Safety Fast! September 2020

of e qu p” r a hi M e nds h “T Frie

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Fast!

Volume 65 Number 9 September 2020 £3.95

KIMBER HOUSE… 30 YEARS ON

Inside • Sherman Decker the A merican Racer • More Tools for your Garage and W hat T hey Do • S of ten the Ride

PARTS & ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR

ISSUE 26

ISSUE 25

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BRAKE COMPONENTS | CLUTCH & GEARBOX | COOLING & FUELLING | ELECTRICAL | ENGINE & MECHANICAL | STEERING & SUSPENSION

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WELCOME FORTHCOMING EVENTS

THE CLASSIC CAR DRIVE IN WEEKEND The Classic Car Drive in Weekend is scheduled to take place at Bicester Heritage on September 18-20, for more details and to book tickets visit www. theclassiccarshowuk.com/

A

s I mentioned in my Editorial last month, a few events are starting to take shape in the UK for us to enjoy, all with appropriate measures in place. And we’ve been lucky with the weather so far; it’s been nice getting my MGF out and about for longer runs, top down, but I’ve also been enjoying the air-conditioning of the MGZS when the temperature has been a little too extreme! Don’t forget to keep an eye on the various Centre, Register, Branch and main Club websites for any additional events or changes to those events listed, as sadly some are still being cancelled, but safety comes first.

My MG enthusiasm must be rubbing off, as two good friends have both recently purchased one each. The first is a lovely 1970s Blaze Midget, which he’s currently tinkering with to get it ready to use with his lad, while my other friend purchased a lovely 2004 MG ZR as a family car. It was a real struggle helping him find a good standard, low mileage example of a ZR. Hopefully this is a sign that all the good one’s are now starting to be owned by enthusiasts, who appreciate what a great underrated car the ZR is, and not that they are still being scrapped or broken for spares. Our ZR/ZS/ZT Register campaign ‘Save our Zeds’ has done a great job in highlighting the importance of saving these diminishing sports cars, and still continues to push the ‘save them, don’t scrap them’ message.

As with the Midget, the majority of bits for the ZR are easy to get hold of and reasonably priced. You’ve only got to look through the magazine at the adverts to find companies selling no end of spares and service parts for these MGs. And with the help of a good quality workshop manual the ZR is easy to work on, as my non-mechanical friend found out, as we were soon replacing aged, perished gaskets and the rotten radiator on his new acquisition. If you’re after a practical, sporty car with the octagonal badge on, you won’t go far wrong with one of the Zed cars!

As well as celebrating the delayed MGF 25 anniversary in 2021, it’s also the 20th anniversary of the ZR/ZS/ZT range of MGs. We’ve got some exciting plans to mark the milestone anniversary. All will be revealed in a future issue – watch this space…

Until next month, drive safely.

Andy Knott Membership Type

Direct Debit Rate

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Single

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Joint

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Young Members 16-20

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

MGS ON TRACK MGs on Track take to the Donington Park Circuit, Derby on October 5. For information or to book visit www.mgson-track.com

SNETTERTON RACE DAY The MG Car Club race Championships head to the Snetterton circuit in Norwich on Saturday 5 – Sunday 6 September. For more information visit www.mgcc.co.uk/motorsport

CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW The Classic Motor Show returns to the NEC on November 13-15, bringing together a great array of classic car and motorcycle clubs along with their iconic vehicles. Visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com For more events visit www.mgcc. co.uk. With the everchanging situation, please check with the organiser before traveling

SEPTEMBER 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 16 Young Members Branch 64 Tech Tips 72 Race Torque 74 MGs on Track 75 MGCC Speed Championship 78 Centre Updates 86 Register Updates 93 Classifieds 98 Looking Back

NEWSLETTERS 2020 celebrates the 30th anniversary since the MG Car Club moved back to Abingdon after acquiring Kimber House; the photos depict Kimber House as purchased, the opening and as is now.

44 SVW Newsletter 49 T Type Newsletter 54 MGC Newsletter

FEATURES

14 STRANGE TIMES… Colin Withers looks at the recent auction and car buying trends

27

66

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 mid-2000s issue of Safety Fast!

From the MG Car Club purchasing Kimber House in 1990 until 1997, the administration of the Club had been carried out by Lyn Jeffery, and the Kimber House team worked smoothly together. Safety Fast! was in the capable hands of Paddy Willmer still, and by the mid-90s Safety Fast! had again increased in size, up to over 50 pages and had a flash proudly printed across the corner of the front cover declaring ‘25 years of independence’ as the Club strove to develop and grow. In August 1997 the Board decided that the time had come for Kimber House to bring considerably more responsibilities ‘in house’. It was felt that this now required the appointment of a full-time Chief Executive, a position which was filled

by Rob Gammage. Under Rob and Paddy’s guidance the ‘40 years of Safety Fast!’ anniversary, and a new design for Safety Fast!, launched at the back end of 1998.

The MG Car Club shield had become very prominent on the cover, resembling a chrome grille badge which had been available to purchase since the inception of the Club in 1930, as published on the cover last month.

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18 THE KIMBER HOUSE STORY The MG Car Club’s headquarters, Kimber House, 30 years on…

27 SHERMAN DECKER The story of the famous American MGA Racer, born in 1929

36 MORE TOOLS FOR YOUR GARAGE David De Saxe takes another light-hearted look at the tools we use in the home workshop

59 UPGRADING THE MGA’S HEATER Colyn Firth strips and rebuilds his 60-year-old MGA heater, making it far more efficient

66 SOFTEN THE RIDE Andrew Green replaces his MGF Hydragas units

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 5

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CHAIRMANS NEWS

W

e are in strange times where we have pretty much given up on Centre and Register events for the summer of 2020. However, our racers have a second meeting planned at Snetterton on September 5

and 6. If you wish to go along and watch, electronic tickets are available on the Motorsport Vision website. Unlike our normal race meetings, the race paddock will be out of bounds to spectators and social distancing measures will be put in place by the circuit in the spectator areas.

While there has been little Club activity on the roads over the summer to date, there have been a number of innovations emerging across the Club starting with the Kimber House podcast, 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 to attend meetings, especially in the Registers whose committee members are by definition not as geographically close as the Centre committees.

The South East Centre has been working closely with Motorsport UK to

develop a Covid-19 approved method of putting together a plan and to run a touring assembly. They are happy for the Board to share their documentation for the benefit of others in the club who are cindering some late autumn runs. The whole event must not involve any shared pieces of paper, which has led to some lateral thinking, but I believe they have come up with a viable solution.

My thanks to them for some groundbreaking work.

This year is the 90th anniversary of the Club’s formation and we started the year with all sorts of plans to 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 social gathering at the British Motor Museum, at Gaydon, close to our actual anniversary and more information can be found in the news section of this Safety Fast!.

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

Bill Silcock

KIMBER HOUSE NEWS As a Club we are adapting to the restrictions still in place and although events are just starting to be organised for us all to enjoy again, there are plenty of other ways the MG Car Club have found to deliver content and interact with you in as many ways as possible.

Let us know your email address!

To help us keep you updated with all the latest Club information and news, please let us know your email address. We can then add you to our regular e-newsletter mailing list. You will also need to have an up to date email address on your membership file to enable you to log in to the new Members Area. If you believe your email address is incorrect or if you haven’t told us about your email address, please email our membership secretary, Liz Allsworth at liz@mgcc.co.uk with your name and membership number and we can add your email address. To login to the Members

www.mgcc.co.uk

Area, please visit www.mgcc.co.uk/ members/login/ There is also a detailed user guide to help you login if you need it.

Merchandise Our online shop is still open during this period for all of your MG needs. We have lots of new items in stock celebrating our 90th Anniversary so be sure to check them out – https://shop.mgcc.co.uk/ Online We are frequently updating our website with news, features and content to keep you entertained. Visit www.mgcc.co.uk/ articles/ to read previous Safety Fast! articles and features or visit www.mgcc. co.uk/news-events/ for the latest news Social Media Now is a great time to connect with the Club through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@mgcarclub) or join in the conversations

taking place on our Centre, Register and Branch websites and social media. The contact hub for these can be found here www.mgcc.co.uk/contact-hub/.

Podcasts The exciting new podcast from the MG Car Club has arrived! Wherever you might be and whatever MG you might own, we are hoping that our new podcast will both entertain and inform whilst keeping MG fans in touch around the world. Visit www.mgpodcast.uk/ to listen to all the episodes so far E-Newsletters We’ve been sending out regular updates to our members via our e-newsletters. If you’d like to receive it, please email Liz Allsworth on liz@mgcc.co.uk with your full name and membership number so we can add your email address on to our system. You can also sign up to the newsletter by visiting /www. mgcc.co.uk/contact-hub/#StayConnected

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 7

NEWS MG CAR CLUB SOCIAL: CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF THE MGCC Join us on Saturday October 10 at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, to celebrate our 90th anniversary!

Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, our celebrations originally planned to take place at MGLive! are postponed until 2021.

Taking place from 10.00am to 4.00pm, this informal, social gathering provides a great opportunity to bring out your MG and catch up with friends. The British Motor Museum will also be opening its doors so you can explore the museum and find a hidden gem or two.

The British Motor Museum has all the required processes in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for all. Please visit their website to read the guidance in more detail. We are working with the team at the museum to ensure the event follows the latest Government guidelines.

Tickets will be on sale shortly via the British Motor Museum website - www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/ Keep an eye on our website and social media for the latest news on this event!

Anglia Centre AGM Due to the Covid situation, the MGCC Anglia Centre AGM will still be held at 11.30 am on Saturday September 26 but as a ‘Zoom’ online internet meeting, as The Lion P.H., Needham Market, is unable to host it.

Any member wishing to attend is requested to email Roger Moran, Secretary, Anglia Centre (roger.moran@yahoo.com) by Saturday September 19 latest for access details and documents for the meeting.

MGB Register AGM Due to the Coronavirus the AGM has been rescheduled to: Saturday October 24 2020 starting at 10.00am.

The meeting will be held via Zoom on the internet. To register your attendance please email: agm2020@mgb-register.org by October 20 2020.

Agenda 1. Apologies for absence.

2. Approval of the Minutes of the 2019 AGM. 3. Matters Arising.

4. Chairman’s report.

5. Secretary’s report.

8 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

6. Treasurer’s report and adoption of accounts.

7. Registrar’s report.

8. Election of Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Committee.

9. Any other business.

Nominations for election to the Committee/ Committee Posts and AOB agenda items should be submitted to the Secretary by October 10 2020.

All communications to Neil Hyett, Secretary MGB Register.

Email secretary@mgb-register.org MGB Register Mobile: 07555 044528.

JOIN THE ZEDS! 2021 looks set to be a big year for the ZR/ZS/ZT Register as the trio of iconic MGs turn 20.

First launched in May 2001, the Zeds have become a key part of MGCC life and are much loved by the whole MG community.

In 2019 the Club launched its ‘Save Our Zeds’ and has been a regular fixture at some of the biggest car shows up and down the country, including Saloon Day, MGLive!, the Practical Classics Restoration Show and the National Classic Motor Show.

The Register can only continue to support these much-loved cars, and the members who enjoy them, with volunteers to help them.

With 2021 looking to be a big year for the Register, they’re looking for new members to join the Register’s committee for 2021 and beyond.

The idea of joining a committee might sound intimidating, but it’s a brilliant way to help shape the bit of your Club that caters for your car. Most committees have a variety of roles, meaning you can offer as little or as much time as you feel comfortable with.

John Thompson is the Chairman of the Register and explained the current situation. “One of our long-serving committee members, Paul Money, has stood down, so we’re looking for people to come and join us. We really want the 20th anniversary to be a memorable one.”

The Zed Register was formed in 2002 and won the Nuffield Gold Cup in 2010 and with hundreds of ZR, ZS and ZT models registered with the Club, and thousands on UK roads, the potential for the Register is almost limitless.

If you’d like to learn more, email office@mgcc.co.uk

www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWS The MGCC Triple-M Register Annual General Meeting 2020 Introductory note: Because of the Covid-19 restrictions, it was not possible to hold the Triple-M Register’s AGM 2020 on the planned date of Sunday June 7 2020.

The Committee has therefore decided that the 2020 AGM will now take place on Saturday October 17 2020 at 8.00pm UK time. The time has been chosen to give an opportunity for MGCC Members of the Triple-M Register in the UK and abroad to participate. The meeting will be conducted by online/virtual means.

Formal notice of the meeting: MGCC TRIPLE-M REGISTER NOTICE OF AGM Because of the Covid-19 constraints, the Triple-M Register AGM will be conducted by online/virtual means. Full details of the arrangements for the meeting will be available in the MGCC Members’ area of the Register’s website at www.triple-mregister.org from September 1 2020.

Date of meeting: Saturday 17 October 17 2020 Time: 8.00pm UK time.

Agenda 1. Introductions and apologies for absence 2. Minutes of the 2019 AGM 3. Matters arising from those minutes 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Treasurer’s Report 6. Consideration of the 2019 financial statements 7. Secretary’s Report 8. Reports from other committee members 9. Matters raised by Register Members 10. Election of Officers 11. Election of Committee 12. Other business of the AGM Important notes: The meeting information available on the Register’s website will include the following: 1. Details of how to pre-register and participate in the meeting; 2. This formal notice of the online AGM 2020 together with the meeting agenda; 3. Committee reports, including the Register’s financial statements for 2019 together with reports from the Chairman, the Treasurer and other committee members; 4. Nomination forms for use by MGCC Members wishing to stand for election to the Register Committee; 5. There will be provision for Members to cast their votes and engage with the Committee;

Ethan flagging off the cars on the 2020 NASCAR Run

THE 2020 NASCAR RUN Sunday August 2 saw the second running of the NASCAR RUN. In aid of the National Autistic Society. We were unsure whether it would take place, but after careful consideration and monitoring the current situation we had 45 cars join us on the day. We did our best to social distance by staying in our cars and remaining outside the building at the start.

Thank you to Tim and Jo Hamer of Krakin Catering Ltd, who supplied the participants with bacon or sausage barms at the start and also gave them a picnic each so everyone could continue to social distance whist out on the route.

The route took the cars through three counties with some great driving roads and plenty of scope to get lost, (which cars did!!!)

There were three stops en route during

the 82-mile run, and then it was back to MG and Alfa Spares for the prize draw to win the stunning Morello MGF affectingly known as PRU. The son of Jason Swinyard (who is the owner of MG and Alfa Spares) Ethan, who is Autistic, drew the winning ticket. You couldn’t write what happened next. The ticket he pulled out was a previous owner of the car, David Peterson, who lives down near Kings Lynn.

We called him and he was absolutely delighted and came down the very next day to collect her.

So, all in all a great day was had by all, but most of all we raised £4,460 for the National Autistic Society.

Jason and his team would like to thank everyone who participated and donated to this cause which is very close to his heart.

MG UNVEILS FIRST IMAGES OF NEW ELECTRIC ESTATE MG Motor UK has unveiled the first images of the MG5 EV, the all-new electric estate model heading to the UK market later this year.

The MG5 EV is expected to be an updated and revised version of the China-market Roewe Ei5. On sale since 2018, the Roewe Ei5 uses a 52.5kWh battery pack and an 114bhp electric motor for a claimed NEDC range of 261 miles, with a top speed of 93mph. The MG version of the car offers 214 miles of electric range from a single charge on the WLTP combined cycle.

Full details and specs for the model range have yet to be confirmed, but the MG5 EV is likely to feature similar levels of kit to the ZS and HS, such as the MG Pilot range of safety features.

As the latest addition to MG’s expanding range, the MG5 EV will sit alongside the affordable MG ZS EV. When the MG5 EV arrives in the UK, it will be the first electric estate of its type on sale.

MG is inviting customers to register their interest now on their website and the company is looking to begin deliveries to customers in the fourth quarter of 2020.

For other information about the meeting please contact the Committee Secretary, Dick Morbey at secretary@triple-mregister. org or by phone 01494 883112. Nominations for election to the Committee and notice of questions about any agenda topics should be sent to him to arrive no later than Wednesday October 14 2020.

10 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

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PRODUCTS

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

GILBERN: A DRAGON’S TALE Gilbern has the distinction of being the only production car manufacturer established and operated in Wales and so is entitled to have the Red Dragon as its badge.

It was designed to use parts from proprietary models, being predominantly MGA, MGB and MGC components. It started as a kit car but quickly became a fully assembled vehicle; it also became an extremely well made, practical road car – if rather expensive when compared with its competitors.

The ‘Dragon’s Tale’, written by Martyn Morgan Jones with Philip Ivimey, is a most comprehensive account of the Gilbern marque, telling as it does of model developments, technical details and much more.

Publisher: Published by Bookmarque Publishing, and limited to 500 numbered, hardback copies. The book (£49.99 plus shipping) can be ordered directly from the author.

Email: mmcpjones@aol.com Telephone: 01981 240751 Mobile: 07973 952547

NEW FROM PETER MARTIN Z MAGNETTE SPARES (FORMALLY MG SPECIALIST)

Repair panel - rear wing. Complete outer edge in one panel, LH and RH available £68.98 each. Repair Panel - rear outer wheel arch Original ref 195015 (RH) 195906 (LH) £62.39 each. Repair Panel - inner rear wing, LH and RH available £40.97 each. Glove box shell now remanufactured. £77.61 For more information or to order contact: Peter Martin, Email: petermartin903@btinternet.com Or Phone +44(0)1580 763056

RPS ANNOUNCE MGF/TF HARDTOP GOING INTO PRODUCTION

RPS is putting its new hardtop into production. The difference between this hardtop and others is the lift out roof panel. The hardtop is being supplied in a light grey gelcoat and can be sprayed or vinyl wrapped by the customer. The photographs show a completed hardtop that has been vinyl wrapped. It comes fully assembled, with all catches, seals and drip tubes in place ready to be fitted straight to the vehicle. Price is £595 and these are made to order.

For more information contact, RPS Ltd, Tel: 07900 431244, or Tel: 07868 131906.

Email: enquiries@rps-ltd.info Website: www.rps-ltd.info

OIL FILTER CONVERSION KIT FROM NTG Oil filter conversion kit for TB TC YA YT and early TD. Identical to original, but unscrews at joint to accept modern screw-on element. Priced at £151.00.

For more information contact NTG Motor Services, 282-4 Bramford Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 4AY England.

Tel: (0)1473-406032 or email sales@mgbits.com

12 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

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BROWN & GAMMONS FIRST FOR EVERYTHING MG! MGF/TF

Horn mount brackets, St/Steel YEB100800SS £7.15 Horn mount brackets, St/Steel, Black YEB100800SSB £7.80 Radiator Top Mount, St/ Steel ABU460310SS £8.35 Radiator Top Mount, St/ Steel, Black ABU460310SSB £9.55 Subframe Mounts, Solid Type. 2 bolt KGE000110 £23.95 ABS mount Bracket, St/ Steel SRU102100SS £40.75 ABS mount Bracket, St/Steel, Black SRU102100SSB £47.95 Modified Clutch arm UTC100100R £39.00 Clutch Alignment Tool BGF205 £16.75 Water Low Level Sensor Kit BGF1111 £167.95 Hood Modification Straps, pair DJE000010Z £25.98 Alloy Heater Knobs, set of 3, polished or Satin, For MGF or Late MGF (2000 on) and TF. Please state which you require.

BGF9021-24 £36.50

MG TA, TB, TC

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

AAA5831 GAC1052 53683 AJH5185 AAA5278 GAC1036 GAC1502BG AAA5561BRASS

MG MOTOR UK

£23.95 £39.55 £14.95 £9.55 £6.60 £47.95 £59.95

£3.00 Camshaft, XPAG/XPEG, Lock Tab AAA5593 £5.65 Electronic Distributor, neg earth, without gear 27H5138CSINE £330.00 Electronic Distributor, positive earth 27H5138CSIPE £330.00 Oil Filter Conversion-Spin on GAC8001 £142.26 Small Brass Core Plug CA1056BRASS £2.34 High Quality Oil Pressure Pipe AAA627HQ £17.95 Oil/Water Gauge Strap AJH5186 £9.55

MG TD AND TF

MGA

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

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

30064821T £75.00 30073783 £48.00 30092045 £165.00 10160897 £195.00 10394095 £66.00 10160896 £66.00 10508798 £66.00 10025315Z £30.00 10008675Z £43.00

GENERAL ACCESSORIES

SERVICE PACKS

MGB

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

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

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

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YOUNG MEMBERS Traditional auction held at a previous NEC Classic Car Show

STRANGE TIMES

…..MORE THAN YOU THINK!

A

s we all try to find a way through these confusing and challenging times with the threat of the Coronavirus still not eliminated, there have been some interesting scenarios developing in the Classic Car world, namely the increased activity/ turnover in the world of Classic Car Auctions and Classic Car Dealers, and additionally the increase in home maintenance/restoration keeping many parts traders turning over very nicely.

Many of us have raised an eyebrow or two as we have read about the very strong prices being achieved at auction with most vehicles being bought unseen. For most of us, buying unseen just smacks of high risk, and why would anyone do it? Well, perhaps Quentin Willson put his finger on it in a recent edition of Classic Cars magazine when his daughter informed him it was the ‘YOLO’ syndrome, or put simply ‘You Only Live Once’. I liken it to a ‘devil may care’ cavalier attitude to life at the current time. With many people working from home, or on a ‘furlough holiday’, plus a little extra cash in their pockets, then the temptation when

14 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

By Colin Withers

perusing Classic Car auction sites has often been too much and the bidding has been fierce. Although some auction houses are now opening up to personal visits whilst maintaining social distancing rules, many have been forwarding nice videos to potential punters, which may have been produced with rose-tinted lenses in the camera. Already several car clubs have received calls from disappointed buyers who have found the car they bought online does not match the description once it has arrived on their front drives.

Without stating the obvious, no matter how keen you are to part with your cash and take ownership of the car of your dreams, there are basic guidelines to buying second-hand cars whether online via an

auction, or from a dealer, or from a private individual. Most MGCC members will be well aware of these, but it might be worth us advising our friends who are perhaps venturing innocently into the world of Classic Car ownership for the first time: Most importantly, try to view the car and give it a thorough examination both bodily and mechanically.

• Ask for a test drive where possible and listen for whines, groans, crunches, etc.

• If you’re not familiar with the model under consideration then try to find an expert to accompany you or to carry out an independent assessment on your behalf.

• Joining the relevant car club before purchase will also open up a wealth of

A selection of the classic car online auction sites www.mgcc.co.uk

Ask for a test drive where possible

knowledge and expertise to you.

• Ask the vendor for all documented history and study it carefully. There are often anomalies hidden in there which can highlight possible negatives that the vendor will not mention.

• Don’t be blinded by statements like ‘fully restored’. This might have happened 30+ years ago and it could mean it’s due for another restoration now. Also, ignore classic salesman’s quips like ‘one lady owner’. That has always been and always will be a meaningless statement.

• It’s always good to ask for the VIN/ chassis number, and then you can contact the relevant Club and check their records for any history. Likewise many cars will have some MOT history, so ask for the registration number and check the MOT history online with the DVLA. This often reveals faults that may or may not have been rectified, depending on whether they are a reason for MOT failure or just an advisory.

• If a vendor is not willing to supply any of the above information then amber warning lights should start flashing.

• If having ticked all the relevant boxes and your hard-earned cash can’t wait to jump out of your pocket, then it’s important to carefully read the terms and conditions on any sales contract. If you are buying from a dealer then you have some cover under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, but you need to make sure that any description of the car in the sales invoice/contract matches the car you are buying. You can find good advice online about your consumer rights, for example https:// www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/ articles/your-rights-if-something-iswrong-with-your-car. If you are buying from an auction house it is unlikely

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you have the same consumer rights, but you need to check their terms and conditions very carefully. Likewise, you are very unlikely to have any consumer rights if buying from a private individual as, like most cars sold by auction houses, they are ‘sold as seen’.

• In terms of purchasing second-hand parts (or even new ‘old’ parts) then it’s always important to pay attention to the exact description of the part, and preferably to have this in writing from a trader. You may have some consumer rights if the item does not match up to the description as sold, but if the vendor is unwilling to put his description in writing then again the amber warning light is flashing.

Perhaps at this point I can give some personal experiences where I have considered purchasing various MGs only to discover anomalies. The first example was a pre-war MG where the car looked pristine, drove beautifully, but on inspection of its comprehensive history file I found the original buff log book had a different chassis number to the current V5C. Only 1 digit was different, but it aroused my suspicions that the 1980s rebuild might possibly have used a different chassis. I walked away from that one. The second example was an impressive MGA which I saw last year. It looked great and drove extremely well, and after viewing I contacted Stuart Mumby (MGCC MGA Registrar) who had some brief history which included the A in question as having glass fibre wings. I immediately contacted the vendor asking him to confirm this fact.

His subsequent failure to respond to any of my messages gave me my answer. That was a fundamental error on my part, as only a month previously I had looked at a very nice MGB GT, but on closer inspection the paintwork looked rippled in places

and as soon as I presented the magnet on the end of my torch it confirmed a high percentage of filler in the metalwork. The MGA paintwork looked so good I didn’t even think about the magnet test!

What can you do if you have suffered as a result of some less than truthful salesmanship? The best recourse is the aforementioned Consumer Rights Act 2015 to initially establish your legal rights. You will then need to confront the vendor to either ask for a full refund or for rectification of any problems you have encountered which were not previously mentioned. If the vendor fails to respond, which is often the case, then seeking legal advice/action is often the only course of action. For disputes involving amounts below £10,000 then you could consider the Small Claims Court (see https://www. moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/smallclaims-court/ ) which is a simpler way to seek legal justice without involving lawyers. At present the motor trade including classic car dealers and classic parts traders is a very unregulated market, unlike Financial and Legal Services where Regulators are only too willing to step in and investigate any possible case of misselling or misrepresentation. Contacting a relevant owners Club can elicit some valuable advice based on members’ similar past experiences, but often the Club is not able to wave a magic wand and conjure up the required satisfactory result. The simple advice is to be as diligent as possible before parting with your money, and don’t go into any purchase with your heart ruling your head. If you have any doubts then walk away – there will hopefully always be another opportunity to buy the same example of the car or part. The old proverb ‘caveat emptor’ is never more applicable than in today’s markets.

