Safety Fast! October 2020 by MG Car Club

Safety Fast!

INSIDE

£3.95 Volume 65 Number 10

Celebrating 90 years of The MG Car Club

“The Marque of Friendship”

OCTOBER 2020

PARTS & ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR

ISSUE 26

ISSUE 25

MGA

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WELCOME

ctober marks a very poignant month in the Club’s history as it was the month the Club was first formed, back in 1930 at the Roebuck Hotel, Stevenage. The history of the Club has been well documented throughout the magazine this year, but we couldn’t let October pass without doing anything to celebrate in Safety Fast! so within this issue are various photospreads featuring MG Car Club events and personalities, taken over the previous 90 years. With the lack of events this year due to the worldwide pandemic, The MG Car Club are pleased to be hosting their first event of the season on October 10 2020 at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon; this informal social gathering will follow all the government guidelines. More details are published opposite and tickets can be purchased directly from www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk As well as a time of celebration, this month within the magazine we’re also marking the 40th anniversary of the MG Car Company closing the doors on its famous Abingdon factory which was to be its home for 50 years. People still flock to Abingdon to see where the famous MGs were built, such was the pull of our beloved marque, and hopefully soon we’ll be able to welcome members back to Kimber House, to look around our memorabilia and archive material that we have here. Although there is still as distinct lack of events for you and your MG to attend for obvious reasons, you can still keep in touch with the Club via the website, social media, or if you haven’t listened to the MGCC podcast, I urge you to have a listen. With 19 current episodes, covering all the latest news and interviews with MG personalities, visit www.mgpodcast.uk/ for all the details on the episodes and how you can download and listen to them. It’s been great to see so many people working hard on projects over the past six months, restoring or just fettling their MGs ready for the 2021 season. If you have been out in the garage tinkering with your MG why not email a photo through to andy@mgcc.co.uk for use in a future photo spread. I’m looking forward to getting out and about properly next year, with lots of events in the calendar; hopefully it will be a very active MG year. In the meantime, we’ve got our 90th celebration at Gaydon to look forward to this month. Until next month, drive safely. Andy Knott Membership Type

Direct Debit Rate

Standard Rate Online

Standard Rate Post

Single

£50

£55

Joint

£54

£59

Young Members 16-20

£15

Young Members 21-24

£30

Come and join us on Saturday October 10 at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, to celebrate The MG Car Club’s 90th anniversary! Tickets are available from the link on the MG Car Club’s website. The Museum is a COVID-secure venue and has all the necessary procedures and plans in place to enable them to host events, even with the latest change in Government guidance. Full details of the measures in place can be found on the British Motor Museum’s website. After the latest Government announcement, we have since amended some of our plans and have decided not to have an arena. As we are celebrating the Club’s 90th Anniversary, we have chosen to focus on the Club and our Centres, Registers and members for this event, so are planning for a small Club marquee and some Centre and Register marquees. We will be also parking cars as they arrive so we can showcase the full variety of cars and members in the Club! The British Motor Museum will also be opening its doors so you can explore the museum and find a hidden gem or two. Tickets must be booked in advance and remain on sale until October 9 from the British Motor Museum’s website. Please note, this information was correct at the time of going to print. With the ever-changing situation in the UK, if you are planning on attending please keep an eye on our website or social media for all the latest news and information – www.mgcc.co.uk

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

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OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 3

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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 70 Race Torque 72 MGs on Track 73 MGCC Speed Championship 75 Centre Updates 84 Register Updates 90 Classifieds 98 Looking Back

NEWSLETTERS

M Types assemble for start of the first Chiltern Trial, the Club’s first event, February 1931. Photo: MG Car Club Archive

31 Vintage Newsletter 47 Triple M Newsletter 52 SUV Newsletter

FEATURES 18 THE MG CAR CLUB 1930-1960

A selection of MG Car Club-related photos

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 late-2000s issue of Safety Fast! As the Club entered a new Millennium it was on a high as it celebrated its 70th anniversary, which was proudly displayed on the cover of Safety Fast! throughout the year. It was also awarded the coveted Club of the Year award from Classic and Sportscar Magazine. In 2001 after 16 years the well-respected Paddy Willmer retired as editor of Safety Fast! handing over to Peter Browning, who was no stranger to Safety Fast! having being involved back in the 1960s. Celebrating anniversaries in Safety Fast! seemed to be a good promotional vehicle, and an opportunity for special events. Safety Fast! in March 2003 recorded 75 years of the M Type, the 40th Anniversary of the T Register, 30 Years of the MGB V8, the 25th Anniversary of the V8 Register, 20 years of the Maestro and the 20th Regency Run (London to Brighton) which attracted over 700 cars. The year 2003 also saw the formation of the new ZR/ZS/ZT Register. At this time, the growing popularity of Track Days prompted the Club to set up its own MGs on Track operation. Originally inspired by Dave Livingstone at the start of the 2004 season, the Club’s Track Days soon became regular events enjoyed by a growing number of members, and are still as popular today.

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from the 1930s to the 1960s

20 ABINGDON – FINAL DAYS Peter Neal recalls the closing of the Abingdon MG factory 40 years ago

28 THE MG CAR CLUB 1961-1990 A selection of MG Car Club-related photos from the 1960s to the 1990s

44 THE MG CAR CLUB 1991 -2020 A selection of MG Car Club-related photos from the 1990s to the modern day

60 LEAKY GASKET How to change the Cam Cover gasket on a K Series engine

67 SUPER SNETTERTON Graham Keilloh reports on all the MGCC Race Action from Snetterton

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 5

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CHAIRMANS NEWS

t is my privilege as the Club Chairman to write these notes as we celebrate the 90th anniversary of the formation of our Club. Would those who first met at The Roebuck in Stevenage in 1930 have thought that the cars they were campaigning would be still active 90 years later? We have the honour as Club Members to be the custodians of so much of the MG heritage and together with the

camaraderie that the marque engenders, we truly have a Club to be proud of. Since 1930 we have seen many changes, and many volunteers and staff have contributed to the success and longevity of the Club. We stand today as one of the strongest and soundest car clubs in the country, if not the world, and we look forward to celebrating the 100th birthday of MG in the not-too-distant future. This year is an exceptional one for our sort of social and sporting organisation. We have weathered storms in the past and we are now, I think, taking the current one in our stride. We started the year with all sorts of plans to mark the 90th anniversary of the Club’s formation and celebrate our birthday. These plans have had to be shelved because of the Covid-19 situation; however all is not lost, as we are holding a Covid-19 compliant social gathering at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon. It is on October 10, close to our actual anniversary, and bookings can be made via the British Motor Museum’s website (www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk); more information can be found in this Safety Fast! We have been able to run two race meetings, at Donington and Snetterton, successfully so far with no repercussions or any infections occurring. This is down to

good organisation and good sense being shown by all involved. We are intending to run a third meeting at Oulton Park on October 3. As I write this the government is carrying out another review of the situation, so who knows what we will be able to do over the autumn. While there has been little Club activity on the roads over the summer, a number of innovations have emerged across the Club, starting with the Kimber House podcast and including the creation of virtual Natters over Zoom and Skype. Centres and Registers have been having virtual committee meetings – mostly focusing on planning for the summer of 2021. I’m sure that now we have taken the step of meeting virtually this is here to stay and can only improve communications across the Club. This can also reduce the personal costs of committee members attending meetings, especially in the Registers, whose committee members are by definition not as geographically close as those of the Centre committees. Please keep safe, and I hope we can all start meeting up with our MG friends soon, and that as many who wish to can help celebrate our 90th birthday at Gaydon, Covid-19 willing. Bill Silcock

KIMBER HOUSE NEWS Here at Kimber House, we are gearing up for our first event of 2020. It definitely feels strange saying that in October! Our 90th Anniversary event at the British Motor Museum is only weeks away, with final preparations being made by the team. We’re looking forward to seeing the sea of MGs outside the Museum. As much as we love welcoming visitors to Kimber House, unfortunately we are still closed. We thank-you for your understanding during this challenging period. We will keep you updated in Safety Fast!, on our website and via our social media. Our podcast continues to entertain and inform whilst keeping MG fans in touch around the world. We’ve covered some amazing topics, as well as speaking to some key people in the MG community including our members who have shared their MG stories. Visit www.mgpodcast.uk to listen to all the episodes so far.

www.mgcc.co.uk

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 7

NEWS KIM JOHNSON We recently learned about the very sad news of Kim Johnson’s passing. Arguably the quickest of all the Midget drivers on the hill-climb and sprint scene over a period lasting at least fifty years, Kim finished second in the highly prestigious RAC Leaders National Hill-Climb championship in 1976, going on to repeat this performance many times thereafter, plus was a regular class winner right up until this year at Shelsley Walsh just three weeks ago. Kim not only competed in the Midget, however, but also his Mallock U2, the prototype MG RV8, a prototype MGF, and was often invited to drive other people’s cars, too. In addition to his highly illustrious competitive career, Kim was also a very gifted engineer, able to turn his hand to anything, which among other things included overseeing the complete re-establishing of the paint and process engineering at MGRover in the Honda days, and was also director of MG Sport and Racing when associated with West Surrey Racing, with drivers Colin Turkington, Anthony Reid and Warren Hughes. When developing the MG RV8, he was given permission to use prototype No5 for hill-climbing, again becoming a dominant class winner. Kim will be missed hugely by so many friends and members of the MGCC and Midland Automobile Club, for whenever and wherever he competed, he was always on hand and happy to help and advise competitors both old and new. I was fortunate enough to interview Kim for Safety Fast! a few years ago, and as always he was quiet and modest about his many achievements, a lovely man. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family at this very sad time, his wife Jenny and children Ben, Vicky and their families also. Dennis Wharf

NEC CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW POSTPONED FOR 2020 The organisers of the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show with Discovery, have announced that they have been given no alternative but to postpone the 2020 event. The organisers of the great season finale at the NEC in Birmingham, Clarion Events, pulled out all the stops to try and make the UK’s biggest indoor show happen, but it turned out not to be possible. The change has arisen due to the rising number of Coronavirus cases as a second wave of infections sweeps the UK. The MGCC will now work on plans to mark the occasion virtually in a show of solidarity with show organisers, and also plan ahead to ensure our displays in 2021 are the best yet. Adam Sloman, MGCC General Manager, said: “We had hoped to really pull out the stops to put on a really special display for the Club’s 90th anniversary this year, but clearly we will have to postpone those plans. The NEC Classic Motor Show is an incredibly important event for us and its presence will be greatly missed, but our

8 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

THE MGCC 90TH ANNIVERSARY PHOTO COMPETITION Earlier this year, we launched our photo competition as part of our 90th anniversary celebrations. Since then, we have received nearly 700 entries and here comes the fun part of whittling them down to the best 90 images. Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we have had to rethink our original plans of hosting a special display at Kimber House this month. The team are looking at alternative plans to display the best 90 images – we will announce these plans in due course. As well as that, we’ll be picking the top ten photos for a series of special prizes. The Kimber House team also have the difficult job of picking the winner of the photo competition, who will receive a special award and the image they entered as a canvas. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels as we will be announcing our plans soon, as well as the top 90, top 10 images and the winner of the Photo Competition.

MGCC Magnette Register AGM Date: Saturday October 24 2020 Time: 4.00pm Venue: https://zoom.us/join or tel. 0330 088 5830

thoughts go out to the team at Clarion who worked so hard to try and make this year’s show happen.”

Zoom Meeting ID: 207 841 2857 Passcode: 916726 Agenda

What to do if you have tickets. Members who have bought tickets to the show using the Club discount code have a number of options available, including transferring their tickets to next year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show or the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show in March 2021. Visit FAQ page on the show’s website www. necclassicmotorshow.com/ for more details.

1. Apologies 2. Approval of minutes of 2019 AGM 3. Matters arising 4. Officers’ Reports 5. Election of officers and committee 6. Any other business Apologies, AOB items or nominations for committee should be given in advance to the Secretary, Clive Webb, tel. 01905 821115 or cdwebb63@gmail.com

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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 Steering Wheel Boss MLB8BG £91.20 Electronic Distributor, neg earth, without gear 27H5138CSINE £330.00 Electronic Distributor, positive earth 27H5138CSIPE £330.00 Heatshield GAC1036 £47.95

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

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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

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NEWS

ELECTRIC FOR ALL! MG Motor, the UK’s fastest-growing car brand, is offering electric for all as it expands its line-up with the addition of two more affordable and practical electric cars to its growing range. Sitting alongside the thriving MG ZS EV and on sale from September 22 2020. All New MG5 EV and MG HS Plug-in are expected to help MG to reach a tipping point in 2021 with plug-in cars accounting for over 50% of MG Motor UK’s total sales. With a range of three plug-in cars, MG is further strengthening its position as the go-to brand for mainstream, affordable, electric cars. All New MG5 EV The All New MG5 EV takes MG – and the fully electric car – into an entirely new market sector, while the MG HS Plug-in is a high-quality, great value C-segment SUV with a PHEV powertrain and astonishing levels of standard equipment. All New MG5 EV is unique in Britain’s EV market, offering the flexibility and practicality of a capacious estate car with great driving dynamics and absolutely no exhaust emissions. MG5 EV is the perfect

10 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

addition to MG’s rapidly expanding electric car portfolio, alongside MG ZS EV and new MG HS Plug-in, which together are expected to account for over half of MG’s UK sales in 2021. The brand is already the fourth most popular EV brand in the UK and the latest model will further strengthen its position. Like all MG models, All New MG5 EV comes with a 7-year / 80,000-mile fully-transferable warranty as standard. It is powered by a 115kW electric motor (equivalent to 156PS), giving acceleration of 0-60mph in just over eight seconds, with a 52.5kWh LithiumIon battery pack that can be charged from zero to 80% in just 50 minutes using a rapid charger. MG5 EV has a WLTP-approved combined range of 214 miles in normal day-to-day use. This rises to 276 miles if the car is used solely for urban driving. Prices start from just £24,495 after the Plug-In Car Grant (currently £3,000) and users will benefit from 0% Benefit-in-Kind tax during the 2020-21 tax year, or 1% in 2021-22. Two trim levels are available – Excite and Exclusive, both comprehensively equipped. MG5 EV’s lively motor sends power to the front wheels, which gives the car sound handling characteristics with an assured feel thanks to its low centre of gravity. The battery pack, meanwhile, is cleverly mounted beneath the floor of the car, maximising interior space for both passengers and luggage. A full charge at home using Type 2 fast charging can be attained in around eight-and-a-half hours.

www.mgcc.co.uk

NEWS Building Engines for the MG Midget, MGB and MGA for over 40 years All our engines are built in our own workshops and come complete with ﬂywheel, clutch, front pulley and water pump and are ready to ‘drop in’ PLEASE CHECK ARE WEBSITE FOR FULL ENGINE SPECS (All Skiptune Engines come with a full 12 month Warranty) ENGINE PRICE GUIDE MIDGET/SPRITE/A SERIES

With the rear seats up and load cover in place there are 464 litres of boot space, or with the load cover retracted that extends to 578 litres with the rear seats still in place. Drop the 60:40 folding seat back and the load capacity increases to an astonishing 1,456 litres. MG HS Plug-in The new MG HS Plug-in SUV goes on sale in October with a great value entry price of £29,995 and adds a new dimension to MG’s electrified drivetrain line-up, building on the popularity and success of MG ZS EV. It becomes MG’s first model to feature a Plug-in Hybrid drivetrain, using the existing model’s 1.5-litre turbocharged engine working in tandem with a 90kW electric motor. Together the electric and petrol motors develop a combined power output of 258PS, giving the model a performance advantage, too. It has the ability to accelerate swiftly from 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds. MG HS Plug-in also introduces an innovative new 10-speed transmission which works with both the petrol and electric motors to optimise power delivery and efficiency. Power from the petrol engine is channelled through a six-speed automatic gearbox, while the electric motor transfers power through a four-speed electronic drive unit. Together they combine to provide 10 electronically controlled gear ratios that always provide the optimal gear combination, keeping emissions as low and driver enjoyment and performance as high as possible. Yet despite these impressive power and performance figures MG HS Plug-in boasts very impressive economy figures and a low CO2 emissions figure of just 43g/km. In EV-only mode emissions are 0g per km and this gives a range of up to 32 miles – ideal for most commutes. But in hybrid mode the range of the car is limitless, making it ideal for longer journeys and family holidays when you can put petrol in if needed and not fret about the electric range. Using a Type 2 fast charger, the MG HS Plug-in can be charged from zero to 100% in just three hours.

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OCTOBER 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

NEW FROM NTG MOTOR SERVICES ELECTRONIC IGNITION CONVERSION

Electronic ignition conversion for T and Y types, MGA and Magnette, positive or negative earth. Fits inside original distributor replacing internal baseplate, no change to external appearance, uses existing leads and coil. Full instructions supplied (TC shown) £87.00 incl of VAT. Telephone 0044 (0)1473 406031/32 or visit their website at: http://www.mgbits.com/

MG CAR CLUB ANNIVERSARY BANDANA – GREEN AND BLACK

Perfect for the supermarket, public transport or just out and about in your MG with 30 UPF sun protection. Wicks away moisture when you’re hot and keeps you toasty when it’s cold. Cover your mouth and nose with your Giraffe bandana to prevent dust and dirt from getting into your lungs. There are over 12 ways to wear the MGCC 90th Anniversary Bandana. Priced at £13.00 each Available from the Club Shop, go to www.shop.mgcc.co.uk email ineke@mgcc.co.uk or phone 01235 849737.

MG ZS BOOT LINER/BOOT PROTECTOR MG UMBRELLA FOR TWO FOR THE LATEST MODEL, FROM MG AND AMC PARTS

To fit the latest model MG ZS. Now with edge strengthening supports, and come embossed with the MG ZS logo. Protect your MG while improving its looks, tailor-made boot liners for the MG ZS are made to “perfectly” fit the car boot. They are not a universal fit so no cutting, folding or any fitting required, just open the boot and slide into place. Priced at £44.95, including delivery, with a 10% discount for MGCC members. To order or for more information contact Roger Briscoe at:Main Office Tel: 02392 220222. Warehouse Tel: 02392 372648. Mobile: 07454 006080. Email: roger@briscoe.net Web: www.mgandamcparts.com MG and AMC Parts, The smithy, High Street, Southwick, Hants. PO17 6EB

12 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

Stay dry together under one umbrella. Perfectly suitable to put over your open-top MG for two people! MG logo printed on both sides. Glass fibre frame and stick, polyester pongee, length: 81cm, panel: 148cm / 99cm. Priced at £32.50 plus post and packing. Available from the Club shop, go to: shop.mgcc.co.uk or phone Ineke on 01235 849737 email: ineke@mgcc.co.uk

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OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 13

POSTBAG TWIN CAM QUERIES I’m the owner of MGA Twin Cam PJB147 which remained with the factory in development from first registered March 28 1958 until it was sold via Dick Jacob’s garage December 2 1960. There are three questions about this car which have bugged me for quite some time and I wonder if anyone can help? 1) Who was C.C. Sharp of Coxtie Green in the attached Exchange & Mart advert from 1966 and how did he know this car was a “Works Proto”, as the former owner didn’t know this. Perhaps he had a connection with the factory?

2) Was anyone at Silverstone August 23 1958 or has photos of the event, where the factory took PJB 147 and EX181 speed record breaker just after the Chobham press launch of the MGA Twin Cam model in July? No other black Twin Cam roadsters had been dispatched by this date, so photos or the programme from this event would be greatly appreciated. 3) This specific photo below appeared in Classic Cars magazine January 1991 page 124 and looks to have emanated from within the factory but BMIHT archives have no record of it. PJB 147 has no boot rack in this photo, so this dates the photo to before PJB was flown to France via a Bristol freighter aeroplane from Silver City Airport with MGA LBL304 which raced Gaisberg Hillclimb and road race at Zeltweg. Anyone recognised this photo from elsewhere? Not to be confused with the actual factory press photos last printed in Safety Fast! August 2020 page 25. Any info is welcome. Please send to Mark Hester – markhester@hotmail.com

DOES ANYONE HAVE... I am hoping I can make an appeal to members via Safety Fast! for a better copy of the above picture. It was taken at Mallory Park in 1977 during a T-Type race – in fact it is a first lap incident at the hairpin. The cars involved are Dave Clewley (No. 19), myself (No. 18) and on the right Paddy Willmer. I know a few people had copies of the picture, but at the time I didn’t bother following up who took it. I recently found this copy of the T-Racer bulletin and it would be lovely after all these years – a mere 43 of them – to finally get a decent copy. If anyone can help, can they email pete.cresswell.t21@btinternet.com Peter Cresswell

A SERIES WATER PUMP In the July 2020 edition of Safety Fast! on Page 67 a water pump part number GWP188EVO is quoted. I was impressed by the description and ordered one from Mini Spares. On delivery I found that it does not have a by-pass hose off-take or a dynamo fixing. I phoned Mini Spares who were very helpful and advised that the correct part number to get the pump with those fixings is GWP134EVO. This pump is otherwise the same. Incidentally, the quality of the pump looks first class, a good recommendation. Mike Bannard

14 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

www.mgcc.co.uk

POSTBAG FOOD FOR THOUGHT I read with interest young member Shaun Nelson’s “Food for thought” feature in July, and John R Oliver’s reply in “Postbag” the following month. What struck me was the poor fuel consumption figures quoted by both contributors for their respective cars. About 20mpg for Shaun’s MGB and 23mpg for John’s MGA, leading me to suspect both cars require some attention to their engine set up – timing and fuelling being uppermost. MGs were always noted for their meagre thirst for fuel, the various MGBs I owned always returning around 30mpg on short runs, and approximately 3637 on longer trips. My MGA 1500 did about the same, and the 1330cc Midget I still have, which is quite extensively modified, always returns around 40mpg under almost any conditions. Indeed, the highly developed 948cc A series fitted in the record breaker EX 179, and driven at Utah in 1957 at an average speed of 118.13mph for 12 hours, startled everyone by returning 49.9mpg while doing so. Admittedly it did have a smooth aerodynamic body, but proves nonetheless how fuel efficient our old MGs can be. However, Shaun and

EX179 at speed on the Salt flats, returned a staggering 49.9mpg

John’s poor fuel consumption figures are hardly the first time I’ve come across, and accepted as about right by their owners. For the past 12 years my annual rolling road meeting for members to have their engine set up checked at Aldon Automotive has highlighted how many beautifully presented cars are in need of serious attention to their timing and fuelling. Over-rich running, along with too lean, is not only damaging to the engine (and the environment) but also unpleasant to drive; the number of thank you messages from attendees I receive following their visit is testament to this fact. Correct timing and mixture strength results in smooth instant power, greater drivability, and of course fewer visits to the pump – always a bonus in my book. Both Shaun and John’s articles are excellent, explaining some of the problems we are undoubtedly going to face in the future. However, as an old petrol head I sure hope the enjoyment of messing around with old cars does not die out as a result, and our innocent hobby enjoyed

by thousands all around the world, become a thing of the past. That would be tragic. To counter all that, what I have found encouraging are the recent reports of oil companies developing fuels which are not carbon based. How, no idea, but evidently they are progressing reasonably well, such that F1 is set to use this carbon-free petrol within five years, so perhaps our old, much-loved internal combustion engines aren’t going to be buried just yet. In the meantime I’ll continue enjoying my old, fuel-efficient MG, plus our two modern petrol-engined cars, which, with their clever injection systems for engine sizes, are remarkably frugal. The first, with a 2.5 litre straight six producing well over 200bhp, never falls below 42mpg, and gives up to 48 on a run, while the second, a sports car with a 3.0 litre flat six quad cam and 300bhp, will cover 40 miles on a gallon of the precious liquid easily – considerably more on a run – and often while exercising a heavy right foot! Dennis Wharf

BALANCING CARBURETTORS I read with interest the item in the V8 Newsletter in the August issue about balancing carburettors on the MGB V8, even though I do not have one! I thought that the method described by Victor Smith would be suitable for any model with twin SU carburettors. My own MG is a PA Airline (PA 0837), which I bought last year and have recommissioned after it had been little used since it was restored and returned to the road in 2011. I am currently tinkering with the ignition and carburettor settings to get the best performance from the car and thought that I could use the method described to balance the carburettors. However, I was thwarted because the pistons in my carbs are solid without dampers. There is a shallow, conical dimple in the top of the piston, and a small hole in the cap. Applying some lateral thinking, I devised a way to adapt Victor’s idea for the solid pistons. I used 20 SWG galvanised wire, which is an easy fit through the holes in the caps to rest in the dimple in the top of the pistons. The only problem is that the wires are free to rotate, and end up parallel, pointing at the cylinder head, due to the angle of the carbs and gravity. So, I used a rod, resting on the inner wing (on a cloth to protect the paintwork), and fixed to the radiator tie rod with a cable tie to hold the wires. The synchronisation procedure is then the same as described by Victor. I attach a couple of photos showing the wires in position on my car. You do not even need to remove the piston caps on the carburettors. Mike Long www.mgcc.co.uk

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 15

YOUNG MEMBERS

Shaun Nelson shaunnelly@hotmail.com

KEIRAN REID – MG TF A

fter driving a five-door hatchback for the past four years, and after a road traffic accident, I thought a bit of a change wouldn’t go amiss. A small, mid-engine, two-seater roadster wasn’t my first thought of a next daily drive, but owning an MGB GT has given me that MG bug I can’t get enough of. I came across this 2004 MG TF 115, with just over 7k miles on the clock, through a classic car dealer back in June. Being the 115 model, the 1.6 K-Series is the heartbeat for ‘Huey’. Although I had no previous experience of a modern two-seater, 114bhp feels more than suitable for the car. First supplied to dealer Rycar in Cardiff, it still retains its original ‘MG Rover Direct’ number plates and tax disc holder. These, along with some other interesting details, have really given me the enthusiasm to research more on the Fs and TFs. With my knowledge mostly on classic MGs, I knew that daily-ing a TF would help grow my knowledge for the mechanics on an engine layout I was unfamiliar with. Living a few miles away from Longbridge, I’ve already managed to bring the TF back to its birthplace which was quite touching. After using the TF every day for the past two months, I’ve begun to see what

16 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

a practical little thing it really is, and what a pleasurable driving experience it gives every day. Storage space is like something out of Narnia (for such a small car) and parts are easily available. Fixes so far include a new throttle cable and a few leaks fixed on the hard top with the help of my local TF experts Summit Garage of Dudley. Having the option of no top, soft top and hard top helps me convert it from a daily driver to a weekend toy in just a few seconds. Now I’m able to see the somewhat different, yet similar, aspects between the TF and MGB. Despite both being made in different factories and different centuries,

both for me still hold that little British sports car feel. The enthusiasm for these modern classics is just as strong as the classics amongst fellow enthusiasts. I’m very much looking forward to many more miles in the TF and it’s about time we started investing in modern classics like the F and TF whilst still keeping with that octagon tradition we all know and love.

www.mgcc.co.uk

All prices exclude P&P

90TH ANNIVERSARY MERCHANDISE

KIMBER STORES MGCC 90th Anniversary Large Car Badge £40.00

MGCC 90th Anniversary box £25.00

MGCC 90th Anniversary Cap £12.50

MGCC 90th Anniversary pillow/blanket £22.50

MGCC 90-th Anniversary Pin Badge £4.75

MG Car Club small 90th Anniversary - Grille Badge £22.50

MGCC 90th Anniversary Note Book £9.50

MGCC 90th Anniversary Tie £17.50

MGCC 90th Anniversary Conference folder £17.50

All prices exclude P&P

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

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 17

MG CAR CLUB 1930 - 1960

1. The gathering at the Roebuck Hotel, Stevenage, for the inaugural meeting of the Club in October 1930 2. Land’s End Trial 1934. MGCC A-Team at a halt, the Club colour stripes can clearly be seen on the bonnet sides. Toulmin leads, while MacDermid follows, and Bastock brings up the tail 3. Start of the first Chiltern Trial, the Club’s first event, February 1931 4. Early MG Car Club Dinner Dances were well attended with members in white tie and tails, taken at the Park Lane Hotel 5. MGCC members participating in the 1936 Continental Tour in the all-new MG TAs, loaned to them by the MG factory 6. Cars line up on the grid for a start of a race at The MG Car Club’s 1952 July Silverstone meeting 7. Wilson McComb racing Gordan Cobban’s MGA at Silverstone 1959 8. MG TCs ahead of a hard chasing Jaguar at the May 1959 Silverstone meeting

18 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

9. The start of a ten-lap scratch race for MGAs at the Silverstone 1960 meeting featuring No 43 G. Cobban, 40 S.H.K Butcher and 31 J.L. Waterhouse

www.mgcc.co.uk

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 19

FEATURE

ABINGDON

FINAL DAYS By Peter Neal

This month marks the 40th anniversary of the Abingdon Factory that built our beloved MG cars closing for the last time, as British Leyland put the site up for sale in October 1980.

ncouraged by the then government, it was the intention that the merger in 1968 between British Motor Holdings (BMC/Pressed Steel/Jaguar) and the Leyland Motor Corporation (Leyland/Triumph/Rover) would help to strengthen the remains of the British motor industry against the increasing competition coming from both Europe and Japan. In fact, the newly formed British Leyland Motor Corporation would, over the ensuing decade, prove to be a spectacular failure. The reasons were of course many and varied, but suffice to say that a combination of weak management 20 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

and headstrong trade unions combined to ensure that the new corporation failed to produce, in adequate numbers, the kind of vehicles that the buying public wanted or indeed needed. There were a few bright spots along the way; the much maligned Marina, introduced hastily in 1971, was one. It sold in the kind of volumes that would go a long way towards keeping the company’s head above water. The Allegro, designed as a replacement for the BMC 1100/1300 range and introduced two years later, didn’t have the kerb appeal of its predecessor, and never reached more than half the previous model’s annual sales

Late 1970s happily working on the MGB lines, unaware of what was due to happen to the factory very shortly

figures in the UK market. The Princess too, introduced in 1975, whilst having more style than the BMC 1800 that it replaced, never really improved on the sales figures of its rather boxy looking predecessor. By 1975, the company, now renamed simply British Leyland, was rapidly running out of cash. This resulted in the company having to be bailed out by the incumbent Labour government. At this stage the government held virtually all the company’s shares, effectively making it a nationalised industry. At this point Lord Stokes was moved upstairs to become President, with Lord Ryder, Chairman of the government’s National Enterprise Board who had previously written a report on the state of British Leyland, now assuming the chairmanship of the company. Unfortunately Lord Ryder’s rescue plan, involving in the region of £1 billion of taxpayers’ money, depended on the complete cooperation of both management and unions, neither of which was forthcoming under his leadership. After a period of some two years it was obvious that things were not improving and his sudden resignation cleared the way for the appointment in August 1977 www.mgcc.co.uk

of Michael Edwardes, a tough industrialist who had made a name for himself running the Chloride Battery Group, as chief executive of British Leyland. By the beginning of February 1978, Edwardes had worked out what was needed for the company to succeed and issued a 15 page document outlining his plan to all managers and employee representatives. The gist of it was that as centralisation had clearly not worked he would be splitting the company into a small number of separate enterprises to enable them to operate unhindered. The first of these, BL Cars (the name Leyland had become so toxic that it was being dropped altogether apart from the Truck and Bus Division), would be subdivided into three further companies, Austin Morris Ltd, Jaguar Rover Triumph Ltd and BL Components Ltd. It was not made clear in the document where MG would be positioned: in fact it was only mentioned at all on the last page as something of an afterthought. A further document issued by the chairman on the same day informed the management that Ray Horrocks would assume control of Leyland (sic) Cars with immediate effect.

