hood-down MG driving and better for the car than leaving it motionless in the garage for months on end. With much less traffic on the road than usual, negotiating the A31 roundabout and accelerating away down the long straight stretch before slowing to 30 over the narrow old Julians Bridge into Wimborne has been a weekly treat.

The TF has also seen service delivering food items to an 80-year-old friend who is classified as vulnerable and to some friends who are kindly acting as a collecting point for donations to the local Food Bank. Now that lockdown conditions are being eased, I hope to find other reasons to use it and to see more other MGs on the roads.

Mark Rathbone

JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 15

YOUNG MEMBERS

Shaun Nelson shaunnelly@hotmail.com

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: MOTORING FOR THE FUTURE

C

limate change. A polarising topic that means many different things to many different people. Not only does it threaten our planet’s ecosystem, but also our way of life. Realistically, we have until the turn of the century to bring emissions down close to zero in order to stop catastrophic rises in global temperatures [1]. As individuals and car enthusiasts, is there anything that we can do to make a difference? Or will any effort be in vain?

First, some numbers. In 2013 global greenhouse emissions reached an estimated 33 billion tonnes of CO2 and equivalent greenhouse gases (CO2e), with 15% of that being attributed to all forms of transport [2]. If we then compare transport to other main global contributors, 31% for energy generation, 12.4% for manufacturing and construction, 11% for agriculture, and 6% for industrial processing, it’s clear that whilst transport plays a significant role it isn’t the full picture. In 2017 the UK released an estimated 566 million tonnes of CO2e into the atmosphere, with 21% of that being attributed to road users [3].

A significant proportion. So, what can be done? Well, greenhouse emissions can be tackled in one of two ways: reduction or offset. To reduce means not driving our cars – not ideal! However; offsetting our CO2e elsewhere can be achieved through investing in low or negative carbon exploits, like using a green energy provider for example.

This sounds almost too easy, but actually we can offset the greenhouse gas emissions from our motoring exploits quite easily – as I shall now attempt to prove with some ‘back of the envelope’ mathematics.

16 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

My MGB does about 3,000 miles a year, and gets around 20 miles per gallon. Using an estimated 10.9 kg of CO2e emitted per gallon of fuel burnt, this puts the impact of a year of MG motoring at approximately 1.6 tonnes of CO2e [4].

A mature tree, on average, will absorb 22 kg of CO2 per year [5]. Let’s say it takes ten years to mature and has a mature life of 40 years – not at all unreasonable for a tree.

So, if for every year of driving I plant two trees and allow each to grow for at least 50 years, then in theory my MG is running carbon neutrally! Of course, this doesn’t take into account lubricants, parts, tyres and so on, but you can see how these things really do add up and make a difference. You don’t even have to plant the tree yourself; you could sponsor the Woodland Trust to do it for a couple of pounds sterling.

Thinking about it now may well help to keep us motoring in the future. Food for thought.

1] Paris agreement, 2015. [2] Global emissions, Centre for Climate and Energy Solutions, 2019. [3] Road transport and air emissions, Office of National Statistics, 2019. [4] Emissions for cars, Carbon independent, 2020. [5] Trees help tackle climate change, European Environment Agency, 2012.

www.mgcc.co.uk

MERCHANDISE

KIMBER STORES Wooden Box £20.00 each

MGCC Embroidered Badge £3.75

MG Clocks £34.00

Travel Wallet £16.50

Mugs £9.00

MGCC lapel pin £4.50

MG Books for more details go to shop.mgcc.co.uk

Ladies linen caps £13.50

MG Cape £17.00

All prices exclude P&P

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

FEATURE YOUNG MEMBERS

THE MG ROVER STORY PART II

MG fans were optimistic when BMW sold off Rover Group in 2000, but after four short years MG Rover had reached the end of its journey. Adam Sloman takes up the MG Rover story as the MG Supercar starts to become a reality.

The cracks begin to show The story of the SV had begun in June 2001 when MG Rover released the first sketch MG X80. Based upon the Qvale Mangusta, X80 was unveiled in September 2001 at the Frankfurt motor show, with a planned launched for 2002, followed by a roadster in 2003.

With no capacity for developing their own new cars, MG Rover took a huge shortcut by purchasing, for an undisclosed

18 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

sum, the Qvale Automotive Group, based in Modena, Italy, home of Ferrari.

Press at the time reported the new car would combine Mangusta underpinnings, and its 4.6 V8 with a new MG-styled body, built in Italy, with around 1,000 expected per year.

The X80 made use of the up-coming TF headlights and grille design and MG talked excitedly about the car, with one eye, once again, on the lucrative US market.

The reveal of the X80 would coincide with one of the greatest tragedies of the new millennium, with the car making its show debut on September 11. The destruction of the Twin Towers cast a long shadow, with a genuine possibility of recession, and the gloomy business predictions that come with it, X80’s

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opportunity to relaunch MG in the US had gone.

The car had also failed to gain the kind of positive response MG had hoped for and now MG Rover found itself with an Italian subsidiary with nothing to build.

Looking for the perfect partner MG Rover continued to look around the motor industry for a partner – BMW’s deal had left the company with little resource to develop new models and some of the key models in the range were approaching ten years old – but MG Rover found few potential allies. Honda remained uninterested, still furious at the sale of Rover Group to BMW, while other discussions with Fiat and Proton had come to nothing.

It was in late 2001, as the X80 was undergoing serious review, that management in Longbridge first look to the Far East, and to China. China Brilliance had been formed in 1992 and was looking for partners to help in developing new cars. MG Rover were looking to Brilliance for Chinamarket production of the 25 and 75, as well as production of a replacement for the 45.

Unbeknown to Longbridge, however, was that Brilliance were close to agreeing a joint venture with BMW, a joint venture that would strictly forbid any partnerships with other manufacturers.

While management looked to secure the company’s future, development of the SV continued, until October 2002 when the car was finally unveiled.

It caused a huge stir, being dubbed ‘England’s answer to the Porsche 911’ but as good as the SV was, in the larger picture of MG Rover Group it was largely a distraction.

By 2002, MG Rover’s sales were down by almost 50,000 compared to 2000 and much of the feelgood factor around the birth of MG Rover group had evaporated.

What MGR badly needed was a new mid-size car, something to sell in volume, something that a carbon-fibre, V8 bespoke supercar was never going to do.

The management team had been aware of a need to replace the ZS all the way back in 1999, when the car was still being sold as the 400 series. Then led by BMW, a considerable amount of design, development and engineering had been

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JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 19

completed, almost to the point where the car could have gone into production, only for efforts to be scuppered by the breaking up of the group.

Much of Rover Group’s design and engineering facilities had been lost when the group was split, so the management at MGR found themselves with a small team and an even smaller budget and found themselves attempting to develop their most important product.

MGR planned to offer the new ZS/45 dubbed ‘RDX60’ in, three-door, fourdoor, five-door and estate bodystyles – the MG badge being unique to the hatchback versions.

Design work was once again led by Peter Stevens, while MGR had little choice but to outsource the engineering of the car to TWR in Worthing.

While TWR made quick progress with the car, costs began to spiral, swallowing up more of MGR’s limited resources.

Despite this, by early 2003 a completed concept model was finished, in Le Mans green and wearing MG badges. This was backed up by engineering work using the ZT’s chassis as a basis – the RDX60 would have made considerable use of the ZT – however when TWR collapsed into insolvency MGR lost its key partner and much of the engineering data that had gone into the new car.

MGR had little option but to continue the development of the car virtually, with considerable work undertaken using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software in an effort to further the car’s development.

A second development mule, based on a Rover 45, was put together by the Longbridge team and underwent significant testing at Gaydon’s proving ground. MG Rover poured almost £100 million into the RDX60 programme, with nothing to show for their investment.

With RDX60 under development, MGR turned to both TATA and Proton for

solutions to the gaps in the firm’s range.

An agreement was sought with Proton, with the aim of using the Gen2 hatchback as the basis for a replacement ZR and with TATA to bring the Indica to the UK as a successor to the Rover 100.

Discussions with Proton would soon end, as MGR began to focus on China for investment, while in India, and TATA, they found a much more willing partner. The Rover 100 had been a key market for Rover dealers, one that had been allowed to drift away when the larger, more upmarket 200 took its place in showrooms.

The Indica would be christened the

Artists impression of the MG X80, luxury high performance sports car

20 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

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it’s the new normal electric suv, family friendly 163 mile range

MG ZS EV from £25,495* electric for all

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 customers can purchase their MG ZS EV Excite from just £25,495. The Plug-in Car Grant also applies to Exclusive versions. 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.

CityRover and given the most paper thin of makeovers in an effort to get it ready for the UK market. Woefully overpriced, it did little to reverse the firm’s fortunes.

Sadly, efforts to develop a relationship with Fiat, chiefly to source their diesel engines, came to naught; in the end MG Rover did however source the headlights and tail lamps for the SV from the Italian manufacturer.

Desperate to show progress and appease concerned dealers, MGR would even go as far as taking a SsangYong Rexton and turning it into an MG, dubbed the ‘ZUV’ by designer Peter Stevens. Part of the terms of BMW’s sale meant that no car in the same segment as a Land Rover product could carry the ‘Rover’ name, and so an MG nose was hastily grafted onto the Korean offroader. The ZUV was apparently well received by dealers, but with no formal agreement from Korea to sell the cars as an MG, it was little more than window dressing. SsangYong, ironically, came

22 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

under SAIC ownership in 2004, when the Chinese company purchased a 51% stake in the Korean company.

2003 would also see two further variants added to the 25/ZR family, the MG Express and its Rover Commerce equivalent, and the Rover Streetwise. The Streetwise

would be the subject of some mirth by the motoring press, but its concept was a solid one as the likes of Volkswagen, Citroen and Hyundai soon launched their own take on MGR’s “urban on-roader”.

The SV launch had drawn much attention to MG Rover, but there had

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also been issues with the build quality of the cars, something not expected of a car costing £75,000 and pitched against offerings from Porsche, Aston Martin and Maserati.

As 2004 dawned, bosses at MGR prepared to unveil a further three new models – some of the more wild rumours online suggested totally new cars, but given the company’s budgets, this was never going to be the case.

Instead, MGR launched revised versions of the ZR, ZS and ZT, with ZR and ZS getting heavily revised interiors. The ZS boasted the biggest changes, with a bold

bodykit that paid homage to the SV, with its side vents cut into the front wings.

The new look gave the ageing cars a fresh look, but while they looked good, the same could not be said of the quality – MGR’s cost cutting “Project Drive” programme meant things such as soundproofing and boot lamps were deleted from cars – and the cars felt increasingly cheap, even if the retail price didn’t reflect it.

Shortly after the launch of the new Zeds, MG Rover agreed a joint venture with Shanghai Automotive (SAIC). The Chinese firm would own 70% of the company, and with the 25 and 75 to be built both

in Birmingham and Shanghai. The two companies would co-operate on the development of new models. The deal was worth an estimated £1bn but with SAIC a state-owned company, it would need government approval. China’s government felt that if BMW could not successfully run Rover and its subsidiaries, then it could well be an impossibility for SAIC. The UK government intervened to support talks between the two and negotiations continued late into 2004, with SAIC purchasing the rights to the 25 and 75 models, as well as the rights to produce the K Series and KV6 engines for £67 million.

As 2004 drew to an end, there were serious concerns within the industry over MG Rover’s viability; production stoppages had become an all-too-common

MG Rover Group Designer, Peter Stevens with the Rover TCV 24 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

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occurrence and the company was still losing huge sums of money, while the firm recorded 114,000 sales, down from 135,000 the previous year.

The end of the road The end for MG Rover came in April 2005 when talks with SAIC and the joint venture, failed. Production was suspended on April 7 2005 and the administrators called in. The British government had chosen to withdraw a £120m loan that would have kept the deal afloat.

6,000 workers at Longbridge lost their jobs that week, with in excess of 20,000 more affected in firms connected to the MGR’s supply chain. What had begun with such optimism and excitement had ended in anger, disappointment and abject tragedy.

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The government did step in with a loan of £6.5m, which allowed workers to be paid for a further week with the hope that talks would be resumed, but by the end of April, and with debts of £1.4bn, the question was what next for MG Rover?

By May, the administrators began to weigh up the various offers for MG Rover Group. Some, such as interest from two Russian businessmen and an Iranian-stateowned car manufacturer, were downright bizarre. The bidding process was clouded further by SAIC’s claim that they had purchased the intellectual property to the 25, 75 and K Series engines, and would take legal action against anyone who tried to produce these cars.

Ultimately, it came down to three serious bids.

Magma Holdings, led by executives from both Ford and General Motors, would work with SAIC to make an offer for MG Rover and Powertrain, with the aim of bringing some production back to Birmingham. Nanjing Automotive Corporation (NAC) plans chiefly revolved around a ‘lift and shift’ of production facilities from Birmingham to China, while Project Kimber would have seen Longbridge shift focus to a new, MGbadged version of the Smart Roadster and Smart Coupe.

Magma’s offer totalled around £60m but ultimately the administrators accepted Nanjing’s offer of £53m.

Production equipment was then shipped to China, while Honda stepped in to seize any equipment required to

JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 25

produce the ZS and 45 – tearing up its licensing agreements in the process.

With equipment on the boat to China, NAC engaged in negotiations with several suitors to restart MG production at Longbridge and indeed even considered selling off the MG name.

A new beginning By 2006, SAIC were ready to launch their version of the 25 and 75, but while they found themselves with two cars to produce, what was missing was a brand to sell the vehicles under. BMW had sold the Rover name to Ford, with the Blue Oval purchasing it to protect Land Rover, and so SAIC opted to create Roewe – a new brand that, to Chinese customers, would seem all but identical to Rover.

Strangely, SAIC would never launch their Rover 25, but the newly christened Roewe 750 would arrive in October 2006. It would be followed by the MG7, from their rivals at NAC in 2007 as their brand new MG factory in Pukou began producing cars.

By Christmas 2007, the Chinese government was seeking to rationalise its burgeoning car industry and so the two former bidders for MG Rover were united, as NAC was absorbed into SAIC. A few months later, a Chinese-built ZR/25 was launched, combining elements of the ZR and Rover Streetwise to create the MG3 SW.

26 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

That same year would see the MG TF, in a mildly revised form, back in production at Longbridge as the TF LE 500. The grand old plant had stood silent for over three years by this point and was in need of serious investment if large-scale production was to resume.

The TF failed to sell in serious numbers – a combination of a decimated dealer network, an old design, and concerns about the brand meant the TF had an uphill battle on its hands. It would continue to be sold, albeit in small numbers, until 2011 – just under 1,000 TFs, including the 85th anniversary model in 2009, were produced under the new company at Longbridge.

The ZT would never return to the UK market. Despite suggestions by NAC-MG management in 2008, relaunching the same car after over three years away

from the UK would have been impossible, while the MG3 SW simply wasn’t suited to European customers.

Following the NAC/SAIC merger, the ZT would be sold as the MG 750 in some developing markets, while the MG3 SW found a loyal following in China – the only market where it was sold.

Continuing MG’s motorsport traditions, the 3SW competed in the Chinese Rally Championship, winning several events.

The TF failed to catch on in China, where it was considered expensive and impractical.

The MG3 SW would be replaced in 2011 by the MG3, while the 750 would continue to be produced by SAIC until 2016. Its replacement, the Roewe 550 and MG6 would carry the last embers of MG Rover, using the Rover 75 front subframe and revised version of the iconic K-Series engine. By 2016 the second-generation MG6 launched with a 1.0 turbo and 1.5 General Motors engine, and that truly was the end of MG Rover.

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JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 27

FEATURE

A well laid out and tidy workshop bench is a must for the home mechanic

BASIC TOOLS AND THEIR USES A light hearted look at the use of tools and equipment in the home workshop

S

By David De Saxe Photos Colin Grant

trangely, domestic lockdown arising from the Covid-19 pandemic may be said to have had its advantages for us old-car enthusiasts. For while we have been forced to forgo our delightful Car Club and other events where we would have been out in our MGs, those of us who wield a grease gun etc. have found the perfect self-isolating place – our garage. We have been able to perform all those maintenance tasks we should have done when we put away our treasures last November (remember how

28 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

wet it was?) and if we hadn’t changed their engine oil and filter then, we’ve been handed the chance to do so now. I’ve been lucky enough to slink away from Mrs D’s surveillance to my garage to do many little things that needed to be done to my pair of MGAs (e.g. adjusting handbrake travel) and some that didn’t (fitting those nice, easyto-turn-without-searching-for-a-20p-piece bail studs in place of the Dzus screws that secure the battery cover panel).

As I was happily doing these tasks and enjoying listening to Mozart, I fell

to thinking about those among us who entrust the servicing and maintenance of their MGs to a professional garage or specialist. An excellent course to adopt, but I wondered whether some of those who go down this route have wanted to do the work themselves, if only they had the knowhow and the tools. The first of these is acquired by education. As a mere accountant whose engineering training was from a qualified A.M.I. Mech-E uncle with whom I lived for some time, while I can consider myself reasonably competent with the basics, I am certainly not the one best able to instruct the uninitiated in d-i-y auto maintenance. That said, I have a good knowledge of the basic tools you will need to equip your garage when you set out to do your own MG servicing and minor repairs and replacements. Here is a start.

SCREWDRIVER It may surprise you to know there are several forms of these – flat-blade, crosshead, torx, allen key and so forth.

An MG built up to the end of production of the MGB will normally need only the first two of these. (Beware, though, the attentions of previous owners who may have replaced original fixings with ersatz

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The Stanley knife, for cutting open boxes and slicing straight through the contents

removal since it is designed to strip its head.

As you can see, no screwdriver is a very helpful tool to own, and will pretty well ensure you’ll have to drill out the screw you were trying to remove. I shall cover this process in a future article which will deal with more advanced tasks and for which you will need more sophisticated tools. Should you manage to read to the end of this article it is extremely doubtful that you will want to proceed to the next stage, anyway.

Flat blade and crosshead screwdrivers, just what you need for opening tin lids and stabbing soft metal seals

types. Remember, too, that most of what you will be doing is undoing, if you see what I mean: you’ll be largely unscrewing):-

FLATBLADE SCREWDRIVER A tool for opening paint cans. It can also be used to convert older slotted screws into non-removable screws and in the process dig painful holes in the palms of your hands;

CROSSHEAD, OR PHILLIPS OR POZIDRIV SCREWDRIVER Any of the above terms describe this tool, which is there to stab the soft metal seals under lids of certain tins of nasty liquids.

Particular among these are five-litre oil cans. The third stab is usually successful and ensures your sweater receives a good covering of the first litre or so. A secondary use of this type of screwdriver is to render any Phillips-type screw incapable of

STANLEY KNIFE These are called Stanley knives as the original design, which incorporates replacement blades, was made by the renowned carpenter’s toolmaker Stanley.

Obvious, really, but I thought I might mention it. This isn’t specifically an automotive tool, but you will need it for when you have ordered online (and you will have been doing a lot of that recently) and need to open the cardboard box and its outer packaging to get at the contents. As you do so, the Stanley knife will slice through whatever the contents were, including the invoice/return slip.

It is particularly effective in destroying upholstery materials. I have known a Stanley knife to have been used to open a mere letter, the recipient of which becoming gutted to discover that the enclosed cheque for some returned goods had been neatly severed in two.

SPANNERS Our American friends call these wrenches.

They are right to do so. They come in various sizes, and in all sorts of methods of scaling. British engineers quite rightly used Imperial measurements until we got caught up with and turned over by the Europeans. Fortunately, for us MG lovers (I’m afraid I am obliged here to exclude the MGF models and those more recent made For those who want to show off www.mgcc.co.uk

JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 29

Pliers, ideal for making blood blisters

PLIERS You’ll need a good pair of these to finish off the rounding of bolt heads and nuts, and they are useful, too, for the creation of blood blisters on your index finger.

MOLE GRIPS

Spanners or wrenches, come in all sizes and types, ideal for rounding off bolt heads

by MG Motor) all our cars use Imperial sizing for their nuts and bolts. These come in sensible fractions of an inch, down to 32nds. You won’t have much need for those intermediate sizes, but you will need spanners with 16ths measurements.

The brass cap on the top of the suction chamber of an S.U. carburettor, for example, needs an 11/16th spanner to remove it. You won’t find this spanner fits anything else on any MG (which is possibly why S.U. finally turned to a knurled, plastic cap for models after the H4). However, I digress. All modern cars use metric sizes, so that you have to think in millimetres.

You might as well get a set of metric spanners too, though, because – as you will soon see – the heads of some of the bolts or nuts you want to undo will have been butchered beyond hope and a metric spanner might, just might, fit it.

There is no correlation between Imperial and metric sizes. You can just about ruin a 7/16th bolt head with an 11mm spanner, mangle a 9/16th with a 14mm one and seriously reshape a 3/4” with a 19mm and so on. You probably will – or find someone before you has done.

30 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

If you are working on an early MG up to and including MMM and SVW models, you could find the need for Whitworth spanner sizes. These are in principle the same as Imperial ones but you have to think in terms of half or twice, I can’t remember which. It doesn’t really matter as you should be able satisfactorily to get away with Imperials on these models.

If you don’t fancy splashing out on good sets of spanners – though I do recommend you should – here are some options to perform the same tasks:-

ADJUSTABLE SPANNER This is a brilliant idea because it’s a one-size-fits-all spanner.

It competently rounds off the corners of nuts prior to your resorting to one of the next tools (see below). It is also used to change the size and shape of bolt heads and has a secondary use for smashing the skin on your knuckles.

This is an absolutely essential tool because a halfway decent pair will finish off any bolt head, squeezing it into oblivion. Also, if you’re advanced enough to carry out welding jobs Mole grips, a brilliant way to (and on most old transfer heat to MGs I’ve owned your hand when welding there are plenty of those, mostly undiscovered at the time of purchase since the vendor had described the car as “mint”), you may need a pair of mole grips to hold the work. The grips will satisfactorily transfer the welding heat to the palm of your hand, with consequences the degree of which there is not space here to describe.

OXYACETYLENE TORCH

The famous adjustable spanner, also great for skin removal

Here I have probably gone beyond the scope of this article as it is doubtful you will want yet to reach this level of oldcar maintenance. That said, I would be failing in my duty to ignore the possibility; mention of the use of mole grips (see

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The bench drill ready to fling your item across the workshop Hacksaws, the tool you need for cutting shapes you don’t want

above) when welding called to mind the use of gas and the oxyacetylene torch.

What this semi-professional tool is for is to set fire to virtually anything in the garage, including the MG itself.

HACKSAW You’ve probably got one of these, anyway.

You will have noticed that, as the cutting process proceeds (as processes have a habit of doing) the line of cut departs ever further from that marked and predicted, no matter how you try to rectify it. You end up with a totally useless but nonetheless unique shape of whatever material you’ve been sawing. An essential tool, the hacksaw. Be sure to get both full and junior sizes.

HAMMER

Hammers come in all sizes ready to destroy the item adjacent to the one you want to hit.

I’m surprised I haven’t mentioned this tool earlier. It’s a kind of divining rod that cleverly locates and thus fundamentally destroys the delicate component adjacent to the object you were aiming to strike.

a prybar. I think pry in this context means prise, not stick your nose into someone else’s concern. Anyway, although once again not strictly an automotive tool, you need it when, after returning from taking your car to France for a holiday (in the days when you could), you discover a coin which you dropped when stopping at a motorway toll station. The coin is only a 50-cent piece, but in recovering it the use of even a shortish crowbar will ensure you have bent the seat runner into a shape irreversibly inconsistent with ever being able to adjust the seat movement again.

WIRE WHEEL You’ll need one of these to clean old paint off small components such as bolts. The wire wheel is a dual purpose tool used for, as I’ve just said, cleaning off old paint, but it then throws the bolt or whatever at high

speed under a bench or somewhere where you’ll never discover it again, because you’ve cleaned the distinguishing paint off it. The wire wheel is good at removing skin as well as paint.

BELT SANDER I wasn’t intending to cover body paintwork, but I might just mention this jolly little electrically-operated device. Its purpose is to turn a minor touch-up job into a full body paint-strip and respray.

DRILL PRESS I don’t actually own one of these, but I was fascinated the other day to see one in use. It stands on the floor (smaller bench versions are available) and it was doing something to a piece of stout steel bar.

The bar suddenly left the operator’s gentle grip, smacked him heartily in the chest, continuing on its way across the workshop

CROWBAR Referred to by our American cousins as

32 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

Wire wheel is great for launching items across your workshop or taking skin off your fingers www.mgcc.co.uk

A rest area is most welcome after a hard days graft on your MG

until it winged and cracked the casting of an MGA water pump casing and finally embedded itself in a brand-new, freshly painted MG J-type petrol tank, both of which precious items had been carefully stored in a remote corner to keep them out of harm’s way. All in all, a tool you shouldn’t really be without.

PIPE CUTTER A simple tool designed to make pipes too short.

Finally, you will need two essential pieces of more substantial garage equipment:-

HYDRAULIC FLOOR JACK You use the jack to raise the front of the car so as to be able to get at the front suspension grease nipples, which never face towards the front and usually require removal of the front road wheels to access the nipples with the grease gun. When you’ve completed this (if you can, that is – see future article on blocked grease nipples), then comes the whole point of having a good floor jack: having lowered the car to ground level, you find that the jack handle is immovably trapped behind the bumper and the shape of this substantial component markedly different from its original. (note: I have not found this to be a problem with MMM or TA-TB-TC models).

ENGINE HOIST

Hydraulic floor jack ideal for changing the shape of your bumper

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This piece of equipment is designed to test the tensile strength of all those vital components and accessories

contiguous and fastened to the engine that you forgot to disconnect. I’m talking about things such as oil pressure gauge pipes, water temperature gauge capillary tubes, rev counter cables and the like.

I hope you may have found the above useful and you have been encouraged to start minor maintenance work on your MG. For reasons that should be obvious to you, I am afraid I am unable to offer further advice on any of the items of equipment mentioned.