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 15

YOUNG MEMBERS

Shaun Nelson shaunnelly@hotmail.com

HOW TO DO IT YOURSELF – STEP ZERO

F

ixing your own car or restoring your own project is an extremely rewarding pastime, and there are plenty of examples of people achieving DIY greatness. People have transformed cars akin to colanders into works of engineering art – with many having been featured in this magazine.

I’ve been thinking of how best to do an introduction to DIY for a while now, and whilst tinkering around the other day it came to me. Don’t touch the car, buy a lawnmower.

Hear me out here. Working on your own car is a daunting prospect; they are complicated, expensive, and are best enjoyed whilst being driven. Even the relatively simple jobs, such as carrying out a service, are best carried out with at least some degree of experience and mechanical sympathy. Making an error could not only leave you potentially stranded, but more importantly, I feel,

16 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

it’s heart-breaking when something goes wrong. If it’s your first time and you strip a thread on your car, it could put you off DIY for good, and that would be a shame.

An old petrol lawnmower, however, is not expensive and yet it is not so far removed from a car. An internal combustion engine shares its basis with all others; you’ll learn about timing and valves, carburettors, ignition systems, gaskets, and the best thing is that there’s probably only about 12 bolts in the whole thing. You can snap every bolt in its construction and you will have learnt something; it doesn’t matter, it’s a lawnmower.

Gratification is an important part of DIY and restoration. It’s the end goal that keeps us on track with our projects, especially in their darkest hours. A serious car project is a long and hard graft, and I believe when starting out you should aim for near instant gratification. Fixing or

servicing your car is very rewarding and all, but nothing is as rewarding as bringing an engine back to life, especially when it took the commitment of just a few hours.

To summarise: to start out in DIY mechanics, get yourself a set of spanners and sockets, a couple screwdrivers, emery cloth, penetrating oil, pliers, knife, and a hammer. Then, get on the internet and find something close by and cheap that has a little petrol engine. Old cylinder lawnmowers are great because when you fix them, they actually do something, and are more user-friendly than the rotary fan type. I bought one for my first house, simply because it was built where my family are from. Search using words like Atco, Suffolk Punch, Honda, or Qualcast, and you’ll find plenty just down the road from you at £30 a pop. Mine cost £20. Once you have something, you’ll be able to find a workshop manual on the internet for it, which’ll help you keep track of where all the bits go. Rebuild one of these, and you’ll be fixing your own car in no time.

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MERCHANDISE

KIMBER STORES Wooden Bits and Bobs box £20.00 each

MGCC 90th Anniversary Polo Shirt £25.00 each

MGCC 90th Anniversary Cap £12.50

Umbrella for two £32.50

Mugs £9.00

MGCC lapel pin £4.50

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

Ladies linen caps £13.50

MG Clocks £34.00

All prices exclude P&P

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

FEATURE A New Beginning

At this stage feverish discussions were

However, John had had earnest discussions

The reverse takeover of BMC by Lord Stokes’

taking place between, Wilson McComb

with Gordon Cobban, then the chairman of

Triumph and Leyland Empire signalled

(Editor Safety Fast!), Martin Brent (Wilson

the Club’s South East Centre, a Club man

the warning that matters BMC would

McComb’s Assistant) and John Thornley, the

through and through, and in the view of

be subjugated and thus it was, when in

first two named doubtless pondering their

Martin Brent and others, the ‘white knight’

1968 the axe fell on the four factory clubs

future careers, while John Thornley, manager

at a time when the Club was threatened

operating out of Abingdon, the Austin-

of the MG factory at Abingdon, was far

with extinction.

Healey Club, the Mini 7 Club, Riley Motor

from well, his condition probably not aided

Club and the MG Car Club.

by the politics of the new British Leyland.

THE KIMBER HOUSE STORY

The Club had a chequered history after its closure as a factoryrun club, and had many mountains to climb until it culminated in finding its current home in Abingdon in 1990.

It was Gordon who perceived the need to enlist the help of Martin, in the absence of Margret O’Brien (about whom more in a moment), in re-establishing the Club in Abingdon away from the factory. In offices over the National Westminster bank in the town’s market place, assisted by two secretaries, Martin took over the editorship of Safety Fast! at the end of 1968. It was at this time that Margret O’Brien came into prominence. Margret had been a longserving key administrator dealing with membership for the MG Car Club in its time at the factory. Following a spell in hospital, Margret returned to the MG Car Club in its new offices while Martin Brent (and one of the other secretaries) returned to the factory. Margret ran the office with Teutonic efficiency, and was held in high regard.

However, as history was to repeat itself years later, the Club’s finances could not sustain the cost of the lease and the first Abingdon era, started in 1930, ended 42 years later in

Crowds gather at the opening of Kimber House

18 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

1972. The Club was to be almost another 20 years in exile.

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Elsie and Gordon Cobban, with John Thornley holding the Gold Cup

Kimber House as purchased by The MG Car Club

The Gordon Cobban Era

Studley Castle

Throughout the period above the bank,

On December 1 1984 Boston was vacated and

Gordon Cobban had made regular visits from

the Club’s goods and chattels made their way

his home in Essex, often with his wife Elsie,

by van to Studley Castle under the direction of

and it was therefore inevitable that most

the ever-active Bill Wallis, who had arranged

of the Club’s administration would end up

for the address to be PO Box 251, Studley,

on the other side of London, at Gordon’s

harking back to the factory telephone and

home at Ilford. It is probably true to say that

car production start numbers. A new Club

Gordon’s administrative skills, energy and

administrator, Pat Stout, was appointed and

Clearing the ground at Kimber House

wholehearted commitment to the Club,

on 12 April 1985 the Club office was officially

the plans of Pavlova Leather who, it should

often involving paying bills on behalf of the

opened. The Studley temporary Portakabins

be remembered, had sold the factory site

Club out of his own pocket, that maintained

were to be our home for another four years. By

to MG Car Company in 1929, almost 60

the Club structure.

mid-1987 paid home membership was in excess

years before!

Thus, throughout most of the seventies,

of 7,800. Workload pressure was increasing

Gordon and Elsie maintained the status

for the three staff and the need to determine

No: 12 Cemetery Road

quo with membership at modest levels

a long-term home for the Club was clearly

Thus, on Tuesday August 30 1988 an

and finances tight. However, in August

becoming more pressing. In August 1987 Peter

extraordinary meeting of the directors was

1978 Gordon, Piers Hubbard and Anthony

scribbled the first plans as to how we might

held at the Great Northern Hotel, Kings

Littlejohn were entrusted by John Thornley to

raise £100,000 for an office somewhere...

Cross, London. The purpose was simple.

set up a Club Office.

During the summer of 1988 fund

Premises owned by Pavlova Leather Company

raising began in earnest. Contributions were

adjacent to the MG Car Company’s former

Boston

received from all over the world, making

administration block (now Larkhill House)

Sheila Laurence of the Lincolnshire Centre

one feel very privileged to be in the centre

had come on the market as a development

was appointed assistant to the general

of the Club at such an emotional time. In

site for eight flats. No. 11, the smallest

secretary (Gordon) and by December of that

July the chairman and Peter Best met with

semi-detached property, was still occupied

year the Club had established itself in Boston.

numerous civic dignitaries in the Abingdon

by Geoff Blanch a Pavlova employee and his

area, the Vale of White Horse District

wife Rene; No. 12 was unoccupied, damp

his wife Christine, was appointed general

Council, Thames and Chiltern Tourist Board,

and in generally poor condition, but with

secretary in succession to Gordon Cobban on

the local Mayor John Patten, the Curator of

considerable potential.

a part-time basis. Of necessity this became

Abingdon Museum, the Managing Director

full-time in January 1981. With a professional

of Pavlova Leather Co., Standard Life

advice, in particular from Club member and

marketing man-and-wife team at the helm,

Assurance Company (who had purchased

architect Alan Paine from Lowestoft. Alan

the support of the Lincolnshire Centre

the factory site) and others. A proposal

subsequently had to commute between the

and with the lease of premises at 67 Wide

was put to the Vale of White Horse District

East Coast and Abingdon many times before

Bargate, Boston, the Club began to have

Council for their support in developing

the day was out. After a survey, Alan was of

some structure once more. The one function

one of a shortlist of four sites, including, if

the view that £175,000 was a reasonable

that was not maintained at Boston was

a greenfield site, a design for a combined

offer for the entire site.

regalia sales, which for two years, 1981-2,

museum and administration office. However,

was managed by June Wallis (Wife of former

more realistically, our excitement was

considered, and rejected, the three other

President Bill) from her home in Solihull.

increasing as we were becoming aware of

possible sites in Abingdon and the way

In June 1980, Peter Tipton, aided by

www.mgcc.co.uk

Chairman Ron Gammons had taken

At that Kings Cross meeting the board

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 19

Haulage Contractors and Quarry Operators at Radley. Not only was the Club psychologically and physically now already back in Abingdon, it also meant we were on the spot while building works continued under Alan Paine, assisted by Michael Cannon the deputy Club administrator, in Club office.

Thus Phase II, The Diamond Jubilee Building Adding doorways to optimize space

Appeal, was launched with a new brochure, this time depicting a real building which the Club

of £180,000. The campaign had, by then,

owned. Site clearance

raised an excellent

began on November 13

£65,730 in the first 14

1989 and a number of

months. In addition,

members kindly donated

the benefactor who

their time or provided

was to lend us the

building materials free, or

£100,000 interest-free

at cost, to help the project

was Douglas Mickel, a

along. As the one-year lease

long-standing stalwart

at Radley was up in June

of the Scottish

1990, the target date for our

The start of building work in Kimber House

Centre, without

staff to move into Cemetery

whom the project

Road was set!

forward was clear. The Chairman proposed,

could well have

and Peter Best seconded, that they proceed

foundered. Douglas

with the offer and seek planning approval for

magnanimously

change of use. The board was unanimously

gifted this money to the Club, thereby

during 1990, although slower than before.

in favour. At a board meeting on September

freeing it from what would have been a

Building work was not held up and the great

27, Peter Best reported that the Building

significant ongoing repayment of capital

opening day came on July 15 1990, when

Fund had exceeded £30,000, and the

over ten years. The balance of £15,000

Lord Montagu of Beaulieu formally opened

chairman reported that an “elder statesman”

to acquire the site came from Club funds.

the Club offices in front of a large crowd

of the Club was, in broad terms, amenable to

Phase I was over. Phase II, the clearance of

of Club members from around the world.

the granting of a six-figure loan for the fund.

the site, refurbishment and upgrading of

They witnessed a very emotional occasion.

An eventful meeting!

the buildings was just about to begin, but

By the end of 1990, with another successful

Fund raising continued unabated at national

another £75,000 was still required.

raffle yielding £7,000, the deficit to clear the

and local level. However, back to Abingdon;

While all this excitement over the purchase

refurbishment costs was down to £14,500.

ten months of protracted negotiations

was going on in the summer of 1989, the

In 1991, after a third successful Silverstone,

and the Club successfully concluded the

Club was fortunate enough to take a lease

the deficit was a mere £3,082 and the battle

purchase of 11/12 Cemetery Road at a price

on office premises at J.C. Curtis & Son,

was effectively won.

Kimber House Opening Souvenir Programme

The Opening Funds continued to come in

John Thornley giving his speech at the opening of Kimber House

20 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

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All prices exclude P&P

90TH ANNIVERSARY MERCHANDISE MGCC 90th Anniversary pillow/blanket £22.50 MGCC 90th Anniversary box £25.00

MGCC 90th Anniversary Large Car Badge £40.00

MGCC 90th Anniversary Conference folder £17.50

MGCC 90-th Anniversary Pin Badge £4.75 MGCC 90th Anniversary Tie £17.50

MGCC 90th Anniversary Note Book £9.50

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

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SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 21

Ron Gammons giving his speech before the unveiling of the plaque

Income continued to trickle in right

Jean Kimber Cook seated by Lord Montague in Philip Bayne-Powells M-Type

and who had lived there for many years.

through the 1990s as the balance of prints

A mutually amicable arrangement was

and plates was finally exhausted and

agreed whereby the Club would arrange

members’ standing orders ran their course.

for them to be re-housed in a bungalow in

With the support of Club members

Cornwall where they planned to retire. The

and well-wishers world-wide, the

purchase of the bungalow by the Club was

campaign raised a staggering figure of just

seen as a maturing asset and the financial

under £150,000.

arrangements were successfully completed.

With his past experience in the building

No.11 Cemetery Road

trade, Rob personally directed the repair

As the years went on, inevitably the increase

and restoration of No 11 with joined access

in membership and Club activities meant that

between the two properties on the ground

more office accommodation was required at

and first floors. The result was a large open-

Kimber House, with its small cottage-style

plan area on the ground floor and two more

rooms (formerly No 12 Cemetery Road).

offices on the first floor, all retaining the

Rob Gammage, then Chief

period character of the buildings.

Executive of the

Club’s Garages, Kimber Stores and the John Thornley Suite

MG Car Club, received the support

Parade of cars pass the old office block

of the

In March 2006 at the council

Board of

meeting it was decided that

paperwork, which at the time was housed

Directors

the Club should reconsider a

in an unsightly portacabin which, putting

to

planning permission that was

it politely, had seen better days! The 2001

negotiate with the elderly couple who were tenants in No 11,

granted in 2001, which included

planning approval also included an extension

a garage block. This was considered

to the rear of the existing Kimber House with

essential at this stage due to the rapid The plaque on Kimber House

Lord Montague, Will Cory and Douglas Mickle

22 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

expansion of the Club and the need to rehouse show equipment and essential

a large conservatory; it was only the garage that was to go ahead. The garage block has been a huge asset, not just housing the

Cars line up on Cemetery Road

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Fuel economy and CO2 results for the MG ZS EV. Mpg (l/100km): Not applicable.

CO2 emissions: 0 g/km Electric range†: 163 to 231 miles.

Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. †These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. *MG ZS EV range starts from £28,495 OTR. After Plug-in Car Grant of £3,000 customers can purchase their MG ZS EV Excite from just £25,495. The Plug-in Car Grant also applies to Exclusive versions. OTR prices include VAT where applicable, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and 12 months’ Vehicle Excise Duty. Prices are correct at time of being published and are subject to change without notice.

The Club garages being erected

Jim Cox, Peter Neal, Don Hayter and Brian Moylan cutting a turf for the John Thornley Suite

John Thornley Suite taking shape

John Day and Peter Thornley revealing the opening plaque

aforementioned show gear and paperwork, but also housing a selection of MGs that the Group photo of the John Thornley Suite official opening

Club has owned over the years.

In 2009 the Club pushed ahead with

were welcomed by the Chairman John Day,

its first extension to Kimber House, totally

followed by Vice Presidents Mike Hawke and

funded by the membership. This followed

Ron Gammons.

the refurbishment of the MG Car Club

Mike gave an interesting presentation

merchandise area within Kimber House,

on the nomadic existence of the Club in

called Kimber Stores.

the post-Leyland era, and Ron a stimulating

Former MG Factory workers gave their

talk on the acquisition and development

seal of approval to the start of building

of Kimber House. The formal part of the

work in June 2009 of what was to become

day was drawn to a close by MG Car Club

the John Thornley Suite, as renowned MG

President Bill Wallis.

figures Brian Moylan, Don Hayter, Jim Cox and Peter Neal helped turn the first turf on

Invited guests were an array of individuals from MG of yesteryear and today. These

the new wing. The John Thornley Suite was

The opening plaque proudly displayed in the John Thornley Suite

officially opened a year later on 11 June 2010 in excellent weather that allowed guests to view a terrific display of cars, assembled to demonstrate MG through the ages. An impressive line-up of key MG figures were present too, as the MG Car Club moved into an exciting new chapter. The Club was honoured to have Peter Thornley, son of John, in Abingdon to perform the official opening and naming by unveiling a special plaque that had been prepared to mark the occasion. It was, after all, the 101st anniversary of John’s birth. Guests

24 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

Presentation by John Day at the opening of the John Thornley Suite www.mgcc.co.uk

Base laid for the Bill Wallis Wing

June Wallis, John Day, Bill Silcock and the Mayor of Abingdon with June turning the first turf for the Bill Wallis Wing

included many former Abingdon employees,

to fully utilise the Bi-parting rolling archive

both of the factory and Competitions

cabinets containing original factory chassis

Department, as well as current staff from MG

records, personal collections, drawings,

Motor UK at Longbridge. The John Thornley

memorabilia, etc. It also makes the function

Suite continues to be a wonderful asset which

of looking up chassis files for members to

is still utilised extensively today, whether that

view so much easier than before.

Building work progressing on the Bill Wallis Wing

be for holding talks, film shows and other Car Club meetings. The opening also heralded a

The Future

new open-door policy, whereby we invited our

The future of Kimber House is assured as

members and other interested parties to visit

the main hub of the Club, covering the

Kimber House to primarily view our growing

management, administration, membership,

archive collection, but also feel the real spirit

production of Club magazine Safety Fast!,

of MG that is Kimber House.

and being located in the heart of Abingdon has been the focal point for MG enthusiasts

Bill Wallis Wing

from not only the UK but from all four

It had long been decided that the Club

corners of the globe.

The completed archive room within the Bill Wallis Wing

needed a dedicated archive, as the existing

Our thanks are extended to Peter Best,

space available for this had become totally

one time Director, Chairman and now Vice

anniversary book, also to Peter Browning

unsuitable. Another extension had been

President of the Club, who compiled much

who helped bring it up to date.

of this copy originally for the MG Car Club’s

agreed to house the archive, additional upstairs office space and a display area.

On October 6 2015 the first turf was cut by June Wallis, wife of the late Club President Bill Wallis, and was to signify the start of the new archive extension building work. Those present with June were Club President John Day, Chairman Bill Silcock and the Mayor of Abingdon. The extension was to be named the Bill Wallis Wing in memory of Bill.

On May 16 2016, the official opening ceremony was carried out by Bill Wallis’ wife, June, who said Bill would have been proud that the Wing was named after him.

The archive has been a big attraction to visiting members, as it has allowed the Club

www.mgcc.co.uk

June Wallis looks at a photo of her late husband Bill, proudly hanging in the newly opened Bill Wallis Wing SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 25

SHERMAN DECKER

By Edward Vandyk – MGA Register Historian

When I became aware that one of Sherman Decker’s Twin Cams had recently been restored in the UK I thought this would be of interest to the MG community and, with the help of the owner, I set about writing an article both about Sherman Decker and his MGAs.

W

hilst Sherman Decker’s name will forever be associated in MG circles with his historic nighttime session in a ‘works’ MGA Twin Cam (Race Number 30)

www.mgcc.co.uk

in the deluge that beset the Sebring 12 Hour Race in 1959, I very soon became aware how little information about both Sherman, and the MGAs he competed in, was actually easily accessible.

Accordingly, with the help of various North American contacts including Dave Nicholas, Ted Rounds, MGA! Editor Mike Tooke, Michael Eaton along with details from ‘Call it MGA’, courtesy of Roger Martin and the MG Car Club MGA Register, I hope what follows gives an overview of Sherman Decker and his achievements in his MGAs. However, from here onwards it will be ‘Sherm’, as he was known, not ‘Sherman, in the same way as a UK ‘boot’ is a US ‘trunk’.

Sherm Decker was born December 13 1929 in Oneonta, New York and died in a

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 27

Car 2 - Watkins Glen 21 September 1957, black 1500 - #112 – 4th Collier Cup

Car 1 - Watkins Glen 15 September 1956, red 1500 - #67 – 1st Collier Cup

tragic car accident in October 1987 at the age of 57 in Delaware County, New York.

Married on August 5, 1951 to Joan, who is still very much with us, they had one son, Greg, who has also sadly passed away. As his close friend Dave Nicholas said, it was ironic that such a talented driver should

have passed away in a car accident.

Sherm was naturally strong and athletic but relatively short (5’9”) which would have made the MGA, with its relatively tight driving position and lack of any power assistance an ideal competition vehicle for him. He was a star (American)

football player at High School, probably a ‘running back’, despite weighing in at only 127lbs but he chose not go on to College, preferring instead to be drafted into the Army, just two weeks after his wedding, where, after basic training which he loathed, he taught motor pool officers how to fix jeeps and trucks at Fort Benning GA. The young Sherm was also a downhill skier and rodeo competitor.

After the Army Sherm went to Broome Technical School with Ted Rounds and they remained friends and racers for life. Ted gave an indication as to what Broome offered as follows “The President of Broome Tech was Cecil Tyrell, an ME

Car 2 - Watkins Glen 27 June 1958, black 1500 - #38 – 1st Glen Classic 28 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

www.mgcc.co.uk

Car 3 - Sebring 21 March 1959 Ash Green Twin Cam - #30 – 12 hour race 46th overall, 4th in classCollier Cup with Joan and Gordon Morris

who majored in automotive technology.

He could foresee what was coming in the auto industry. He designed a two-year program named automotive technology. He was aware that we would need to understand the rules of physics and chemistry. The two-year program worked us hard, fifty weeks a year, eight hours a day, four or five lab reports a week, on mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, petroleum chemistry, hydraulics, accounting etc. Not much time for nuts and bolts, although we put rings and a valve grind on a donor car from a friend or relative. However, we did find time to generously support the nation’s Brewers.”

Ted Rounds recalls the graduation picnic from Broome which began Tuesday night at Chenango Valley state park and ended Sunday morning in Buffalo!

Leaving Broome, Sherm found work with Gordon Morris in his dealership just north of Oneonta, New York, which

Car 4 – Watkins Glen 23 August 1959 Red Twin Cam - #62 – 1st Collier Cup with Joan and Gordon Morris

takes us conveniently first to 1955 where Sherm competed in an MG TF 1500 in a couple of races, (finishing 9th and 20th) and then on to 1956 and the start of 27-year-old Sherm’s eight season history racing MGAs which continued until the 1963 season.

But first a personal anecdote from Dave Nicholas. At the 1965 Watkins Glen USRRC weekend, Dave had entered his MGA in the preliminary races. He had also just bought a very cool Simpson Indianapolis racing suit, white with yellow stripes on the arms and legs. The weekend was also a NASCAR stock car weekend.

A well-known NASCAR driver was Tiny Lund who won the Daytona 500 in 1963.

He was named Tiny because he was huge.

Tiny was also known for fighting. When he saw Dave in the scrutineering line he immediately started picking on him for my “fairy lookin’ suit”.

Dave knew who he was and what he

was famous for and was pretty sure he wanted a fight. Out of nowhere, Sherm Decker showed up, put his hand on Dave’s shoulder, stared Tiny in the face, complete with cigarette hanging out of Sherm’s lips, and said: “Let’s go Nicholas”. Lund just turned around and walked away. As Dave says: “Nobody would challenge Sherm”.

Dave Nicholas recalls that Sherm would help anyone, a friend or competitor, and also that Sherm often had a beer and cigarette close by.

Sherm’s MGAs Sherm raced at least seven different MGAs in that eight-season period, starting with the only variant available in 1956, the ‘Original MGA’, colloquially known as an MGA 1500, which, for purists, I am referring to as simply an ‘MGA’ in the table setting out Sherm’s MGA races. This is believed to be complete.

From pushrod cars Sherm moved on to the MGA Twin Cam, driving the Hambro

Car 4 – Watkins Glen 23 August 1959 Red Twin Cam - #62 – 1st Collier Cup www.mgcc.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 29

Car 5 – Watkins Glen 25 June 1960 Black Twin Cam - #167 – 1st Watkins Glen Classic

‘works’ entry in 1959, and subsequently owning and competing in two Twin Cams, firstly a red car followed by the second, a black car, acquired in the summer of 1960 and sold a year later, which has been the subject of the recent restoration. After the Twin Cams Sherm competed in an MGA 1500 again and finally in an MGA 1600 MkII De Luxe. Whilst the table has the race details, photographs of the seven MGAs are illustrated below plus even an eighth car at the Keene Mountain Hill Climb in the late 1950s.

Sebring 12 Hour event 1959 This event remains probably the context in which Sherm Decker’s name is most recognised by MG aficionados worldwide.

The MG entry was for three MGA Twin Cams, a high-performance model which had been announced in July of the previous year, and four cars were sent to Sebring, one being for practice. All the MG top brass were there, including John Thornley, Geoffrey Healey and Marcus Chambers. Douggie Watts was the mechanic. The drivers were all drawn from North America in order to attract the best

publicity possible for these cars. A credible showing was essential.

The Twin Cams, YD2/931 to 934, had been constructed as roadsters but were converted to coupé form by the Competitions Department. The cars ran with numbers 28 (Gus Ehrman and Ray Saidel), 29 (Jim Parkinson and John Dalton) and 30 (Jack Flaherty, Ray Pickering with Sherm Decker as reserve). All these drivers were American and came from areas picked to give a spread of dealers within the regions. Sherm Decker was not happy to be the reserve as his times were consistently faster than the others. He did, however, drive in the race.

The race started at 10.00am in clear weather and the cars were running well within their capability in order to see how the race panned out. The weather deteriorated badly and the rain came down in torrents when they were expecting to cut the lap times, instead reducing their average speed by 5mph.

Car 29 had an hour out while its starter motor was fixed and Car 28 rammed a straw bale but was able to continue without much damage. Sherm Decker was

sent out in the dark and the heavy rain, spun the car but continued until the tenth hour when the engine let go just after the start of a lap. He pushed it for a mile and a half in the rain until he ran out of energy.

When he tried to start the car (with some unacknowledged outside assistance) it was plain that a piston had gone but he managed to drive round to the finish line, driving in short bursts until it seized. As the engine cooled after each seizure he drove another few yards. The car was pushed over the line to qualify as a finisher in 45th place. The other two cars came 2nd (No. 28) and 3rd (No. 29) in class and 27th and 34th overall. In passing, it should be added that photographs show that the registration numbers on the cars were in use elsewhere at the time and are rather obviously not “Made in England”!

The Collier Cup Rivalry In 1958 Dave Nicholas, a close friend of Sherm’s who indeed was his mentor, together with three other teenagers, Joe Tierno, Steve Vail and Dave Zych, founded the Binghamton Automobile Racing Club (BARC), initially to photograph the East

Car 7 – Reading 21 October 1962 MGA 1600 MkII De Luxe - # - result unknown

30 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Car 5 – Marlboro 16 April 1961 Black Twin Cam - #671 – 6th

Car 6 – Watkins Glen 23 September 1961 White 1500 - #305 – 1st

Coast SCCA races and later, in Dave’s case, to go racing. Fortunately, many of their photographs have survived and can now be viewed on their website - www. barcboys.com.