Syd Beer, in Old Number 1 leads the parade celebrating MG’s 50th Abingdon Anniversary through the centre of Abingdon on September 8 1979. Photo: Alan Davis

FEBRUARY 1978, EDWARDES HAD WORKED OUT WHAT WAS NEEDED FOR THE COMPANY TO SUCCEED AND ISSUED A 15 PAGE DOCUMENT OUTLINING HIS PLAN TO ALL MANAGERS AND EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVES Wasting no time, Horrocks issued a memo regarding sports cars, making clear his disdain for this part of the business. The strengthening of the pound against the dollar (largely as the result of North Sea

oil beginning to come on stream) had in his words “made an already unprofitable business even more unprofitable”. This, he said, “has forced us to abandon our plans to introduce the ‘Lynx’ model

All the local businesses came out to celebrate MG’s 50th Anniversary in 1979. Photo: Alan Davis www.mgcc.co.uk

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 21

The BL Motorsport float heading through Abingdon celebrating 50 years of success in 1979. Photo: Alan Davis

(a TR7 based successor to the Triumph Stag) and to re-think our Sports Car strategy”. Discussing the closure of the Speke No2 factory in Liverpool, he remarked that “it would probably be commercially prudent to discontinue TR7 completely” but added that there was a need to stay in the market until “new models come in”. Once again there was no specific mention of MG. However, a memo issued as a follow up to the plant visit by Horrocks to Abingdon in May suggested that he had mellowed somewhat. The memo listed a number of his comments to questions that had been put to him. He confirmed that the company would stay in the sports car market, and said that he recognised Abingdon’s consistent performance and acknowledged that Abingdon and the MG name would continue. He also made the point that he supported MG Abingdon’s plans to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Later in the year Michael Edwardes issued a memo to all

22 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

employees in BL Cars. This addressed the issue of the unofficial toolroom group who were threatening to call a strike throughout the car manufacturing operations. It was pointed out that this would put a number of plants at risk, and in particular Cowley, Abingdon and Canley. These factories were identified probably because they relied upon the supply of bodies from the Pressed Steel plants at Cowley and Swindon which were the ones most affected by the toolmakers’ dispute. It was nevertheless chilling to see Abingdon identified in this way. Fortunately the planned strike was averted and it was once more back to business. The next thing Abingdon received was an official communiqué on September 19 to the effect that MG had been transferred to the Jaguar Rover Triumph division of BL Cars. The argument was that as JRT Ltd were responsible for all car sales in North America, it made sense for MG to be part of that organisation. Plant Director Peter Frearson also saw it as a positive move. “I believe we will be encouraged to become more independent, flexible and outward looking,” he said, “evidenced by our position… reporting directly to the

Managing Director of Rover Triumph”. His optimism wasn’t particularly shared by a motoring writer in the ‘Times’ newspaper who mused that ‘only time would tell as to whether the move was to develop MG, or eventually rationalise it out of existence’. Wasting no time however, Frearson got together with Product Planning and Engineering to discuss a number of changes to the MGB that he would like to see put into place. Apart from the change to the ‘O’ series engine and trim changes which were already under way, he wanted to see a new front end style incorporating new bumpers, and a deeper windscreen on the Tourer. A brief memo was circulated confirming that the MG plant now featured in the five year plan as one of the four principal Jaguar Rover Triumph assembly plants. Abingdon were nevertheless left wondering why the MG name couldn’t also be included in the company title – after all there were only two letters…. The other piece of information included in the memo was that with the phasing out of the Midget towards the end of 1979, the Vanden Plas Allegro would be assembled at Abingdon. Hardly was the ink dry on the changes to the British Leyland group when in May 1979 the country was faced with a new administration. Not only was the new government Conservative but for the first time Britain had a woman prime minister. Margaret Thatcher was a lady in a hurry: not only did she intend to reduce the power of the trade unions, she didn’t like state owned industries either. Michael Edwardes, awarded a knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, was tasked with drastically pruning British Leyland in readiness for its sell-off to the private sector or at the very least to reduce the company’s

The hot air balloon that lifted an MGB car for an American commercial, tethered and taking pride of place in the MG Social and Athletic field on Caldecott Road at the end of the 1979 celebration parade. Photo: Brian Moylan

www.mgcc.co.uk

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The last export MGB coming down the Abingdon MG factory line

dependence on government money. He had two years in which to achieve this aim. Factories would need to be closed, non-car businesses such as Aveling Barford and Prestcold sold off and the workforce reduced by at least 25,000. A four page statement was issued on September 10 outlining these proposals. Whilst Edwardes cannot be blamed for the timing of the document, indeed he may even have held it back until after MG’s jubilee celebrations, his management team must

be held accountable for the appalling manner in which the news was released. Printed by the Nuffield Press at Cowley with the intention that every employee should receive a copy, it was distributed in such a haphazard manner that whilst some people received it in the morning, some like Abingdon didn’t see it until late afternoon by which time the details had been leaked from other parts of BL. The first some MG production workers knew of it was when they were interrogated

Employees gather around the last export MGB. Photo: Harry Grant

24 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

about it by reporters from Radio Oxford and the ‘Oxford Mail’ as they left the factory. Even plant director Peter Frearson hadn’t had any prior warning. The announcement regarding MG was blunt and unacceptably brief. ‘The effect (of the streamlining programme) would be to cease car assembly at Canley and Abingdon. Abingdon would be converted to become an extension of Cowley to enable the Cowley modernisation programme and therefore model introductions to be accelerated. We would retain the MG marque’. So, all the assurances that Abingdon had been given over the years meant nothing. The feeling among the workforce from shop floor to senior management was one of utter disgust. Their loyalty, their hard work, their achievements, their total domination of the American sports car market all counted for nothing. The only ray of sunshine in this gloomy atmosphere was that production of the MGB would continue for another year. At least this would give everyone a chance to think about their future. The other piece of news was that MG was to be unceremoniously dumped back into the Austin Morris group. Perhaps that

www.mgcc.co.uk

‘Times’ correspondent had been right to be cynical. The ‘O’ series programme was cancelled immediately as was any other work on the Abingdon models other than that required to meet legislation. The news of Abingdon’s impending closure sparked off a huge debate in the media with everyone expressing sympathy for the demise of the MG brand, now assuming the status of ‘national treasure’. A protest march through the streets of London was organised by the MG clubs in conjunction with the trade unions with the theme of ‘Save the MG’. A petition was handed in to British Leyland headquarters at the end of the march by Jean (Kimber) Cook, Cecil Kimber’s youngest daughter. A debate was even held in the House of Commons on the fate of the company. Sadly none of these efforts had any effect. A plea by the American dealer network for a change of heart, partly orchestrated by John Thornley, was also unceremoniously kicked into touch by Sir Michael Edwardes. Hardly had the ink dried on the Edwardes plan when two Canadian businessmen (Messrs Lalonde and Mason) flew to London with the idea of purchasing the MG factory and continuing production of the MGB. Their plan was to set up a kind of workers’ cooperative with money coming from private equity. After discussions with the government it became clear that BL had no intention of selling either the factory or the MG brand. Next in the frame was a private consortium led by Alan Curtis, co-chairman and managing director of Aston Martin. They too wanted to keep the ‘B’ in production at Abingdon but with the benefit of a facelift to bring it up to date. Their plan was to eventually engineer a completely new state-of-theart replacement for the MGB designed to bring the marque back into profitability. Once again the major stumbling block

Factory employee Harry Grant’s advanced warning letter of redundancy, was sent a month before the factory closure

was the fact that Sir Michael Edwardes had no intention of selling the brand. He was however coming under increased pressure from the government and the press to show more flexibility. As a result he relented and agreed to sell the factory and allow the consortium to use the MG brand under licence. Unfortunately this wasn’t enough to secure the necessary financial backing and despite a herculean effort by Curtis and his partners the deal fell through. There was of course massive disappointment at Abingdon and a realisation that this really was now the end of the road.

There was however one last project awaiting the Abingdon engineering department. It did not have an EX number nor even an ADO number, simply the code name ‘Bounty’. Under a shroud of secrecy the staff were issued with their instructions. They would act as liaison engineers for a brand new model that would be put into production at Cowley. This was of course the much vaunted product of the collaboration arrangement that Edwardes had set up with the Honda Motor Company. The advantage to BL was that they would get a fully engineered vehicle and tooling at a bargain price.

THERE WAS HOWEVER ONE LAST PROJECT AWAITING THE ABINGDON ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT. IT DID NOT HAVE AN EX NUMBER NOR EVEN AN ADO NUMBER, SIMPLY THE CODE NAME ‘BOUNTY’

The last MGB GTs sat in the compound in the grounds of the Abingdon factory. Photo: Harry Grant www.mgcc.co.uk

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 25

The sad sight of an empty closed Abingdon factory, which was always a hive of activity throughout its 50 years. Photo: Harry Grant

Intended as a replacement for the Marina, both the manufacturing of the body shell and vehicle assembly would take place at Cowley with engines and associated hardware being shipped over from Japan. The engineering team soon became aware that the model they were dealing with was the Honda Ballade which carried over a large number of well proven Civic components. The Abingdon team saw a certain irony in the fact that the car they were responsible for would be badged in the UK as the Triumph Acclaim! Just before the announcement that the MG factory was to close, BL released details of their new Triumph TR7 two-seater convertible destined for the American market. On paper it was quite a nice little sports car: 2-litre slant-four

Looking across to the Abingdon MG factory with the For Sale signs, taken from Marcham Road

THE AMERICAN SPORTS CAR BUYING PUBLIC VOTED WITH THEIR FEET AND SIMPLY WALKED AWAY FROM THIS LATEST OFFERING FROM BL ohc engine, 5-speed manual transmission, reinforced body shell with its lowered rear deck line and boot lid making it better looking altogether than the coupe. Priced at just under $8,500, JRT expected to sell some 25,000 of these cars across the USA per annum. There was only one problem. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t an MG. The American sports car buying public voted with their feet and simply walked away from this latest offering from BL. As time went on, and despite heavy discounting, the US dealers struggled to shift them in any appreciable numbers and by 1981 the company, its

sports car strategy in tatters, decided to cease production of its flagship sports car. This left just Jaguar and Land Rover to carry the banner in the United States, a market pioneered by MG back in the heady post war era and undeniably a market that they had come to regard as their own. In the light of subsequent events most observers tend to agree that the closure of the MG factory and the abandonment of one of the most popular sports cars of all time was, from every point of view, an extraordinarily flawed decision. Abingdon is still awaiting its apology.

MG enthusiasts march through Piccadilly London to protest the closure of Abingdon 26 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MG CAR CLUB 1961 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1990

1. John Thornley with son Peter enjoying the 1967 Beaulieu gymkhana. Photo: Tony Bugbird 2. MGB having fun at an MGCC event held at Houghton Conquest, Bedfordshire. in 1967. Photo: Tony Bugbird 3. Martin Brent (far right) with Gordon Cobban, George Eyston and Lord Montagu at an MGCC Beaulieu prize giving. Photo: Gordon Cobban collection 4. T Types line up at Silverstone in 1974 to participate in the Concours. Photo: Dennis Wharf 5. The MG Car Club help celebrate 50 glorious years of the MG presence in Abingdon by entering a float in to the 1979 carnival. Photo: Alan Davies 6. Always a busy MG Car Club event, a good selection of MGs at Beaulieu in 1980. Photo: Dennis Wharf 7. M Types and other Triple M machinery gather for the start of the 1984 Regency Run. Photo: Phil Jennings 8. Bill Wallis presenting some awards during the 1985 MG Car Club Silverstone Meeting. Photo: Gordon Cobban collection

28 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

9. A busy Madeira Drive in Brighton hosts the 1987 MG Regency Run finish on a hot May day

www.mgcc.co.uk

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 29

MERCHANDISE

KIMBER STORES Anniversary Ladies/Gents Polo Shirts £25.00

MGCC 90th Anniversary Bandana £13.00

MGCC 90th Anniversary Windscreen Sticker £2.25

MG Thermos Flask/Mug £22.50

Made in Abingdon Book £15.99

Red Bandana £12.50

Top Trumps £5.00

Green Bandana £12.50

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To order please visit shop.mgcc.co.uk email ineke@mgcc.co.uk or Phone 01235 849737 30 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

www.mgcc.co.uk

Rob Constant rob@littleabingdon.co.uk

NEWSLETTER

WELCOME TO THE

VINTAGE NEWSLETTER Welcome to the latest Vintage Register six-monthly spread in which, this time, we thought to share with you an article written by our dear friend Doug Harris just over a decade ago. It is a definitive introduction to the Vintage cars, characteristically thorough. I’ve just lightly brought forward the text for all those gradually succumbing to the thoroughly sensible and pleasing notion of purchasing one of these wonderful machines! Should your days of folding your leg up treble be numbered, there are a number of cars quietly looking for new homes – so if

you should wonder what may be available, and where, please drop me a line at rob@littleabingdon.co.uk Presently there are examples of Bullnose, Flatnose and Marks I and II 18/80s in several different body styles available. There ought to be something to tickle most people’s fancy. Elegant, distinguished and characteristically great touring cars; should joining the senior Register of the MG Car Club appeal to you, then, dear reader, the following is just what you should read… Rob Constant

SO YOU WANT TO BUY

A VINTAGE MG By Doug Harris

DEFINITION OF A VINTAGE CAR The classification of cars as “Vintage” dates back to the formation of the Vintage Sports-Car Club (VSCC). The VSCC was established in 1934 to promote the sport and pastime of motoring, principally for cars manufactured before 1931. The VSCC also has a category of Post-Vintage Thoroughbreds – cars built between 1931 and 1940 but adhering to earlier standards – plus the best post-war racing and sports cars of the 1950s.

GO 12 the four door metal panelled MK II 18/80 De Luxe Saloon www.mgcc.co.uk

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 31

NEWSLETTER

car. Only five Tigress cars were built and we are fortunate that two of these survive. These two survivors are used regularly both on the road and in competition. The MG 18/100 Mk III Tigress is outside the scope of this article.

MG 993 the Carlton Drop Head Coupe MK II 18/80

The Veteran Car Club of Great Britain (VCC) was founded in 1930 after the London to Brighton Run of that year. The VCC embraces Veteran cars built up to and including December 1904 and Edwardian cars built between January 1905 and December 1918. It may therefore be said that the Vintage car era is from January 1919 through to the end of December 1930.

TYPES OF VINTAGE MGS The formative years of Morris Garages and MG are 1923-1924 and earlier. For the purposes of this article 1925 is taken as the start of MG production with significant sales of the MG Super Sports (the MG 14/28 Bullnose) in that year. The first generally accepted twinkling of what became the independent marque of MG being the Raworth-bodied Cowleys, of which sadly none are known to exist. So it is we look at the 14/28 forwards. The Vintage Register includes MG cars from 1925 through to 1931. The six types are listed below in year of production sequence:4 cylinder cars MG 14/28 Bullnose: MG 14/28 Flatnose: MG 14/40 (also known as the Mk IV).

32 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

6 cylinder cars MG 18/80 Mk I: MG 18/80 Mk II: MG 18/100 Mk III (also known as the Tigress). Note One:- The MG ‘M’ Type Midget was introduced at the 1928 London Olympia Motor Show alongside the prototype MG 18/80. The ‘M’ Type is therefore contemporary with the cars in the Vintage Register but it is placed in the Triple-M Register as it is the first of the family of MMM cars. Note Two:- The MG 18/80 Mk I, as it was later to be called, has had various names. While in prototype form it was called the ‘Mystery Six’, at the 1928 October Motor Show it was called the ‘Quick Six’ but by the time of full production in early 1929, it was called the ‘Six Sports’. The nomenclature was changed again in the summer/autumn of 1929 when a decision was made to produce a modified version of the Six Sports. The new car was named the 18/80 Mk II and the original car, the Six Sports, which was manufactured in tandem until the summer of 1931, was referred to as the 18/80 MkI. Note Three:- The MG 18/100 Mk III Tigress is a machine developed specifically for road racing and long-distance circuit racing. Whilst having general similarities to the MG 18/80 Mk II Speed Model, the Tigress is in fact a significantly different

BODY STYLES A feature of the Vintage MG period is the variety of body styles and finishes that were offered in relation to the small number of cars being made. Carbodies of Coventry was the main supplier of fully finished bodies and records show that small batches were often the norm in response to customer preferences and firm orders. The chassis were driven to Coventry for the bodies to be fitted and then driven back to Oxford or Abingdon for final checks and adjustments prior to delivery to the customer or the dealer. The variety of styles and the semibespoke nature of the MG business must have been a key selling point. Independent coachbuilders did occasionally build their own body designs on to MG chassis. The range of body styles is as follows:2 seat tourer with dicky seat 2 door salonette 4 seat tourer 4 door saloon (fabric skin) 2 seat drop head coupe 4 door saloon (metal skin) 4 seat speed model (narrow and wide bodied) These hand-built wooden-framed bodies are assembled from shaped ash timber sections with extensive use of joints secured by tailored metal brackets as well

www.mgcc.co.uk

NEWSLETTER as using some traditional precision woodto-wood joints. The body frame is designed to flex in sympathy with some unavoidable twisting of the chassis frame. The body frames can be skinned in any combination of steel, aluminium or fabric. Bonnets and wings are usually made of steel. The bright work on the pre-1929 models tended to be a mixture of chromium-plating and nickelplating; indeed, the earlier varieties of the 18/80 Mk I are fitted with solid nickel radiator shells. After 1929 chromiumplating was the norm. Taken overall these MGs were expensive cars and the standard of finish is high. Top-quality trim materials and leather seats are the norm and fittings and instrumentation are always to a high standard. The saloon bodies are particularly well appointed. Paint finishes can be in bright colours and are occasionally twotone; on the earlier cars body panels are sometimes in polished aluminium which can have an engine turned finish.

TECHNICALITIES 4 cylinder cars:- The MG 14/28 and the MG 14/40 trace their parentage back to the Morris Oxford and before that the Morris Cowley. Cecil Kimber joined Morris Garages as General Manager in 1921. He and his colleagues transformed the performance and visual appeal of the basic Morris vehicles. This development work started well before 1925 and continued through until the end of 1928 prior to the finish of MG 14/40 production in early 1929. Engine:- 4 cylinders; Capacity 1802 cc; Bore 75 mm; Stroke 102 mm; RAC rating 13.9 horsepower. Side valves. Compression ratio 5.0:1. Single carburettor - Smith, SU or Solex. Power – early cars maybe 30+ BHP, later cars maybe 35+ BHP at 3,500 rpm. Engine refinement continues to this day and it is certain that some of our present day survivors have higher power outputs. Transmission:- Wet twin plate corkfaced clutch running in engine oil, three speed non-synchromesh gearbox, torque tube to rear axle. Suspension:- 14/28 Front springs 1/2 elliptic. Rear springs 3/4 elliptic. 14/40 Front and rear springs 1/2 elliptic. Steering:- Early cars had a Morris steering box, later cars used a Marles box.

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AYU 812 the MK II Speed Model 18/80

Brakes:- 12” drums front and rear, cross shafts and rods, Perrot system to front shoes, some cars are fitted with Clayton Dewandre servo assistance. The hand brake operates separate shoes in the wide rear brake drums. Wheels:- 14/28 Bolt-on artillery, 14/40 Bolt-on wire spoke. Dimensions:- 14/28 Wheelbase 8ft 6in and later 9ft, Track 4ft. 14/40 Wheelbase 8ft 10 1/2”, Track 4ft. Weight:- 14/28 chassis 13cwt 1qtr, 14/40 chassis 15cwt 3qtr. Electrics:- 6/12 volt system; magneto ignition; 18mm sparking plugs; Dynamotor dynamo/starter motor. 6 cylinder cars:- The MG 18/80 engine is derived from a six cylinder unit of the same capacity that was designed

and produced by Morris Motors Engine Division circa 1926/27. It is probable that Cecil Kimber had some part to play in the decision by William Morris to proceed with this engine. The engine was installed in several unsatisfactory Morris cars but it eventually confirmed its potential in the Morris Major of 1928 and later the Morris Isis. Cecil Kimber chose this engine for his new MG and made significant changes to the design, which required investment in the production of a new cylinder block and a new cylinder head. The MG 18/80 engine was scheduled for the prototype car at the October 1928 Motor Show. Engine:- Six cylinders; Capacity 2468cc; Bore 69mm; Stroke 110mm; RAC rating 17.7 horsepower. Compression ratio 5.75:1; four main bearings; Fully

The unmistakable 18/80 MK I four door fabric bodied saloon

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 33

NEWSLETTER

The luxurious interior of the 18/80 MK I four door fabric bodied saloon

machined crank; Single OHC driven by chain with automatic tensioner and gearing to camshaft; Cross flow head; Twin 1 3/8” horizontal SU carburettors on the on-side feeding across within the block into an inlet manifold on the offside within the head; Full pressure feed lubrication; Internal gauze filter/strainer; Coil ignition with twin contact breaker distributor; 18mm sparking plugs; Dynamo shaft driven; Pumped cooling (the iconic MG radiator shell was first seen by the public on the MG 18/80 and the ‘M’ Type Midget at the 1928 Motor Show); Power – maybe 65+ BHP at 3500rpm. The 18/80 engine has also been subject to owner improvements and some of these cars are possibly producing 80 BHP.

Transmission:- Wet twin plate corkfaced clutch running in engine oil; 18/80 Mk I has a three speed non-synchromesh gearbox, the Mk II has a pleasant four speed non-synchromesh gearbox with a constant mesh silent third; Torque tube to rear axle; Mk I rear axle is similar to the 14/40, the Mk II rear axle has a wider track and is a stronger design. Suspension:- Semi elliptic springs all round, the front springs are shackled at the front with side bearing faces to control lateral movement of the front axle. The Mk I’s springs are located in line with the chassis frame. The rear springs on the Mk II are mounted outside the chassis line. Heavy duty Andre Hartford lever arm friction disc dampers all round.

Steering:- Marles steering box; The king-pins are fitted with ball bearing thrust races to carry the vertical loads and to reduce steering effort. Brakes:- 12” finned drums front and rear. Early Mk I 18/80s have cross shafts and rods with Perrot shafts to the front shoes. Later Mk Is and all Mk IIs have cross shafts and cables. Fly-off handbrake on all 18/80s (first use by MG) with separate linkage and brake shoes in double-width rear drums. Some 18/80s are fitted with Clayton Dewandre servo systems. Wheels:- Rudge Whitworth 19-inch centre lock. Tyres usually 4.75/5.00 by 19. Dimensions:- Wheelbase Mk I and Mk II 9ft 6ins. Track Mk I 4ft; Mk II 4ft 4ins. Weight:- Mk I chassis 18cwt 2qtr; Mk II chassis 21cwt 2qtr. Electrics:- 12 volt system; twin 6 volt batteries under the front seats; winter and summer charge settings.

ON THE ROAD A characteristic of Vintage MGs is their ability to cover considerable touring distances at a commendable average speed and to do this without undue stress on the driver, the passengers and of course on the car. 4 Cylinder Cars The 4 cylinder cars are happy to cruise for long periods at 50-ish mph. They will of course go faster than this but sustained

Very similar in appearance, but these cars are two different models of MG. On closer inspection you will notice that the car on the left is a 1927, 14/28 two-seat tourer and has a blanking plate just below the radiator shell. The car on the right is a later 1928 14/40 MK IV with a front apron fitted 34 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

www.mgcc.co.uk

NEWSLETTER 60mph is pushing it a bit. Driving fast is not the reason for owning one of these cars. The pleasure lies in the total experience of motoring with a viable machine that is around 90 years old! The engine is smooth with good torque but carrying two people with luggage will mean a loss of speed on long uphill drags. The non-synchromesh gearbox has three speeds. Middle gear is a bit low so double declutching requires some revs when changing down from top to middle; equally you need some revs in middle before deciding that it is a good idea to change up to top for the rest of the hill ahead. The brakes are very much of their time and come as a bit of a shock to firsttimers. They can be made to do a good job, but when they are in poor condition or not set up properly then life behind the wheel can be a bit tricky. The safe driving of cars of this era is all about careful anticipation and taking full account of the fact that few, if any, of the drivers in your vicinity have the slightest idea of the limitations of your car. The consequence of this is that the actions of others will frequently compromise your situation (this isn’t really their fault). Sorry if this sounds a bit scary and I don’t want to discourage anyone; the reality is that our Vintage cars are driven for thousands of miles each year in the UK and Europe and, touch wood, we do this without too many exciting moments. Motorway driving is just about possible but you will usually be travelling slower than the trucks in the inside lane. This situation is OK for a short while but long periods of motorway use will be unpleasant, tiring and potentially dangerous, since trucks will be causing problems to other drivers when they pull out to overtake you. 200 miles in a day is top end for a good car. Average fuel consumption on mixed town and country journeys should get close to an average of 25mpg. The fuel tank holds five or six gallons, so a stop for fuel every 100-120 miles or so is required; this will coincide with the ‘best practice’ of the driver and passenger taking a break every two to three hours.