Our thanks go to Chris Lewis for allowing us to use his workshop for the photo’s included in this article. He points out that due to building work its not in its normal tidy state.

Engine hoist tests the tensile strength of items fastened to the engine that you forgot to disconnect

JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 33

FEATURE

HAM AND JAM OR HARVEY AND MARMALADE

By Malcolm Reeves

34 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

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G

“

randad” “Yes!” “Why is your car a Pirate Car?”…”Because it’s an Haargh V8.” “So what’s its name?” “er…Haargh-vey.” The plan was simple: to take Harvey, plus my wife Josie, to visit my uncle’s grave on the Somme, to visit the old race circuit at Reims, to see the D-Day beaches and finally link up with a fellow MG owner who was visiting the site where his father’s Halifax bomber crashed and his father was killed in 1944. We have a 1995 RV8 which we acquired from Ron Gammons; having had MGAs, Bs, Cs and TCs in the past, the more modern RV8 was a huge step forward from leaking roofs and spine-

shattering suspension and indifferent power. If you’ve never driven an RV8, go and do so – you will not be disappointed.

As Josie and I live in North Yorkshire, we planned to travel from Hull to Zeebrugge, then down to the area of the WWI battlefield known as the Hindenburg line, near Cambrai, where my 18-year-old Uncle William was killed during the offensive of September 1918, then follow the A-route down past Laon to Reims for a night-stop.

As it transpired, this was accomplished with ease, but once on the ferry we were directed to the mezzanine deck. Headroom is severely limited so we were pleased to

have raised the roof before embarking, not a problem with the MG but a bigger-roofed car might have struggled.

The ferry does offer a very pleasurable way to start a motoring tour. Hull is an easy 80-minute drive from home and once aboard the ferry offers a good selection of restaurants to suit all tastes and pockets.

Entertainment is provided in the theatre and there is usually a pianist playing in one of the other bars, which allows ample

At Unicorn Cemetery www.mgcc.co.uk

JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 35

Harvey and Josie by the Race Control building at Reims

Malcolm at Uncle Will’s grave, Unicorn Cemetery

opportunity to dine and drink the night away. After a hearty breakfast and a very speedy disembarkation, we passed through Passport and Customs control and were very soon on the road south.

Having stopped outside the ferry port to lower the roof, we used the autoroute as far as Cambrai then took to the back roads to Vendhuile to follow the road to Ronssoy, crossing the old WWI Hindenburg line in the process. After passing under the new E17 road we arrived at Unicorn Cemetery to pay our respects at Uncle Will’s grave and consider the sacrifices made during that awful conflict. The countryside, now so green and peaceful, gave lie to terrible battles that took place across the rolling landscape as the opposing forces moved back and forth as the fighting progressed. However, the rolling hills and relatively traffic-free roads made for pleasurable driving and revelling in the noise from our lovely V8 engine.

We then took to the A-roads and headed towards Reims for our first nightstop. The roads proved remarkably trafficfree, presenting plenty of opportunities to view the Champagne region. Reims itself was buzzing with activity, it being a very warm summer’s evening. We chose our hotel as it offered private secure parking, which it did but in another street

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Purposeful RV8 looking down the Reims straight

nearby within a group of secure garages, requiring careful following of directions from the hotel owner who told us we only had to go a short way down a one-way street the wrong way… but “it’s OK!!”

Having checked into our hotel we had the opportunity to visit the amazing Triumphal Arch which was the old entrance to the city during the Roman era and then enjoy the Café-Society of summer-time Reims.

The principal reason for visiting Reims was to visit and get a photo or two in the preserved pits and grandstand area on the old start-line of the Race-Track straight, which is located on the D27 out of Reims towards Gueux. The following morning, after a very enjoyable breakfast of cold meats, baguettes and jam, we threaded our way out of Reims to secure our photos

and also drive the remaining sections of the GP Circuit. Quite a lot remains but modern roads preclude a complete circumnavigation.

We were also warned to keep an eye out for the local Gendarmerie who had a habit of catching speeding motorists emulating the racing drivers of old.

After our photo-shoot we then made our way through to the forest of Compiegne, following the E46 as far as Beauvais, before cutting north to join the A29 towards our next stop at Honfleur.

These roads were even emptier and the hills even more rolling, allowing a most pleasurable drive and a chance to swap gears just for the fun of it. Having just joined the autoroute, we wisely chose to take a relief-break and stare carefully at the western skies. Judiciously, we

JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 37

Crossing the Normandy Bridge in the rain

The stunning town of Honfleur

Approaching Pegasus Bridge

Horsa Glider at Pegasus Bridge

decided to raise the roof – which proved a wise move, as within a mile or two we experienced a deluge of biblical proportions.

This resulted in all traffic sensibly slowing to a walking pace and carefully moving into lanes one and two as the water flooded the road surface and rain/spray reduced visibility to around 50 metres – a lesson in motorway discipline rarely seen in the UK. Fortunately, the downpour only lasted for some ten minutes, to be followed by leaden skies which only lifted just as we approached the outskirts of Honfleur.

Honfleur was a delight of medieval timber-framed buildings and extortionately priced waterside restaurants, but worthy of more than a fleeting visit to view its winding streets and incredibly pretty harbour area.

Following a hiccup with our hotel booking, we were able to stay at a very pretty country house B and B, a 20-minute walk out of town. We avoided the harbour-side restaurants and dined at a very pleasant (cheaper) restaurant a stone’s throw back from the sea-wall.

Next day we headed west, having set the satnav on the shortest route to Pegasus

38 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

Bridge. This ensured that we passed through some of the prettiest villages that Normandy has to offer and followed every tractor capable of no more than 15mph with impossibly large loads of rolled hay bales. The story of the attack on the road bridges at Benouville (renamed afterwards by the Parachute Regiment “Pegasus Bridge” and “Horsa Bridge”) took place only 13 minutes into D-Day. The gliders all landed exactly as planned within yards of the bridge, a feat of aviation which has been rightly described as probably the greatest single feat of piloting skills in the whole of WWII and, as an ex-RAF pilot of some 30 years experience, I heartily agree!

The code-word to be transmitted upon the capture of the bridge was “Ham and Jam.” The radio Operator of the Hants and Bucks Regiment duly transmitted the message for some 20 minutes until finally, in frustration, he resorted to “Ham and effin’ Jam”… at which point a voice replied “Message copied… we thought you were the enemy until just then”.

We then pressed on further west to the village of Sainte- Mère-Eglise made

famous in the film “The Longest Day”, where Private John Steele famously snagged his parachute on the church spire in the early hours of June 6 and hung there for some hours whilst the battle for the town raged below him. We quickly visited the museum, which has an impressive display of original artefacts, tanks, Jeeps and aeroplanes recovered from the Normandy Battlefields, then headed north by east through SainteMarie-Du-Mont, itself made famous by the assault on Brecourt Manor, featured in the TV series “Band of Brothers”. The narrow roads feature striking monuments to the troops that landed on Utah Beach where we parked below the sand dunes and climbed onto the old German defensive positions overlooking the beach and now home to a super museum containing one of the very few remaining examples of the B-26 Marauder bomber.

The next morning dawned bright, sunny and eventually hot – an amazing 25 degrees! Over breakfast we chatted to a Free-French Army veteran who had landed on Utah Beach on June 8 and then driven

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The Church with Parachute at St Mere Eglise

his Sherman tank on to Paris, Hagenau and finally down to Hitler’s retreat at the Eagles-Nest, an epic drive which made ours pale into insignificance! Later that morning we arrived at the Pont-Du-Hoc to view the cliffs climbed by the US Rangers on D-Day, arriving before the museum had opened and, more importantly, before the tour buses loaded with an incredible variety of visitors of all nations stole all the best parking spaces. It appears that French coach drivers have difficulty in walking any distance

greater than the length of their coach and insist on parking as close to the venue entrance as possible. They will gesticulate and challenge anyone who might defeat that objective – we, having gained “pole position” in the MG, were not a welcome sight apparently! – but we waved our Union flag in defiance and departed, sharpish, towards the Beach known as “Bloody Omaha”. Having stood on the expanse of sand that separates the sea at low tide from the sand dunes above the beach, one can only wonder at the bravery of all the troops of all nations that made that walk from the water’s-edge into the teeth of Nazi machine guns and artillery.

The British “Gold Beach” at Arromanches and the remains of the Mulberry harbour made a great backdrop for our lunch as we sat and watched the numerous tourists vying for the few spaces in the sea-front car park – we had gone three streets back and parked easily! The Belgians, it seems, are fearful of French hotels, as nearly every motorhome and oversized caravan bore a Belgian number plate, which implied that they were happier being accommodated in their own impressive mobile establishments, despite appearing not to comprehend that attempting to take them down the equally impressively narrow Normandy lanes took

a lot more bravery than an Englishman crossing a French threshold and requesting “ oon double chomber avec dooch et petit de jennerr siv oo play” (followed by my simpleton big-grin).

However, we now decided to take in the Bayeux Tapestry before heading back to Honfleur for another night stop. The previous year we drove into Pisa on our way from the UK to Malta (another epic drive but, regretfully, not in an MG but a ’79 VW Beetle Cabrio). Despite Pisa being famous for the Leaning Tower, we discovered that there was not a single signpost indicating the way to the Tower in the town. Now, not unrealistically, I had supposed that Bayeux, being equally world-famous for its Tapestry, would see its promotion at every street corner… no! So, it seems that the good folk of Bayeux follow the same principle as the Pisana and consequently wish to hide the Tapestry away from the prying eyes of visitors by not giving any direction to it!

We approached an Officer of the Law and enquired “Pardon Monsoor, parley voo Onglay?” – “Oui” he replied (thank God, we thought). “Direction to Tapestry?” … “hôpital puis sur la gauche” mmmm, not exactly English but we got “Hospital” and “Left” so off we went. The Tapestry, or more correctly the Embroidery, seems to have been a precursor to Mel Gibson’s “Braveheart”.

Parked at Omaha Beach

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JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 40 www.mgcc.co.uk

Sherman Tank Omaha Beach

From Honfleur we routed down to meet up with fellow MG enthusiast Ken Cothliff with wife Julie at Chantilly, along with their 1973 MGB “Marmalade”. Chantilly is the largest town close to where Ken’s father had been killed. We had chosen to meet and stay at a charming waterside hotel out of town, which proved to be an absolute winner. Ken and I met with some local French historians, but the search of a nearby forested area thought to contain the aircraft crash-site proved fruitless, so sadly Ken was unable to pay respects to his late father. At the hotel the evening meal was served on the riverside terrace looking across to the north shore, on which was the site of the WW2 V1 factory which was the target for Ken’s Dad’s crew in 1944. The meal proved to be a visual and culinary delight… and extremely good value.

The next day we set off in convoy heading northbound to Bruges, our intended final night-stop before returning on the ferry. The drive up the autoroute proved reasonably painless, the toll amounting to some eight euros. Ken tucked into line-astern and we made excellent time, arriving at our hotel in the centre of Bruges around 12.30. That, however, was the relatively easy bit, the Bruges one-way system having been planned by the only Belgian with a sense of humour. Having to renegotiate the one-way system to get back to the James Bond-esque car-lift to the underground car park was a little trying, as it was only 20 feet behind us in the impossibly busy and narrow one-way street on which we had parked and precluded any thought

Malcolm and Harvey in Bayeux

of a quick bit of reversing against the horrendous traffic. Consequently we had to re-enter the traffic flow and once more follow the one-way system to carefully navigate back to the car park entrance some ten minutes later.

It was, however, all very worthwhile, as the delights of Bruges need no explanation here and can be thoroughly recommended for either Culture Vultures or Plain Carnivores alike – and then there’s the Beer. This was really an almost perfect way to finish the tour as the port of Zeebrugge is an easy 20-minute drive to the north. We all spent the day sightseeing and exploring Bruges before the easy drive to the ferry for the overnight crossing to Hull. As before, the ferry offers a variety of dining and entertainment, which was a great way

to round off the tour. Once again, the crew had us off the ferry in good time, but Passport and Customs checks seemed to be problematic due to the amazing number of Dutch motorcyclists heading for the Lake District for the views and the chance to ride up and down hills. Once on the motorway west of Hull, we had to readjust to much busier roads and of course the appalling motorway discipline displayed by the average UK motorist, who believes lane 1 is for lorries, Lane 2 for slow cars and Lane 3 for everyone else (grump over!!).

The RV8 was faultless throughout the whole trip. We covered over 1,200 miles in just eight days and would strongly recommend the Normandy Coast for an easily accessible and easily driven tour.

Next year… Brittany!

Marmalade and Harvey in Chantilly www.mgcc.co.uk

JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 41

FEATURE

SEEING RED

by Graham Ardern

T

hese three Orient red MGAs are what greeted guests staying at Amberley Castle Hotel near Arundel in West Sussex where, weeks before, my wife Riëtte and I had enjoyed a really pleasant wedding and overnight stay. Being much impressed with the gardens and ruins, a request to have a mini shoot was kindly given (“please don’t photograph the guests, try not to drive on the grass and don’t run over the peacock…”).

All three guys had met with their wives at Allouville-Bellefosse in Seine Maritime at the Caux Retro on June 30 and July 1 2018 in unbearable heat, which left everyone seeking shelter where they could.

The word eclectic was coined for this event. All sorts of interesting vehicles took part, notably a Russian driving a 70s Silver Shadow and an impressive contingent of Triumph Roadsters, one of which was a prize-winner. David Charles was in his

42 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

enormous but beautiful open Austin 20 from 1925 and to my great surprise, my MGA took the Concours d’Elégance!

Staying at our little guesthouse was Dennis King who was in his immaculate Jaguar XK8 soft top. He mentioned his recently acquired MGA 1600 so has since come down from just over the Kent border for track events at Goodwood and for this little photographic session. His car, left on the photo, is in lovely condition and Dennis undertakes the servicing as required.

A keen MG man, he also runs an MGB and previously owned a 1952 TD. In the centre is David Charles’ immaculate MGA, a US import now wearing an MGB engine and 5-speed box. It is quite a hairy beast and remains a firm favourite amongst his stable of five 1920/30 Austins and a formidable three litre Bentley, recently acquired. Good job he has a big garage.

L-R, Dennis, Graham and David

My own 1956 MGA is completely original save for a replacement engine in 1998. It has been taken to France nearly every year since 2015. We have quite a number of MGAs in the vicinity and several other nearby MGAs had been planned for this Amberley shoot, but personal events sadly prevented this.

Nevertheless it was a very pleasant day to see the remains of the castle, original part built in 1103 with 14th and 16th century additions. For history buffs, Henry VIII came in 1526 and that well-known destroyer, Cromwell, “knocked it about a bit” in 1643. Anyway, it makes a lovely backdrop, ruins or not.

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info@mwsint.com JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 43

NEWSLETTER

Edward Vandyk 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk

WELCOME TO THE

MGA NEWSLETTER

We live in unprecedented times and what activities the Register can, or cannot, organise change in response to events. The very nature of Safety Fast!, with its relatively long lead publication timetable, makes it an inappropriate medium to bring you up to date with the current

MGA REGISTER GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY TOUR

Although a difficult decision to make, the MGA Register Golden Anniversary Tour, due to take place this September, is now postponed to September 24-27 2021. With over one hundred members booked on the Tour, it remained uncertain that we would be allowed to gather in this number or would want to expose ourselves to the risk of the Covid-19 virus.

Making the decision now has allowed a new booking date to be confirmed with Cave Castle Hotel who is experiencing an increasing demand for the re-booking of other large events, including weddings, that are being postponed from 2020, in addition to the bookings already made for 2021.

All existing bookings made for the MGA Register Anniversary Tour 2020 will be automatically transferred to the revised dates.

So we are fortunate to get the majority of the rooms made available to us for the new date and there is opportunity for anyone who has not already reserved a room to now make a booking. The hotel has agreed to keep the same room rates for 2021.

The tour will be based at the Cave Castle Hotel, Church Hill, South Cave HU15 2EU and this will be our base for the four days. The Saturday and Sunday tours will remain in the format

44 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

status of MGA Register events save, as below, where definitive alternative plans have been formulated. The MGA Register section of the MGCC website will have up-to-the-minute information about Register events as and when it becomes available. of previous years with a Gala Dinner on the Saturday evening.

The Friday and Monday events will be a half-day each. Friday afternoon will be a Naviscat Rally and other fun events and Monday morning will be a culture visit in the city of Kingston upon Hull, where it is hoped free parking will be available at Hull Minster in the centre of the old town. Participants have the option to join the tours and events on however many days they wish.

If you have NOT already booked your accommodation at Cave Castle Hotel there are rooms available for September 2021 To make a reservation at the Cave Castle Hotel please use the following email: events@cavecastlehotel.com At present the hotel reception is closed and there is no telephone answering service.

When making a booking please quote the booking reference: ‘Wilson MGA Register’.

The room costs are as follows: • Friday September 24 - Two course evening meal, bed and breakfast; double £121.00; single £90.50 • Saturday September 25 - Gala Dinner, bed and breakfast; double £138.00; single £101.50 • Sunday September 26 - Two course evening meal, bed and breakfast; double £121.50; single £90.50 A non-refundable deposit of £20 per person will be required to confirm your accommodation.

There are two dog-friendly rooms available with an additional charge of £15 per night; also there are some superior rooms with four-poster beds at an upgrade cost of £40 per night.

There is complementary use of the health club and swimming pool. A spa is also available on site and treatments can be prebooked direct on 01430 426267.

Don’t forget to complete an Entry Form and send to Ian Wilson together with the entry fee of £25 members, £30 nonmembers. Contact details are on the entry form.

Entry Form can be accessed from: MGCC website, MGA Register, Events in 2021, MGA Register 50th anniversary weekend.

The MGA Register was officially recognised by the MG Car Club in October 1970, which means that we will still be in our anniversary year in September 2021. Although a disappointment to not hold the Tour this year it will be worth waiting for!

www.mgcc.co.uk

NEWSLETTER HOW BALANCED IS YOUR ENGINE? AN EXERCISE IN STATIC BALANCING

My MGA 1600 MkII with its original 1622 engine had slight vibrations at about 3500rpm and the following is my experience to achieve smoother running. The engine had been rebuilt during a complete restoration of the car in 2014 but no internal balancing had been undertaken.

The 1622 engine was fully dismantled and the crank, flywheel and clutch assembly sent off for dynamic balancing.

The crank and flywheel were found to be relatively well balanced and only required a slight amount of material to be removed.

The clutch cover did require a few more holes to be drilled but had not been significantly unbalanced to start with. This left the con rods and pistons as the probable culprits.

The balancing of each con rod has to be done end to end and when this is achieved the overall mass of each rod should be the same. To balance the rods end to end required pivots to be fabricated.

The target was to achieve balance by ensuring we had a difference between the rods of no greater than 0.5g. To achieve this, two sets of electronic scales were purchased, one set of 500g scales with 0.01g accuracy (for the individual components) and a 2,000g scale set with 0.1g accuracy (to check the final assembled rod and pistons). The two scales were validated against each other with a 500g mass.

www.mgcc.co.uk

The big end caps were measured first because they have a counterbalance action when measuring the little end. The caps were found to have a discrepancy of 4.46g and first the casting flashings were removed from the heavier caps, then smoothing of the sides of the caps parallel to the big end bolt holes and finally for the heaviest cap material was removed from the strengthening webs at the back of the cap. Eventually all the caps were within 0.01g of each other.

The con rods were next and the big end of each rod was measured with the little end supported on the pivot. The scales were set on a surface plate which was level and the centre line between the big and little end pivots was adjusted with shims to ensure they were level. Each measurement was made three times to ensure that an accurate reading of the mass had been achieved. The big ends were found to have a discrepancy of 3.75g.

Interestingly the heaviest big end originally had one of the lighter caps so overall the combined difference was limited to 0.71g. This may indicate that some selective assembly had taken place at the factory when the rods and caps were mated and stamped 1 to 4.

Similarly, the little ends were measured and found to have a discrepancy of 3.89g so again the casting flashings were removed and general smoothing of the unstressed portion of the little end to achieve a balance. Then the little and big end bolts were measured and all brought within 0.17g. Each rod was then assembled with cap and bolts and checked on the 2kg scales and found to be within the 0.5g target.

Attention was then given to a brand-new set of pistons, which were found, surprisingly, to have a variance of 1.79g, with the gudgeon pin.

To correct a small imbalance between pistons a smooth half round file can be used to remove material from the piston shirt directly below the gudgeon pin. However to remove nearly 2g from the skirt was considered too much, so the gudgeon pins were lightened.

JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 45

NEWSLETTER This was achieved by removing material from each end of the internal bore of the pin, which is not particularly stressed.

Using a small mini grinder, with a cone shaped abrasive attachment, material was progressively removed from the end of each pin until each piston and its respective pin all matched within 0.02g. The cone that was ground in the end of the gudgeon pins can be seen in the adjacent photograph.

Job done, engine reassembled and smoother running achieved in the 3000 to 4000rpm range, and hopefully with everything balanced it should be a more efficient and reliable motor.

Ian Wilson – Chairman MGA Register

SQUEAKING POLYBUSH CURE Having converted my MGA front wishbones to polybushes around five years ago, the nearside developed an annoying squeak after a couple of years when hitting bumps of even a modest size.

Curiously, the offside always remained silent. After much internet searching, I discovered that the squeaking polybush phenomenon is well documented, primarily with more modern vehicles that have been upgraded in the same way.

Many weird and wonderful cures have been suggested on various forums; however, the general conclusion seems to be that trying to introduce some form of lubrication without disassembly tends to be only a temporary fix. The proffered ‘cure’ that took my particular interest was from someone in the USA who had modified his Honda five years ago.

Thus far the fix he applied appears to be permanent. If you want to look this up, search “How to fix Polyurethane bushing squeak permanently” on YouTube.

Essentially, his modification involves removing the wishbones from the car, extracting the polybushes and reassembling them using a single layer lining of PTFE tape between mating surfaces of the polybush. This is quite straightforward when wrapping the tape around the circumference of the polybush before lightly silicone greasing and fitting it back into the wishbone. The problem comes when you try to apply the tape to the surface of the pin in ‘spiral’ fashion, before pressing it back into the polybush; on the MGA the fit is one of

46 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

mild interference (perhaps the fit on the Honda is somewhat looser) and if you follow the YouTube video, with the MGA pin the tape simply gathers up and will not stay in place. I devised a solution to address this problem: I instead lined the bore of the polybush with individual strips of tape arranged longitudinally (see photograph); the idea being to cover the bore as completely as possible using single strips of tape without overlapping, before lightly greasing the pin and pressing it back into place. The interference fit then serves to hold the tape in place permanently. It then simply remains to trim the loose ends of the tape away, and reassemble the wishbone into

place as normal, not forgetting to apply a layer of silicon grease to the end face of the polybush (after thoroughly cleaning and lubricating the wishbone pivot of course).

Initial impressions have been most favourable; ‘my’ squeak has been completely eradicated, although it remains to be seen whether this is a permanent cure. It is reported in the YouTube video that PTFE tape retains its lubrication properties long term without issue, and continues to perform well when subjected to load. All positives when considering this application!

Jon Pollard – MGA Register Committee

www.mgcc.co.uk

NEWSLETTER AN APPEAL FOR REMINISCENCES, ALICE AND DON DIBBEN

Alice and Don with their MGA, photographed in the mid 80s.

We recently received this communication from MGCC member Geoffrey Dibben.

“Just thought I should drop the Club a quick email to say that my parents Alice and Don Dibben, keen members of the MG Car Club since 1983 and owners of a 1960 MGA, passed away within weeks of each other aged 91 and 92 recently. Thankfully due to old age and not C19.

Alice and Don lived in Pinner, Middlesex, and were for many years regular visitors to their local Natter at the Queens Head in Pinner.

Their MG story starts with my passion for cars generally, and MGs specifically. I was

probably about 15 or 16 and saving up to buy an MG Midget when an MGA appeared in the classifieds of a local paper. I managed to persuade Mum to go and look, hoping she would buy the car and I could buy it off her once I passed my driving test. Sadly for me, this never happened as my Mum in classic ‘Toad’ fashion bought the car and took up driving it with gusto. She used the car as her daily driver for many years, driving from Pinner to teaching jobs around Harrow and Wembley and thanks to numerous Club members and members of the public who helped her when it broke down on her school runs!

YOUR SCRIBE’S APPEAL FOR EARLY MGA REGISTER RACING REMINISCENCES AND MATERIAL

Your Scribe is also the MGA Historian and it was in that latter role that I was asked to provide material for the forthcoming 50th Anniversary book (details as to how to order in the next couple of months) in relation to the history of the Register and the evolution of MGA Racing. This proved to be a fascinating exercise and, as ever, it became all about following the paper trail. It also led to a better understanding of the early years of the Register, its seemingly semi-autonomous existence with the publication of MGActivities (and at one stage even an MGA

www.mgcc.co.uk

Dad spent lots of time fettling the ‘A’ and keeping it running – it was largely due to his interest in cars and being asked as a child to “hold this”, or “push that” underneath a car that fuelled my own interest.

The car was taken off the road after a minor traffic bump in about 2001 but they both continued to travel to the annual Silverstone event with their caravan, where I would join with my Midget. I’m still a Club member, although my latest Midget was sold earlier this year. The MGA is still in the family and in the process of restoration.

If anyone from the MGCC Queens Head Natter or the wider Club has any memories of my parents I would be grateful if they would share them.

I have attached a couple of photos which date from around 1984 or 1985.”

Please get in touch with me if you have a story to tell about Alice and Don and their MGA. Contact details are, as ever, at the start of this MGA Register report.

Newsletter as well) and its nurturing, if not fostering, of MGA competition.

The MGA ‘Racing Section’, as it styled itself, thrived in the early years of the Register and also seemingly developed a semi-autonomous existence from the Register itself with reference to the publication of a ‘Competition Newsletter’.