Two drivers who would eventually have a huge impact on Dave Nicholas’s racing career dominated the middle Collier Cup races by winning four years in a row from 1956 to 1959. The Collier Cup Race was established in 1954 to commemorate a local racer of the time, Sam Collier.

Sherm Decker was simply overwhelming with his amazing car control, starting in his wire-wheeled 1500 and finishing in a 1600 Mk II with a couple of Twin Cams in between. Bob Bucher was equally fast but a polar opposite in style; smooth, calm and efficient to Decker’s mercurial manner. In 1956, Sherm Decker won the Collier race in his MGA. By 1957, most of the entries were MGAs, 15 of them. Bob Bucher won the race that year. Perhaps the most famous MGA race of all time was the 1958 Collier Cup where both Decker and Bucher had to come from deep in the pack. In those days grid position were determined by drawing grid numbers from the proverbial hat, not qualifying speed. Bucher got to the front with about three laps to go but Decker was coming

32 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

through strongly. On the next to last lap Decker passed into second just yards behind Bucher. On the last turn of the last lap with no more than 300 metres to the finish line Decker braked late to come inside Bucher. In those days the last turn (now the first turn) was a very tight, slow right hand hairpin that was preceded by a slight left. Decker got a bit sideways and had to correct his slide to avoid contact.

He looked over his shoulder at Bucher who was calmly planting his foot on the floor, knowing his good friend Decker would never take him out and it was a drag race to the finish. Bucher won by a hair. In period the SCCA determined car classes by displacement. This meant MGAs raced against four cam Porsche Carerras.

At Lime Rock and Marlboro Decker could beat them. On longer courses where HP counted, he could beat some. His greatest victories against the Porsches actually came in his red 1959 Twin Cam. The black car was always, and by a mile, the fastest MG but the Porsches were getting better by 1961.

Today The North American MGA Register (NAMGAR) honours the memory of these two racers, competitors and friends, by awarding the Bucher/Decker Memorial Trophy annually to the highest-placed MGA

in the annual Collier Cup race. Nowadays the Collier Cup is not necessarily awarded to the race winner but to the driver voted for by his fellows as best demonstrating the “Spirit of MG Vintage Racing”. This includes racing skill but also car preparation, all in the MG spirit.

The ironic piece is that Bucher’s car (No. 029) was prepared by Decker. Decker won again in 1959. By 1959, SCCA had begun diluting the Collier race by including other makes. In 1960, the Collier name was simply applied to the regular E/ Production race, where the only MGs were the rare Twin Cams. Today the race at Watkins Glen every September as part of the SVRA US Vintage Grand Prix is again solely for MGs. thanks largely to Joe Tierno who bought the Bucher 029 car that beat Sherm in 1958 and then campaigned it for many seasons. This race was won in 2018

by Dave Nicholas in his MGA.

Sherm Decker wins at Lime Rock in 1960 The fast setup before racing tyres was a set of Michelin X radials. Still quite new in the US, radials had very different handling characteristics. They would stick much better than the Dunlops but when they let go you had best grab a handful of opposite lock or find yourself well off the pavement. Decker was the master of staying in control when the Michelins broke – Bucher was the master of taking the radials to their very limit but rarely going over the line.

In those early days of SCCA racing, modifications to the engine, suspension and brakes were forbidden. What Decker found was that a slight milling of the MGA cast iron head increased compression and power. How did he get away with it? Simple. The competitor blew a head gasket and he was forced

Car 8 – Keene Hill climb MGA 1500 www.mgcc.co.uk

to do it because the head was warped.

Somehow the blank pull switch on the dash mysteriously had a wire connected to the generator that cut it from charging and added just about 1 hp when you needed it. Heavy oil in the lever dampers, front and rear bumpers off, the tonneau cover taped for aerodynamics and even taking the passenger seat cushion out were all parts of the equation.

When rollover bars became mandatory, Sherm had a friend in upstate New York who made a pattern to create a custom bar to fit the MGA. A simple hoop behind the driver that had one rear-facing brace and the whole thing bolted to the frame with U bolts. The speed secret was that Ray Henley made them from 1.5” electrical conduit not 1.5” .080 wall thickness steel tubing. They used dull drill bits to make the inspection hole that scrutineering looked at to prove wall thickness. The dull drill created a nice burr inside the tubing that looked and measured over .080 while the actual wall thickness was considerably less. Why would they use something that clearly would not stand up in a violent roll over? Weight. Their bar weighed about seven pounds while the others were about twenty. Plus they all knew none of them would ever be so incompetent as to lose control and roll over.

As years passed, they could use optional cams, lifters and pushrods; high compression pistons, lightened flywheels, balanced and lightened crank and rods.

The old cast iron B-Series motor was getting up to 100 hp by the mid to late 60s. The twin cam brought four wheel disc brakes, the Sebring cars brought the close ratio gearboxes and oil coolers and the Magnette gave us the 4.55:1 differential. Every bit of that was necessary if you wanted to win. The Carreras were gone, but the 2.2 litre Triumph TR3s with overdrive could not be caught on long tracks, however the MGA always handled so well that given a tighter course like Lime Rock, Marlboro or Reading it could win. Way back in 1958 Decker did the unthinkable feat of beating all but two of six four cam Carreras at Lime Rock with a brilliant third overall in his 1500, drum brake wire-wheeled MGA.

www.mgcc.co.uk

Finish

Date

Location

Race

Car

Race No.

9th

20/5/56

Cumberland, MD

SCCA National Race

MGA

106

6th

19/8/56

Allentown, PA

Eastern PA Sports Car Club

MGA

46

1st

15/9/56

Watkins Glen, NY

SCCA National - Collier Brothers Memorial Race

MGA

67

5th

9/6/57

Lime Rock, CT

SCCA National Race

MGA

92

4th

6/7/57

Watkins Glen, NY

SCCA Regional - Glen Classic

MGA

127

4th

7/7/57

Lime Rock,CT

SCCA Regional

MGA

127

5th

28/7/57

Lime Rock, CT

SCCA Regional

MGA

56

14th

18/8/57

Montgomery, NY

SCCA National

MGA

76

4th

21/9/57

Watkins Glen, NY

SCCA National - Collier Brothers Memorial Race

MGA

112

5th

27/4/58

Lime Rock, CT

SCCA Regional

MGA

20

?

18/5/58

Lime Rock, CT

LISCA Races

MGA

?

3rd

15/6/58

Lime Rock, CT

SCCA National

MGA

6

1st

27/6/58

Watkins Glen, NY

SCCA Regional - Glen Classic

MGA

38

3rd

5/7/58

Lime Rock, CT

SCCA National

MGA

38

8th

31/8/58

Thompson, CT

SCCA National

MGA

138

11th

1/9/58

Thompson, CT

SCCA National

MGA

138

2nd

20/9/58

Watkins Glen, NY

SCCA National - Collier Brothers Memorial Race

MGA

16

4th

21/3/59

Sebring, FL

FIA - 12 Hour Grand Prix

MGA Twin Cam

30

DNF

9/5/59

Lime Rock, CT

SCCA Regional

MGA Twin Cam

162

2nd

24/5/59

Thompson, CT

SCCA Regional

MGA Twin Cam

262

3rd

13/6/59

Lime Rock, CT

SCCA Regional

MGA Twin Cam

262

2nd

27/6/59

Watkins Glen, NY

SCCA Regional – Glen Classic

MGA Twin Cam

162

DNF

4/7/59

Lime Rock, CT

SCCA National

MGA Twin Cam

162

1st

23/8/59

Watkins Glen, NY

MG Car Club Races

MGA Twin Cam

62

7th

12/9/59

Lime Rock, CT

LISCA Races

MGA Twin Cam

62

1st

26/9/59

Watkins Glen, NY

SCCA National – Dix Cup Race

MGA Twin Cam

162

DNF

26/9/59

Watkins Glen, NY

SCCA National – Collier Cup Race

MGA Twin Cam

162

1st

17/10/59

Lime Rock, CT

SCCA Regional

MGA Twin Cam

62

1st

16/4/60

Marlboro, MD

SCCA National

MGA Twin Cam

67

1st

25/6/60

Watkins Glen, NY

SCCA Regional - Watkins Glen Classic

MGA Twin Cam

167

1st

25/6/60

Watkins Glen, NY

MG Car Club Races

MGA Twin Cam

67

DNF

2/7/60

Lime Rock, CT

SCCA National

MGA Twin Cam

67

DNF

7/8/60

Montgomery, NY

SCCA National

MGA Twin Cam

267

6th

5/9/60

Thompson, CT

SCCA National

MGA Twin Cam

9th

24/9/60

Watkins Glen, NY

SCCA National – Collier Cup Race

MGA Twin Cam

67

6th

16/4/61

Marlboro, MD

SCCA National

MGA Twin Cam

671

2nd

30/4/61

Danville, VA

SCCA National

MGA Twin Cam

671

3rd

14/5/61

Cumberland, MD

SCCA National

MGA Twin Cam

267

2nd

24/6/61

Watkins Glen, NY

SCCA Divisional - Glen Classic

MGA Twin Cam

178

5th

1/7/61

Lime Rock, CT

SCCA National

MGA Twin Cam

27

1st

23/9/61

Watkins Glen, NY

SCCA National – Dix Cup

MGA 1500

305

?

21/10/62

Reading, PA

SCCA Regional

MGA 1600 MkII Deluxe

55

4th

27/4/63

Danville, VA

SCCA National

??

67

DNF

15/6/63

Lime Rock, CT

SCCA National

MGA 1600 MKIIDeluxe

?

Sherm Decker’s Black Twin Can YD3/2319 Alan Kyson, an MG Club member and MGA racer for over 20 years, has actually owned YD3/2319 twice! Initially in 2009, when he was unaware that it was one of Sherman Decker’s race cars, Alan bought the car from Bob West and rebuilt it as a race car for his own use.

This involved fitting a roll bar and all the other modifications to comply with race

regulations. The full build also included fitting a Twin Cam belt-driven engine, a close ratio four-speed gearbox and limited slip differential. Intentions change so in 2011, having finished but not raced the car, he sold it back to Bob West, the wellknown MGA expert and restorer who rebuilt the body and chassis to his own high standards.

When Alan retired in 2016 after 50 years in the motor trade, he became

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 33

Sherm Decker in his own words

aware that Bob still had the car which was still unfinished. Alan rang Bob, who not only made him aware of the car’s connection with Sherman Decker but ended up selling the car back to Alan. Bob said he had promised Sherman’s widow, Joan, that he would get it back on the road, an obligation Alan was happy to accept.

The repurchase consisted of the repainted body and chassis and also included all the parts required to finish the car, including a genuine works cylinder head and parts to build up a Twin Cam engine.

The car has been rebuilt to its original build specification – race screen, c/ratio gearbox and competition seats along with a genuine works steering wheel. The engine was, however, more of a challenge, as to have the potential to compete in the car it had to be stronger than simply a road-going engine and it soon became apparent that the block was not up to that. To cut a long story short, Alan ended up having a 1622cc block completely remanufactured to replicate the standard 1600cc twin cam block, bored to 1800cc

34 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

with a works twin cam head. The full engine specification is as follows: New old stock works cylinder head fitted with new valves and re-ported, forged pistons, steel billet crank, steel con-rods, special main bearing end cap, rear oil seal conversion, new cams, new jack shaft, new gear/ chains, new water pump, new lighter steel fly wheel, works-type alloy inlet manifold, competition clutch, four branch exhaust manifold, twin 45 Weber’s.

The engine was built in-house with Mass Racing doing the final set ups and dyno tests showing 169 bhp and 138 ft/ lb of torque at 6,400 revs. The car now, having been restored to an exceptionally high standard at considerable expense, can be used as either an amazing roadgoing car or, with some modifications, as a competition car.

Alan admits the pleasure in restoring this car probably outweighs that of his subsequently using it, so I hope it does not languish in Alan’s collection having neither achieved its on road or competition potential

To conclude, some words from Decker himself. When asked in the 1970s why he now refuses to go to motor races since he quit racing himself he responded: “It’s in my blood and I’m afraid I’d want to go back into racing.” Recalling his days “travelling the circuit,” he went on: “Racing is like a high. I don’t know of any thrill like it. I’ve thought of doing other things, like skydiving, but I doubt they could offer the thrills of racing.”

Decker crashed five or six cars - “You never keep count” - and he had several near misses. Probably his narrowest miss was in a race at Bridgehampton, Long Island. Decker was driving a Lola (Ford) T-70 at speeds of 90+ miles per hour. His gas line sprang a leak near the start of the race and half soaked him with gasoline. When making a turn, his rear suspension broke, causing his car to almost flip over on its nose. Though the Lola was in a vertical position, it miraculously fell back down on its wheels. Had it flipped, Decker recalls, he and his car would most certainly have been ablaze.

Decker dismissed this incident and others like it, saying it was “part of the job.”

“Death is often on a race car driver’s mind but you develop the attitude of ‘It can’t happen to me’.’

Sherm Decker signed off with “It took me two years to get racing out of my blood, and I still think of it. The thrills, the ego-boost when hearing the crowd and the experience of living high each day because you never knew what tomorrow would bring, all kind of remain in your system.”

To conclude, Sherm Decker was one of the greatest in period MGA racers who has not always received the recognition he deserved. Compiling his MGA competition history makes me pose the question: did any driver, even a works driver, compete in more different MGAs in period than Sherm? I suspect not!

Photographs of Sherman Decker courtesy of the BARCboys Collection

www.mgcc.co.uk

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TESTED BY MG ENTHUSIAST AND ROGER PARKER With over 200 kits now sold and 100% positive feedback the FCCKit has been a great success eliminating the hydragas issues. For 2019 the MK4 version incorporates improvements to make fitting easier, additional height and camber adjustment and self lubricating sintered bearings which eliminates the familiar top arm knock/play. 4 shocks and springs, 4 top arms, 4 turrets, ABS brackets and all fittings required standard tools are all that is required for a DIY fit. ’The ride you set is the ride you get’ £ +VAT

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The Mike Satur TransFormer Coilover Kit features a CNC machined aluminium top mount with rubber isolating pads which mount directly into the subframe without any drilling. The 50mm large capacity GAZ shocks are a MS design with a 14mm rod that is far stiffer than anything else on the market and directly transmits the loads into the rod without any reduction in diameter or strength. The stock/aftermarket ones are machined down to 10mm my 14mm design increases the strength without the risk of snapping.

Height and damper adjustment is easily done and the new design CNC machined lower bolts 15mm dia front and 17mm dia rear prevent the risk of snapping compared to the stock 12mm ones. The kit comes ready to fit without the use of old parts only the lower arms have to be machined from 12mm to 14mm for the lower bolt. The springs can easily be replaced without the need for compressors. The kit comprises of 4 spring and shock assemblies and 4 lower bolts.

£40

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PARTS MAIL ORDER WORLDWIDE

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Extra tough triple layer weatherproof cover Heavy duty powder coated steel tubing Ratchet tight tensioning

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SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 35

FEATURE Make sure you wear your PPE whilst in your workshop

MORE TOOLS FOR YOUR GARAGE AND WHAT THEY DO David takes another light hearted look at the tools we use in the home workshop

By David De Saxe Photos by Colin Grant 36 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

www.mgcc.co.uk

T

hose of you who suffered my previous article explaining basic tools used in maintaining motor cars will of course have spotted the deliberate mistake: the brass cap holding the little damper on an H4 carburettor requires a 13/16” spanner to remove it, not an 11/16”. I did that to see if you were paying attention. I said, too, that you wouldn’t find much other use for that size – and neither would you for the 13/16”. But wait: what about all those ¾” and 7/8” bolt heads or nuts that you’ve rounded or generally mangled using the pliers or mole grips I recommended in the previous issue? Maybe, just maybe, you could get one of those intermediate sizes to turn the offending item. (Unlikely, though.)

On the subject of SU carburettor suction chamber caps, early MGs such as Vintage and MMM have circular, knurled brass caps on their SUs, giving rise to your imagination as to which tool to use to remove them if they are more than hand-tight.

Below I explain one or two more tools and pieces of equipment you will need to do some of the servicing jobs on your car that I hope we may come to in a future article. I am indebted to my cousin in Scotland for complaining that my previous list was incomplete. But because living up in some forsaken glen he has nothing to do other than whinge as he contemplates an ancient Lea Francis beyond hope of repair and a Series II Land Rover even further beyond, I thought it would be kind to him to acknowledge among the following some missing items to which he drew my attention.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) The bloke in the picture at the beginning of this article illustrates the very minimum you need to be wearing in your garage or workshop to protect yourself from seriously destructive bodily damage, following mishaps. And when I say wearing, I mean permanently wearing whilst in the workshop, as anything less and you’re inadequately protected. The great thing about covering yourself with all this gear is it ensures that you are totally unable to handle any of the tools described here, thus eliminating the probability of misuse or,

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The power drill ideal for scratching a beautifully lacquered surface

worse, serious damage to your MG. Clad fully protected as shown by the picture, you might perhaps be able to try your luck with the oxyacetylene torch.

However, use of this extremely dangerous piece of equipment, as I hinted last time, is likely to cause a conflagration whose boundary extends very many square metres beyond whatever it was you were attempting to weld. Though it would be wrong totally to dismiss its value, PPE is of little use in such circumstances.

POWER DRILL AND ACCESSORIES Perhaps the most versatile tool you’ll ever buy. Used in conjunction with things called bits, which you insert in the chuck, it is designed to apply a long and deep scratch to any smooth, beautifully lacquered surface, and this will result in needing to have the complete panel taken down to bare metal and repainted. You were supposed to have marked the spot where you intended to drill the hole – for example, to fit a door or wing mirror – with a centre punch, which in expert hands makes a light indentation in the panel, small enough but with sufficient depth to guide the tip of the drill bit. A centre punch is used in

conjunction with a light hammer. I covered the purpose of a hammer in the previous article, but for new readers, it is designed to wreck the component lying adjacent to the item that it is intended by the operator to strike. In the example given above, the front wing or door frame.

A power drill has many more uses, since different accessories can be inserted in the chuck. There are handy kits on the market in nice, unbreakable plastic cases that contain full sets of screwdriver bits covering all types of screw head. However, these do not function like a proper, oldfashioned screwdriver in that they are useless for opening paint tins; also, they will not punch a hole in and remove the soft metal cover under the lid of various cans of stuff like engine oil. That said, you can attempt these applications using the power drill but, should you do so, you will be slung bodily across the garage, hitting your head on a sharp projection of the object against which you have come to rest, with your hand still attached to the handle of the power drill, the business end of which has thrown the contents of the oil or paint can across most of what is left of your body.

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 37

BENCH VICE

jaws themselves. Another use of the bench vice is to damage further the bolt head you have been trying by other means to separate from a vital and non-replaceable component (v&n-rc). What I mean is, securing the bolt head in the vice and heaving in an anticlockwise direction on the v&n-rc (short of smacking it with a hammer, which I can’t recommend you attempt, in view of its n-r qualities) might conceivably provide a use for the 11/16” spanner. (As a pointless non sequitur, MGF owners may recognise this size as the means of entry to those mysterious tubes when pumping up the hydraulic suspension).

The bench vice, ideal for squashing your thumb

TIN SNIPS

This is an absolute necessity. You can hold anything in it, very tightly, even your thumb. It will be the same thumb that you decorated with a large blood blister when wielding the pliers. If you have managed to remove your thumb prior to the final tightening of the vice, you will have nevertheless forgotten to make a pair of jaw protectors from a suitable piece of smooth angle steel, or even just from two strips of wood. Had you done so, the small steel fabrication you had carefully cut with the tin snips (see below) after the fifth attempt – as near perfect an effort as you are likely to achieve, i.e. an average all round variance with the original or pattern of roughly ¼ inch – would not have emerged from the vice bearing a deep and rather engaging though unwanted pattern remarkably similar to that of the internal faces of the

In the way it behaves, there is a remarkable similarity between this tool and a hacksaw. While sharp-brained readers will gain from its name an idea of its intended use, tin snips are shaped in such a way as to make it impossible to cut a straight line. Having carefully marked out the work – perhaps to make a small bodywork repair section – you will end up with a shape which more closely resembles a crescent moon. You will also have lost a good half of a finger nail.

CLAW AND MAGNET These are two items, each on long, springy wire handles. With practice you will find yourself becoming more and more adept at dropping small parts, so you will enjoy a lot of use from this inexpensive but vital

pair of tools. As it closes on the uniquesized, no longer obtainable washer you dropped in the bowels of the engine bay, the claw behaves like one of those larger ones you see in fun fairs where, having put your coin in the slot, manoeuvred the claw with the operator wheel and just about got it to grasp the chocolate bar or whatever, it magically shoves the desired object to one side and the mechanism whirrs to a halt. The workshop claw will act likewise. So, too, the magnet, except that either it’s not quite long enough to reach the washer or, if it would do, won’t access it because some other much more magnetically attractive and immovable piece of metal gets in the way. If allowed inside them, the magnet has additional uses in causing quite exciting and usually terminal damage to voltage regulators and petrol gauges.

NUT SPLITTER For use when all else fails. The nut splitter probably will, too.

POP RIVETER An invaluable tool, useful for sticking together structural parts of any motor car incapable of ever passing an MOT test. The car still won’t, but the rivets will do a job until you have become competent at welding. Which I’m afraid you’re not likely to.

Pop Riveters. Just the tool you need to fail an MOT

Tin snips will make a repair section look like a moon cresent 38 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

www.mgcc.co.uk

www.mgcc.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 39

Bench Grinder will reduce any blade needing sharpening to all round dimensions

GREASE GUN An essential item which will be found empty just when you have with some difficulty wriggled your way under your car to lubricate the propshaft universal joints. When full, it will squirt its contents uselessly around the perimeter of the king pin lubricating nipple that you can’t actually see because it’s facing the rear of the car.

You could of course remove the road wheel and get a better view, when you would be able to see that the nipple is bunged up with old grease that has hardened to a point denying any hope of penetration. It

Grease Gun. Always empty when you come to use it 40 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

is an unerring fact of car maintenance life that you do not have any stock of the right shaped or threaded grease nipple.

BENCH GRINDER Designed to reduce any blade requiring light sharpening to the all-round dimensions of a skewer.

TIMING LIGHT

cooling fan blades. If in good order, these should slice with little or no fuss through the insulated lead of the timing light. As a useful auxiliary, the severed cable may pass upwards of 10,000 volts though your arm.

DRAIN PLUG REMOVAL TOOL A somewhat evil-looking bar with curiously shaped knobbles at one end and

For testing the cutting ability of your car’s

Timing Light. Tests the cutting ability of your cars cooling fan blades

Drain plug re tools that ne moval ver fit www.mgcc.co.uk

MERCHANDISE

KIMBER STORES MG Street Sign £25.00

Key Fob £5.00

Black Bandana £13.50

MG Polo shirt £25.00 each

MG Rucksack £25.00

Burgundy Ladies Fleece £35.00

CTek Battery Conditioner £63.00

Small MGCC Car Badge £19.50

Car covers from £103.00

All prices exclude P&P

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

Oil filter removing tools, just the thing to squash your oil filter

a square hole at the other. None of these fit the recessed drain plug on your car’s differential casing, neither does the open end fit the plug to drain the engine sump or gearbox.

OIL FILTER REMOVAL TOOL You’ll need one of these to squash your spin-on type engine oil filter into a shapeless mass of soft metal. The tool comes in various different styles; most of these have a fair chance of getting some sort of grip on the filter, though unless your wrists are like those of the multiplejointed Sri Lankan bowler Muralitharan, the one you’ve bought is incapable of being turned in an anti-clockwise direction. This is because as soon as you

try, you’ll find that the business end has been specially designed to loosen its grip and so slide off the filter.

FEELER GAUGE Simple maintenance jobs such as setting sparking plug and distributor contact point gaps, tappet rocker clearances and the like are made easy with this tool, whose individual blades open out like a bunch of fabric swatches. None of the sizes, however, even used in combinations of two, actually match those demanded by the engine data sheet, to follow the precision of which is important.

so as to expose the core wires ready for soldering or crimping to a terminal, but which instead cuts through the wire so that its length is now too short. The other purpose, as the observant reader will have spotted from the tool’s title, is to crimp wire cable onto a terminal with a view to making a sound electrical connection. Crimp terminals come in three different, helpfully coloured sizes so as to accommodate different thicknesses of wire – low, medium and high resistance. You will have used up all the smaller sizes (red and blue) you bought in a much-too-small pack from your motor accessory shop, so you use the crimping part of the tool to force it to semi-clench a yellow-coloured terminal on to the end of a length of slender, high-resistance cable (from which you’ve anyway stripped most of the tiny copper core wires). The mild vibration caused when you start the engine will be sufficient to ensure that the terminal drops off the wire.

Next time, should the esteemed editor of this magazine permit me, I will deal with problems encountered when undertaking basic servicing and repairs and how it is rarely, if ever, possible to avoid them.

Thank you to Chris Lewis for allowing us in his garage to take the photographs that accompany this article.

MULTI WIRE STRIPPER AND CRIMPING TOOL

Feeler Gauge. Sizes never match the requirement

www.mgcc.co.uk

An invaluable, multi-purpose tool designed to strip electrical cable Crimping tool for reducing the length of wires SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 43

NEWSLETTER

Paul Campbell svw.safety.fast@gmail.com www.svwregister.co.uk

WELCOME TO THE

SVW NEWSLETTER some 42 years. Finally, Ed Jonas tells us about the SA Saloon that’s been in his family from new, spending much of its life in various museums!

I’ve been having running problems with my VA Tourer; I don’t have enough space here but have documented it on our Facebook group, where we now have 181 members. There has been lots of other interesting activity there as well as on the MG SVW Groups.io email group. You should belong to at least one of these as they’re a fantastic resource for everything SVW.

In this issue, Jim Andrews, in addition to the usual Chairman’s Jottings, expands upon the ‘mad metric’ bolts we find in our engines, appeals to VA owners to report the markings on their engines and announces the winners of two of our annual awards (which should come as a surprise to the recipients!). Peter Cook also tells us of a nice article published in France about SVW engines, much of which we know, but it’s always nice to see international SVW exposure. Stuart Cleaver provides a photo of his VA Tickford, brought back from the USA after languishing

NUTS AND BOLTS USED ON SVW ENGINES expense of re-tooling the thread cutting machinery). He did however adopt a very British compromise in having the nuts and bolts produced from imperial-sized hexagonal steel so that British size spanners fitted the nuts and bolts.

