Safety Fast! June 2019

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THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

June 2019 Volume 63 Number 06 £3.95

THE

CAR

CLUB

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

TIME FOR A TUNE ● SHANGHAI AUTO SHOW 2019 ● THE REAL PHIL HILL Safety Fast_Cover June2019.indd 1

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THE ORIGINAL AND THE BEST As the original equipment manufacturers to companies such as Rover, MG, Triumph, Jaguar and many others over the years, Tex has established an unsurpassed reputation for quality and service. Today that quality remains evident in our Classic range of products, over 95% of which are manufactured in our factory in Oxfordshire on the original tooling. Tex products range from wing and door mirrors, wiper arms and blades and accessories are all supplied as original accessories on most British cars in the 50s, 60s, 70s. Tex were ďŹ tted as original equipment to all British Leyland vehicles between 1974 to 1983. C

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

D N A R B

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INSIDE REGULARS 5

Welcome

7

Club Matters and Kimber House News

8

News

10 Products 12 Postbag 14 Young Members Branch 63 Race Torque 64 MGs on Track 65 MGCC Speed Championship 66 Overseas Review 69 Centre Updates 80 Register Updates 90 Classifieds 98 Looking Back

NEWSLETTERS 39 Triple M Newsletter 45 Y Type Newsletter 50 ZR/ZS/ZT Newsletter

Front cover: The MG K3 of Teifion Salisbury cresting Hailwood Hill, Brands Hatch Indy Circuit, during the recent MG Car Club race meeting. Photo: Colin Murrell

24

FEATURES 17 TIME FOR A TUNE The Club’s MG ZR Express and an MG TF visit K-Maps

24 SHANGHAI AUTO SHOW 2019 Adam Sloman report’s on the2019 Shanghai Auto Show, one of the highlights of China’s motor show season

31 THE REAL PHIL HILL

39

An interview carried out in 1960 with Phil Hill, MG EX181 land speed record holder

31

54 BTCC ACTION Reports from Donington Park and Thruxton Race Circuit

58 MGCC THRILLS AND SPILLS Graham Keilloh reports on all the MGCC race action from Brands Hatch

@mgcarclub

www.mgcc.co.uk

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www.mgcc.co.uk 4 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2019

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

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WELCOME JUNE HIGHLIGHTS

KIMBER HOUSE OPEN WEEKEND Come and explore Kimber House on June 15 -16, see our archive, memorabilia and also stop by the Club shop then maybe depart on the factory test routes. Details from www.mgcc.co.uk

T

his year marks the 60th anniversary of Safety Fast! magazine. In April 1959 the very first Safety Fast! magazine was produced. John Milne in his MGA “storming his way up the Rest-and-be-Thankful Hill Climb” graced the front cover of issue number 1, April 1959. This had the bold blocky ‘Safety Fast’ logo emblazoned across it in

magenta with the slogan “the magazine for those who practise driving as an art” directly below. Over the six decades the magazine has taken on many different guises, from the late 1960s black and white 24-page production, radically different from the launch copy due to the loss of the factory backing, through the 80s and 90s when colour was reintroduced as the Club strived to develop and grow. The magazine also increased in size

MIDLAND CENTRE SUMMER DAY OUT. On June 16 come and join the Midland Centre for our Summer Day Out on as part of the Midland Automobile Club’s ‘Classic Nostalgia’ weekend. www.classicnostalgia.co.uk for info

and was up to 50 pages by the mid-90s. In 1999, our ‘40 years of Safety Fast!’ anniversary year, and a new design for Safety Fast! again; 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. By 2009, the magazine had increased to 100 pages and was a perfect bound, glossy magazine. The cover had the most radical change, though, with a ‘Safety Fast!’ script resembling that of the 1930s adverts and a subtle MGCC shield in a dark green. The magazine finally took a totally new look in 2016, and is the magazine you see today; although this year to celebrate the 60th anniversary the inside of the magazine takes on a new persona, with bigger photos and a different style, which we hope you like. I often get asked “why Safety Fast!” Well, the MG Car Company used the ‘Safety Fast!’ slogan in a lot of their advertising from 1929 to the closure of the Abingdon Factory in 1979. These two words accurately described the subject to which the magazine was, and still is, devoted – speed with safety. Until next month, drive safely.

Quickly becoming a favourite meet, we have in-field parking on Sunday June 23 at Bicester Heritage’s Scramble which brings together as many types of MGs. Details and discount code available from www.mgcc.co.uk

ANGLIA SUMMER PICNIC

Andy Knott

Membership Type

SUPER SUNDAY SCRAMBLE

Direct Debit Rate

Standard Rate Online

Standard Rate Post

Single

£50

£55

£55

Joint

£54

£59

£59

Young Members 16-20

£15

£15

£15

Young Members 21-24

£30

£30

£30

The Anglia Summer Picnic is on Sunday June at Oxburgh Hall, a romantic moated Manor built in 1482, there are 500 years of history and some 70 acres of grounds with woodland walks. To book visit www.mgccanglia.com For many more events during June please visit www.mgcc.co.uk

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

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ABINGDON MG Parts for MG, Triumph & MX-5 Cars

Working with MG Owners to keep the Marques alive Special discount on parts & accessories for all official MG Car Club Members

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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CHAIRMANS NEWS

A

s I write the June Chairman’s notes I am very much aware that for the first time in a large number of years we won’t be having our main event, MGLive!, this month. Whilst not the on the same scale, the good news is that the Kimber House team have organised an open weekend at our Club Headquarters, Kimber House in Abingdon, for the same weekend June 15-16. Tickets are available for, Saturday June 15, 10.30am-4.00pm and June 16, 10.30am-4.00pm. There are more details and ticket booking information on the news pages of this issue. Looking back at the end of April, we held a very successful Club race meeting at my home circuit, Brands Hatch in Kent. Although the weather could have been

better, with the tail end of storm Hannah affecting Saturday’s racing. One of our directors, Keith Williams, decided to stay at the circuit in a tent, although I must admit I didn’t recognise him at first as he was hidden under the many layers of clothes he was wearing to keep warm! The second Club race of the season saw some thrilling races from Maidstone MG Trophy, MGCC Lackford Engineering MG Midget & Sprite Challenge and Baynton Jones Historic Motorsport MGCC Triple-M Racing Challenge, along with our guests Equipe GTS. I was honoured to be asked by Mike Parker, one of the race co-ordinators for MG Midget & Sprite Challenge, to present the trophies to the winners of the race on Saturday. The photo above is of me

presenting Pippa Cow with her award; well done, Pippa. The next race will be at Donington on Saturday 20 and Sunday July 21. If you have not yet attended a Club race meeting I would urge you to do so, as it really is great entertainment! After the cold of the Brands Hatch meeting, a post on Facebook from a friend of mine (Ian Wright) caught my attention as he was reading his copy of Safety Fast! on the beach in the Dominican Republic. I must admit my first thought was “poor Ian, going all that way on holiday to enjoy the fantastic sun and beach, only to see my face looking back at him from the magazine!” But then I wondered where else in the world do our members take their copy of Safety Fast! to read? With the (hopefully) warmer weather around the corner, why not take a look at the MGCC website events calendar to see what great events are taking place around the country. https://www.mgcc.co.uk/events I’m off to see if I can get away with wearing one of the new MGCC bandanas (available in the MGCC Shop) so until next month, drive safely.

KIMBER HOUSE NEWS

MG HECTOR COMES TO KIMBER HOUSE We recently welcomed employees and a film crew from MG Motor India who brought along the MG Hector to show us prior to its official unveiling on May 15. A group of members and staff were invited to take part in their official launch video, and after several re-takes it was successfully accomplished.

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG Safety Fast_June2019.indd 7

The MG Hector is the first SUV to come from the MG stable in India. This will be the largest in its class and comes with a host of advanced features as standard. It will be the Company’s first internet car, coming with a connectivity system called i-smart which is a complete, integrated solution that combines software, hardware connectivity services, and most important is its voice command system. It’s powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine or a 2.0-litre diesel. Transmission options include both manual and automatic transmissions, and will go for sale against the likes of Hyundai Creta and Nissan Kicks. The Hector will only be available in India and to date there are no plans to bring it into the UK. But watch out for future MGs to come with similar features to the very advanced Hector.