36 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

A 14/28 ‘Bullnose’ Super Sports, four-Seat Tourer. With it’s raked windscreen, lowered suspension, disc wheels and altered steering arrangement, these vehicles supplied good handling and a sporty feel that endeared them to young bucks of the 1920s

6 Cylinder Cars The MG 18/80 range was the first opportunity that Cecil Kimber had to design, produce and develop cars of his own creation rather than making the best he could of existing Morris parts. The end result was the 18/80 Mk I, a car with the same track as the MG 14/40, with wheelbase only 8 1/2”. longer and weighing only three cwt. more, yet with 65 BHP compared with the 35 BHP of the 14/40. There was a step-change increase in performance with chassis BHP/Ton increasing from 46 for the MG 14/40 to 72 for the MG18/80 MK I. The six cylinder, 2 1/2 litre, OHC, long stroke engine gives high torque throughout its range and this enables driving which is enjoyable and relaxing at both high and low speeds. A speed of 70mph is easily reached and approaching 80mph is achievable but there isn’t much point in doing this. It is possible to potter through town at 20-ish in top gear without any protest from the engine. A good 18/80 is able to sustain 60 mph cruising for hour after hour on goodquality, undulating roads and to do this without any sign of distress. 250 miles and more is an achievable daily target on good roads, providing breaks are taken. On a varied cross-country journey 18/80s average about 20mpg (a tourer a little more) and so with a 10 (MkII 12) gallon tank, refuelling and resting stops are usually taken every 120 to 140 miles. Motorway and Autoroute driving is perfectly possible with an 18/80 and it is

the low-stress way (for man and machine) of putting down the miles/kilometres when necessary. The comfortable cruising speed places the car on the inside lane at the same speed as the trucks – you don’t bother them and they don’t bother you. When the trucks slow down on the hills then you can always overtake them! The 18/80 Mk I uses a three speed gearbox similar to the 14/40 but with a higher middle gear which is still not quite as high as it should have been. The high torque engine allows many hills to be taken in top gear but on a long hill with a gradient of more than 1:10 then, depending on the load on board, the speed will drop towards 40mph, at which point it is a good idea to change down into middle gear. A higher axle ratio crown wheel and pinion (3.9:1) has been fitted to many 18/80s; this is a useful modification as it gives more relaxed cruising and better fuel consumption. The downside to this modification is some loss of acceleration and hill climbing performance in top gear. The 18/80 MK II has a smooth operating, strong (heavy) four speed gearbox with well-chosen ratios. The power outputs of the standard engines in the Mk I and the Mk II are the same. The MK II chassis is stiffer and of heavier construction, with a 4 in. wider track than the MK I. The Mk II chassis weighs three cwt more (62 BHP/Ton) than the Mk I (72 BHP/Ton). On the road there is little to choose between the cruising performance of the MK I and the Mk II, but the Mk I is usually more sprightly up hills and off the mark.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWSLETTER SPARES

The most talked about attribute of both the Mk I and MK II 18/80 is there ease of driving. The engine has very good torque, steering is excellent and the interior is comfortable, an ideal combination for reliable continental touring and rallying

The brakes on the early Mk Is are rod and Perrot shaft with similarities to the MG 14/40. When in good condition and well set up they provide adequate but not exceptional stopping power. Later MK Is and all Mk IIs are fitted with cable brakes which are up to the job, the Mk II has larger 14 in. brake drums. It is possible to fit a Clayton Dewandre servo to improve the system and some of the known cars are so fitted, with good results. As with so many cars of this period, it is a challenge to balance the brakes fore and aft and side to side; heavy braking will inevitably lock a wheel, especially in the wet. We were all told not to brake in a

corner and especially not to do so in the wet; when driving a Vintage car this is something that you very quickly learn to remember! The steering and king pin assembly on both the Mk I and the Mk II is a good design. The directional stability and selfcentering castor action are good, the steering effort is not too heavy when on the move. The turning circle is large and this has to be taken into account in limited space situations. The amount of toe-in and the correct placement of the front axle castor wedges is critical for directional stability â&#x20AC;&#x201C; get these items right and then these cars are very nice to drive.

The engine bay of a MK I 18/80. All of the components are easy to reach for adjustment, the OHV engine is easy to service and with the auxiliary petrol tank filler and auxiliary oil tank filler (unseen in this image) means that you can carry a backup supply of both fluids with ease 38 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

The 4 cylinder cars have a strong Morris pedigree and this widens the source for mechanical spares. Many owners have accumulated their own stocks of old and new spares which they have purchased as and when they turned up. The policy is always to buy anything useful that comes your way, hang on to the bits you might need and then trade with the leftovers. The Vintage MG/Morris network always strives to help a fellow enthusiast in need but it can take a little time to find the part that you need. When buying a car you may be lucky enough to find that boxes of old and new spares come with it; this is good news so take up the offer. The Vintage Register does not itself manufacture or trade in spare parts. From time to time individual owners who have appropriate knowledge and manufacturing contacts do undertake to produce small batches of items that are sufficiently in demand. There is always a minimum economic batch size and the actual number of items made usually matches the number of pre-paid deposits. There is no funding available for putting new items into stock and then holding them for future demand. Most members take advantage of these manufacturing initiatives and place an order even though they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have an immediate need. Manufacturing new mechanical components is a costly business, but in the long run it will be the only way for our cars to be kept in running order. The expense of funding the manufacture of spare parts

The engine compartment of a 14/28 Super Sports, almost identical to its Morris counterpart which means that even today, spares are plentiful and mechanical restoration easy

www.mgcc.co.uk

NEWSLETTER high maintenance and the essential jobs mentioned above are an integral part of the joys and tribulations of owning and using a Vintage MG!

AVAILABILITY

One of the selling points of Early MGs when new, and an aspect that is very popular today are the well detailed and appointed dashboards. A fire extinguisher is also an ideal accruement and the glove pockets are very useful for those bits and bobs which always seem to be a part of enjoyable motoring

is a part of the responsibility that goes with the custodianship and ownership of a Vintage MG. Consumables such as tyres and lubricants are not a problem. Tyres and tubes are usually available ‘off the shelf’ from specialist suppliers. Eight to ten thousand miles seems to be average life for a set of tyres with normal road use. A full range of engine, transmission and chassis lubricants is available from a choice of specialist manufacturers and suppliers. The 6 cylinder cars have little in common with Morris parts. The main overlap is the gearbox, torque tube and rear axle assembly on the 18/80 Mk I which are similar to the MG 14/40 (Morris Oxford). The Morris 6 cylinder Isis engine has the same overall dimensions as the MG18/80 engine and may be substituted for it; it is however a significantly different design, having the entire induction system on the off side of the engine. Replacement body parts and fittings for these cars are hard to come by and may require one-off or small batch manufacture.

MAINTENANCE Most Vintage MGs have an abundance of greasing and oiling points that require periodic routine attention – every 1,000 miles or at least annually is a good target. Mk II 18/80s have a Tecalamit centralised lubrication which makes life easier providing it is working properly. King pins and shackle pins do work hard and they

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must be lubricated regularly. Engine oil filtration is basic on all models; some cars have been modified with the addition of modern external cartridge filters. Dirty engine oil needs to be completely drained every 1,500 miles or at least annually. The fact that the engine uses or loses oil and needs frequent top-up does not mean that the oil does not need to be changed. Gearbox and rear axle oil levels should be checked for leakage loss. Free play on the clutch pedal is essential and this is a fairly clean and simple job to do and it only takes a few minutes. The lever arm shock absorbers have oil-impregnated friction discs that don’t need much attention, occasional adjustment may be required. From time to time, depending on use, it is a good idea to remove the brake drums in order to see the condition of the linings and to clean out the dust. Tyre pressures need to be checked regularly since inner tubes don’t hold their pressure over long periods. Plugs and points and tappet/ rocker clearances also need to be serviced if good performance is to be assured. The above list may seem very daunting, but I have to say that it goes with the territory. Bodywork cannot be taken for granted and door hinges and locks and striker plates need periodic inspection to ensure safe operation. Unleaded regular fuel dosed with additive is the norm. An increasing number of vintage MGs are running successfully with valve seat inserts. Vintage MGs are not really

The availability of Vintage MGs today is naturally enough related firstly to how many were made and then how many are known to have survived until now in whatever condition. In the seven years 1925 until the end of 1931 the total production of MG cars was circa 2,040; of these 1,300 were 4 cylinder cars (1924/5 until early 1929), and 740 were 6 cylinder cars (1929 until end 1931). Of these 105 cars 74 are UK based, 28 of these are 4 cylinder cars and 46 are 6 cylinder cars. As of 2009, perhaps 46 out of the 74 UK cars are up and running and more or less fit for the road. From these figures you will see that would-be purchasers have a small pool in which to fish and that this pool becomes even smaller if a specific type or body style is the preferred target.

FINDING A CAR Vintage MGs are generally seldom advertised on the open market. In an ‘average’ year only a small number of cars change hands. Information about cars that might be on the market is spread by conversation between interested enthusiasts or by mention in one of the Vintage MG club publications or possibly in the VSCC monthly Newsletter. The MGCC Vintage Register publishes a bimonthly A5 colour Bulletin and this is often the place where cars for sale are first listed. Also, in the supporting Vintage Register Facebook Group. The Vintage Register Bulletin is available to enthusiasts who are not members of the Register or of the MG Car Club. Receiving the Bulletin is simply a matter of becoming a ‘Friend of the MG Car Club Vintage Register’ for a modest annual fee; the contact is Debbie Brading at debbiebradingvr@yahoo.com The Vintage Register also makes use of its pages within the MG Car Club website and we expect that cars for sale will occasionally be featured there (www.mgcc.co.uk/vintageregister).

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 39

NEWSLETTER

The beautiful side-view of the two-seater body with its attractive engine-turned aluminium side panelling

VALUES AND PRICES A word or so about car Insurance is appropriate here. Vintage MGs are nearly always insured on an agreed value and agreed annual mileage basis. Agreed values require a written valuation statement from a recognised authority. This statement is required to headline the reasons why that specific car justifies its worth in the current marketplace. The MGCC Vintage Register is a recognised authority and it is able to provide MG Car Club members with impartial valuation statements for MG Vintage cars. As with all Classic and Vintage cars there are many factors that affect the asking/selling price. Completeness, Originality, Rarity of model, Condition, body style, provenance and the state of the comparable market are some of the

key factors. All that can be said is that a ‘first rate’ 4 cylinder car can make plus or minus £40,000, unless an example of particular note. and that a ‘first rate’ 6 cylinder car can make circa £75,000£85,000, although there are examples which may on occasions change hands for less. It goes without saying that an up-together vehicle that has seen regular maintained use, looking smart and tidy, will be worth more than a vehicle that is poorly maintained and slumbering in a damp garage. It is generally accepted that a Saloon version of a model which shares the same chassis, usually commands only about two-thirds of the value of a touring version. Vintage MG saloons tend to buck this trend and indeed, in recent years, delightfully restored and maintained saloons have commanded similar money to touring variants for the appreciating

buyer. Concours d’Elegance vehicles and true rarities are ‘one-off’ negotiations, but such vehicles are not always as desirable a car to drive and maintain. It is sometimes possible to buy cars that are in a poor state or which are abandoned restorations. The time, the work and the associated costs required to complete a restoration project up to ‘first rate’ condition are invariably underestimated. It is only too easy to pay over the odds for such a project and it is a well-known truth that the final total cost often exceeds the realisable value of the finished product. A non-running, reasonably complete car that requires extensive work in most respects would be worth between a quarter and a third of the value of a ‘first rate’ example. Of course, the risk of ‘making a loss’ may not concern you if your primary motivation and reward comes from the act of rescuing and restoring a lost treasure! The satisfaction and enjoyment of doing a lot of the work yourself brings its own rewards and is very much encouraged by the Vintage Register, whose members are a very willing bunch and are overwhelmingly in number very friendly and helpful. Happy Vintage Motoring! For those suitably moved, please drop Rob Constant a line at rob@littleabingdon.co.uk for help in your quest!

John Day and Doug Harris touring in France showing that it can be done in a Vintage MG!

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OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 41

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

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

View all our work at www.xpagmg.com

MG CAR CLUB 1991 – 2020

1. MGBs parade around Donington Park in 1992 to celebrate the MGB 30th Anniversary. Photo: Colin Grant 2. MGs at Gaydon celebrating the MGFs second birthday in 1997 3. An impressive line-up of MGFs prepares to participate in anAbingdon Trophy Sprint in 1998. Photo: Peter Browning 4. A line-up of ZSs at Duxford, the inaugural meeting of the ZRZSZT Register 2003. Photo Kelvin Fagan 5. Midgets and Sprites celebrate Spridget 50 at the British Motor Museum in 2008. Photo: Mike Wray 6. Impressive array of Triple M machinery at Silverstone in 2008,celebrating 75 years of the L Type and K3. Photo: Andy Knott 7. MG Car Club member Adrian Malthouse’s MGA wrapped up readyfor the Closing ceremony of the Olympics in August 2012. Photo: Adrian Malthouse 8. MG Car Club 50 year members celebrate their momentous achievement at Kimber House in 2015. Photo: Colin Grant 9. The MG Car Club organised an F1 drivers parade, the photo showsLewis Hamilton in his dad’s MGC during the 2019 drivers parade at the British Grand Prix

44 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

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OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 45

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

NEWSLETTER

WELCOME TO THE

TRIPLE M NEWSLETTER GRAHAM ARRONDELLE AND BOB CLARE Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but two more Register stalwarts have recently left us; Graham, at the time of his passing still our PB Registrar, but overall Registrar and one-time Yearbook Editor before that, bought his PB in 1968, aged 18, and stayed involved with the Register ever since. Graham will remain in my memory as a funny and gentle chap who was always helpful, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Bob is the man we have to thank for first digitising the Register. Wherever he went during his ten-year stint as Registrar,

QUARTERLY QUIZ

Back in June the assignment was to name the model of a car I described as ‘plodding up a hill’, but Alan Grassam was quick to tell me off; he suggested A.S.R. Payne to be actually flying up Darracott in his L-type Salonette, L0405, earning himself a bronze medal in the process. Other contestants added that the event was the April 1935 MCC Land’s End Trial, the car’s first owners had been Mrs H.G. Chevis and F.H. Braham, that it was supplied either through United Belgrave Garages SW1 or University Motors on May 29 1933, having been built on the 11th of that same month, and that, by July 1935, the car was with A.L. Northwood. Also submitted were the facts that the car was

he could be seen with his camera at the ready, persuading people to remove front aprons and open bonnets so he could photograph those all-important numbers! Very conscientious, talkative and happy to help. Bought his first Triple-M MG in 1960, but is probably best remembered for his Cresta bodied N-type Magnette which he owned since 1999. Heartfelt condolences to both their families and friends. For my part, I feel privileged to have served on the Committee with both of them where I found them to be absolute gentlemen.

black with blue upholstery when new, it is a non-survivor and that saloon bodies were really rather lousy in their construction back then, not only literally disintegrating when used hard, but also providing passengers with indoor rain, smoke and plenty of noises while falling to pieces. On the matter of the hill, Adrian Tucker-Peake wrote the following: “I run an MGF in many Classic Trials nowadays, following in my late Dad’s trials footsteps. A highlight of our trialling calendar is the Easter Land’s End Trial, which since (I think) the 1930s has included the Darracott (or Gooseham) observed section that we still compete on today. So, I am pretty sure that in answer to your question, the very smart saloon plodding up (!!! Ed.) around the hillside hairpins amongst throngs

of spectators is indeed Darracott near Kilkhampton. I have a special attachment to this hill, since we erected a memorial seat for my Dad just at the steepest part, a facility that is welcomed by sporting spectators and daily walkers alike!” Rather moving, isn’t it? In 2014, we scattered my own Dad’s ashes at the start of Hell’s Ladder, his favourite hill on the Kimber Classic Trial; further proof that trialling is a very special pastime! Incidentally, it is also Adrian who came out the winner. Yearbook on its way, Adrian, let’s see if we can pull you over to the Triple-M side of things! New assignment is to name the model of this lovely project on tow. Extra points for naming the era in which the photograph was taken.

New quiz: name that model!

Last June’s assignment: Mr Payne’s L0405, an L-type Salonette, flying up Darracott in the 1935 Land’s End Trial. Photo: copyright LAT

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OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 47

NEWSLETTER

The LCC Relay Race at Brooklands, July 1933. Guy’s team, coming home third, consisted of himself in the Magna, V.H. Tuson on a Fiat and Louis Levy in C0287.

The September 1933 MCC Brooklands Meeting: Guy can be seen at the back in car no. 96 at the start of the ‘One Lap Scratch for Magnas, Magnettes, Wolseley Hornets and Rileys’. The tiny person passengering will be Dora, his wife.

MG ROOTS WITHIN HRG A short while ago I received an email from a couple of which the lady was stated to be G.H. ‘Guy’ Robins’ great niece. Having been born with MG blinkers on, I never realised the significance of the name in relation to automotive history, but included was a most evocative photograph of what looked to be a rather special F-type. The right sort of car to get my attention! Anyway, Daniel and Sarah Teuten wondered if I could perhaps enquire in my Safety Fast! notes if more info could be

48 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

obtained. Quickly scanning my files and books, we soon learnt the car was F0904 and Guy was an active member of the Motor Cycling Club in the 1930s while also racing at Brooklands with the Light Car Club. While employed with Trojan, Guy took a ‘gold’ in one of the Land’s End to John O’Groats runs, with a Trojan of course. However, for the MCC’s centenary celebrations, he reminisced: “I left the Trojan company soon after this outing,

Guy and an unidentified friend tackle the famous Nailsworth Ladder during the 1933 ‘London-Gloucester’.

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NEWSLETTER

Guy Robins in F0904’s ‘homemade lightweight streamlined body’ taking part in the LCC Relay Race in July 1934. Team mates were V.H. Tuson in his Fiat and future business partner and the H in HRG, E.A. Halford with a G.N. Though leading after 30 laps and still after 60, the team failed to finish due to the Fiat’s exhaust system coming adrift.

Guy and bouncer awaiting their turn up ‘Bussage’ in a picturesque Cotswold lane in the 1933 Gloucester Trial which was described in the press as ‘a frosty Glo’ster’. Note the outside exhaust running back down underneath the car enabling the passenger to use the door as intended.

Guy and Dora providing the entertainment for the crowds on Hustyn Hill near Wadebridge, Cornwall, in the 1933 ‘Land’s End’.

Guy and his Trojan mates sleeping it off, or, rather more innocently, catching up on sleep after having completed the night section of the 1933 Land’s End Trial. All the large MCC trials took off from London the night before, with competitors driving all through the night (no motorways or even dual carriageways in those days of course!) and then commencing the trial proper in the morning. There are plenty of anecdotes available telling of both driver and navigator getting through the night with the aid of hip flasks to help them stay awake and beat the cold at the same time. These trials were all run in less than easy conditions in late December, late January, and even late April does not guarantee higher temperatures, especially not during the night. Plus, competitors would have already travelled miles and miles on those same roads before even reaching the start in London! Brave and sturdy chaps indeed!

NEWSLETTER

Guy Robins and his wife Dora in the 1935 Land’s End Trial on their way to a silver award. The original wings have been replaced by lightweight types. Does anyone know what the ‘S.O.’ stands for?

leaving the motor industry but continuing to race my modified MG F-type Magna at Brooklands, where, amongst others, I met Messrs Halford and Godfrey, and so when the idea of building a new sports car was mooted, I became involved. The result was of course the HRG, taking its name from our three initials. Meanwhile my Magna, with its homemade lightweight streamlined body was a good performer covering 89.6 miles in the hour at Brooklands during the LCC Relay Race.” Daniel and Sarah were then able to borrow Guy’s daughter’s scrapbooks and came up with loads more pictures and, in

Guy and F0904. Anyone recognise the location?

the meantime, I found some references to Guy’s exploits in period magazines. Between us we were able to establish quite a bit of info. Having bought F0904, a red fourseater tourer, in March 1932, the earliest event we’ve found so far in which he used his new mount, is the Brighton & Hove Motor Club’s Brighton to Beer Trial in June 1932, followed by the MCC’s Gloucester, Land’s End and Edinburgh Trials from 1932 to ‘35. Meanwhile he raced at Brooklands in the 1933 and ’34 Relay Races with the first appearance of the car in its streamlined guise being the 1934 race. After these events, Guy presumably sold

the Magna and moved on to race and trial his own HRGs. Only plausible, I suppose, though I’m sure he will have missed his octagonal friend! The finishing touch of this little story lies in the fact that the car is actually a survivor! Current owner John Page acquired the remains in the late 1970s and, due to all this early history that has come to light, has now found a bit more focus to get on with the project. With all these lovely photographs, which I think must take priority, there’s no room left for elaboration on the car’s further history, so from now on, I’ll just randomly drop some snippets in my notes to keep you all in the loop.

IN CLOSING For a while there was this sort of buzzing bit of info doing the rounds, that we were soon to have a very special Q-type out on the race tracks again, but then COVID-19 rolled in and the whole racing season came to a halt before it had even begun. Luckily, the VSCC were able to stage just the one race meeting at Mallory Park last August, enabling the Q-type to come out and play with his family and friends after all. I am of course talking of QA0251

which has been with the Daniell Family for the past six decades. And what a triumph its first outing was! Those who were lucky enough to be there could not stop talking about it, particularly its sound and excellent performance. Here’s to a safer 2021 season when hopefully we can all enjoy seeing this car in action during a full season!

Mark Daniell successfully putting QA0251 through its paces at VSCC Mallory back in August, the car’s first outing in about six decades! Photo: Colin Murrell

50 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

www.mgcc.co.uk

High Torque Starter Motor. British made £252

New Replacement MG RV8 Heatshield Fits above catalysts on the underside of the car. Stops heat ingress and paint burning on underside of car £119.50 All Alloy 15 inch Replacement Wheels for the GTV8 With a highly polished alloy rim. Weighs approx 2kg lighter. No further rusting. £430.80

genuine & conversion parts

RV8 Expansion tank £79.95

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OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 51

NEWSLETTER

Ian Trevena www.mgcc.co.uk/registers/suv-register/

WELCOME TO THE

SUV NEWSLETTER It has been a difficult start and, indeed, a difficult year so far for the SUV Register, with a very slowly growing number of members on the Facebook page, and few direct enquiries to us. We were planning on attending several events this year, albeit in small numbers, to fly the flag and try to grow the Register, but obviously that didn’t work out very well for anyone anywhere, with so many events cancelled or put on hold due to the pandemic. It’s been a difficult year for all of us, I’m sure. We haven’t, however, been sitting on our hands – we now have available Register vinyl stickers and window clingies, polo shirts, and caps, and I hear a rumour that we might even have some MG SUV face masks coming very soon – a vital fashion accessory for the well-to-do MG’er! We support all the models, and the models are coming with higher specifications all the time. The new ZS is a marked improvement on the first model (but I still love my Betty!). With EV and ICE versions, there is one for you somewhere. The HS is a real head-turner, with a great specification for the price, which in my opinion beats the opposition hands down. We know several people who have one and are delighted with it. EVs are coming on very well, and with more charging points popping up all over, it has got to be the future for motoring. Range is improving, and

the ZS EV gets very good write-ups; Andy seems impressed with the EV, as you’ll read in this newsletter. If you are holding a local event, when allowed to of course, and think it would be good to have an SUV rep there, please let us know and we’ll see what we can do. I know that there are a lot of MGCC members who own an older MG, but also have an MG SUV for daily use. These are the people we need to come on board, and support the Register, so please, if you do have a new SUV model, come and join us! We welcome GS, ZS, HS and anything else SUV with an MG badge on it. Ian Trevena

Betty surrounded by stunning scenery

Proudly displaying the Register logo on a visit to Kimber House 52 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

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Zero emissions. Never visit a petrol station again...

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Fuel economy and CO2 results for the MG ZS EV. Mpg (l/100km): Not applicable. CO2 emissions: 0 g/km Electric range†: 163 to 231 miles. Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. †These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. *Model shown is MG ZS EV Excite in Pimlico Blue Paint £26,040 On the Road (OTR) after Plug-in Car Grant of £3,000. ^Offer subject to availability, on selected models at participating dealers only. Personal Contract Purchase. Finance subject to status, T&Cs apply. Applicants must be 18+. Finance by MG Motor Financial Services, RH1 1SR. Offer shown is available on MG ZS EV Excite. Guarantee may be required. At the end of the agreement there are 3 options: (i) Part exchange the vehicle, (ii) Pay the Optional Final Payment to own the vehicle or (iii) Return the vehicle. Further charges may be made subject to the condition or mileage of the vehicle. 49 month term. £3,692.50 Customer Deposit. Optional Final Payment £8,950.50. Orders or registrations from 1st October 2020 until 31st December 2020.

NEWSLETTER

The all new MG ZS on the left showing the revised grille, bumper and lights

THE 2020 MG ZS The new ZS seems to have slipped under the radar, unless you’re in the know. It went on sale from July 1 and promised to be a ‘real uplift in spec and quality, whilst maintaining value-for-money’ Originally launched in November 2017, MG ZS has been on the market for just over two-and-a-half years. During that time, it’s become MG Motor’s biggestselling car to date. The new MG ZS retains all the strengths of the out-going car but adds a number of design and technology features which, according to MG Motor, will take New MG ZS to the next level in terms of specification and value-formoney. Reflecting the fact that almost all MG ZS buyers opted for the higher-spec versions, the new MG ZS is available in just two well-equipped trim levels: Excite and Exclusive. The engines remain the same in the ZS, retaining the 1.5 four cylinder for the manual car and the 1.0

Two USB ports in the rear is a nice addition to the new model 54 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

The side profile with the new style 17” alloy wheels.

three cylinder turbo for the automatic in the UK. Other countries have had a 1.3 three cylinder turbo unit fitted, giving an increase in of approximately 50bhp over the 1.0 which would have been a nice addition to the UK cars. The exterior and interior is really where the changes have taken place. With a new front and rear design giving it a sleek appearance, and the sweeping LED headlights on all versions that will

ensure the visibility is good, even on the darkest days. It’s clear that MG Motor have listened to owners of the older model ZS. As well as having a revised dashboard and interior trim, the ZS now includes a front armrest which a lot of people found lacking in the first version. The central 10.1” floating colour touchscreen is the centrepiece of the new interior, featuring DAB radio, Bluetooth telephone and music streaming,

A conveniently placed USB for those who like to use a dashcam

Piano style keys replace the knobs and push buttons on the older model, two USB ports instead of one now www.mgcc.co.uk

NEWSLETTER

New style seats, with a red MG logo embroidered on the headrests of the front seats, and a central armrest with useful storage

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with Exclusive versions also including iGO satnav and 360-degree reversing camera. Heated front seats, electrically adjustable driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat and a full digital driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s display also come as standard on the Exclusive versions. The new MG ZS is available in six vibrant exterior colours including a brandnew metallic colour, Battersea Blue, which replaces the Laser Blue. Three other metallic paints are available: Black Pearl, Cosmic Silver and Spiced Orange. Dynamic Red, a tri-coat finish which was developed especially for MG ZS or Arctic White, which is a clean and crisp solidcolour option.