As you may know, our MG engines and gearboxes were built and supplied by Morris Motors. The last MG to use these ‘Mad Metric’ threads was the 1955 MG TF, after which MG engines had UNF and UNC threads.

As a result of this non-British Standard thread on our engines it is not uncommon to now find some incorrectly threaded bolts fitted or the holes re-threaded for replacement bolts, which is quite understandable if you, or past owners, did not know that our engines were manufactured with these mad metric nuts and bolts. A further complication is that the thread profile may differ as well as the Threads Per Inch (TPI), hence the easily obtainable (and often supplied as ‘will fit’) 1/2 inch UNF bolt will tighten up into the engine block, but

Over the years there have been many articles written on the issues relating to obtaining the correct replacement nuts and bolts for the engine and gearboxes fitted to our SVW cars. I therefore thought it prudent to produce a summary of the issues for the benefit of our newer members.

You may think that if a BSF spanner fits a bolt on your engine then the thread on the bolt is BSF; unfortunately this is not the case as our engines and gearboxes have old French Standard Metric threads on imperial-headed bolts, often called mad metric nuts and bolts.

Why is this, you may ask? Well, it goes back to 1915 when the French firm, Hotchkiss, relocated to Coventry due to the advancing Germans during the First World War. After the war they started to make engines for William Morris and others. In 1923 William Morris bought out Hotchkiss to manufacture only his engines. Unfortunately for us, he did not take the opportunity to convert to British Standard threads (probable due to the

Comparison table of the most common 5/16 bolts fitted to engines Size

5/16 MG

5/16 BSF

5/16 BSW

8mm

Diameter (inches)

0.3125

0.3125

0.3125

0.3150

0.3150

0.309

0.309

Diameter (mm)

7.9375

7.9375

7.9375

8

8

7.9375

7.9375

Threads per Inch (TPI)

25

22

18

25

20.3

24

18

ISO F

MG = BSF Spanner size with old French Standard Metric threads BSF = British Standard Fine BSW = British Standard Whitworth ISO F = International Standard Organisation Fine (Metric)

44 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

8mm ISOC C

1/2inch UNF

1/2inch UNC

ISO C = International Standard Organisation Coarse (Metric) UNF = Unified National Fine (also known as American National Fine ANF) UNC = Unified National Coarse (also known as American National Coarse ANC)

www.mgcc.co.uk

NEWSLETTER it can be the threads tightening up, not necessarily the faces being clamped together, resulting in gasket leakage.

If your 5/16 spanner does not fit the nut or bolt correctly it is an indication that the bolt is not the original. Because of the possibility that some bolts may have been changed or the thread re-tapped, it’s good practice to label the individual nuts and bolts when stripping the engine so you replace them in the exact same

positions, thereby eliminating damaging a second thread. A further check is to ensure that the bolt screws fully into the block before fitting the component being secured. All the other nuts and bolts on our cars for the chassis and body are standard BSF. If you require new replacement nuts and bolts the specialist T Type suppliers are possible sources.

Jim Andrews

HERITAGE, LE MAGAZINE DU MG CLUB DE FRANCE Coincidentally, Peter Cook (MGCC Overseas Director) contacted us about an article in this French MG magazine (May 2020) entitled Histoire de Moteurs – Les Moteurs Morris 4 et 6 Cylindres des MG S-V-W, which I’m sure needs no translation. Peter did, however, provide a full translation, which gives an in-depth history of our engines. Some of this is included in Jim’s item above, but below are a few snippets taken from the magazine article and I’ve included images of the article, too small to read I’m afraid as it would take up too much space, but they show the layout and nice images used.

From Hotchkiss To MG This company, specialising in light machine guns and cannons, had never produced automobile engines before the end of the

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First War, when Sir William Morris asked them in 1918 to produce combustion engines based on an American design.

Although production of these engines at Coventry exclusively for Morris continued to increase, in 1922 Hotchkiss refused to invest more capital in England and preferred to benefit its activities in France.

As production at that time could not exceed the threshold of 300 motors per week, Sir William Morris decided to buy the factory which became Morris Engines Ltd. MG SA: used a 6-cylinder engine with side camshaft and rocker arms, more conventional than the original Wolseley 4 cylinders with overhead camshaft. It was part of a whole family of 4 and 6 cylinder engines with displacements from 1140cc to 2561cc, of which only some were used

in MGs. This engine was of considerable height, so the twin SU carburettors were placed horizontally to allow the mounting of a sufficiently low bonnet. The clutch was in an oil bath. It had coil ignition and the cooling was by a thermo siphon assisted by a circulation pump. The side camshaft controlled vertical valves through tappets, pushrods and rocker arms. The pistons initially had four segments - and later three - positioned above the piston pin.

MG VA: this 4 cylinder was of the same design as the 6 but with a modification concerning the shaft line; a balanced crankshaft with revised bearings was introduced during production, replacing the white metal bearings. This engine also had a bore and stroke identical to the last evolution of the 6-cylinder of the SA. It

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 45

NEWSLETTER was fitted with two 1.25-inch vertical SU carburettors. In parallel with the evolution of the crankshaft, the wet clutch mounted on the first VAs was replaced by a dry clutch. Subsequently, a version with a displacement of 1707cc (73mm bore) and two 1.5-inch SU carburettors was introduced, increasing performance. This engine was offered only for police VAs and was also fitted to Cecil Kimber’s personal VA. (Note: the police spec. was offered

too close to the beginning of WW2, so was only fitted to one prototype using the standard H3 carbs – Ed) MG WA: The third model that used this family of 6-cylinder engines was the MG “2.6 litres” or WA. This version benefited from the latest evolutions of the 4-cylinder engine, with the balanced crankshaft mounted on bearings and of a displacement of 2561cc with a compression

ratio increased to 7.25: 1. Other novelties appeared on this engine, such as a modification of the lubrication circuit with a coil placed in the cooling system, which allowed a faster rise in temperature and better cooling at temperature. This engine was equipped with twin SU carburettors installed vertically and was also the first engine of the MG brand to be mounted on silentblocs.

Translated and Sent by Peter Cook

VA2106 RESTORATION Stuart Cleaver visited me in July to pick up some gaskets for his VA Tickford. The car had been stored in a warehouse in Illinois

for some 42 years alongside many other old MGs, mostly MGAs. Stuart said: “I bought the car in July last year without

VA2106 arrives in UK from USA. Photo: Stuart Cleaver

having seen it or spoken directly to the owner (there’s one born every minute!).

After many strange email exchanges, the car was finally shipped and arrived in Southampton just before Christmas 2019”. The VA is being professionally restored in Hampshire. Stuart went on to say: “The aim is to have her complete and running by Easter 2021. She will remain ‘cream cracker’ in colour and will be named Dorothy May after my mother, who was born in 1904, so would have been in her thirties when the car first ran”.

The photo is of its arrival in the UK. Some parts are missing, but good progress is already being made and we look forward to hearing more about this car as it progresses.

Paul Campbell

SA SALOON – ONE FAMILY FROM NEW!

SA2002 near home in Cheshire. Photo: Martin Williamson

46 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

www.mgcc.co.uk

NEWSLETTER Last month I published two photos of this magnificent black SA (chassis 2002, reg.

DFY 34) and promised to tell you more this month. The owner, Ed Jonas, wrote to me with some touching history as follows: “My Great Aunt Rene, who bought the car new from Automotors in Southport (where she lived), was very good at keeping things, as were my Dad and Mum who were given the car by her back in the 1960s. Dad recalled that nobody wanted these old, slow cars back then, but he always thought it had been beautifully made so he kept it in his garage and then lent it to the Myreton Motor Museum in East Lothian for a period of time, followed by a spell at the Doune Museum. My Mum then held on to the car at her house for many years, then gave it to me. I didn’t have a house with a garage for many years so I lent the car to the Bettws-y-Coed museum and then latterly to the museum at Llangollen. Eventually, I got a house with a garage and I am so pleased to have the car under my roof at last.

The SA is pretty much original. I had to have it rewired a few years ago because the fabric insulation had become unsafe

SA2002 showing original sticker on rev. counter and patinated finish. Photo: Martin Williamson

and of course the radiator and brakes have had to be refurbished. The carpets were very old and had to go. However, most of the paintwork is original, as is the leather interior and even the spare tyre is the factory-supplied original, complete with the small spikes where the rubber was injected into the mould still present. The clear sticker on the rev. counter that shows the maximum recommended running in speeds is still present”.

REGISTER CHAIRMAN’S JOTTINGS

In my last Jottings in the March edition I was contemplating which events to participate in this year. What a change this dreadful Covid-19 has caused, all events cancelled and very little use of our cars; both my VA and MGC GT have effectively remained in hibernation.

With the postponement of our SVW Register annual event to next year, we have lost the opportunity to pleasantly surprise the winners of our awards during the evening gala dinner.

To try and maintain that pleasant surprise element, I list the winners below and I give them all my personal congratulations.

The Frances Adam Award for exceptional services to the Register is awarded to Gary and Perm Perry for the outstanding work they did in upgrading the Register website. The SVW Register committee gave Gary and Perm an outline brief of the requirements of the upgrade. We were all taken aback, as hopefully you all have been, with the superb result, far exceeding our expectations and a credit to them both and the SVW Register.

The David Washbourne Award for the most significant contribution to the SVW Review, as judged by the editor, is made to Des Wakeman for his articles concerning his restoration of

www.mgcc.co.uk

We rarely come across such original, one-family cars, which provide a template for our own restorations. As such, I plan to produce a larger article with Ed that will hopefully do the car justice, probably for the 2021 edition of The SVW Review.

Hopefully you’re all riding out the pandemic and the consequent restrictions and looking forward to when we can use our cars more extensively and get together again.

his VA Tickford, plus its past history when owned by his friend Desmond George West.

The Peter Ratcliiffe Trophy will, for the first time in its history, not be awarded this year as, due to Covid-19, we will not be having a gathering of members with their cars this year.

We now have the logistics issue of getting the awards to the winners and hopefully we can all acknowledge their success and collectively congratulate them at next year’s dinner.

VA Engine Information Request As a follow up to my article on VA Wet and Dry Clutch engines that appeared in this year’s SVW Review and on our website, I’m researching the engine block casting numbers used on the VA as well as the Morris 12 and Wolseley 12. The engine blocks are virtually identical in appearance and their actual identification is further compounded if a replacement engine supplied by Morris Motors is fitted. To assist me in this research I would be grateful if VA owners could advise me of the following details of their car engines, plus any spare engines – Engine Type and Number (by exhaust down pipe), Casting Date (below dynamo), Casting Number (by oil filter), if it has MG, MOWOG, and/or a diamond casting mark (oil filter side). Please email me at jimrhoda@ btinternet.com. Thanking you in anticipation.

Jim Andrews

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 47

48 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

www.mgcc.co.uk

Paul Plummer 01926 854574 scribe@tregister.org

NEWSLETTER

WELCOME TO THE

T TYPE NEWSLETTER It would appear that the most overused word of the moment is: CANCELLED! As you will have seen elsewhere, we have had to cancel the Autumn Tour, which is of course disappointing, but the good news is that the hotel has allowed us to carry our bookings forward to next year. The Tour will now take place over the weekend of September 10-13 2021 and if you wish to retain your booking you need do nothing. If however, you are unable to attend and wish to cancel you must advise Ian Palmer and the hotel.

Other events that you may have planned to attend have also fallen to effects of the dreaded virus. These include Kop Hill climb, Beaulieu Autojumble and Goodwood Revival. However, the Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble is still scheduled to go ahead on October 4.

Even the serialisation of the restoration of TF 1500 ‘Neville’ has been temporarily put on hold, but we will bring the final instalment, part IV, in January 2021.

Paul Plummer

THE STELLA ALPINA Some of you may recall that in the December 2019 issue we ran a taster about a rally in the Dolomites and tempted you with more to follow. Here is Adrian Martin’s story of his adventures in his TC whilst participating in the 2019 event Over the past three years I have been lucky enough to participate as Co-Driver in the wonderful Italian rally “Terre di Canossa” in a friend’s 1956 Maserati 200Si. This takes place over four days in April and runs from Salsomaggiore (near Parma), across

the Apennines to the Ligurian sea and back. It is a fabulous start to summer!

When I discovered that the organisers also run the Stella Alpina rally in the Dolomites I asked my wife if she would co-drive in our 1946 TC that we have owned for 45

years. The rally runs from June 28 to 30, so we would be safe from snow and it would be nice to spend some time in this beautiful part of Italy.

I have to admit that we trailered the car out to Trento where we unloaded at the Ferrari factory (Spumante not Scuderia!) to find that we were in the company of some fabulous cars – ranging

The TC alongside some exalted company www.mgcc.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 49

NEWSLETTER from a 1937 Fiat, through Lancias, Alfas, Porsche 356s, Triumph TR3s, XKs & E-types, a gorgeous 1964 Ferrari 250GT Lusso - and two Italian MGAs! After picking up our Road Book, stickers, caps, etc, we had a briefing in Italian and English before heading to our 1605 start at Piazza Duomo in Trento.

The tulip road book set out 99 Regularity sections over the three days: But our TC is entirely original so we would rely on a mobile phone’s GPS for distance and two stopwatches for timing.

The first leg, 37km, was to Borgo Valsugana for a coffee stop then another 29km over Passo Manghen for an Aperitif

stop. The Italians do rallies with such style!

With the temperature approaching 40°C, we ended with a lively evening – 150 entrants at a mountain restaurant in Pozza di Fassa – before heading to our hotel in Moena.

The next morning the whole town was out to admire the various “motore

Up amongst the Dolomites, taking a short break after some serious climbing

50 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

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NEWSLETTER storica”. As we set off to tackle seven Dolomite passes – Costalunga, Nigra, Erbe, Valparola, Pordoi, Fedaia and San Pellegrino – it was already over 30°C and quite hot in the TC cockpit! And we had 150km ahead of us…

We reached lunch at San Cassiano with the TC running perfectly despite the steep climbs, altitude and high temperature. In the afternoon, we became

a bit more focused on looking after the brakes.

That evening we finished at Moena and were then all taken up in a cable car to a mountain-top restaurant with the most fantastic views.

Sunday morning took us along a spectacular single-track high forest route, followed by the last 12 regularity sections through a vineyard on the valley floor. The

TC never missed a beat and we finished 25th, in time for lunch back in Trento.

There are so many great things about an Italian rally. Of course the scenery, the architecture, the roads, the organisation, the food and the wines are all special, but what really keeps us smiling is the wonderfully enthusiastic reception from the locals who just love cars – and particularly appreciated our TC!

ETHANOL IN PETROL We are all very wary of ethanol which is blended into most pump petrol, and I would like to draw your attention to a paper written

by T Register member Paul Ireland.

The paper is entitled ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ gives a resume of the pros and cons of E10. With all the misinformation that is currently circulating, this gives a good background to all the issues.

Paul’s paper can be found at, https:// classicenginesmodernfuel.org.uk/e10/

Along with this website, Paul has published a book of the same title, ‘Classic Engines, Modern Fuel’.

This publication highlights the issues and calls upon the research carried out by the team at Manchester University on a fully instrumented MG XPAG engine, funded in part by the T Register and the MG Car Club. I am sure the book will be of great interest to T Type owners.

Paul Plummer

SKETCHES FROM JAPAN

This month we feature the TC, this one with the somewhat unusual, but standard range, colour of Clipper Blue with beige trim, and this car shown has the windscreen folded down.

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SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 51

NEWSLETTER CAR OF THE MONTH The TA as it is today.

This month we feature a slightly different car with an intriguing and somewhat chequered history, a 1937 TA Tickford registration FVU 867, owned by Tim Whitlock.

Here Tim takes up the tale…

When I passed my driving test in 1964 I asked my father if he would lend me some money to buy a car. He replied: “My son, if you want a car, you have to earn some money in the school holidays.” Which I did, working as a post boy for the Royal Mail, and whilst delivering mail one day I noticed a wreck of a car which turned out to be a MG TA Tickford, registration number FVU 867. I tracked down the owner, who asked £30 for the wreck which I paid for with my hard-earned wages. I had the vehicle towed back home and with some help to de-rust the cylinders, it fired back into life, and after passing an engineer’s test, she was back on the road. Despite the disintegrated hood, I drove her all through 1964 until I left school in 1965 and sailed off to Australia.

I stayed in Australia for seven years, and during that time I wrote to my brother with very explicit instructions (I still have these written instructions on file!) to sell the car on my behalf. It was sold by my brother and passed through a couple of owners and eventually, sometime in the late 1960s, the car was rescued by Simon

52 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

Car of the Month

September 2020

Owner

Tim Whitlock

Model

TA Tickford

Year

1937

Chassis number

TA 1144

Engine number

1377

Reg number

FVU 867

Years owned

2 + 12 = 14

Gibbard, just in the nick of time, as it was about to be broken up.

In the intervening years I have owned two TCs and two MGB GTs, so you can see I have MGs in my blood!

It was not until the late 1990s/early 2000s that I started to think again of the MG TA Tickford. I joined the MG Car Club and went to MG events at Silverstone, hoping that I might find my old TA. Eventually luck was on my side! On thumbing through Safety Fast! there was my old car advertised for sale in the Classified Advertisements. In 2002 I contacted the owner, Simon Gibbard, who lived relatively close by and I visited him and viewed the car.

Simon had lovingly and extensively restored the car to a very high standard over many

years, but at the time the asking price was more than I could afford. It was not until 2008, having been encouraged by my wife and brother, that I made contact with Simon again. Yes, the TA was still for sale and within 48hrs she was mine again! The MG gods must have been on my side!

FVU 867 is featured in Clausager’s book ‘Original MG T Series’ from pages 49 to 55 with many fine photos from around 1989 when it was fitted with Ace wheel discs.

Tim at the wheel of FVU 867 in 1964 www.mgcc.co.uk

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SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 53

NEWSLETTER

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

WELCOME TO THE

MGC NEWSLETTER

Welcome to the MGC Newsletter. As mentioned last month, in 2021 the Register is planning to produce a wall calendar featuring some of our wonderful cars and we need your pictures. Please refer to the terms and conditions detailed in July’s C Register notes and send your photos to mgc_photos@gmx.co.uk The deadline for entries is September 30 2020. This month we’ve got two articles,

the first a tribute to Ted De La Riviere, a great MGC Register stalwart who is missed by many people. The second is an article penned by Peter Mapson, written during his time in lockdown, minus his MGC! Happy ‘C’ Motoring Colin Howes

REMEMBERING TED DE LA RIVIERE ONE OF LIFE’S GENTLEMEN 1935–2020

Ted had the biggest smile. It has been a privilege knowing him

Last month in Safety Fast! many of you would have read the sad news that Ted De La Riviere has passed away. Sally, Ted’s wife of 51 years, was at his bedside, along with other members of his family. Ted fought to the end, ever the brave and gallant man he was.

We, at the MGC Register, remember him as a giant among men, not only in his physical self but his character and charm also. We are going to miss the big man; he literally stood out from the crowd. We often hear of the word gentleman, but he was in every sense of the word. Kind and gentle, softly spoken, a huge big smile, along with having a fount of engineering and technical knowledge, second to none.

You may have read in July 2019 Safety Fast! (Fighting Fit at Forty) a Trader 54 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

Spotlight on the business Beech Hill Garage which was founded by Ted and his wife Sally, in 1979. He found a great partner in Sally, a very capable mechanic in her own right, and their marriage was both long and loving. There wasn’t much the dream team of Ted and Sally didn’t know and they developed Beech Hill Garage between them, fantastically, until handing over to Will, their son, in 2002.

Ted’s formative years were at Downton Engineering in the 1960s. Well known for modifications on BMC and MG cars, the knowledge he gained at Downton

and thereafter proved to be invaluable to the MGC Register, with our big three-litre engines. Ted was always willing to help, give advice and get a little dirty, if need be...! He was passionate about everything he did and supported the MGC Register, both with sponsorship and his and Sally’s presence, at pretty much every event we put on. Socially, we have had a lot of fun – the bigger the crowd, the more likely Ted, would be in the thick of it, always willing and ready to chat, making it easy for our friendship to grow over the years.

We first got to know them coming to our events in their Grampian Grey GT, known affectionately as the “Grey Whale”. A car with a racing pedigree under several owners between 1986 and 2002, whereupon it arrived at Beech

The Grey Whale at Silverstone in 2007 with Will De La Riviere and Willie Walsh, the then chief executive of BA

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NEWSLETTER

Fondly known as The Grey Whale, Ted at the wheel with Sally by his side 2007

Hill Garage. Ted and Sally used this car regularly until 2008.

We had our 40th MGC Anniversary in 2007 and Ted and Sally mentioned there was going to be the inaugural (Come to Downton) event celebrating everything Downton in 2008. This was organised by the Downton Engineering Works Social Club (DEWS) of which Ted was an exemployee. The C Register came along to support it and has done every year since.

Here we saw NLJ for the first time. A BRG C Roadster which Ted and Sally had owned since 1983 and was used as everyday transport for many a year. Retirement for Ted came in 2002 and he rebuilt and restored the C to a superb standard. It appeared as a main feature in Classic and Sports Car in an in-depth article of which NLJ was the star and it also featured the swan neck radiator filler that Ted and Beech Hill had developed a little earlier.

The car was going to be no lounge lizard and has done many a mile over the years, including a C weekend to the Isle of Wight and many more places further afield like Lake Garda and Stelvio Pass, and many other adventures were had in the capable hands of both Ted and Sally.

Ted was unfortunately diagnosed with Alzheimer’s some five years ago and this wretched condition slowly but surely got an increased hold on him. However, this didn’t stop Ted and Sally enjoying life and appreciating all the clubs they were associated with. When they came to events, at the sight of an engine Ted was in his element and he had a great time discussing what he saw, and his advice and comments were always gratefully received.

Ted had a full life as a husband to Sally, a father, grandfather, Grand Prix Racing Mechanic and a successful garage owner, which continues in the capable hands of Will and wife Louise. www.mgcc.co.uk

Ted presenting another worthy winner over the Back to Downton weekend 2011

Ted and Sally on the back to Downton New Forest Road Run Weekend 2014

We shall all miss you, big man, but our memories will remain alive forever. Who could ever forget the smile and kindness

you bestowed on those you met. A true friend and a privilege to have known.

Ginny and Barrie Cartmell SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 55

NEWSLETTER A DIARY IN THE LIFE OF LOCKDOWN MGC weekend cancelled! MGLive! cancelled! Donington Historic cancelled!

Sadly, for me, I had done most of the work for the MGs in the Park event I organise each year at Cotswold Wildlife Park, before that too had to go.

Still, lots of time to fettle the C and catch up on those ‘always meaning to do’ jobs now we are in lockdown, right..? Wrong.

All I have is an empty garage, as just before lockdown I dropped the C off to Ralph Saunders’ Pit Stop Garage so he could work his magic on the engine. So whilst I am enjoying the WhatsApp pictures of friends’ MGs being daily enhanced, I have to sit waiting for wine o’clock to come round!

Mind you, I have to say things have improved the longer this lock down has gone on, as the other day, Pauline said: “I know you are missing the driving as it’s become a big part of what you enjoy, so why not take the red one out for a spin.”

I could hardly believe my ears, but before it got retracted, I grabbed my string-backed gloves, cap and scarf and all-important keys and was out of the house before you could say ‘Stay at Home’. Well, I don’t mind admitting the excitement was rising as I undid the garage doors and beheld the many-times-cleaned red beast before me.

After giving the bonnet louvres a final quick rub down, I was soon in the driving seat.

Using the choke, I was delighted as it started first time, so I sat for a moment blipping the throttle before carefully engaging reverse and backing out of the garage; stopping only to adjust my scarf and pull my cap down over my eyes for the road ahead.

What a pleasure it was to hear the fat tyres crunching the gravel as I pulled round to face up the drive to the open road. I nervously looked to the house, but there was no sign of sanction, so with just the right amount of wheel spin, I set off up the drive and on reaching the end, I slowed to take the right turn through the gates to see the horizon open up before me. Right, here we go, I thought!

Just then, Pauline appeared to my right and seemed to be mouthing something at me, so I knocked it out of gear and took my foot off the gas so I could hear her say “Don’t drop the deck too low, or you will cut the grass too short and that won’t do it any good.” “Righto, dear”, I said as I trundled off down the garden to cut the grass to the height decreed! Well, the mower does have louvres in its bonnet, although sadly it doesn’t really compare with an E-Type’s.

Having said that, my garden lap times are coming down, as is the quality of the grass-cutting some say, apparently!

To be honest, living where we do we really are so much luckier than so many

families who may be living in high-rise flats with children off school, having to look down at the locked up playgrounds, etc.

Still, the hardest part for us is not being with family and friends, and when Orla, our twoyear-old Granddaughter says on FaceTime she is missing Grandma giving her a cuddle, there’s not a dry eye in the house!

However, amid the terrible daily statistics that are changing so many family lives, there are good and even inspirational things happening. The weekly event, where all of our villagers clap and cheer on Thursday nights, is such a special togetherness sound, it always brings a lump to my throat. Then from Captain Tom Moore down, there are lovely things happening up and down the country that cheer our collective souls.

Our Drive It Day plans, like everyone else’s, changed, but as a nod to that special day, we sat in the garden and I put on my driving gloves to drink some rather palatable Côtes de Provence Rosé, reminiscing about what we were missing! Planning to do the same when Donington was supposed to on, and MGLive!, Silverstone Classic, etc, etc.

We are all hopeful of medical advances, maybe even a vaccine by the autumn, which hopefully will come in time to stop me expanding like a red star, as to pass the time, I have taken to baking pies!

Until we meet again ‘Keep Safe’!

Peter Mapson Peter Mapson’s MGC

56 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

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TECH TORQUE

An embarrassingly dirty heater shelf

UPGRADING THE MGAs HEATER I

By Colyn Firth

have had a new, upgraded heater fan and a new motor on my workbench for quite some time now, waiting for a good time to go about fitting them.

(Both supplied by Moss.) They have been quite a long way down my “To-Do” list, until the Covid-19 crisis hit us and suddenly I was looking for projects to keep me busy until we could finally get out on the roads again.