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NEWS THE MG ZS EV

MG Motor UK has opened the order bank and released further details about its first-ever fully electric car that has been unveiled at the London Motor Show at London’s ExCeL. The ZS EV is powered by a 44.5kWh water-cooled battery with rapid-charging capability that will enable it to be recharged from 0-80% in 43 minutes, while domestic charging on a 7kW unit takes six-and-a-half hours from 0-100%. Certified range on current WLTP test regulations is expected to be confirmed in Q3. The introduction of the ZS EV will come laden with a long list of standard safety equipment including a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS)

presented as a first for MG. New standard features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Assist featuring automatic low-speed steering, Blind Spot Detection, Autonomous Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Alert Control System add to the ZS EV’s compelling suite of high technology. As the most technologically advanced MG ever, ZS EV is equipped as standard with a new panoramic, sliding sky-roof to further enhance the sense of space within the cabin. Furthermore, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow for seamless integration with owners’ own technology, while DAB Radio, keyless entry and satellite navigation enhance the level of technology found within this familyfriendly electric SUV. ZS EV will come with the brand’s famous 7-year Warranty. Pricing and full specification will be confirmed closer to the on-sale date of September 1.

MG DAY AT MIDDLETON HALL Roger and Fran Bragger, members of the MG Car Club, invite all MG owners to a day out at Middleton Hall, near Tamworth, Staffs. B78 2AE on Sunday June 16 This will be a chance to gather in the Glade, where you can chat about your cars and enjoy a picnic. There will be a barbecue and light refreshments also available in the glade. The price for the day will be £15 per car for up to two passengers. This includes your plaque, entrance to Middleton Hall and any tour you choose to go on. Any profit made goes to the Peel Society towards the rent and upkeep of the museum. For more information, contact Fran Bragger on frances.bragger@sky.com Early booking is advised.

RV8 THE MANUFACTURING STORY The V8 Register is considering a further digital reprint of this important book following a request for further copies from Australian RV8 owners. Copies are likely to be about £27.50 plus p&p and available this summer. If you are interested in buying a copy please contact the V8 Chairman Nic Houslip (nic@houslip.co.uk) to reserve a copy. Do not send any payment at present.

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KIMBER HOUSE OPEN WEEKEND MG Car Club are throwing the doors open to Kimber House, the Club Headquarters, for our first Open Weekend on June 15-16 2019. You can come and explore our on-site museum, see our archive and stop by the Club shop. There will be plenty of driving route books available if you wish to depart on some of the factory test routes around the Abingdon area! We’re also planning a display of special MGs from throughout the marque’s 95-year history. If you’ve never visited Abingdon, the birthplace of many MGs from 1929 – 1980, then now is the ideal time. To help us anticipate expected numbers over the weekend, we ask that you register for a free ticket via our online ticket site – Eventbrite. We are open from 10.30am – 4.00pm on both Saturday June 15 and Sunday June 16. Full details can be found at www.mgcc. co.uk/openweekend More information will be added to this web page as and when details are confirmed. Please note, due to limited external space at Kimber House there will not be any parking available on site. We are currently arranging free car parking at a nearby car park, just a five-minute walk away. Details of this, and the postcode, will be posted on the event web page as soon as possible.

V8 REGISTER AGM Venue: Donington Park Date: Sunday 21 July 2019 Time: 12.00pm Agenda 1. Apologies for absence 2. Approval of the 2018 AGM Minutes 3. Matters arising 4. Chairman’s report 5. Treasurer’s report 6. Secretary’s report 7. Election of officers 8. Election of committee members 9. Any other business Nominations for the Committee to Richard Homer V8 Register Secretary Email willowsmere@btinternet.com or phone 07714 233840. Alternate nic@houslip.co.uk or 07768 766315

www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWS SUPER SUNDAY SCRAMBLE AT BICESTER HERITAGE

This new event will be an action-packed celebration of the well-established triannual open day which has seen tens of thousands of visitors and historic vehicles roll through the gates of the former WW2 RAF Bomber Station. Bigger, better and more action packed than the wellestablished triannual open days, the Super Scramble will see the beautiful former RAF Technical Site filled with a specially curated collection of historic vehicles, the test track brought to life with cars demonstrating for the crowds and visiting aircraft on the historic airfield. The MGF Register has secured a code for all MG Car Club members to benefit from discounted entry and infield parking on the Club’s stand. For the first time, the Kimber House team will be in attendance with the Club shop. All MGs are invited to attend – we want a great selection of MGs of all ages! All the details on how to book your discounted tickets can be found on the Members Area of the Club website. If you’re thinking of going, make sure you book your tickets as soon as possible. There are no tickets available on the day, and with the previous Sunday Scramble selling out ahead of the closing date, you’ll have to be quick!

PERSONALISED TOURS & EVENTS

Ever wanted to arrange a road trip for some friends? Already do, but want someone else to do the hard work? Or are you in charge of car club tours or events?

Let us help you With over 30 years’ experience, we are confident we can help arrange your next group tour or event for your car club, or group of friends. We will work with you with as few as 4 or 5 cars on a tour, or as many as 500+ Cars, so give us a call. What do you have to lose? ‘Scenic & Continental Car Tours are very helpful and certainly make life easier for the busy leader of a car club! The hotels have been excellent and the impressive Road Books not only contained routes and maps, but also details of the places we were to visit’.

MG TROPHY CHAMPIONSHIP AGM Date: Sunday July 21 2019 Venue: The Grand Prix Suite Donington Time: TBA Agenda 1. Apologies for absence 2. Approval of AGM minutes from 2018 3. Matters arising 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Treasurer’s Report and Adoption of Eighth Year Accounts 6. To elect the Chairman of the Championship for the coming year 7. To elect the Co-ordinator of the Championship for the coming year

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG Safety Fast_June2019.indd 9

8. To elect the Treasurer of the Championship for the coming year 9. To elect the Secretary of the Championship for the coming year 10. To elect the Technical Officer(s) of the Championship for the coming year 11. To elect additional Technical Representatives 12. To elect any other committee members 13. Any Other Business 14. Open Forum following the close of the AGM 15. Rett Syndrome charity collection

BRITISH & IRISH TOURS

EUROPEAN TOURS

MOTORSPORT & WORLDWIDE TOURS

Preferred Tour Operator

Tours are organised for the MG Car Club by Scenic & Continental Car Tours

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

or see: www.sceniccartours.com/clubgroup-tours

GROUP TOUR HALF PAGE MG Safety Fast SEPT 2018.indd 1

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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

MGF/TF FIBREGLASS WINGS

YEMA MG WATCH

MG LE

EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE MG CAR CLUB

Dev the gas buz

Well known for their MGB and MGC parts, Anglia Composites have just introduced fibreglass wings for the MGTF and MGF. They come in a sandable grey gel coat, making preparation for painting much easier. They are lighter, and will not rust as the standard ones do. For those who want to go racing a lightweight version, just 1Kg, is available. Prices at £120 each plus VAT and delivery. For more information call on 01728 664194 or visit their website www.anglia-composites.co.uk where you will be able to send an email.