Further, the absence of substantive reports or information about competition for considerable periods in both MGActivities and Safety Fast! whilst MGA competition was prospering, leads me to the conclusion that there must have been an alternative communications arrangement, not dissimilar to the MGActvities and Safety Fast! situation.

I have been fortunate to have received first-hand accounts from some of the competitors involved with the organisation of MGA Racing Section activities, including from Ron Gammons, Colin Jones, Vic Ellis and Robert Innes-Ker, but would welcome any further reminiscences and a copy of one the Competition Newsletters would be most welcome.

JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 47

Stephen Tickell 01737 760330 stephen.tickell@gmail.com www.magnette.org

NEWSLETTER

WELCOME TO THE

MAGNETTE NEWSLETTER

Hope you and your families are all well in these difficult times.

Good to see plenty of Magnette activity in garages, if not on the roads, and if we’re able to judge any trophies this year there’ll no doubt be stiff competition amongst new restorations.

The April update featured Kevin Skuce’s distinctive singlecolour Ivory Varitone which was back on the road just in time for lockdown. I should have mentioned at the time that much of the restoration work was in fact done by Kevin’s son Jack,

so I’m delighted that he’s written an account of the project and how his family were propelled towards Magnette ownership as if by an irresistible force. Ideally, I suppose, his story would have concluded with a satisfyingly long drive to enjoy the Magnette, but in due course it will be interesting to hear his impressions of driving what looks to be a very well-sorted car and how it compares to others that the Skuce family have owned.

LOCKDOWN LIFE

Other owners have also been keeping busy with mechanical and restoration work – there’s only space to mention one or two here, but you’ll find many examples on the ‘MG Experience’ forum and Facebook Magnette Enthusiasts group. Former chairman David Halliday has completed yet another engine installation on his MG stable, and coincidentally it’s also an Ivory Varitone, but this time in the more common Ivory over Black. Less commonly for David, he’s reportedly managed the initial running-in without major catastrophe apart from a fuel-tank filter blockage!

Anthony’s wheel-arch repairs

Another engine install at Halliday Towers

Anthony White is continuing with a ‘refresh’ of his early tin-top ZA which has done a significant mileage since he completed the initial restoration in 2013, having notably done all the welding and painting himself. As Anthony commented, what looked like ‘just a rust bubble’ turned into inner wheel-arch and rearwing repairs (a common problem due to the double-skinned construction) which along with other areas and interior renovation will probably occupy Anthony for most of this year anyway.

www.mgcc.co.uk

Mike Willan has been making steady progress with his Manumatic restoration over the last couple of years, with the encouragement of wife Pam. The rare auto-clutch Manumatic transmission has been mated to a later engine and will hopefully be back in the car soon, while recently Mike has applied his perfectionist eye for detail (normally lavished on classic motorbikes) to other mechanical parts, including the front suspension seen here.

Front-end rebuild of Manumatic

JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 49

NEWSLETTER

AN IRRESISTIBLE FORCE Like many MG owners, our story of how we came into the possession of our singletone Varitone Magnette is one of a chance telephone call and the need to fill a classic car-shaped hole in our life. KAPP13/32910 wasn’t the first MG we owned; in fact that accolade belonged to a BRG MGB with the registration VKY 234K, or as we called it Vicky. This car was my uncle’s during the 70s and 80s; after this period it was laid up in my Grandparents’ garage until 2005, when we decided to re-commission it. Events then conspired against us, such as the bodywork being in much worse condition than thought, plus a few unfortunate incidents (it being stolen, run on diesel and then re-found abandoned) left a bitter taste and we sold it, something which I now regret but was the right thing at the time. If the current owner is reading this, we’d love to reunite with the car.

50 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

This brings us to 2014 and times have moved on. We’ve now got a house with a garage and rented barns. This allowed us to begin refilling the classic car void.

I had been driving for a couple of years and wanted something classic to drive on the weekend. The rest of the family wanted something we could all go out in.

We still liked the MG marque but didn’t know at all about any of the Y Series and Magnette series at the time. It was at this time that we had a phone call from one of our best friends in the classic car world, Barry (of SMR MG). He had just bought an MG Magnette ZB Varitone and asked us if we’d be interested in the car. We had no idea what an MG Magnette was, but a quick internet search revealed a car which we all liked the look of (a rare event in our household), so we decided to take a look.

This revealed a car which, aside from an

KAPP13/32910 as found

80s-era respray, was completely original and still on the road but a bit tired. We used it for a little time, but soon realised that a comprehensive overhaul was what a car like this deserved.

So in 2015 we began a full strip down, being fastidious to preserve all original components, bag up and label all parts.

Once the car had been stripped to a rolling shell, it was taken to G&B Autospray in Royston, where the outer sills (the only rotten part of the car) were replaced and a full bare metal respray in the original Ivory colour was performed. It might have cost more than we paid for the car but the quality of the work was extremely good, with very few imperfections. By the time the refinished shell had come back, we had got rather distracted with other classic MGs. Over the next few years we restored a Mineral Blue MGA Coupe, an Iris Blue MGA

www.mgcc.co.uk

NEWSLETTER

Ready for the body shop

Roadster, and a Damask Red MGB. We also had another project MGA, 62 MGB, and a Mini go in and out of our collection, all whilst the Magnette sat in the corner gathering dust.

May 2019 arrives and we finally restart the restoration of KAPP13/32910.

Over the next ten months, our crew comprising Kevin (Father), Gary (Uncle), Alex, Paul and myself all muck in. The idea of the restoration would be complete originality and a finish to better than new, first of all overhauling the entire front and rear suspension system, re-bushing all rubbers, cleaning and powder-coating the metal components. The engine was sent away to Powerunits of Hatfield, who reported it didn’t really need any work right now, but we got it overhauled anyway. All other engine ancillaries were stripped, cleaned, and internal components overhauled or replaced where necessary. The gearbox was overhauled

by NTG and we are very grateful to them over the years for supplying a multitude of other parts. All components in the engine

www.mgcc.co.uk

Engine bay coming together JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 51

NEWSLETTER bay are correctly date coded and aside from the distributor, which we sourced from Distributor Doctor, would have been on the car when it left the factory. We had a new prop shaft made, as the original was damaged, the back axle was checked over and everything was within tolerance.

All fuel and brake lines were replaced and the master and slave cylinders overhauled. The original fuel tank had to be replaced due to rust and a stainless one was installed. The exhaust system was treated to a stainless upgrade, too. All chrome work was re-chromed (a lot on a

Varitone!) and reinstalled. The interior is 95% original.

As you can see, this project has been a real labour of love and once the weather and COVID-19 clear up, we look forward to shaking it down on the open road. A car like this with the rare colour combination and incredible history file, practically one owner, deserves the best and we hope that we’ve given it a fighting chance at another 60 years. This project wouldn’t have been possible without a multitude of people, but I’d particularly like to thank Barry for putting us on to this car, and being a positive force

for us. Peter Martin is a real unsung hero of Magnette restoration and helped us out with hard-to-find parts and tech advice. Paul Batho has also been at our side with reference photos we needed and more good advice.

The Magnette world is quite small but has a few characters that make being part of it a lot easier; we hope to be part of it for a while.

At some stage we may sell KAPP13/32910.

We’d like to show it and take it out when the weather permits, and if it finds a new owner who appreciates it as much as us, it’ll be good for someone else to enjoy it, too.

Kevin Skuce

Ready to hit the road again!

NEW NEWSLETTER

If you’re on the Register mailing list you should have received a newsletter in May, containing some general-interest Magnette articles in addition to the usual update on events (or lack of, currently) which was previously distributed.

I believe this is the first actual Register newsletter since ‘Magnettics’ finished in 1993, long before I was involved, and it’s really a toe in the water to gauge reaction, as well as helping to maintain contact while no events can be held.

The new one doesn’t as yet have a snappy title but feel free

52 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

to offer suggestions – before Magnettics started in 1988 there was ‘Thirty Six Thousand’, named after the estimated Magnette production total and produced regularly from the inauguration of the Register in 1974.

Fortunately, John and Cynthia Harris aren’t duplicating and posting out dozens of paper copies as previous newsletter editors had to, but it’s still a significant effort to put together and distribute. Do let them know if you enjoyed the newsletter and would like to see more, although of course they’ll need material contributed if it’s to become a regular fixture.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWSLETTER

Tim Morris 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org

WELCOME TO THE

MGF25

MGF NEWSLETTER

You will hopefully be aware that MGF25 has been cancelled for this year. The decision was difficult but inevitable as we could not put on a show that we would like and the MGF deserves whilst under current restrictions. It was still unclear if any such gatherings would be permissible in any case, and even if that were possible it would have no doubt meant key aspects of the event would have to be axed, so there would be no talks and no party just to begin with. A large number of European visitors were also expected and with current quarantine restrictions it would mean they could not do so – that was the final straw.

So, let us become positive and look forward to MGF25 in 2021. We have kept to the same weekend and it is now in the British Motor Museum calendar – Main Show day and party July 24 2021 and commemorative Road Run July 25 2021.

If you have booked tickets for the 2020 show then the British Motor Museum will contact you about what to do with them. If you have booked for the additional evening party or Sunday road run then those tickets will be carried over to next year’s event.

Should you not be able to attend on that weekend next year and would like a refund then please contact our treasurer Philip Hayward at treasurer@mgfregister.org Whilst most of the event was already confirmed, an extra year gives an unexpected bonus to take another look at the event and see if it can be improved any more than it was already! Probably not, as it was already great… but you never know!

You can book tickets for MGF25 2021 now from the British Motor Museum for the show and the mgf25.org website for the party and road run.

LOCKDOWN Here we are, three months into lockdown, and whilst the government is easing the measures the virus is still with us, so we must all take care, that applies to the car community as well.

However, the nature of a car club focuses on social events – drive outs, shows, etc – which have not been on our agenda at all during this period. With the easing, some of our regions are putting a tentative toe in the water with a few cars driving out to a country

location but with no more than six people amongst them and careful distancing with their own lunches. It’s not the same as before and it is likely to be this way for some considerable time. However, it’s an ideal time to do some work on your car and plenty of members have been doing just that. Anything from polishing it to within an inch of its life to full restorations. It’s an ideal time to prepare for the new season… whenever that may be.

LONG-TERM OWNERS You might also be looking at your MGF collection, organising your brochures and putting your models in order. One member, Brian Lake, has been doing just that and we present some items from his collection in this newsletter. Brian

54 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

has owned an MGF since 2003 and had other MGs prior to this and in our 25th anniversary year we are interested in the long-term fanatics of the MG and MGF in particular. The latest issue of our Register magazine, FasTForward,

features a number of such long-term owners and we summarise one of those on the next page for you as well. Are you a long-term F fan? If so, then tell us your story – just email it with some pictures to tim.morris@mgfregister.org

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NEWSLETTER

The Sunstorm in Wales for the Register’s Dambusters Run

2002 on the MGF Register’s White Horse Run at Littlecote

Keith and Liz at the 2009 Windsor MG Festival with the LE500

MG FANATIC LIZ COOPER Liz Cooper is one such owner, having been an MG Fanatic since the launch of the car in 1995 when she and husband, Keith, spotted the new MGF on display in Southampton in 1996. It was British Racing Green and when Liz sat in it, she just had to have one and luckily she could lease one as a company car! It wasn’t entirely ideal as Liz travelled with a lot of kit for her job, including a “portable” computer (1996 style), overnight bag and dozens of training manuals. They joined the MGCC and were quickly going on events with the MGF Register, including to Scotland, Wales and Ireland. In 2000 she left her job but couldn’t bear to part with the F so bought it from the leasing

company. By 2004 the mileage was creeping up and she decided to change it for another. The TF Sunstorm in Starlight Silver was purchased but proved a little unreliable with a dodgy master cylinder and ill-fitting soft tops. Nonetheless, they took it on more trips with the Club, including the Welsh “Dambusters” Run and “Coast to Coast” which was held in torrential rain! 2008 and MG had changed hands, and Liz realised this was probably the last chance to buy a new MGTF. The crystal white LE500 caught her eye and after the silver alloys were swapped for black the car joined them. They continued their trips with the Register, including the Yorkshire National event in Ripon where Keith memorably

became a ventriloquist’s dummy for the night. Unbelievably, the LE500 is now 12 years old and still looks great and Liz still enjoys driving it, although getting in and out becomes a bit more difficult, but as Liz says “the technique of leg in first then siding down the seat works well!”

Liz with the MGF at the 2nd birthday party 1997

ZOOMING

If you are a member of one of our regions then you may well have taken part in a virtual meeting. Most are Zooming (other software is available) which is a brilliant way to keep in touch without leaving home. As time progresses, they have been finding other things to do on Zoom other than a normal chat session. We’ve had online model car shows, MG and general pub quizzes, full-size driveway car shows, a Drive it on your Driveway day, online walking treasure hunts and Google rallies. In fact some regions have been even busier than normal, albeit virtually!

You can find out about your next Zoom from your local region, usually posted up on their Facebook pages.

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Drive it on your Driveway for the Stay at Home Rally in April

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NEWSLETTER NEVER MIND THE CANCELLATION OF MGF 25 IN 2020

The pre-production Volcano VVC MGF at Donington

As we all know, MGF 25 has been postponed until 2021 due to the Coronavirus. I have been an MG owner from 1975 to 1983 with MGB GTs and I also had a 1971 MG 1300 two-door and four MG Metros from 1981 to 1989. I eventually bought a 1999 MGF 1.8i in 2003, which I still have, and which has only done 29,400 miles since new and is still in its totally original BRG pearlescent.

Throughout the lockdown I have been looking through my MGF memorabilia and sorting some of it out. Alongside the

The pre-production MGF displayed for the launch of the Corgi model

launch of the MGF itself there was another car introduced too, a much smaller one.

Corgi When the MGF was launched in the UK in September 1995, I went to Donington race circuit where the Corgi Classic 4th Biggest Little Motor Show was being held. Corgi launched the model MGF along with the Rover Group launch on September 2-3 1995.

There are two photos printed here that I took of the MGFs on display at the event, N826 SVC Volcano and N829 SVC

in BRG. I also purchased one of the 8,500 White “Donington� editions for my own collection.

Press Drive Much later, in 2009, I purchased a Charcoal 1/18 scale MGF which was a special Press driving day model given to motoring journalists of which only 600 were produced. Much to my amazement, when the model arrived, there was a piece of paper saying that Corgi had donated two of the 600 as a prize to Model

An unauthorised delivery of MGFs at this dealership during lockdown 56 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

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NEWSLETTER

Donington and Press Drive 95 Corgis

Collector and this car was one of those along with all the associated paperwork.

Brochures, Badges and Beer When MG Rover went into liquidation in 2005 I was fortunate to obtain some interesting items off eBay a little while afterwards. They were original Press Information for the Geneva launch which took place on Tuesday March 7 1995 and the original Press information for the UK launch dated September 1995 for immediate release. Both of these items contained a lot of Press photos of the new car.

I also purchased two lapel badges, one with “PRESS DRIVE 1995” (to go with the Press Drive car) and the other with “Geneva 1995”, a promotional video called “MGF The Birth of a Legend”, various MGF brochures and one direct

from MG Cars dated 1996 which are still in the original MG cars envelope.

In my collection I also have the 1st MGF birthday party programme along with the MGF cake (now out of date!), the 1st Birthday celebration photo of Gerry McGovern and Anthea Turner standing in an MGF and the 2nd Birthday Morlands Brewery commemorative beer in a presentation box along with the 2nd Birthday celebration photo.

I also have a number of 1/43 scale MGs in my collection and the photo shows a number of MGFs being delivered to the MG dealer during lockdown – just don’t tell Boris!

Brian Lake

Gerry and Anthea and the 1st birthday card

Press Drive 95 lapel bad

ge found on eBay

Some of the press launch photos

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JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 57

58 SAFETY FAST! XXXX JULY 2020 2020

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Sean Round sean@seanround.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register twitter.com/635register

NEWSLETTER

WELCOME TO THE

MG6.3.5 NEWSLETTER Welcome to the latest MG635 Newsletter. Due to the lack of events being held recently because of the global pandemic, so we have nothing to report on at the moment. Sadly the latest events to be postponed are MGLive! and MG Saloon Day. Luckily Josh Langstaff has stepped into the breach and put finger to keyboard and given us a run down of modifications that he thinks are worthwhile additions and changes to the MG3 or MG6. If you

MY MODS

In the almost 100 years that MGs have been in production, many owners have adapted their car to their own specification. Whether it be just to sort out something that bothers the owner or to add a unique feel to their car, it has always been a very popular trend to modify your MG. Even in modern times, with all the advanced technology that is used to produce them, no car is ever perfect. Some may say this is the case with the MG3 and MG6. So, here are my favourite modifications to make to your MG3 and MG6.

Performance and handling First off is one of the main things that we love about any MG, performance and handling. Both cars are fairly quick off the line, more so with the MG6 rather than the MG3, but both can sometimes feel like they are being held back and have several sporting attributes just waiting to be unleashed.

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do carry out any of the modifications, why not let us know how you got on and what you think so we can pass your feedback on to our members. Before handing you across to Josh I thought I’d leave you with a busy photo of MG3s taken at Silverstone.

Hopefully it won’t be long before we are able to socialise like this again. Until then, Stay safe, Stay well, Go 3njoy!

This is shown most in the MG3 as, when it was new, many reviewers were describing the 1.5 litre engine as underpowered, and feeling like you have to work it hard to get anywhere. If this feels like that for you, one of the first things you could look at doing to your MG3 is uprating the air filter. For the majority of MG3 drivers, I would recommend getting yourself a new performance panel filter. The two main contenders for the MG3 are either supplied by Brown & Gammons and John Woods Motorcare or MG & AMC parts. I personally have the ITG panel filter from Brown & Gammons. This retails at close to £60 with the main advantage being that it is a cleanable ‘life long’ filter.

The filter from John Woods and MG & AMC Parts may not have this feature but it rivals it for price, coming in at just over £20, and both will allow the 3’s engine to breathe better.

It’s a similar situation for the MG6, and although cleanable panel filters are harder to come by, there is a ‘consumable’ style performance panel filter available once again from John Woods. If you want something that will last longer, another option could be

JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 59

NEWSLETTER to get a cone air filter from ITG. This is usually what people think of in terms of custom filters but it can be a bit of a Marmite, ‘love it or hate it’ modification. This is because it may be difficult to get cold air to the filter and could be no more effective than a stock part. Therefore, to some people, this is a waste of money if it is not fitted in the correct place.

Although both cars have suffered from some engine problems in the past, with many MG3’s developing timing chain issues and some MG6’s seeming rough to a few people, they do have fairly reliable and robust engines. Initial models of the MG6 used an updated version of the old Rover K-Series unit and I personally haven’t heard of head gaskets going on them, unlike their predecessors. This has allowed for many modifications from previous MG models to be adapted or reinvented for the 6.

The 3 on the other hand uses a 1.5L engine developed by SAIC, which, barring the addition of stop-start technology in 2016, has been largely unchanged since launch. This engine is known to be one of the MG3’s weak points. It’s not necessarily a bad engine. It has some flaws but it’s no Trabant! One of the best ways to get around the MG’s sometimes sluggish engine is to buy the performance ignition leads from Magnecor. Costing around £53 at Brown & Gammons, the leads help not only the performance but also the economy of the car. I personally found my car to be much smoother, especially when pulling away from junctions and working through the gears. The engine also feels livelier, with the extra get up and go making it feel more akin to an MG ZR 1.4 or Rover 1.6. Finally, I have also seen an improvement of at least 3-5 mpg. It’s not much but ‘every little helps’, especially for the budget conscious MG driver.

Another more adventurous modification that you could make is getting your MG6 or MG3 remapped by a specialist. A remapped ECU allows your car to make the most of what it has available, allowing for considerable performance and economy gains. You can usually ask for specific changes to be made if you wish, giving an even more personal touch to your cars setup. Several companies offer this service and can cost anywhere upwards of a couple of hundred pounds. MG & AMC Parts currently have a bargain offer on ECU remapping for the MG3 starting from just £150!

Thanks to one being based on the Rover 75 and the

other having the extensive engineering knowledge of the chaps at Longbridge worked on it, both cars handle like nothing else in their price range! Oh how I’d like to see a Dacia Sandero try and do some of the things an MG3 or 6 can do from standard…

That’s not to say there aren’t some improvements that could be made. Obviously performance brakes and lowered and uprated suspension are a must for some, but even something as simple as a front strut brace can tighten up the handling on the 3 and 6 to make it an even better drive than what you get as standard.

Ready for a run on the open roads 60 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

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NEWSLETTER

Airbox of the MG3 removed, exposing the plug leads.

One of my favourite things to add to any MG, has to be a performance exhaust. Many are available for both cars, with quality examples offered from MG & AMC Parts, John Woods Motorcare, Brown & Gammons, Scorpion Exhausts and several other manufacturers. You could also opt to design and make your own exhaust or get one made for your own taste by a manufacturer such as Powerflow Exhausts. Not only will this enhance the performance of your engine, but it will also give you a great soundtrack to listen to. Combine this with the aforementioned modifications and you will be on to a winner!

Styling and comfort From back in the days of the traditional backstreet Motorfactors, to today’s giant motoring conglomerates such as Halfords, and whether it be ergonomics or just for looks, small modifications to any cars interior or exterior can make all the difference. For example, the original UK specification MG3 has an art piece for a gear knob with the MG logo embossed on the sides of it. Sadly this makes it a very strange shape. For a lot of owners, it may be wise to change this to something shaped less like a Burton’s Wagon Wheel, and more like a Terry’s Chocolate Orange. Other things you could do would be to get anti-slip matting for the hard plastics that are found in the modern MG’s. Custom rubber mudflaps would also suit both cars, being more durable against breakages in comparison to the hard OEM ones, whilst also giving your car a more sporty look. Finally, a set of fitted car mats will smarten up any MG6 or MG3’s interior, plus it adds some extra protection against ingrained dirt or my personal worst nightmare, pet hair!

So there you go, some suggestions on what might suit your MG6 or MG3. Some of these might suit your car more than

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others but they definitely will give you an idea of where to go with your modern MG project. Why not let us know what you’ve done to your MG3 or MG6 on the MGCC 635 Register Facebook Group!

Josh Langstaff

The Magnecor leads ready to be fitted to the MG3

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e Type t i s web nd Td e cat MG a m i m d De r the .co mg.co g o ly f .xpagm xpag l a i @ c w spe ww ingdon b il: a a Em

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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

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F C AN OLL REE D EC DE TI LIV ON ER Y

Thank you to all our customers for their ongoing support – the ‘shout-outs’ in Safety Fast! mean a lot to myself and the team.

Classic & Sports Cars Essex – open for business I would like to send well wishes to my loyal customers, I hope you are healthy and getting through this difficult time.

Whilst I can, I am remaining open with only immediate family working alongside me in the workshop.

I am offering a free collection and delivery service for anyone who would like long or short-time works carried out this summer.

Without the worry of timing for car shows and trips away, we have a strange opportunity to have those works completed that you may have been putting off.

If you would like to reserve a space for big or small jobs, I will be very happy to hear from you.

This year we are celebrating our 10th Anniversary and I am proud of how far we have come. With your continued support I hope to pull through this and continue happy motoring for many years to come.

Kindest and warmest regards

Jason

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TECH TORQUE

TECH TIPS

We are frequently asked technical questions covering all varieties of MG. With the help of our Registers and members, here is a selection of the more commonly asked questions and solutions from past and present

Tech Tip from Malcolm Reeves Query: Replacing Ignition points on His MGTC Solution: Before undertaking replacement of ignition points I always use a readily available white masking-fluid to mark the position of the distributor body against the engine block, then having ensured that the engine is at Top Dead Centre (TDC) on number one cylinder, I then mark the position of the rotor arm against the edge of the distributor body. On refitting, this helps to ensure that the timing will be close to the required setting before completing a full timing-check of the correct settings.

This helps particularly with bevel-gear drive distributors when, on refitting, the shaft rotates as it is pressed into the engine block, not so much of a problem with off-set slot-drives. This tip also applies to timing chain replacement. When undertaking this work on my MGTC and despite the fact that the crank and cam pulleys have markings for alignment at TDC, I use a straight edge across the centres of the shafts and use the masking fluid to highlight the aligning marks, but also mark the edges of the pulleys and the adjacent side of the engine block, just in case something moves on refitting. In both cases this helps to avoid “finger trouble” on reassembly..

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Tech Tip from Ian Ailes Query: MGB Heater control not working Solution: I have owned MGBs for 42 years and always found that the heater controls never work properly. Recently, the heater control on my MGB jammed half open, obviously the control unit behind the centre dash. Having stripped it all out, the outer cable had been pulled out of the cable J clamp. Every time I put it back it jumped out again. I finally pulled the inner cable out completely to discover that I had overtightened the J clamp on the valve years ago when I replaced it and the clamp had crushed the outer cable flat, jamming the inner. I cut the crushed 10mm off the outer cable end as there was plenty to spare and gently tightened up the J clamp; perfect – problem solved.

Query: What’s involved with fitting a Battery Master Switch to an MGB? Why do some MG enthusiasts fit them, where do you get the parts and how do you do the job?

Solution: There are several reasons for having a master switch: so you can carry out maintenance work without short circuits, preventing a drain on the battery in a layup and providing a simple security system. A Durite Type 0-605-02 switch rated at 100amps with 10mm metric thread terminals is a good choice. The installation is reasonably straightforward and can be completed in a day. Locating the switch behind the driver’s seat is a convenient location both for operating the switch and wiring it up as a battery isolator. See an illustrated article at: www.buyinganmg.com/more.htm

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TECH TORQUE

Tech Tip from Stephen Forster Query: Rear wheel cylinder replacement on an MGBGT Solution: I’ve just put a new cylinder on the rear near side wheel of my MGB GT. I am no great home-mechanic but I’m learning. A couple of years ago a friend showed me how to do it when the other side needed replacing. He’s been doing these things for years and said putting the circlip on is a notoriously difficult job. I remember it taking us ages. So before starting this time, I looked online for strategies but with the exception of buying a special tool for the purpose, I couldn’t find anything useful. I put the cylinder in place and screwed the brake pipe in, as this meant I didn’t have to use up a hand holding it in place.