The main reason for buying the replacement parts was that the existing

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heater motor and fan were quite noisy in operation. They made a rattling noise, which I thought could be caused by either worn brushes/bearings or possibly the fan rubbing on part of the heater body.

I also hoped that the upgraded parts would increase the airflow into the cockpit.

I was a little worried that removing the heater could be a little challenging, but it turned out to be fairly straightforward. It only took me 10 minutes or so to remove the demist nozzles, the demist pipes and

the flap control wire from inside the car.

The biggest surprise was to find just how embarrassingly dirty the heater shelf was beneath the heater! I don`t know how you Concours guys out there manage to keep your cars so clean!

I had a good look at the heater unit on the bench and it looked to be as good as new, inside and out, but the motor and the metal fan in it looked more like they were original, 60-year-old, MGA parts.

Adapting the motor to fit the MGA Heater unit So, I began with comparing the old fan and motor with the new ones.

The new plastic fan, which is I believe from the MGB heater, is the same diameter as the original metal fan. It is approximately 1/4” deeper and it still has 24 blades, but these are much longer and more curved in shape. Also, the plastic fan does not have the threaded boss for a locking nut to fasten it on to the spindle and so I used a hose-clip to clamp it tight.

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 59

TECH TORQUE

New motor fitted in to the modified heater box

New motor with original flange still on (left) and the MGA flange (right)

(I actually used two clamps, fitted so that the fixing screws were opposite each other to keep the fan in balance.)

However, in spite of its extra depth, the new fan is still approximately 1” narrower than the heater box and I think this open space behind the fan, most probably reduces its efficiency.

The main problem to overcome in fitting the new fan motor is that, although the mounting flange has exactly the

same dimensions as the original motor, unfortunately it is spot-welded onto the motor body approximately 1/2” further along it. This would make the fan project too far forwards, out through the front of the heater box, which obviously couldn`t work.

I considered trying to drill out the spot welds to detach it and move it to the correct MGA position but the most likely outcome of that would be that I would destroy the motor.

This panel was built up by one inch to improve the output of the fan.

Modified heater box with matrix

60 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

I added this panel to direct the airflow through the matrix.

Modified heater box showing the new plastic fan with longer, and more efficient blades

Fortunately, the original MGA fan motor flange is detachable, so I decided to live with the fixed flange and use some spacers on some longer 2BA setscrews so that I could fit the original MGA flange into the correct position, in addition to the fixed flange.

I measured that a 1/3” thick spacer was needed to achieve this and by chance I found that two 2BA nuts measured exactly this, and so I fitted two of them onto each setscrew. On trial fitting, I found this moved the new fan into the correct position, close to the fresh air inlet on the heater box. Also, the rubber mountings on both flanges allow some movement and so you can tighten or slacken the mounting setscrews to centralize the fan in the inlet duct of the heater.

I then decided to see if I could fill the 1” of space between the motor side of the heater and the base of the new impeller to see if this would improve the fans efficiency, by preventing the air from recirculating between the impeller and the motor.

I found some closed-cell rubberised foam of the correct thickness, which I

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TECH TORQUE

Using a strip of cardboard to compare the airflow of the two motor/fan units

shaped to improve the airflow, and used a good quality double-sided tape to fix it to the heater body. This now left only about 1/8th inch gap between the fan and the foam packing.

I also fabricated and pop-riveted an extra panel from the top edge of the fan duct to the top of the heater matrix to see if adding this would direct the airflow through it more effectively.

The new motor is a permanent magnet type and it normally runs in the opposite direction to the MGA’s motor and so the wires have to be reversed in order for it to work correctly once the unit is refitted to the car.

Motor re-fitted, showing the modified flanges

First Test Run When I compared the output of the new fan with the old one, I found there was much more air flowing out of the demister holes, I would estimate somewhere in the region of a two-fold improvement.

When I first removed the heater, I set it up on the workbench with a spare battery and I rigged up a simple test to compare the airflow output. This was in the form of an eight-inch-long piece of cardboard (two inches wide), taped above the demister holes in the heater box.

When I connected the heater motor, the air blowing out of one demister hole (the other hole was taped over) the cardboard was lifted to approximately one inch above the workbench. When I repeated

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New heater relay installed

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 61

TECH TORQUE this test with the new parts fitted, the end of the cardboard was lifted to two inches above the workbench and so there was obviously much more airflow.

Once the heater was reinstalled into the car and all the demist nozzles and pipes reconnected, I pulled the heater fan switch and I was really impressed by just how much better the airflow was than before. You can actually feel the air blowing in your face and by your legs in the car and I would estimate that the airflow from the heater unit has been at least doubled.

So, it`s a great result and I am really looking forward to having a cooler car in the summer, a warmer one in the winter and demisters that actually work!

A Final Experiment After the heater was reinstalled into the car, I thought I would try an experiment with the power supply.

I had read discussions on the MGA forums which argue that the power supply to the heater is slightly restricted by the original wire gauge in the MGA loom. I have always doubted this, and so I thought I would see what happened if I added an extra connection from the battery to the heater motor.

When I tried this, I was really surprised to find that the new heater motor instantly ran quite a bit faster – I would estimate about 10% faster!

So maybe it really is worth considering

fitting a relay-controlled connection with thicker gauge wires to the motor. This would let the motor run faster, and at the same time reduce the current load through both the ignition and the heater switches, all of which would be such a good thing.

(With thanks to Barney Gaylord’s MGA Guru website which has been a great help with this project. Also to my friend Roger Webb who gave me some great advice. After owning his MGA from new, Roger decided that he should actually fit a heater to his car a couple of years ago, and he also showed me how he had improved the airflow inside the heater box.)

Shelf cleaned and heater reinstalled in the MGA

62 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

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info@mwsint.com SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 63

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 top Tech Tip last month was sent in by Jan de Haldevang who wins a Meguiars Mirror Bright Kit. Tech Tip from Pete Macwaters MGA (Fitted Ford Type 9) Gearbox filling and top up For MGAs fitted with Ford Type 9 gearboxes.

Many MGAs have been converted by fitment of the 5-speed Ford Sierra type 9 gearbox to give a less stressed cruising experience.

However, filling and/or checking the gearbox oil level then becomes very difficult due to the high filler hole and the very close proximity to the transmission tunnel. This leaves very little room to get at the filler plug with the correct tool. This is just possible but it entails the car being on ramps or preferably a lift. You’re still then

left with the problem of how to get the oil in!

My solution makes this a relatively easy job and the biggest benefit is that it’s done with the car on the ground.

As all gearbox installations won’t be exactly the same, drill a small (¼”) pilot hole 21/2” up from the floor and 3¼” from the bulkhead as shown. Check with a small torch that the hole is central to the filler plug; if not, adjust the position to suit before drilling the large hole 11/2” diameter.

You can make a simple cover to go over the hole as shown.

Filling the gearbox with oil is then a simple job, although you will have to get down close to the floor to see what you’re doing.

Tech Tip from David Finch MGF and TF over-ride cooling fan switch When I added my 2001 MG F to my small stable of MGs I convinced myself that I would not be subject to HGF paranoia. How wrong can you be?

Although I had purchased my car from a reputable dealer who had ensured that the ECU had been professionally re-conditioned and all the sensors were working, there was still that little nagging doubt, ‘What if?’

My Varitone Magnette has two seven-inch Kenlowe fans fitted, side by side at the rear of the top end of the radiator. These are controlled by the appropriate adjustable automatic switch. However, there is also a manual over-ride switch fitted to the dash to use if you wish.

I decided to fit a similar switch to my MG F. A single function on/off 20 amp toggle switch from Amazon or eBay did the job. It has a neon monitor light that tells you when it is switched on. The only other requirement is a length of 3-core domestic cable or you can make up a bespoke auxiliary loom if you wish.

I mounted my switch using good double-sided tape on the side of the central control bezel adjacent to the driver’s left knee. This avoided having to cut a hole in the panel. The cable is routed through the rear of the fuse box location into the bonnet compartment and round to the position of the yellow relay that controls the radiator fan.

There are 3 connections on the switch. Earth, live feed and switched output. The live feed and the switched output are piggy-backed into the two similar pin holes on the relay holder and the earth to a convenient point. When the new switch is in the off position the relay operates as normal [we hope]. Switch the modification and on comes the fan. Very re-assuring.

It took me a couple of hours to carry this out and, to be honest, I have not had to use it. It is there, however.

64 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

www.mgcc.co.uk

TECH TORQUE Tech Tip from John Woodhouse Washer bottle cleaning My top tip is to drain the screen wash bottle annually and fill it with a solution of Milton to sterilise it. Leave it for an hour then operate the screen washer to clean out the pipes and nozzles.

The solution won’t damage paintwork, but if you don’t want to risk it, use a cheap plastic syphon to pump out the contents of the bottle. Then fill up with tap water and rinse out the system. My subsidiary tip is to use a good quality screen wash such as Unipart and not mix it with other brands or additives.

Tech Tip from David Gaillard MGCGT Clutch problems Having reached a certain age and having time on my hands, I decided to buy the car I was forced to sell because my wife wanted a family. So, I went with my son, who is also a petrol head and the reason I had to sell my MGBGT, and brought an MGCGT. We appreciated the clutch was a bit iffy but thought it was something I could sort. It had a new master cylinder so firstly I bled the system but there appeared to be very much travel on the slave cylinder. The master cylinder was new so that shouldn’t be the problem, should it.

After conversing with a guy in New

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Zealand over the internet, I came to the conclusion that the travel on the master cylinder push rod was too short; see attached photographs.

I’m sure all you experts would have picked this up more quickly than I did. But I got there in the end and had a friend make one the correct length from an old one.

Now please don’t shudder at my next ploy of fitting the new push rod. Taking out the master cylinder is not the easiest job, so being an engineer (structural) I thought there must be an easier way of doing this.

So, I pulled the rubber seal out through the pedal box and took out the push rod. Of course, as I expected, putting the seal back

was impossible and now this is where all you purists will shudder. I cut the restraining lip off, which allowed it to slip in. As I rightly expected, as soon as the clutch was used it popped out, so I instigated the next part of my plan.

Whilst my friend remanufactured my push rod, I had him laser cut from stainless steel a restraining plate (actually, 5 came back as a bonus).

This was designed to be held by the top bolt which, as we know, is easily accessible.

Perhaps not a solution for the purists but it works, and nobody can see it.

PS if anybody would like one, I can get them cut out at a very reasonable price.

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 65

TECH TORQUE

SOFTEN THE RIDE

By Andrew Green

F

ollowing on from the article by Colin Grant on pumping up your MGF suspension in the June issue of Safety Fast!, I thought I would take this a stage further and cover the procedure when your suspension has to be changed. My 1996 MGF’s suspension had been pumped up many times and

66 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

had lost most of its gas content, making the suspension so harsh that it made travelling really uncomfortable.

I followed Colin’s suggestion and contacted Hydragas and Hydrolastic Services to purchase a set of reconditioned Hydragas units. They were very helpful and offered some good advice on the replacement

procedure. They pointed out that they made a surcharge on the replacement units that was refundable when the old units were returned. For more information and prices go to their website at https:// hydragasandhydrolasticservice.com/ or telephone Mob: 07506 563081, or 01952 613184.

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TECH TORQUE

Hydrogas Units as they arrived from Hydrogas and hydrolastic Services

Hydrogas unit showing the modified valve that enables gas to be added

Jack up car and then remove road wheels

Remove underbonnet shield

Specialist pump used for depressurising and pressurising the system

Depressurise Hydrogas system using specialised pump

Within a few days of ordering the units arrived, being well packaged and looking like new. Below is the procedure I used to carry out the replacement.

1. Disconnect battery 2. Crack wheel nuts

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3. Remove under bonnet shield 4. Jack up and support car securely on 4 axle stands 5. Remove road wheels (note positions re. sizes and tyre orientations) 6. Remove wheel arch liners

7. Depressurise Hydragas system using proper pump set to depressurise.

Check condition of fluid that comes out (approx. 1.6 litres). The suspension should now be floppy

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 67

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TECH TORQUE

Undo top front shock absorber locating nut

Disconnect the fluid lines

Undo the four clamp plate bolts

Remove clamp plate

Lift Hydrogas units upwards off innner swivels

Regrease the inner swivels

Undo shock absorber fixing bolt and push shock to one side

Check condition of O rings on end of fluid pipes and replace if necessary

FRONT 1. Remove shocks. On the N/S, it’s helpful to undo the under bonnet fusebox and move it to one side to access the shock top mount. The battery MUST be disconnected and removed to do this – it’s very easy to short a spanner to the positive terminal!

2. Disconnect the fluid lines from the Hydragas units – O/S accessed from under

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the bonnet, N/S from under the wheel arch, you can just about get behind with a spanner. (You can’t reach it from under the bonnet as the brake servo is in the way.)

Be prepared for some fluid loss 3. Undo 4 x clamp plate bolts for each Hydragas unit, remove clamp plates. (Top bolts have separate nuts, bottom captive nuts.)

4. Lift Hydragas units upwards off inner swivels and manoeuvre out. Note spring and shim fitted to swivel. Be prepared for significant fluid loss as they come out

5. Drain fluid from the old Hydragas units by tipping/pumping the piston in and out by hand – check fluid condition 6. Reassembly is reverse but note: a) check condition of small O-rings on end of fluid pipes and replace as necessary, b) replace any bolts needed 7. Before refitting, you can pull out and regrease the inner swivels if desired.

Note by design they have axial play when unloaded – they are designed to work under constant pressure from the Hydragas units

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 69

TECH TORQUE

Undo locating bolts and move header tank to one side

No need to undo the rear top shock bolt

Make sure you refit spacer

REAR 1. In boot, remove engine top cover 2. Disconnect plug from engine bay temp sensor and unclip wiring 3. For access to the O/S Hydragas unit fluid connection unbolt the expansion tank and move to one side (no need to disconnect it) 4. For access to the N/S Hydragas unit fluid connection, disconnect and remove the ECU and bracket, the air filter top cover and inlet trunking 5. Remove shock absorber lower bolts.

You do not need to undo the top mounts (very difficult). The shocks can be pulled forwards under the wheel arch with wire to give access

70 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

Fitting the replacement hydrogas unit

Take care when fitting to seat the swivels correctly

6. Disconnect the fluid connections from the rear Hydragas units from in the engine bay – this is quite fiddly 7. Undo the 4 clamp bolts for the Hydragas units from under the wheelarch and remove the clamp plates 8. Manoeuvre out the Hydragas units AND the lower swivels together. (The lower swivels just lift out of the upper suspension arms). It will be necessary to squeeze the swivels into the Hydragas units by hand to enable the units to come out. It will also be necessary to slightly bend outwards the inner wheel arch panels in the vicinity to release the units. Be prepared for fluid spillage 9. As with the front, tilt/pump the old Hydragas units to purge any fluid and

check its condition. There was much rust in mine. It is important that no fluid is present in the old units before returning them to H&H services 10. Before reassembly, blow the rear fluid pipes through with compressed air. Fit a length of tubing over the fluid pipes ends at the back of the car and place the end in a bucket. Then blow through from the front using a tyre inflator on the Hydragas fill connections. This may purge A LOT of fluid, muck and rust from within the pipes.

It’s very important the pipes are clear as front to rear blockages are common on the MGF system 11. Reassembly is reverse. Check the O-rings on the pipes again. A small

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TECH TORQUE

Replacement unit fitted with clamp plate in place

Before reassembly blow the rear pipes through with compressed air

If you can’t affored a specialist pump make your own, I did .

Old units ready to be returned

amount of silicon grease on the nipples helps them slide in to the new Hydragas units 12. Much patience is needed to manoeuvre in the Hydragas units and swivel assemblies! Make sure the swivel seat in the upper suspension arm is clean and no debris enters during fitting

REFILL 1. If your suspension pumps supports vacuum, you should vac out the system and back fill to remove trapped air before pressurising. I did this and approx. 1.5 litres of fluid was drawn in.

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Time to admire your handiwork, with new discs and pads fitted as well

2. Pressurise and set ride height as per ‘All Pumped Up’ article in the June issue of Safety Fast!

Once finished, take your car out and enjoy the softer ride. I was amazed at the improvement it gave and the car is a joy to drive again.

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.

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 71

RACE TORQUE

RACE TORQUE

by Mark Baulch photos by Dickon Siddall

A

t the time of writing, we are looking forward to the last two meetings of the season at Snetterton and Oulton Park. This strange year makes it feel impossible that we are already at the end of it, but has also focussed our minds on 2021 and beyond.

We have made great progress over the last couple of weeks and now move into a process of negotiating with our racing guests and friends from Equipe Classic Racing, Morgan Sports Car Racing, Mini Seven Racing Club, Porsche Club Great Britain and others. We should then be in a position to announce the calendar, so watch this space and the website for that.

We also continue to work with our tireless MG Race Championship Co-

72 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

Ordinators and with those that assist with our race series. Like many in this new era, we have been using online tools to have remote meetings, which have proved invaluable in the planning of individual race meetings and the seasons ahead.

We continue to run our race meetings to the new Motorsport UK guidelines and I would like to thank all involved for their commitment to this as well as their patience with it. These do mean that we are unable to have some of the nicer touches such as the Welcome Centre at the races. Many also miss the opportunity to have family in the paddock, as we remain at ‘essential personnel only’ and I am certainly missing the presentation ceremonies that so many people normally

enjoy. We continue to work towards bringing all of these things and the more social aspects of race meetings back as soon as we can do so safely.

This also applies to the Members Track Parade that we normally run at lunchtime at every meeting. The permission to run these has currently been suspended and does not look likely to change this year.

Once we have a clearer picture for 2021, we will be sure to let all Members know of the first opportunity to enjoy driving their MGs on the classic tracks around Great Britain, following in the tyre marks of great drivers from across 70 years of Formula One and many years of British Touring Cars, Sports Cars, Endurance racing and more.

Racing has always been a huge part of the DNA of the MG marque, and as we move towards the 100th anniversary of it, please rest assured that we are working hard to ensure that it remains that way.

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.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 73

MGs ON TRACK

MG on track

Duncan Wood duncanw@mgs-on-track.com

BLYTON AND COVID CHANGES

O

ur Blyton Park event held on July 6 was our first to be held after the easing of full lockdown and, of course, the first to operate in compliance with Covid safety measures. Limited numbers at this venue made for a gentler return to track day organisation than might have been the case at a day with more attendees, although our event manager Mark Peters might well dispute this glib assessment! As minimising close contact is key to reducing the spread of the infection, the sign-on procedure needed to be completed in advance and online, instead of the physical checking of licences and collection of signed indemnity forms first thing in the morning, as has been the procedure hitherto.

Mark reported that most members managed to send the required information without problem but, as there would be no opportunity to correct mistakes on the day, a few submissions needed to be returned for rectification. The ‘fails’ included not sending all the requested information, not signing or dating the forms correctly, sending blurry and difficult to read images, and not sending driving licence images separately but including them on top of the indemnity forms thereby obscuring the text of the indemnities. I hope that pedantic is not

74 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

usually an adjective associated with MGs on Track but, for the foreseeable future, we may all need to pay that bit more attention to the detail!

Another feature subject to changes has been the circuit safety briefing which, as regular members will know, has in the past encompassed styles of presentation ranging from the strictly factual to the brazenly theatrical! However, what they mostly have shared has been the need to squeeze a fair number of attentive listeners into a relatively confined indoor space which is clearly not now possible. At Blyton, an abbreviated briefing was held outside to recap on the basics of circuit safety and driving requirements, and I believe that Goodwood also plans to brief ‘al fresco’.

Anglesey and the MSV circuits such as Donington and Brands Hatch have prepared online safety briefings which entrants are required to view in advance of the event.

Unfortunately, it may still be some time until we can again offer sessions with our ARDS qualified instructors. One or two outings with an instructor are without doubt the most cost-effective method of improving your performance and driving skills, and the payback in enjoyment of the circuit is very real. Apart from a roadworthy car no special equipment is needed for an MGs on Track event, save

for a helmet which could normally be rented through us or sometimes the circuit but which, for health reasons, are also not currently available. Regulars have their own helmets but the need to purchase one straight away could easily dissuade a first-timer from giving one of our events a try, so hopefully this, like instruction, is another service that will be back soon.

Since I last wrote, Goodwood, Donington Park and Brands Hatch have opened for sale. Enduringly popular, Goodwood sold out on the same day, proving that the ‘pent-up’ demand was real rather than merely a self-delusional hope on behalf of the committee. One of the sessions is reserved for the Triple M Register and I would normally suggest a trip to Goodwood to view the cars if not to take part, but currently spectators are not able to come to our events and, indeed, passengers or second drivers must be from the same household as the main driver. Of course, the situation may improve, or otherwise, so regular visits to our website for the latest updates are recommended.

As with Goodwood, our Donington Park event has also sold out in full. We run reserve lists for all our events as, for various reasons associated with work commitments or perhaps the foibles of old cars, we do get the occasional cancellation request.

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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.

Castle Combe – September 7 An opportunity to enjoy the thrills of this ever-popular track which includes a couple of chicanes and high-speed, technical corners!

Donington Park – October 5 A circuit with a long history, this is a firm favourite with all. Includes plenty of changes of elevation and the swooping Craner Curves.

Goodwood – October 26 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!

The operation of the reserve list is now fully automated, and a cancellation request received on our website immediately triggers an email informing those on the list that a space has become available.

Everyone will have this message at the same time, so securing the space does depend only on the speed of your response.

In earlier days, the committee had to personally contact everyone on the list until they finally found someone who still wanted to come so, from our viewpoint at least, a much-improved system.

Much like my writing of MGoT’s Safety Fast! reports, I also seem to tackle car preparation best when under the cosh of a deadline! Despite a seeming lifetime of lockdown, I only started to check over the Midget a few days before setting off on the 500-mile round trip to Anglesey and was righteously rewarded with a nonstarting engine and the heady aroma of super unleaded. I won’t indulge in too much detail, save to observe that fancy steel braiding can obscure the true health of flexible fuel hoses, and that two pumps working in unison can spray petrol on the ground so much quicker than just the original single SU!

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

Cars line up at a damp Shelsley Walsh. Photo: Neil Thomas

This is a report by Neil Thomas of the recent event at Shelsley Walsh.

By July, I have usually competed in a number of Sprint and Hillclimbs in the MG Speed Championship. However, this year has been extraordinary and Shelsley Walsh, on July 25, was the first opportunity to participate in an MSA event. Full credit goes to the Midland Automobile Club for organising the event and to the individual who had to sign off the risk assessment. It felt very safe.

In all, nine cars competed on the day and whilst the actual championship itself has been suspended for the year, everyone was still giving it their all. The elements weren’t kind in the morning practice sessions, with a near-tropical downpour dampening the spirits of many and presenting very tricky conditions for those driving up the hill. The afternoon dried up but still left that doubt in participants’ minds of the challenges the bottom and top esses would present, as these often catch people out being slow to dry out. Thankfully, most of the cars achieved their four runs up the hill, with the fastest time being taken by Ben Rolls in his immaculately presented Frogeye recreation with newly cut-down windscreen and slick tyres. His time of 36.55secs was impressive, followed by Tim Kirkham in his ZR with a time of

41.25 and Keith Benningfield in his TC with a time of 41.47. Yours truly was well off the pace this year, but as we all know, that’s how it goes.

The following weekend, August 5, was the sprint at Curborough. This was a joint event between the MGCC Midlands and Shenstone and District motor club. The event was run without spectators and, as no times were given, was uncompetitive and designed for practise purposes only.

Despite this, there were 60 entrants, roughly half of which were our lot. There were a surprising number of ZRs and Midgets who were not known to us. If they happen to be MGCC members and they read this, check out our website and consider joining us.

The weather was overcast but quite warm which is generally considered ideal for speed eventing. Nick Walker was present with his MGB GT V8 looking very smart having been upgraded to group three and sporting tyres to match. Dave Morris in his racing TC, now sporting a supercharger, seemed to be enjoying himself. The previous weekend at Shelsley Dave won the pre-65 class on handicap.

Mid-August will be the Welsh weekend, split between Llandow and Pembrey. I hope to bring you a report in the next edition.

Meanwhile, keep safe and sensible.

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 75

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kindest and warmest regards

Jason

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CENTRES ABINGDON WORKS James Page sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk We were hoping to have a Centre presence at the Kop Hill event this month (September) but this event is now definitely cancelled. The Classic Car Drive in Weekend is (at time of writing) scheduled to take place at Bicester Heritage on September 18-20, so it would be worth checking the position on this if you are interested https:// bicesterheritage.co.uk/events/ It was planned that the MG Club 90th Anniversary run would replace our Autumn Leaves run in October. It is still hoped that a commemorative event of some description will take place, so again please keep an eye open for an announcement from Kimber House. Carol has confirmed that no Wanderers events are envisaged for the remainder of the year. No firm decision has yet been taken on our traditional Boxing Day event as this is dependent on Public Liability Insurance which, at present, we would be unable to secure so this is another “watch this space”. We all have to hope that 2021 will bring

ANGLIA Rob Muir 01206 862619 scribe@mgccanglia.com www.mgccanglia.com Snetterton September 5-6 Following on from Donington in July, the MGCC Snetterton race meeting provides us with the main Club event in the Anglia Centre region this September.

Donington proved popular with racers even though it had to be held behind closed doors due to the pandemic restrictions. I kept up to date with the TSL Live Timing and commentary, even managing to watch the BCV8 race on Facebook live feed via the ‘My Supercar’ page. However, nothing beats attending the meetings in person, so being able to spectate at Snetterton will be great.

All the MG Car Club championships will be racing, plus races for Equipe and Morgans. It will be a packed and exciting meeting. Many of the races have almost full grids already.

As we go to press, Motorsport Vision, the operators of Snetterton, say that you have to prebook your tickets to spectate as they are following government guidelines.

78 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

a return of being able to use our MGs for pleasure and being able to meet with friends.

I did manage to take my P Type out for a run last week for the first time for four months.

All good – it seemed to run better than I remembered, maybe because of the warmer weather – comfort! (and because the gearbox oil was already warm so changing gear was easier).