TRIPLE M REGISTER 2018 YEARBOOK

This yearly publication is eagerly awaited by followers of the Triple M cars. Many of us aspire to owning one of these iconic cars but with prices rocketing we can only dream. But we can get a flavour of what it is like to own one and delve into the fascinating history of these wonderful cars. The 84 pages of the Yearbook are full of interesting topics written by people with years of experience of these cars. The articles cover significant historic and technical aspects of the car that made MG the respected brand it is. Mike Alison, the Register President and well-known MG historian and author who worked at the MG factory, has written two articles, together with contributions from Sean Smedley, Simon Johnston and Competition Secretary Mike Linwood who rounds off the yearbook with an account of the many racing, trialling and speed events, in which the Triple-M cars competed during 2018. The book is an illustrated, colour, glossy A4 publication, which includes an account of the cars’ exploits during 2018 throughout Britain and abroad. The Yearbook offers much to interest the owners of these cars and general MG enthusiasts alike. This is a limited edition publication which is modestly priced at £12 plus p&p and is available from the Triple M Register online library shop at www.triple-mshop.org or phone 01327 842549. Email: info@triple-mshop.org

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B

MG

Ge sum

MG MG MG MG

M C 1 W T

M The MG Car Club is delighted to announce the launch of a Limited Edition MG watch, created by fine French Watchmaker, Yema. The watch is a Limited Edition version of Yema’s famous Rallygraf watch. The chronograph uses a Quartz movement and consists of a main dial and two sub-dials with beige aluminium insert, reminiscent of a dashboard, finished with an MG logo. The perforated British Racing Green leather bracelet is finished with beige top stitching, reminiscent of a colour scheme found on many classic MGs. The Rallygraf watch was first launched in 1966 and was designed for motor racing and drivers of classic cars with a tachometer and chronograph protected by an ultrasolid stainless steel case and mineral glass. The MG Car Club have opened order books for this watch at the price of £215 for MG Car Club Members or £250 for non-members, plus postage and packaging. Once the 200 Limited Run is reached, the batch of watches will be handmade at Yema’s workshop in Motreau, France. Pre orders can be placed by emailing ineke@mgcc.co.uk.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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OPENING HOURS: Mon-Fri 8.15am - 5.30pm Sat 9.00am - 1.00pm All prices are correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change. PLEASE MENTION THIS ADVERT WHEN PLACING YOUR ORDER TO OBTAIN THESE PRICES. All orders subject to availability. All prices include VAT @20%. CARRIAGE EXTRA

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POSTBAG SELLER BEWARE! Almost before I received the latest edition of an MG magazine, I received an email from a Mr Frank Anderson asking for some details of my new advert, ‘1968 MGC Roadster BHJ196F ...41 pics’ etc. I sent him the link and he came back almost immediately asking for price and explaining that he was out of the country on a ship as marine engineer BUT really wanted the car and could only pay with PayPal, blah blah blah, etc. So I said £30K as PayPal would cost me c.£900. He came back saying that he had paid £30K + £700 to allow for an Italian transport company, that he named, to pick up the car on April 6. Note this is April 1. Then he went on to say that I would receive PayPal emails to show that the money was held with them and all I had to do was send £650 to the transport company by Ria Money Transfer and as soon as they had confirmed receipt, the PayPal money would be released. I did receive PayPal emails but by then I had already decided that this was a scam and had already checked with PayPal and sent his emails off to spoof@paypal.com POINT IS.... some people would have felt that the PayPal emails were good and Anderson’s explanations were all plausible, if extreme. Also the prospect of £30K would have played a significant part in someone sending out money that they felt would return anyway. It is likely that he would have found a plausible reason for asking for more which would again be finally paid in addition to the £30.7K. In summary, I was surprised that this happened so quickly on a new advert placed, was surprised that it happened at all, was pleased that I responded to Mr Anderson with the statement that I was not paying anything to sell my MGC, only collecting and since then there has been no contact! May this be a warning for all of you, especially as PayPal emails appear to be cloned so easily. Alan Ward-Best

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A CONTINUING MYTH… I am writing to correct the continuing myth in the Vintage Newsletter (April 2019) that the model car which forms the centrepiece of the South West Centre’s Kimber Trophy is the model which originally sat upon Cecil Kimber’s office desk. The Kimber Trophy was presented to the South West Centre by Cecil Kimber at its inaugural meeting in Bath on October 7 1936 and the model featured is of no particular make of car, just one sculptor’s idea of a 1930s sports car. The model car which featured prominently on Kimber’s desk is a model of the Magic Midget – just what you would have expected from C.K. A photograph of Kimber at his desk together with this model can be seen on page 85 of John McLellan’s “Art of Abingdon” should anyone be in any doubt.

As an aside, mention is made in the same article of the Vintage Newsletter of Joe Waller, who was in fact the first recipient of this historic trophy. In 1963, as a teenager, I moved to Bristol in advance of my parents and stayed with friends in Wraxall, near Nailsea. For a few months I used to be given a lift from Wraxall to school in Bristol by no lesser luminary that Joe Waller. Learning of his motorsporting credentials many years later, it explained why a local bank managed drove a new Mini Cooper when one would have expected such a pillar of local society to have driven a rather more staid make of car! If only I had known then what I later learnt about Joe Waller, I am sure I would have heard some wonderful stories on those school runs. Edward Kirkland

www.mgcc.co.uk

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POSTBAG

MULTI-COLOURED MIDGETS You asked for identification of the Midgets featured on the March Looking Back, page. The two Road Going MG Challenge cars in the photo are driven by Robert Nettleton and Peter Felix at Cascades bend, Oulton Park ,1981 (Peter at the front in this photo). Peter won the MG Midget Championship in 1981 from Tim Cairns, and Robert went on to win it a couple of times in Class C (Road going class) and also Class B (race modified) when this new class was created in the 1980s. Robert (whose paid job was a legal assistant at Leicester County Council) prepared all aspects of both his car and that of Peter Felix with his cousin David Holmes. Robert and Peter’s cars were the first in the then relatively new Midget Race series to be specially repainted in non-BMC standard shades, and certainly the first cars (arguably in UK club racing, too) to be multi-coloured. They created quite a lot of interest and were very distinctive wherever they raced, for many seasons. The meticulous preparation for these state-of-the-art Road Going Midgets rather raised the bar for the category and it was not long until, in the mid-1980s, the magazine Cars and Car Conversions became involved when one of their journalists, Art Markus, bought a car and took part in the championship. Before the advent of the MG Midget championship in 1977, there used to be thinly supported classes at MG events for completely standard 1098cc and 1275cc Midgets, and typically a well-driven 1275cc road car driven to the circuit could lap in about

SOMETHING FOR THE LADY MEMBERS

1 min 21seconds around the Silverstone club circuit. With the new series allowing a half race 731 cam and gas flowed cylinder heads and carefully set up and lowered suspension, etc, it was not long before the competitive Road Cars were lapping in the 1 min 15 second bracket ,and all this on standard 145 x 13 SP41 road tyres and steel wheels. Articles about preparing the cars plus race reports, photos and paddock gossip/ news appeared almost monthly in “Triple C”, as it was referred to. The popularity of the Road Class (later called Class C) flourished so much that these cars had their own separate races from the full race MGCC full race Modsports cars. At the peak there were about 60 Road Going entrants at popular central venues like Mallory Park, with the organising clubs laying on two separate practice sessions and two 30-car heats with the first 15 finishers from each of these races going forward to the final. These were the very heady days of Midget racing and I cannot recall any other MG racing category attracting so many entrants. Art Markus, having developed his car and driving over two or three years, came through to the front of the field; won a race at Donington Park at the end of the season, and not long afterwards returned to work in his native New Zealand in around 1986. Robert and Peter have not raced for several years. Robert still owns an MGCC Class B multi-coloured Midget and the second car, shared with Peter, was sold quite a while ago, resprayed to the buyer’s colour choice of Green with yellow stripes (later changed to light blue) and raced in the Cockshoot series. Robert reminded me recently of the reason why he painted the cars in multi colours. It was because a work colleague had said he had been to a Midget race in 1979 but regrettably could not recall seeing Robert’s then-Harvest yellow car. This was the original BMC colour when it was bought by Robert from a nice lady in Stratford-upon-Avon. Little did she know that her everyday road car, first registered in Hampshire, (POT 464M) would turn out to be such well-known and successful racing Midget. James Thacker

THE HISTORY OF THE MYSTERY

I am writing to you as a loyal member of the MG Car Club. I feel that the MG Car Club doesn’t cater for the lady members. The magazine is very male-orientated and there must be many lady members who feel the same way as I do. They may appreciate a bit more feminine input. I’m interested to hear what the lady members think, and if they’ve any suggestions.

My MGF, T318 BAN, has turned 20. It came off the production line on Tuesday February 2, just after the afternoon tea break. It was road registered on April 1. The minor mystery I would like to solve concerns the first two service stamps. Gaydon, Vehicle Operations, carried out service number 1 at 2,311 miles. Service number 2 was done at the West Works Garage, Longbridge. Having worked for the old British Leyland, I recall that an awful lot of the production went straight to managers as vehicle keepers, and that servicing was done by the local British Leyland brand dealer. This was confirmed by an ex-JLR engineer. The other oddity is that my MG has the highest spec engine, VVC, in combination with the lowest level trim. What I would like to know is: has my MG any significant MG history?