I tried positioning the clip and tapping it on with a hammer and screwdriver but got nowhere, other than frustrated. So, I

reached for my slip joint pliers/plumber’s pipe grips. I put the circlip into place, feet in the grooves, top at 12 o’clock, curving out from the back plate. With my pliers open a couple of notches, I carefully positioned the bottom jaw under the part of the unit the brake pipe fits into (6 o’clock to continue the analogy), placed just the first tooth of the top jaw over the top of the circlip, carefully added a little tension pushing the top of the clip slightly towards the back plate then squeezed the handles continuing to tilt the top of the clip further towards the back plate as it moved down. It went on like a knife through butter. Indeed, from starting to set it up to completing it took me about 30 seconds. It was so quick and so simple, I was sure I must have messed it up, but no. I hope that method saves people a lot of time, energy and frustration.

My friend and mechanical mentor who has been restoring and maintaining MGs for 35 years was bowled over with the simplicity of it.

Mike Barclay added to this tip: This is exactly what I did when I replaced the N/S rear wheel cylinder. The new circling supplied seems to be a slightly different design to the originals and in my opinion more difficult to fit.

Just to add to this, the bleed nipple on the new wheel cylinders is a different size to the original requiring a different spanner.

Frustrating when bleeding the rear brakes. I would recommend when ordering a new wheel cylinder to order 2 nipples, then you can replace the old one on the other side and only need to use one size spanner. Not a show stopper but really annoying when you are laid under the rear with brake fluid, etc.

Query: MGF not starting My MGF won’t start; I turn the key and nothing. The battery is fully charged and the dash lights come on.

Solution: There are several areas that can be at fault, such as the ignition switch, ignition relay but the most likely problem is the connector to the starter solenoid. You can get to this from above the engine, as I have had to do this recently with the same issue on my F. You will need a 13mm ring spanner. Undo the brass nut and spring washer and remove the red and grey leads from the connecting post. With a small wire brush clean the connecting post and with some emery cloth clean both end connectors of the red and grey leads. Before relocating, remove the lead below this which has a spade connector. Clean this as best you can and put a small amount of conductive grease on the contacts, such as Vaseline, and replace, Do the same to the other terminal, replace the leads and refit the spring washer and nut. You should find this will, as in my case, solve the problem.

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JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 65

TECH TORQUE

ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER

By John Lister

It started with bleeding the brakes while getting my Midget ready for an MGOT track day at Anglesey, when I noticed the caliper pistons had spots of rust on them. I decided that a future job was to rebuild or replace the calipers.

The brakes Come the first salting of the roads, the Midget was put up on blocks, calipers removed and stripped down. As they were approaching nearly 50 years old I looked into getting replacements, and a pair of new calipers were ordered. The first set of

66 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

‘original style’ calipers I ordered had swarf around the pistons. My concern was that there could also be swarf trapped between the seals and within the units. They were packed up, returned and exchanged for new seals and pistons. I had decided to rebuild the original calipers.

The cleaning up and rebuilding was not too difficult, but once assembled and fitted to the car, I noticed the pads kept coming away from the face of the discs by about 0.5mm. This resulted in a lot of travel for the first press of the brake pedal, but subsequent immediate presses had

little travel and were firm. If left for five to ten seconds, the pedal would again have a lot of travel. I assumed the master cylinder was at fault, so it was removed, stripped, cleaned and new seals fitted, but the problem still persisted. After discussions with several people in the Midget Register I was told the vent hole in the filler cap may be blocked! A simple test was to remove the filler cap, and this confirmed the problem was in fact a blocked vent hole. This was causing a vacuum which resulted in the pads being pulled away from the face of the discs. Now this is

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TECH TORQUE something that I have never ever done while servicing my car, but it is a simple fix.

Remove the cap and carefully prise off the sealing disc within the cap, wipe off any muck that has collected and ensure the vent hole is clear, clip the sealing disc back into place then screw the cap back on, simple! The same was done to the clutch reservoir.

The pedals As I said, one thing leads to another. I had noticed the brake pedal would go down a bit when the clutch pedal was pressed, so decided to remove the pedals and pedal box to investigate. This is not a simple job of just disconnecting the master cylinders, undoing the eight screws that hold the pedal box frame in place and lifting out.

Believe it or not, the width of the brake and clutch pedals is greater than the width of the hole in the top of the foot well, so they would not simply lift out. I ended up adopting a yoga position and working within the foot well, undoing and removing the long bolt that passes through the two pedals. Fortunately, it

was not seized, but did require a lot of moving back and forth to coax it out.

Once removed, the shaft and internal faces of the bushes were cleaned and greased. I took this opportunity to drill and tap a grease nipple into each pedal for future lubricating. Whilst removed, I had the pedal box and inspection cover powder coated in satin black. I also made a stainless steel plate to fit under the pedal box, so any brake fluid drips or spills would not damage the paintwork.

Rust Once the pedal box had been removed, it was surprising how rusty the area was, I also noticed what looked like serious rust on the diagonal chassis member. The heater, coil, dynamo, hydraulic pipes and electrics were removed to get better access.

Fortunately, this was only surface rust, but it was rubbed down, treated and repainted.

Water pump The water pump had been replaced several years earlier, but I was having trouble with the car running hot. The fitting of an oil cooler did help but did not fully solve the problem. While searching the MASC website, I came across an article written

by Barry Green in April 2010. The article showed three types of water pump that can be fitted to Midget. The one I had fitted had a fabricated steel impeller which is very “open” in appearance. The MASC article considered this type of pump to cause our engines to run hot. I have now fitted a pump supplied by Mini Spares, part number GWP188EVO, that comes with a three-year warranty and at £19.57 (incl. VAT) is worth a try. It is fitted with a deeper “closed” impeller which looks far more efficient. The pump is described as “…high capacity using a PPS glass filled plastic impeller as used by Jaguar and

Before

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JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 67

TECH TORQUE

“EVO” pump on left, original on right. Note deeper impeller on the EVO pump.

Aston Martin …”. The original impeller was only eight mm deep; the new one is 13mm. The pump fitted without any grinding to the edge of the impeller or to the outer surface of cylinder one. In addition, the bearings within the EVO pump do not obstruct the water passage, unlike the original pump. I was impressed with the quality of the Mini Spares parts and their service.

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Unfortunately due to the current Covid-19 virus, I have not been able to test it yet.

Electrics After having covered 500+ trouble-free miles attending a Midget Register meeting in mid-Wales last year, while driving on a dual carriageway and about to pass a lorry, the car suddenly lost power! I managed

Note bearing within water passage on RH pump

to coast to an emergency pull-in (no hard shoulders is not just a “smart motorway” problem). The car restarted, but it did cut out again briefly but thankfully I was nearly home by then. While carrying out the various jobs listed above, I noticed the large electrical spade connector that connects to the dynamo was very loose; this has now been re-soldered. Hopefully that has solved the problem.

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TECH TORQUE

SEAT SOLUTIONS

By Andy Knott

W

hilst my MGF was sitting on the driveway patiently awaiting its once a week trip to the shops during March to May, I decided to lavish it with a bit of attention. After a good wash and polish my attention turned to the interior. One thing that is often overlooked and neglected is the seats in cars. The majority of leather car seats are coloured and then sealed with a lacquer to help it wear. As with most convertible MG owners, as soon as the sun comes out the top comes down, which results in the seats being exposed to the sun and its UV rays. The leather bolster on my driver’s seat had a bit of wear and tear, and the leather parts on both the seats were quite hard and ideally could do with a clean and a re-protecting from the elements. Whilst at the NEC show back in November last year, I recall seeing a company exhibiting there called the Leather Repair Company, so I decided to make contact with them for advice on how to tackle my seats. After some reassuring words and advice, I was ready to tackle them and refurbish them to the best of my ability.

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TECH TORQUE

1

2

As the seat squab and back were fabric, I vacuumed them thoroughly first.

And then cleaned them using some upholstery cleaner I purchased from a local motoring shop.

3 Working the upholstery cleaner into the fabric thoroughly, and then removing the dirty cleaner with a damp sponge and leaving to dry.

6

4 With the fabric cleaned and dry, my attention turned to the leather parts of the seats, paying particular attention to the driver’s seat bolster.

5 I decided to purchase a complete Scuff Repair kit from the Leather Repair Company, along with a bottle of their protection cream. This had everything I needed, and I’ve plenty left if I need to do another in the future.

7 Preparation is the most important part of any repair or restoration process. If you don’t prep the area to be repaired and coloured, the new colourant will not adhere to the surface. So removing the old colour enables the surface to be absorbent again.

I soaked a sponge in the leather prep fluid and wrapped it in the supplied scotch pad.

70 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

The first step is to clean the leather.

Using the leather cleaner and a sponge I cleaned the leather, paying special attention to the areas that needed repairing. I decided to do the whole panel up the side and along the bottom thoroughly, as blending in the leather colourant along a stitched line would be easier. After cleaning I buffed it with a clean microfibre towel.

8 Rubbing the scotch pad over the area I wanted to work on gently removed the colour. There was no need to apply a great deal of pressure as the abrasiveness of the pad and the leather prep that is soaking through will remove the surface colour.

To test if the leather is absorbent again just use a small drop of water on the surface – if it soaks in, you are ready to recolour.

9 I decided to just try the black colouring. I sponged it onto a small inconspicuous patch of the leather that wouldn’t be seen to try it. After it had dried and I was happy with the match, it was time to proceed.

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TECH TORQUE

10

11

For recolouring I started by sponging on a coat of colour, by dabbing the colour on to represent the grain. As the weather was warm I let it dry naturally; you can speed up the process with a hairdryer. Once this had dried, I then repeated the process, adding a further two coats.

Before I applied the final coat I lightly sanded with 1200 grit paper to remove any slight surface blemishes, and then carefully applied the final coat before letting it dry thoroughly.

12 When it has dried you need to seal the colour into the leather. Supplied with the kit are two different sealers, a gloss and a matte sealer. After trying a tiny bit in an inconspicuous location, I decided on the gloss. As with the colour, dab on the sealant using a sponge and allow it to dry between each coat. Lightly sand the surface with the 1200 grit paper before applying the third and final coat. Once the colour is sealed over, it is locked in place and provides a tough, durable finish.

13 I left the car until the following day to allow the repaired area to thoroughly dry, and then went over all of the leather with the protection cream using a sponge, allowing it to dry for a few minutes before buffing off with a microfibre towel.

15 14 Time to stand back and admire your results. If you take your time and follow the instructions it’s an easy process, and I hope you’ll agree improves the seat and the general interior of the car no end. www.mgcc.co.uk

It’s not just the black seats you can tackle – lots of other colours are available. Or if not, you can mix your own, as I did to repair a seat in my wife’s car shown here, using the same process as above.

The Leather repair company can be found online at https://leatherrepaircompany.com They also have a very useful Facebook page with lots of professional restorers on hand to offer advice, just search Leather Care & Repair Help.

JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 71

RACE TORQUE

RACE TORQUE

by Mark Baulch Photo Chris Phillips

I

hope that all MG Car Club Members and the motorsport ‘family’ are keeping safe and well.

At the time of writing, we are all systems go for our Donington Park meeting on July 11 and 12. We have the guidelines from Motorsport UK, the Governing Body, and many people have been involved in making sure that we can run this meeting to them. Provisions of Personal Protective Equipment are in place, some being provided by Motorsport UK for free.

Race entries have been flowing in and the new electronic signing on procedures are being followed. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable weekend of racing, as always, and a lot of hard work has been going on in the background to achieve this, much of it by unpaid volunteers. I must thank all of them for their efforts to date and for the professionalism that I know they will display at the meeting. This thank you is to the Marshals as well, of course, as we simply cannot race without you.

So, as we wait for the first green light of 2020, I would like to share

72 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

these words with you from one of our Competitors, Wayne Stirling Parker. The MG Car Club is the most active singlemarque race organising club in the UK and caters for all MG models, including limited edition Rover cars. The Club has a worldwide membership of a huge number of enthusiasts and 2020 marks its 90th anniversary. Motorsport and racing have long been a key element of the Club. In the late 1990s the MGF Cup supported the British Formula 3 and British GT race meetings, together with the British Grand Prix in 1998 and 1999.

For 2020, the biggest challenge for a return to racing has been making changes to fit in line with recent Motorsport UK COVID-19 guidance. Undeterred, the Club has ensured that racing can take place by making adjustments to the processes and procedures required for all those present, including limiting the number of people in the paddock to a minimum at all times.

These requirements will remain in place throughout the two days and a specific manager will be in place to ensure that social distancing and all the mandatory requirements are met.

The Club membership has embraced these changes and the desire to return to racing has been high.

The range of car models racing within the MG Car Club is extensive. They include the earliest pre-war MG models such as the Triple M cars from the 1930s and early MG Specials. The various MG championships have classes for every MG model of rear wheel drive cars such as the MGA, Midget, MGB GT and V8.

This does not mean that the more recent cars are excluded, with classes for front wheel drive cars including MG1300, MG Metro, MG Maestro, MG Montego, MG ZR, MG ZS and even the present day MG3.

The Club also invites entries from older Rover models, including the 216 GTi, 220 Tomcat Turbo and Rover 200 BRM. The Club has an extremely diverse range of competitors, with the ages of those racing reaching from 17 to 75 years. The Club caters for those who are new to racing, with some championships having a reduced entry fee for young or new drivers. Additionally, there are many competitors with decades of experience, with some still racing the same car in the same championship for over 30 years. Representatives for each race championship are always at hand to assist and the camaraderie between the drivers within the paddock is exemplary.

My thanks to Wayne for these words and I look forward to seeing race reports back in the magazine very soon.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MGs ON TRACK

MG on track

Duncan Wood duncanw@mgs-on-track.com

MORE REMINISCING

by John Lister

T

hose who read John Lister’s tales of track day life in June’s Safety Fast! may recall that he seems to be a dab hand at putting maidens into a spin and is a quick thinker when it comes to explaining same to her father! The story continues...

One circuit where I did manage to master the art of power sliding was at Silverstone’s “Stowe” circuit which is short and designed to test the handling of cars.

MGOT have had two evening sessions here in 2010 and 2011, but none since.

My wife Glenys decided to be a passenger at one of these events and was nearly sick because of all the constant sharp changes of direction and only having short straights to recover on! She decided not to be a passenger again, but this selfless decision has meant the car now has a greater power-to-weight ratio! The layout of this circuit has altered since 2010, but at that time the surface of the track changed from tarmac to concrete at the apex of a long left-hand bend and, when combined with rain, it was possible to get a lowly powered Midget to step the back end out and keep it on a full slide with an

74 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

impressive amount of “opposite lock”, just requiring a little correction of the steering to “catch” the slide before the start of the next straight. Great fun.

Not all track days are MG only, as we do combine with other clubs such as Lotus on Track, Lotus 7 Club, and Triumph.

Events are usually arranged in sessions for MGs or the other club only, but sometimes the others do get mixed in with the MGs, which leads to some interesting comparisons. On one occasion MGoT were at Oulton Park in Cheshire, a lovely undulating circuit set in parkland. MSV (Motor Sport Vision) had two sessions and MGoT had one 20-minute session per hour. A Peugeot 205 GTI was in our group and I ended up having a really good “dingdong” with him. He was leading but could not get away from me and, although I was faster in the corners, I could not get past him. Later in the paddock the driver came up to me to have a chat and I think he was relieved to find out that, although my car looks standard, it was shod with Yokohama AO48 track day tyres and the 1293cc Oselli tuned engine was producing about 90bhp.

It can get a bit lonely when you find yourself as the only car on a particular part of the circuit, so making sure you line up in the pits with similar cars ensures you have a good, fun time. In July 2009 at Castle Combe, I had a few good sessions with a bloke who looked just like Bruce Forsyth and was driving a blaze-coloured Midget. Good race, good race!

So, what types of circuit do I prefer?

Well, they have got to be hilly ones as these offer a third dimension. Like Donington’s drop-off down the Craner Curves with its steep descent and adverse camber, and where the car quickly gathers speed and wants to slide off the track. Oulton Park offers a lot of ups and downs and twists and turns, and Cadwell Park is like a rollercoaster ride, with the back end of the car lifting off the circuit with the sudden change from going steeply up “The Mountain” and levelling off at the top. Anglesey offers two circuits in one day, the “Coastal” in the morning and the longer “International” in the afternoon. The “Coastal” has the “Corkscrew”, a descent which is designed on part of the Laguna Seca Raceway in California, which certainly keeps your

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MGS ON TRACK – 2020 CALENDAR Writing this report in early June it is still not possible to be certain that the remainder of our events will proceed as planned, and in this we will be guided by advice from the UK Government, the MGCC, and the circuit operators. As well as the Blyton Park event, we are hoping to visit Anglesey in August, Castle Combe in September, both Donington Park and Goodwood in October, and finish off the year at Brands Hatch in early December.

For the current situation please visit www.mgs-on-track.com where you can also register, check availability, or book a track day. Registered members will receive regular newsletters and notification of event opening dates.

attention and stops you from admiring the stunning view of the nearby Irish Sea and Snowdonia beyond. However, although Anglesey and Oulton Park are my local circuits, I think Donington remains my favourite.

So, between now and my next track day, I will just have to look at the photos and reminisce!

Many thanks again to John for his memories, although I should point out that MGs on Track events are noncompetitive, so any reference to ‘dingdongs’ or ‘race’ are, of course, solely products of his too-lively imagination.

However, his attractiveness to the opposite sex is beyond debate!

Unsurprisingly, there have been a few changes to our calendar due to Covid since last month. June’s Castle Combe and the North Weald Experience Day were both cancelled, and the MGCC Tyne-Tees Centre event at Croft in July has also fallen by the wayside. In part, the latter was cancelled since it is currently not possible to offer either helmet hire or in-car instruction, and one particular aim of the event was to attract first-timers or novices who would probably be hoping for both of these. On a more positive note, we are planning to run a limited-numbers event at Blyton Park on the 6th of this month so, as I write this, there may finally be a light at the end of the track day tunnel.

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

After much discussion and soul searching a decision has finally been made to cancel the 2020 MGCC Speed championship.

At the time the decision was taken, there were only eight events left on the calendar and the majority of them were in the Southern region. This would have left barely enough events for anybody to achieve a meaningful score. In addition, it would have disenfranchised our more northerly competitors and we had to take into account our competitors who are classed as being vulnerable to the virus.

Since then we have received notice of further cancellations, which has reinforced the decision.

At this time there are events which are still under consideration and as such I can give no accurate news of things to come.

Hopefully, by next month a clearer picture will emerge and I can bring you up to date.

In the meantime, here are some photos taken at Curborough showing the variety of MGs that compete in the speed Championship.

Stay safe.

JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 75

OVERSEAS REVIEW

I

don’t usually suffer from cravings.

Giving up smoking, cutting back on alcohol, adjusting my food intake to fit my clothing, were never a problem, but I’m struggling now. I really miss the physical pleasure of driving our MGA 1600 Mark 2 Roadster, and the smell of leather, hot engine, and even a whiff of exhaust fumes, on a sunny day. It’s driving me potty, and with most events being cancelled this year, due to the prevailing pandemic, I’m going to have to suffer for quite a lot longer. At least I have memories of last year, and can derive vicarious pleasure from reading of the experiences of fellow members in the magazines which are sent to Kimber House for us to review.

The MG Car Club Danish Centre has a superb cover picture of an MGA Coupe, which was prepared for the Rallye Monte Carlo Historique, and looks very purposeful. I hope the crew did well.

Within the magazine is a detailed report on the centre’s finances (seemingly fine), pictures of prize-givings, an item on MGA overriders, and a member’s appreciation of his MGB Roadster. I thought the MGF VIN decoding chart particularly useful, and although I can’t read them, the XPAG engine, early Midget (with photos of Le Mans and Brooklands), and Technical Advice items, all look interesting. Finally, a good range of cars is offered for sale.

G-TORQUE from The MG Car Club of Geelong opens with their President’s comments on how Coronavirus might affect events in the future. He urges everyone to keep in contact, via the many digital platforms now available. The list of event cancellations is saddening, but reports on earlier “happenings” are good to read. The “Fish and Chips” run, sounds great and the photos suggest that 76 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

A look through a few of the overseas magazines we receive at Kimber House reviewed by Peter Stevens

the food, company and driving, were all much enjoyed. The “Square Rigger Run” attracted 50 members on a sunny day, and the “All English Vehicle Display”, looked to have a very healthy MG presence. I enjoyed the item on a 1962 MGA Deluxe, and found the piece on the Dunlop composite wheel, as fitted to MGB GT V8, and Jubilee GTs, very informative, as is the one on the 1931-32 MG F Magna. Also, an item on an MGB converted to electric power is thought-provoking.

Wheel Spin, from The MG Car Club of Victoria opens with a list of events, some of which are already cancelled and some hoped to be viable. Both their President and Secretary comment on the possible effects of Covid-19. I found the appreciation of the late Joy Rainey very moving, having read much about her competition successes in other publications. Other enjoyable items are the “Mornington Peninsula Group Run”, with lunch at the “Pig and Whistle”, reports of several tours undertaken by members, an article on how an MG TF 1500 was sought and purchased, the “B Bulletin”, “Youth on Wheels” group report, “Pre-War Register” report, “Modern Gossip” and other items, too numerous to mention.

Finally, and very aptly, advice on how to access online meetings is included. A lot is happening in Victoria and “The Marque of Friendship” is very much alive.

The Octagon from the MG Car Club of Toronto opens with optimistic notes from their President, and goes on to include a report from their AGM, which shows that all is well. The article explaining how the acquisition of an MGA Twin Cam, was the realisation of a childhood dream is most heartening, and the report of an MGB crew’s experiences on the “Hagerty Maple Mille” fun to read. Their temporary exhaust system fix triggered personal memories! Reports of other events, including those attended in the UK, and the “Pub Night” held in December, all suggest that much fun and good company has been enjoyed. The final item, which really intrigues me, is what appears to a Riley Elf version of a Mini, with an MG grille. Was this an idea being developed by the factory, or an inventive owner’s handiwork? I’d love to know.

I’ve been enjoying telephone and email contact with friends both within and outside of the MG world, and think it is important to keep in touch when we can’t physically meet as we would wish to. If you have personally been unwell as a result of Covid-19, I wish you a complete and speedy recovery, and offer my sympathy and good wishes if family members or friends have been adversely affected.

Wherever you are in the world, and whatever restrictions you’re living under, give much attention to the one you love, (your MG, of course) and be kind to your family, too. Keep in contact with those who mean much to you, and keep safe.

This situation won’t last forever, and we can all look forward to happier times. www.mgcc.co.uk

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CENTRES ABINGDON WORKS Pete Davies sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk

ANGLIA Rob Muir 01206 862619 scribe@mgccanglia.com www.mgccanglia.com Anglia Centre Annual Photographic Competition Roger Latham, our President writes: “Don’t miss your chance to enter our Annual Photographic Competition.

Five months have already gone!

You can enter photos of your MG from 2019 as well as 2020. Have a look at entries already submitted for inspiration. You do have to be an Anglia Centre member. Send your entries to our Webmaster together with your details and membership number.

At the year end, one photo will be selected and the Annual Trophy awarded to the winner.

For full details of the Photographic Competition, see the Anglia website, click Photo Gallery, then Photographic Competition.” A brief outline of the details is also included below.

Photos can be recent or older photographs and should not have been published elsewhere.

78 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

So fellow MG-ers, with all the social distancing how has everybody kept their prized possessions in use?

To alleviate the stress of staying at home we decided to invite all our neighbours to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE day.

In the spirit of the British Bulldog we had a social distancing street party. With fine weather, everybody enjoyed their picnics with one or ten beverages outside the respective home

frontages. And to keep in the spirit of things, we had Bunting, Bulldogs, period costumes and music and, with the aid of a megaphone, we also conducted social distancing BINGO. Not forgetting the cars – the TC was decked out in red, white and blue for the day.

Looking forward, and hopefully not too far, when places are again open we can tentatively set a date for April’s postponed St George’s Day run.

The competition will normally run from January to December; however, we have decided to extend 2019 entries into 2020.

Photos submitted will be published monthly on our website and should be sent to Anglia Centre Webmaster, Kelvin Fagan, at webmaster@ mgccanglia.com with your membership number.

If you have a photo that does not qualify, perhaps because it has been published elsewhere, you can still send it in to be included in the Anglia Centre Gallery, so get snapping and get those photos in.”

You will be able to keep track of your racing heroes, however, by following them on your computer with Timing Solutions Ltd. This is a fantastic way to follow a race, live, if you can’t be physically at the circuit. Log on to www.tsl-timing.com click the live timing and you can follow the leader board from the comfort of your own home, following each car’s time every lap, plus its live position on the track diagram, plus who is in or out of the pits or stopped out on circuit. You can even receive a sound commentary.

You often gain more information than you would if you were at the venue – give it a go.

Motor Racing Returns As announced by Motorsport UK, motor racing at national level is returning to the circuits from July 4. This means that our MGCC meeting at Donington will go ahead on July 11 and 12.

This will, however, be a ‘Closed Meeting’ without spectators.

Howard Grundon in his Racing V8 cocking a wheel.

www.mgcc.co.uk

CENTRES CALEDONIAN Bob MacGillivray 07870 407111 mgcarsscotland@gmail.com www.mgcaledonian.com Here we are, early July and hardly an MG event in sight! Well there is some good news: there is a show on the horizon...