The all new digital display on the Exclusive model

Carbon weave looking material with red stitching on the dash, door cards and seat bolsters gives the interior a modern feel, as does the central floating display, now with Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay

The rear of the new ZS on the left, showing new rear lights and bumper. www.mgcc.co.uk

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 55

NEWSLETTER

The MG ZS EV enjoying a free charge at a local supermarket

LIVING WITH EV

As soon as you mention The MG ZS Electric Vehicle to anyone, I guarantee the first question will be: “How many miles does it do on a charge?” There are so many variables to this, but during milder spells realistically I think about 160 miles, I say; their reply: “Well that’s not enough for what I need it for”. But when you actually take stock and think about it, how often do you do a single journey of over 160 miles on a regular basis?. There’s been some great articles written about travelling long distances in an EV, and the pros and cons of their journeys, from the cost of stopping to charge, length of charge, etc. I thought I’d evaluate the ZS differently. Earlier in the year I was fortunate enough to borrow an MG ZS EV for a week to see how it would fit in and fare with an average week in the Knott house, from the commute to the endless ‘Taxi’ journeys taking our two boys to their various clubs and events, and of course the inevitable shopping trips. 56 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

Fully Charged… As soon as I found out I was using an electric car for a week I spoke to my friend who’s an EV convert – both he and his wife use EVs as their everyday cars. About 80-90% of his charging is done from home on a 7KW charger. These can be purchased from a number of companies and electric vehicle drivers are entitled to a government grant known as an OLEV Grant, which allows owners to get a £350 grant towards buying and installing an EV home charger. MG themselves recommend the Rolec Wallpod Type 2 charger, which can be installed for just under £450, taking into account the grant. As I didn’t have the luxury of a 7kw home charger, I relied on charging the car using a normal 3-pin 13amp plug, plugged into a wall socket in my garage. I have heard of these being overloaded and tripping the electric when an EV is plugged in. Fortunately ours is a modern house with a separate feed for the garage and nothing else running off of it, so there was no need to worry. Being only

The Pod Point App, ready to confirm my free charge on port A www.mgcc.co.uk

NEWSLETTER

Plugged into a 7KW Rolec home charger, which will charge from empty to 80% in approximately 6 hours

3.2kw the three-pin plug is a slow way of charging, MG reckoning that it would take 14 hours from empty to full. The ZS had 77miles remaining on the display when delivered, so I plugged it into the charging point and left it overnight to charge. The overnight charge cost approx. £3.50, with our energy supplier, and when I turned the car on the range had increased to 164. Unlike many electric cars on the market, the ZS EV doesn’t have its own dedicated smartphone App (in the UK), so when plugged into the various charge points

you can’t see how charged your batteries are on an app, but you can see it on the dash of the car itself. Also, there is no way of pre-heating the EV on a cold and frosty morning, which many of the EV apps allow. Minor things, but annoying nevertheless, and something that I have been told may be addressed in the future. When charging away from home it becomes a whole different ball game, with thousands of charging stations in the UK; increasing by 700 a year, it won’t be long until the EV stations are on par

with the fuel stations. It would be simple if the different manufacturers running the various charge stations ran them in the same way, but they don’t, and if you’re planning on using your EV for long journeys visiting various counties, you are more than likely going to need to register with several providers! You have monthly subscriptions ones, such as the BP Chargemaster Polar Plus, although the majority of suppliers are slowly moving across to the simplistic pay-as-you-go using a pre-registered debit card, or

The MG logo on the grille pulses to show it’s charging.

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OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 57

NEWSLETTER

The 3.2 KW 3 pin charging unit located in the boot

contactless via the charging point. Talking to my friend again, he recommended a couple of apps that I could download on my phone to make life with an EV easier. The first was ZAP MAP. This is a great help to EV users as not only does it show you the nearest charge points, and who owns them and the cost, it also allows you to plan a long route with suitable recharge stops and points en route. The other couple he recommended were Pod Point, the Open Charge network app, and also Polar, the BP charging point app. These are the two most common charging stations around the Abingdon area. The 7kw Pod Point charging stations based near me would charge at no cost, and the app was a doddle to use and lets you know if the charging point is already in use. When you pull into a Pod Point charging space and up to the charging station, it’s just a matter of plugging your EV in to the station with your type 2 charging cable, logging on to the Pod Point app with your phone and clicking onto the station you’re plugged into (each station has an individual name) and then clicking on which port you’re using A or B, and away it goes. You have 15 minutes to confirm you’re charging your EV with the app before it switches the charger off. Once confirmed, it will keep charging for as long as your car is plugged in. Then lock the car, which locks the cable in place and go and do what you need to do.

spaces, all available, so I pulled up to a free Pod Point station, plugged in, confirmed charge and went and did my hour-long shop. This boosted the battery, and increased the mileage range on the display by 30 miles – ok, that doesn’t’ sound a lot, but that’s two days’ commuting for me, or a galleon of fuel in something like a petrol MG6. We also had a rare evening free, so we decided to treat our two boys and head to the local cinema, which happened to have a few free charging stations outside. Two hours later and 2.15kw added to the batteries, which equated to 55 miles according to the computer. We were back up to a range of 160 miles. A couple of things I have noticed when charging. Occasionally the charge bays have petrol- or diesel-engined cars parked in them (known in the EV community as being ICEd) which can be frustrating. Every EV owner I met whilst charging was friendly, and quite often quizzical about the ZS EV, saying they’d read great things about it but hadn’t had a proper look at one, to which of course I obliged. I feel the charging location on the ZS could be better; it’s located behind a panel on the front grille and set low down which means you have to crouch to plug in. You push the front grille

badge and the panel hinges up. There you’re confronted with two rubber bungs covering the charging points, which are recessed back quite a way, and require a good tug to release them. A lot of EVs have these built into the ‘charging flap’ which is a lot easier, with a charging point located where a fuel cap would be. Having no light around the charging point is also frustrating at night. I attached a penlight LED torch to the key fob, which overcame this issue. I didn’t have any issues getting the ZS to charge, and once you’ve done it a couple of times it becomes second nature. Both my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our week with the ZS. It was easy to drive, easy to live with and handled as well as the ZS petrol car. This was probably because the ZS Platform was designed from the start with electrification in mind. The boot was spacious, ever so slightly more so than our petrol version, coming in at 448 litres, which put it at the top of the compact SUV class. Since borrowing the ZS EV for a week, we have taken the plunge and purchased our own ZS EV in black to use as daily driver, I’m sure I’ll bring you more news of how we’re getting on in due course. Andy Knott

Let’s go EV…. For an average ‘Knott’ week I found the EV an absolute joy – not once did I suffer with ‘range anxiety’ on the type of journeys we were making with the ZS. I was able to keep it topped up every now and then. For example, I popped in to our local Tesco (other supermarkets are available!) which had four charging

58 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

The interior of the MG ZS EV is a comfortable quiet place to be

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OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 59

TECH TORQUE

1 A leak can be clearly seen in this photo, as can the oil dripping down onto the manifold. Before starting any work, disconnect the battery earth lead.

LEAKY GASKET By Andy Knott

y friend with a 2004 MG ZR recently contacted me to say that his car seemed to be using more oil than it used to, and every now and then he would smell what he thought was burning oil in the cabin whilst driving the car. A quick search and a chat to a couple of specialists and I was convinced that the camshaft cover gasket would need replacing. It’s quite a common gasket to replace, and looking through the car’s history it seemed to still be on the original gasket, so 16 years isn’t bad going. On inspection of the engine bay of the car, it was clear that the camshaft cover gasket was indeed leaking oil, with a lot dripping straight onto the manifold, which would account for the burning oil smell in the cabin once the car got up to temperature. My friend isn’t that mechanically minded, but decided to tackle the job of replacing it himself with my help. It’s a fairly straightforward process which took about an hour, including cleaning the camshaft cover and other oily bits in the engine bay. One noticeable thing was that the sparkplug well on cylinder one had about 15mm of oil in it as well; clearly again from the leaking camshaft cover gasket. We removed as much of this oil as we could with a syringe with rubber tubing on the end. We also took the opportunity to put new spark plugs in the car. The camshaft cover gasket can be purchased via a local auto factors, or from an XPart dealer advertising within Safety Fast!. And, the only tools you require are pliers, a socket set and a torque wrench.

60 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

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TECH TORQUE

2 Remove the three 8mm bolts exposing the coil packs and spark plug leads. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth numbering them, as can be seen in the photo, and making a note of how the leads are positioned.

4 Undo the bolt securing the camshaft position sensor, release the sensor and position to one side. Note, the sensor has an O-ring fitted; if it looks perished in any way, replace before refitting.

6 Completely lift the coil pack and leads off the camshaft cover and place to one side, and then progressively slacken the camshaft cover in reverse sequence to tightening sequence shown in step 11. www.mgcc.co.uk

3 Squeeze and unclip the leads from the coil packs, move the leads to one side and undo the four bolts securing the coil packs in place.

5 Release the clips and remove the two breather pipes, by pulling, from the back of the camshaft cover and move aside.

7 Remove the bolts attaching the camshaft cover to the cylinder head and take off the cover and old gasket.

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 61

TECH TORQUE

We took the opportunity to clean the camshaft cover and cylinder head to remove the old oil. We also cleaned and checked the mating faces of the cover and head ready for the new gasket.

10 Ensure the gasket remains in place and fit the camshaft cover with the retaining bolts, making sure they’re finger tight.

Place the new gasket, ensuring it’s fitted correctly with the embossed words towards the cover and ‘Exhaust Man’ side next to the exhaust manifold.

11 Follow this tightening sequence, torqueing each camshaft cover bolt to 10nm (7 lbf ft).

12 Replace the two rear breather pipes, refit the camshaft sensor lubricating the O-ring with engine oil before refitting and then refit the coil packs and bolts (10nm / 7 lbf ft) ensuring they are in the correct order and the leads are routed correctly.

13 Ensuring the leads are located correctly, replace the plastic cover and tighten the three bolts. Finally, reconnect the battery and you’re finished!

HEALTH AND SAFETY Please do not undertake this work if you don’t have the necessary knowledge, mechanical skills, a suitable working area, the necessary tools or personal protective equipment. Instead enlist the services of an MG Specialist to carry this work out for you. 62 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

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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. Our winner of last month’s Tech Tips was Pete Macwaters who wins a Diamond Bright Care Pack.

Tech Tip from Colin Grant Check your Pipes on your MGF/TF

It’s generally known that the original steel coolant pipes on the MGF and TF need to be checked regularly as they were made of steel and were subject to corrosion, causing leakage. But many owners are not aware that when changing the pipes, normally to the aftermarket stainless steel type, it’s recommended to change the six coolant hose clamps as well, including the two at the top of the radiator. The reason being that, after time, coolant can seep from the hose connection when hot, due to the ageing of the clamps, though this stops when it’s cold, causing difficulty in tracing the source of the leakage. Tech Tip from Rod Stevenson MGB Brake Hydraulics

Tech Tip from John Cowan MG T Series propshaft ‘Catcher’ Plate I would imagine this applies at least to all the pre-1955 MG T Series... I have carried out the modification on both my TDs. When these cars were ‘two a penny’, there appear to have been quite a few incidents where the universal joint at the front end of the propeller shaft failed, causing the car and its passengers to ‘pole vault’ over the propeller shaft as it dug into the oncoming road. I presume that this was not just a mechanical failure of the joint, but that ordinary mild steel bolts had been used in rebuilding the assembly. My Tip is to produce a ‘catcher’ bracket to stop the front end of the propeller shaft falling onto the road surface. I used a 40mm width of aluminium sheet 260mm in length, holed at both ends and curved in the middle to accept the shaft should the universal joint fail for any reason. The bracket reuses the existing bolting of the flooring through the metal sub-frame and hence does not alter the original car in any way. I think that one of the three attached photos would show the location of the bracket from the underside of my car.

64 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

When working on the brake hydraulics, for example removing the front suspension from an MGB, place a plastic bag under the master cylinder cap as it will stop fluid running out when the hoses are disconnected. If at the same time bleed nipple dust seals are put on the pipes and suitable caps over the flexible pipe threads, there will be no fluid lost there, either. Bleeding will then be a couple of pumps, thus saving on expensive brake fluid, particularly if using silicone. Give it a try; it has never failed for me. www.mgcc.co.uk

TECH TORQUE Tech Tip from Phil Durbin MG T Series Hot Starting Issues Many hours have been spent finding and writing about solutions to the age-old problem of fuel vaporisation. My MG TA has had a heatshield between the carbs and manifold for many years. I am sure this helps solve some of the issues. However more is needed, particularly when trying to restart the engine on a hot day after a 5-10 minute stop at the petrol station, or for a comfort break. A 5-minute stop would easily turn into a 30-minute stop because of the engine’s failure to restart – until I started pulling the choke out when restarting the engine. Perhaps counterintuitively, it does not flood the engine – rather it provides the fuel that the engine is being starved of. After a few seconds of revving up, the choke can be pushed back in and the engine quickly settles into its usual smooth idling. Try it first when it is

not important if the engine fails to restart, perhaps on your return after an outing on a hot day, when you can get a feel for

Tech Tip from John Ross MG Midget Clutch System Bleeding Sometimes bleeding the clutch system can be a real pain! Depending on the pipe run, some models (e.g. Midgets) are much worse than others. So I have made a minor modification by fitting an additional bleed nipple and placing this at the very highest point in a very slightly modified pipe run. Visually, there

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how your particular car behaves under such circumstances. I hope you will not be disappointed.

is hardly any difference. The system is now delightfully simple: Fill the clutch reservoir; open the new bleed nipple and suck about a foot of fluid up the plastic bleed tube; bubbles come up the tube steadily; wait for the bubbles to stop then close the bleed nipple and top up the reservoir if needed. Full technical details were published on the Midget Register website and it would be helpful to refer to these if you intend to take up the idea.

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 65

66 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

www.mgcc.co.uk

COMPETITIONS

SUPER SNETTERTON By Graham Keilloh

Peter Burchill in his MG ZS 180 pushing along during the MGCC MG Cup Race. Photo: Dickon Siddall

he MG Car Club gathered at a bright Snetterton 300 circuit for the second of the Club’s three race meetings in 2020. And, in a first for the Club, the Norfolk meeting was held over two days. There was no parallel dilution in the intensity of the action, though, as six MGCC categories were present, and they were supplemented again by sizeable and varied Equipe grids plus two guest races for the Aero Racing Morgan Challenge. And there was plenty going on in all of them.

MGCC MG CUP SUPPORTED BY PETER BEST INSURANCE In the MG Cup’s Snetterton contest we at last got what we had been keenly anticipating all season: a straight fight out front between the evenly matched Metros of Mike Williams and reigning Metro Cup champion Jack Ashton. We had to wait another race to get this, though, as Ashton missed the first counter www.mgcc.co.uk

Class A Midgets of Martin Morris (6) and Michael Chalk (20) battle it out in the MG Midget & Sprite Challenge. Photo: Dickon Siddall

thanks to an oil seal coming off. Williams won that race but it was far from simple as his newly fitted rear wheels had not been torqued fully. He went as quickly as he dared to beat the returning Peter Burchill’s ZS 180 by just 0.333 seconds. Dennis Robinson was third home in his MG ZR 170, taking the place and the Class B victory after champion Richard Buckley slid his 170 off at Oggies late on. Robinson also got Driver of the Race, while his son Carl took Class A victory in his ZR 160. The Williams vs Ashton battle was fully joined in race two, and it was worth the wait. Williams led from the line but

Ashton was quickly by and established some breathing space over Williams. But Ashton was using a new tyre compound and found his initial grip fell away, meaning Williams closed and overtook. But shortly afterwards Williams had a massive moment that let Ashton back past. Williams reclaimed the lead at Riches late on and crossed the line first, but got a five-second track-limits penalty that handed Ashton the win. Buckley this time got Class B win in fourth, just ahead of Carl Robinson who took the Class A win and got a Driver of the Race award of his own. OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 67

COMPETITIONS MGCC LACKFORD ENGINEERING MG MIDGET & SPRITE CHALLENGE Richard Wildman in his Midget took a double win at Snetterton and with it totalled four wins from four in 2020. As at Donington Park’s season-opening round, though, Wildman benefited from David Morrison hitting technical problems. Morrison took pole at Snetterton but his meeting was ended by a broken stub axle before the opening race lap was completed. In the first race Wildman was still being cautious with his brakes, which also had bothered him at Donington, but he held off the battling fellow-Midget pair Martin Morris and Michael Chalk to win. Morris spun at mid-distance but battled back to pip Chalk for second on the final lap; Chalk nevertheless got Driver of the Race. Richard Perry returned in his Sprite to claim Class E win, his battle with Pippa Cow getting resolved when Cow had an excursion at Murrays. Philip Stader beat Mike Henney to the Class I win, while Edward Easton beat Mark Witherspoon to the Class D honours. Race two was a bit more straightforward for Wildman as he moved clear of Morris to win by 9.2s despite a safety car period, while Perry, Stader and Easton all doubled up on their class wins. Ian Burgin coming second in the Class E contest, just holding off Robin Lackford, got Burgin the Driver of the Race prize.

MGCC BCV8 CHAMPIONSHIP Ollie Neaves at Snetterton continued his imperious BCV8 championship form shown in Donington’s season-opener in his newly overhauled Class D MGB GT V8. He won both Snetterton races to make it four victories from four this year. Neaves first set a stunning pole time on 2m04.939s, some 2.7 seconds quicker than Russell McCarthy’s time next up. And race one followed in that vein as Neaves led from the off with McCarthy chasing

The mixed machinery in the Cockshoot Cup, with the MGF of Brian Butler (47) leading the way. Photo: Colin Murrell

but unable to get within reach. This was despite a safety car interruption caused by Ronald Watt rolling his Roadster at Murrays, fortunately without injury. Neil Fowler started at the back of the 26-car field after he found that for qualifying his distributor cap was not connected, and come the race he made fine progress to finish third, getting Driver of the Race with it. Steve Wells beat Jim Bryan to Class C victory, while Mark Scott in his Roadster got the Class B win, not far ahead of Babak Farsian, and Russell McAngus pipped Simon Tinkler to Class AB honours. Race two was a similar story, with Neaves leading all the way and the chasing McCarthy only just about clinging on, and it got Neaves an additional double of Driver of the Race and Saturday’s Driver of the Day. Bryan this time beat Wells to the Class C win, while Scott and McAngus doubled up on their class victories. We didn’t however get to see another Fowler climb through the field, as contact with the rear of Howard Grundon’s MGB GT V8 ended his race early.

MGCC COCKSHOOT CUP The Cockshoot Cup travelled far from its north-west base for this one and was racing for the first time ever on Snetterton’s 300 circuit, as well as visiting the Norfolk track in any configuration for the first time in two decades. The track was therefore unfamiliar to many of its competitors, and there was an unusual result as Keith Egar – coming to this meeting having never won a race and never having been to Snetterton – left with two victories!

Egar led all the way from pole in race one, while Karl Green’s ZS 180 rose from starting 10th, due to a qualifying piston problem, to finish second and it also got Green the Driver of the Race. Mike Peters in his Midget finished third and got the Class B win, and he was just ahead of Class F winner Brian Butler whose VVC was not far ahead of class rival Christopher Greenbank in his TF 160. Paul Wignall in his ZR 160 won the Class A contest. Butler challenged Egar closely in race two, and led him briefly after Egar had a swift off-track moment at Hamilton on lap one. Egar was soon back ahead but Butler chased him home to finish as runner-up within three seconds of him, an effort that got Butler both Driver of the Race and Sunday’s Driver of the Day. Green was unable to challenge this time due to an apparent recurrence of his piston problem, though he did press his smoky ZS 180 to the end to ensure class points. Peters and Wignall again took the class wins.

MGCC DRAYTON MANOR PARK MG METRO CUP Mark Eales in the Metro Cup was another to find race wins at Snetterton like London buses, as he took his first ever victory and then immediately bagged another. He led all of race one to win comfortably while David Javes, his closest pursuer, first slowed then stopped with his exhaust detaching. Jon Moore finished second for his first podium result and got Driver of the Race. Race two was an entertaining placeswapping victory fight between Eales and Javes. Eales led initially but Javes shadowed The hard charging Class D cars of Neaves (94) McCarthy (93) and Fowler (86). Photo: Colin Murrell

The BCV8 winning car of Ollie Neaves. Photo: Colin Murrell 68 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

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COMPETITIONS Ashworth and Ross-Jones took up battle again in race two. Ashworth got the lead at half distance by passing RossJones on the outside of Riches. Ross-Jones fell away and then stopped as his frontleft wheel kept locking, possibly due to a wheel bearing problem. Mark Holme in his MGB then chased Ashworth hard and finished within two seconds of the victorious Grantura.

EQUIPE LIBRE The two Metro Turbos of Kyla Birdseye (95) and Dave Javes battle it out in the Metro Cup. Photo: Dickon Siddall

him then passed at the unusual spot of Williams. Eales stayed with him, though, and re-took the lead at Agostini a few laps later, and kept the place to the end. Tim Shooter, a Donington winner, started both races well down after a spin then his tyre getting off the rim in qualifying, and in race one he dropped out with a gearbox problem. Come race two, though, he rose from ninth to finish third and got Driver of the Race.

MGCC MG TROPHY The MG Trophy had an extraordinary start with none of the pacesetting Class A runners getting beyond race one’s opening lap. First Ross Makar had a clutch problem keeping him from the fray, then poleman Fred Burgess had a driveshaft break when reaching the grid. Patrick Booth then had a rod go through the block and pitted at the end of lap one. This gave the unprecedented scenario of the Class B MG ZR 170s battling for the overall win, and it looked like Tylor Ballard would take it as he held the pursuing Adam Jackson at arm’s length. However, late on, Joshua Bacon’s radiator blew at Oggies and Ballard spun on dropped coolant. This let Jackson by to win and he got Driver of the Race, too. Ballard

recovered to finish second while the returning Paul Croker was Class C winner. Burgess and Makar were back for race two and contested the win. Burgess looked reasonably comfortable in first initially but Makar closed in thrillingly in the late laps, with Burgess hobbled by a vibration from a damaged front-left tyre, but on the last lap Makar spun at Agostini trying to pass. Ballard got some consolation by taking his freshman class win, recovering from a poor start and passing Jackson for the lead with an on-the-edge move. Ballard got Driver of the Race, too. John Donnelly was Class C victor, with Crocker dropping out with what he suspected was a clutch problem – his first mechanical failure in four years!

EQUIPE GTS Mark Ashworth in his TVR Grantura won both Equipe GTS races to make it three wins in a row in the category. Race one’s poleman and early leader Lee Atkins in his Grantura pulled out with a suspected head gasket problem, which left Ashworth battling with Allan Ross-Jones’s Triumph TR4 in a tight place-swapping fight for the win. Ashworth made the decisive move for first when Ross-Jones made a mistake exiting Agostini.

The Class B ZR170 of Tylor Ballard leading the other Class B ZRs of Adam Jackson, James Dennison and Joseph Dalgarno. Photo: Colin Murrell

www.mgcc.co.uk

Equipe has introduced a new Libre format, open to a wider mix of cars than the existing GTS, Pre ’63 and ’50 categories, and the first Libre race took place at Snetterton. Jeremy Welch followed by fellow Austin Healey runner Mark Holme were the first two to the chequered flag after a close chase between the pair containing plenty of Healey-typical opposite lock. Trouble was brewing for both, however. The safety car was brought out earlier in the race when Bernado Hartogs’ Ford GT40, who’d been chasing leader Welch, lost a wheel and got stranded. Both Welch and Holme made their mandatory pitstops under the caution, but did so just before the pit window opened. Sure enough, they both got three-lap penalties for their misdemeanours, meaning thirdon-the-road Robin Ellis in his Lotus Elite, who’d just resisted a recovering Lotus Elan of Stephen Bond in the run to the line, was awarded the win. Bond had dropped to 15th place after pitting a lap later than most rivals under the safety car.

EQUIPE PRE ’63 / PRE ’50 Fun Cup regular Mark Holme in his Austin Healey won the opening race for pre ’66 and pre ’50 cars. He fell behind Jack Rawles’s Healey at the start but was soon by and won comfortably from Rawles, with Jeremy Welch making it a Healey 1-2-3. Bernado Hartogs in his Lotus XV then won the second race, heading a three-way victory fight that also involved Rawles and Welch, who had a frantic place-swapping battle for second on the final lap. For a more detailed race report, with driver quotes, visit www.mgcc.co.uk/motorsport

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 69

RACE TORQUE

Morris and Wildman battle it out at Castle Combe. Photo: Steve Jones Photography

RACE TORQUE 2

by Mark Baulch

020 has been a difficult year for all of us in so many ways and as I write this, I have all of my fingers and toes crossed for our third and already, last, race meeting of the year. The situation seems to be changing almost by the hour, with all of our Competitors and Officials seemingly holding their breath at this point. I was at a non-MG race meeting yesterday and there was a slightly subdued atmosphere in the paddock, with the new facemask rules in place and a very real feeling that we may see another â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pauseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in our sport, not to mention the potential of more widespread measures affecting all of us. On a positive note, we had some great racing in the Lackford Engineering MG Midget and Sprite Challenge, with one of the best race lead battles I have seen for some time, between Richard Wildman and Martin Morris in their Class

70 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

A machines. They seemed to be swapping places almost twice per lap at one point, with Richard emerging victorious on the very last lap. The day was not without drama, with Ed Weston having to remove the engine from his car and work on the gearbox, not just once, but twice! He managed to get out to race eventually, only to retire, sadly. James Fettiplace also managed to lose his exhaust in Race one. Having successfully been retrieved from the circuit, he re-attached it only to suffer a terminal oil leak! With the sun shining as well, my thoughts inevitably turned towards 2021 and once again, I would like to assure you that plenty of work is going on in the background to provide another great calendar of events. Hopefully, you may even be able to attend some of these, as sporting events start to trial limited numbers of spectators.

So, as the season is likely to have finished when you read this, I must thank all of the people that have made it happen, in the most trying of circumstances. We have had to make many changes to the way that we operate and many have found this challenging. Some changes, such as more regular online meetings between the organising team, I believe have been extremely beneficial. We will continue with these whatever the future may bring us in terms of operating regulations. I am very grateful to all of the Competitors together with their crews and families, Race Officials, Race Marshals, Championship Co-Ordinators and the dedicated group of people that work behind the scenes to make a race meeting both happen and then operate. Far too many people to list here individually, but a huge thank you from the Club for all of your hard work, particularly this year. As always, we look forward to welcoming Members to a race meeting and back into the paddock as soon as we can. In the meantime, stay safe and well.

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MGs ON TRACK

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ANGLESEY AND MALLORY PARK

ur track day activities are finally making headway after being in the doldrums of lockdown, so it was with a pronounced spring in the step that members made their way to Anglesey for the customary annual visit to Trac Môn as guests of the Lotus 7 Club. Some uncertainty had surrounded the reopening of hotels in Wales, and this had only happened within the previous week, so quite a close call. However, the opening of the circuit was even more finely cut, ours being the very first event for several months! Considering its lack of use, the track was in remarkably fine condition, and the welcome from circuit manager Andrew Crighton and his team was as warm as always. As with all events held in the UK, the weather had its part to play. My drive up on Sunday from Hertfordshire was pleasantly warm so it was hood down all the way, and the drive back on Tuesday was similarly blessed, although, without the benefit of cooling airflow, searing temperatures in the Midlands kept the stop to eat a sandwich so brief as to risk indigestion! However, Monday’s event was

72 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

held with the promise of heavy outbreaks of rain and strong winds so, in many ways, we were lucky to get as much dry running as we did, and whoever specified the track surface seems to have made good, wet weather grip a priority so there were fewer spins than might have been expected. The water-tightness of MG hoods and the efficiency of windscreen wipers was tested at regular intervals, although no such luxuries for the Lotus 7 group who often eschew both weather protection and wipers (no windscreen to wipe) even if their sessions seemed to coincide with the very worst of the downpours. Realistically, members do not travel to Anglesey with the expectation of topping up their tans, but the circuit is set in glorious scenery with both mountain and sea views, so no wonder many stretch the track day into a long weekend break or even more. A little later in August we finally had the answer to whether it would be ‘third time lucky’ at Mallory Park. Our first try fell victim to an unexpected and heavy covering of snow, and we all know what cancelled the second visit planned for April this year, so what did August’s rescheduled

event hold in store? The answer was Storm Francis which threatened, and certainly delivered, lashings of rain in the morning and strong winds in the afternoon, and was so nearly a repeat of the pattern at Anglesey that one might suspect a ‘mutant algorithm’ to be at work. The narrow entrance to the circuit is between some old farm or industrial buildings, with the central paddock area finally reached by driving via a section of the track, so no coming or going once the event went ‘live’. Unfortunately, Mallory does not offer a great deal in the way of shelter from the elements in these times of social distancing, so much of the morning between sessions was spent in the car with the heater on, attempting to dry out trousers still soaked from the walk across to sign-on first thing. Similar to Anglesey, the track surface did seem grippy even in such wet conditions, despite cars from the previous weekend’s VSCC meeting treating it with, in the words of a marshal, a fine emulsion of ‘castor oil and custard’! On paper the layout of Mallory is simple and has similarities to Brands Hatch Indy, not least because both are short, compact, and are moulded by the topography. Whilst the actual paddock at Mallory is just an open expanse of concrete and tarmac much improved visually, if not practically, by the covering of snow of our first visit, the rest of the circuit is pretty and features a couple of large lakes for added interest. The track is defined at one end

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MGCC MGCCSPEED SPEEDCHAMPIONSHIPS CHAMPIONSHIP MGS ON TRACK – 2020 CALENDAR Please visit www.mgs-on-track.com to register, check availability, or to book a track day. Registered members will receive regular newsletters and notification of event opening dates.