Susan Gordon

Michael Hudson

www.mgcc.co.uk

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YOUNG MEMBERS

Shaun Nelson shaunnelly@hotmail.com

MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT –

RYAN BOSSUT

T

his month, we’re featuring the cars driven by Ryan Bossut. If you have any MG tales you’d like to share; or cars that you would like to feature in our column, do get in touch and we’d be more than happy to talk to you about it! Getting your first car is always special, no matter what the car. For me personally, it was even more so because my first was a lovely and rather rare MG ZS 120+ in a vibrant Rio red. I got into the MG scene at a young age, given that my parents owned a few ZTs which I always had loved for their aggressive looks and relative exclusivity. Since taking ownership, I have done my utmost to keep my pride and joy in as original condition as possible. I’ve spent countless hours on her now and I’m really very proud. I’ve also always liked the idea of a two-seater convertible; I mean, who hasn’t? So, being an MG enthusiast with an itch to scratch, I thought I would look for one – and a special one at that. This is when I came across a stunning example of an 80th anniversary 135, number 747, with only 40k miles on the clock.

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If anything was going to put a smile on my face on those long summer days, it had to be this. The ZS took me to Pride of Longbridge last year; my favourite event of the year as it’s a fantastic opportunity to get together with other MG Rover enthusiasts, talk cars, share interests, and see some absolutely stunning MGs on display.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

TIME FOR A TUNE By Colin Grant.

D

o you ever wish you had just that extra bit of performance from your MGF, TF or K-Series Z range of cars, especially when you go to overtake, or pulling away from traffic lights? Are you concerned your fuel bills are too high? Well, that’s the way I felt and wanted a little extra from my TF. I had looked at improving the performance by fitting an expensive air box conversion together with an uprated exhaust system, but decided the best option was to have my engine re-mapped by a specialist. What is re-mapping? Your engine is managed by an Engine Control Unit (ECU) which is programmed to manage functions such as the fuel

www.mgcc.co.uk

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injection, sensors, air flow, etc. The default settings or maps are not necessarily the best for the car as the manufacturer has to take into consideration different climate conditions, marketing constraints, fuel quality and legislation when the software is programmed. They therefore hit upon a compromise which doesn’t get the very best from your engine. Re-mapping is software that has been formulated for your car from many hours of testing and rewriting to get the very best from your engine. Some firms who specialise in this offer a performance map or an economy map, but I was looking for a firm who could offer a combination of both. This would entail connecting a computer to the car’s OBD2 connector and

Mark with his KMaps development cars

overwriting the ECU’s default settings with new software. This usually takes around 30 minutes and is a straightforward process. Previously cars had to be chipped which involved the removal of the main microchip from the ECU which was then replaced with a modified chip which could be a bit hit and miss. Who shall I get to do the re-map? There are many firms out there who offer a re-map service but you need to find one that specialises in the K series engines. After doing some research we got in contact with Mark Stacey at Kmaps, formerly known as Z and F tuning. Kmaps are based near Banbury and Mark was formerly an MG Rover factory development engineer who was responsible for the K series products. This involved prototype track and road development testing throughout the world. Mark’s earliest memories at the factory were as a trainee being involved with the carburettor-equipped Montego Turbo running them on a rolling road or engine test bed to reach target air/fuel ratios. He was then involved with the Mems K Series (Modular Engine Management System). This is the system that controls the multipoint fuel injection system being controlled by the ECU. Because of evertighter emission regulations Mems3 was

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FEATURE

Explaining the update procedure

Updated software about to be downloaded

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developed which enabled even greater tunability of the system. This was due to a legislative requirement for the system to be reconfigurable by a dealer. So if a cleaner tune was developed at the factory it could then be passed to the dealers to update existing cars. This was a great improvement over the earlier Mems system where you could only read fairly basic diagnostics and were limited to the changes you could make. Mark was responsible for the Mems3 and spent time testing in Australia at 35C and then on to Canada where it was some 60 degrees colder. Mark has also campaigned a VHPD 190 TF in the MG Car Club race series for several years and is now the official tune supplier to the MGCC, MG Trophy race

www.mgcc.co.uk

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REMOVING ECU FROM OURFEATURE ZR VAN PLEASE NOTE THAT ECU LOCATION VARIES BETWEEN MG MODELS.

1

series. Following the demise of MG Rover Mark went on to form his own re-map service using his unique expertise in the K series. His business has extended overseas, as he now receives ECUs to remap from Australia and Europe. He also specialises in re-mapping the K-Series in other cars including Caterham and Lotus. What are the benefits of a re-map? Mark says his role is to provide the best engine efficiency with better throttle response, improved part-throttle fuel economy and a useful 8-10% power gain depending upon your engine set-up. He points out that an effective re-map should include better performance and fuel economy, not one or the other. There are

www.mgcc.co.uk

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The ECU is located on the right side of the engine bay

2

First the battery must come out so the screws locating the ECU can be removed

3

Remove battery clamp and terminals

4

Undo the clamps locating bolts.

5

Remove clamp

6

Pull up ECU and remove connectors

7

With connectors removed package up and send to KMaps

different maps to cover the type of fuel being used and options such as rev limiter settings on the engine. Bespoke tunes are

8

Re fit the returned ECU in the reverse manner

also available for cam upgrades/injector changes or even a 1.8 K turbo installation in cars such as ZR/Metro/Midgets and even

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19/11/2018 13:28 24/05/2019 13:37


18 13:28

an MG3 – which can actually see over 300bhp with suitable hardware upgrades. I asked Mark if after the re-map the unmodified engine would benefit from any other improvements, such as a sports exhaust system. He said these units can add character but in terms of power gains would be mainly effective at the higher end of the rev range. He felt the standard exhaust/air box were of a reasonable design for everyday driving in most applications (apart from base 1.4 models which have a restrictive air box). He would however, usually consider a good stainless silencer as an OE spec exhaust is hard to find these days. The main thing is to keep your service schedules up to date and make sure your air filter is in good order. Can I have my MGF re-mapped? The answer is yes and no. You can’t effectively re-map your early Mems system but you can re-map an MGF with a Mems3 system fitted that was introduced around 2000. If your car has plug cap coils and a slim, wedge-shaped ECU instead of the earlier rib type, then it’s Mems3. Another way to tell is, if your ECU has three ‘Ns followed by six digits on the label then its Mems3. The key fob is not a guide as the change to the round key fob only reflects a change to the security ECU. On earlier cars you can, at a price, consider upgrading to Mems3. You can have a conversion kit fitted which will include an inlet manifold, engine bay wiring harness and various sensors, etc.

Mark racing in the trophy series www.mgcc.co.uk

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Turbo charged MG3 at the Pride of Longbridge event 2019, owned by Chris Flanagan and re-mapped by Mark Stacey

How long does it take and what does it cost? It takes around half an hour to re-map your car, although it is important that your car is in a good state of tune, with no running issues. Mark always does a diagnostics check first to make sure everything is working. This is followed by the installation and a test drive. The cost of the re-map is £239. For those who are some distance away from Mark’s

base he offers a postal service where you remove your ECU and send by registered post to him for re-mapping. He will, for a refundable surcharge, supply you with an ECU to use in your car while yours is away being re-mapped. This will be totally compatible with your car. The price in this instance, including the refundable surcharge, is £349 plus the cost of p&p. To demonstrate how to remove the ECU for sending to Mark we removed the ECU from the Club ZR 160 Express van, see photos. Mark has a bench unit to download the software but as he has an identical van he put the ECU into this and re-mapped it in situ with a tune upgrade

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FEATURE

based upon the official MG Car Club Kmaps VVC race set-up. He said once reinstalled in the van the only thing that may need doing is the resetting of the throttle body position sensor. This will be necessary if the idle speed is a little on the high side. The procedure for re-setting is to turn the start key to position 2, and then push up and down the accelerator pedal 5 times. Turn off then start your car. The idle speed will be reset. What’s it like to drive after a remap? With regard to my TF it seemed to me to be a totally different car after the re-map. It was so much more responsive with a much crisper throttle response, and loads more torque low down. An example of this was on the motorway during our drive back to the Club. Overtaking slower moving traffic was a breeze with a noticeable shove in the back at 3000rpm. On the back roads we encountered after the motorway stint, the car was a complete joy to drive; with its combination of great handling and new throttle response, it put smiles on our faces. With regard to the Club’s van, John Thompson of the Zed Register gives his opinion. ‘The Register has been using the ZR Express Van since the beginning of the year. So far we have taken it to four of our events to promote the Club and the Register, together with our ongoing ‘Save Our Zeds’ campaign. The performance from the van is everything you’d expect from a ZR 160 and pulls very well even with a heavy load in the back. Between using the

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Marks van picture with my TF

must inform your insurance company. I’m insured with Peter Best who, on contacting them, informed me that there would be a 15% loading to my policy, taking it from the current £139 to £153 which is a £14 increase. Please note that individual policies will vary according to your age, circumstances and the area where you live, so this is only an example.