Some of you may recall that in recent years we have attended, a couple of times, the East Ayrshire Car Club Kames Classic at the Kames circuit in Muirkirk. We attended the first time it ran when one of the attractions, apart from the show, was some time on the sprint track. On our second

DEVON & CORNWALL Young Janner II bobslatter@hotmail.com www.mgcc.co.uk/devon-cornwall-centre I hope that you are all keeping well under the current restrictions placed on us. As there are still no past events to report on and, at present, no idea when we may be able to hold any sort of event or meeting, I will give a run-down on the organisation of events from start to finish.

Something like a Treasure Hunt requires a lot of advanced planning. To be able to run it legally as a Motorsport UK member club, firstly a permit must be applied and paid for six weeks in advance of the event. Then it is down to planning a route, before driving around it to find clues that may be used.

Following on from this, pen to paper to write down the route and questions to answer, then it usually consists of a second drive around to check for errors in directions, etc. So a 40-mile treasure hunt may actually entail at least 100 miles of driving, depending on where the organiser lives.

The Touring Assemblies, such as the Atlantic Coast Express Run, entail similar planning but even

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visit, entries were greater and the track had to be used for car displays. The event was planned for June this year but was postponed due to Covid 19 and the new date is Sunday August 23.

It is a friendly little show, now with excellent catering as the EACC café has been completely refurbished. Having said that, our CarBQ has also been refurbished and will be in use that day.

Entries are limited to 25 cars, so if you want to enter please do so now via our website. We will not have a theme as such, we will just be glad to get our MGs out and on display. It may be the only show this year so let’s make an effort!

Beyond that, it is still difficult to say what we will be able to organise. Hopefully, we can get a

few one-day runs in before the end of the summer.

You may need to look out your primus stoves or take flasks and a picnic as catering establishments will be thin on the ground. Keep an eye on the website or our regular emails for updates.

One thing which is likely to go ahead is our annual Newsletter and while it’s some way off, it would be good if some of you could think of an article you might contribute. Perhaps about an MG past or present or a restoration project or something else MG related. Let me know if you think you might be able to assist.

The attached pics are from previous Kames shows.

I think that is all for now, so stay safe and hopefully see you in August!

more in advance, several months in fact. These routes are longer and take much more planning to ensure the roads are suitable for all the entrants, and that we would not cause any inconvenience to locals on the route, as organisers do not want to get the MG Car Club a bad reputation.

When it comes to competitive events such as the Tamar Classic Trial that we help run with Launceston and North Cornwall Motor Club, there is even more paperwork involved. The exact route must be submitted to Motorsport UK months in advance for them to accept and then issue the relevant permits for the competition and the use the public roads. All these permits, for any type of event, mean that we, as Club members, are covered for insurance purposes should anything happen. The Police also need to be informed as they can veto the route. The next problem then is to arrange for marshals to help out on the day and get them to the correct places at the right time.

I know that I am probably preaching to the converted with most of our members, but there may be some who do not realise how much work goes into organising and running any type of event for your pleasure.

Ted Lawrence continues to provide an excellent newsletter to keep you informed of what is happening but our other sources of informationgiving, such as the Centre website, Facebook, Instagram etc, are a lifeline for immediate broadcasting of information. I ask that you ensure the Centre has your current email address so we can get mailshots to you as soon as we have information about events that may not be able to wait for the next newsletter.

The cake especially made by Lin Opie for our picnic at the 2019 Paignton Green Classic Car Show, sadly no cake this year due to the cancellation of the show.

JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 79

CENTRES LINCOLNSHIRE Ian Mackenzie 01529 497849 MaccaV8@aol.com www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk Well, unfortunately our “Summer Season” appears to continue to take a beating, due to the ongoing Covid disruption. The latest casualties (for July) are the On the Green Car Show at Allington, near Grantham, and the Rover Day and MG Display at East Kirkby. Sadly, there is little likelihood of them being held later in the year, so we will have

to hold out to Cvd + 1 (2021) for them to come round again.

Last month, I held out the possibility of a “Masked Concours” in August. Unfortunately, due to social distancing and site restrictions, it is not feasible to run a physical event this year. However!

Do not despair, polishers of the County. We are running a “Virtual Driveway Concours”. To enter, please take a minimum of six photos of your car (one of each side, front, rear, interior and engine bay), and submit them by email to Webmaster Bob at: rjwelchmidget@aol.com along with a few notes about your history with

Some of the assembled cars at East Kirkby MG Rover Day

MIDLANDS Brian Osborn brianosbornmg@gmail.com Has your MG been in hibernation for the lockdown or have you let it out for a run? A bit like having a dog or horse, although they need constant attention, whereas MGs will sleep sometimes for years with little deterioration, unlike their owners who, if like me, are elderly

and vulnerable. It has been such a shame to have missed the best spring weather for open top motoring for umpteen years; let’s hope we get some more this year.

The Midland Centre is trying to look forward and guesstimate the next few months. Our Summer Sprint at Curborough on Sunday August 2 is still permitted and MSUK are planning a return to some motorsport from mid-July with conditions, so we may be able to run. Whether we wish to, with the increased conditions for PPE and Rescue/Medical Services and possible costs, together with a reduced organising team due to some of us being vulnerable and/or elderly, is the question.

By the time you read this the committee will have decided one way or another and the answer will be on our website.

My MGB at the Widemouth Bay checkpoint on last year’s Land’s End Trial

80 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

the car, any work/rebuild/improvements made.

Closing date for entries is Sunday August 16.

For up-to-date news, please log on to the Centre’s website, and also, if poss, help Webmaster Bob by sending him ideas, photos, articles, etc, as requested in his “Lockdown News” on the front page of the site.

So, pictures of what you could be enjoying in July...

Please stay safe.

Alan Cook receiving Car of the Day award for his MG Magnette at MG Rover Day

As for other events further ahead, it is still basically as per last month’s notes by Bob: the Autumn Trial on September 27 is still planned, as is a possible run to join in with the club’s 90th – although I am going to suggest a ‘sightseeing run’ to Barnard Castle instead!

Looking back, we haven’t much to report on except to say that our Welsh Touring Rallye scheduled for May 15-17 was postponed until May 14-16 2021, same venue, same interesting run from Coalport/Ironbridge through Shropshire into mid Wales and back. We did have a good entry and we hope that they and others will join us then. All entrants should have had their refunds by now; if not let us know. Entry forms for 2021 should be available Oct/Nov see website.

In this period of the premature loss of life of so many folk, I should like to remind our older members that it was 25 years ago that we lost our Chairman, Phil Richer, to Motor Neurone Disease; a great loss to the Centre and the Club.

What more can I say, except to stay well and with us and we hope to see you in the near future.

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CENTRES NORTH WEST Paul Goodman 01625 876300 As more freedom arrived, along with sunny weather, lots of members were able to get out in their MGs for the first time this year. The limit on driving became the availability of toilets rather then petrol! Pubs were not allowed to open in June so we could not hold any of the regular meetings. Several decisions also had to be taken. The first was to cancel the Plough and Flail Concours for this year and look forward to holding it on June 17 2021. Then, although some speed events might take place from July onwards, the Speed Championship for 2020 was cancelled. Not enough northern and southern events were scheduled for competitors to rack up significant scores. A roll over to 2021 or a refund of registration fee is being offered to competitors.

MGCC members will still be able to compete at events but championship points will not be recorded. This provides a good testing opportunity.

There is better news on the racing scene. The Cockshoot Cup Championship calendar was biased towards the second half of the year so only three

SOUTH EAST Ray Ruffels and William Opie raywillmg@gmail.com www.mgccse.co.uk By the time you read this the SE July newsletter will be released to you via email. If not received, you can collect a copy and read the latest news on lockdown impact on 2020 calendar events, via the SE website at - www.mgccse.co.uk Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the SE committee has decided to cancel or postpone all main calendar events until the end of this August. The focus from July 2020 will be local events organised by Natters or Wanderers, as long as they meet the legal guidelines set by government and social distancing rules. Please contact your Natter leader for more information on this and any virtual events taking place or update at the web address above. Obviously this situation is changing fast but we hope to restart events in September 2020.

However, there is a Table Top Rally, via email, taking place on July 12 hosted by Philip and Rosemary Bayne-Powell on behalf of the

Plough and Flail Concours 2018. Photo: Paul Goodman

rounds have been lost, leaving seven with the best six scores to count. The first double-header should be on Sunday July 12 at Donington Park. Sadly, you will not be able to come and spectate, but will be able to follow the race timing and, hopefully, commentary on the TSL Timing website.

There is also a hope that pubs may re-open in July with social distancing. If so, then our dates are as follows. The Cheshire County Sports Club gathering will be on Tuesday July 14 followed by the Plough and Flail on July 21. The new owner of the Plough has been using the closure time to refurbish the premises so that will be interesting

Inter Register Club. Straightforward navigation techniques will be used, such as spot heights, grid references, coloured roads and all you need to participate in this fun event is the OS Landranger Map 187 – further details are at: www.mgccse. co.uk/2020/06/01/table-top-rally-12-july/ Please confirm if you wish to take part by emailing your entry form to 1942mgman@gmail.com before Sunday July 12.

MGCCSE is looking for a new Webmaster, a critical role for the Centre. This person would manage the SE Centre website and social media applications, working closely with SE committee, as a member. It would be great to have a younger member involved who uses these dynamic

to see. If there is to be a lunchtime pub meeting, then it will be on Wednesday July 29. We will continue to contact by email, but if you are not on our mailing lists then please check the Centre website to find out what is happening.

During the last few weeks there has been a lot of contact from people who are buying or want to buy cars. Some have got sorted out and joined the Club, but there are several who are looking for competition-prepared Midgets and MGBs post the “FIA” era and not fully modified. If you know of any such cars that might be for sale, even if they need work, then please get in touch.

The Sump plug must be down there somewhere! Roger Quilter’s entry into the EKW photo competition which raised £120 for local hospital charities.

communication channels regularly. If you are interested in this post please contact Austin Banner, our area Secretary, at austin.banner@gmail.com

Pride of Ownership line-up at last year’s Summer Gathering at Michelham Priory’ Happy Days!

82 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

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CENTRES SOUTH WEST Jim Lott chairman@mgccsw.com www.mgccsw.com/ www.facebook.com/MGCCSW @mgccsw I write these notes as the lockdown is starting to ease, but all-out back-to-normal is, in my opinion, a long way off. I should have been in Finland now, helping Simon prepare for Jukola 2020, an orienteering relay event which starts at midnight and is run during the night of the midnight sun; however, it has been cancelled and we will be going next year instead.

On the MGCC event front, the only events left on the calendar are the MGOG 2 Autotest, scheduled for July 26, Wiscombe Hill Climb on September 12 and the Kimber Car Trial on October 11.

Dave Coppock and I have had discussions as to whether the MGOG 2 can go ahead due to the constraints that MSUK have put on competitive events. We will discuss this further nearer the time to see if it is viable.

Wiscombe Park Ltd are holding meetings to discuss whether two trial events, running [n

TYNE-TEES Tony Wood anthony@scrutonvillage.co.uk In these interesting times the role of Safety Fast! correspondent takes on a heightened responsibility, coupled with the daunting reality of how to fill a column with nothing to report. Nostalgia is safe but possibly irrelevant to many members and speculation is pointless, so when in doubt, waffle.

One man who is always busy is our Facebook expert, Matt Alexander, who updates the Tyne Tees page daily with photos and links gathered from near and far. If you aren’t a member of our group contact Matt at matty.alexander1@gmail.com and ask to be added to the group. For those who are suspicious of Mr Zuckerberg and all his works, we are a closed group with Matt as gatekeeper, our/your stuff isn’t viewable to the wider world. If you have interesting MG-related stuff send it to Matt and share it with the rest of us. Alexander senior, David of that ilk, is running our lockdown photo competition. Last month’s “Cars I have had the most fun in” may have required a little self-censorship in some areas but has produced a cornucopia of great photos which,

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early August, under the MSUK and Government guidelines can be held successfully. This is with a view to opening up the venue from mid-August to October. If the trial events do take place it will be behind closed doors and limited to 100 entrants.

Simon and I took part in a virtual Cotswold Navi Scatter organised by Bob Blackstock.

We were emailed a set of grid references and routes of different types and given a start time. We had to plot the routes and access the references on Ordinance Survey and Google maps, then use Street View to answer the clues. Of the 20 reference points given, we

had to answer at least 15, with various points for difficulty. We finished 9th overall, having completed the easier clues first before starting on the more difficult clues. It was great fun as Simon plotted the points and then I used Google Street view to answer the clues. Bob is organising another one, this time around Evesham, being held on Sunday July 5. Details of how to contact Bob to gain an entry are on the website under Events.

The photo shows some of the MGs that took part in the 2019 Summer Picnic at the Avon Valley Railway.

unsurprisingly, will end up on the Facebook page as well as the website. This month’s category: “MG’s I have owned”, hopefully with a short explanation attached.

New times lead to new solutions and we have all become video conference experts (!), your Committee being no exception. We have held two meetings so far to examine the possibilities of restarting events when allowed and forward planning into 2021 which is the Golden Jubilee of our achieving full Centre status. The former is causing a certain amount of head-scratching as, whilst we feel we can run socially distanced

events fairly easily by simply removing some of the social element, that rather defeats the object of the exercise. At the moment our hands are tied; it may seem blindingly obvious, but we are part of Motorsport UK and all our events are officially sanctioned. At the time of writing there is no prospect of permits for grassroots events being issued – they have their hands full attempting to save the motorsport industry. Suffice to say we are financially sound and ready to go when we can.

Photo slot this month shows you can still enjoy your MGs: a family run with David and Lynda Alexander to Alston, photo by Matt.

JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 83

CENTRES YORKSHIRE Ken Cothliff kencothliff@hotmail.co.uk, mgccyorkshire.co.uk Well, whist not wishing to labour a point, the virus is still causing all sorts of problems for MG owners.

However, South Natter seems to be overcoming some of the problems with a Zoom meeting each month, though I’m told the conversation can be somewhat chaotic with everyone chatting at once!

They have also organised a ‘pride of ownership’ event, with everyone submitting a photograph of their car to be judged in due course. No doubt we’ll see how that ‘pans out’.

West Natter has been looking through their archives, and David was surprised just how busy with events they were, especially in 2014, with excellent results at MG90 at Silverstone – oh, how we miss that – with Mick Thorpe winning first in ‘Post 1955’ class with his ZR, and Darren Porter winning his class in the Sprint with his MGF trophy.

Some of us have been self-isolating in our MGs. Your scribe took his Midget out for a run up into the Trough of Bowland in Lancashire – not visiting anywhere in particular – but stopping at an empty lay-by near a stream for a picnic lunch. It seemed a shame to waste the gorgeous weather we’ve had in Yorkshire.

Things are starting to ease a little now, so hopefully we can get out and about in our MGs soon.

President Alan Dakeyne poses for the Press at Harewood house in 2014

Members of Yorkshire’s 24/39 Group out and about in the sunshine in stunning scenery

MGs gather in sunshine June 2018 for the Canada Run round the airfields in the Vale Of York

MGBs at Yorkshire Gliding Club for Drive-it-day 2014

ULSTER Carol Willis 07831 345560 www.mgcculstercentre.co.uk carol.mgulster@hotmail.co.uk I trust you are all keeping well. Hopefully we will go on some sort of outing be it social or competitive in the not too distant future and, by George, we will enjoy it when it happens!

Brian Patterson’s T-type ‘a social lady’

84 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

During this change of life – phone somebody you won’t usually speak to and make their day. As they say ‘phone a friend’!

Also don’t forget to send me your rebuild stories and photos – eg, Terence, Mark and Patrick - Pen to paper please!

Some archival photos to bring back memories.

The Dark Hedges one Sunday

Richard McCracken battling with Noel’s P Special on a DWT

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JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 85

REGISTERS VINTAGE Rob Constant rob@littleabingdon.co.uk As I start scribbling these notes, it is rather appropriately June 10 2020 – the exact day of our 60th anniversary as a Register! Grateful for Editor Andy’s understanding of a few days leeway as it comes ‘hot on the heels’ of work for the Vintage Register Special Anniversary Bulletin, for which much thanks and praise should be directed towards our Editor (and Secretary) Debbie Brading. A truly excellent production against the backdrop of lockdown and I.T. gremlins, which, by great planning arrived also on this very day!

Happy Anniversary VR! Life would not be quite the same without you.

The Anniversary Bulletin tracks the history of the Register from inception and is peppered with lots of photos through the years, and acknowledges and thanks the many people involved in its story.

Some sadly now departed, but they live ever long in the memory.

Equally appropriately, we felt it was the perfect day to place a special invite on the Young Members Branch Facebook page to join the Vintage Register

TRIPLE M CATHELIJNE SPOELSTRA +31 (0)6 41216600 cathelijnespoelstra@outlook.com www.triple-mregister.org Stop press – another youngster aboard!

Facebook frequenters will have seen it already, but I thought it worth repeating here: Adam Forster turned 21 the other day and what did he get as a pressie from his father but his Grandad’s J2?! Grandad Forster bought the car as a pile of bits in about 2004, allowing five-year-old Adam to follow the process of the rebuild and ride in the finished product, witness the picture herewith taken in about 2008. On his demise in 2013, Grandad left the car to his son and now it has moved on to the third generation. A family treasure, young Adam has used J3611 from the moment he was tall enough to reach the pedals and is thus well acquainted with the car. Just like I appreciated my own Mum and Dad for giving me my Modern Midget for my 18th, I find this Dad’s gesture rather commendable. Something for more people to consider perhaps?! Of course, children

86 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

Facebook Group. Whilst momentarily looking back, we look forward! These guys and girls are our Club’s future and we should encourage and treasure their presence and sow as many thoughtseeds as possible. More on that another day.

As I write this, more gentle twists of the dial regarding ‘lockdown’ are happening to start to bring, little by little, some normality back to life. I’m sure many of you, like myself, cannot wait to be able to resume the more active enjoyment of our hobby. With this in mind, and with so much trouble in the world, let’s never forget that the cars are but the catalyst for the wonderful friendships they help produce. #marqueoffriendship.

This month’s photo is what would become acknowledged as the first ever meeting of the Vintage Register at the West Meon Hut, Petersfield.

The cars running left to right are Chris Barker’s famous 18/100 Tigress JB 855 during its ‘cyclops’ era, the MG Car Company-restored 18/80 Mk. I Speedmodel MG 1193 and Pat Tennant’s Mk. I Speedmodel MG 1214. By closely studying the photo, I had believed to have correctly identified three of the four gentlemen in the centre. Mike Ellman-Brown in characteristic peaked cap, Chris Barker and F. Wilson McComb with glasses and inclined head. But now, through the collective wisdom of the Vintage Register Facebook Group, one Mike Allison suggests that this is Mel Jones who would have brought along the University Motors Mk. I Speedmodel MG 1011, McComb bringing MG 1193.

Until next month, stay safe and remember to stay in touch as together we go through these changing times…

these days aren’t as handy as their Dads and Grandads who took apart anything mechanical the minute they could hold a spanner, when the current generation can’t even open up their iPads even if they wanted to for lack of screws, but that doesn’t mean there are no petrolheads being born anymore. I think the key is to involve them, and by that I don’t mean take them on rides, but hand them the driver’s seat! We obviously won’t win ’em all, but a few can be saved surely?

Apart from a little teaser in the shape of the other photograph, I’ll save some more snippets on J3611 for a later date, but in the meantime; happy belated birthday, Adam, and Safety Fast! for many years to come!

Stilton and Pork Pie Tour Unfortunately, the Register’s annual touring event is to be postponed to sometime next spring. Keep an eye out for updates.

During these odd times, people seem to be getting creative with their goodbyes, so here’s one I received the other day from Svend Algren (K-type owner from Denmark and somewhat of a speed devil) which I thought fitting: Keep the spirit up and the foot down!

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REGISTERS SVW Paul Campbell svw.safety.fast@gmail.com www.svwregister.co.uk Writing this at the end of May, the lockdown has been eased and it’s allowed to go for a spin in our old cars. I haven’t done so myself, as I took on some additional work on the VA with the time available; more on this when space allows.

Sadly, it’s looking very likely that the 2020 event in Battle will be cancelled. No one yet knows when or how the lockdown will be eased after June, but an event with many over 70s and overseas visitors involved is unlikely to be permitted. If the 2020 event is cancelled, those who booked and paid deposits will have their bookings and deposits carried over at the same hotel on the same dates in 2021. As this column is written some weeks ahead of publication, please visit our website and click on News or access our Facebook group via Links.

I’m very pleased to announce that our new professionally developed website was launched in early June. This has been a major effort involving

By kind permission of Charlotte Graham Photography

substantial investment and builds upon our previous website that was beginning to look a little stale. For a small Register, we think this is a great achievement. Please visit the new site (same URL as before), have a browse around and perhaps even drop us a line to say what you think.

The 2020 edition of The SVW Review is now with the printers and is a fascinating read with 52 pages of historical, technical and emotional content across the model range. Members of course receive this free of charge; non-members can purchase it via the Club shop.

VE day on May 8 was a chance to dress up and display our MGs. We did so ourselves with our neighbours whilst respecting social distancing and a very nice occasion it was. Some people took it to greater heights and the pinnacle must have been Jim and Su Boldry, who set a fantastic scene with their friends and neighbours with a backdrop of a Union Jack as large as their house! Everyone was dressed up in period, their well-known SA Saloon staged the scene and they brought in a professional photographer to record the occasion.

Well done, Jim and Su.

If you are still frustrated with nothing to do, here is something that you might like to try: build your own TC out of paper!

I will feature the completed model for you to view at some time in the future.

I was amazed – there is a whole world out there of paper crafting, with models of every imaginable subject you think of, just visit www.canon.com/c-park The problem with putting these notes together weeks before publication is that in these fast-moving times, one’s current understanding of the regulations, etc, can be overtaken by events. Many events, of all complexions and in all

spheres of activities, have been either cancelled or postponed which certainly applies to us.

Bearing this in mind, the T Register Autumn tour in September is still scheduled to go ahead, with all participants having been apprised of the situation.

As reported in the last issue, the European Event of the Year, scheduled to take place in Wurzburg, Germany in August, has now been moved to the same time and place in 2021.

Here is another photo of T Types, this time lined up at the T Register’s tour to the Ardennes in 2008.

In the meantime, keep healthy and Safety Fast!

T TYPE PAUL PLUMMER 01926 854574 scribe@tregister.org As I sit in my garden (which is tidier than it’s ever been!) writing these notes in the most glorious sunshine, I am rueing the lost opportunities to be out and about in our MGs. My ‘to-do list’ has been done. I have sifted through all my photos and uploaded some of them to the main Club’s photographic competition. I’ve even tried my hand at virtual Table-Top Rallying, which has certainly challenged my map reading skills!

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JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 87

REGISTERS Y TYPE Jerry Birkbeck 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325 birkbeckjerry@gmail.com www.mgccyregister.co.uk Welcome to the Y Register monthly notes... this time it’s for July, just in case you had forgotten the time of day, month or even year during this most odd time we are living through.

More than just ‘odd’ but very worrying.

However, with the relaxing of some lockdown controls (correct as I write this at the beginning of June… though no doubt a changing feast) I have noticed not only online but also on the roads that an increasing number of classics are on the road.

Especially so in May when we had five weeks of wall-to-wall sunshine!

I was unable to take the YT out as the engine needs major work following a sickening oil loss on the way home from the Isle of Man in September.

After much deliberation I decided to follow up a spread in the June issue of Safety Fast! by Classic and Sportscar- Essex which outlined all their services and offered a free collection and delivery service. The car was duly picked up on the second Monday of the month.

It was pleasing to note that when I posted details on our Facebook page that amongst others Mark Hanson, who has successfully driven from Scotland to Monte Carlo in his YB on the last two occasions of the Historic Monte Rally, commented that he had used their services for the rebuild of both of his YB engines and was pleased with the outcome. More details in the future.

activities, some of which I highlighted last month.

Several are carrying out major work on their Ys, whilst others are just doing regular services. There are undoubtedly a number who are actively using their cars for a diverse range of functions. It would be fascinating to find out if any are using their Ys in a community role as part of dealing with Covid-19. If you have then please forward me any photos and a brief few lines for future publication I have found a few photos of Y events from the past and here are a couple which may be of some interest.

These include a very unusual radiator motif and the end of the MG Octagon CC Wings Run at Millets Farm, near Abingdon.

So, what have you been doing?

I have seen several of you have been undertaking a range of

MGB David Broadhurst 01209 614704 newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org www.mgb-register.org Your Committee held a virtual meeting using Zoom on Saturday June 30. Much discussion and much waiting for this lockdown to ease when it is safe. Meanwhile events are cancelled or postponed. Watch this space.

I have had several members contact me about oil filters and oil pressure and I will return to this topic in the August issue. Being unable to report on events, we can turn our attention to things mechanical. Talking of things mechanical, I used my MGB to carry out a mission of mercy recently – and on coming home was listening to a new rattling noise from the front of the engine… coolant level is OK, oil pressure OK, fan belt slipping (got a spare), or is it the water pump bearing? Hey ho, something else to sort out then. Take care!

Mike Barclay sent in the following for your edification and perusal…

88 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

Perishing rubbers We all suffer from things shrinking and perishing with age! My MGB is no exception to this, now 46 years old all the rubber components are showing signs of age. Recently, while under the car doing an oil change, I noticed the pads sandwiching the front cross member to the body were showing the dried and split characteristic of aging rubber.