Diana and I have been lucky in having our MG ZS EV as our everyday car during the lockdown – the generally shorter journeys and warmer weather have suited it. We have also got more used to driving it (in particular, not to be put off by the various warning ‘bongs’ it makes for no immediately obvious reason). It is the first car that we have bought new and I did Waxoyl the underneath and inside the well arches – I would like to have treated behind the rear bumper but I couldn’t be confident of removing it without risk of damage. It did make me wonder (and doubt) if the SAIC MGs would ever achieve the advantage of the traditional MGs of having a ready supply of good value spares and various manuals that would guide one through anything that needed to be done. But then again, maybe the World (and reliability) is moving on.

You can book online at www.MSV.com or telephone the booking line on 0843 453 9000.

It is always a fantastic meeting and just the thing to lift our spirits in these strange times.

Safety Fast!

During the lockdown, like many in the Club I was shielding at home, during which time I really began to appreciate what a wonderful Club magazine we have with Safety Fast!. I think it can hold its own with any of the motoring magazines you care to mention.

Just look at the July issue as an example.

Seven main and varied feature articles, along with 14 regular features, covering maintenance, competition and new products, not to mention Register Newsletters.

All this was produced by editor, Andy Knott and deputy editor Colin Grant working from home on our behalf. I think they deserve medals, well done fellas.

Anglia Centre Photographic Competition Entries are steadily coming in and can be seen on the Anglia website. What a wonderfully eclectic mix they are, too. Well worth a good half hour of

Perhaps not surprisingly, the number of AWC members has reduced on a year ago. We very much welcome any new members, and would also encourage existing members to encourage potential new ones.

scrolling through, with plenty of inspiration, too.

You can submit your photographs to Kelvin Fagan at webmaster@mgccanglia.com Stonham Barns Classic Car Show is due to commence as I compile these notes, I will have the reports and photographs next month.

A Bustling Snetterton Paddock as Cars are being prepared ready to race

www.mgcc.co.uk

CENTRES CALEDONIAN Bob MacGillivray 07870 407111 mgcarsscotland@gmail.com www.mgcaledonian.com As you read this the Kames show will have been done and dusted just a few days ago. Hopefully, the weather was kind, and everything went well!

Should be some info on our website and Facebook page.

We are hoping that the Satellite Run can operate at the end of this month. It is very much dependent on regulations then current, but it would be our only summer run so hopefully it will be ok and there is a good turnout. Check our website for details.

Further ahead, in October we hope to be able to celebrate in some way the 90th Anniversary of MGCC. Again, keep an eye on our website.

Further ahead still, I can tell you that the May Three-Day Tour 2021 will not be in May, but will be in July! The Marine Hotel in North Berwick is closing early next year for extensive renovations and we in July will be among the first beneficiaries. Hotel prices will be held, for us, at the May 2020 prices and we will follow then the

DEVON & CORNWALL Young Janner II bobslatter@hotmail.com www.mgcc.co.uk/devon-cornwall-centre As we are still in uncertain times, there have been no past events or up and coming ones to write about, so I will delve into the archives yet again for this month’s notes.

For many years in the past, the second Sunday of September had seen the Cornish Riviera Run from Plymouth to various finishes in Cornwall taking place, following the route of the famous Express train of the Great Western Railway days.

The first picture below of two Tickford MGs,

www.mgcc.co.uk

Jim Clark Trail intended for last May. Keep an eye here and on our website for more information.

Several years ago, our then chairman, David Reid, instigated an annual newsletter. The idea was to provide some light MG reading around the end of each year. The variety of articles has been expansive, from MG tours to MGs found, to MGs restored, to MGs liked, to MGs in competition and so on.

This year’s newsletter may be the highlight of the Caledonian year but that very much depends on you!

I have three articles so far but there is always room

for more! Do not worry if you if you do not think your journalistic skills are up to it. If you have an idea, then get in touch with me and we can discuss.

Your committee is also keen to dispose of, at very reasonable prices, excess stocks of regalia. If there is a birthday coming up, then get in touch for some MG-related item. We aim to please and are not hard to deal with!

And this month’s pic is a caption competition.

Best entry by September 15 wins a regalia item, of our choice!

Robin Wotton’s SA and Jim Bellamy’s WA at the lunch stop of the Lost Gardens of Heligan, near St Austell, in 2009.

The second is of Alan and Verona Davis, followed by Richard and Gill Martin in their MGBs leaving the lunch stop of the 2014 Run at the Cornish Mining World Heritage site of Wheal Martyn, again near St Austell.

The final one shows the T-Types of Peter Stapleton (TD), Jeff Edwards (TD) and Steve Lovegrove (TA) at the finish of the 2016 Run at the Headland Hotel, Newquay.

Once again, for the latest information on the Centre please refer to the website or Facebook, etc.

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 79

CENTRES LINCOLNSHIRE Ian Mackenzie 01529 497849 MaccaV8@aol.com www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk After last month’s excited announcement of being able to organise the Centre’s only surviving Autotest event of the year, I now have to report that, unfortunately, the event date is changing to Sunday September 20, a week later than originally planned, at our usual East Kirkby site. For further information, including Entry Form and ASRs, see our website, or contact David Stonehouse on 01790 754774.

I would also take this opportunity to remind those of you who wish to compete that you will need to apply for a Motorsport UK RS Clubman Licence. Details about the procedure can be found on page 24 of our Summer Newsletter and online applications can be submitted at: www. motorsportuk.org/get-started/2020-rs-clubmanlicence/ I am saddened to have to advise you all that we have lost George Spradbrow, another stalwart of the Centre. An enthusiastic Midget, MGB and Austin 7 owner and raconteur of some renown,

MIDLANDS Roger King rogerking43@gmail.com Website – www.mgccmidlandcentre.co.uk Midland Centre Facebook - @ mgccmidlandcentre Your Centre plucked up courage and went ahead with our traditional August Sprint at Curborough.

But given the uncertainties surrounding any event during the current Covid pandemic we elected to join with owners of the Curborough circuit, the Shenstone and District Car Club, in co-promoting a Practice Sprint. That means under the MSUK Permit granted to the Midlands Centre we could stage the meeting but devoid of any awards, FTDs,

Some of the assembled cars at Boston Steam Fair 2019

Some of the assembled cars at Revesby Country Fair 2019

George sadly passed away in July after a lengthy illness nobly borne.

Please remember that we can all update our membership and personal details (in particular email addresses) by logging into the “Members Section” of the main MG Car Club website at:

www.mgcc.co.uk/members/login/ which will allow the membership secretary, Liz Allsworth, to update our local contact details for you all. This in turn will help us to advise and invite for future local events.

and club championship rounds. We could still use timing equipment even if printed results on paper had to be replaced with a digital app retrieved via smartphone. With us so far?

With entrants self-scrutineering their cars and everyone complying with Covid-19/MSUK strict requirements, overseen (or was it ‘policed’?) by Centre chair Roger King acting as official Covid-19 Officer, the 55 entrants, including 26 MGs (thank you fans), seem to have thoroughly enjoyed themselves. (Or so they kept saying.)

Blessed with great weather, and with five runs on offer, the sprint represented a 2020 first time run for most. The ever-present Covid-19 Officer meant no huddles of humanity, strict queuing for the loo and on-site café, and a lot of distance shouting, and

no spectators. But all agreed it was worth it.

Compliments to S&DC for all the work they put in to make it happen, together with the marshals and the relatively busy recovery guys.

The Centre is particularly proud that committee member Simon Morris was Clerk of the Course and a great job he did.

Now a cautionary note: One of the Midget drivers had a bad fuel leak which was traced to decomposing fuel lines, so if your car has been laid up for some while check the fuel lines. The possible ravages of E fuel might have affected their integrity.

Next up, our Autumn Trial on September 27 at Bromsgrove. Again under strict Covid rules; we remain determined to keep motor sport going in these trying times. Watch our website for details.

A variety of MG machinery, taken at Curborough. Photos: Stuart Wing 80 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

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SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 81

CENTRES NORTH WEST Paul Goodman 01625 876300 Several events were run safely in July. The highlight was the first two rounds of the Cockshoot Cup Race Championship at Donington Park. Victory in both races was taken by young Sam Kirkpatrick who in his MG ZR190 beat Ray Collier in a similar car on both days. There was great racing through the field with Paul Clackett winning Class B first time out but being beaten

by Ian Whitt in the second. Two strong drives from Chris Greenbank won him Class F and Class A was shared by Paul Wignall and Ian Wright. The winners of the Tim Forwood Trophies on aggregate were Sam Kirkpatrick, Paul Clackett, Chris Greenbank, and Ian Wright. A huge vote of thanks is due to the Club officials who made the meeting possible. We were also able to meet in the car park of the Plough and Flail with 15 cars arriving ranging from P type to MG TF. Once again, the events this month depend on the ever-changing rules, but the gathering at the Cheshire County Sports Club will be on

SOUTH EAST Ray Ruffels and William Opie raywillmg@gmail.com www.mgccse.co.uk As we write the September notes there is excellent news! Motorsport UK has issued comprehensive guidance on all aspects of restarting motorsport, which also includes some club events. This Guidance allows event planning to include the correct Covid-19 safety measures, agreed with Government, allowing compliant major events to go ahead. This means that the Autumn Meeting event can proceed with a few radical changes of date, venue and precautions and subject to no future changes in Government restrictions.

So our planned visit to Newhaven Fort is cancelled and the MGCC SE Autumn Meeting will take place on Sunday September 13 2020 at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Horsham RH13 6PP – www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk There will be two driving tours to the event starting in the East at Sevenoaks and in the West at Dorking covering a distance of around 30 miles. Importantly, to be Covid-19 compliant all 82 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

Tuesday September 8 followed one week later by the Plough and Flail on Tuesday September 15.

You will need to “pre-book” a table by ringing 01565 873537. The Oulton Park Race Meeting will be on Saturday October 3. Spectators will be allowed, with tickets having to be purchased in advance from the circuit. By moving the date from September, a “finals day” has been created with all the series and championships having their last races of the year. Our own Cockshoot Cup will be there with a new champion to be crowned. There will also be guest races for the Pirelli Porsche Championship. Unless there is a change to Motorsport UK rules the lunchtime circuit parade will not be able to take place and spectators will

not be able to access the paddock.

The MG Car Club will be ninety on October 12. All the centres have been asked to join in the worldwide celebrations of this momentous event.

The Centre Committee are working up ideas and our contribution will be unveiled in next month’s column and on the Centre website.

Finally, some more unwelcome news is that it is unlikely that the Dinner Dance and Awards Presentation scheduled for November 28 will be able to take place. This was also going to be the function formally celebrating the 90th Birthday of the Club. That will have to wait until 2021, but a presentation event for the Cockshoot Cup will be organised.

Redgate Corner, Donington Park Cockshoot Race Start. Photo: David Coulthard

participants have to be members of the MG Car Club, pre-register and provide payment of the £10 per car booking fee in advance. Full details on the day and booking form are on the SE website at www.mgccse.co.uk and our Facebook pages. Be quick because pre-booking is mandatory and this excellent event will be limited to 120 cars!

The Autumn Naviscat takes place on Sunday October 4. Please see SE website for details or contact the organiser Alex Lemon on 07718 339836 or alexlemon@hotmail.co.uk The Table Top Rally held on Sunday July 12, in conjunction with the Inter Register Club (IRC) was a great success. The event attracted 32 entries with a wide range of virtual cars from our own MGs to Rileys, Humbers, Austins and Alvises, etc, from the IRC. The entries were broken down into 14 Novices and 18 Experts, based on performance in previous rallies. It was very satisfying to know that many newcomers wanted to try out a Table Top rally!

The MG Car Club team did well to come second (out of eight teams) to the Austins, largely helped

by David de Saxe (MGA) and Jeremy Bayne-Powell (Midget). A full report on the rally is available at – www.mgccse.co.uk

Following this success another virtual rally will be held on September 13 (same day as the Autumn Meeting for those who prefer to stay home) again hosted by Philip and Rosemary Bayne-Powell on behalf of the Inter Register Club and the MG Car Club.

You will need the OS Landranger 1:50,000 Map 187 – Dorking & Reigate, which is the same as last time. For full regulations and entry form go to the SE website at www.mgccse.co.uk or e-mail Philip Bayne-Powell on 1942mgman@gmail.com or phone 01483 811428.

Philip and Rosemary Bayne-Powell being presented

by Gwen and John Davies a special trophy in recognition of their dedication and commitment to the SE Centre over the years.

www.mgcc.co.uk

CENTRES SOUTH WEST Bruce Weston brucemweston@gmail.com www.mgccsw.com At this time of the season many SW Centre members would be enjoying the exceptionally fine weather, taking part in competitive and social meetings and attending the lunchtime and evening Natters.

But these are not normal times, with many members being (if only by virtue of age) forced to take up more mundane activities centred on the home.

However, a glimmer of light has crept in as far

as competitive motorsport is concerned, with the slow reintroduction from early July.

Following on from last month’s notes the running of MGOG 2 scheduled for October 11 is still a possibility.

Based on current MSUK Covid-19 guidelines Wiscombe Ltd in conjunction with the clubs who support the venue have agreed a way forward for the remainder of the season Lenham MG Midget driven by David and Al Smith. and MG Wiscombe Hill Climb will be held on Photo: Al Smith Saturday September 12 but without spectators. is hoped that the weather will make the To comply with social distancing in the paddock effort worthwhile. area the entry has been reduced to 100 cars and Keep up to date with the SW Centre at 110 entrants. The amount of organisation to allow mgccsw.com/events these meetings to take place is considerable and it

Frank Ashley in his 1929 MG M Type next to a 1928 Brooklands Riley. Photo: Al Smith

TYNE-TEES Tony Wood anthony@scrutonvillage.co.uk Let’s get the bad stuff out of the way first. At our last Committee meeting we regretfully decided to cancel all remaining events for the calendar year 2020. This was not a decision we took lightly but the continuing uncertainty is not helpful to anyone, organisers, venues or members. If there is a good side to this it is that all our venues have transferred our bookings forward into next year and we have a set of events pretty much ready to roll.

The lack of events doesn’t mean that your MG has to remain in the garage. A glance at our Facebook page will show that members are out and about and I have noticed a few MGs out and about on my travels. If you are popping to the shops or doing something even more exciting in your MG send a photo to David Alexander who’ll put it on our page for general entertainment.

Someone who did that is our T Type guru (though I’ve yet to see him sitting cross-legged chanting a mantra) Ian Graham. In this month’s photo he and Steve Lidgate took their respective TCs out www.mgcc.co.uk

Neil Lock MG ZR160 and Rob Orford returning to the Wiscombe paddock.

Photo: Al Smith

to Lanercost Priory on the hottest day of the year so far, a round trip of 117 miles. If you have ever driven a pre-55 MG you will know that heat coming back from the engine is not in short supply, so the lunch halt in company with Paul Tindale’s MGB was much appreciated. Steve’s TC is running in, having emerged from lockdown rebuilt like a butterfly from a chrysalis.

Speaking of photos, we could do with more in general, both for Facebook and Tyne Tees Tidings – your first MG, your favourite MG, your current MG… Send them along, especially if you can add a few words of explanation. In these interesting times any means of keeping in touch with our friends and the wider MG community needs all the help it can get.

If there is a positive from our current predicament it is that all those jobs which have been on the back burner have now been tackled, newly restored cars are emerging into the light and others moving forward at a pace hitherto unknown.

Even my TC has had unaccustomed attention and faces the world with rear brakes hopefully free of the oil cooling option!

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 83

CENTRES YORKSHIRE Ken Cothliff, Centre Scribe kencothliff@hotmail.co.uk www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk Still no more Natter meetings here in Yorkshire, but all the members are coping well. My wife and I have taken the opportunity of slightly relaxed circumstances to get out and about in the Yorkshire countryside in our MGs, and we’ve seen several MGCC members and classic car owners out and about, giving them a cheery wave as we pass, all in the spirit of friendship of the Club.

The south Natter is the most active with busy Zoom meetings and quizzes, posed by Natter leader and Centre quizmaster, Geoff Norcliffe. As all our Natters meet at pubs, it’s only when those

JANICE HOBBS (1952 – 2020)

Cliff and Janice enjoying their MGB Roadster on the 2013 Yorkshire Centre Dales Run

Janice passed away at home at the age of 68.

An Independent Strong Woman – Out- going

84 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

establishments are completely relaxed that our meetings can take place. Some of us have been out to the odd classic car event held in the open air, as private individuals, where we can socially distance.

As this magazine is being read, I would have been reporting on one of the most popular runs, the Dales Run held at the end of August, through the spectacular Yorkshire Dales National Park. As it’s been cancelled this year I make no excuse to include with this report some photos of the event over the past years.

A couple of months ago I had to bring you the sad news that Janice Hobbs had passed away.

Below is a tribute to Janice penned by former Yorkshire Chairman David Copeman.

Hopefully when I write the next notes, we will all be more active again; in the meantime, keep ‘tinkering’, restoring and polishing your MGs.

and self- sufficient. A lady who knew her own mind, she was a stalwart of the Yorkshire Centre.

Janice spent her younger years in and out of hospital, because of her health condition. She had been diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy, but with improvements in medical diagnosis this was later changed to the rarer Nemaline Myopathy, Janice did not let this interfere with her enjoyment of life or her involvement in the MG Car Club activities. She was a regular monthly attendee of four Natters.

Over the past 22 years Janice and her husband Clifford toured Europe in their MGs and regularly attended European Events. They were keen supporters of the Caledonian Centre Threeand Five-Day Tours.

Janice held many Yorkshire Centre positions and was well respected throughout the Club

whilst continually serving on the Centre committee, and took on most of the unnoticed work that every Centre needs to run smoothly.

Janice was a great support to successive chairmen, and started the first Centre website many years ago. Janice was the present membership secretary for the Yorkshire Centre, and also very much involved with the Yorkshire MGF/TF Register, being their treasurer.

It will take several people to take on the roles that Janice was only too pleased to undertake.

Janice will be sadly missed by her loving husband Clifford and family, along with the many MG friends who knew her.

David Copeman On behalf of the Yorkshire Centre Committee

www.mgcc.co.uk

CENTRES ULSTER Carol Willis 07831 345560 www.mgcculstercentre.co.uk carol.mgulster@hotmail.co.uk I am saddened to report we have lost three members of the Ulster Centre over the past few months – Pam Warwick who slipped away peacefully on May 24, Brian Rebbeck who died on June 20 and Brian Patterson, after a short illness, on August 2.

The Committee wish to convey their sincere condolences to their respective families.

We welcomed Hugh and Pam Warwick to the fold some years ago and Brian and Audrey Rebbeck had been members for very many years.

Brian and Liz Patterson joined the Club many years ago but lapsed for a while as their work took them travelling to rallies all over Great Britain, Ireland and beyond and it wasn’t feasible to participate in Ulster Centre events. They subsequently rejoined and have been extremely active members ever since. Brian, together with Liz (our double act – the long and the short of it!) had been a valued member of committee for several years and they both came out and helped on events, social and competitive, in either the B or the TC which he had lovingly restored. No matter what the weather threw at us they drove an MG to all the Nosh lunches without fail.

We will all miss him and his wonderful smile. Night, night Brian!

We still don’t know when we will be running any social outings. Competitive ones are off the books for the meantime, too. We will keep you advised as and when we can.

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SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 85

REGISTERS VINTAGE Rob Constant rob@littleabingdon.co.uk Welcome to the September Vintage Register notes! After a welcome cameo last month from our Chairman Peter Mace, it is back to your usual scribe for this month’s musings…

As I write this, it seems society is trying to wake up further as balancing the needs of public health and economy shows itself in an emerging ‘new normal’. I trust you are all keeping safe and well, and encourage you to remain ‘alert’ as history teaches us that these things are regrettably not generally a ‘one hit wonder’. Keep in touch as we make our way forward towards what we hope in 2021 can look much more like a conventional ‘MG year’. That MG friend you’ve been meaning to call, why not pick up the phone and check in?

It is good for us! And ultimately what it is all really about; MG the ‘Marque of Friendship’.

The Vintage Register Facebook group continues to grow, as a very modern way of keeping in touch! 68 interested souls, in an environment where snippets of news and interesting photos and short stories of ‘our’ cars

TRIPLE M CATHELIJNE SPOELSTRA +31 (0)6 41216600 cathelijnespoelstra@outlook.com www.triple-mregister.org Lest We Forget III J2382 was born on October 13 1932, though only delivered to its first owner J.B. Roberts Jr of Liverpool, on March 17 of the following year.

It is believed to have been registered FP 1507, yet, when war arrived, it carried LV 2885. By the late 1930s, the car was purchased by Sgt Gordon Andrew McKenzie. Born on November 30 1917,

86 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

get shared. It’s from this forum that this month’s photo came, and illustrates what, for a while now, I’ve come to marvel at: just what can be spotted in the background of period photos!

I picked up this photo at an antiques fair in Cornwall a few years ago and believe it to have been taken at Brooklands.

Looking carefully at the picture, in the top left corner is an 18/80 Mk. II - a Speedmodel; (no outside handbrake, driver’s side rear door) and with scrutiny the registration appears to be RX 9978…

This seems to fit as ‘RX’ was an MG factory demonstrator before being crashed in 1932 near Bideford in North Devon by an MG salesman, prior to making its way to Brookland Motor Company in August of 1933. Originally a four-door Saloon it gained its Speedmodel body in August 1931. But the crash was later than this, occurring in 1932 with a sizeable £290 insurance claim! Why it first lost its Saloon body I am not sure. Poor thing was crashed again in Devon in 1959 by a Naval Officer! Unbelievably, the car survives to this day,

our chap was tragically killed in what can only be assumed to have been a crash on April 7 1941, aged 23. Gordon flew Hurricanes and Spits and all his sister managed to recall later was that “he took off and was never seen again”. How sad is that?

Gordon’s brother, who test flew Halifax bombers during the war, inherited the car keeping it in the family until about 2014. It now resides in America.

The photo right shows Gordon McKenzie behind the wheel of J2382 while his brother, in the other shot, will have preferred the blackout thingie on the near side. Plus it seems to have received a different coat of paint, too.

The third picture shows Beatrice McKenzie,

albeit utilising another MK. II chassis and now wears a Tigress-inspired metal panelled Mk. III body and wings. I was quite amazed to spot the car in its earlier form in the backdrop behind these two Brooklands racers!

If these monthly musings are starting to galvanise a desire to own one of these delightful machines then please do get in touch! There are a handful of cars presently seeking new homes. If you are so afflicted, next month’s Vintage Register spread, I should warn you, will do you no good at all!

mother to two brave boys, one of whom she had to say goodbye to so prematurely. For the sake of our freedom. Lest we forget indeed.

www.mgcc.co.uk

REGISTERS Y TYPE Jerry Birkbeck 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325 birkbeckjerry@gmail.com www.mgccyregister.co.uk As the strange state of affairs continues, it is encouraging to pick up on a couple of good news stories on a YB and YT. Peter Sharp’s YB I’ll let Peter tell the tale: “After seven years in the restorers, my YB1127, LDA 506 is back home in its new lock-up. After snagging, shakedown runs, which showed that the fuel gauge didn’t work and that the voltage regulator had failed, it is all complete. The picture shows Phil and Mark who have worked so hard to make it perfect.’

A beautiful car that we all look forward to seeing, Peter. A lesson in perseverance. Well done.

A certain YT The scribe’s issues with the YT that he and Jo own are reasonably well known to followers on Facebook and these contributions. I am pleased to report that it has now returned, following a major rebuild of the

MAGNETTE Stephen Tickell 01737 760330 stephen.tickell@gmail.com www.magnette.org The Register AGM will be a Zoom meeting, to be held on Saturday October 24 as we had already scheduled a committee call for this date. A formal notice with more details will follow, and all those on the mailing notice should receive an invitation - you can join by normal phone if you prefer.

With no UK activity this year to report, AGM business will probably be short; however it would still be great to see as many of you as possible, and one matter we can address is the appointment of a new treasurer. Rosie Jones would like to stand down, after nearly 10 years in the post, so please give some consideration to whether you could do the job – with support from Rosie while taking over the accounts. In most years the income/expenditure are modest, duties are fairly light, and we have just a couple of committee meetings, but it’s an important role nonetheless.

www.mgcc.co.uk

The certain YT back at home

Peter Sharp’s YB

engine after suffering catastrophic oil loss on the return from the Isle of Man last September.

Jason Waller and his team at Classic and Sportscar (Essex) returned the car on August 6.

He has rebored the block to 60 thou and fitted Hepolite pistons, new bearings throughout and a high lift cam with new cam followers, rebuilt oil pump gaskets, etc, and everything associated with a complete rebuild.

It was four days later before we had the opportunity to begin the running in of the engine.

Yes, a few days after it was returned but Jo did have a rather special birthday to celebrate! So,

Freshly rebuilt XPAG engine

with twelve including children, husbands and grandchildren – oh, and with me and her –our hands were rather full.

Eventually we went out when the family had left, to see some old friends with Jo driving.

The car ran very well with excellent tickover and an engine that pulls willingly. Of course, we are limited in the first 1,000 miles, so the engine can be properly run in. Just 975 miles to go!

Great to have the YT back.

Keith Wilson 1944-2020 Regulars at Register gatherings will be saddened to hear that Keith Wilson passed away in July. I believe he and his blue Varitone first appeared at our events in the 1990s, although at that time the car was a single colour, and it was taken off the road about 1998 for a restoration that lasted over ten years. While this was in progress, however, Keith continued to display his fine Austin Seven, Ruby, happily driving it from Essex to Norwich (he was also involved in Austin clubs). I must have first met him about 2010, the Varitone then resplendent in dark and light blue like mine, so we naturally compared notes. He was always interested in how others had approached technical challenges, and happy to share his own experience – the last time I saw him he’d recently completed a renovation of the original seat coverings, and was already talking about further jobs to be tackled.

Keith could very much be described as a Register ‘stalwart’ in the best sense of the word. We’ll miss him very much and send our best wishes and condolences to his wife Barbara.

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 87

REGISTERS MGA Edward Vandyk 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk A stock clearance bargain, early Christmas offer for MGA aficionados, the price of “Call it MGA” 2nd edition has been reduced from £25 to £20 and postage for UK orders has been reduced to £3.00.