TF 135 comparative test Kmaps ecu vs std

van for the Classic Car Restoration Show at the NEC and Pride of Longbridge the van was re-mapped. There is now a noticeable increase in power and torque throughout the whole power range, especially from a standing start and at the top end on the motorway where you have power to spare.’ What about my Insurance – do I have to let them know about the re-map? The answer to this is a definite yes; you

Is it worth it? My overall assessment is most definitely yes. The improvement in throttle response and the extra torque all make the driving experience much more enjoyable. I also feel it’s a safer car to drive as it has much more grunt to overtake. It now runs more efficiently and therefore will be more frugal with fuel. The cost for the re-map I feel is very fair, even when you add in the extra insurance cost which for me, at least, is very reasonable. Our thanks to Mark Stacey of Kmaps for his help with this article. To contact Mark for more information telephone 07928 196856 or go to his website at www.kmaps.co.uk. He is based at Kmaps, Lodge Farm, Banbury, CV350JH.

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/05/2019 13:37


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FEATURE

SHANGHAI AUTO SHOW 2019 By Adam Sloman

H

eld at the National Exhibition and Conference Centre, the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show is one of the highlights of not only China’s motor show season, but the world’s. With MG part of one of China’s largest carmakers, our favourite marque played a key role in the massive SAIC motor display. MG’s stand was impressive, with a strip of tarmac completing a race circuit that ran

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through a full-size MG coffee shop, with a 1968 MGC GT placed at the entrance. Classic MG print adverts flanked one wall, while the opposite side featured video walls featuring short films about MGLive! and the MG Car Club and Kimber House. The marque’s heritage is clearly important to MG, since the stand also featured a J2 Midget, taking pride of place at the very front of the stand.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

AS WELL AS XPOWER, MG WAS ALSO SHOWCASING ITS ELECTRIC VEHICLES – EVS ARE BIG BUSINESS IN CHINA

www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

WITH SPORTY STYLING AND PERFORMANCE TO MATCH, THE EMG6 WOULD LIKELY BE WELCOMED BY UK MG FANS WERE IT TO BE MADE AVAILABLE

Motor shows have always been about new cars, though, and the Shanghai show was no different. This year’s show was all about the return of XPower, with the MG6 XPower TCR racer being very much the star of the show. The team from MG were tight-lipped about the programme for the car’s debut, but stated they are hopeful it will make its debut in 2019, or, at the very latest, 2020. The full range of current MGs, bar the 3, were on display and all were showcasing new XPower editions. Alongside the J2, MG displayed a new XPower HS, a more sporting version of their newest SUV. Finished in anthracite grey, with multispoke wheels and twin exhausts, it certainly lives up to the XPower moniker. Inside it features

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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Alcantara-trimmed seats and dashboard, with contrasting red stitching and red leather door cards – it’s an attractive package and one that would likely prove popular on the UK market. An XPower ZS was also on show, featuring body-coloured arch extensions, new red accented wheels, and twin, centre-exit exhaust pipes. The new wheels and body-coloured arches give the car a lower, more aggressive stance visually, again in line with the XPower theme. Completing the display of XPower cars was the MG6, with unique wheels and rear spoiler. Much to the delight of fans from the early 2000s, it seems that XPower is back! As well as XPower, MG was also showcasing its electric vehicles – EVs are big business in China, with hefty government subsidies on offer to encourage customers from their petrolpowered cars and into electric. MG displayed the EZS, a car due for launch in the UK later this year. Finished in a stunning shade of sky blue, it was joined by a revised eMG6. Referred to as the Trophy 5, this performance version offers 300bhp and approximately 355 ft lbs of torque. The engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The battery can reach 80% charged in just over three hours. 0-60 takes 5.9 seconds, while the car will travel 30 miles when under electric power only. With sporty styling and performance to match, the eMG6 would likely be welcomed by UK MG fans were it to be made available. Another impressive show for MG, one with an interesting range of cars that shows the growth and development of the marque, growth that is supported by commendable nods to MG’s wonderful history and heritage.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

THE REAL B PHIL HILL Following on from our article celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the EX181 recordbreaking run at Bonneville, this month we revisit an interview carried out by Wilson McComb with Phil Hill in 1960

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Phil Hill at the wheel of his Ferrari F1 car

orn in 1927 in Miami, Florida, but a Californian by upbringing, Phil Hill needs no introduction as one of the finest racing drivers. As a member of the works Ferrari team, he had come to race at Silverstone, and in preference to a hotel had chosen to stay at the home of an English friend near Abingdon. It was there that Safety Fast! interviewed him, in a pleasant, whitewashed cottage with a low ceiling, age-darkened oak beams and polished copper pans gleaming in the light from the small, leaded windows. Never really still, the mercurial Hill nevertheless seemed at ease in these surroundings, apart from an occasional darting movement from one chair to another and the incessant nibbling of biscuits (it was one of his many non-smoking periods). We put the tape recorder on the floor, switched on, and started asking questions: The first car you drove was your aunt’s Oldsmobile, when you were nine? It wasn’t my aunt, it was a friend of the family… Hey, don’t put Oldsmobile – she wouldn’t have had an Oldsmobile.

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FEATURE Anyway, that was your first drive. When you were 12 you bought a Model T for $10.00? Right. A friend had 12 acres of land down at Santa Monica Canyon, where l live. He also had a horse track, a four-mile horse track. He had a Model A and I had the Model T, and we used to charge around there. Do you reckon that taught you anything? I suppose so. That Model T would bicycle at the drop of a hat – they were dam’ dangerous. You left the University of Southern California and became a mechanic in a Los Angeles garage. Full time? About three years before that I became a

part-time mechanic in the Packard garage in Santa Monica – I was working after school, and during summer, and that sort of thing. You tried midget racing, and you just didn‘t like it? It wasn’t quite that way – I was very fond of midget racing, just for the identity of motor racing (it was my first experience of motor racing). I did have the opportunity to drive, but didn’t consider myself a driver as far as racing was concerned. Three or four times, I guess, I drove. I showed great promise, but to tell you the truth, it frightened me to death. Then you bought a ‘TC’ MG? I did, but I didn‘t do anything with it. I drove the ‘TC’ to the midget races. I was working for the fellow who had the two

midget race cars, seven days a week – going to races seven days a week, except that about every fortnight we had to overhaul the things, a complete overhaul in one day. Why did you choose an MG? About that time it was the only thing that had any real attraction. It was the only different kind of automobile that was available. What kind of impression did it make when you first drove the MG? A terrific impression! This was something completely new to me. I had always been fond of old cars, particularly the veterans; we had a 1931 Pierce in my family – I always liked driving that thing because it had good manners – and, believe it or not, the MG was very much that way. It

Phil Hill at speed on the salt (Utah 1959) 32 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2019

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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didn’t have independent suspension, and it didn‘t have any of the vices associated with bad independent suspension – but much, much more – you know, it had performance in the handling department as well as sheer acceleration. For how long were you content with its standard performance? Not very long – but that doesn’t reflect on the standard performance; it was just a matter of wanting to make it better if it were possible without doing anything bad to it – I mean, l wouldn’t have thought of putting an American production car engine in it, like some people did. Did you race it in standard form? Just rallies and things, and timed trials on closed circuits. The first event l was in, the timed thing, was at Palos Verdes, California (it means Green Hills in Spanish).