Donington Park – October 5

A circuit with a long history, this is a firm favourite with all. Includes plenty of changes of elevation and the swooping Craner Curves.

Goodwood – October 26

Our second visit of the year in case you missed the first due to popularity!

Brands Hatch ‘Indy’ – December 7 Our season finale; don’t miss the chance to enjoy this undulating circuit including the world renowned Paddock Hill Bend!

by Gerard’s Bend, a large radius curve turning through more than 180 degrees, and at the other end by a tight hairpin that also climbs as it turns. A couple of straights and another two or three bends complete the layout but, with the possible exception of the hairpin, it all flows nicely with plenty of width for safe overtaking in what were sometimes challenging conditions. MGs on Track often take a dedicated session on a commercial track day as it allows a greater breadth of offering in our Calendar whilst we can still run with the driving behaviour, track etiquette, and social aspects our members are comfortable with, but this was the first time we had tried a day managed by Javelin. Leaving aside the weather, the day progressed smoothly with easy Covid-compliant administration both on the day and in advance, so many thanks to Javelin. As I write, our remaining days at Donington and Goodwood are sold out, and Brands is selling strongly; join the respective reserve lists to be notified of any cancellations and available spaces.

John Wilman, Beechfield, Fern Bank, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak. SK23 0JJ Tel: 07778 165186 www.mgspeed.net When it was announced that Bristol Motor Club were arranging a double-header Welsh Sprint weekend at Llandow and Pembrey, my two closest circuits, I was cock-a-hoop. Sadly, the day before the actual Llandow Sprint it was announced that it was cancelled. The reasons for this were not clear but Covid-19 had to be in the mix somewhere. Thankfully Pembrey, on the Sunday, was still to go ahead. West Wales has a popular motorsport following and the 80 available places were filled quickly with an eclectic mix including single-seaters, Cooper 500s, Rally cars, Darians, Lotuses, Caterhams, Mazdas, Radical and many others. Three MGs entered from the Speed Championship and included Steve Jackman from Frome in his modified MGF VVC, Ian Goddard from Herefordshire in his splendid MG PA and myself in my K series Midget. The forecast for the day had been wet with thunderstorms; however after a damp start it dried up to give a great day’s racing. For those that don’t know, Pembrey was often used as a test track for Formula 1 teams and in fact, Ayrton Senna still holds the lap record there with a time of 44.43 secs. The MGs raced without incident and enjoyed one practice run and three timed runs. The times were as follows: 1st run, Steve 159.79, Ian 164.15, Neil 150.52

2nd run, Steve 154.87, Ian 161.74, Neil 142.05 3rd run, Steve 157.52, Ian 160.27, Neil 135.74 The fastest time of the day was by a Van Diemen, with a time of 95.37 secs. If you have a chance to attend this really challenging circuit in future, give it a go. You will love it. Many thanks for this account by Neil Thomas of a weekend that at least half happened. Much the same story for the rest of the year. Loton Park was cancelled on the August bank holiday weekend and Harewood on September 19-20 was no more. However, the SW Centre hillclimb at Wiscombe did go ahead on September 12. Although the Gurston Event, which would normally be on the following day, was cancelled. This leaves us with Castle Combe on October 17 and that marks the end of a non-season. The North West Centre dinner and presentation will not take place in December although, when possible, some kind of get-together will be arranged in order to present the Cockshoot Cup racing trophies. This could present an opportunity for us speedsters to join in and have an informal get-together to discuss any ideas that might be floating about for the future.

Red Mist at rest in a damp paddock ready for a run. www.mgcc.co.uk

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 73

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CENTRES ABINGDON WORKS Richard Martin sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk Writing the notes for the October issue would ordinarily be about wrapping up the motoring season, but, as we all know, 2020 never got going! Over the past few weeks, however, it’s been good to see some cars have taken the opportunity of restrictions easing to cautiously emerge from a lengthy hibernation. Gill and I have taken Iris (the B) out to riverside locations on a couple of occasions, once for a picnic in Goring and the other for cream cake to celebrate Iris’s 56th birthday – we enjoyed the cake, Iris watched. We also joined a small group of six MGs for supper around a fish and chip van in a local village; social distancing observed. I notice that there have been some classic car gatherings happening in recent weeks around the area. The Classic Motor Hub in Bibury held a Supercar Sports & Supercars event which attracted an MG SVR, Stonor Park near Henley had a breakfast club meeting, whilst there have been a couple of breakfast meets at Millets Garden

ANGLIA Rob Muir 01206 862619 scribe@mgccanglia.com www.mgccanglia.com MGCC Anglia Centre Enthusiasts Trophy It is with great pleasure that, following the pandemic lockdown which put a halt to proceedings, I can finally announce the recipient of the 2019 Anglia Centre Enthusiasts Trophy as being the very popular racing driver, BCV8

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Centre just outside Abingdon. Their meet in September had a good Abingdon representation with a Frog-Eye Sprite joining Bs, Midgets, a Riley RM and a Morris Minor Traveller (some were worked on in Abingdon, so this one could have been one of those!) Also attracting attention was Melissa Farrow’s “Morris” her much-modified MGB GT, a testimony to a lot of hard work on Melissa’s part.

We have recently created a Facebook group for Abingdon Works Centre members to post photos of their cars. The address is www.facebook.com/groups/awcphotos The group is open to all AWC members so please feel free to join and upload some photos – we’d be delighted to see them. If you’re new to the Club or the Centre, welcome and we look forward to seeing you at a future event.

Melissa’s B GT ‘Morris’

Chairman and stalwart, James Wheeler. The socially distanced handover of the trophy took place at Snetterton, and I was honoured to be able to hand the trophy to James who took over the reins of the BCV8 as co-ordinator, organiser, secretary, you name it, alongside his role as chairman, following the untimely passing away of ‘Mrs BCV8’ Pam McCarthy who used to organise so much. James did not flinch from the task and has built up a new team of helpers including his ‘Wing Man’ Neil Fowler. James has also built up a fantastic social media arm for the championship, including the very professional BCV8 videos to promote and support the events. He keeps everyone updated, helps out with entries, supports all the drivers and, with help from his team, organised a fantastic Dinner Dance at the end of last year. The enthusiast who is deemed to have made the most outstanding contribution

to the spirit of the Club and the Anglia Centre is voted for each year by the committee and I can say that the vote for James was unanimous. Stonham Barns Classic Vehicle Show The Stonham Barns show was one of the first to be held following the easing of pandemic lockdown restrictions. The Anglia Centre had a presence with a lovely selection of MGs, the display and organisation of which was managed by John Cumming and looked splendid. There must have been three to four hundred classic cars of all sorts on display and the organisers had set up a one-way, ‘Covid Safe’ system for spectators and participants, thus helping to make it a wonderful day. Anglia Centre Photographic Competition You still have time to get your entries in. Send your photographs, along with a note of your membership number, to Kelvin webmaster@mgccanglia.com You can see details in past SF! Notes or on the website. They don’t have to be professional standard, just pictures that evoke happy memories with MGs – and we all love to see those.

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 75

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CENTRES CALEDONIAN Bob MacGillivray 07870 407111 mgcarsscotland@gmail.com www.mgcaledonian.com The East Ayrshire Car Club show was good! With over 500 cars there and plenty of spectators, all socially distancing, it was a tribute to the tenacity and enthusiasm of EACC in putting it all together despite the present difficult situation. We had anticipated 25 cars but due to the switch from a Sunday to Saturday a few had to drop out; nevertheless the event was well appreciated by our attendees. We had a minor ‘situation’ when Leslie Duncan locked himself out of his ZT. Tried the keys for the three other ZTs on our stand but, unsurprisingly, none would work. After initially considering smashing a rear window to gain access, Leslie was relieved that access was gained by removing a rear quarterlight... panic over! Hopefully by the time you read this, some of you will have taken part in our informal run to Culzean Castle. If you were not aware of it, then perhaps that would be due to not checking our website or Facebook page, or not receiving emails from me. The remedy for no emails is in your hands!

DEVON & CORNWALL Young Janner II bobslatter@hotmail.com www.mgcc.co.uk/devon-cornwall-centre Normally when writing this month’s notes I would be asking for marshals to help run the Tamar Classic Trial, jointly organised by ourselves and Launceston and North Cornwall Motor Club. As it is, with current restrictions, unfortunately this will

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Depending on regulations and other matters, we may be able to organise a run in October, but as I have said above, please check the website etc. for any details on this. We have excess regalia stock and I circulated a list of this earlier. There is a big variety, all excellent quality and prices are (very!) negotiable, so please get in touch if anything interests you, Christmas is not far away! I have a few more Newsletter articles, but it is not too late for more!

Around this time of the year your committee starts to consider events for 2021. The likelihood is that any events then will still be subject to some kind of Covid 19 restrictions but, allowing for that, if you have any ideas for suitable events or places to visit then please get in touch. If I may be allowed to say.... I am looking for a good set of original MGF Trophy wheels, tyre condition unimportant. If you can help, please get in touch, thanks. Photo is of the attempted ‘break in’ at Kames!

not take place, along with most events that we had proposed until the end of this year. We would also be thinking about next year’s dates, but these are in abeyance at the moment until we know when the Government and MotorsportUK will lift the restrictions. So, I am afraid that it is back to the archives again, with picture one showing John Barnacott and ‘Fred’ Fretsomme in MG TA Cream Cracker on Bluehills Mine in the Classic 1981 Land’s End Trial. Picture two shows Bob and Barbara Slatter in their Midget 1500 on the March 1981 Production Car Trial. It was never raced or rallied but did quite a few trials, some reasonably successful. Picture three shows the cake for the MG Car Club 60th Birthday, I think

made by Sue Heath. A great pity that the Centre will probably not be able to celebrate the 90th properly this year.

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 77

CENTRES LINCOLNSHIRE Ian Mackenzie 01529 497849 MaccaV8@aol.com www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk Well, the entries are in! Now we await the judges’ deliberations. Hopefully, there’ll be news of the Driveway Concours event result next month. Thank you to everyone who took the time and trouble to enter into the spirit of the “Marque of Friendship”. The entries can be

viewed on the ‘Events’ ‘Lincolnshire Poacher Concours Show’ page on our website. Thanks Bob, for accepting entries and updating the website. We had a socially distanced gathering of Luncheon Club participants at the International Bomber Command Centre on Canwick Hill, Lincoln, organised by Richard and Victoria Withington on August 19. As August 2020 has achieved three notables – the hottest, the coldest and the wettest August on record – you can guess which ones our intrepid bunch experienced on the day...

Some of the assembled cars at International Bomber Command Centre

MIDLANDS Simon Morris simonmorrisbmmcmgcc@gmail.com Website: www.mgccmidlandcentre.co.uk Facebook: @mgccmidlandcentre So, it has been a while since my last Safety Fast! column and by chance this one has fallen on an ‘in between events month’. By this I mean we have already reported on the success of our Summer Sprint at Curborough (in partnership with Shenstone and District Car Club). And we have already advertised our Autumn Trial at Bromsgrove. Therefore in this edition I will advise on what my role as Clerk of the Course entails at the two MGCC Mids Curborough Sprints. Ultimately the buck stops with the Clerk of the Course. From the moment the event planning starts until the event is finished and results and documentation are published, the Clerk is responsible for all tasks needed to run a race meeting. This of course is a huge undertaking which would be near-impossible, if the Clerk of the Course was not able to delegate tasks to other experienced officers. Therefore, most of a Clerk’s

78 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

job is double-checking all facts, and planning, and on the day ensuring all that preparation is put into action. To summarise: a Clerk is responsible for the event to be run SAFELY, EFFICIENTLY, and FAIRLY. So how does this work in practice? During the event preparations the following roles are vital assistants to the Clerk. Secretary of the Meeting (deals with the paperwork and in some cases the same person does all the following), Competition Secretary (books the venue, rescue units, recovery units, catering, toilets, etc), the Entries Secretary (takes the booking and money for competing drivers), and the Chief Marshal (assists with marshal recruitment, sign-on of marshals, marshal role allocations, and marshals’ briefings). Under the social distancing rule in place for COVID 19 I would say that the amount of effort to complete pre-event paperwork and other tasks has doubled. Now all drivers and officials and marshals have to sign on before the event. They also have to declare any crew they are bringing to the event and list their cars’ details for pre-event scrutineering. On the day of the event things are slightly easier now than they used to be, in that no one needs to

In the latest digital Newsletter issued by Club Office in Abingdon, we have received the following COVID-19 guidance: “Restrictions currently remain in place, preventing most types of social gathering and meet-ups with very few special exemptions. This week, the Government announced increased fines for unauthorised organisers of events, that now also extend to fines for those who attend such events. We urge caution and recommend that if you do attend an event, you do so at your own risk and recommend you check that COVID-safe regulations are being met”. So, unfortunately, it seems unlikely that we will be able to return to ‘normal’ activities any time soon. Roll-on the day! To this month’s pictures:

Car park congestion at 2019 Masham Steam Fair

sign on, and no licences to be checked. We simply tick off signed-on competitors, officials and marshals. No entry for anyone not signed on. Scrutineers still have a role to play on the day, as they can visually check out the cars, and if there are suspicions they can arrange to do further tests. The Secretary of the Meeting will also still have a role to play onsite, recording any incidents, protests and appeals ready for the reports to Motorsports UK at the end of the day. Timekeepers ensure that the event is timed and a set of times can be sent to the results person/team. Highly trained rescue unit crew and paramedics are available for when anyone’s day takes a turn for the worse. Hopefully they are not needed, but knowing they are there is a comfort. Most incidents can be dealt with by our dedicated bunch of volunteer marshals. Last but not least, a trained recovery unit and crew will be available to collect and remove any car worse for wear. All of the above work closely with the Clerk, and it is the Clerk’s job to be aware of what is happening, and make adjustments to the timetable, aiming to give the drivers as much safe and fair track time as they can get.

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OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 79

CENTRES NORTH WEST Paul Goodman 01625 876300 October is the month when the MGCC becomes 90 years old. The Centre is staging a photo shoot at Stockport Grammar School on Sunday October 11. The intention is to cut the cake at 12.00pm. You may be wondering about the location – the answer is that Cecil Kimber’s family lived in Stockport and he was a pupil at the school. If you would like to bring your car then please email paul.goodman7@ntlworld.com to book your place. The aim is to include at least one car from every decade of the Club. Depending on the regulations in force at the time, the regular social events will be at the Cheshire County Sports Club on Tuesday October 13 and the Plough and Flail on Tuesday October 20. The race meeting at Snetterton over the first weekend of September was a great success with brilliant racing under sunny skies. The qualification session and two races for the Cockshoot Cup were all held on the Sunday, so it was a busy day for mechanics and drivers. Keith Egar won

SOUTH EAST Ray Ruffels and William Opie raywillmg@gmail.com www.mgccse.co.uk Autumn Naviscat This takes place on Sunday October 4. You will need to have a copy of the 1:50,000 series Ordnance Survey map, Landranger number 187 – Dorking & Reigate, Crawley & Horsham. The start this year is at The Surrey Oaks Public House, Parkgate Road, Parkgate, Surrey, RH5 5DZ, where entrants will arrive from 10.00am and be given the briefing and final Instructions. Clues will be handed out at 11.00am and then there is 3 1/2 hours to collect the answers before finishing back at The Surrey Oaks at 2.30pm. The Surrey Oaks will be offering a breakfast roll (or similar) on arrival and lunch after. These will need to

Sissinghurst gathering 2013 - Happy Days! 80 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

both races driving his MG Midget with K series engine power and so was awarded the Malimson Trophy. Class B victor was Mike Peters winning the Genesis Trophy. In Class A Paul Wignall in his MG ZR clinched the Entune Trophy. Brian Butler was awarded Driver of the Race and Driver of the Day for his performances in his MGF. He also won the Keith Egar Winner of the Malimson Trophy at Snetterton. Photo: Paul Goodman Malimson F Trophy for with planning to run the Speed Championship his efforts. All the racers enjoyed the “300” circuit as normal in 2021 and, within that, the Anglesey layout which provides some major challenges Sprint Weekend on May 1-2 and the Scammonden and so the intention is for the Cockshoot Cup to Dam Hillclimb on May 16. It is also hoped that include two rounds of the Championship there the Cockshoot Cup will run over a full ten races. in 2021. If outdoor shows are permitted, then we intend The motorsport world has adapted to the to support as many as possible. If members are many changes that have been required this year. intending to show their cars at a local event, then Some are likely to become permanent, but they we can arrange the loan of one of our collapsible do put the onus on competitors to deal with the flag poles with base and a flag. electronic paperwork. The Centre is pushing ahead

be ordered and paid for in advance to ensure we are best able to meet Covid-19 guidance. To enter please visit the MGCCSE website or contact Alex Lemon at alexlemon@hotmail.co.uk or 07718 339836. Also on the site are the Covid compliance instructions. MGCC 90th Anniversary Runs The MGCC 90th Club social event takes place at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, on Saturday October 10 and likewise the MGCCSE will be organising two independent circular car tours/ drives of circa 45 miles in length on Sunday October18: 1) East in Kent with start location to be announced. Contact John Bennett – johnbennett698@yahoo.com

2) West in West Surrey / Sussex starting at The Wise Old Owl PH, Dorking Road, Kingsfold, RH12 3SA. Meeting time is at 10.30am with departure at 11.15-11.30am. – Contact David Griffiths – dr.glazz1@timetalk.co.uk The drives will need to be pre-booked under Covid compliant rules, so to celebrate the MGCC Anniversary see full details and entry form at – www.mgccse.co.uk MGCCSE Annual General Meeting This takes place on Saturday October 17 and this year will be an online “virtual meeting” due to pandemic safety considerations. If you would like to attend contact Austin Banner at austin.banner@gmail.com Finally, we are pleased to report that the Sussex Wanderers have again been very generous and raised £1,300 for Riding for the Disabled, which has now been sent to the Chairman for the East Park RDA Group.

Members meeting up for pub lunch in July www.mgcc.co.uk

CENTRES SOUTH WEST Jim Lott chairman@mgccsw.com www.mgccsw.com/ www.facebook.com/MGCCSW Twitter: @mgccsw The restrictions due to Covid-19 are still in place and this has meant that our planned event of MGOG 2 Autotest has been cancelled. Due to the extra costs in putting on the event with the restrictions and after canvasing opinion from past competitors, and only getting a lukewarm response, the committee decided not to run the event this year. Let us hope that events next year will be able to go

TYNE-TEES Tony Wood anthony@scrutonvillage.co.uk Just for a change I can start with some good news. Tyne Tees member Simon Weightman has been awarded the MGA Register Notable Journey Award for 2019. Simon and Carole campaign their very attractive metallic blue MGA in our events, so congratulations (every great man drives his wife’s car). Our photo shows

www.mgcc.co.uk

ahead. The committee will be planning the events calendar before the end of this year, so keep checking the website (address above) for details. One event that did take place was the Wiscombe Hill Climb on Saturday September 12. From the reports I have had back it was a successful day with good weather and a full entry list. The photos, taken by Colin Murrell and Steffi Broch, show the highly modified MG Midget (yes, it looks like a Frog Eyed Sprite but was noted in the running list as MG Midget) driven by Ben Rolls and the MG ZR driven by Max Tyler, making a welcome return to speed events after a number of years without an MG.

To enable SW members to keep in touch, other than the website, I have set up an “MGCC SW Centre” WhatsApp group. If you would like to join the group, drop me an email with your mobile phone number to chairman@mgccsw.com and I will add you to the group. The lunchtime Natter Facebook group (MG Car Club – South West Centre Lunchtime Natters) is still going but with less participants than when we started. This page becomes active on the third Tuesday of the month, when we would normally have our lunchtime Natter meets. With current restrictions, it is not possible to meet at the pub, so we meet virtually on Facebook. The next virtual meet will be on October 20 from 12.00pm onwards. Keep safe.

them after receiving the Autumn Leaves Trophy at Alnwick Castle in 2018. Pity we don’t give a prize for the best-dressed couple! Some other news on the horizon is that we are trying to plan something to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the Club. Whilst nothing is fixed at the time of writing, we are aiming for two meetings, one each in the North and South of the Centre. Turn up in your MG to the specified meeting point and meet your MG friends in a socially distanced manner. Venues will be chosen with plenty of outside space, avoiding potential Covid-related difficulties. October 11 or 18 are the potential dates, with our preferred one being the 18th which would avoid any difficulties for those wishing to attend the Gaydon event on the 10th. Details will be circulated via email so watch your inbox!

Whilst I have been extolling the virtues of the MGCC newsletter which appears every Saturday, it has been pointed out that those who have not opted to receive it can still access the archive of excellent podcasts which have been created. Just visit www.mgpodcast.uk to enjoy a wide range of topics including our own Board member Lorraine Noble Thompson talking about her car collection. Lastly, thanks to those members who replied to my pleadings and got in touch with suggestions (some are even polite and possibly physically achievable) and comments on Tyne Tees Tidings. One such conversation prompted my thoughts on how things have changed as to what the Car Club is and was about. We will celebrate our Golden Jubilee of becoming a full Centre in 2021 and it would be good to have your memories of why you joined the Club, who and what you remember, your cars and all memories good, bad or indifferent. If you have old photos, newsletters, etc, dig them out and scan or send to me. Remember what is fresh in your memory has probably faded away from the rest of us and it would be great to celebrate our anniversary with some old times revisited. Get digging!

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 81

CENTRES South Natter is continuing its electronic ‘Zoom’ meeting with quizzes and competitions. Their Natter venue has changed hands, and Ken Cothliff they seem confident that might improve the kencothliff@hotmail.co.uk situation for the future. The folks in West Natter https://mgccyorkshire.co.uk are having a really rough time with many of their members living in lockdown areas in East Yet again, not a lot to talk about this month. Lancashire and Bradford areas. However, things are possibly looking up. The Vale On the August Bank holiday, your of York Natter had an experimental meeting with scribe went down to Lincolnshire Aviation a few members at their new location the Anchor Heritage to see the Lancaster bomber and Inn in Whixley. The pub was well organised, with Mosquito fighter taxi. I made contact with plenty of Covid precautions, which after consulting the Lincolnshire Centre Members who were with Centre Committee, we are going to try and helping out at the site, and we discussed resume some Natter meetings, subject to any the possibility of a joint get-together at the changes that might happen. Museum in 2021. It feels good to be making plans even if they have to be a year away. In the meantime, here are some summer photos from past years to cheer us all up. MGB relaxes during Drive it Day 2015 at the Sutton Bank Gliding Club

YORKSHIRE

ULSTER Carol Willis 07831 345560 www.mgcculstercentre.co.uk carol.mgulster@hotmail.co.uk We had the most wonderful day in midSeptember for our first ‘Sunday Run’ of the year, total t-shirt weather for our picnic at the end of the journey. At midday 10 cars met up in Carrickfergus Castle car park where Carol handed out the route which Mike Dowey had plotted for us. After our social distancing ‘Hellos’ people headed off to do Knockagh, the first of our hill climb challenges. Unfortunately, Noel was unable to get his Midget started as the battery had died and the others had gone. Thankfully Gavin McClean, chief scrutineer for our speed events, just happened to be parked close to us and rescued him with jump leads, but Noel felt it safer to head back home. Journeying across beautiful countryside we then attacked Cairncastle on Ballycoose Road, what a super name, and stopped off at Sallagh Braes viewpoint, looking down the glen to Larne and across to the Game of Thrones village set

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which is now being used for another film starring Nicole Kidman. After enjoying the sunshine for a while, we headed off to Garron Point to attack that hill climb but in reverse direction. We could see right across to Ailsa Craig and it was so clear we could even see fields on the Mull of Kintyre. We re-joined the Coast Road and travelled through Carnlough, past the hotel which Winston Churchill used to own, Glenariff, Waterfoot, Cushendall turning left at The Curfew Tower and onwards to Cushendun and our picnic. It was super seeing everybody again for MG activities after such a long break, in fact made us feel human again. Thank you so much for coming along and making it such a successful day and also our thanks to Michael Dowey for preparing the route. We are hoping to have another outing

Canadian WW2 Bomber HQ, Allerton Castle Canada Run 2018

Bob and Beth Walker attend to their ‘old lady’

on Sunday, October 11 to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the MG Car Club, dependent totally on Government legislation. Ideally, we would like to see at least one model of each MG at the photoshoot and a run would continue from there. Further information will be forwarded by email when photo site and run destination are confirmed. We will be happy to see your car for the photo opportunity if you don’t wish to do the run. Also, we hope to run an AutoSOLO at TTS before the end of the year, again dependent on Motorsport UK and Government legislation.

The stunning views from Sallagh Braes

www.mgcc.co.uk

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OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 83

REGISTERS SVW Paul Campbell svw.safety.fast@gmail.com www.svwregister.co.uk Correction – Nuts and Bolts Article (September edition) Unfortunately there were a few errors in the table as pointed out by Barrie Jones (TF Registrar). The corrected table is below. Also in the text 1/2 inch UNF bolt should read 5/16 inch UNF. Jim inadvertently quoted the AF spanner size. VA Running Rough! The (184) members on our Facebook group may have read of the woes relating to the rough running on my VA Tourer. I had been trying to fettle it on and off for several weeks. It would start and idle but would not rev properly,

although sometimes it would seem fine but it would return on a test drive. All sparkplugs were black, which seemed more likely to be carburation. I had dismantled the carbs, cleaned and checked them, tested the spark at all plugs, did a compression test, blown out the fuel lines, cleaned all filters, etc. All I had done during the winter lay-up was to put in new plugs and make up new HT leads with new caps using the same copper-core cable I’ve always used. I had also fixed my fuel sender and inspected the tank and in-tank filter. I put back the old plugs and HT cables and it was the same. I had been running with electronic ignition for some nine years with no issues. I replaced the coil that was matched to the E.I. with a new standard Lucas one and this made it worse, but then putting back the old points solved the problem. This happened when in the garage, unused, so it remains a bit of a mystery. There is some evidence to suggest that

Size

5/16 MG

5/16 BSF

5/16 BSW

8mm ISO F

8mm ISOC C

5/16 UNF

5/16 UNC

Diameter (inches)

0.3150

0.3125

0.3150

0.3125

Diameter (mm)

7.9375

20.3

Threads per Inch (TPI) 25.4

T TYPE Paul Plummer 01926 854574 scribe@tregister.org Despite the continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of largescale gatherings, several motoring events have – at the time of writing – been given the go ahead. The RAC has given the green light for the London to Brighton Veteran car run, which will take place on Sunday November 1. Pop this date in your diary, October 10 2020! The British Motor Museum at Gaydon will play host to a special anniversary event to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the MG Car Club on Saturday October 10, from 10.00am until 4.00pm. Pre-booking is essential, and tickets are available from the British Motor Museum website, with entry for your car and driver priced at £10. On the weekend of November 13-15 the NEC will open its doors for the annual Classic Motor Show where the MG Car Club will have a stand, which will be of great interest to all T Type owners. Now looking forward to 2021, the T Register’s

84 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

Spring Tour to Flanders is scheduled for April 2630, staying at Hostellerie Saint-Louis, in Bollezeele, which is about 30 minutes’ drive from the channel ports of Calais and Dunkerque. Further information can be obtained from our secretary, Sally Silcock, on 01525 750468. Here is a photo to remind you of happier times, before ‘you know what’ changed our lives.

using graphite core cable (coil to dizzy) helps and I’ll look into this further. Always carry your old points ready to replace as I’ve since heard of other such E.I. failures! I was relieved to have the VA back on the road two days before a long-planned photoshoot at Amberley Castle (see photo). More on this next month.