Overseas postal rates have been held at the 2015 level. If this is something you want your partner to pick up on for your stocking either leave Safety Fast! lying around open at the MGA Register page or encourage a subtle direction of their internet browser to www.mgcc.co.uk/mga-register/wpcontent/uploads/sites/22/2020/07/MGA-RegisterMerchandise-Catalogue-27-July-2020.pdf Your Scribe is cheered by the reopening of motor racing to spectators, socially distanced and not in the stands, at Thruxton August 15-16 but the following weekend’s event at Silverstone was closed to spectators. Given copy dates, I hope I am not tempting fate by saying we put an MGA Twin Cam on track for both events. Your Scribe is also cheered by the proposed holding of a local car show on the August Bank Holiday.

MGB David Broadhurst 01209 614704 newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org www.mgb-register.org My 67 GT waltzed through its, non-compulsory, MOT again with no advisories. I must use it more, having just given it a complete lube service and a new water pump.

I am always pleased to get contributions from the colonies, Australia, America, etc, as a variation on more local, though equally worthy, missives. So, when Stan Best sent me something he had written for the Chesham Natter, I had a read and then really perked up. His visit to Bermuda gave him a bit more than he had bargained for! My interest in this stems from my family connection to Bermuda, which covers certainly four generations and his experiences there bring back many memories for me. Part one of Stan’s report is printed below.

This past Christmas/New Year we went to Bermuda, worth it to get some sunshine and avoid cooking Christmas lunch. The island is very small with a good network of lovely roads, but they are very narrow and the actively enforced speed limit of 35 km/h means you don’t need 4th gear on 88 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

With little other news your Scribe, wearing his hat as MGA Historian, has published in this issue of Safety Fast! the story of Sherman Decker, a talented in-period MGA competitor who is best known for his stint in the deluge at Sebring 1959 in what was effectively a Works Twin Cam, albeit entered by the US Distributors – Hambros.

When you send the notional reserve driver out in appalling conditions it speaks something towards his talent. The Sherman Decker story does not seem to have been told in any depth hitherto and

I thought with the restoration of his Black Twin Cam this was a good opportunity to share the story of the restoration and its in-period driver.

Finally, to amuse, a picture you may have seen before of 18 Old English White MGAs lined up in 1985 for an advert for Embassy Slim Panatellas. It must be a sign of the times that when I stumbled across this picture, whilst looking for the one with the MGA in the middle of the stream, I had to convince myself that the 18 cars and drivers were real and not computer-generated images!

a car with some performance. You can only hire scooters, mopeds or small electric micro cars like the Renault Twizy. There is an excellent bus service so we bought a month pass.

The holiday was everything we hoped for, but we were not surprised that we didn’t see any interesting cars for the first week. Early in our second week we saw a Longbridge-built TF in Hamilton. It was obviously a much-loved car in a deep blue with matching hardtop, all polished and sparkling in the sunshine. The next day we were heading out of Hamilton on the bus on a mission to traverse the only route we had not been along when the bus filtered onto the main road just behind this car. Naturally I ignored advice and

stood up to get a picture of it. As I did, the bus lurched and when I grabbed a handrail I also set the next stop request button. The bus stopped, the little MG vanished down the road and I had to apologise to the driver.

When we reached to terminus it turned out to be a pleasant suburb with zero tourist attraction, so we waited to go back on the same bus. I said to the driver sorry again and I was trying to get a picture of the sports car. “Oh, the TF”, he said.

“I have a ZS180, that car is wicked fast.” After looking at some pictures on each other’s phones he said: “You need to go and see Steyne. He is the local MG man and has a place in the Royal Dockyard, here is his number.”

St. George’s Harbour, Bermuda www.mgcc.co.uk

REGISTERS MIDGET Chris Hale c.hale1962@btinternet.com www.midgetregister.com Since motorsport has been allowed to commence again on July 1, Mike and Max Authers have been out in their modified 1275cc MG Midget undertaking two Autotests with the South Oxon Car Club (www.southoxoncarclub.co.uk).

Mike managed a first in class and they were tying for points in their club championships.

Max had a very successful event with a first in class and fifth overall against a lot of wellprepared, much more modern and powerful cars, once again proving the effectiveness of Midgets and Sprites in competition in the hands of skilled drivers. The course was long, more like an autosolo, and extremely dusty as can be seen in the photo! Their next event is the Oxford Motor Club Akeman 20/20 Rally on August 23.

News from the Registrar Although no one wants to go through the current experience of Covid with its restrictions and lockdowns, it has given me the time to review

V8 Victor Smith 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net RV8 rear lamp repair An increasing number of RV8 owners have reported damage to their rear lamps from a scrape or an impact by a careless driver of another vehicle, and then they have found a replacement lamp unit is no longer available at present from parts suppliers. The good news is Clive Wheatley mgv8parts has been working with a specialist in the West Midlands to create the necessary tooling for the manufacture of a new supply of the lamps.

The progress has been frustrated by the pestilence, but with the gradual release from lockdown the project is making good progress.

In the meantime, a useful RV8NOTE has been contributed by Aidan Pavey in Australia, who had his rear lamp damaged in an accident. As he still had the damaged lamp and as they are in short supply, he thought that he might try to repair it.

His note describes what was a “repair journey”.

Aidan says the photo alongside shows the damage to the tail light with some parts dislodged www.mgcc.co.uk

some of the Midget Register archives, and where better than to start with the GAN1 Midgets which were produced from March 1961 with chassis number 101 through to chassis number 16183 in October 1962.

I don’t know how many are actually left, but we have records of only 91. Of these, 26 were export models with the prefix GAN1L, whilst the remainder, GAN1, were for the UK market. Currently 53 are registered in the Max and his Midget UK with the rest in Europe, USA, Canada and Australia.

Two cars that we know to exist and are of particular interest are chassis number 101, registration YMO 307 and chassis number 153, registration number YBL 165. 101 was the very first production Midget in March 1961. 153 was a factory development model and was used as a press car. It was used for several road tests and featured

– fortunately I was able to collect all of them. On inspection I found that some of the parts needed to be fitted from inside the light. There was also a reflector inside the light that had become dislodged.

Therefore I needed to take the light apart.

To get the lens off the main body of the lamp unit, I needed to remove the mushroom ends of the red plastic pins while trying to retain as much of the pin as possible. I used a Dremel with a bur tip. Not all the pins survived, but I was able to disassemble the light. I initially tried gluing the broken parts together with super glue. However this proved to be problematic because the parts would not fit together neatly and the cracks were highly visible. On closer inspection I found the parts didn’t fit together well. This is because when the plastic breaks it tears and stretches. As a result the mating edges don’t match. Therefore I needed to trim some of the pieces to get a better fit.

in magazines and numerous books. The last GAN1 car that we have records for is number 16180, which is three from the end before the change to GAN2 with its 1098cc engines and disc brakes.

We rely on the owners of the cars to send in details of their cars, so if you have not given us yours, please go to the website and register yours.

Dave Storer, Midget Register Registrar

Unfortunately, this did leave some gaps.

I put the super glue aside and found that the better solution was plastic hobby glue. But there were gaps which I filled with a red material which once hardened I wet sanded with grades of grit paper. I followed this up with polishing compound until I was satisfied with the look. Cracks are still visible but it was looking much better. The last step was reassembly of the lamp unit.

See the full three-page article via a link on our “More” page at www.v8register.net/more.htm

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 89

REGISTERS MGF Tim Morris 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org Not everyone, it seems, remembered to cancel their hotel bookings for MGF25. Members Mark Brown and Alan King raised their heads and turned their forgetfulness into an opportunity to visit the British Motor Museum without the crowds and have their own mini MGF25!

It was a slightly surreal experience, being the only two MGFs parked on the apron on the day when there should have been hundreds of cars and a bustling MGF25 show buzzing around them.

It did give an opportunity to look at the MG and MGF-related exhibits on display – MG EXE on its “matchbox”, EX255 amongst the MG speed record

the MGTF GT concept and the last MGTF off the production line, which is back at Longbridge having been in MG Motor’s London showroom for some time. The Museum is only open on request to private customers of Paul Rigby MG – the perfect opportunity to buy yourself a new MG! We have cancelled the Register’s national event which was due to take place in Wales in September. The Hotel was due to re-open but the COVID-19 restrictions would have meant the weekend could not go ahead as originally planned and be a good social event. So it has been postponed to next September. Please let Ian Wright know at events@mgfregister.org if you would like to come along in 2021.

At the moment, the winter gathering at Cricklade is still scheduled to take place, but do keep an eye on our social media and website for any announcements.

Finally, we have been accepted for a stand at the NEC Lancaster Classic Car Show in November.

If all goes ahead and COVID doesn’t rear up again, thenROLLS we will SERVICES be there. It will be a very different B32 - MIKE ROLLS SERVICES_MIKE 13/12/2012 09:50 Page 1 TRADE MEMBER B32 - MIKE ROLLS SERVICES_MIKE 09:50 showROLLS but weSERVICES will still have13/12/2012 a Club discount forPage 1 tickets – look out on our social media for details.

cars (sadly not achieving one itself), our favourite Pizza delivery Metro van now on permanent display in the new “overflow” building with the PR4 Project Adder prototype. Or course, all these vehicles will be on display at MGF25 next year as well – make sure Saturday July 25 is in your diary now!

Mark and Alan extended their MGF25 weekend by visiting Paul Rigby MG the next day.

This must be the most historically prestigious modern MG dealership in the world, being based in the former Rover Group conference centre at the heart of MG Rover’s former manufacturing site of Longbridge. This location also means that they are looking after the MG Rover Museum which is part of the Conference Centre. The Museum contains some great exhibits, including a complete re-creation of Herbert Austin’s original office.

Naturally there are some MGF gems in here, too, including the first production MGF, 2016VIN …251,

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

MIKE ROLLS SERVICES FOR MGs Specialising in all MG’s

Mark, Alan and a friendat MGF25…. or not!

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

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

TRADE MEMBER

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

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337 Specialising in all MG’s TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

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

TRADE MEMBER

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

MG TF 135, in Anthracite, 2003, with just over 52,000mls, It has just had an uprated headgasket and cambelt fitted, full service and MOT which runs to July 2021.

3 former keepers, there are one or two paint blemishes and bumper scuffs and a small nick in the hood but is still water tight. Good usable fun car. £1,650

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”

90 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

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

MG TF - 2003

www.mgcc.co.uk

REGISTERS ZR/ZS/ZT JOHN THOMPSON 01702 298866 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister Upcoming Events The penultimate race meeting of the season takes place at Snetterton over the weekend

of September 5-6, followed by Oulton Park on October 3. At the time of writing both these events are closed meetings, without spectators. However please look out for further announcements closer to the dates.

We have been informed by Peter Best Insurance Services that the postponed Drive-It Day at Braxted Park which was due to take place on September 27 has been cancelled completely this year. The event will return next year on Sunday May 16 2021.

Zeds At The Lakes We mentioned last month that we had postponed our road trip to the Lakes until this time next year. The new dates are now set for Friday September 10 to Monday September 13 2021. For further information please visit admin@sceniccartours.com or call 01732 879153. Our Zeds in the North event will take place on Sunday September 12 at the Lakeland Motor Museum.

The MG Trophy will be back out on Track in September at Snetterton. Photo: Dickon Siddall

MG6.3.5 Sean Round sean@seanround.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register twitter.com/635register As the summer is now in full swing, despite some bizarre changes in weather, I trust you are all out and about enjoying your MGs. The lack of shows this year, is really frustrating and we can’t wait to get back to a sense of normality, whilst ensuring we stay safe, of course.

COVID-19 has presented the world with all sorts of challenges and resulted in difficult times. However, for us at the 635 Register, we’re really excited to find out more about the recently announced MG5 EV that is coming to the UK. Times are changing with respect to fuel sources for our vehicles, and whist an EV and Estate might be against what some purists say is a real MG, I’m really pleased to see MG embracing their responsibilities to the environment, and I’m really excited to get behind the wheel of one of them!

I’m sure you’ll all agree that the absence of

www.mgcc.co.uk

the MG6 from this year’s BTCC is a real shame! It seems alien that after so long having an MG on the grid, it’s no longer there. Let’s hope that, one day, we see an MG back on the grid!

We are still working hard on the Vehicle Register, and would very much like to continue the increase in the vehicle numbers on the Register, particularly given the 70 plate release on September 1. We have an online-based system into which you can enter the details of your car and help us to build up a history of the MG6, 3 and 5 cars on the road. Your data is held securely and will only be used for the purposes mentioned.

Should you have any queries regarding the

Register then please feel free to contact our Registrar, Richard Bibby-Brooke.

In the meantime, should any of you require any support with your cars, or have any questions of the committee, then please do feel free to get in touch with any of us and we’ll be pleased to assist.

I do hope that all of our members are safe and well, and the same applies to your friends, family and loved ones. As the weather improves, can we please ask that you be sure to follow all appropriate guidance, whilst enjoying your MGs in this great weather to come! Stay safe, Stay well, Go 3njoy!

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 91

CLASSIFIEDS How to Advertise

Members can adver�se 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 a�ached 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 inser�on only, for addi�onal inser�ons please email Colin at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk

1999 MGF

Excellent condition, MOT till February 2021. Replaced head gasket, timing belt, catalytic converter and exhaust alongside a new windscreen and set of tyres. Well maintained over the years of ownership with regular services and always garaged. £3,500. Contact Richard on 07962216478 (West Yorkshire)

1946 MGTC

Spent first twelve years of it’s life in Cyprus, taken over by RAF type. Not pristine but In nice condition. Primrose yellow, green leather. New hood, side screen and tonneau cover two years ago. Carbs need se�ng up. Reg number not included. £25,950. Reason for sale, just bought a TF Email: Kennethwholmes@outlook.com (Ipswich area)

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)

MG TF

Immaculate, very low mileage 21,000, and full Service History by MG Rover.

MOT 12 months, lots of extras. looking for £4,500 ONO. Stunning car.

Should be seen if you are interested in purchasing an MG TF. Tel: Mob: 07702 975100. (Herts)

No.1181. This car was built in Abingdon on 22nd. March 1937, original UK Registration No, CLG 595. It spent most life in Sweden, 35 of those years in a Museum. Since I acquired the car it has been completely stripped and rebuilt. All the hydraulics have been replaced, it has been completely rewired, it has a new petrol tank and new springs and shock absorbers. The car has been fitted with an XPAG engine and a 5 speed gear box It has a completely new leather interior.

It has had a full bare metal respray in burgundy over black. Offers in the region of £30,000. For further info. Contact Richard on 07732188968 (Merseyside,Lancashire)

The “Lost” 1952 MG

Cisitalia Special Race Car, originally built in 1952 by Mickey Thompson and Bill Burke in California. They made a mold of a 1946 Cisitalia Coupe and made about 50 coupes for racing; they were going to make a dozen Roadsters, but didn’t, they made only ONE, and this is it, stored in a barn for nearly 60 years. Restored as a Vintage Racer, it has a TF1500 engine with steel billet crankshaft, racing cam, Laystall Head, roll bars, Fuel Cell etc. and is a wonderful and beautiful driving car on street or track.worth For more information email: Bob at mgtdva@gmail.com $190,000.00 USD

1959 MGA Coupe 1600

This MGA was built in Abingdon in 1959 and shipped out to South Africa as a CKD kit. It was assembled in Durban and spent 30 years in S.Africa before being reunited with the UK. I acquired the car in 1992.

The car was completely stripped and restored over a number of years. Everything has been rebuilt or renewed, it has been professionally finished and painted in OEW and retrimmed in red leather. It has had a Hi Gear 5 speed conversion and runs beautifully. Offers in the region of £23,500. For further information contact Richard on 07732188968.

(Merseyside / Lancashire)

1998 MGF 1.8VVC 1955 MG TF 1500

I am a retired engineer having owned the MG since 2017 in which time I have carried out a number of improvements to update the driving experience. The engine has been rebuilt with modern oil seals, together with a 5 speed gearbox conversion, carburettors overhauled with a new fuel pump, brakes overhauled, together with new chrome wheels and tyres. The car has a detailed documented maintenance and history file. This is a reluctant sale due to ill health.

Price £25.000. For more info Tel: 01237 477273 (Devon)

Nightfire Red with black leather upholstery. Only 24,941 miles. Owned from new, garaged and covered ever since. FSH Good codition, good runner and reliable.

Very clean car. MOT’d annually expires late September. £2,750. Contact Tel: 07890459585, or 01843842195. Email: ianjackson@f2s.com (Kent)

1975 RARE MGBGTV8

1953 MGTD/2

Matching Numbers original UK car. When I acquired the car in 2009 I completely stripped the car back to bare metal, the engine was rebuilt with new valves, guides, springs etc., the H4 1.5” SU carburettors were rebuilt with new jets, needles, glands etc, and a new wiring harness was fitted. The braking system was rebuilt with new wheel cylinders and master cylinder. All the brightwork was either re-chromed or replaced. The car has had a professional bare metal respray in Damson Red. Offers in the region of £22,000. For further information contact Richard on 07732188968 (Merseyside, Lancashire)

1978 MGB Roadster

Excellent condition, Flamenco red, 46,000 miles, Ziebarted from new, lots of history and heritage certificate, chrome wire wheels, overdrive, wooden steering wheel, new battery, tonneau cover and a matching red hardtop with storage stand. £7,000. Tel: 01386832344 or email: davidupston20@gmail.com (Worcestershire)

1974 Midget

3.5 ltr, with overdrive, refurbished in original Tundra Green, rare colour, 5 owners, genuine 80,000 miles, mot 2021, last owner 34 years. All panels are original, Dunlop wheels. Professionally chrome bumper conversion, many new parts, etc.

New starter motor, battery, brakes, water pump, Radiator, recent service, very good interior. Zei barted protection from new, floors is solid. thermocouple, clutch hose, clutch fluid replaced, new antifreeze in system. £20,990. Tel: 07494869469

1999 MGF 1.8VVC

1275cc. RWA. Last of the chrome bumpers. Colour – Bracken. Good Condition.

Same owner for 31 years. £5295.

Call 07414 279074 (Devon)

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

92 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

1937 MGTA

2011 MG6 Magnette

4 door saloon, Petrol. Good condition, few age marks, no dents. 98k miles. Will increase as used. No faults, drives well. £1600 Ono. Tel: 07921865042 (Ipswich)

In Nightfire red. Excellent example of low mileage 24,590 some service history, garaged since owned. New mesh grill, exhaust system, heated rear glass screen, wind break deflector. Head gasket fitted when purchased car and has only covered 1,829 over last three years. Black leather seats, tan interior, matching tonneau cover, central locking, power steering, electric windows, ABS, Alarmed. Registered 18/01/1999. £4200. Tel: 07704464312 (Somerset)

www.mgcc.co.uk

MGs… A BRIGHT LIGHT IN A DARK TUNNEL

1932 MG J2 FOR RESTORATION. A really exciting opportunity with poor original body, but otherwise excellent mechanics, g’box, running gear, and too much to list here.

Not complete, but all missing bits available… too cheap really at £13,950

1932 6 cyl. F. Magna. Can be built as the original open 4-seat tourer or the v. handsome 2-seater. It also comes with your dream choice of a rebuilt F engine or the more than desirable N engine. Both fit the v. rare ENV g’box included.

V. good bodywork. Price dependent on your engine choice. £23,500 guide.

This car is now virtually complete but only photo I have.

1934 MG PA. Howling to be restored. At least with this in the garage you’ll have something to do when the redundancy comes, and although incomplete the engine & box I’ve included will maintain the excitement, No body. £14,950 or more if you can spare it.

1932 MG J2 SPORTS. Well known car in fabulous condition, rebuilt by us in early 90s and then with one meticulous owner since. Total engine rebuild with Phoenix c/balanced crank in 2012 and now refurbished in our own workshop to offer one of the best J2’s to come to the market for a long time. The history is simply amazing. Find me a better one for £36,950 (firm).

1935 MG PA SPORTS. I’m still scratching my head as to why nobody has viewed this car. PB spec engine with Phoenix c/balanced crank, c/ratio g’box, unbelievable paint job, Collingburn interior and total record of every part of the restoration… REDUCED… £42,500

1934 MG PA SPORTS. Something to bring a bit of pleasure back into life. An excellent restoration and so original. Total engine rebuild, Collingburn trim, new weather gear – all the right stuff in all the right places and correctly restored. It’s superb…. £39,950

SPARES. SPARES. SPARES. BOTH NEW & SECONDHAND FOR MMM & EARLY T TYPES. Please visit www.barrywalker.com; e-mail or phone. Or call in for better bargains.

ARRY WALKER BARRYBW ALKER ARRY WBALKER Estd.1968

Estd.1968

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

Heritage approved

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Tel: 01789 400181 Mob: 07836 244103

Estd.1968

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

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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

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 Barry Walker June 20.indd 1 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

www.mgsforsale.com 1969 MGCGT Tartan Red with O/D and wire wheels. Webasto sunroof, in superb condition with an immaculate engine bay. Many new parts fitted in the last two years including a complete rebuild of the front suspension, new shock absorbers, new splined hubs and wheel bearings. Rear axle complete rebuild at a cost of £1,500 in February 2020 including new half shafts and new hubs. The previous owner was Anthony Hamilton father of Lewis current world champion.

Price £19,500. Tel no: 07748 012596 or email for more pictures morrisgbm@gmail.com (Surrey)

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01844 281700

nigelguild@hotmail.com

MGOC Recommended Dealer 40 MGs in Stock Best Prices paid with friendly advice. Est 1986 Fast payment and collection 18/05/2020 10:31

SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 93

CLASSIFIEDS

2004 MGZT SE V8 260

Facelift model. Low mileage at 44,265.

Pearl Black with full black leather interior.

SE spec with electric/heated seats, electric sun roof, windows & mirrors. Xenon, large screen sat nav with Mk4 dvd reader, 6 disc multi changer, Bluetooth parrot kit, parking sensors, new battery and fresh MOT. £8650 ono. Contact Richard on 07841598989 or pandr1949@gmail.com (Southampton)

2004 MGZS 180

86000 miles. 15/06/2017 at 68179 miles new camshaft belts fitted, clutch, brake pads renewed. 2/11/2018 at 74559 miles new battery, exhaust fitted. 01/6/2020 at 85248 miles replacement original MG windscreen fitted. Car located in Chipping Sodbury. Note number plate on transfer from DVLA. MOT expires 24/10/2020. No advisories. £1250 ono. For further details contact Steve on 07887694360. Email: sams2@blueyonder.co.uk (Bristol)

1994 MGR V8

In super condition. Woodcote Green, with Stone interior and leather seats.

35,000 miles, with comprehensive history file. MoT. Spax shocks, Moto Lita wooden steering wheel, private MGR plate.

Mohair hood with cover and tonneau.

Always garaged and covered. Maintained

by B&G. Great to drive, smooth and powerful. Reluctant sale as I have enjoyed owning this car. Offers around £19,750.

(Bedfordshire)

1959 MGA Twin Cam

1622 Deluxe spec. RHD. Just completed body off restoration to a high standard. It lost its Twin Cam engine some time ago but is is now fitted with the correct MGA 1622 pushrod engine to convert it to Deluxe spec. New double duck hood and black trim with red piping. Good history. £34,950 Tel. 07941 210253 (Oxfordshire)

Supercharged MGZS

1955 Magnette ZA MG L1 1933

Due to my advancing years and a bad back I am reluctantly having to put the old girl up for sale, no not the wife she is invaluable! I purchased my L type in 1962 whist a student in Leeds and had the engine bored out and sleeved to original bore and white metaling to the big ends.

Car was then stored from 1967 until 1980 whilst I was abroad. Since then a full nut and bolt restoration was undertaken.

New wings, ash frame and body made.

All instruments reconditioned new dashboard and new gears and gearbox rebuilt.

New radiator core new water pump and all chrome work re chromed. Body and seats re trimmed. Dynamo and starter motor rewired and new electrical loom fitted. All weather gear in good condition.

Recent complete paint job (Cambridge Blue) to body and wheels powder coated.

All original and matching numbers and limited mileage. Loads of invoices. No I daren’t add them up. Price £67,000 ono.

Phone 07789728267 or emai: oliver801@btinternet.com

1967 MGC

Snowberry White, Red interior. Manual/ overdrive, chromes and steels, new tyres, checked Richard Tudor wheels. Vintage Tyres Beaulieu, Twin Kenlowes, one 12 volt battery. Uprated alternator, and hazard indicators. Rear Fog, electric w/ washer. Uprated heater/fan fitted. Roller bearing king pins. Comfort windbreak.

Maintained to preserve. All original items kept. Try this car no rattles. A pit to inspect. £24,000. Tel: Alan on 07857246157(Hants)

2003 MG ZT+ CDTi

Are you looking to save a Zed? This may be what you are looking for. Used as a daily driver from 2015 until my recent retirement, meaning this car is now surplus to requirements and taking up valuable driveway space. 147k miles. MoT to Nov 20. Mechanically sound but cosmetically in need of some TLC. Lots spent keeping it in roadworthy condition including brakes, exhaust, battery, tyres and all bills kept on file. Feel free to call for more information. Asking £750 ono. Phone William 07785 264016. (Norwich area)

In my ownership for last 3 years and major restoration work done, including all new fuel system, brake master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake shoes, clutch slave cylinder, wheel bearings, ignition system, headlining, door cards and various other things. Receipts and costs all in history file. The car has a 1622 engine fitted at some time in the past and the original black resprayed in grey. Chrome, leather and some other areas could do with improvement. Drives well and has great potential. £8350 ono. Email cameron70@hotmail.co.uk or phone 01789 417804. (Stratford upon Avon)

MG ZT 260 SE

Inca Yellow. One owner from new, before me, genuine 60,000 miles. Not used in 5 years, just back from bare metal respray which included new doors. The car now needs recommissioning, all complete including reconditioned seats. Very sound and genuine car £5750. Please call David on 01255 675358 or 07740 636158 (North Essex)

94 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

MG TF135

67,700 miles. Serviced and maintained

by Halls Garage MG specialists. Good overall condition and runs well. Phone Steve on 01778 570286. £1050 ono. Can be viewed at Halls Garage, Morton, near Bourne Lincs.

Owned by me from new and lovingly maintained, thus F.S.H. - Modified by MG Sport and Racing including 4-2-1 exhaust manifold, s/s X-Power exhaust, competition cat., ITG cold feed induction filter, plus remap by K-MAPS . Recent new head gasket fitted and engine check and overhaul by Brown and Gammons.