A young Phil Hill having fun in a T Type

Then you started tuning it? Yeah. I actually had two ‘TC’s. I got one in November ’47 and then in about two or three months l got this Nordec supercharger for it and had a good deal of difficulty with it. You didn’t do any porting or cleaning up the head before putting the blower on? Some. Did you know about Stage tuning? No, l guess there were no publications on Stage tuning then. The first MG I think I had only about four or five months, then I got another one exactly the same, black with red leather. On the second one I got a Shorrock supercharger, and that one we did a heck of a lot of messing around with. I lowered the compression ratio and changed the combustion chamber shape a little. We put in larger inlet valves and left the standard exhaust valves, and used heavy springs all the way through. We ported out the inlet side of the supercharger and cast up another neck for it and put on an H.6 the first of the fourcornered S.U. carburettors, you’ll have to check the figures- it’s been a long time. Did you do anything to the chassis? I think we re-valved the shock absorbers a little bit – we did very little messing with it, actually. But the engine was fabulous on that MG. Really, the only thing bad you could say about it was it was a little difficult to find a plug that would take the range of the engine, because the

www.mgcc.co.uk

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compression ratio was down around 5.5:1 and the fuel consumption was terrible, but it was as smooth as glass, with no roughness or proneness to detonating. You could run it on regular gasoline, rather than benzole mixture, and it really put out under full-throttle conditions. Did you ever check it on a bench? We used a chassis dynamometer quite a bit with it. I don‘t remember what we got now, but it was about the goingest MG out there. The reputation the car had was for being such a pleasant thing to drive – very, very smooth and a terrific willingness to rev. The supercharger was run faster than recommended and the pressure was up above 10 p.s.i., but it was more of a game than that because we ported it ‘way out’. In fact, we removed completely the bolt that went through the port, and recessed the hole in the bottom of the port and used a streamlined nut on the inside – just cut the whole thing out. Any trouble keeping the head on? There wasn’t really, because the b.m.e.p. was so low except under full-throttle operation. We had this great big copper spacer – I think it was 1/8in thick, a big, thick copper spacer; every time we took it off it had to be re-annealed. And that car gave you your first real race? Yeah, at Carrell Speedway, Los Angeles – a 1/4-mile paved track. We were racing professionally – gosh, I made a lot of money with that thing. I think I made

JUNE 2019 SAFETY FAST! 33

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around $500 the first time I ran. I won every race – l got the fastest qualifying time, won the Trophy dash, won the main event and also won one of the heats. When was this? In ’49 – or was it? I’m getting mixed up with these years. I had that second blown MG quite a while, and we didn’t do all the stuff all at once – we had the Shorrock supercharger on it first without doing the stuff, but ultimately all these things were done to it. A friend and I had some trick stuff we did for this 1/4-mile racing – terrible things, really. We found we got a more uniform sort of grip with tyres that were all but worn out, and so we’d buy customers’ tyres that were just about worn out and make some kind of arrangement to have them recapped for them, and that worked out beautifully. Another thing we were doing was using beefed-up left front springs to keep the right rear wheel down, because they

were clockwise circuits. But we had to make sure we didn’t let the car sit for long that way, because it would take a permanent set – we had to keep it jacked up all the time off its wheels, and just before putting it on the grid, we’d let it down. About this time you joined International Motors? I joined International Motors the first minute I got the first MG – well, I got the MG in November ’47 and within a month I was working for them. I went to work for them mainly so I could buy the supercharger at their cost! How many races did you do with the ‘TC’? Oh, a dozen, anyhow, I’m sure – maybe more. Of course, we didn’t have an awful lot of races in those days, it was in its infancy – we were just barely getting started.

A good deal of success? Terrifically successful – in fact, it was considered about the hottest thing around at the time. Make you feel good? Yeah. Not as good as it should have, though, because I needed to think that I was developing as a driver, and the car was actually deserving – and getting – most of the credit. You felt on top of it, though, didn’t you? ... Did you ever feel it was ahead of you? Oh, no, I never felt it was ahead of me, but still... Did you feel that someone else would have made more of it? No, I never would have admitted that, either, but at the same time I wasn’t sure it was me and not the car.

Phil Hill after his successful run with EX181

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FEATURE

Phil Hill piloting his Shark nose Ferrari F1 car

And you never drove another one, so you weren’t able to find out? Well, let’s put it this way: l knew that the car was about the best MG around, so... Did you have any thought of turning professional? Well, we were already automatically professionals. I think we had three races at Carrell Speedway and the crowd fell off pretty badly at the third one – they came for the novelty at first. Not enough people were making enough money, and a lot of the sports car types were not willing

Phil out racing his MG TC

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to put their MGs (most of them were MGs, that’s mostly what we had) – well, it got a little stale for them in a couple of weeks, especially those who weren’t being very successful. We had trouble fielding enough cars. Did you drive MGs on the road much? I drove that car on the road all the time, and in the end it got so I had to have a ring job every week. I mean, the bore wear was fierce, and every week we had to take the head off the thing and put a hone through it and put a fresh set of rings in,-

nice soft ones that would come in in a few laps! You were still happy with the roadholding, I mean, right-hand corners on full left lock didn’t bother you? Well, I didn‘t know any better. We did get into some trouble breaking wheels. Did you lighten the MG? No, we weren’t allowed to. We weren‘t even allowed to use smaller wheels on it.

Phil inspecting Wilson’s MGA

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FEATURE

Phil with a smile on his face in Wilson’s MGA, with Wilson McComb looking on

Do you reckon that the ‘TC’ taught you anything? Oh, I learned everything from it, really. I mean, all my early days of really driving a car that I knew was capable of being driven. If you had to advise another young man who was quite determined, and you thought had the latent ability to become a racing driver, would you say ‘Buy yourself a ...’? Yes, a Sprite or an MG or a Healey or something – y’know, I would, definitely. I think that‘s the way to start, really. Then you went to England? Yeah, I was sent here by International Motors. You arrived on New Year’s Eve, 1949, and you were here for six months. Where did you go first? I went to Ward End, Birmingham – the old Wolseley factory, now B.M.C. Tractors and Transmissions Branch. What was the idea? I was hired as a mechanic by I.M. and I had taken quite an interest in foreign cars and tending to these things, so I wanted

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to learn as much as l could about it. They wanted to make me a specialist so – gee! – I leapt at the opportunity. I went to S.U.’s – I was there for a month. I got to know S.U. carburettors pretty dam’ well. I got all kinds of stuff. Peter Swatman (he was then service manager there) he gave me his complete set of S.U. needles that he had when he was an apprentice, when he was on the road – great boxes loaded with needles – I took them all home. And from there to Jaguar; from there to Rolls-Royce, and then down to MG at Abingdon? I was there about a month working with Alec Hounslow and Henry Stone (in Development Department). It gave me a great thrill to come to Abingdon. They were just in the process of working on Goldie Gardner’s car – gee! that was really thrilling to me, ’cause y’know we heard a lot about that at home. I learnt an awful lot. It’s about ten years since America was introduced to sports cars-when the ‘TC’ MG arrived, because we can’t count the pre-war years in the States – and now, today, we have what we’ve never had before, American drivers of full Formula One G.P. calibre. Do you see any connection between those two facts? You mean the reintroduction of the sports car to the States? Oh, they’re tied right together – without the one the other would never have happened, of course. Just curiosity wouldn’t have allowed

an American to come over here and be successful. It was the fact that we did have this interest. At first it was quite a rebellious group that indulged in it. Before the war it was even more rebellious, I suppose, but it was then carried on by the wealthier types, in the east, particularly. There was a little bit of road racing in the east that most of us were unaware of, in the ‘thirties – the Collier brothers, they used to race MGs, and also there was Eddie Lunkenheimer... Anyhow, it was the post-war boom that did it. And from there we went on, this Phil Hill being an immensely interesting person when once you’ve got through a rather hard outer shell. We discussed the public’s attitude to motor racing: (... it cheapens the whole thing – these funny little cars with their funny little drivers may be racing, and it may be safer than we thought, but still, speed kills and anybody that does it purposely must be mad...); the underlying significance of it: (There are two ways of looking at motor racing. One is from the driver’s standpoint, and the other, and I think the more important, is the altruistic pursuit of improvement to a machine); and we became so completely absorbed that a long time went by before we looked down at the tape recorder, and there it was, still buzzing vainly away with an empty input spool because we’d gone right through two reels and we were still talking...