Hostellerie Saint-Louis, in Bollezeele

A couple of fine TCs lined up at MG Era Day at Brooklands.

www.mgcc.co.uk

REGISTERS Y TYPE Jerry Birkbeck 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325 birkbeckjerry@gmail.com www.mgccyregister.co.uk This month’s contribution features Bill Bennett’s Y at Oulton Park last month. What is unusual is that Bill’s car uses hand controls and, as he explains, it must be the first Y Type to go round a motor circuit controlled in such a style! Our first outing with the Y Type since Covid struck was to the Oulton Park Gold Cup Weekend of classic car racing, held over the Bank Holiday weekend of August 29-31. We were invited to display our car as part of the Concours d’Esprit, an eclectic gathering of pre- and post-war classic cars, arranged by local enthusiast Tim Gresty. The cars were displayed, in age order, in front of the Fogarty Moss Building overlooking the circuit. Quite a sight, the earliest being a 1921 3-litre Bentley through to the youngest, a 1956 Austin Healey 100/4, 58 cars in total. Before racing started on the Sunday, all 58 cars did three parade laps of the full circuit

MAGNETTE Stephen Tickell 01737 760330 stephen.tickell@gmail.com www.magnette.org Following my mention of Register newsletters in July, I’m very grateful to former Magnette owner David Taylor for donating several copies of ‘Thirty Six Thousand’, the magazine distributed fairly regularly to members in the 1970s/80s. These have now been scanned and are available to read on magnette.org Browsing them certainly gives one pause for thought, realising how much more effort was

(behind the Safety Car to ensure that none of us got carried away!). Our car didn’t win any prizes in the subsequent Concours Judging, but our car was

probably the first ever Y Type to lap Oulton Park with hand controls! Altogether a great weekend and highly recommended to anyone with a Classic Car.

involved in distributing information and updates before the internet age. I’ve enjoyed both the technical articles and some fascinating insights into Club politics in the first few years after the Register was recognised in its own right, when some of those composing editorials were perhaps still fighting the battle to establish independence! Also notable are some slightly grumpy messages from Lou Shorten, and the sheer quantity of writing by the late Chairman Dixon Morris, who seemed to have an inexhaustible supply of Magnette anecdotes and tips. I’ve asked longer-serving members why he titled his

contributions ‘congenerous chit-chat’, but sadly the origins may be lost in the mists of time. Another addition to the website is an article by Gregor Grant from the 1956 magazine ‘High Performance Cars’, recounting his epic solo drive in the Mille Miglia. Getting his privately owned Magnette to the finish through appalling weather and mechanical problems was an achievement in itself, not to mention an impressive fourth in class. Thanks to Ian Sykes who’s provided this and a number of other archive articles through his VSCC connections. AGM - Saturday October 24 As you’ll see in the formal notice elsewhere, the AGM this year will be a Zoom videoconference. For many of us this has become all too familiar, but do please contact me if you’re at all unsure how to join in. For those who prefer, there’s a normal telephone number, but we hope to see as well as hear you. Although there won’t be as much looking back at events as usual, we can all look forward to more normal times and discuss plans and concerns.

Gregor Grant in the Mille Miglia www.mgcc.co.uk

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 85

REGISTERS MGA Edward Vandyk 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk Summer rolls into autumn, bringing the end of a memorable, but certainly challenging, year in sight. An update on progress with “The MGA Register - The First Fifty Years”. Work on writing the book was completed and passed to the printer in early September. We expect the book will be in stock from mid-October. Those who have expressed an interest in buying a copy will be contacted with details of the price including postage and asked to confirm their order. We have around 80 names on the list, so please be patient as we process them. If you have not pre-ordered a copy, the print run is for 125 books which should meet immediate and future demand. John Shaw responded to my photograph of the 18 white MGAs in last month’s Safety Fast! His MGA, 637 BNP, was part of the lineup and is still going strong after a recent major refurbishment two years ago. John asks the question as to whether it is known how many of these 18 cars are still around? If you have one of the 18, or know of one of the 18, do let me know.

Next month I hope to do a feature on the MGA as a wedding car in the modern era, with a subtext of ‘What could possibly go wrong?’. The weather for a start ,because of course MGAs never break down… Please let me have your stories with photos. A recent photoshoot at Kimber House as part of the annual Abingdon Heritage Festival 2020 saw one of your scribe’s MGAs featuring in a piece about Ken Miles. For the piece, local motoring journalist Mike Gould went to Kimber House and interviewed MG Car Club general manager, Adam Sloman, about Miles. The MG connection is the recently released “Le Mans 66” film’s MG garage scene, where Miles ‘advises’ a customer in his own inimitable manner on how to drive his car correctly, being central to the story. When the Register was first asked to provide an MGA and turned to me, I, of course, agreed to help. However, on contacting Mike, and learning the feature was essentially about the “Le Mans 66” film in which Ken Miles, portrayed by Christian Bale, features in relation to the development of the Ford GT40, I confessed to not understanding the rationale for an MGA and suggested an MGB instead, because at least that was contemporary with 1966.

When I became aware of the garage scene, however, I understood why it was thought appropriate to have an MGA Twin Cam as the centrepiece. Steve Kirby, who drove the MGA to Abingdon for the feature, echoing Miles’ advice in the film on avoiding oiling the plugs – “Rev the b*****ks off it”. This was incorporated into the feature with a revving engine replacing the expletive to protect delicate ears. The irony is that Steve’s advice was ‘stand alone’ completely genuine, we had to change the plugs the day before to get the car running on all four – something we seem to have to do frequently when running Twin Cams on Webers, whether road or race car. Incidentally, Ken Miles has a specific MGA connection: he drove an EX182 MGA prototype at Le Mans 1955. This feature will be one of the short films which will be premiered on the big screen in Abingdon’s Guildhall cinema on September 19. The films will also be available on the Abingdon Heritage website and to stream on social media. For more details visit: https://abingdon heritage.org.uk or www.heritageopendays.org. uk/visiting/event/launch-event-abingdonheritage-films

MGB David Broadhurst 01209 614704 newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org www.mgb-register.org I’ll start this month by reminding you that the Register AGM is being held virtually via Zoom on Saturday October 24. All details were published in the news section of the last issue, but any queries email the MGB Register Secretary Neil on secretary@mgb-register.org Also, the Register has got a new merchandise range available – more on that soon, but why not take a look at what’s currently available at www.mgb-register.org Now to hand over to Stan for part two of his Bermuda trip. He had just been given the number of the local MG Man, Steyne, who works out of the Royal Dockyard. When I called next day to fix a time, Steyne was already expecting me and we made arrangements to visit. On the day as we got on the bus the driver, who wasn’t the same one, said: “Hi, you going to see Steyne and his MGs? Small Island”. The MGB is the most popular MG and I mentioned we had seen a Black Tulip convertible

86 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

Taken from Hinson’s Island, in the middle of the harbour with the Dockyard way in the distance

Steyne, the Bermuda MG Specialist.

driving through St. Georges the day before; this bought a big smile and the news it was on its way to the dockyard for its annual service. There are a few MGAs and T types, but the pre-war OHC cars need more specialised care than it’s realistic to expect in such a tiny market. Steyne had just

bought an MGB GT which was on its way from England. An A55 is his current daily driver. He had a partly dismantled XPAG on his engine stand and several MGBs either in storage or long-term projects. We swapped email addresses and keep in touch. I sent him some suggested dates to visit the UK including MGLive! So we may meet again next year.

MGB on the ramps in the dockyard workshop www.mgcc.co.uk

REGISTERS MIDGET Chris Hale c.hale1962@btinternet.com www.midgetregister.com Register Committee member Iwan Jones has been busy sourcing a new provider, for our regalia including caps, shorts and jackets. These will make ideal Christmas presents and should be live on the Register website in the near future. Steve Clark has been undertaking what he reckons may be the longest MG clutch change in history! Here he takes up the story.

V8 Victor Smith 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net V8 enthusiasts at Snetterton The drive to Snetterton for the Club’s motor race meeting in early September was a welcome opportunity for V8 members to enjoy the pleasure of driving a V8 again after six months of lockdown. Members were able to catch up after the long break, with the morning sunshine helping

It was five years ago at Kop Hill that my crunching clutch finally gave up. There are worse places to breakdown, though – the evening outdoor bar proved very a sociable and sunny place to wait for the breakdown recovery! Once the engine was out, we found the culprit of a disintegrated carbon thrust pad. There was nothing left of it, just metal on metal. It had done well, though, four seasons of sprints with the MGCC Speed Championship had been a strong test. It was decided that while everything was out of the car, I would rebuild the gearbox and fit a performance camshaft plus lightened flywheel.

The gearbox was rebuilt quite quickly by the crack team of ex-BL training instructor Dave Cato, and Mike Parker as workshop co-ordinator. With other cars and house projects taking priority, progress slowed but finally happened with the extra time afforded during lockdown. So now to see how the car has fared during its five years of standing. Barn find springs to mind, so plenty of work still to go before the Midget is back on the road. Your committee works hard throughout the year to bring you interesting events and content in order to satisfy your Spridget needs, which we hope you enjoy, although this year has been very difficult with most events cancelled. We are always on the look-out for new members to join the committee. If you feel that you could spare us a little time to help shape the future of the Register (we meet four times a year at Kimber House, current restrictions excepted!) please get in touch. You’ll find us a friendly and enthusiastic bunch and you will be made very welcome.

to take some of the chill out of the wind. Chris Beauclerk was alongside John Cummings, both with their RV8s in Woodcote Green and nearby was George Wilder with his RV8 in rare Caribbean Blue. Jim Gibson’s MGBGTV8 was alongside.

The current six months have been an extraordinary period, with classic car auctions moving in various ways from physical events to online auctions. MG V8s have appeared for sale, particularly online, and clearly sales have been seen, but inevitably during the period with Covid restrictions on non-essential travel few potential buyers made trips to inspect cars for sale offered by private or trade sellers. But with the gradual easing of restrictions auction activity has continued, but uncertainties do seem to be slowing buyer interest and activity. See the review and price guide in early November via a link on our ‘More’ page at www.v8register.net/more.htm

MGV8 market review and price guide Our next six monthly market review and updated price guide will be prepared at the end of October from an analysis of the data gathered by our Pricewatch team, for release in early November on the V8 website.

Chris Beauclerk and John Cumming www.mgcc.co.uk

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 87

REGISTERS MGC Mike Haughton mgc_mike@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/mgc-register/ With the ongoing pandemic restrictions we have all pretty much missed out on classic car events this summer – certainly any major ones – and particularly any MGC gatherings. I know some members have been out and about a little bit locally in the UK and other countries – but this year I have travelled less than 300 miles in my GT (I usually manage at least 3,000!).

MGF Tim Morris 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org We were easing out of lockdown and looking forward to a semblance of normality again… but now new restrictions are imposed. That means we still can’t hold our local meetings, we were so near yet now we are so far again. However, before the more stringent law came in, some groups had been experimenting a little. Central had organised some local small-scale runs and attended the BMC show at the British Motor Museum as a group (held under their COVID restrictions). There is no doubt that they have been the most active of our regions as we tentatively emerged from lockdown. Thames Valley went under canvas in the back garden of a pub pitched a nice safe distance from each other – handy for socially distanced beer and chatter. The South East sat at least two metres apart in their deck chairs, eating fish and chips, on a beach on Hayling Island on the hottest day of the year, which proved far too hot for some members who didn’t quite make it!

88 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

Looking towards the year end, regrettably we will not be holding our usual festive meal and weekend away. It would not be right or even practical to have 50+ people in a dining room together and be socially distanced. Having said that, here is our optimistic look forward to 2021, as we do have some plans formulating, assuming we will be in a position to hold events. MGLive! is likely to be in mid-June – so we will try to arrange MGC Day on the weekend either side of that, hopefully giving you all (including our overseas friends) a chance to attend both events.

Our friends in the Dutch Club plan to have a small MGC event, probably in September. We are also thinking of a gathering for C Owners ‘up north’ – perhaps linking with another classic car event in Cumbria? Mid to late August might be a good time. Let Mike know if you would be interested in such an event. I’m aware of many restoration projects this year – you’ve had plenty of time to do it – so let’s see your pictures! Here is Councillor Peter Tomlinson’s Sebring Roadster – nearly finished after being rearranged slightly at Shelsley Walsh.

The South East also took part in the first officially approved post-COVID large-scale event. Just under 120 MGs took part in two runs to Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in Sussex, including F/TFs from the region. The organisation from the South East Centre was exemplary, with cars parked more than two metres apart (and staggered) in a large new car park at Leonardslee and at the two start points. COVID marshals made sure we all behaved ourselves and the gardens were big enough that we could all lose ourselves quite happily amongst the lakes and trees. This was a test event approved by the MGCC and Motorsport UK and I’m sure it can now be used as a means to organise similar safe events in the future. A big thank you to the MGCCSE team who put an extraordinary amount of effort into organising this event. Now some bad news – the Christmas event at Cricklade has been cancelled. It was always on the cards – a large indoor event was always going to be difficult

under COVID and so it proved. We could not present an event worthy of the Club under the current regulations. Still, the good news is that our events supremo Ian Wright has already booked it for next year! Let’s just hope we can be clear of this pandemic by then. At the moment the NEC Classic Car Show is still scheduled for November and the Register has a space booked in Hall 1. Now, whether we actually get there is another question which may or may not be answered soon. If the show is on and you do go then please seek us out – you probably won’t recognise us, though, as we’ll all look like masked bandits.

Andrea and David Koskela at Denbies Vineyard fully prepared for the socially distanced run to Leonardslee Gardens www.mgcc.co.uk

REGISTERS ZR/ZS/ZT JOHN THOMPSON 01702 298866 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister Upcoming Events The final racing rounds of the year take place at Oulton Park on October 3. After some exciting racing at Donington and Snetterton, what will this meeting have in store? At the time of writing, this event is being shown as a closed meeting,

without spectators. However please look out for announcements closer to the dates or visit www. mgcc.co.uk/motorsport/ for further information. Despite the lack of events this year due to Covid-19, there is one event we can look forward to. We will be heading to the BMM at Gaydon on October 10 to help celebrate the 90th anniversary of the MG Car Club. This informal social gathering is a great opportunity to take your Zed out for the day and catch up with everyone. Tickets are available from www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/ whats-on/mgcc-90 Please visit the Club website for the latest information.

JOIN THE ZEDS – Update Thank you to everyone who has shown an interest in joining the committee or volunteered to help. As we mentioned in the latest Club newsletter and Register update, next year is the 20th anniversary of the launch of our cars and we already have some exciting plans in the pipeline. This is an ideal time to become involved. Whether you’d like to contribute on the committee or be a volunteer at one of our events, we look forward to hearing from you. For further information contact me directly at the email at the head of these notes.

ZRs battle it out at Snetterton. Photos: Dickon Siddall

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MG TF 1250 (1954)

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This fine car was repatriated from the US in 2014 and underwent an in depth body-off restoration. The end result is a car of stunning appearance that drives Please visit www.quarryclassics.co.uk for more details and pictures, as well as it looks.

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The car is ready to go. Just fully serviced and although MOT and tax exempt is offered with a new MOT as an external and independent validation of its integrity and quality. £28,495 (P/Ex a pleasure) Please visit www.quarryclassics.co.uk for more details and pictures, or call

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 89

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

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MG ZR 160vvc, 2005 (54) Just 43,194 Miles

A Very Very rare 2008 (08) registered TF160vvc, with the number plate MG08 VVC. FSH Late facelift car with soft ride suspension, smokstone cockpit, black leather sport seat, grey alcantara inserts, heated glass rear screen etc. new headgasket/cambelt/water pump by us in 2018 Outstanding condition. £7,995

Manual Petrol Finished in: Silver 3 door, sold with the registration number MG54 VVC. Fitted with air conditioning. Ex MG/Rover car plus 1 Lady , 1 Gent owned with F.S.H. New headgasket/water pump/ cambelt at 32,000 miles, 4 new Toyo tyres at 37,500 miles, serviced and moted at 42,574m June 2020 no advisories. Immaculate condition and rare.. £4,995

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

1979 MGB ROADSTER

Good condition drives well, first registered April 1979 Tax & MOT Exempt New MOT if required. Ivorseal Unleaded Engine Mileage on last MOT 24751 did not use the car last year due to ill health. New Sills & Castle Sections and Total body replayed 3 years age. Hood and Hard Top more photos available £5000. ono Tel 07885 485255 (Sussex)

MGB V

3900cc fu high spec Stage 3 cy radiator, burettor, Hoyle fro Gaz adjus roll bar, H Ventilated new Yoko classic spo £27500 o 166756. B (North Bu

1952 TD MG TF 135 High spec+ H/top, 2005 (05) Just 39,000 Miles

MG MGF 1.8i 1997 (R Reg) 47,626 Miles

Manual Petrol Finished in: Xpower Grey/Black leather grey inserts F.S.H.headgasket/cambelt/water pump replaced at 35,000miles by us. Late TF Fitted with a glass heated rear screen, sports pack 2 with softride suspension, 16” 11 spoke alloys 4pot red brake calipiers, wind deflector, chrome packs, engine water level censor, Superb condition £4,795

Manual Petrol Finished in: B.R.Green / Green leather Father and Daughter from new (plus now me) with MEGA full service history. Very low mileage. Headgasket + bottom rail, water pump,cambelt, rad, water pipes front to rear brake disc’s and pads front & rear all replaced New Mot with no advisories. Outstanding condiion. £3,895

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

www.churchsquareautos.com

MARTIN MARTIN SMITH SMITH

Total chassis and mechanical rebuild. New tub, hood, side screens, tonneau, interior trim, wire wheels, s/s exhaust, wiring loom, engine bored and new bearings, crankshaft lip sealed, unleaded head with larger valves, 5 speed gearbox, (original available), new brakes, wheel bearings, all new chrome, instruments recalibrated for 4.8:1 axle. etc. £29500 ovno. Contact ian.hennell@gmail.com or tel 07968866562. (Poole, Dorset)

WANTED: MGC Roadster

The MG specialists for MGF-MGTF-MG3-MG6

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 90 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

British Racing Green, fitted unleaded XPAG engine with Shorrock supercharger, Hydraulic brakes, MG plate, recently overhauled and in running condition. Little used in last 10 years due to age and arthritis. £19500. Tel 07368866894 (Devon)

1965 A

1994 MGRV8

2004 M

I am looking for a really good MGC roadster Automatic. Condition 2. Sound underside and rust free with smart engine bay and interior etc. Preference for chrome wire wheels. I am a private cash buyer and this car is for myself. Sorry, but no “top end” prices please. I will travel for the right car. Tel: 0797 222 1337

www.martinsmithmgspares.co.uk

MARTIN SMITH

1933 MG J2

1953 MG TD

Originally exported to sunny California in 1953 where she spent her life until returning to Uk shores in 2017 where upon arrival underwent a chassis up renovation which was completed just three months ago with just over 200 miles have been covered subsequently. The car is presented in exceptional order throughout finished with stunning British Racing Green over Black coachwork, driving faultlessly,having been sympathetically renovated to a high standard, whilst maintaining as much originality where possible along with having the added benefit of a completely rebuilt engine. In all, this is a fabulous example that is sure to bring much pleasure to the new owner for many years to come. £21,500 Please call 07954 106598 (Essex)

WANTED: MG Metro

Needs to be roadworthy please. Up to £3,000 paid. Give me a call on 07720 606944, email: maxjauthers@gmail.com

Woodcote Green. Mileage 23421. Returned from Japan in 1997. Air conditioning, power assisted steering, alarm, tonneau cover and wind deflector. Walnut veneer and wheels in excellent condition. Since 2012 regular services and improvements including new tyres, high torque starter motor, spax shocks, radiator, water and fuel pumps, windscreen frame and much more. Drives beautifully. MOT until June 2021. Price £20,500. Telephone: 07966 275756. (East Sussex)

Laid up fo garaged e front win Rust in do wings, bo wings res a fibregla original; c roll, not r project. £ davidand (Hudders

Rare Mon Estate, 71 extensive MOT, SE w Leather/A seats mirr chance to 07474471

1959 M

1930 MG M Double 12

A replica, replica. Photograph on cover of safety fast October 2004. British Racing Green, improved engine etc. present owner for last 40 years. Telephone 01483 200 281. £22,000 Email: anthonyabugbird@icloud.com. (Godalming)

www.mgcc.co.uk

This is a 1 with only hensive h Certificate is 31000 w last 20 ye exported 1989 whe a compre includes n rear, clutc rebuilt, R use only a with wire side scree please rin

mmm......these look rather tasty – as do the prices..... Estd.1968

NOW REDUCED...£42,500...Just view it

£20,000

NOW REDUCED £37,500

WE HAVE SPARES, SPARES, SPARES FOR ALL PRE-WAR MGs – BOTH NEW & USED Visit www.barrywalker.com or phone or email HERE ARE SOME RARE & DIFFICULT PARTS NOT OFTEN AVAILABLE

Magnificent 1933 MG 2-seat ‘L’ Magna. These 6 cyl. machines are one of the most handsome that MG ever conceived. This car is completely restored with a Barry Foster engine, new body, the more comfortable bucket seat option and full weather equipment. The drive experience from this powerful car is truly exciting. Photos, books and an incredible history ﬁle accompanies the car........£67,500 ovno.

* P Series cyl. block...excellent...............................................................£850 * P Series cyl. head...excellent..............................................................£950 * Set of 12” cable brakes...per corner.....................................................£250 * Set of orig. J/F/D cable brakes...whole car...........................................£650 * V. rare 4-star steel J/L/P/N differential.................................................£975 * V. rare MG ‘M’ 9:44 REBUILT diff........................................................£850 * V. rare J2 windscreen...£650..........................................P type..........................£550 * V. rare D/F1 dash panel, complete...totally rebuilt as new......................£950

ROAD WHEELS....................................................................£50 each

SO,SO MUCH MORE TO SEE IF YOU CALL IN

ALL PRICES PLUS CARRIAGE & VAT OR CALL IN FOR BETTER BARGAINS ON PRICE

* Complete NEW 12” cable brake sets now coming back on stream, available as full sets or pairs. * 8:43; 8:41; 8:39 brand new crown wheel & piston sets to suit 2 or 4 star diff. units.............the very best available. * Off the shelf FULLY restored & rebuilt MMM & TA/B/C DYNAMOS & STARTER MOTORS, * LUCAS ORIGINAL LAMPS...HEAD/TAIL/SIDE for all early MG models...all totally restored, outright or exchange. OUTRIGHT OR EXCHANGE (2- BRUSH MMM also available). * INSTRUMENTS - we carry one of the largest ‘off the shelf’ stock of early MG gauges, all types, any model, outright or exchange. * NEW LUCAS TYPE 160 REAR VIEW MIRRORS FOR ALL MGs FROM 1930 - 1950 with ‘King-of-the-Road’ medallion....................................available with RH & LH arms. * Remember - factory specification TOOL KITS...NO REPROS. All original, all correct, all MMM & TA/B/C. * We can now offer original large button/parallel sided MMM horn button dip switches * Remember - we carry off the shelf, both NOSE-MOUNTED& SIDE MOUNTED in black or brown with chrome plinth..............long overdue.........................................£96.50 each.

British Motor Heritage approved

BARRY WALKER

supercharger installations for all pre-T models.

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

www.mgmecca.co.uk

Tel: 01789 400181

Mob: 07836 244103

please ‘phone before calling in

Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com

THE

Tel: +44 (0) 1953 717618 Fax: (0) 1953 717850

Established 1971

1962 MGB Roadster, Iris blue, Blue leather trim, Rare Pull door handle car, totally restored in the 1990s with full documented history, fastidiously maintained since and used reguarly. Rare (as hens teeth) overdrive option. original 3brg engine, w/w, superb rare early MGB £21,995.00

1972 MGB Roadster. British Racing Green, black trim. Leather seats. Antique red carpets. Fast road engine, balanced and stage 11 head. 15” minilites, carbon ﬁbre dash, moto lita, superb driving car in super condition. Nice engine bay, superb shell, fast fun @ £13,795.00

1952 MG TD, Black, red leather interior, tan hood, tonneau and hood cover. A superb MG TD original spec . Restored in the 1990s and still superb , massive history ﬁle , drives superbly ,panel ﬁt is excellent, one of the nicest TDs we have had in a long time. well sorted and maintained car, has been used reguarly so lovely patina looks and feels like a 10 yearold well maintained car. Original R/H/D car, was exported and returned to uk before being completly restored. If being very picky has a slight 3rd synchro lag, Super car £22,995

1969 MGB GT, Mineral Blue, Antique red trim, Specially made leather sports heated seats, hand crafted bespoke interior, fully restored last nut and bolt rebuild, everﬂex webasto roof, fast road 1950 stage 2 u/l engine, specially made (uk) alloy mg mecca calipers, chrome s/s wires, full rear load deck, eclectric windows, delay lighting, led headlamps and lighting, alloy high ﬂow radiator, etc etc. Everything is new or reconditioned, no expense spared would cost 50k+ to build this car as nice as a frontline Gt at much less than 1/2 the price £37,995

MG RV8

A proper UK car from new, in the best colour of Flame red,. Supplied by us to the previous owner 8 years ago. 64,000 miles with large history/service file, Heritage certificate, extra’s include wind deflector, tonneau and storm covers, NOT restored !!! Just a beautiful original very well cared for car, one of only 16 in this colour ! + a very sensible price of

£19,950.00

1995 MGRV8, Woodcote Green, stone beige trim. New beige mohair hood, new (original) tonneau, interior in excellent condition, new door cards. Re veneered dash console and door caps. 48,500 mls. Screen frame excellent (refurbed). Fitted with power steering, New clutch and slave cylinder, new boot stays, in fact all the usual RV8 foibles all sorted out. Excellent example. £22,995.00

www.mgcc.co.uk

Barry Walker October 20.indd 1

1938 MG TA, Blue, tan trim, totally restored TA immaculate in every way everythin has been renovated, replaced or reconditioned, restored over several years , no expense spared, totally superb car. cant imagine how much this has cost. £42,795

Tel; David Franklin@ Huntsman Garage, Portishead, Bristol, 01275-845226/mob; 07775-895470. E mail; franklin@huntsmangarage.co.uk OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 91

15/09/2020 09:27

How to Advertise

1952 TD 1956 MGA Total chassis and mechanical rebuild.

ROADSTER

New tub, hood, side screens, tonneau, interior trim, wire wheels, s/s exhaust, English red trim. wiringOld loom, engineWhite, bored with and new

bearings,Originally crankshafta lip sealed, unleaded North American head with largerBrought valves, 5back speedinto gearbox, Export. the (original available), new brakes, wheel UK in the late eighties and given bearings, all new chrome, instruments recalibrated for &4.8:1 axle. etc. £29500 a ‘Nut Bolt’ restoration to ovno. Contact ian.hennell@gmail.com or concourse condition. Restored to tel 07968866562. RHD spec. A stunning example (Poole, Dorset)

and one of the best MGA WANTED: MGC Roadster

Roadsters we good haveMGC owned. I am looking for a really roadster Automatic. Condition 2. Sound underside and rust free with smart engine bay and interior etc. Preference for chrome wire wheels. I am a private cash buyer and this car is for myself. Sorry, but no “top end” prices please. I will travel for the right car. Tel: 0797 222 1337

£36,995

1971 MGB V8 ROADSTER.

1979 MGB ROADSTER

MG Projects

With a heavy heart I am selling my M.G projects . I have a V8 Roaster. A 1860 fast road B. A 1500 midget rolling shell and a B rubber bumper shell. I am also considering selling my Road legal sprint and hill climb car the “ Mighty Midget “ please contact me for further information and more pictures. Contact Tony on 07875127611 or autotony@live.co.uk

1956 MGA 1500 late 2000’s by MG specialist

1953 MG TD Mk11

Simon Robinson, and religiously

1933 MGevery J2 year after. Red serviced

British Racing Green, fitted unleaded trimengine and black carpets.supercharger, Kenlowe XPAG with Shorrock Hydraulic brakes,radio, MG plate, recently fan, period chrome wire overhauled and in running condition. wheels, full weather equipment, Little used in last 10 years due to age and new arthritis. £19500. Tel alternator 07368866894 starter motor, (Devon) conversion. Recent full body

respray & detailing by ourselves.

£34,995

1965 Austin Healey Sprite

Laid up for planned restoration in 1974, garaged ever since. Everything is there, front wings and instruments removed. Rust in doors and footwells, but rear wings, boot and lid quite solid. Front wings restorable; steel bonnet good. Also a fibreglass front end, unfitted. Engine original; current V5 document. Will roll, not running. Potentially rewarding project. £1500 ono. David 07970934574 davidandgillie@yahoo.co.uk (Huddersfield.)