MOT to July 2021. Great car and reluctant sale. £1550 ono. Contact: 01376 513873 or Email: mgardiner873@btinternet.com (North Essex)

2003 MG zt-t+ 1.8 turbo

MG TF 120 Steptronic

1980 MGB

2002 MGZR 160

Starlight Silver, November 2003. Mileage 19,800. Originally registered to MG Rover and purchased from SMC Motors acting for the Receivers. All MOTs from 2006. £13,250 ono. (Cherished number not included) Call 01692 536316 or e-mail: margaretrushmer@btinternet.com.

(North Norfolk)

1998 MGF VVC

Tahiti blue with matching hard top. 58K. Cream leather/walnut trim. SS underfloor pipes. Low level alarm. Uprated HG. 2 Keys. Garaged. New MOT. Owned 13 years. Cherished car. £2500. 01425 654641 (Fordingbridge, Hants)

Rare supercharged MG ZS MK2 for sale, lots of optional extras such as sunroof, cruise control, full leather interior, Sprintex supercharger with upgraded oil feed, ITG induction, uprated gearbox, SPAX suspension, full stainless exhaust and manifold, 330mm brakes and a lot more, running around 280bhp. £8600ono very rare for one to come up for sale.

Tel 07971 438395 (Dudley)

Semi-automatic. 2002. Let the car choose the gears or decide for it via steering wheel controls. The best of both worlds!

Just refurbished with new rear tyres, battery and clean MoT. Very nice indeed complete with hardtop option, face off radio, wind stop and service history including head gasket renewal. Only 42,700 miles. Space needed for new MGA so nearest £2000 wins. Tel: 01227 637813.

(Kent)

Petrol. Owned since January 2015.

Currently turns over but does not start.

Under 100,000 miles. Fitted replacement turbo and cylinder head with MLS gasket, water pump etc in March 2014 by previous owner, nearly £1,500 spent on parts alone, receipts supplied. Believed to be the press car for the Manchester games, hence a very high specification:- Xenon headlights and headlamp washers,sunroof,Sat Nav,Harmon Karden sound system,climate control, Electrically operated and heated alcantara and faux leather seats,electric windows and mirrors, tinted glass,rain sensing wipers etc etc. Body good for age, needs new brake lines and general recommissioning. Must go to someone who wishes to get it back on the road. £600. Tel/text 07811686303 or patrickw.collier@yahoo.co.uk

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG TF 1250 (1954)

We are proud to offer an extremely well restored 1954 1250 TF. 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 as well as it looks.

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. ÂŁ28,495 (P/Ex a pleasure) Please visit www.quarryclassics.co.uk for more details and pictures, or call John Denton on 07710 808084.

Call for a quote today

01376 574000

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern MGA Spares

MG TF 135 2004

Red 75,600 miles MOT until Dec 2020 K Maps ECU Upgrade, RPS Bonnet & Front Bumper. Stainless steel exhaust, colour coded hard top. Excellent example, looks and sounds great. All work undertaken by Summit Motors. Incl car cover, excl reg number. £5,950 ono. Tel: 07836 509004

SPARES FOR SALE How to Advertise

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

Safety Fast

60+ copies 1963-68 and 70+ copies 2000 – 2020 free to anyone who collects from Hertfordshire 01438 880556 or email allan@blcknabs.me.uk

MGA 1500

Low starter gearbox, 10 spline input shaft. Good usable box, synchros good.

No remote. £55 buyer collects.

Tel: 01395 224959 (Devon)

MGTF

Seat Covers. Brand new. Genuine MG Rover Anniversary Logo. Red/Black very rare. Best offer secures. Tel: 0208675 8321 or 01874 625238

MGB Roadster Parts

Boot Lid very little surface rust, no dents but 6 x 4mm drilled holes easily filled. £100 Personal Collection or Courier only “RINO” Hood and Glass Are Outside Cover MGOC Part No. T612 Good Condition £40 +£10 p&p Rear Glass from a Genuine works hardtop £30 Personal Collection or Courier only Map Pocket for passenger footwell Black As new never fitted £15 + £3.80 p&p. Phone or Text your email address for photos and more details Tel: 07840365440 - Collection would be from Camberley Surrey

MGB Mohair hood

For ‘72 model, with header rail attached (less catches). Zip window. Zip fitted to go round rear bar to position it when hood raised. Recently bought and fitted to car. Out only once. In almost new condition. £290. Tel: 01271 373123 (North Devon)

Gearbox and remote maybe incomplete Windscreen (Auster) glass cracked Heaterbox inc fan Rockershaft with posts and tappets 2 seats complete but need recovering Silencer unused 2 side windows need new Perspex Bootrack needs replating Door trims c/w ally trim 2 wide rim solid wheels Exhaust manifold C.I. Inlet manifold 2 headlight shells serviceable Set instruments (jaeger) No reasonable offers refused.

Tel. 01189 692023 Mobile 07801 668420

1948 MGTC

New and used spares available.

Pair half shafts Pair of splined wheel hubs Torpedo 1130 side light casing Steering wheel bracket 6208 sealed axle bearings Hub bearing puller 2 inch AF socket Rear tub wood panels [pictures available] New MG textures beige vinyl 56 inch wide x 106 inch long. Open to offers on all. Contact email: david.mee7@icloud.com

MG TD TF parts

XPAG engine fully rebuilt on 168421 block with new internals as well as balanced crank,clutch, pistons(+20),camshaft,bearings etc. £2500.

TD/TF gearbox complete - £350 TF clutch housing - £140 XPAW block, good condition, with main caps -£400 TD/TF new parts - braking system comprising of 4 brake shoes(original) Lockheed brake master cyl (original), 4 front wheel cylinders and 2 rear cylinders (Delphi), copper piping set, 3 brake hoses: sold as a set - £325 TD/TF 4 brake drums for solid steel wheels, good condition - £100 TD/TF badge bar new - £55 TF distributor £45 TF Set of Vokes air filters, new, front and rear carb including elements £130 Buyer to pay postage. Engine parts by collection. Open to reasonable offers Contact 01507600391 (Lincs)

XPAW Engine

Bored out to 1400 cc, new pistons,rings, reground crank, new big end and main journal shells, Cylinder head converted to unleaded petrol, new valves and springs, crack tested, skimmed, Lightened flywheel new starter ring,water pump, timing chain tensioner and chain. T type sump. Photographic record along with invoices available £4800 Delivery arrangements to be agreed.

The XPAW engine has the stronger later crank, is fitted with an 8” clutch, has the later oil filter and pump with the much more modern distributor which takes the MGA/MGB electronic ignition kit.

Contact Richard 01833 660000 email beckside.41@gmail.com

MGB GT/C/V8

Pair of window regulators in good condition £40 pounds. Call Manfred on 07866023657

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

96 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk

MGC 5 SPEED

GEARBOX CONVERSITION. Comprising off custom belhousing, cosworth t5 gearbox, propshaft, gearbox mount, gear lever, uses standard release fork, release bearing, and slave cylinder, speedo cable easily obtainable.

Gearbox can be removed from underneath in less than 30 min, Bolts on the back of the bellhousing. with small mod to cross member.

MGC Brass expansion tanks slight difference in pipe connection. Standard fitting.

Some original rubber bushes for MGC suspension, just ask, tie bar bushes.

MGB overdrive unit new old stock.

5 polished alloy bolt on wheels for an MGC. Contact Vic on 01737551141 or 07831701028. (Surrey)

Some lockdown reading

MG Car Club – The First Seventy Years, edited by Mike Hawke - £12 Drive Them Till The Roads Wear Out

by Deidre Pyle (102pp) £8 – Harry and Deidre Pyle’s story of driving round the world in their TC in 1993 Bruce McLaren, From The Cockpit - £10 Wheelspin by C.A.N.May - £20 More Wheelspin by C.A.N.May - £18 Speed Hill Climb by C.A.N.May - £15 Famous Racing Cars (89pp) – £7 Car Driving as an Art by Sammy Davis (160pp) - £10 Automobile Steering, Breaking & Suspension Overhaul (215pp) - £5 Alf Francis by Peter Lewis (336pp) £8 – Alf was Stirling Moss’ mechanic for many years and gives an insight into Stirling’s early days. A great tribute to a great man.

Note Post & Packing extra Contact Philip Bayne-Powell on 01483 811428 or 1942mgman@gmail.com

MGA Spares

Alluminium bonnet; front brake drums & hubs (for wire wheels) Inlet & exhaust manifold. Offers. Buyer collects. Tel: 07885 818067.

(Hertfordshire)

WANTED WANTED ALL MG MODELS! All conditions wanted, from barn finds to concours. Complete collections purchased.

Cash buyer. Discretion assured.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you are interested in selling your MG and are looking for a prompt hassle-free cash buyer! Please feel free to contact me for a no obligation friendly chat.

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

CALL DIRECT ON: 07787 528131 UK Based Buyer

MIDGETS! WANTED

Contact the Midget Specialist MIKE AUTHERS on Abingdon 07703 465 224 CHROME BUMPERED MIDGETS in excellent condition bought up to £8,000. View current stock at

www.mgmidgets.com

SPARES WANTED WANTED MG TD TF

Steering wheel. In reasonable condition dont mind a few cracks. 07761088349 or email: alanreed48@yahoo.co.uk

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

Any Condition from non runners to rebuilt cars

Please call Edward 01923 840236 or any time on 07774 484497 Email: ejwclassiccars@btinternet.com Website: www.mgandporsche.com (Northwood, Middlesex) www.mgcc.co.uk

Call for a quote today

01376 574000

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern

www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk

C a rrtte rriie r C a e a 01308 r 07885 B a and Alan Bartlett er 01308 B email barriemgracer@yahoo.co.uk ‘T-type’ -- ‘T-type’ ‘T-type’ - ‘T-type’C ‘X-pag’ -- ‘X-pag’ ‘X-pag’ -- ‘X-pag’ ‘X-pag’ 768830 868884 ‘T-type’ ‘X-pag’ ‘T-type’ - ‘T-type’r--r‘T-type’ ‘T-type’ ‘X-pag’ ‘X-pag’ ‘X-pag’ 768830 a e i r t e a 07885 r 01308 and and Alan Alan Bartlett Bartlett email barriemgracer@yahoo.co.uk email barriemgracer@yahoo.co.uk

B

I’ve decided decided to create create space for for the work work that’sand coming through our doors, doors, MG’s, Race Race cars, Classics Classics of all all types.

I’ve through our Alan Bartlett I’ve decided to to create space space for the the work that’s that’s coming coming through our doors, MG’s, MG’s, Race cars, cars, Classics of of all types. 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 TO ME. I’m I’m very dealable! dealable!

WE CARRIED OUT, email barriemgracer@yahoo.co.uk WE ARE ARE OPEN OPEN AND AND NOW NOW IS IS THE THE TIME TIME TO TO HAVE HAVE ALL ALL YOUR YOUR WORK WORK CARRIED OUT, SO SO THESE THESE SALE SALE CARS CARS ARE ARE AT, AT, OR OR WELL WELL BELOW BELOW THEIR THEIR COST COST TO TO ME. ME. I’m very very dealable!

868884

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

I’ve decided to create space for the work that’s coming through our doors, MG’s, Race cars, WE ARE OPEN AND NOW IS THE TIME TO HAVE ALL YOUR WORK CARRIED OUT, SO THESE SALE CARS ARE AT, OR WELL BELOW Triumph TR6 TR6 150HP 150HP Totally Totally rebuilt rebuilt from from aa dry dry state state car car into into this this Triumph fabulous RHD RHD TR6. was professional body offstate rebuild tointo thethis Triumph TR6 TR6.

150HP Totally rebuilt from a dry carto fabulous ItIt was professional body off rebuild the highest of ofRHD standards, everything new or orbody reconditioned.

Superb fabulous TR6. It was professional off rebuild toSuperb the highest standards, everything new reconditioned. body, chassis chassis and all all matching matching leather interior, new carbs, carbs, rebuilt highest of standards, everythingleather new orinterior, reconditioned.

Superb body, and new rebuilt O.D. box, box, woodand rimed wheel, all allleather unusedinterior, weathernew equipment, body, chassis all matching carbs, rebuilt O.D. wood rimed wheel, unused weather equipment, Minilite rep wheels, and so much much more. Less Less thanequipment, 500 miles miles O.D. box,rep wood rimedand wheel, all unused weather Minilite wheels, so more. than 500 since itit was was rebuilt and and its gorgeous.

ThisLess must rate500 as miles one of of Minilite rep wheels, andits sogorgeous. much more. than since rebuilt This must rate as one since it was its gorgeous. must rate£21,500 as one of the best TR6srebuilt about,and much more to tellThis if you ring. the best TR6s about, much more to tell if you ring. £21,500

MGB Roadster Roadster 1977.

1977. Terrific Terrific chrome chrome bumper bumper car car converted converted by by MGB a leading leading MG company, company, ownedchrome and cherished cherished for years with withby Roadster 1977. Terrific bumper for car99converted aMGB MG owned and years many sensible sensible upgrades as you you could wish for for,9suspension, suspension, aasleading MG company, owned andcould cherished years with as many upgrades as wish for, all leather leathersensible interior,upgrades new wings, wings, lovely underneath, Minilite rep as many as lovely you could wish for,Minilite suspension, all interior, new underneath, rep wheels, ohinterior, and 45 45 new DCEO. This car car pulls like aa train trainMinilite and is is the the all leather wings, lovely underneath, rep wheels, oh and DCEO. This pulls like and ultimate oh long distance classic MB. To coin coin ana old old phrase, it’s wheels, and 45 DCEO. This MB. car pulls likean trainphrase, and is it’s theaa ultimate long distance classic To ultimate longit.distance coin an old phrase, it’s a Belter I love wheels, classic and so MB. muchTomore. £11,250 Belter I love it. wheels, and so much more. £11,250

1935 Ford Ford YY Type Type for for special special fitted fitted with with MG MG 1935 1935 special fitted with MG periodFord orYJJType Body.forBuilt Built for hill hill climb sprints period PP or Body. for climb sprints period P or J Body.

Built for hillRunning climb sprints in the 50s/60s a family owned. driving in the vintage 50s/60sfun. a family owned.

Runningworth driving great The Body is probably great than vintage Body is probably worth more thefun. car. The £5,250 more than the car. £5,250

768830

TC Racer Racer Although Although there there has has been been TC much interest in my mythere ex-championship TC Racer Although has been much interest in ex-championship and well well knowninT.C. T.C. race car, II don’t don’t much interest my race ex-championship and known car, want the known part xs xs T.C. offered. is already already and well raceItItcar, I don’t want the part offered. is Classics of all types. very cheap cheap andxshas has so many many rare want the part offered.

It is rare already very and so and expensive expensive parts I’mmany not giving giving very cheap andparts has so rare itit and I’m not THEIR COST TO ME. I’m very dealable! away.expensive L.S.D. Derrington Derrington inlet and ex. ex.it and parts I’m inlet not giving away.

L.S.D. and manifolds, 13/4 50s vented vented brakes, away.

L.S.D. Derrington inletbrakes, and ex. manifolds, 13/4 50s trampbars, telescopics, alloy panels, manifolds, 13/4 50s vented brakes, trampbars, telescopics, panels, TC Racer Although there hasalloy been 72interest spoke 14 14 wheels, Avon 22R. To trampbars, alloy panels, 72 spoke wheels, Avon 22R. To much intelescopics, my ex-championship build this would would cost 50k 50k but it’sToaa 72 spoke 14T.C. wheels, AvonIbut 22R. andbuild well known race car, don’t this cost it’s proven car.would cancost be Itsold sold as rolling want the this part xsItItoffered. is already build 50k butaait’s a proven car. can be as rolling verychassis cheap car. and rare chassis all complete complete but less less engine, proven Ithas cansobemany sold as aengine, rolling all but andor expensive parts I’m not giving itor or with aaallless less modified engine or chassis complete butengine less engine, with modified away.

L.S.D. Derrington inlet and ex. whatever combination you wish.

It’s or with a less modifiedyou engine or It’s whatever combination wish. manifolds, 13/4 50s will vented brakes, very cheap cheap and giveyou youwish. lots It’s of whatever combination very and will alloy give you lots of trampbars, telescopics, panels, fun, road or and competition.

Ring very cheap will give you 72 spoke 14 wheels, Avon 22R. Tolots of or competition.

Ring buildfun, thisroad would cost 50k but it’s a proven car. It can be sold as a rolling J40 Although chassis all complete but less Revival engine, has J40 Revival hasbe beenAlthough putengine on hold, or with a less modified or it will whatever combination It’s been and putyou on hold, it will back sowish. will the racebe very cheap andfor willyoung give lots of race back and you so the G.P.will hopefuls in fun, road or competition. for G.P. in the young lovely Ring J40 hopefuls pedal cars,

1935 Ford Y Type for special fitted with MG Extremely rare 4WD switchable 1990 Subaru Lada Niva. The forgotten 4 period P or J Body. Built for hill climb sprints Justy, 34000 miles and in lovely condition inside Lada Niva.

The forgotten wheel driveand miracle of the4Metro 1.1 1990 only 2 owners 1 Lady, 1 Doctor Rover in the 50s/60s a family owned. Running driving out. These out perform pandas, 205s, even MX5s. wheel drive miracle of the 80s.

Still made and and sold 21000 miles, full history and as new fabulous great vintage fun. The Body is probably worth Quick, Quirky and superior, Cheap Tax and insurance.

80s.

StillEurope. made and sold all over Butstarter to find car. £2,500 more than the car. £6,550 Mot’d. £2,250 all overone Europe. find a RHD is so But raretonow a RHD onewith is socossack rare now especially especially cossack wheels, andwith to find one FORGET YOUR SHEPHARDS HUTS! TR6. This fabulous wheels, to been find one has and never welded TR6 was build This superb showmans living van DURING THE ENFORCED that that has rarer still.never I usedbeen themwelded in RHD using a sound came from a showmans family and rarer80s still.

I used them in unrotten US donor. and the constant is absolutely fabulous. The interior GARDENING HOLIDAY, the It was built as a 80s and and exterior have been decorated 2thespeed 4WDthe gotconstant a lot of body off new or 2 speed 4WD got a lot of WE ARE STILL ABLE embarrassed drivers in flash as only a true Romany living van reconditioned. It is could be. The ceiling is insulated embarrassed drivers in flash Subaru Justy Van No. You’ve still about as far as we 4wd out of trouble.They are immaculate. O.D. TO DELIVER SubaruIt’sJusty Vanthe No.saloon, You’vearound still about as farmiles, as we and quilted cloth, and the double 4wd outand of trouble.They are know. just like 60,000 rugged terrific off and box, new carbs, Locust (Lotus 7 type) Kit Car. With 2 gearboxes, bed is supremely comfortable.

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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

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MGB 1978 Mica Black, black leather trim, mulberry mohair hood, 1950 fast road engine, Moto Lita wheel, 15” minilites, restored car, all new chrome, superb condition, drives superbly, well maintained. Fast MG Summer fun £12,995.00

1976 MG MIDGET 1500 British Racing Green, Autumn Leaf trim. Everything on this car has been renewed or refurbished. All new trim. Over £12,000 spent on parts alone, plus 1000’s of hours. Immaculate inside and out and underneath! Fantastic value. £11,995.00

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SEPTEMBER 2020 SAFETY FAST! 97

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

Copyright MG Car Club 2020 2019

Editor: Andy Knott 01235 849730 / 01235 555552 andyknott@mgcc.co.uk Deputy Editor: Colin Grant 01235 849733 colingrant@mgcc.co.uk Editorial Committee: Andy Knott, Colin Grant, Adam Sloman PR and Communications: Advertising: Hine MarketingJade 01452 Beckett 730770 01233 849731 Published by:Hine Advertising: HineMarketing Marketing, 01452 Hill Farm 730770 Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770 Published by:Norton Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Distributed Lane, Bishopsby: Norton Air Business.

Glos, GL2 Merlin 9LN. Centre, Tel: 01452 4 The, 730770 Acrewood Way, St Albans Tel: 01727 890600 Distributed by:AL4 Air0JY Business.

Merlin Centre, 4 The, Acrewood Way, St Albans President: John AL4 Day 0JY Tel: 01727 890600 Vice Presidents: President: John Day Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best, Ian ViceQuarrington Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best, Bill

Gordon and Elsie enjoy a break during the Brentwood Concours, held in July 1975

T

his month for Looking Back, we delve into a box of archived photos labelled the Gordon Cobham collection.

Gordon along with his wife, Elsie, and the then-Chairman of the South East Centre, Tom Hazlem, rescued the MGCC in the late 1960s when John Thornley had the sad task of winding up the Club. After long discussions and the help of John Thornley, the group of them ensured that the MG Car Club would continue, and protected it by making it an entirely independent body. As you can see, Gordon and Elsie played a big part in the Club history, and were quite often photographed out and about promoting the Club and its wares throughout the years. Here’s a selection of photos taken Gordon pictured with some young ladies from the over the years.

Lincolnshire Centre promoting the Save MG campaign

Chairman: Bill Silcock.

Silcock.

Vice Chairman: Keith Williams Chairman: Dave Tynan Treasurer: Richard Colston Vice Chairman: George Wilder Directors: Saunders, Treasurer: Dave Richard ColstonPeter Cook, Adele Rand, Lorraine Noble Thompson, George Wilder Directors: Dave Saunders,Colin PeterWithers, Opie and Peter Cook and Dave Tynan Company Secretary: Colin Grant Company Secretary: Colin Grant Staff Members: Adam Sloman (General Manager 01235 849732), Staff Members:(Competitions Adam Sloman (General Manager 01235 849732), John Hutchison Secretary 01235 849738), Andy Andy Knott Knott (01235 (01235 849730), 849730), Lauran Lauran Gallacher Gallacher (Assistant (Assistant General General Manager Manager 01235 01235 849735), 849735), Liz Liz Allsworth Allsworth (Membership (Membership Secretary Secretary 01235 Mark Baulch 07554 160840), 01235 849734), 849734), Colin Grant (Motorsport (01235 849733), Jade Beckett Colin Grant (01235 849733), Cherina Scarrott (Finance Officer (01233 849731), Cherina Scarrott (Finance Officer 01235 01235 849736) and Ineke Sherman (Merchandise 01235 849736) and Ineke Sherman (Merchandise 01235 849737) 849737) Gemma Bray (Communications Administrator) Honorary Members: Michael Allison, Ron Gammons, Peter Best, Honorary Michael Allison, RonPaddy Gammons, Peter Best, Don Hayter,Members: John Quenby, Sir Stirling Moss, Hopkirk, Don Hayter, JohnPiers Quenby, PaddyRob Hopkirk, Norman Ewing, Norman Ewing, Hubbard, Oldaker, Steve Hanegan, Rob Oldaker, SteveJune Hanegan, GerryHawke, McGovern, Hawke, Gerry McGovern, Wallis, Ann JohnAnn Dutton, John Day, John JohnSilcock.

Day, Julian White, Bill Silcock.

JulianDutton, White, Bill Company Companylimited limitedbybyguarantee guarantee The Club, bodybody established as theas MGthe CarMG ClubCar Limited The Club,asasa acorporate corporate established Club (herein to as ‘The Club’)byisguarantee. a company Every limitedmember by guarantee.

Limited,referred is a company limited of the Every Member of the Club undertakes contribute to the assets of the Club undertakes to contribute to theto assets of the Club in the Club of its being up wound up he while Is a Member, or within eventinoftheitsevent being wound while is ahemember, or within one one after ceasestotobe be aa member, Member, for of the debts and yearyear after hehe ceases forpayment payment of the debts liabilities of theofClub before he ceaseshetoceases be a Member, and liabilities thecontracted Club contracted before to be aand the costs, charges expenses of winding up, and for adjustment member, and theand costs, charges and expenses of the winding up, of andrights for the adjustment of the rights of the contributors the of the contributories among themselves, such amountamong as may themselves, such amountone aspound. may be required, not exceeding be required, not exceeding one pound.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information at the time goinghas to press Publisher referred Whilst everyofeffort beenneither made The to ensure the(herein accuracy of to as Hine Marketing), the Editor nortothepress, Club neither can accept responsibility information at the time of going Theany Publisher (herein referred totoasany Hine Marketing), Editor,from nor the MG for loss occasioned person acting or the refraining action as a Car Club canmaterial acceptinany or opinions loss occasioned anytheir result of any theresponsibility publication. The of authorstoare person or refraining a result of bound any material own andacting Hine Marketing, the from Editoraction and theasClub are not to agree in theopinions publication.

The herein. opinions of authors inarewhole theirorown andwithout Hine with expressed Reproduction in part Marketing, the Editor and the MG CarFast!

Club to badge agree written permission is prohibited.

Safety andare thenot MGbound Car Club with opinionsthrough expressed herein.registration Reproduction in foreign part are protected trademark: in theinUKwhole and inorthe without permission is prohibited.

Safety Fast! and MG countrieswritten where Safety Fast! circulates.

Readers are warned thatThe if they Car Clubany badge are protected trademark registration attempt mechanical methodsthrough or methods referred to herein, theyindo so the UK own and risk in the countries where Safety circulates. at their andforeign no liability will attach to the Club,Fast! the Editor nor Hine Readers warned theythe attempt mechanical or have otherany Marketing.are Neither shallthat theifClub, Editor any nor Hine Marketing modifications or methods referred to herein, they do so at their own responsibility for the accuracy of the content of the editorial, or the content risk and no liability will attach to the MG Car Club, the Editor nor of any advertisement published in Safety Fast!

Hine Marketing. Neither shall the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine for the accuracy thethe content ItMarketing should be have notedany thatresponsibility neither Hine Marketing, the Editorofnor Club of the editorial, neither the content published in make any recommendation in respectofofany anyadvertisement goods and/or services Safety Fast! advertised or featured in this issue. It is the responsibility of readers to satisfy themselves goodsHine or services offered referred areMG It should be notedthat thattheneither Marketing, theorEditor, nortothe bona fide make and inany no instance shall Hine Marketing, theany Editor or the Club be Car Club recommendation in respect of goods and/ held responsible for the or quality or suitability of any Itsuch items. or services advertised featured in this issue. is the responsibility of readers to satisfy themselves that the goods or services offered or referred to are bona fide and in no instance shall Hine Marketing, the Editor or the MG Car Club be held responsible for the quality or suitability of any such items.

Gordon gives a speech at an MG Car Club dinner, with Elsie and John Thornley either side of him 98 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2020

www.mgcc.co.uk

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