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

NEWSLETTER

WELCOME TO THE

TRIPLE M NEWSLETTER

RAMBLINGS

I

have this theory that, even though we only know the C, D, F, J, K, L, M, N, P, Q and R-types within the Triple-M range and the S, T, V and W within the SVW and T Registers with the Y and Z just post war concluding the lot, the whole alphabet was actually used up before the beautiful MGA was launched as the ‘First of a New Line’ in 1956. A bit of research outside my comfort zone and into the Vintage zone has taught me that A and B were the chassis prefixes for the Abingdonbuilt 18/80 Mk II and Mk III models. However, the first of the small ohc cars was designated simply Midget and received a chassis prefix of 2M, the 2 presumably standing for two seater and the M for either Morris or Midget, with the handsome Sportsman’s Coupé lettered CM. It would not have made sense for this first Midget to have been given the letter C, because production started before the 18/80s were being built. My guess is that, to establish some sort of system and with small cars the best way forward marketing-wise, the Works decided to have the ohc series of models that was being planned, designed and built in quick fashion, follow the letter prefixes of the 18/80s already mentioned and not differentiate between small and large cars. After all, they were all Abingdon designed and built cars from this time onwards. Hence the second Midget type car was allocated the C followed duly by the D. I always figured the E stood for Experimental and was reserved for both entire cars (EX120 and EX127 for instance) and for part projects such as EX109 (the Double Twelve M-type’s exhaust and induction system) and EX138 (a J2 brake cross-shaft with single point adjustment) to name a few. The first non-existent model then, the G-type, could have been a failed design, intended yet never built and the same could be the case with the letters H, I, O, U and X. However, having gone through the full list of EX numbers, I came across EX128 which is a set of 22 drawings for the E-type apparently and which appears to have been an abortive project. So, if these six letters were all abandoned designs as per my beliefs, would they not have had EX numbers allocated to them as well, like the E-type did? So much for my theory then! Unless management had other reasons for skipping these letters. There might have been a secretary called Harry or Howard who was not much liked or, during Friday drinks to celebrate the end of the week, the Abingdon workers laughed their socks off at the thought of an MG G or, well, the possibilities are endless, really! I personally can think of nothing else why the Works would have left these six letters out and jump from the F to the J just like that for no good reason. But! Remembering what they said at Scotland Yard (‘an assumption is the ruin of a good investigation’), please do not take my ramblings too seriously …

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CELEBRATORY MERCHANDISE

Though I’ve already talked you out of your money for an old yearbook and the Hawke History, there’s plenty more you can spend your pocket money on in our website’s shop. We currently have a range of celebratory stuff on sale in the form of lapel and car badges sporting our lovely 90th anniversary logo. Plus there’s the brand new yearbook, of course. Editor Simon Johnston has done another grand job in having it designed and printed in time for last month’s race meeting at Brands Hatch. Last but not least: our mates at the Pre-War MG Register of Australia celebrated the M-type’s 90th birthday in 2018, having chosen the date the car was introduced to the public instead of the year in which the car actually started being produced. To commemorate the occasion, they had a rather pretty grille badge made which I believe can still be obtained. If you should want one, do get in touch with Robin Page at mg0045@gmail.com

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NEWSLETTER CAR OF THE MONTH J2128 requiring some extra horses to tackle Leckhampton Hill on the 1935 Colmore Trophy Trial

We’ve come to the J for the Car of the Month and after careful consideration, I have opted for a photograph of a standard J2, an early cycle-winged one where the later ones had swept wings put in place. Four versions of the J-type were produced: the J1 was a four-seater, either an open tourer or a Salonette, the J2 a twoseater sports, the J3 a supercharged two-seater of which 33 were made and the J4 was a supercharged, doorless practically full race two-seater. Only nine of these beauties were ever built although many more now exist... Both the J1 and the J2’s engines sport cross flow heads and have a capacity of 847cc whereas the engine for the J3 and J4 was reduced to 746cc to keep within Class H. The J2 is the first production MG that had the two scuttles at the front and the slab tank at the back, the look all subsequent cars up to the 1950s TF Midget were to receive, as we now know. Even

QUARTERLY QUIZ

Right, when I came up with the Quarterly Quiz back in February and chose the photograph of the Dutch Q-type, I was hoping to receive a few more emails than the six I eventually did get. All six were more or less correct, though, and so into the head they went and out came a winner: the fabulous cardboard model kit of a K3 goes to Rainier Karthaus! When

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though the crankshaft was prone to breaking, the model was an instant success and 2,061 were sold. You can find more details on all four different J-types on our website under Model Profiles. HY 6934, the car in the picture, is J2128, newly supplied to one C.C. Evans from Bristol. The blue car was built in September 1932 and the photograph dates back to February 23 1935, so young master Evans kept his car for quite some time. The occasion was the Colmore Trophy Trial starting from Broadway and finishing at the Royal George Hotel in Birdlip, near Cheltenham, that year. The section Evans needed assistance on – from horses presumably – was called Leckhampton Hill and the photographer was the famous Bill Brunell. Would you just look at the huge amount of spectators? The car is not currently on the Register, although it might still be lurking in some shed somewhere, who knows!

Rainier emailed me, he very politely asked if he was allowed to enter seeing as he is Dutch, but with only five answers received by that time, I could hardly refuse, could I? For posterity: The car is QA0253 as showcased at the 24th ‘RAI Autotentoonstelling’, Amsterdam’s answer to London’s Olympia and Earl’s Court motor shows, in February 1935. The man standing to the right of the car is owner Hans Herkuleyns who bought it off Dutch

importer Molenaar in June 1934 and who immediately set about a tough schedule of sprints and hill climbs all over Europe. However, the Hawke History (available from our librarian) does not mention the car ever having carried number 63 as per the motor show picture. My guess is that it did so at the AMCF & ACIF Course du Kilomètre at Montlhéry on October 14 1934, seeing as that’s the only event Herkuleyns took part in in 1934 that we

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NEWSLETTER

Herkuleyns showing off QA0253 at the 1934 ‘RAI Autotentoonstelling’

have no entry number for. As an aside; it not only came home first in class that day, but also set the international Class H record for a standing start kilometre at 113.762kph. Herkuleyns kept working his orange Q-type hard all the way through the 1930s. It was eventually sold to another Dutchman in 1941, after which the car was used as a road car with an all-enveloping body for a while. The car left the Netherlands for Japan in 1985, to return to neighbouring country Germany

in 1990, where it still resides keeping some other rather unique Triple-M racing models company. The full story on ‘Flying Dutchman’ Herkuleyns and his Q-type can be found in the 2004 yearbook, back issues of which are still available through the shop on our website. So, on to the next quiz; I wonder if I got so few replies because it was too hard or because people just couldn’t be bothered… Being the optimist that I am, I’m opting for the first possibility and so I’m making this

QA0253 in Amsterdam in 1942 with Eddy Hartman behind the wheel. I wonder how he obtained the necessary petrol

quarter’s quiz a tad easier. To be in with a chance of winning a free copy of the 2018 yearbook hot off the press, all I need to know this time is the model and occasion. Extra points for those who can name (some of) the people. Ready? Go!

This month’s Quarterly Quiz www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWSLETTER

A bunch of mid-fielders at Brands Hatch including ‘Novice Star of the Show’ Onno Könemann in his even more Orange Clog (D0495) than that of his cousin Thijs de Groot. He is seen chasing Mike Davies-Colley in PA0786 and David Cooksey in C0256. Photo: Peter French

EVENTS COME …

No doubt there are plenty of car events local to you which you can enter, but on the Triple-M front June is a bit quiet with ‘just’ the AGM on June 2. Please support your Register and attend. The meeting is to be held at Kimber House in Abingdon. If you’ve not been there before, it might be nice to combine attending with a tour of the area and a visit to the permanent MG exhibition in the old town hall, well worth a visit! Next up is the Summer Gathering on July 7. From experience I know the organising team, in the form of the Green Family, runs like a well-oiled machine and this year should be no exception. Bigger and better it will even be, since the Gathering is our main event this year to celebrate 90 years of the Triple-M range. Good fun, games, food, drink and company, what more can you possibly want? I hope to catch up with many of you there. Entry forms can be obtained through the Document Downloads section of our website. Entries close on June 28 and there’s room for 160 people only, so you better be quick about it!