Black with red trim, Highly original with original TD3 engine. Expertly converted to RHD with attention to detail. Featured in Clausager book Factory Original MG T Series. £25750. Tel 01260 270589 (Cheshire)

1946 Supercharged MG TC

1968 MGC 1994 MGRV8

ROADSTER

Woodcote Green. Mileage 23421. Returned 1997. Air White from with Japan BlackinInterior piped conditioning, power assisted steering, White, Black Mohair Still alarm, tonneau cover and Hood, wind deflector. retains its ‘original’ registration Walnut veneer and wheels in excellent condition. Since 2012 regular services and number ‘OOB 21G’ Stainless improvements including newShocks tyres, high Sports Exhaust, Spax torque starter motor, spax shocks, radiConversion – front and rear. ator, water and fuel pumps, windscreen Painted Wire Wheels, frame and much more. Drives beautifully. Superb history going over MOT until June 2021. Priceback £20,500. Telephone: 07966 275756. many years (East Sussex) Invoices, photographs, Original Sales Brochure etc.Please call to arrange inspection or to discuss further.

£24,995

Upton Fields Garage, Upton Road, Southwell, Notts. NG25 0QB. www.sherwoodrestorations.co.uk sales@sherwoodrestorations.co.uk or call us on 01636 812655

92 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

3900cc fully balanced V8 Developments high spec engine fitted 3000 miles ago. Stage 3 cylinder heads, 230 bhp. Alloy radiator, 16 row oil cooler, Edelbrock carburettor, 5 speed SD1 gearbox, V8 axle. Hoyle front suspension negative camber Gaz adjustable shock absorbers, ¾ anti roll bar, Hoyle four pot alloy calipers, Ventilated discs, 15in alloy wheels with new Yokohama tyres, Leather trim with classic sport seats. Mohair hood £27500 ono. 07721 040045 or 07712 166756. Brian.goodban@btinternet.com (North Bucks)

In Signal Red. Restored in the

5 Speed gearbox, Power steering, Custom Metallic Blue paint, Beige trim with blue carpets. Blue Everflex Hood, Wood trim dash with a Mota 1953 Lita MGsteering TD wheel. The car wasexported rebuilt to in sunny 1993 California with many Originally upgradesNot for the purists, in 1953 where she spent her life until but returning to Uk shores in 2017 where beautifully detailed and a lot of upon arrival underwent a chassis up fun! renovation which was completed just The car has just come in and it is three months ago with just over 200 Please call milesawaiting have beenpreparation. covered subsequently. for more details. order The car is presented in exceptional throughout finished with stunning British Racing Green over Black coachwork, driving faultlessly,having been sympathetically renovated to a high standard, whilst maintaining as much where please see our website For fulloriginality stocklist possible along with having the added benefit of a completely rebuilt engine. In all, this is a fabulous example that is sure to bring much pleasure to the new owner 1930 MG M Double 12 for many years to come. £21,500 Please A replica, replica. Photograph on cover of call 07954 106598 (Essex) safety fast October 2004. British Racing Green, improved engine etc. present WANTED: MG Metro owner for last 40 years. Telephone Needs to be roadworthy please. Up to 01483 200 281. £22,000 £3,000 paid. Give me a call on 07720 Email: anthonyabugbird@icloud.com. 606944, email: maxjauthers@gmail.com (Godalming)

£23,995

MGB V8 Roadster

2004 MG ZTT 260 SE

Rare Monogram Poseidon, 2004 Facelift Estate, 71k, excellent condition, full very extensive service history/paperwork, MOT, SE with Extras pack, Sunroof, Leather/Alcantara, Xenon, Heated Power seats mirrors. Powerfold mirrors, Rare chance to acquire. £12500 ono. Mob. 07474471034. Email. ZTT@mg-rv8.co.uk

Reg. No. HZ 2808 with V5. Restoration reached the rolling chassis with drivetrain stage before the owner died. Period Shorrocks blower installed. A new body tub, trim and weather equipment will be required but there are 2 tanks, 7 front wings, 2 rear wings, all electrical gear, spare set of newly powder coated 19 in. wheels, instruments, new chromed radiator surround and grill, 1 ½ bonnets, scuttle etc. An excellent winter project. Offers around £13000 to Mrs P Chambers on 01904 491123 or email: chamberspauline@sky.com

1959 MGA

This is a 1500cc example built in 1959 and with only six owners. It has a comprehensive history including a Heritage Certificate and MOTs. Indicated mileage is 31000 with only 5000 added in the last 20 years. An original LHD example exported to America and repatriated in 1989 when converted to RHD as part of a comprehensive rebuild. Recent work includes new tyres, brake pads front and rear, clutch master cylinder, carburettors rebuilt, Revotec electric fan fitted. Dry use only and annually serviced. Complete with wire wheels, hood, tonneau and side screens. £28,000 ono. For more info please ring 07990558791

1973 MG Midget

Mk3 1275. Totally rust-free, recently re-conditioned to a very high standard, finished in Flame Red. The car includes a 5 speed Sierra gearbox, electronic ignition, brake servo, new steering rack and pre-engaged starter motor. High compression engine with excellent oil pressure. Watertight hood, plus tonneau cover. Sad to sell but space needed. Insurance valuation £12,000. Will accept £8,250. Tel: 01746 710533/07745 593307. Email: mail@artwood.plus.com (Shropshire/Staffordshire)

www.mgcc.co.uk

HURST PARK Classic Cars ‘a family business founded in 1938’ MGB ROADSTER 1972. Bronze Yellow with Navy Blue interior. Chromium wire wheels. Black vinyl soft-top and tonneau cover. Manual/overdrive. Rebuilt using a new Heritage body shell in 1997 and maintained to a very high standard since. Striking example.

£17,995

www.hurstpark.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)1372 468487

enquiries@mgsforsale.com

sales@hurstpark.co.uk

www.mgsforsale.com

01707 876089

07831 556666

MG CGT 1968 AUTOMATIC Older Nut & Bolt Restored (RWD628G) MG CGT 1968, automatic, excellent Mineral Blue coachwork with nicely mellowed original Black el leather interior trim, original genuine leather bound MGC e TL enquiries@mgsforsale.com steering wheel, nicely detailed engine compartment 0 miles housing the smooth 3.0 litre engine ideal with the Borg rease) 18” Warner automatic gearbox making this particularly rare T’d until model an ideal classic today, this vehicle apparently formed part of a collection of a deceased ads as well estate, on inspection one can see the of theAUTOMATIC rebuild fromOlder a number yearsRestored ago and or, satMGquality CGT 1968 Nut &ofBolt with likely little miles since is still very fresh in appearance, just automatic, arrived £24,950.00 ll service (RWD628G) MG CGT 1968, excellent Mineral or 2016 UK Tech-MG6 GT diesel Blue coachwork with nicely mellowed original Black MG BGT 1972 (LLF951K) . Spacious, leather interior MG trim,BGT, original genuine leather bound MGC Facelift model. Top-of-the rangeLast TL Owner 37 Years owner 37Two years, chrome bumpers, overdrive, MG. £6500 steering wheel, nicely detailed engine compartment model. 1.9 turbo1972, diesel. 48,000 miles MG PAlast Midget 1934 Seater (NG7281), a delightful pre-war example in Cream coachwork chrome Rostyle wheels, Aqua coachwork now requiring 44(daily driver so mileage with Black leather interior trim, a known example that has appeared “The Magic the Marque”, housing the smooth 3.0 litreinengine ideal ofwith the Borg will increase) 18” not a concours show car it does emanate an original ‘time warp’ feel, the car also has hadrare the some improvement but a very solidWarner vehicleautomatic indeed with a gearbox making this particularly alloys, red bumper inserts. MoT’d until benefi t of an overhauled engine with little miles since, a history fi le has invoices both past & nice original feel and appearance, original style navy cloth June 2020. Recent discs and pads as well present by engine copy documentation fromand when supplied by Turnhill North & Co. new in trim, gold satseal fitted mid 80’s drives as new tyres. Fullinterior leatheraccompanied interior, 1934. The weather equipment of black hood, side screens and tonneau are in good serviceable nav, Bluetooth connectivity. Full service delightfully, history with original documentation condition, thegood leather interiorfile provides a nice patina and also benefits from deluxe instrumentation, history – servicedback by isSAIC Motor Tech-car toa the 80’s, aUK plethora of invoices renowned Brian Browndoes Classics &B this matching numbers and whilstfrom maintaining so specialists many original features also have nical Centre. In good condition. Spacious, Hive, original Gold Seal papers, mot’s etc. etc.just justarrived, arrived£39,950.00 £5,950.00 indicators fittedUnipart which can be reversed of old course if desired, economical engaging modern MG. £6500 ono. Call Adam on 07530734044

01707 876089

www.mgsforsale.com

07831 556666

URGENTLY WANTED URGENTL Y WANTED

ANY MG

ANY YEAR

ANY CONDITION

On the EU approvproved SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF OUR STOCK he motor o lead h a beige Do not confuse the above vehicles with cheaper inferior quality models offered elsewhere. Part exchange . MG A 1600 any make of Motor Car with generous allowances. Discounted cash purchases. Viewing by appointment only the In car. good condition, built 1961. On the please (available evenings & weekends) no obligation to purchase. All our vehicles carry a warranty, have an MOT and are areItfully fully serviced prior to to collection/delivery. collection/delivery. GBP. The MOT and prior tacho are 58’000 miles. hasserviced EU approvce.alPhone papers (before this it was approved in Switzerland) The power of the motor is 79 PS and had be changed to lead free petrol. The car is black with a beige www.mgcc.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1953 717618 Fax: (0) 1953 717850 interor. It’s in a good condition. The wheel is on the left side of the car. Price 38’000 Euro or £34’200 GBP. The

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

OCTOBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 93

1980 MGB Roadster.

Inca Yellow. One previous owner. 60, 000 miles. Recent bare metal respray. Reconditioned seats. Stainless steel exhaust. Recent new clutch. New battery. Very sound and genuine car £5250. Please call 01255 675358 or 07740 636158 (North Essex)

WANTED: MG TC Project

Part built , unfinished special, all considered. Private member looking to build a car for personal use. All remains or cars considered, will travel and collect. Tel: 07745131990 (Cheshire)

B32 - MIKE ROLLS SERVICES_MIKE ROLLS SERVICES 13/12/2012 09:50 Page 1 Monogram Spectre paintwork No 23/36, 64K miles. Black Oxford leather, bright pack, front fogs, Spax shocks, new rear calipers, discs and pads, Head gasket done plus cambelt, water pump, S/S water pipes. Refurbed 16” Abingdon wheels with matching tyres. Hood with HRW, MOT Aug 21-no advisories. Looks and drives very well £3,300. Contact 01298814798 or email liam.mccarthy@tiscali.co.uk (High Peak, Derby)

1973 MGB Tourer

In Yellow. Good condition, no rust. New fuel tank and petrol pump, Seat belts and carburettors serviced and tuned up. MOT till August 2021. £12,000. For more information tel: 01751 474451 (North Yorkshire)

MG ZR 170 Race Car

1958 MGA TWIN CAM

1968 MGB Roadster

In Snowberry White. Fully rebuilt a year ago on new British Motor Heritage shell with new red interior, leather seats, hood and tonneau cover. Oselli 1800 balanced fast road engine, completed 32,000 miles, and NEW Mazda 5 speed gearbox. Servo assisted brakes, electronic ignition and cooling fan. Painted wire wheels. Quadoptic halogen headlamps fitted. Excellent car for touring. Considerable history file including all receipts for the rebuild. £29,950. Phone Roy on 07802253937 (South Oxon)

1969 MGB Roadster

BRG with chrome wire wheels and O/D. Full rebuild in 2000 including Ivor Searl lead-free engine. Recent brake servo fitted, four new Toyo tyres, front springs, anti-roll bar, front brakes and new full tonneau cover. MOT passed April 2020 with no Advisories. Solid car in excellent condition. £13,995. Telephone 07831 111732 (East Kilbride, Scotland)

Ash Green with a biscuit interior, fully documented restoration back in 1995 (costing thousands). Concours winning car, matching numbers. £49,995. Tel: 07802 838828 (Northampton)

1954 MG TF 1250

Midnight blue one of the last chrome bumper cars, heritage certificate, full body restoration in 2017, unleaded, 123 distributor, stainless exhaust, overdrive, leather, Sebastian roof, 5 recent alloys and tyres, just had full brake overhaul, gorgeous car, £9995. Tel 07801227518 (North East)

LHD export model, lived in N.America for 57yrs, imported and registered in UK by me in 2011.Frame and body/upholstery restoration in 1977 and painted in Cream Cracker livery in place of original almond green. Engine/gearbox done in 1986. Largely untouched and not much used by previous owner to me, he kept it for 23yrs, conserved to its original specification and in nice ‘oily rag’ condition. No corrosion. Frame and engine numbers match build record. Good history of work done after 1977 but nothing prior. Hood, half & full tonneaux, sidescreens all good. Rear luggage carrier. Includes my MG library of books and manuals plus 6mos membership of NEMGTR. £19,000. Call Chris on 01903 883124 Email: kirkc@globalnet.co.uk (West Sussex)

94 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

Extensively renovated in SA. RHD, dark green with buff coloured hood and cream leather interior, Sierra 5 speed box, with 123 ignition . Engine recently rebored. £20,500 condition 2. Tel: 07597439176. (West Sussex)

2004 MG ZT

Built from a brand new shell in 2013 by Paul Luti (Dreadnaught Garage), fully seam welded with air jack system incorporated. One season on the engine (MSA seals in place). Outstanding condition, always garaged, never used as a road car. No expense spared. Very competitive race winning car. Reason for sale- too many toys and an expanding family! Please note stickers removed since photo leaving gleaming Trophy Yellow paint£6995ovno. Tel: 07771848754 (Preston)

2016

Solar red. Absolutely immaculate. Waxoiled three times. Perfect underneath. 28,000 miles. Head gasket, cam belt, water pump done. New Toyos. Regular servicing. Garaged. Soft and hardtops, both heated rear windows. All like new. £2,750. 01983 761382 or 07802 170135. (Isle of Wight).

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

MIKE ROLLS SERVICES FOR MGs

FOR DISPLAY ADVERTISING Specialising all MG’s13/12/2012 09:50 Page 1 B32 - MIKE ROLLS SERVICES_MIKE ROLLSin SERVICES TRADE MEMBER B32 - MIKEIN ROLLS SERVICES_MIKE THE NEXTROLLS SERVICES 13/12/2012 09:50 Page 1 TEL/FAX: 01258 820337 PLEASE CALL NICK ISSUE OF ON 01452 730770

MGTD 1951. 1974 MGBGT

2000 MGF

99,000 miles. Grey, present owner since 2009. Sale due to old age. £2000. Email: anthonyabugbird@icloud.com. Telephone 01483 200 281. (Godalming)

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 Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-1pm TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

TRADE MEMBER

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, MG Wed: 8am-5pm, RV8 - 1995 Sat: 8am-1pm MG RV8, 1995 finished in Woodcote Green, the car was re-imported back to the UK in 2005, it has only done around 50,500 miles from new and has been fitted with an Electric power steering kit and recently a new hood. The car comes with a very nice registration number and history file, it is MOT’d to March 2021 and drives superbly. £23,995

MGC ROADSTER - 1969

MGC Roadster, 1969 in Old English White.. This car comes with overdrive, painted wire wheels, black sports reclining seats with white piping, uprated engine with gas ﬂowed head, Maniﬂow exhaust system, Motolita wood rim steering wheel, new hood and good service history. The car has recently been re-commissioned and serviced by us and is in good condition.,£19,995

MG6 S GT TURBO - 2014

MG6 S GT Turbo, 2014, Finished in white, under 15300mls from new, 2 Previous keepers, 2 stamps in the service book with coolant and cambelt change @ 15188mls, excellent condition inside and out HPI Checked and clear. New MOT upon purchase. £4,500 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”

www.mgcc.co.uk

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

2004 MGTF 135

Sherman Deckers

Deckers - For Sale BlackSherman Twin Cam YD3/2319 Following a professional restorati on, this incredible car is now available Black Twin Cam YD3/2319 - For Sale

Following a professional restoration, this incredible car is now available

GreatGreat opportunity to own oneone of of the opportunity to own themost mostimportant important historic Twin Cams available historic Twin Cams available The car has a complete documented historic history and a photo album of the restoration is available. It

e car has a complete documented historic history and a photo album of the restorais now ready to use either as a very exciting road car (with optional road windscreen and hood available) n is available. It is now ready to use either as a very exciting road car (with optional or as a race car with FIA/HTP papers a formality subject to the necessary safety equipment being added d windscreen and hood available) or as a race car with FIA/HTP papers a formality (optional roll bar and competition tonneau cover available). ject to the necessary safety equipment being added (optional roll bar and competiStandard twin cam engines were 1600cc and produce approximately 108BHP. At great expense, YD3/2319 n tonneau cover available). is ﬁtted with an up rated twin cam engine producing approximately 169BHP so is totally suitable for modern

driving conditions. The quality of build is testament of my own MGA Twin Cam race car over 40 races with ndard twin cam engines were 1600cc and produce approximately 108BHP. At great no DNF (did not ﬁnish). ense, YD3/2319 is fitted with an up rated twin cam engine producing approximately to various optionsfor and modern regulations,driving YD3/2319conditions. should be eligible for all relevantof historic events. 9BHP soSubject is totally suitable The quality build is testadetails, speciﬁ cations and competi tionover heritage the carwith were no included the September issue of nt of myFull own MGA Twin Cam race car 40ofraces DNFin(did not finish). Safety Fast Volume 65 Number 9.

bject to various options and regulations, YD3/2319 should be eligible for all relevant oric events. details, specifications and competition heritage of the car were included in the Sepmber issue of cally, Safety Volume 9. restoration is far more than the asking price) (Realisti theFast original cost of65 theNumber car and full

Oﬀers considered around £75,000 Contact: mgaracing32@gmail.com

Offers considered around £75,000

sale/wanted free of charge for items up to £250. Over £250, or for non-members to advertise, there is a charge of £20. To submit your advertisemet please email Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Please remember to include your membership number in all correspondence. The editor reserves the right to edit longer adverts. This is for oneHard insertion only, for MGB Works Top additional insertions please email Black colour. New windscreen clips colingrant@mgcc.co.uk all brackets included. £400 ono. Collection only. Tel: 01625423265. MGTF and MGA Parts (Macclesfield) MG TF1500: Gearbox, prop shaft, 4 F/J Type/MGB Spares shock absorbers, front brake assemF-type blies.Magna engine, completely dismantled, assembly. All MGA 1600ready FHC: 2for shock absorbers. parts inc carbs dynamo Anypresent reasonable offer and accepted. £6,500 ono. Tel: 01483565059. (Guildford, Surrey) Complete J-type Ash frame, boxed and MG Metro unused, ready for assembly. £700 ono. Three pepperpot wheels, £90 for the MGB Three-bearing crankshaft. three. Buyer collects. Tel: 07407076969 £600ono. Tel: John 01603 872436 or email 14ezro@gmail.com MGC Parts (Norwich). Steering Rack, RHD, good condition, MG Midget 1275 Engine passed last MOT, £75.00 Stored for many years, engine turns Wire Wheel, 72 spoke, fitted new Kelly freely, bores standard, refurbished 5J 15x155 tyre, £150.00 head with new valves, guides and seals. Original Steering Wheel + horn boss, Bottom end to do. Flywheel ring gear £75.00 needs replacing, have a new one to fit. Nearside GT rear window, slight scratchCan send photos. £575. ing, £25.00 email: ste5en@btinternet.com or Tel: 07885695275. Midget Parts 4xRostyle Steel Wheels 5Jx13, early MGA MkII slotted with old tyres £95.00. Body shell, wings and doors for sale. Half Tonneau, good condition £75.00. Other MGA parts available including Steering Wheel, round hole, July 1970 some new parts. For further informaon, good condition, £40.00. tion and list of available parts please Offside door, painted Tarten Red, no contact Adrian on 07710 399 534 or rust £35.00. amalt8467@gmail.com Prefer buyer collects or delivered rea1980distance MGBat cost. sonable Original parts; Graham Telrubber 01934bumper 519122.brake Or email pair of front brake disks, disk covers & graham.springthorpe@btinternet.com calipers, pair of rear drums, brake shoes Midget spares (nearly new) & cylinders. All need a Various parts mostly for a 1275 car such bit of TLC - £40 ono. Tel:07746044223 as oil cooler, air cleaners, new oil pump (Mytchett. SURREY) and mud flaps etc. Please email me for MGA Blist.and Midget Parts a complete MGAchriswaters999@yahoo.co.uk LHD Steering Rack £45.00 Email: 1966 MGB Starter Motor £15.00 (Bedford) Midget Smooth Case Gearbox, rebuilt, MG Midget Spares £40.00 Camshafts, cylinder heads, piston rings, Midget Tachometer £35.00 carburettor, third motion shafts and 3x Mechanical Petrol Pumps £10.00 much more. All original genuine parts. each. Message for prices and items available. All parts in working order. Email: leslie.steele@sky.com Tel. 07895378366 ( Buckinghamshire)

(Macclesfield)

F/J Type/MGB Spares F-type Magna engine, completely

Insurance dismantled, for all ready MG’s for assembly. All parts present inc carbs and dynamo classic and modern £6,500 ono.

Members can advertise their spares for sale/wanted free of charge for items up to £250. Over £250, or for non-members to advertise, there is a charge of £20. To submit your advertisemet please email Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Please remember to include your membership number in all correspondence. The editor reserves the right to edit longer adverts. This is for one insertion only, for additional insertions please email colingrant@mgcc.co.uk

MGTF and MGA Parts

MG TF1500: Gearbox, prop shaft, 4 shock absorbers, front brake assemblies. MGA 1600 FHC: 2 shock absorbers. Any reasonable offer accepted. Tel: 01483565059. (Guildford, Surrey)

MG Metro

Three pepperpot wheels, £90 for the three. Buyer collects. Tel: 07407076969 or email 14ezro@gmail.com (Norwich).

MG Midget 1275 Engine

Stored for many years, engine turns freely, bores standard, refurbished head with new valves, guides and seals. Bottom end to do. Flywheel ring gear needs replacing, have a new one to fit. Can send photos. £575. email: ste5en@btinternet.com or Tel: 07885695275.

MGA MkII

Body shell, wings and doors for sale. Other MGA parts available including some new parts. For further information and list of available parts please contact Adrian on 07710 399 534 or amalt8467@gmail.com

1980 MGB

Original rubber bumper brake parts; pair of front brake disks, disk covers & calipers, pair of rear drums, brake shoes (nearly new) & cylinders. All need a bit of TLC - £40 ono. Tel:07746044223 (Mytchett. SURREY)

MGA B and Midget Parts MGA LHD Steering Rack £45.00 1966 MGB Starter Motor £15.00 Midget Smooth Case Gearbox, rebuilt, £40.00 Midget Tachometer £35.00 3x Mechanical Petrol Pumps £10.00 each. All parts in working order. Tel. 07895378366 ( Buckinghamshire)

MGB

Pair of complete W/W front hubs inc discs, calipers, king pins and octagonal spinners. Buyer collects. £75. Contact: Malcolm Hobdell 01903 746955. (West Sussex)

MGB

Front valance - steel with two holes and cut-outs £50.00 MGB front spoiler - Leyland ST (fibreglass) £30.00. Roll bar (used) £50.00. TC half shaft £50.00. SVW radiator shell, slats and nose piece, good condition but needs rechroming, sensible offers. MG Z radiator shell, good condition; needs rechroming- £50.00 MG Z steering wheel- no centre boss, good condition- offers. Tel: 01664841190.

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

96 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

Flat Mirrors for T-Type MGB Pair of chrome plated, flat mirrors,

Pair of complete W/W front hubs inc complete with brackets for mounting on discs, calipers, king pins and octagonal T-Type windscreen frame. spinners. Buyer collects. £75. Contact: As new and hardly used. £40, plus Malcolm Hobdell 01903 746955. P&P (Cost me £75.84 inc from Moss) (West Sussex) Can also be used as wing-mirrors on MGB a variety of models. Contact Geoff Front valance - steel with two holes and 07802757685 cut-outs £50.00 TD/TF and XPEG Spares MGB front spoiler - Leyland ST (fibreLHglass) steering rack Roll for TD/TF - good condi£30.00. bar (used) £50.00. tion £120 plus carriage. TC half shaft £50.00. SVW radiator shell, slats and nose piece, good condition but TOneeds BE SOLD AS ONE JOB LOT SERIOUS rechroming, sensible offers. OFFERS INVITED FOR: condition; MG Z ONLY radiator shell, good XPEG engine block (AEF 117) (genuine) needs rechroming- £50.00 with aerolitewheelpistons mains MGnew Z steering no(std), centre boss, caps andconditionnew studoffers. bolts, new Pheonix good crank, new Crane camshaft, new rocker Tel: 01664841190. note that thecrank shaft, new Please Crane pushrods, new pulley, XPEG sump withdeadline genuine XPEG Advertising is oil pick up (including sump plate, October 10h for the November alloy extension piece and mesh filter), Fast!new new waterissue pump,of oilSafety pump with gears, timing cover, flywheel with an additional new starter ring, cylinder head (casting (168422 )std with slightly worn rocker arms, dipstick, rocker cover,thermostat housing and outlet elbow, front engine mounting plate and one 8" clutch housing. MG TD TF job lot of used gears and gearboxes, in good condition, number of parts too numerous to detail here but sold in one lot, with photos available on request, £200 ono. Tel: 01507 600391 (Lincs)

winding mechanism Midget Partsfor windows offers. Please phoneSteel Chris: 079767326704 4xRostyle Wheels 5Jx13, early MGC Pump Pulleys slottedWater with old tyres £95.00. I have water £75.00. pump Half manufactured Tonneau, goodnew condition pulleys for Wheel, the MGC. theyhole, are made out Steering round July 1970 ofon, aluminium and weigh a considerably good condition, £40.00. less than the original. for Red, racers Offside door, paintedideal Tarten noof those to shave a bit of weight of rust trying £35.00. their engine weight. retailing at £130 Prefer buyer collects or delivered reaplus PnP. distance at cost. sonable ForGraham more information contactOr adam at Tel 01934 519122. email adamld7@googlemail.com for photos graham.springthorpe@btinternet.com and more information.

Midget spares Ford 5 parts speed gearbox Various mostly for a 1275 car such

01376 574000

Original Leyland Rover factory MGB bonnet never used from rebuild project 25 years ago, also two original MGB roadster 1968 doors good condition sanded, minimal work for paint with winding mechanism for windows offers. Please phone Chris:professionally 079767326704 XPAG engine

www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk

MGC Water Pump Pulleys rebuilt by another company I have manufactured new water pump and inspected, 020”pistons, pulleys for the MGC. they are made out unleaded head ofreground aluminiumcrank, and weigh a considerably etc. Allthe unoriginal. run. Built for butof less than ideal forTD racers those to shavethe a bitmounti of weight wetrying can change ngof theirplate engine weight. at £130 for any T retailing Type. £3250 plus PnP. XPAGs engines,contact removed For more information adam at adamld7@googlemail.com for photos in exchange for upgraded andunits. more information. Running but condition

Fordunknown, 5 speed£1950 gearbox each.

123 Distributor, unused still in its Type from chassis box.TLots of rebuilds other parts. Health forces Engine450 rebuilds to any sale. up. Tel: 01480 367 or Mobile: 07860220397speciﬁcation.