So, decision made, replace the pads. On paper the job looked simple: order new polyurethane pads (four upper and four lower), jack up the car and support on axle stands, put a jack under the cross member then undo the four larger nuts in the engine compartment, tap out the bolts and lower the cross member just sufficiently to gain access to the pads. Uhh, no. The rear bolts were easy and came straight out; however removal of the front bolts required access to the spring turret. Not difficult but involved removing lots of nuts and bolts to disconnect the lower wishbone arms, antiroll bar and finally removing the road springs. Having gone this far I decide to go the extra mile and completely remove the cross member and give it a makeover. This involved a little extra work to disconnect the steering rack (Supported on a bungee round the water pump

pulley), brake hydraulics and track rod ends. I sent the cross member along with the lower wishbone components for shot blasting and powder coating in satin black, ready for the big meccano exercise of reassembling. Was it worth it? I haven’t had much chance to use the car since lockdown but did drive the car to the supermarket. First impressions are that it seems much tighter and the rattle through the steering column over rough surfaces has disappeared, so well worth the effort.

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REGISTERS MIDGET Chris Hale c.hale1962@btinternet.com www.midgetregister.com With the lockdown still in place your Committee embraced modern technology and, like many other MGCC CRBs, has used Zoom to hold its May meeting.

Register President and Historian Denis Wharf has again been digging into his personal archives and brings us the following story: Being particularly interested in MG Midgets, at the April MGCC Brands Hatch race meeting in 1972 I couldn’t help but be impressed by an immaculate Blaze modsports car, for not only was it superbly prepared, it was pretty damn quick, too, little realising at the time how owner/driver

May Zoom meeting

MGC Mike Haughton mgc_mike@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/mgc-register/ Firstly, and most importantly, we hope that all of our Register members are keeping well and using the time wisely to attend to a few of those jobs that you’ve been meaning to carry out on the car.

At the time of writing these notes we still don’t know when any events can take place, but it may be that we can arrange something in September – it may only be a small event, but it will be nice to have some sort of gathering of Cs somewhere in 2020. We will let you know in due course!

Following on from Vic’s list of spares in the classified section of June Safety Fast! here’s a reminder that Vic is available for technical advice if needed. Vic has been our Technical Guru since time immemorial – he can be contacted on 01737 551141 or email vjyoung@btconnect.com. If phoning please be respectful of the time of day, especially if calling from overseas.

And another reminder in that we have a comprehensive (and secure) database of MGC

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Malcolm Beer would become a lifelong chum who has sorted out my MGs ever since.

Having enjoyed success at the wheel of both Jacobs coupés the family own, but not wanting to modify either to remain competitive, Malcolm decided to build a new modsports car over the winter of 1969/70, based on a MkI quarter elliptic shell, chosen for the knowledge gained from the coupés. While still refining this new car he enjoyed an epic battle with Ernie Foster and John Butler at the May 1970 MGCC Silverstone race meeting, finishing third with less than two seconds covering all three.

That result, however, was just a sign of what was to come, for learning about modsports and improving all through the following year, the 1972 season would see the Blaze Midget dominate. From 22 meetings Malcolm came away with 26 awards, winning the MGCC Speed Championship by a huge margin, added to which was a class win in the Silverstone Sprint Championship, and also, despite just two starts, finishing 7th in the national Chevron Oils vehicle production details and history covering a large number of our cars. If you need some history on your car, our Registrars Barrie and Ginny may well be able to help - contact them by email: barriecartmell@me.com and/or ginnycartmell@ btinternet.com For 2021 the Register is planning to produce a wall calendar featuring some of our wonderful cars. We need your pictures, so have a shufty through your photo album and let’s see what you’ve got.

1) Photos must feature an MGC in some way and should have preferably been taken within the past 3 years. Photos must have been taken by the entrant.

2) Pictures must be high resolution, of printable quality and a minimum of 1Mb. 3) Minimal editing is allowed, but anything too outrageous in the opinion of the judges will not be considered – no photoshopped MGC’s on the moon!

4) By entering you give permission for the MG Car Club/MGC Register to use your picture for marketing/promotional/publishing purposes in print and social media. The copyright will remain with the photographer.

Championship. Not bad for a car which remained pretty standard when compared to much of the opposition.

For 1974 he bought Richard Jenvey’s supercharged Midget in which he wasn’t quite as successful, but then stepped up to his Glacier White class D 3900cc MGB GTV8, for which he is best known, winning many hundreds of awards at the wheel of this car. Malcolm still owns his Championship-winning Blaze Midget, and the two Jacobs coupés, plus of course the V8, to this day.

Please keep your stories and updates coming and I will try to include these in the notes and/ or on the Register microsite at www.mgcc.co.uk/ midget-register/ Please send your photos to mgc_photos@ gmx.co.uk. The deadline for entries is September 30 2020.

Happy ‘C’ Motoring.

Colin Howes

Braving the cold – One of the few Cs venturing out at the Register Christmas Dinner 2019 JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 89

REGISTERS V8 Victor Smith 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net Overhauling a fuse box Jim Livingstone found the reliability of the fuse box remained an issue and it increasingly looked like the fuse box had exceeded its serviceable life.

Anxious to retain some originality in the engine compartment, a replacement claiming to be a genuine Lucas part was purchased. On receipt the critical fuse to holder contact was checked in each position. This proved to be very inconsistent, varying from satisfactory to downright loose. It is difficult to confirm the fit in individual holders and he decided to disassemble the box and check them more thoroughly.

Using long-nose pliers Jim was able to bend each holder blade until the opening gap is approximately 1.5 mm. See a detailed step-by-step article via a link on our ‘More’ page.

E10 fuel and water With the extended lay-up of many classic cars because of the lockdown, concerns over moisture

FWD Ben Hatton ben2692@hotmail.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk/fwd-register/ Josephine – World Traveller! Part I The first car I ever drove growing up in Oxfordshire was my mum’s Morris 1100 and since then I’ve always had a soft spot for the ADO16 model. My dad worked at the Cowley plant and so I was brainwashed into BMC and BL cars from an early age!

When I moved to New Zealand in 2015 and was looking to buy a classic, I couldn’t resist when a Mark 1 MG 1100 popped up on TradeMe… the Kiwi equivalent of eBay. At 56,000 miles from new and hardly any rust, I had to have the car!

The climate here is very kind to cars and so there

First Meeting! Still with the previous owner’s personalised number plate 90 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

getting into fuel in tanks may arise. Tony Lake notes E10 fuel is very mildly hygroscopic but not enough to worry about. Pure ethanol is hygroscopic and will absorb moisture from the air. Water is miscible with the ethanol in E10 fuel, it will dissolve readily in it, but E10 is poor at plucking moisture out of the air. It is commonly reported that E10 will absorb moisture vapour from humid air in a fuel tank with vague nasty consequences. That cannot happen quickly enough to generate a damaging quantity of water. BP say that the ethanol they use is not hygroscopic but is miscible with water, more of which can be harmlessly dissolved by E10 than E5, in this state there is no risk of corrosion.

During a long term lay-up with a full fuel tank, the only source of water is a very small amount from the steel walls of the tank caused by condensation of moisture from any air trapped in the tank at the last fill. That happened with E0, too. E10 has the same corrosion inhibitors found in E0. It’s good to know if a V8 is stored in a lay-up for a time.

Absorption of moisture from the air by E10 or E5 is a myth. If the ethanol in E10 is ever saturated with water and the temperature drops low enough the water/ethanol solution will drop out and collect in the bottom of the tank. The remaining fuel is are quite a large number of survivors of the many British models that were imported. After around 1980 there were only small numbers imported and so, although not unknown, Metros, Maestros and Montegos are a rare sight over here.

The 1100/1300 range was particularly popular. When you meet people on the street in Christchurch NZ you get just as many “ooh it was my first car”, “ooh my auntie had one” and “ooh I learned to drive on one of those” sort of comments as you would in Christchurch, Dorset.

To support the economy and to provide more local jobs, the tax regime at the time meant that it was cheaper to assemble cars in New Zealand and include a percentage of NZ content and so several of the large dealers had assembly plants, where knock-down (CKD) kits were brought from the UK and assembled here.

Dominion Motors, the main Morris dealer, saw the 1100 as a big winner and so in 1963 local Morris Minor production was stopped

then low on oxygenate and therefore low in octane number. Most unlikely unless water is poured into the fuel tank deliberately.

On our ‘More’ page read “Fuel for Thought”, first published in the Spring 2013 issue of Motoring Classics by BMH Ltd (Witney) (thanks for permission from Gordon Bruce Associates) and copies of the reports on E10 from EPA (the US Environmental Protection Agency) and Mercury Marine. See our ‘More’ page at www.v8register. net/more.htm so that they could concentrate on the new ADO16 model. Austin, Morris, Riley and Wolseley variants were all assembled in NZ. But strangely MG, Vanden Plas and later the 1300 GT were not. So it was that my car rolled off the production line in the UK in October 1964 and was immediately shipped across the world, being first registered in Auckland in January 1965. The original owner lived only about a mile away from my house and was called Josephine… hence the name of the car, which seemed to suit her. She is in the common two-tone arrangement of Old English White and Sandy Beige, a lovely MG, but didn’t come without a problem or two… to be continued.

Andrew Dyer

Relaxing by the beach St Heliers, NZ www.mgcc.co.uk

REGISTERS ZR/ZS/ZT JOHN THOMPSON 01702 298866 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister Since last month’s notes there have been a number of developments regarding some of our events. Due to the ongoing uncertainty of our current situation the MGF Register have announced that they are postponing their MGF 25 celebrations until July next year. Having carefully considered the factors involved, we have decided to cancel MG Saloon Day for 2020 as well.

Instead we will be concentrating on our own 20th anniversary event, Zed 20, which will take place late summer/autumn next year.

Last month we announced that we had decided not to attend the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show at the NEC over the weekend of Friday 7-Sunday 9 August. Since we made that decision, we have been notified

by Clarion Events that they have cancelled this event completely for 2020. The show is planned

The MG Trophy 170 ZRs battle it out at Donnington in 2019. Photo: Chris Phillips

to take place next March as usual. You will have read elsewhere that, despite the best efforts of the Club and with the continuing public health advice from the government, MGLive! has been postponed indefinitely for this year. The focus will now be on planning for the 2021 event.

Motorsport UK has announced that motor sport can recommence from July 4. This means that the two-day race meeting planned for

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Further race meetings are planned for September 5-6 at Snetterton and October 3 at Oulton Park. For further information please visit www.mgcc.co.uk/motorsport

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JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 91

CLASSIFIEDS How to Advertise

Members can advertise their cars free of charge in Safety Fast! The cost for non members is £20. The advert will also be posted on the Club website in due course. To place an advert in Safety Fast! please email colingrant@mgcc.co.uk with an attached photo of your car, details of your car, your contact details, price of your car, area where you live and membership number. Please keep your advert to 70 words, the editor reserves the right to edit longer adverts.

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

MG ZTT 160 Tourer

Zircon Silver, Petrol, Manual with roof rack & Monaco half leather seating.

Registered September 2001. Current private reg plate will be removed. Mileage 135,556. One owner from new. Full service history available. MOT’d until October 2020. Clutch replaced 131,667 miles. Camshaft timing belts & auxiliary belts replaced 129,824 miles. £1,000 Death of owner prompts this private sale.

Email anneoakes@btconnect. com Tel. 01373 474652 evenings. (Somerset)

MARTIN MARTIN SMITH SMITH

www.martinsmithmgspares.co.uk

The MG specialists for MGF-MGTF-MG3-MG6

MARTIN SMITH

1953 MGTD

Black with red leather interior. 1250cc litre engine. Unleaded, 5 speed overdrive gearbox. Condition 2. £22,500.00. Contact Chris on 07976 625454 or Email: cggreatbatch@gmail.com (North Worcestershire)

1937 MG TA

Very good condition. Chassis number TA1734. British Racing Green. Green leather upholstery. Restored in 1989 by previous owner. Mileage since restoration 5012. Seller owned since 2006 and serviced annually by Classic Car Specialist.

Black Tonneau cover and two other covers. MOT’d annually in July despite exemption. Extra photos are available on request by email. Large history file dating back to 1988, including restoration photos. £35,000 ono. Contact Mike on 07763459185 or email: mike_simmonds@btinternet.com (Suffolk)

This car has been heavily adapted for racing and hill climbing with a race prepared MGB 1800 engine tuned to give 125bhp and an MGB gearbox with overdrive which functions very well. It has a substantial roll cage welded in, Cobra racing seats and TR6 wheels. The body work is in good condition and everything is working well. Garaged and history. £12,995 ONO. Mike on 07747465364 mnhcrawford@gmail.com (Surrey)

Pull handle Green, Road expires Oct power steer 12v battery SS exhaust, ignition, Mo er sports se cherished n ono. For ful (West Berks

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 door speakers, and veneer cracks on door cappings, hence only £15,500.

Detailed photos available. 01622 844648 (Mid Kent)

Bronze, 17000 miles, number 245 of 420, MOT Feb 2021. New DAB Bluetooth Kenwood stereo. Recent respray, new alloys, new brakes, new front tyres, engine overhaul, revotec electric fan, K&N filters, carbs serviced, new triple AAA needles, castle rails underneath and body is solid no rust. Heritage certificate. Superb condition, £12,000.

Contact, Peter 07768905298, or email peter.cobb@btconnect.com

MG ZR

1800 bcc, u water pump Seam welde ZR 160 big f discs. PG1 g LSD. OMP m winged sea tinguisher w braces front Full length W £5,000.00. F on 01964 54

Unfinished member, ca 01833 6600 beckside.41

1980 MGB LE Roadster

92 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

1964 M

1957 MG Magnette ZB

Quality new and used spares.

Car trimmers/upholstery.

MG car sales and MG repair service

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

1950 M

British Racin upholstery, Restored in upgrades, v blogspot.co speed gearb ble) and ser and comfor Scotland to £21,795. E-m dbassc@tis (West Yorks

2014 MG3

70K mostly m/way mileage. Full dealer service history. MOT until Aug 2020.

Good Condition, non smoker, female club member owner. Only selling as have MGF. Totally reliable and more economical than you might have read.

Offers invited above £3K. Tel,. 07975639997 or 01844-351418. (Oxfordshire)

www.mgcc.co.uk

is Au

adster

BARRY WALKER

Estd.1968

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

British Motor Heritage approved

1932 ‘F’ Magna 6 cyl. ROLLING CHASSIS. An ideal basis to build an F2 two seater or even a special. Chassis, axles, brakes, wheels, diff., prop., radiator, shaft & bulkhead… £11,750.

I do have engines (F/L/N) and gearboxes for those with bigger budgets, but this is a starter project.

LATEST NEWS FOR PRE-WAR MG OWNERS * Complete N engine for sale – everything incl. carbs ..................... £9,500 * Good used 12” cable brake sets per corner ..................................... £300 * V. rare L1 4-set hood fame (try making this!) .................................... £425 * J/F/L radiator – v.g.c ......................................................................... £550 * J2 Radiator shell – good ................................................................... £350 * Set J2/L2/F2 w/screen supports / B nuts, etc ................................... £275 * MMM shock absorbers complete set (4)...................................Just £350 * MMM handbrake cross shaft complete ............................................. £550 * N cylinder block needs repair ........................................................... £385 * J2 bonnet complete, good ................................................................ £350 * TA/C wheels (4) excellent, 19” ................................................... £85 each * 4 speed M type geabox also fits J2 ............................................... £1,850 * PIN front engine/dynamo housing .................................................... £295 • JUST IN: An almost complete J2 engine, needs only dynamo & s/motor & carbs ................................................................................................... £5,550 • Coming Soon – complete rolling PB chassis on way from NZ including masses of P type spares. Advise your needs.

• SUPERCHARGERS. 4 cyl & 6 cyl, side mounted complete installations in stock, incl. choice of carb (nose mounted installations to order only).

• Back shortly solid centre, twin ‘o’ ring main/reserve fuel taps for all MMM models & TA/B

1934 MG PA 2-SEAT SPORTS. 10938 MB TA SPORTS. This stunning MG restoration is an all-matching Nos. car with 900cc A slightly older restoration than some we offer, but purchased because of Phoenix cranked engine by Baynton Jones. Completely restored its really sound, honest condition. It’s for the man who wants a pre-war from the chassis-up at enormous expense backed up by a fully MG with nice patina, but very well maintained with o/hauled mechanics documented history & invoice file. I can’t fault the engineering or the that are giving reliable and v.sporty performance... £27,500 originality… £46,500 ovno.

Plinth mounted aero screens NEW PARTS * New pattern headlamp s/guards * Just in: 12” cable brake sets * Early D/F/J door locks/strikers * Battery cradles Now that the MMM inventory * K3 quick release filler caps * 2-seater hood frames is practically back up to our * Lucas type ‘160’ rear view mirrors RH/LH * Radiator tie – red ends earlier catalogue levels, we are * Pr. ‘Hobson’ telegauges * Bonnet stop domes going to bring back our TA/B/C * P/N/TA/B/C bonnet catches * P/N & L/K water pumps spares service. As well as all * All models – bonnet & door handles, locks & strikers * Instrument cluster panels the everyday needs we have * Fully rebuilt MMM & T type dynamos & starter * Instrumental rhombic panels restocked (electrical, dash, motors * 4 cyl. spare plug holders * Bonora style filler caps * K3/Q front wing stays & fittings suspension, cosmetics) we have * ‘Divers helmet’ dashlamps (all types) * Mushroom wing bolds a growing stock of rarer used * J2 aerofoil wing stays (upper & lower) * 3 part/double buckle bonnet straps parts, so do ask if you own a TA, * TA/B/C Br. Jaeger water temp. gauges * ‘DOG BONE’ petrol caps B, C car.

This is only a fraction of what we carry – please * MG CAR Co. sill plates ask – we may have it * MG crested grab handles • We offer many parts for T/Q

CALLING ALL TA/B/C OWNERS

SECONDHAND PARTS * Pr. 11/8” L/K/N orig SU carbs * TA Rev counter with clock (restored) * D/F/J/L/P friction shock absorbers * D/F Horn stack * Pr. Rebuilt 16” wheels with new tyres * Pr. P/K/N choke/idle rods & knobs

* Fully restored differentials (many ratios) for all MM & T type * Pr. F/J/P 1” OM series carbs * Bronze clutch bearing carriers * Almost every type of steering wheel. Many cord strung * ORIG. factory PAYEN gasket sets * Hubs &half shafts (together)

builds incl. wing stays, cycle wings, gauges, exhausts, brake drums and bucket seats.

• A large quantity of used TA engine & g’box spares, bodywork and rebuilt differentials.

• TA/B/C wire mesh radiator grilles.

Phone with VISA or MASTERCARD for immediate despatch as we can process these payments in house.

Bank transfers also acceptable but can take longer to obtain confirmation at the present time

Tel: 01789 400181

Mob: 07836 244103

Email: barry@barrywalker.com

Web: www.barrywalker.com

MGA Twin Cam Coupewww.mgmecca.co.uk

n having Owned since 1969. Well known to MGCC. Tel: +44 (0) 1953 717618 Fax: (0) 1953 717850 other Matching numbers. Original Mineral Blue Racing with pale grey Connolly hide on De Luxe enquiries@mgsforsale.com www.mgsforsale.com or. She has seats. Body-off 10,000 miles ago. Almost h are in everything renewed. Built for modern ole interior. traffic. 1762cc TC engine, Barwell head, whole MGB overdrive gbox and diff. Most very original bits included. £29,000 ono.

MGBCGT Roadster 1965 Rebuilt Heritage MG 1968 AUTOMATIC OlderonNut & Bolt Restored 1967 Mk1 MGB Roadster derneath Email: jfarrington999@gmail.comMGA Twin Cam Coupe Shell (EAL334C) 90’s rebuild excellent on a Mineral (RWD628G) MG CGTmid 1968, automatic, The car is in excellent condition having Owned since 1969. Well known to MGCC. ate. She Heritage Shell, chrome bumpers, overdrive, Blue coachwork with nicely mellowed original Black 2016Original MG6Mineral GT diesel been cared for by myself and other Matching numbers.

Blue . The car original interior pressed wheels, niceleather colour leather trim,steel original genuine bound MGC Facelift model. owners over the years. British Racing with pale grey Connolly hideTop-of-the on De Luxerange TL enquiries@mgsforsale.com www.mgsfo enlow fan 1975 MGB ROADSTER Blaze, black leather 1969 MGC Mineral Blue, grey leather trim. Chrome combination of Old English White engine coachwork steering wheel, nicely detailed compartment Green with black leatherservo, interior.

She hood. has Fullseats. model.

1.9miles turbo diesel.

48,000 miles 10 10,000 ago.

Almost trim. O/drive, mohair rebuildBody-off a wires.

Overdrive.

Totally restored by ourselves nal. A truly with recent leather trim, door green pipingfew on years the seats which in history.everything housing theRed smooth 3.0interior litre engine idealcards with the Borg ago with full are pictorial Moto-Lita years ago.

Superb car in superb Lovely (daily driver mileage willcondition. increase) 18” renewed.

Builtsofor modern engineering. steering Super interior. condition and traffic. ready for engine Unleaded rebuilt engine.

Bespoke grey and carpeting, fullygearbox fitted quality carpeted boot, superb condition as wheel. is the whole Warner automatic making this particularly rare 1762cc TCbay. engine, Barwell head, alloys, red bumper inserts.

MoT’d until summer. 1975 MGB Roadster £6,495.00 trim, leather seats. A fine restored and very well The walnut dashboard lifts the whole wood rim steering wheel, etc. history file formed part of a collection of a deceased model an ideal classic today, thisSmall vehicle apparently MGB overdrive gbox and diff. Most June 2020. discs and pads as well looked after carRecent £27,995.00 87265cabin. Body and paintwork are very with documentary of the original bits included. £29,000 ono. interior, satestate, on inspectionevidence one can see the quality of theAUTOMATIC rebuild fromOlder a number yearsRestored ago and as new tyres.

Full leather MGnew CGTshell, 1968 Nut &ofBolt m strong with no rust and the underneath engine rebuild etc. little miles in very the last years, cherished by previous ownersMineral and a Email: jfarrington999@gmail.com with likely little miles since is still freshfew in appearance, just automatic, arrived £24,950.00 nav, Bluetooth connectivity. Full service (RWD628G) MG CGT 1968, excellent is sound. Engine bay immaculate. She drive, just arrived. £15,950.00 history – serviced by SAIC Motor 2016 UK Tech-MG6 delightful Blue coachwork with nicely mellowed original Black GT diesel was restored in the late 1990s. The car MG BGT 1972 (LLF951K) nical Centre. In good condition. Spacious, leather interior MG trim,BGT, original genuine leather bound MGC Facelift model. Top-of-the rangeLast TL Owner 37 Years has electronic ignition and a Kenlow fan MG BGT 1975 Factory V8 (JWN602P) MG BGT last owner 37 years, chrome bumpers, overdrive, economical engaging modern MG. £6500 steering wheel, nicely detailed engine compartment model.

1.9 turbo1972, diesel.

48,000 miles MG TF 85th fitted other2010 than that an original.

A truly V8 Factory car, 1975, Rubber model, 5smooth chrome Rostyle wheels, AquaBumper coachwork now requiring ono. Call Adam on 07530734044(daily driver so mileage housing the 3.0 litre engine ideal with the Borg will increase) 18” Anniversary One of only 50 ever stunning example of 1960 sEdition.

British engineering. speed gearbox, with original some improvement but coachwork a very solidWarner vehicle indeed with a automatic gearbox making this particularly rare alloys, red bumper inserts.

MoT’dBlack until built, full leather Based in Sevenoaks. £12,995seats, air con, heated Black cloth interior a structurally nice original feel and appearance, originalsound style navy cloth June 2020. Recent discs and pads as trim, well glass rear Twist of Pepper alloy Call 07930491027 or window, 01732 887265 example with only satsomeengine tlc required gold seal fitted notably mid 80’sonand drives as new tyres. Fullinterior leathertrim, interior, wheels, wind stop, hood cover, full size email: walkermr20@gmail.com 1960 MGA 1600 COUPE Iris Blue, blue leather trim, 1962 MIDGET MK1 Almond Green, Shadow Green top seams, good performing coupled nav, Bluetooth connectivity.

Full service delightfully, history file V8 withengine original documentation spare wheel and thecarrare toolkit arm rest.

Fully restored fromMGTF bare shell, everything trim, grey roof. Totally immaculate. Totally restored tobytheSAIC speed making it a joyfrom to drive, history Motor Techto5the 80’s,gearbox aUK plethora of invoices renowned specialists Brian Brown Classics & B restored or replaced.

Fully MGTF rechromed, all new trim, car, probably the best MK1 available! Restored by– servicedback This edition is the only to every bare shell repaint. New wings. Boot carpets, boot rack. ourselves in 1992 and still looks like it’s just vehicle has been in long term hibernation andmot’s was etc. etc. just arrived £5,950.00 nicalbeen Centre. In good condition.

Spacious, Hive, original Unipart Gold Seal papers, old have mechanical modification withconversion done. Immaculate underside, detailed engine bay, Unleaded rebuilt engine.

5 speed gearbox economical engaging £6500 part ofmodern a qualityMG. classic car collection from a deceased estate, recently recommissioned, 4 new for effortless touring.

Superb car,tolast owner sinceMG interiorTF trim etc.

Original spec, down to original wheels.

2010 85th factory uprated suspension make this Call Adam on 07530734044 r tyres and will be supplied with new 12 month mot for peace of mind, just arrived £14,750.00 1973! Would cost in excess of £60k to restore MGA Period steering wheel.

Drives like new.ono.

Unique Anniversary Edition.

One of only 50 ever the best driving MGTF every produced.

Coupe like this. £32,995.00 opportunity to aquire a very rare car. £18,995.00 ar has built, full leather seats, con, heated (would cost wellair over £40-50k to restore now!).

Only 26000 miles £8,995.00. restoration glass rear window, Twist of Pepper alloy URGENTLY WANTED Tel: Alan on 07799 717007 or well and wheels, wind stop, hood cover, full size email: motorfan@hotmail.co.uk n it over spare wheel and the rare MGTF toolkit (Fleet Hampshire) rot in This edition is the only MGTF to every ecently MGmodification A 1600with have mechanical e used in factory uprated suspension to make In good condition, builtthis 1961. On the MkII MGB roadster ANY CONDITION the best driving MGTF with aRed with black interior. The car has tacho are every 58’000produced. miles. It has EU approvOnly 26000 miles £8,995.00. liftingundergone the al papers (before this it was approved hours of bodywork restoration SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF OUR STOCK Tel: Alan on in07799 717007 The or power of the motor has a sports Switzerland) which is holding up extremely well and email: motorfan@hotmail.co.uk g and has shehad over1954 is 79 PS and had be changed to lead £10,000 spent over MG TF, Red, on tan ittrim.

Chrome wires. 5 speed 1976 MG MIDGET 1500 British Racing Green, Autumn o. the past fewgearbox Alloy history fiHampshire) le. Leaf free petrol.

Theoncar black withrenewed a beige trim.

Everything thisiscar has been or years.conversion.

No rust or rotrocker in cover. Large(Fleet Excellent condition. Last owner many years. Very well refurbished. All new trim. Over £12,000 spent on parts Do not confuse the above vehicles with cheaper inferior quality models offered elsewhere. Part exchange interor.

It’s inofahours. goodImmaculate condition. or mobile the car. The cared engine has been recently for and sorted car, drives superbly and used for alone, plus 1000’s insideMG and outA 1600 any make of Motor Car with generous allowances. Discounted cash purchases. Viewing by appointment only The wheel is on the left£18,995.00 side of the continental touring.toChrome bootinrack. Original steering and underneath!

Fantastic value. rebuilt allowing unleaded be used In car. good condition, built 1961.

On the please (available evenings & weekends) no obligation to purchase. All our vehicles carry a warranty, have an Lovely useable period motoring. £27,995.00 MOT and are areItfully fully serviced prior to to collection/delivery. collection/delivery.

Price 38’000 Euro or £34’200 GBP. Theare 58’000 interior refreshed with a m the car. The wheel.

MOT and prior tacho miles. hasserviced EU approvcar has to be picked from France.alPhone new dashboard and doorcards lifting the papers (before this it was approved Barry Walker June 20.indd 1 18/05/2020 10:31 0033 389 89 40 56 or Email: in Switzerland) The power of the motor whole feel of the car. The car has a sports exhaust which sounds amazing and she francoise@bignens.org is 79 PS and had be changed to lead e www.mgcc.co.uk JULY SAFETY goes very well. £10999.00. ono. free petrol. The car is black with a beige Tel: +44 (0) 1953 717618 Fax:2020 (0) 1953 717850 FAST! 93 interor. It’s in a good condition.

Please call 1960 on 01732MGA 887265 1600 or mobileMk 1 L/H/D. complete body off rebuild.

The wheel is on the left side of the car.

07930 491027. finished in old english white with black Price 38’000 Euro or £34’200 GBP. The Email: walkermr20@gmail.com

01707 876089

07831 556666

01707 876089

07831 556

URGENTLY WANTED

ANY ANY MG MG

ANY ANY YEAR YEAR ANY CONDITION

www.mgsforsale.com www.mgmecca.co.uk

How to Advertise

Members can advertise their cars free of charge in Safety Fast! The cost for non members is £20. The advert will also be posted on the Club website in due course. To place an advert in Safety Fast! please email colingrant@mgcc.co.uk with an attached photo of your car, details of your car, your contact details, price of your car, area where you live and membership number. Please keep your advert to 70 words, the editor reserves the right to edit longer adverts.

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

1953 MGTD

Black with red leather interior. 1250cc litre engine. Unleaded, 5 speed overdrive gearbox. Condition 2. £22,500.00. Contact Chris on 07976 625454 or Email: cggreatbatch@gmail.com (North Worcestershire)

• MGB restored was chosen

by Oxford Automobile Model • MGBwe we restored was chosen

by Oxford Automobile Model Company Company Failing Failing 6v batteries?

6v batteries?

• Servicing and Work • Servicing andMOT MOT Work 1937 MG TA Fit Manor Garages MG ZTT 160 Tourer Fit Manor Garages • Sill Replacement Restoration Very good condition. twin 12v conversion.Chassis number • Sill Replacement Restoration Zircon Silver, Petrol, Manual roof • Professionally Spot with Welded twin 12v conversion.

British Racing Green. Green StillTA1734.

12v but with double the rack•&Professionally half leather seating.

Spot Welded capacity.

FitsStill existing boxes,double leather upholstery.

Restored in 1989 •Monaco Gearbox rebuilds we have a 12vbattery but with the by Registered September 2001.reverse Current with minimal extra wiring.

Reliable battery stock of 4rebuilds synchro previous owner.

Mileage since restoracapacity.

Fits existing boxes, • Gearbox we have a private reg plate willare becurrently removed. power after your owned MG has since 2006 and gears that not Mile- starting tion 5012.

Seller with minimal extra stock of 4owner synchro reverse parked up.

KIT £195 + vat.wiring. Reliable age 135,556.

One from new.

Full beenserviced available annually by Classic Car Specialist. starting power after your MG has that are currently servicegears available.

MOT’d untilnot •history Engine rebuilds Black Tonneau cover and two other been parked up. KIT £195 + vat.

October available • 2020.

WiringClutch loomsreplaced fitted 131,667 covers. MOT’d annually in July despite miles. Camshaft timing belts & auxiliary exemption. Extra photos are available • Very large stock of new parts • Engine rebuilds belts replaced 129,824 miles. £1,000 on request by email. Large history file • 27 Years in Business • Wiring looms fitted Death of owner prompts this private sale. dating back to 1988, including restoration Email anneoakes@btconnect. com CAR Tel. CLASSIC • Very large stock of new parts photos. £35,000 ono. Contact Mike on 01373 474652 evenings. KEYS (Somerset) CUT 07763459185 or email: • 27 Years in Business WHILE YOU WAIT mike_simmonds@btinternet.com (Suffolk)

1950 MGTD

British Racing green with tan leather upholstery, hood and half tonneau.

Restored in 2017 with many sensible upgrades, view on http://davesuniblog. blogspot.com/ Drives very well with 5 speed gearbox (original parts still available) and servo brakes and is very reliable and comfortable. Recently took part in Scotland to Goodwood run £21,795. E-mail for further details to dbassc@tiscali.co.uk or Tel:07940 376082 (West Yorkshire)

1963 MGB Roadster

1964 MGB ROADSTER

2003 MGZR 160

Pull handle MK1 model. British Racing Green, Road Tax and MOT exempt. MOT expires Oct 2020. 2.0 balanced engine, power steering, 5 speed gearbox, single 12v battery, new chrome wires and tyres, SS exhaust, DD hood, alloy rad, electronic ignition, Moto- Lita steering wheel, leather sports seats with headrests. Includes cherished number plate DXZ 771. £13,750 ono. For full CV contact 07966-132295.

(West Berks)

EST’D

1989 1957 MG Magnette ZB

MG GEARBOX AXLE DIFFERENTIAL OVERDRIVE SPECIALISTS

This car has been heavily adapted for racing and hill climbing with a race prepared MGB 1800 engine tuned to give MG RV8 125bhp and an MGB gearbox with overOVERHAUL – REPAIR1994 – EXCHANGE UK car in Racing Green, firstUNITS regd 1994, drive which functions very well. It has FULLroll WORKSHOP FITTING SERVICE reg. mark B16 (“BIG”)AVAILABLE MGR. Owned last a substantial cage welded in, Cobra 15yrsby and always garaged. R380 gearbox. racing seatsAll and TR6 wheels.carried The body work out time-served Spax dampers. 62,000 miles. FSH. work is in good condition and everything BMC/BL engineers Fresh MoT. Near perfect exterior and is working well. Garaged and history.

Order Service New hood. Good interior £12,995 ONO. Mike onWorldwide 07747465364 Mailmechanicals.

Visit our ebay shop and website products and details but nofor door speakers, and veneer cracks mnhcrawford@gmail.com (Surrey) door cappings, Unit 9, Shopwhyke Industrial Centre Ton 01243 782671 hence only £15,500. photos available. 01622 844648 Shopwhyke Road, Chichester EDetailed heathrowtransmissions@gmail.com Kent) West Sussex PO20 2GD w(Mid heathrowtransmissions.co.uk

NEW MGB Baulk Rings

www.bighealey.co.uk

CNC Machined in the U.K. to our specification Brass 2nd & 3rd/4th

1980 MGB LE Roadster £59.95+VAT

Bronze, 17000 miles, number 245 of 420, MOT Feb 2021. New DAB Bluetooth Kenwood stereo. Recent Steel 42014 synchro MG3 respray, new alloys, new brakes, 70K mostly m/way mileage. Full dealer new front tyres, engine overhaul, £49.50+VAT service history. MOT until Aug 2020. revotec electric fan, K&N filters, Condition, smoker, female carbs serviced,(Prices new triple are AAA subject to change.Good Please see ournon website!) club member owner. Only selling as needles, castle rails underneath and have MGF. Totally reliable and more body is solid no rust. Heritage certifyou might have read. icate.

Superb condition, £12,000.

Parts Hotline: +44 (0)1543 472244economical E-mail:than sales@bighealey.co.uk Offers invited above £3K. Tel,. 07975Contact, Peter 07768905298, or DENIS WELCH MOTORSPORT, YOXALL, BURTON-ON-TRENT, STAFFS DE13 8NA, UK 639997 or 01844-351418. (Oxfordshire) email peter.cobb@btconnect.com

For the ‘best’ in MG high-performance

94 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

Excellent condition. MOT till November.

Car has been refurbished and is a pull handle model with new wheels and tyres. Engine bay has been detailed. Paint work on car is of excellent finish. Brake servo and cooling fan fitted, and comes with a Heritage Certificate. £18,250 or best offer call Manfred on 07866023657.

(Warwickshire)

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 2021. 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. Recent service carried out. Offers around £2750.00. Contact Paul on 07794 919337. (East Sussex)

MG ZR Rally or Show Car

1800 bcc, updated head gasket, belts and water pump 2018. Rally passport to 2028.

Seam welded. AVO coil over suspension.

ZR 160 big front brake and ZR 160 rear discs. PG1 gearbox with gripper plate LSD. OMP multipoint cage. New OMP winged seats. New lifeline plumbed in extinguisher with 8 nozzles.TRS belts. Strut braces front, rear and rear anti roll bar.

Full length WRC sump guard and tank. £5,000.00. For full spec contact Graham on 01964 544196. (East Yorkshire)

WANTED

Unfinished MGA project wanted by club member, cash buyer. Contact Richard on 01833 660000 or Email: beckside.41@gmail.com

MGB GT

Abandoned Sebring project. Body shell only. All wings have been done, new floors and some sill replacement. Solid but surface rust where it’s been covered for years. V5 and the keys available. Has to go. Contact Daniel on 01494 712109.

(South Bucks)

Please note that the Advertising deadline is August 10th for the September issue of Safety Fast! www.mgcc.co.uk

and new hubs. The previous owner was Anthony Hamilton father of Lewis current world champion. Price £21000. Tel no: 07748012596 or email for more pictures morrisgbm@gmail .com ( Surrey)

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

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

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

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337 Specialising in all MG’s TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

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

TRADE MEMBER

MG TD - 1953 Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-1pm

Supercharged MG ZS

MG TD 1950

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)

In good condition. Originally North American Export model. First registered in the UK 1991. RHD Conversion. Original slotted wheels. More photos available. £21,000. Please contact John 07811 582449 or johnnywelch@btinternet.com (North Bucks)

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. £21,000

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

MGB ROADSTER - 1972

MGB Roadster 1972, Just re-sprayed in Dark racing green, Overdrive, Chrome wire wheels, Avon tyres, Biscuit leather interior, Walnut dash, detailed engine bay, new single Mohair hood, Tax and MOT exempt but has a new mot. Stunning rust free vehicle, some history. £17,995

Owned by me since 1989. MOT and RFL not required. Red, wire wheels, overdrive, tonneau cover, only ever used in dry weather. More photos available. Very reliable car, drives extremely well. Not concours, but excellent condition, selling due in last 5 years only covered 500 miles, £9000. Telephone 07702048530 email: n23mrb@outlook.com (Oxfordshire)

Tartan Red with O/D and wire wheels.

Webasto sunroof, in superb condition with an immaculate engine bay. Many new parts fitted in the last two years including a complete rebuild of the front suspension, new shock absorbers, new splined hubs and wheel bearings. Rear axle complete rebuild at a cost of £1500 in February 2020 including new half shafts and new hubs. The previous owner was Anthony Hamilton father of Lewis current world champion. Price £21000. Tel no: 07748012596 or email for more pictures morrisgbm@gmail .com ( Surrey)

MG TF 135 - 2006

MG TF 135, Late 2006 model finished in silver with matching hardtop. 1 previous owner, 47,000mls, it comes with a good hood with glass rear window, half leather seats. 7 stamps in the service book and has just had a full service with new headgasket and cambelt fitted. There are one or two age related marks but still looks very nice and drives very well, the car will come will come with a new MOT upon purchase. £2,995

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

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

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

1970 MGB Roadster

1969 MGCGT

FOR DISPLAY ADVERTISING IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF

URGENT PR URGENT PR

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 check this proof carefully for errors in style, c Although everythis care is exercised in preparing your ac Please check proof carefully for errors in style, ourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you maya Although every care is exercised in preparing your ourselves for any inaccuracies you may SHOULD responsible YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO

TELEPHONE _ _ANY _ _ _ALTERATIONS _ _ AND QUOTE SHOULD YOUBEFORE REQUIRE TOA

TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE A

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSH IP

October 2019 Volume 63 Number 10 £3.95

08 £3.95 August 2019 Volume 63 Number

NDSHIP THE MARQUE OF FRIE

We reserve the right to charge for any alterati a departure the alterati origina We reserve the is right to chargefrom for any

is a departure from the origina

1970 MGB Roadster CLUB

THE

LT D

CLUB

AMES ABINGDON-ON-TH

CAR LT D

ABINGDON-ON-THAM ES

FO U N D E D 193 0

FO U N D E D 193 0 ● JEKYLL AND HYDE ● CLUNKING AND CREAKING THE THIN BLUE LINE ● MG RECORD THE BATTLE OF THE BABIES BREAKING-THE FINAL YEARS 25/07/2019 09:09

Safety Fast_Cover August2019.indd

1

Safety Fast_Cover October2019.indd

● LET THE SHOCK TAKE THE STRAIN

1 23/09/2019 14:09

PLEASE CALL NICK ON 01452 730770

www.mgcc.co.uk

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

Owned by me since 1989. MOT and RFL AR C E T Hwire not required. Red, wheels, overdrive, tonneau cover, only ever used in dry weather. More photos available. Very reliable car, drives extremely well. Not concours, but excellent condition, selling due in last 5 years only covered 500 miles, £9000. Telephone 07702048530 email: n23mrb@outlook.com (Oxfordshire)

JULY 2020 SAFETY FAST! 95

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern STEVE McKIE SPORTSCARS CHESTERFIELD

•

DERBYSHIRE

Specialists in the repair and restoration of MG cars Suppliers of parts for • MGA • MGB • MGC • Midget • T Type • MGF/TF

www.stevemckiesportscars.co.uk Tel 01246 454527 • Fax 01246 453681 Albert Street North, Chesterfield, S41 8NP

TED

Steve McKie Sports Cars Hi-Res.indd 1

N WA G M UR O Y

r e m

For

y r o Gl BY

01844 281700

MGOC Recommended Dealer 40 MGs in Stock Best Prices paid with friendly advice. Est 1986 Fast payment and collection

WANTED ALL MG MODELS! All conditions wanted, from barn finds to concours. Complete collections purchased.

Cash buyer. Discretion assured.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you are interested in selling your MG and are looking for a prompt hassle-free cash buyer! Please feel free to contact me for a no obligation friendly chat.

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

MIDGETS! WANTED

Contact the Midget Specialist MIKE AUTHERS on Abingdon 07703 465 224 CHROME BUMPERED MIDGETS in excellent condition bought up to £8,000. View current stock at

www.mgmidgets.com

CALL DIRECT ON: 07787 528131 UK Based Buyer

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) 96 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

REGISTRATION FOR SALE T15 EMG

Turbo 1.5 Engine MG. This IS Electric MG? 650 ono, please Emailto: krg969@sky.com or Tel: 07955 767674, (Hampshire)

MGB parts and RV8 Book

23/06/2010 13:46

nigelguild@hotmail.com

WANTED

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 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

Rear bumper all dismantled £80.

Overiders, complete with Irons, number plate lights,and rubber facing £50.

MGRV8, publication, The Manufacturing Story, Researched by, C. Allan and George Wilder. as new condition and rare offers invited. Bob Reid. Tel 01202 475741 Mob 07831262774

Various Books

THE Works MGs £12 Inc pp.

MGB improve and modify £12 Inc pp Big Healeys in competition £25 Inc pp Healeys and Austin healeys £28 Inc pp Austin healey 100 & 3000 £12 Pair of silver MG motif stud ear rings boxed never worn about 25 years old a must £28 Inc pp Email: geraldrevell@hotmail.com or phone: 01723 375237.

MG RV8 and MGTF Parts

MGRV8 Perspex windstop c/w fittings and protective bag vgc £75.

MG TF - Pair of headlight assemblies taken from 2005 6k mile car, boxed, vgc £100. Both items bulky, so collection from Bicester, Oxon, recommended.

Contact Adrian Bennett 07785 234267.

TC Spares

All used (original and best) unless stated otherwise.

Back Axle Axle Casing, bare £650 Bearing Carriers £50 Prop Shaft £100 Clutch 8” (new) Pressure plate, & friction plate £150 Front Axle Axle bare £400 Bracket Steering column to bulkhead £50 Steering column with worm gear & sector £350 Drop arm £100 Drag link ends x2 (rh & lh threads ) £50 Steering Arms £75 Brakes 3way union £40 2 way banjo (master cylinder) £40 Hand Brake Levers(near & Off side) £50 Brake shoes x4 £50 Contact: Peter Joners Email: peterjones1880@me.com or phone 0777 190 1730

Please note that the Advertising deadline is July 10th for the August

Rear bumper all dismantled £80.

Overiders, Irons,today number TA19 Some Callcomplete for a with quote lan-Staff on plate lights,and rubber facing £50. kim@home MGRV8, publication, The Manufacturing Story, Researched by, C. Allan and www.classiccarinsurance.co.ukMGTD George Wilder. as new condition and Girling Rea rare offers invited. Bob Reid. Tel 01202 Excellent w 475741 Mob 07831262774 with new le Can send p Various Books E-mail: mo THE Works MGs £12 Inc pp.

Tel 01926 8 MGB improve and modify £12 Inc pp

01376 574000

Big Healeys in competition £25 Inc pp Healeys and Austin healeys £28 Inc pp Austin healey 100 & 3000 £12 MGof Hardtop Pair silver MG motif stud ear rings This was fitted to a 1972 MG in very boxed never worn about 25 years old a good condition. Looking for around must Inc ppRon on 07710305900, £400,£28 contact based ingeraldrevell@hotmail.com Surrey just off junction 6 of Email: or M25 phone: 01723 375237.

Safety Fast Magazines.

MG RV8 and MGTF Parts 350-400 Safety Fast magazines from

around 1983/4 current issue (many MGRV8 Perspextowindstop c/w fittings still sealed) plus c.250 Enjoying MG and protective bag vgc £75. from the same period to early 2000s.

MG Pair oftoheadlight assemblies FreeTF of-charge a good home (small donation a local taken fromto2005 6kcharity mile car,appreciated, boxed, vgc but not obligatory).

Collection from £100.

Both items bulky, so collection TA19 Somerset. Contact Kim McMilfrom Bicester, Oxon, recommended. lan-Staff on 07768-075190 or Email: kim@homeinsomerset.co.uk Contact Adrian Bennett 07785 234267.

MGTD TC Spares

Girling Shockand Absorbers for sale.

All usedRear (original best) unless stated Excellent working condition and fitted otherwise. with new lever arm bushes. £400ono Can Backsend Axlephoto on request.

E-mail: mocab.brown@btinternet.com Axle Casing, bare £650 Tel 01926 813689

Bearing Carriers £50 Slab Sawn Planks

Prop Shaft English Ash£100 timber as used in MMM and T type coachbuilt body frames.

Clutch 8” (new) Pressure plate, & fricApproximately 3.5M in length X 0.5M tion plate £150 wide 3off 80mm thick & 3off 50mm Front Axle thick.

Contact Richard via Email at rich.hinde@gmail.com.

Axle bare £400

Registration Number Bracket Steering column to bulkhead MG03BOB, on retention, £575 ono , call £50 Bob on 07870 407111 or email Steering column with worm gear & mgcarsscotland@gmail.com sector SPARES £350 WANTED Drop arm £100 WANTED X Power to suit a) Drag linkexhaust ends x2 back (rh &box lh threads 190 ZTT and also an X Power rally seat. £50 Please contact Bob on 07870 407111 or Steering Arms £75 email: mgcarsscotland@gmail.com Brakes WANTED 3wayofunion £40seats/frames for 1969 Pair original MG Midget 2 way banjoPlease (mastercontact cylinder) £40 Alan Dobson on 07793 470660 Hand Brake Levers(near & Off side) WANTED £50 Set pf TA/B/C door cards and rear quarBrake shoes x4 £50 ter fabric in dark blue . Seat squabs and back not Peter required.

WHY ?

Contact: Joners Email: Jkhopkins79@hotmail.co.uk 07806 peterjones1880@me.com or Tel: phone 654001 0777 190 1730

Please note that the Advertising deadline is July 10th for the August issue of Safety Fast!

www.mgcc.co.uk

Slab Sa

English Ash and T type Approxima wide 3off 8 thick. Cont rich.hinde@

Registr

MG03BOB Bob on 078 mgcarssco

SPA

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08 884

C aiertCall aarquote arte01308 for rieaC r rie C01308 tetoday r e r r a a r 07885 r 07 r BAlan Bartlett B and Alan Bartlett Insurance for allBMG’s and and01376 Alan Bartlett 574000

76

868884 868884 768830

email barriemgracer@yahoo.co.uk email barriemgracer@yahoo.co.uk email barriemgracer@yahoo.co.uk classic and modern www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk

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

I’ve decided to create space the work that’s coming through our doors, MG’s, cars, Classics all tyC I’ve decided to for create for the work that’s coming through ourRace doors, MG’s, Raceofcars, decided to create space for the work that’s coming through our doors, MG’s, Race cars, Classics of allspace types.

WE ARE OPEN AND NOW IS TIME TO IS HAVE YOUR WORK CARRIED SOCARRIED THESE SALE ARE AT, OR CARS WELL BELOW COSTBELOW TO ME.T WEARE ARE OPEN AND NOW THEALL TIME TOTOHAVE YOUR WORK OUT,CARS SO THESE SALE ARE AT,THEIR OR WELL W IS THE TIME TO HAVE ALL YOUR WORK CARRIED OUT, SO THESE SALE CARS AT, ORTHE WELL BELOW THEIR COST ME. ALL I’m very OUT, dealable!

Carter e i r r a 07885 01308 C a e i r r B t and Alan Bartlett r e C a 07885 r a e rteB 01308 ri r email barriemgracer@yahoo.co.uk and Alan Bartlett a 07885 r B and Alan Bartlett email barriemgracer@yahoo.co.uk 868884 ‘T-type’ - ‘T-type’ - ‘T-type’ ‘X-pag’ - ‘X-pag’ - ‘X-pag’ 768830 email barriemgracer@yahoo.co.uk

TC Racer Although there has been much interest in my ex-championship and well known T.C. race car, I don’t want the part xs offered. It is already very cheap and has so many rare and expensive parts I’m not giving it away. L.S.D. Derrington inlet and ex. manifolds, 13/4 50s vented brakes, trampbars, telescopics, alloy panels, 72 spoke 14 wheels, Avon 22R. To build this would cost 50k but it’s a proven car. It can be sold as a rolling Extremely 4WD switchable 1990 Subaru 1935 Ford Y Type for special fittedYwith 1935 Ford TypeMG for special fitted with MG rare 4WD switchable 1990 Subaru 1935 Ford rare Y Type forExtremely special fitted with MG 1990 Subaru chassis all complete but less engine, Justy, in for lovely inside and condition inside and for hillPclimb sprints Built for hill climb sprints period or J Body.

Justy, 34000 milessprints and in lovely period34000 P or J miles Body.and Built hill condition climb condition inside and or with a less modified engine or period P or J Body. Built Rover Metro 1.1 1990 only 2 owners 1combination Lady, Doctor Rover Metro 1.1 19901only 2 owners Lady, 1 Doctor Rover Metro 1.1 1990 only 2 owners 1 Lady, 1 Doctor out. out aperform pandas, even MX5s. in 1the 50s/60s a family owned.

Runningadriving in the 50s/60s family owned. Running driving out.owned.

These 205s, out perform pandas, 205s, even MX5s. in theThese 50s/60s family Running driving 05s, even MX5s. whatever you wish. It’s andand 21000 miles, full history and newand fabulous and 21000 miles, full history and new vintage fabulousfun. The Body and 21000 miles, full history and as new fabulous Quick, Quirky and Tax insurance. great probablyfun. worth veryas cheap will give you lotsasof greatis vintage The Body is probably worth Quick, Quirky andand superior, Cheap Tax insurance. great vintage fun. superior, The BodyCheap is probably worth Tax and insurance. starter car. £2,500 starter car. £2,500 starter car. £2,500 fun, road or competition. Ring more than the car. £6,550 Mot’d. £2,250 more than the car. £6,550 Mot’d. £2,250 more than the car. £6,550 TC Racer Although there has been much interest in my ex-championship HUTS! TR6.