Trim Materials S.U. Rebuilds. Special exhaust

Free to a good home: a roll of Woolies manifolds, and anything T type. wool pile brown carpet; a roll of Woolies brown vinyl; and a roll thick We have been rebuilding Toftypes feltand sound insulation. Shade of brown MGA s Bs and derivati ves is near match to Autumn Leaf. Good quanfor over 50 years. Many spares. tities of each (far more than I needed!) Collecti on anywhere in Europe. Email: tom_brearley@yahoo.co.uk" An old fashioned Collection from Exetercompany with

123 unused still new in itsoil pump asDistributor, oil cooler, air cleaners, fashioned values. MGAold 1500 box. offlaps otheretc. parts. Health forces andLots mud Please email me for Low starter gearbox, 10 spline/input 01308 868884 sale. Tel: 01480 450 367 or Mobile: a complete list. shaft. Good usable box, synchros good. 07860220397 Email: chriswaters999@yahoo.co.uk 07885768830 (T) No remote. £55 buyer collects. Trim Materials (Bedford) Tel: 01395 224959 (Devon) Free to a good home: a roll of Woolies MG Midget Spares SPARES WANTED wool pile brown carpet; a roll of Camshafts, cylinder heads, piston rings, Woolies brown vinyl; and a roll of thick Wanted carburettor, third motion shafts and felt sound insulation. Shade of brown is For MGA 1500 engine rebuild: Front much more. All original genuine parts. near match to Autumn Leaf. Good quanengine mounting plate and distributor Message for prices and items available. tities of each (far more than I needed!) sleeve. Contact Bill on 07831611128 Email: leslie.steele@sky.com Email: tom_brearley@yahoo.co.uk" Wanted Flat Mirrors Collection from Exeterfor T-Type A pair of Lucas R47BA headlights for my Pair of chrome plated, flat mirrors, MGA 1500 M type or if you have any parts, I am complete with brackets for mounting on Low starter gearbox, 10 spline input after a rim, 2x reflectors and 2x glass’s T-Type windscreen frame. shaft. Good usable box, synchros good. to make up the parts I have. As new and hardly used. £40, plus No remote. £55 buyer collects. Email: trevorayles@msn.com or P&P (Cost me £75.84 inc from Moss) Tel: 01395 224959 (Devon) Tel: Mobile 07759870675 Can also be used as wing-mirrors on SPARES WANTED a variety of models. Contact Geoff 07802757685 Wanted 4Sight Lighting Company........ 76 Machine Mart......................... 37 ForTD/TF MGA 1500 engine rebuild: Front and XPEG Spares A-Plan Insurance.................... 24 Manor Garage........................ 76 engine mounting and distributor LH steering rackplate for TD/TF - good condisleeve. Contact Bill onFlux 07831611128 Adrian ............................ 11 Martin Smith Used MGTF tion £120 plus carriage.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

SPARES FOR SALE How to Advertise

Complete J-type Ash frame, boxed and unused, ready for assembly. £700 ono. Three-bearing crankshaft. T MGB Type Track rod ends £600ono. Johnset 01603 A brand newTel: unused of 4872436 track rod and drag link ends for T A/B/C types. MGC Parts £190 including to UKcondition, address. Steering Rack,postage RHD, good broadassociates@btinternet.com passed last MOT, £75.00 Wire Wheel, 72 spoke, fitted new Kelly MGB Spares 5J 15x155 tyre,Rover £150.00 Original Leyland factory MGB Original Steering Wheel + hornproject boss, bonnet never used from rebuild 25£75.00 years ago, also two original MGB Nearside GT doors rear window, slight scratchroadster 1968 good condition ing, £25.00 sanded, minimal work for paint with

broadassociates@btinternet.com

for a quote today MGB Call Spares

Barrie Carter .................... 96, 97 Spares .................................. 90 Wanted MG & AMC Parts..................... 63 MG Mecca ............................. 91 MG Motors ............................ 53 Midland Classic Restoration....... 4 Mike Authurs Classics (MG Midgets)................................. 97 Mike Rolls.............................. 94 Mike Satur.............................. 71 Moss Europe Ltd.................... IFC NTG Services......................... IBC Oselli Ltd ............................... 74 Peter Best................OBC, 96, 97 Polson & Co............................ 37 Quarry Classics....................... 89 Distributor Doctor.................... 59 Raceglaze .............................. 74 MG TD TF job lotTrimming......................... of used gears and Don 76 gearboxes, in good condition, number Rees Bros............................... 76 Classic and sports........... 97 of parts too EJW numerous to detail here but Retro Sports Cars ................... 83 Fishers Services. . .................... 74 sold in one lot, with photos available on request, £200 ono. James...................... 27 Rimmer Bros Ltd....................... 6 Footman Tel: 01507 600391 (Lincs) Former Glory ......................... 97 RJH Automotive Transport........ 79 Frontline ................................ 46 Robin Lackford Motor Halls Garage........................... 51 Engineering ........................... 83 Heathrow Transmission........... 83 Sherwood Restorations............ 92 Historic Twin/ Cam For Sale..... 95 Skiptune................................. 11 Hoyle Suspension.................... 59 SMR ...................................... 93 Huntsman............................... 91 Steve McKie Sports Cars......... 83 Hurst Park.............................. 93 Summit MG............................ 71 Hydragas................................ 59 Sussex Classic Car Parts......... 79 Just Right Autos Ltd................ 66 The Hutson Motor Co Ltd........... 4 Longstone Tyres ..................... 35 Torro Sports Cars Ltd.............. 97

TO BE AS ONE JOB LOT SERIOUS A pair ofSOLD LucasBarry R47BA headlights for my Walker. .......................... 91 MOFFERS type or ONLY if youINVITED have anyFOR: parts, I am Beech Hill Garage................... 93 XPEG engine block (AEF 117) (genuine) after a rim, 2x reflectors and 2x glass’s British Heritage ............ 40 aerolite mains towith makenew up the partspistons IMotor have.(std), caps trevorayles@msn.com and new stud bolts, new Brown and Gammons ............... 9 Email: or Pheonix crank, new07759870675 Crane camshaft, new rocker Tel: Mobile Bucks Sports and Classic........ 76 shaft, new Crane pushrods, new crank Nashgenuine Insurance pulley, XPEGCarole sump with XPEG.......... 13 Chisbon sump Restorations.............. 71 oil pick up (including plate, alloy extension pieceSquare and mesh filter), Church Autos ............. 90 new water pump, oil pump with new Classic & Sports Cars gears, timing cover, flywheel with an (Essex)............................. 42, 43 additional new starter ring, cylinder head (casting (168422 )std with slightly Clive Wheatley........................ 51 worn rockerCollege arms, dipstick, rocker covMotors....................... 51 er,thermostat housing and outlet elbow, Colne Classics........................ 97 front engine mounting plate and one 8" David Manners ........................ 6 clutch housing.

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Call for a quote today

01376 574000

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern

www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk

aarrtter ie Cart 07885 iriee C r r C a rand rtrand Alan Bartlett e07885 e 01308 and Alan Alan Bartlett Bartlett a a 0788 r B 01308 01308 01308 C a e i r B B r and Alan Bartlett r e email barriemgracer@yahoo.co.uk a 07885 r email B ‘X-pag’ emailbarriemgracer@yahoo.co.uk barriemgracer@yahoo.co.uk email barriemgracer@yahoo.co.uk 868884 ‘T-type’ -- ‘T-type’ ‘T-type’ - ‘T-type’ ‘T-type’ ‘X-pag’ ‘X-pag’ -- ‘X-pag’ ‘X-pag’ 768830 ‘T-type’ ---‘X-pag’ 768830 868884 868884 C ‘T-type’ - ‘T-type’rr - ‘T-type’ ‘T-type’ ‘X-pag’ -a ‘T-type’ ‘X-pag’ ‘T-type’ ‘X-pag’ ‘X-pag’768830 - ‘X-pag’ - ‘X-pag’ 76883 e i r 868884 t e a 07885 r 01308 B and Alan Bartlett email barriemgracer@yahoo.co.uk 868884 ‘T-type’ - ‘T-type’ - ‘T-type’ ‘X-pag’ - ‘X-pag’ - ‘X-pag’ 768830 and Alan Bartlett email barriemgracer@yahoo.co.uk

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

I’ve decided decided to to create create space space for for the the work work that’s that’s coming coming through through our our doors, doors, MG’s, MG’s, Race Race cars, cars, Classics Classics of of all all types. types. I’ve I’ve decided create space fortothe work that’s coming through our doors, MG’s, Race cars, Classics of all types. I’ve decided to create space fortothe I’ve work decided that’s create coming space through for the our work doors, that’s MG’s, coming Race through cars, Classics our doors, ofTO MG’s, all types. Race cars,dealable! Classics of all types. WE ARE OPEN AND NOW IS THE TIME TO HAVE ALL YOUR WORK CARRIED OUT, SO THESE SALE CARS ARE AT, OR WELL BELOW THEIR COST ME. I’m very very WE ARE OPEN AND NOW IS THEWETIME TO HAVE ALLISYOUR WORK CARRIED THESE CARS ORAT,WELL BELOW COST TO ME. I’m dealable! OPEN AND NOW THE TIME TO HAVE ALL YOUR OUT, WORKSO OUT,SALE SO THESE SALEARE CARSAT, ARE OR WELL BELOW THEIR THEIR COST TO ME. WE ARE OPEN AND NOW IS THEARE TIME TOWE HAVE ARE ALL OPEN YOUR ANDWORK NOW ISCARRIED THE TIME OUT, TO CARRIED HAVE SO THESE ALL YOUR SALE WORK CARS CARRIED ARE AT, OUT, OR WELL SO THESE BELOW SALE THEIR CARSCOST ARE TO AT,I’m ME. ORvery WELL I’mdealable! very BELOWdealable! THEIR COST TO ME. I’m very

XPAG engine professionally TC Racer Although there has has been been TC RacerTC Although there has been there Racer Although Built for much interest in my ex-championship much interest in my my ex-championship ex-championship much interest and well known T.C. race car,inI don’t TC Racer Although has Ibeen rebuilt by another company and Motorsport in and well known T.C.there race car, car, don’t and known T.C. race I don’t want the part xswell offered. It is in already much interest my ex-championship want thesopart part xsrare offered. ItIt is is already cheap and has manyxs want the offered. late 50’s our doors, MG’s, Race cars, Classics of allvery inspected, 020”pistons, regroundto create space for the work that’s coming the and well known T.C. race car,already I don’t I’ve decided through types. and expensive parts I’m not itso very cheap andgiving has many rare very cheap and has many rare want the part xs offered. It isgiving already away. L.S.D. Derrington inlet and ex.so by the Edmund and expensive parts I’m not crank, unleaded run. parts I’mmany not giving itit manifolds,and 13/4expensive 50s vented brakes, very cheap and has so rareex. WE ARE OPENhead AND etc. NOWAll ISun THE TIME TO HAVE ALL YOUR WORK CARRIED OUT, SO THESE CARS ARE AT, OR WELL BELOW THEIR COST TO ME. I’m very dealable! away. L.S.D. Derrington inlet and and trampbars, telescopics, alloy panels, away. L.S.D. Derrington BrothersSALE of and expensive parts I’minlet not brakes, givingex.it 72 spoke manifolds, 14 wheels, Avon 22R. To vented Built for TD but we can change theTR6 150HP Totally rebuilt from a dry state car into this Triumph 13/4 50s manifolds, 13/4 50s vented brakes, away.cost L.S.D. Derrington inlet panels, and ex. build this trampbars, would 50ktelescopics, but it’s a fabulous RHD TR6. It was professional body off rebuild to the MGB Roadster 1977. Terrific chrome bumperthe car converted by famous alloy trampbars, alloy panels, proven It can be soldtelescopics, as a there rolling highest of standards, everything new or reconditioned. Superb a leading MG company, owned and cherished for 9 years with manifolds, 50s vented brakes, TCcar. Racer Although has mounting plate for any £3250. 1935 Ford Y Type for special fitted with MG 72 spoke 1413/4 wheels, Avonbeen 22R. To chassis all72 complete but less engine, Avon Triumph TR6 150HP 150HP Totally rebuilt rebuilt fromTaa Type. dry state statebody, car into into this chassis and all matching leather interior, new carbs, rebuilt as many sensible upgrades as you could wishBlackborough for, suspension, spoke 14 wheels, 22R. To House Collection and used Triumph TR6 Totally from dry car this

trampbars, telescopics, panels, much interest in my or ex-championship period P or J Body. Built for hill climb sprints or with a less modified engine O.D.to box,the wood rimed wheel, all unused weather equipment, all leather interior,car newconverted wings, lovelyby Minilite rep build this would would cost 50k 50kalloy but it’s aa fabulous RHD RHD TR6. TR6. ItIt was was professional professional body body off off rebuild rebuild MGB Roadster 1977. Terrific chrome chrome bumper this cost it’s fabulous the MGB 1977. bumper car converted byunderneath, andbuild wellspoke known race car, don’t 72 14ItT.C. wheels, AvonIbut To the 50s/60s a family owned.motoring Running driving whatever combination you wish. It’s sold Triumph TR6 150HP Totally rebuilt from a dry state into this andTriumph TR6 Less 150HP Totally rebuilt from a dry car into thiscar pulls Minilite rep wheels, so muchRoadster more. than 500 Terrific miles ohstate and 45 DCEO. This like a extensively train and is the by in them in west country 2, XPAGs engines, removed intocar proven car. can be as22R. a rolling rolling highest of standards, standards, everything new or or reconditioned. Superb leading MG company, owned andwheels, cherished for years with proven car. Ityou can be sold as thewill part xs offered. is already very want cheap and give lotscost of It highest of new reconditioned. aa gorgeous. leading MG company, owned and cherished for years with greatchrome vintage fun. Thefitted Bodyconverted iswith probably sinceSuperb it was rebuilt andfabulous its This must as professional one of ultimate long distance classic MB. To coin old phrase, it’s a Y Terrific build this would 50k butait’s a fabulous RHD TR6.everything It was professional body off rebuild to the TR6. Itrate was body offbumper rebuild to99 the 1935 Ford Type for special MG MGBRHD Roadster 1977. Terrific chrome car converted by MGBanRoadster 1977. bumper car byworth 1935 Ford Y Type for special fitted with MG chassis all complete but less fun, road orproven competition. Ring body, chassis and all matching leather interior, new carbs, rebuilt as many sensible upgrades as you could wish for, suspension, very cheap and has so many rare chassis all complete but less engine, the best TR6s about, much more to tell if you ring.upgrades £21,500 as Belter I love it. wheels, and so much more. £11,250 events Y Type ford Running gear MGJ or P more than the car. £5,250 body, chassis and all matching leather interior, new carbs, rebuilt as many sensible you could wish for, suspension, car. It can be sold as aengine, rolling highest of standards, everything new or reconditioned. Superb highest of standards, everything new orand reconditioned. Superb a leading MG company, owned cherished for 9 years witha leading MG company, owned and cherished forclimb 9 years withMG 1935 Ford Y Type for special fitted and exchange for upgraded units. period P or J Body. Built for hill climb sprints or with a less modified engine or period P or J Body. Built for hill sprints expensive parts I’m not giving it 1935 Ford Y Type for special fitted with with MG O.D. box, wood rimed wheel, all unused weather equipment, all leather interior, new wings, lovely underneath, Minilite rep or with aall less modifiedbutengine or O.D.body, box, chassis wood rimed wheel, all unused all as leather new wings, lovely underneath, Minilite rep as many chassis complete less engine, and all matching leatherweather interior,equipment, new carbs, rebuilt body, chassis and all matching leather interior, carbs, rebuilt manyinterior, sensible upgrades as you couldnew wish for, suspension, sensible upgrades as you could wishownership. for, suspension, Type body. Continuous family Great in the 50s/60s a family owned. Running driving away. L.S.D. Derrington inlet and ex. whatever combination you wish. It’s Minilite rep wheels, and so so muchallmore. more. Less than 500 500 miles wheels, oh and and 45 wheel, DCEO. This carforgotten pulls like train and and is the the whatever wish.orIt’s J40with Although Revival has you period or Jwings, Body. Built for hill climb period P or J Body. Built for hill climb sprints Lada The 4 equipment, Minilite rep and much Less than miles wheels, oh 45 DCEO. This car pulls like aa train is or a combination less modified engine Running but condition unknown, O.D. box,wheels, wood rimed wheel, unused weather equipment, O.D. box, wood rimed all unused weather all leather interior, newNiva. wings, lovely underneath, Minilite repall leather interior,Pnew lovely underneath, Minilitesprints rep manifolds, 50s vented very cheap and will givebrakes, youwish. lots It’s of beencheap put13/4 on hold, it will will be wheel drive miracle of the since wasrep rebuilt andand its gorgeous. gorgeous. This must must rate as onemiles of ultimate long distance classic MB. To coin an500 old phrase, it’sthe very and give you lots of fun than the cost ofisaaprobably body great fun. The Body since itit was rebuilt and its This one of ultimate classic MB. coin an old phrase, it’s aa wheels, in Cheaper the 50s/60s a family owned. Running driving in the 50s/60s a family owned. Running driving whatever Minilite wheels, so much more. Less rate thanas 500 Minilite replong wheels, and so much more. Less than miles wheels, oh distance and 4580s. DCEO. This carTo pulls like a train and is oh andvintage 45 DCEO. This car pulls like train and£5,995 isworth the trampbars, panels, back andtelescopics, socombination the racealloyyou Still made and sold fun, road orwill competition. Ring £1950 each. the since best TR6s more to tell ifThis youmust ring. rate £21,500 Belter I love it. wheels, and so much £11,250 very cheap and will youTolots of more theclassic car. for young hopefuls ingive great vintage fun. £5,250 TheToBody is old probably worth great vintage fun. The Body is probably worth Europe. But tomore. findcoin it wasabout, rebuiltmuch and its gorgeous. as one of since it was rebuilt and all itsover gorgeous. This must rate onephrase, of ultimate long distance classic MB. To anasold it’s ultimate a long than distance MB. coin an phrase, it’s a 72 spoke 14 G.P. wheels, Avon 22R. the lovely J40 pedal cars, a RHD one is so rare nowmore. or cost competition. Ring buildfun, thisroad would 50k but it’s a the best TR6s about, much more to tell if you ring. £21,500 the best TR6s about, much more toso tellmuch if you ring. £21,500 Belter I love it. wheels, and £11,250 Belter I love it. wheels, andcar. so much more. £11,250 more than the £5,250 more than the car. £5,250 and here is one. It has a especially with cossack proven It canpainted sold rolling T Type rebuilds from chassis up . fullycar. prepared bodyas aRevival wheels, and to find one J40beAlthough has Extremely rare 4WD switchable 1990 Subaru 1935 Ford Y Type for special fitted with MG Lada Niva. The forgotten 4 chassis but less engine, and all mostcomplete parts, missing that has never been welded Justy, 34000 miles and in lovely condition inside and P or J Body. Built for hill climb sprints been putengine on hold, be wheel drive miracle of the 4 or with a less modified or it will J40 Although Revival has Engine rebuilds to any speciﬁ cation. lights, bumpers & seat Lada Niva. The forgotten The forgottenperiod 4 rarer still. I used them in only 2 owners 1Lada Lady,Niva. 1 Doctor back so will racebe out. These out perform pandas, 205s, even MX5s. in the 50s/60s a family owned. Running driving covers,combination all available from 80s. Still drive mademiracle and Rover soldof theMetro 1.1the1990 whatever you It’s 80s and the constant been and put onwish. hold,the it will wheel wheel drive miracle of the Vintage Pedal Car and 21000 miles,2 speed full 4WD history got a and lot of as new fabulous very the cheap and willyoung give lots of race for G.P. hopefuls in Quick, Quirky and superior, Cheap Tax and all insurance. over Still Europe. to sold find andyou so will the 80s. madeBut and 80s. Still made and sold great vintage fun. The Body is probably worth Company. An back easy, cheap S.U. Rebuilds. Special exhaust embarrassed drivers in flash starter car. £2,500 fun, road or competition. Ring a RHD one is so rare now the lovely J40 pedal cars, Mot’d. £2,250 more than the car. £6,550 forand young Subaru Van But No. You’ve still about as far as we all over Europe. But to find all overJusty Europe. to find entry to Revival your G.P. hopefuls in 4wd out of trouble.They are here one.pedal It hascars, a justislike saloon, especially withiscossack protégée G.P.and driverlovely can isJ40 rugged and terrific off and the a RHD one so rare now aknow. RHDIt’sone sothe rare nowaround 60,000 miles, manifolds, and anything T type. Locust (Lotus 7 type) Kit Car. With 2 gearboxes, in lovely condition and with a superb interior. It drives help you buildfully it, allprepared ready on road cars, far superior to painted wheels, and to findcossack one and here isRevival one. It has has body a especially with especially withhas cossack pinto engine, rolling chassis, allTR6. bodywork, cage, like an MX5 and a switchable 4wdFORGET system. I like YOUR SHEPHARDS HUTS! Thisfull fabulous J40 Although for next years Goodwood these piddly little Pandas. and most parts,itmissing thatwheels, has never been welded We have been rebuilding T types simple completion for garage bound retiree £2,250 fully prepared odd balls, ask my wife.... fun £2,650 and to find one wheels, and to find one romp. £1,950 Buy rare, buy fun £5,750 TR6 was build been put on hold, painted will bebody This superb showmans living van DURING THE ENFORCED rarer lights, bumpers & seat still. I used them in andand most parts, that has never been welded that has never been welded came from a showmans family and RHD using a sound back so will themissing race and MGA s Bs and derivatives all available from 80s still. and the constant lights, & seat unrotten US donor. forcovers, young bumpers G.P. hopefuls in rarer I used them in rarer still. I used them in is absolutely fabulous. The interior GARDENING HOLIDAY, the Vintage Pedal cars, Carfrom 2 speed 4WD lot of It was built as a thethe lovely J40 pedal covers, all available and exterior have been decorated the 80s andgot theaconstant the 80s and the constant for over 50 years. Company. AnPedal easy, cheap body off new or and here is one. It hasCar embarrassed drivers WE ARE STILL Many ABLEspares. as only a true Romany living van the Vintage 2 speed 4WD got ainlotflash of 2 speed 4WD got a lot of Subaru Justy Van No. You’ve still about as far as we reconditioned. It is a fully prepared painted entry to Revival and your 4wd out of trouble.They are could be. The ceiling is insulated Company. An easy, cheap embarrassed drivers in flash embarrassed drivers in flash Collection Anand terrific body andtomost It’s just likeVan theNo. saloon, around 60,000 TOanywhere DELIVER in Europe. protégée G.P.parts, driver rugged off and are know. quiltedJusty cloth,Van and No. the You’ve doublestill aboutimmaculate. Subaru Justy You’ve still as miles, far as are we and Subaru as far as weO.D. entry Revival andcan your 4wd out of trouble.They 4wd outabout of trouble.They Locust (Lotus 7comfortable. type) Kit Car.has With 2 box, gearboxes, new carbs, missing lights, bumpers in know. lovely It’s condition arugged superb interior. drives bed is supremely help you build it, all ready road cars, superior to just likeand thewith saloon, around 60,000 miles, know. It’s just like the saloon,Itaround 60,000 miles, oldshould fashioned company protégée G.P. driver can you trust us on ourwithonold rugged andfar terrific off and and terrificIt off and mini lite reps, it’s & sea covers, all available pinto engine, rolling chassis, all bodywork, full cage, (Lotus 7 type) KitaCar. Withinterior. 2 gearboxes, Locust (Lotus 7 type) Kit Car. With 2 gearboxes, for built with vintage and MX5condition and has and a switchable 4wd system. next years Goodwood piddlycars, littlefarPandas. lovely withon a superb interior. ItI like drives inLocust lovely condition andwheels with superb It drives help buildPedal it, all Car ready on road superior to likeinan road cars, far superior to been just magnificent from theyou Vintage descriptions as most values. people do, these simple completion garage retiree £2,250 new tyres and and has anfor ‘A’ frame tobound odd balls, ask my fun these £2,650 pinto rolling all 4wd bodywork, full cage, pinto engine, rolling chassis, all bodywork, full cage, fashioned romp. £1,950 Buythese rare,piddly buy fun £5,750 like an MX5 andwife.... has a switchable 4wd little system. I like like anengine, MX5 has achassis, switchable system. I like for next years Goodwood little Pandas. piddly Pandas. having covered Company. An easy, cheap enable it tocompletion be on road, we can still deliver in the UK simple forthe garage bound retiree £2,250 odd balls, ask my wife.... fun odd balls, asktowed my wife.... fun £2,650 romp. £1,950and your Buy rare, buy fun £5,750 Buy£2,650 rare, buy fun £5,750 only a few hundred simple completion for garage bound retiree £2,250 entry to Revival this van has been built with care

TC Racer Although much interest in my and well known T.C want the part xs off very cheap and has and expensive parts away. L.S.D. Derring manifolds, 13/4 50s trampbars, telescop 72 spoke 14 wheels build this would cos proven car. It can be chassis all complete or with a less modifi whatever combinat very cheap and will fun, road or compet

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LOOKING BACK

s we head into October, the month the MG Car Club was founded 90 years ago, we remember it’s not just the cars that make this great Club of ours, it’s also the people. For Looking Back this month we delve into a box of ‘people’ photos within the archive to bring you this selection. The first photo features the wonderful George and Susan Tuck, who were so prevalent in 1930s MG press photos as George was Publicity Officer at Abingdon, cutting the 20th Anniversary MG Cake at the Johannesburg dinner in 198 The photo below shows the happy BCV8 Championship Drivers with guests Tony Dron of Thoroughbred and Classic Magazine (2nd from right) and Ex-Works MGB Driver Julien Vernaeve in Cravat (4th from far-left standing) taken at the Zolder circuit in 1984 The final photo was taken at the NEC Classic Car Show in 1994, and shows

The official publication of The MG Car Club Incorporating ‘The M.G. Magazine’, ‘The Sports Car’ and ‘Brooklands Track and Air’, Safety Fast! Copyright MG Car Club 2020

Editor: Andy Knott 01235 849730 / 01235 555552 andyknott@mgcc.co.uk Deputy Editor: Colin Grant 01235 849733 colingrant@mgcc.co.uk Editorial Committee: Andy Knott, Colin Grant, Adam Sloman Advertising: Hine Marketing 01452 730770 Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770 Distributed by: Air Business. Merlin Centre, 4 The, Acrewood Way, St Albans AL4 0JY Tel: 01727 890600 President: John Day Vice Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best, Ian Quarrington Chairman: Bill Silcock. Vice Chairman: Keith Williams Treasurer: Richard Colston

Club Administrator Lyn Jeffrey with MGCC Midland Centre volunteers on the awardwinning MG Car Club Stand

Directors: Dave Saunders, Peter Cook, Adele Rand, Lorraine Noble Thompson, Colin Withers, George Wilder and Dave Tynan Company Secretary: Colin Grant Staff Members: Adam Sloman (General Manager 01235 849732), Andy Knott (01235 849730), Lauran Gallacher (Assistant General Manager 01235 849735), Liz Allsworth (Membership Secretary 01235 849734), Mark Baulch (Motorsport 07554 160840), Colin Grant (01235 849733), Cherina Scarrott (Finance Officer 01235 849736) and Ineke Sherman (Merchandise 01235 849737) Gemma Bray (Communications Administrator) Honorary Members: Michael Allison, Ron Gammons, Peter Best, Don Hayter, John Quenby, Paddy Hopkirk, Norman Ewing, Rob Oldaker, Steve Hanegan, Gerry McGovern, Ann Hawke, John Dutton, John Day, Julian White, Bill Silcock. Company limited by guarantee The Club, as a corporate body established as the MG Car Club Limited (herein referred to as ‘The Club’) is a company limited by guarantee. Every Member of the Club undertakes to contribute to the assets of the Club in the event of its being wound up while he Is a Member, or within one year after he ceases to be a Member, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the Club contracted before he ceases to be a Member, and the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributories among themselves, such amount as may be required, not exceeding one pound. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information at the time of going to press neither The Publisher (herein referred to as Hine Marketing), the Editor nor the Club can accept any responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in the publication. The opinions of authors are their own and Hine Marketing, the Editor and the Club are not bound to agree with opinions expressed herein. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Safety Fast! and the MG Car Club badge are protected through trademark: registration in the UK and in the foreign countries where Safety Fast! circulates. Readers are warned that if they attempt any mechanical methods or methods referred to herein, they do so at their own risk and no liability will attach to the Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing. Neither shall the Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing have any responsibility for the accuracy of the content of the editorial, or the content of any advertisement published in Safety Fast! It should be noted that neither Hine Marketing, the Editor nor the Club make any recommendation in respect of any goods and/or services advertised or featured in this issue. It is the responsibility of readers to satisfy themselves that the goods or services offered or referred to are bona fide and in no instance shall Hine Marketing, the Editor or the Club be held responsible for the quality or suitability of any such items.

98 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2020

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