Thiscar, fabulous YOUR HUTS! FORGET YOUR SHEPHARDS HUTS! TR6. This fabulous TR6. This fabulous J40 Although Revival has FORGET YOUR SHEPHARDS TCFORGET Racer Although there hasI been and well known T.C.SHEPHARDS race don’t TR6 build van TR6 was build TR6 was build been put on hold, it will be This superb showmans living This superb showmans living van This superb showmans living van much interest mywas ex-championship want the part xsin offered.

It is already using a family sound came from a showmans family andfrom RHD using a sound RHD using a sound back and so will the race came showmans and came from a showmans family and and well known T.C.so race car, I don’t TC Racer Although there has been very cheap andaRHD has many rare unrotten US donor. unrotten US donor. unrotten US donor. for young G.P. hopefuls in is absolutely fabulous. Theand interior is expensive absolutely fabulous.

The interior is absolutely fabulous. The interior want the part xs offered.

It is already much interest in my ex-championship parts I’m not giving it Ithas wasso built as arare It was built as a It was built as a and exterior have been decorated and exterior have been decorated very cheap and many and well known T.C. race the car,lovely I don’tJ40 pedal cars, and exterior have been decorated away. L.S.D. Derrington inlet and ex. off or van body off new or body off new or here is one. It has as only a true Romany living vanexpensive as only a13/4 truebody Romany living as only a true Romany living van and parts I’mnew not giving it want the part xs offered. Itand is already manifolds, 50s vented brakes, reconditioned.

It is reconditioned. It is reconditioned.

It is a fully prepared painted could be. The ceiling is insulated couldL.S.D. be.telescopics, The ceiling alloy isinlet insulated could be. The ceiling is insulated away.

Derrington and ex. very cheap and has so many rare trampbars, panels, immaculate.

O.D. immaculate. O.D. immaculate. O.D. body and itmost parts, and quilted cloth, and the double and quilted cloth, the double and quilted cloth, and the double manifolds, 13/4 50sand vented brakes, and expensive parts I’m not giving 72 spoke 14 wheels, Avon 22R. To box, carbs, box, new carbs, box, new carbs, missing lights, bumpers TC Racer Although therenew hasalloy beenpanels, bed is supremely comfortable.

It has bed is supremely comfortable.

It has bed is supremely comfortable.

It has trampbars, telescopics, away.

L.S.D. Derrington inlet and ex. should you trust us on our should you trust usliteon our r build this would cost 50kreps, but it’s a mini lite it’s To interest in my ex-championship mini lite reps, it’s mini reps, it’s & sea covers, all available been built with vintagemuch wheels andcar.

72been spoke 14 wheels, Avonas 22R. built with vintage wheels and been built with vintage wheels and manifolds, 13/4 50s vented brakes, proven ItT.C. can be sold a rolling and well known race car, I don’t just magnificent descriptions as most people do, just magnificent just magnificent from the Vintage Pedal Car descriptions as most people do, do, new tyres and has an ‘A’ frame build this would 50kless it’s ato telescopics, alloyMG panels, newto tyres and cost hasbut an ‘A’but frame new tyres and has an ‘A’ frame to 1935 Ford Y Typetrampbars, for special fitted with Extremely rare 4WD switchable 1990 Subaru chassis all complete engine, want the part xs offered.

It is already having covered having covered having covered Company. proven car.

It modified can be sold asthe aor rolling the road, 72 spoke 14 hill wheels, Avon 22R. To An easy, cheap enable it to be towed on we can in the UK enable it to besotowed on road, enablestill it to deliver be towed oncan the road, we still deliver in the UK UK period P or J Body.

Built for climb sprints Justy, 34000 miles and in lovely condition inside and very cheap and has many rare or with a less engine only abuilt fewless hundred Extremely rare 4WD switchable 1990 Subaru for special fitted with MG only a few hundred only1 aDoctor few hundred1935 Ford Y Typebuild entry toaRevival and your this van has been built withchassis all complete but engine, care this would cost 50k but it’s this van has been with care this van has been built with care Rover Metro 1.1 1990 only 2 owners 1 Lady, andwhatever expensivecombination partsmiles, I’m not giving it It’s in the 50s/60s a family owned.

Running driving G.P. driver can out. These perform pandas, eveninside MX5s.and and Europe. We have plenty ofWe have and Europe. plenty of y of inyou thewish. hands miles, in the hands miles, in the hands protégée Justy, 34000out miles and in lovely 205s, condition period P or J Body.

Built for hill climb sprints or with a less modified engine or proven car.

It can be sold as a rolling and historical skills now largely and historical skills now largely and historical skills now largely L.S.D. Derrington and ex. and 21000 full history and as new fabulous very cheap and ofwillaninlet give youwish. lots ofIt’s octogenarian great The Body is probably worth Quick, Quirky superior, Cheap Tax even and insurance.

Metro 1.1It 1990 only 2but owners 1always Lady, 1 Doctor 1935 FordRover Y Type formiles, special fitted with MG aru of an octogenarian of an octogenarian help you build it, all ready forgotten. It is ready to away. work, but can always with out.

These outand perform pandas, 205s, MX5s. the vintage 50s/60sfun. a family owned.

Running driving work, can cope within whatever combination you with chassis all complete but less engine, use, show, forgotten.

It isowner. readyThe to use, show, forgotten. is ready to cope use, show, manifolds, 13/4 50s vented brakes, starter car. £2,500 fun, road or competition.

Ring best owner. The best owner.

The best for next years Goodwood more than thefun. car.orThe £6,550 Mot’d.Quirky £2,250 and 21000 miles, full history and as new fabulous period P or Jmore.

Body.

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MGs and all classics. s.

I’ve seen. £27,995 I’ve seen. £27,995 I’ve seen. £27,995 Rover MetroMot’d.

1.1 1990 only 2 owners 1 Lady, 1 Doctor starter car. £2,500 in the 50s/60s a family owned. driving MX5s. fun, road or competition. wish.£2,750 It’s spoke 14 wheels, Avonsmile.

22R.Ring To always make you smile.72£11,995 £2,250 more than the car.whatever £6,550 combination youromp. £11,995 always make you always make youRunning smile. £11,995 and 21000 miles, full history and as new fabulous very cheap and will give you lots of build this would cost 50k but it’s a great vintage fun. The Body is probably worth surance.

FORGET YOURfun, SHEPHARDS HUTS! Ring TR6. This fabulous Although Revival has starter car. £2,500 proven car. It canJ40 be sold as a rolling road or competition. more than the car. £6,550 Extremely rare 4WD switchable 1990 Subaru 1935 Ford Y Type for special fitted with MG TR6 was build been put on hold, it will be This superb showmans living van chassis all complete less engine, FORGET YOUR SHEPHARDS HUTS! TR6. This fabulous J40but Although Revival has Justy, 34000 miles and in lovely condition inside and periodcame P orsuperb J Body.

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TR6 beenmissing putparts on hold, itnot will be it This superb showmans living van should you trust us on our away.

L.S.D. Derrington inlet and ex. box, new carbs, missing lights, bumpers reconditioned. It is a fully prepared painted mini lite inlet reps, it’s ex. seaso covers, allrace available away.

L.S.D. Derrington inlet and ex. away.

L.S.D. Derrington and could be. The ceiling is insulated bed isbuilt supremely comfortable.

Itand has RHD using a sound back&and will the been with vintage wheels came from a showmans family and should youas trust uspeople on our do, manifolds, 13/4 50s vented brakes, mini lite it’s & seathe covers, allPedal available immaculate. O.D. bodyand parts, just from Vintage descriptions most manifolds, 13/4 50smagnificent vented brakes, manifolds, 13/4 50s vented brakes, and quilted cloth, and the double unrotten USreps, donor. for young G.P. hopefuls in Car been built and with vintage is absolutely fabulous. interior new tyres has an The ‘A’wheels frame toand most trampbars, telescopics, alloy panels, just magnificent from the Vintage Pedal Car descriptions as most people do, box, new carbs, missing lights, bumpers trampbars, telescopics, alloy panels, having covered Company.

An easy, cheap trampbars, telescopics, alloy panels, It was built as a the lovely J40 pedal cars, bed is supremely comfortable.

It has new tyres and has an ‘A’ frame to and exterior have been decorated enable it to be towed on the& road, we can still deliver in the UK 72 spoke wheels, Avon 22R.cheap To having covered Company.

An easy, mini lite reps, it’s sea covers, all available 72van spoke 14 wheels, wheels, Avon 22R.To To 72 spoke 14 22R. body off new or and14 here istoone.

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Ithands is aa a fully prepared painted build this would cost 50k but it’s build this cost but it’s miles, infew the protégée G.P. driver can could be.has Thebeen ceiling is insulated new tyres and has an ‘A’ frame to this van built with care and historical skills now largely and Europe. We have plenty of provenbody car.help Itand can bebuild sold rolling miles, in the protégée G.P. driver can immaculate.

O.D. most parts, having covered Company. easy, proven car.An It can can becheap sold as a rolling rolling proven car.

Itwith be sold as ahands quilted andnow double of an octogenarian you it,asalla ready enable it toFord be towed on the road, and historical largely work, but can cope with Extremely rare always 4WD switchable 1990 Subaru 1935and Ford Y Type for special fitted MG 1990 Subaru Subaru 1935 Ford Type for special fitted fitted with MG forgotten.

Itcloth, is skills ready totheuse, show, 1990 1935 YY Type for special MG box, new carbs, lights, bumpers chassismissing allfor complete but less ofand an octogenarian help youyears build it, allengine, ready only awith few hundred entry toall Revival your chassis all complete but less engine, chassis complete but less engine, bed is supremely comfortable.

It has work, but canyou always owner.

The best next Goodwood has been with care forgotten.

ItBody. is ready to and use, show, should us onwith our Justy, 34000 and incope lovely condition inside andthis van period PB&B. or JUnrepeatable, Built for hill sprints Air will mini lite reps, it’s or all available ondition inside inside and and period orbuilt Body.

Built for for hill hillmiles, climbinsprints sprints ondition period PPskills or JJ Body.

Built climb or with&asea less modified engine or owner.

The best forcovers, next years Goodwood the hands G.P.modified driver can more.

MGsmiles andtrust all classics. orprotégée with less modified engine or or with aa less engine been built with vintage wheels andclimb I’ve seen. £27,995 romp. £2,750 largely Air50s/60s B&B. Unrepeatable, and will Rover Metronow 1.1 1990owned. only 2 owners 1 driving Lady, 1 Doctor more.

MGs and classics.

Rover Metro 1.1 1990 only owners Lady, Doctor and historical Rover Metro 1.1 only 22 owners 11do, Lady, Doctor just magnificent fromcombination the Vintage Pedalwish.

Car It’s descriptions asall most people out.

These out1990 perform pandas, 205s, even11MX5s. in thenew a you family owned.

Running driving £11,995 always make smile. whatever you I’ve seen. £27,995 romp. £2,750 of an octogenarian help you build it, all ready 05s, even MX5s.

MX5s. in the 50s/60s a family owned.

Running driving 5s, even in the 50s/60s a family Running whatever combination you wish.

It’s whatever combination you wish.

It’s tyres and has an ‘A’ frame to is ready to use, full show, £11,995 always make you smile. having covered Company.

An easy, cheap andIt21000 history and as The new fabulous andQuick, 21000 miles, fullsuperior, history and and as new new fabulous very cheap and will give you lots of and 21000 miles, full history as fabulous Quirky Cheap Tax insurance.forgotten. greatenable vintage The Body is next probably worth owner. best for years Goodwood it tofun. be towed on thevery road, very cheap and will give give you lots lots of of cheap and will you we can and still deliver in the UK and Tax and and insurance. insurance. great vintagemiles, fun.

The Body probably worth Tax great vintage fun. isis probably worth Air B&B. Unrepeatable, andThe willBody only a few hundred entry Revival andRing your starter car.the£2,500 fun, road or to competition.

I’ve seen. £27,995 romp. £2,750 starter car.£2,250 £2,500 vanthe hascar. been£6,550 built withfun, careroad starter car. £2,500 fun, road or competition. competition.

Ring or Ring Mot’d. morethis than more than car.£11,995 £6,550 more than car. £6,550 and Europe. We have plenty of always make youthe smile. miles, in the hands protégée G.P. driver can and historical skills now largely

8 4

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arter rie C r 768830 a B

‘T-type’ - ‘T-type’ - ‘T-type’ ‘X-pag’ - ‘X-pag’ - ‘X-pag’ to create space for the work that’s coming through our doors, MG’s, Race cars, Classics of all types.

‘T-type’ - ‘T-type’I’ve-decided ‘T-type’ ‘X-pag’ - ‘X-pag’ - ‘X-pag’ and Alan Bartlett

I’veNOW decided create space theWORK workCARRIED that’s coming through doors, MG’s, RaceBELOW cars, THEIR Classics types.

WE ARE OPEN AND IS THEto TIME TO HAVE ALL for YOUR OUT, SO THESE SALEour CARS ARE AT, OR WELL COSTofTOallME. I’m very dealable! email barriemgracer@yahoo.co.uk d to create spaceWE forARE theOPEN workAND that’s through ourALL doors, Race cars, all types.

NOWcoming IS THE TIME TO HAVE YOURMG’s, WORK CARRIED OUT,Classics SO THESEofSALE CARS ARE AT, OR WELL BELOW THEIR COST TO ME. I’m very dealable!

E TIME TO HAVE ALL YOUR WORK CARRIED OUT, SO THESE SALE CARS ARE OR WELL BELOW THEIR COST TO ME. I’m-very dealable!- ‘X-pag’ ‘T-type’ - AT, ‘T-type’ - ‘T-type’ ‘X-pag’ ‘X-pag’ DURING THE ENFORCED DURING THE ENFORCED ED I’ve decided to create space for the work that’sHOLIDAY, coming through our doors, MG’s, Race cars, Classics of all types.

GARDENING HOLIDAY, GARDENING Y, WE ARE OPEN AND NOW IS THE TIME TO HAVE ALL YOUR WORK CARRIED SO THESE SALE CARS ARE AT, OR WELL BELOW THEIR COST TO ME. I’m very dealable!

WE ARE STILLWE ABLE ARE STILLOUT, ABLE E and Alan Bartlett and Alan Bartlett TO DELIVER TO DELIVER

868884

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Ca07885 C e a e i rter i r r r t r r e a a r 01308 B B email barriemgracer@yahoo.co.uk

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I’ve decided to create spaceour fordoors, the work that’s coming doors, MG’s, Race cars, Classics of all types. ecided to create space for the work that’s coming through MG’s, Race cars, through Classicsour of all types.

WE ALL AREYOUR OPENWORK AND NOW IS THE TIME HAVESALE ALL YOUR SO THESE AREI’m AT,very OR WELL BELOW THEIR COST TO ME. I’m very dealable!

W IS THE TIME TO HAVE CARRIED OUT, SOTO THESE CARS WORK ARE AT,CARRIED OR WELLOUT, BELOW THEIRSALE COSTCARS TO ME. dealable!

DURING THE ENFORCED DURING THE ENFORCED GARDENING HOLIDAY, GARDENING HOLIDAY, WE ARE STILL ABLE WE ARE STILL ABLE TO DELIVER TO DELIVER DURING THE ENFORCED

do, do, KK of of with ith ..

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DURING THE ENFORCED GARDENING HOLIDAY, WE ARE STILL ABLE TO DELIVER

FORGET YOUR YOUR SHEPHARDS SHEPHARDS HUTS! HUTS! FORGET This superb superb showmans showmans living living van van This came from from aa showmans showmans family family and and came absolutely fabulous. fabulous.The The interior interior isis absolutely and exterior exterior have have been been decorated decorated and as only only aa true true Romany Romany living living van van as could be. be.The The ceiling ceiling isis insulated insulated could and quilted quilted cloth, cloth, and and the the double double and bed isis supremely supremely comfortable. comfortable. ItIt has has bed been built built with with vintage vintage wheels wheels and and been new tyres tyres and and has has an an ‘A’ ‘A’ frame frame to to new enable it to be towed on the road, enable it to be towed on the road, this van van has has been been built built with with care care this and historical historical skills skills now now largely largely and forgotten. ItIt isis ready ready to to use, use, show, show, forgotten.

Air B&B. B&B. Unrepeatable, Unrepeatable, and and will will Air £11,995 always make make you you smile. smile. £11,995 always

TR6. This This fabulous fabulous TR6.

TR6 was was build build TR6 RHD using using aa sound sound RHD unrotten US US donor. donor. unrotten was built built as as aa ItIt was body off off new new or or body reconditioned. ItIt isis reconditioned. immaculate. O.D. O.D. immaculate. box, new new carbs, carbs, box, mini lite lite reps, reps, it’s it’s mini just magnificent magnificent just having covered covered having only aa few few hundred hundred only miles, in in the the hands hands miles, of an an octogenarian octogenarian of owner.The The best best owner.

I’ve seen. seen. £27,995 £27,995 I’ve

of an octogenarian forgotten. It is ready to use, show, owner. The best YOUR SHEPHARDS AirFORGET B&B. Unrepeatable, and will HUTS! J40 TR6. fabulous J40 Although Revival has Revival has I’veAlthough seen. This £27,995 always make you smile. £11,995 was builditit will This superb showmans living van been beenTR6 put on on hold, hold, will be be put

using sound came from a showmans family and back backRHD and so so will willathe the race and race unrotten donor.in is absolutely fabulous. The interior for for young young G.P.US hopefuls in G.P. hopefuls It wasJ40 builtpedal as acars, and exterior have been decorated the the lovely lovely J40 pedal cars, body off new or and here here isis one. one. ItIt has has as only a true Romany living van and reconditioned.

It is fully prepared painted painted prepared could be. The ceiling is insulated aa fully O.D. bodyimmaculate. and most most parts, parts, and and quilted cloth, and the double body box,lights, new carbs, missing lights, bumpers bumpers bed is supremely comfortable. It has missing mini lite reps, it’s sea covers, covers, all all available available been built with vintage wheels and && sea magnificent fromjust the Vintage Vintage Pedal Pedal Car Car the new tyres and has an ‘A’ frame to from havingAn Company.

Ancovered easy, cheap cheap easy, enable it to be towed on the road, Company. only a few hundred entry to Revival and your entry to Revival and your this van has been built with care miles, in the hands protégée G.P. driver can protégée G.P. driver can and historical skills now largely anbuild octogenarian help of you build it, all all ready ready you it, forgotten. It is ready to use, show, help owner.

The best for next next years Goodwood for years Goodwood Air B&B. Unrepeatable, and will I’ve seen. £27,995 romp. £2,750 romp. £2,750 always make you smile. £11,995

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should you trust us on our descriptions as most people do, we can still deliver Lighting in the UK Company.91 4Sight and Europe. We have plenty of Adrian work, but can alwaysFlux.....................85 cope with more. MGs and allCarter. classics...................97 Barrie

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DONHOODS-SFAug07.QXD:Layout 1

help you build it, all ready for next years Goodwood Although Revival has romp. J40 £2,750

23/9/09

been put on hold, it will be back and so will the race for young G.P. hopefuls in the lovely J40 pedal cars, and here is one. It has a fully prepared painted body and most parts, missing lights, bumpers & sea covers, all available from the Vintage Pedal Car Company. An easy, cheap entry to Revival and your protégée G.P. driver can help you build it, all ready for next years Goodwood romp. £2,750

16:22

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01255 432693, 07714 675319 JULY 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 2019

Editor: Andy Knott 01235 849730 / 01235 555552 andyknott@mgcc.co.uk Deputy Editor: Colin Grant 01235 849733 colingrant@mgcc.co.uk Editorial Committee: Andy Knott, Colin Grant, Adam Sloman PR and Communications: Advertising: Hine MarketingJade 01452 Beckett 730770 01233 849731 Published by:Hine Advertising: HineMarketing Marketing, 01452 Hill Farm 730770 Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770 Published by:Norton Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Distributed Lane, Bishopsby: Norton Air Business.

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Merlin Centre, 4 The, Acrewood Way, St Albans President: John AL4 Day 0JY Tel: 01727 890600 Vice Presidents: President: John Day Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best, Ian ViceQuarrington Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best, Bill Chairman: Bill Silcock.

Silcock.

Vice Chairman: Keith Williams Chairman: Dave Tynan Treasurer: Richard Colston Vice Chairman: George Wilder Directors: Saunders, Treasurer: Dave Richard ColstonPeter Cook, Adele Rand, Lorraine Noble Thompson, George Wilder Directors: Dave Saunders,Colin PeterWithers, Opie and Peter Cook and Dave Tynan Company Secretary: Colin Grant Company Secretary: Colin Grant Staff Members: Adam Sloman (General Manager 01235 849732), Staff Members:(Competitions Adam Sloman (General Manager 01235 849732), John Hutchison Secretary 01235 849738), Andy Andy Knott Knott (01235 (01235 849730), 849730), Lauran Lauran Gallacher Gallacher (Assistant (Assistant General General Manager Manager 01235 01235 849735), 849735), Liz Liz Allsworth Allsworth (Membership (Membership Secretary Secretary 01235 Mark Baulch 07554 160840), 01235 849734), 849734), Colin Grant (Motorsport (01235 849733), Jade Beckett Colin Grant (01235 849733), Cherina Scarrott (Finance Officer (01233 849731), Cherina Scarrott (Finance Officer 01235 01235 849736) and Ineke Sherman (Merchandise 01235 849736) and Ineke Sherman (Merchandise 01235 849737) 849737) Gemma Bray (Communications Administrator) Honorary Members: Michael Allison, Ron Gammons, Peter Best, Honorary Michael Allison, RonPaddy Gammons, Peter Best, Don Hayter,Members: John Quenby, Sir Stirling Moss, Hopkirk, Don Hayter, JohnPiers Quenby, PaddyRob Hopkirk, Norman Ewing, Norman Ewing, Hubbard, Oldaker, Steve Hanegan, Rob Oldaker, SteveJune Hanegan, GerryHawke, McGovern, Hawke, Gerry McGovern, Wallis, Ann JohnAnn Dutton, John Day, John JohnSilcock.

Day, Julian White, Bill Silcock.

JulianDutton, White, Bill Company Company limited limited by by guarantee guarantee The The Club, Club, as as aa corporate corporate body body established established as as the the MG MG Car Car Club Club Limited, is a company limited Limited, is a company limited by by guarantee. guarantee. Every Every member member of of the the Club undertakes to contribute to the assets of the Club in Club undertakes to contribute to the assets of the Club in the the event of its being wound up while he is a member, or within one event of its being wound up while he is a member, or within one year year after after he he ceases ceases to to be be aa member, member, for for payment payment of of the the debts debts and and liabilities liabilities of of the the Club Club contracted contracted before before he he ceases ceases to to be be aa member, and the costs, charges and expenses of winding member, and the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, up, and and for for the the adjustment adjustment of of the the rights rights of of the the contributors contributors among among themselves, such amount as may be required, not exceeding themselves, such amount as may be required, not exceeding one one pound. pound.

W

e thought we’d feature something a little different in Looking Back this month.

MG Car Club member Richard Bickford recently sent us some scans for our archive. He found this 86-year-old menu for the 1934 Down Stage Dinner in Ripley, whilst going through one of his wonderful step-father’s scrap books.

Richard said it was hard to believe that the first MG he owned back in the late 50s, MG J2 UJ 859, was only two years old when this dinner was held.

James Martin was the name of Richard’s step-father. He was a member of the Junior Car Club (JCC), which was the forerunner of the BARC, and he raced a ChainGang Fraser Nash.

It’s wonderful to see these rarities still turning up (does anyone recognise any of the signatures on this menu?} and we enjoyed the odd doodle that really makes it for us, probably done after the interval pint! I wonder if any footage from the reels that were shown at the dinner exists today?

98 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2020

Whilst Whilst every every effort effort has has been been made made to to ensure ensure the the accuracy accuracy of of information at information at the the time time of of going going to to press, press, neither neither The The Publisher Publisher (herein referred referred to to as as Hine Hine Marketing), Marketing), the the Editor, Editor, nor nor the the MG MG (herein Car Club Club can can accept accept any any responsibility responsibility or or loss loss occasioned occasioned to to any any Car person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in the publication.

The opinions of authors are their own and in the publication. The opinions of authors are their own and Hine Hine Marketing, Marketing, the the Editor Editor and and the the MG MG Car Car Club Club are are not not bound bound to to agree agree with opinions expressed herein.

Reproduction in whole or in part with opinions expressed herein. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Safety Fast! and The MG without written permission is prohibited. Safety Fast! and The MG Car Car Club Club badge badge are are protected protected through through trademark trademark registration registration in in the the UK UK and and in in the the foreign foreign countries countries where where Safety Safety Fast!

Fast! circulates. circulates.

Readers are warned that if they attempt any mechanical or other Readers are warned that if they attempt any mechanical or other modifications modifications or or methods methods referred referred to to herein, herein, they they do do so so at at their their own own risk risk and and no no liability liability will will attach attach to to the the MG MG Car Car Club, Club, the the Editor Editor nor nor Hine Marketing.

Neither shall the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Hine Marketing. Neither shall the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing Marketing have have any any responsibility responsibility for for the the accuracy accuracy of of the the content content of of the the editorial, editorial, neither neither the the content content of of any any advertisement advertisement published published in in Safety Fast!

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ItIt should should be be noted noted that that neither neither Hine Hine Marketing, Marketing, the the Editor, Editor, nor nor the the MG MG Car Club Car Club make make any any recommendation recommendation in in respect respect of of any any goods goods and/ and/ or services advertised or featured in this issue.

It is the responsibility or services advertised or featured in this issue. It is the responsibility of of readers readers to to satisfy satisfy themselves themselves that that the the goods goods or or services services offered offered or or referred referred to to are are bona bona fide fide and and in in no no instance instance shall shall Hine Hine Marketing, Marketing, the Editor or the MG Car Club be held responsible for the quality or the Editor or the MG Car Club be held responsible for the quality or suitability suitability of of any any such such items. items.

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E109S Speedo drive housing with internal oil seal all T & Y Types £110

T136 Repair section - rear wing MGA RH or LH LH shown £186

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