… AND GO!

Both the Kimber Classic Trial and Brands Hatch have indeed come and gone and both were hugely enjoyable for

competitors, marshals, photographers, ‘Brands’ was another matter entirely, friends and families alike. We were lucky though the fun and blast go for this to have Colin Murrell and Stefanie Broch, event as well. The social side of the racing Club Photographers Extraordinaire, attend scene is just so wonderfully inviting with ‘the Kimber’ this year, stepping away everyone happily chatting to everyone from their usual racing circuit habitat about everything, though of course for this one day and they did brilliantly. I mainly about Triple-Ms and how the fast hope you’ll excuse me for picking one of boys do it. Good food, good drink, but Steffie’s pictures to publish here in which mostly good gentlemanly racing. I myself feature, but I would just like to Full reports on both events should be bring my very dear friend Ties Verbruggen available in the next Bulletin. If you don’t to your attention who drove his J-type, subscribe yet, you can do so – you’ve ever so painstakingly restored to concours guessed right – through our website. standards by its former custodian Gerard Until next month; Safety Fast! van Putten, to Somerset’s muddy hills and took home the Novice Award. Suffice to say we had an absolute blast! However, the Kimber is at risk of not being organised again if more competitors cannot be found. Let’s hope a total cancellation can be avoided by, say, running it biannually, because really, people, this is such fun! Ties Verbruggen ‘coaxing’ J0616 up Stoney Lane in Oborne in his first Kimber Classic Trial. Photo: Stefanie Broch

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Jerry Birkbeck 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325 birkbeckjerry@gmail.com www.mgccyregister.co.uk

NEWSLETTER

WELCOME TO THE

Y TYPE NEWSLETTER THE 22nd SPRING RUN AND WEEKEND MAY 5-6 2019

I

t’s staggering to realise that the Spring Run is the 22nd that the Register has organised since ‘The Birth of the Y’ held to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of the Y series, which were first built at Abingdon on March 17 1947. Dennis Doubtfire, then our Secretary, asked me if I would organise an event to celebrate this. That was the first such ‘project’ that I had undertaken for the Register. From recollection,

Jo flags the Y Types off!

we drew together 47 cars from across England and Wales. Whilst it was a great success, I had naively assumed that the navigators would be able to read an extract from an Ordnance Survey map. Wrong! I stood by a junction on the Fosse Way expecting a number of cars to pass through. None arrived, though eventually the rest came through in dribs and drabs! After that, I discovered the wonders of the Tulip Diagram. So much easier! This followed a request from Dennis to “do one next year please!” Along with dear old Richard Dick we arranged the next ten routes, whilst Jo and I did the rest. Finally, in 2012, I announced that we were doing no more and asked for a volunteer. Minutes after that our current Chairman, Chris Callaghan, came forward and suggested Annette and himself as possible organisers. Of course, I was very pleased to accept their kind offer. Spring Runs and the emergence of the Spring Weekend In the early years of the ‘Run’, it was just that. Many owners travelled not only considerable distances but also combined their day with a stay at a B and B the night before. It took me some while to appreciate that arranging an overnight stay before the run would be welcomed and allow greater time for folk to get together.

Sue Silk looks a tad cold as Mike gets ready for the off... but where is his hat? www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWSLETTER We used the Silver Jubilee in 2007 for this and through contacts chose the Charlecote Pheasant Hotel in Charlecote, Warwickshire. The Hotel kindly agreed to let us start and finish the run from there. We had great interest and had some 49 cars booked in, with a couple also entering on the Sunday. The evening meal was a great success but the weather was dreadful the following day, though everyone made a great effort. Several cars didn’t make it on the day through failures and many made their way home after the initial photo-call and start of the run. 2019: Cricklade House and Sudeley Castle Chris and Annette have done a great job in arranging suitable venues and runs and this year was no exception. Whilst a few regulars were committed to other Bank Holiday events, we all enjoyed an excellent evening with over 40 guests in attendance. After dinner awards After the Spring Run Dinner, Chris Callaghan announced some awards: The Dennis Doubtfire Award for the ‘Car of the Year’* For the greatest distance travelled and events attended in a Y between May 2017 and summer 2018 Jo and Jerry Birkbeck European Event of the Year in Portugal, Isle of Wight and other events. (Covering nearly 4,000 miles in their YT)

A few of the Y Types at the start

Castle, near Winchcombe. They also decided to hold the awards for ‘The YA, YB and YT’ that the participants would like to take home with them. There were 22 Ys present and, sadly, Nick Rowell’s Y had a breakdown on the way to Cricklade, whilst

Jerry and Jo Birkbeck’s YT was in Barnsley having an engine overhaul. The NTG Cup for YAs was awarded to Roy Clapham’s excellent two-tone model.

The Mollie Murray ‘Caring Hands’ Award Selected by Mollie (the wife of the late and much-loved former Registrar Jack Murray) to the person or persons who have provided help and guidance to fellow Y Type owners across the world Sue and Mike Silk For their excellent and outstanding service in running and developing the rare products that other sources do not provide and forwarding them across the world. The Spring Run Chris and Annette had arranged an interesting route of 35 miles to Sudeley Mike and Sue Silk’s superb award winning MG YT 46 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2019

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NEWSLETTER

The Bill Atkinson Cup for YBs went to Alan Chick and his beautiful maroon car, formerly owned by his late uncle Alan (Chick) and a regular attendee at the Spring Runs. The YT Cup went to Mike and Sue Silk’s stunning YT which they have owned since 1971. Special thanks to Chris and Annette for organising a very successful weekend. Garry Gibb accepts the Piston Broke Award!

Ys gather ready for the off www.mgcc.co.uk

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Alan Chick collects the Bill Atkinson Award for the YB from Chris Callaghan

A lineup of Ys get inspected before starting the Spring Run JUNE 2019 SAFETY FAST! 47

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NEWSLETTER OWNERS’ YS

Slater Reynolds stunning MG YA

Slater’s YA participating in the 2003 Kimber Trial

A couple of brief notes about owners’ cars, forwarded to me recently.

At the Spring Weekend he opened the sun roof of the car, wound down the windows and all present were entertained by some 1940s swing and jazz music appropriate to the era of the car. All provided through a USB stick! Alan also has a wind-up gramophone to play suitable records from the 40s and 50s. Very atmospheric!

Slater Reynolds’ YA (GL 9899) Slater’s Y 0330 has been in family ownership since May 20 1957. when it was purchased by his mother. It is a very early model, being first registered on May 16 1947. It had a body off rebuild between 1999 and 2002, when the engine and gear box were also rebuilt. Slater has used the Y regularly and is a long-standing attendee of the Spring Weekends and participated in the Round Britain Relay in 2017, marking the 70th Anniversary of the Y. It also appeared as a marquee representative at MGLive! in 2007 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the Y and again at MGLive! in 2017 on the Register Stand. The photograph shows GL9899 participating in the Kimber Trial in 2003, and why not? Sadly, Slater and Sally, who downsized recently and have no additional garage space to store the YA, are reluctantly looking to sell this wonderful car that has been part of Slater’s life for 62 years! Details can be supplied by contacting me by email or phone (information is on the header at the beginning of this Newsletter).

Alan and Alan with YB1274

Alan Chick’s YB (HKG 16) Alan’s YB 1274, constructed on May 2 1953, was purchased by Alan’s uncle Alan (also Chick!) in 1959. Alan Senior had the car extensively rebuilt in the 1990s and used it on high days and holidays. Over the years it has appeared at nearly all the Y Register events both in the UK and abroad. Alan was accompanied for many years by his friend Mary. However, in recent years Alan was accompanied by a new driver, nephew Alan, and on his uncle’s sad death in 2016 ‘young Alan’ was left the YB. ‘AJ’, as I will call him for clarity (!), has maintained the car fastidiously and uses it regularly… and not just for popping down to the pub! It appeared on the MGCC Stand at the Classic Car Show in November 2017 and drew some very favourable comments.

OTHER NEWS Peter Vielvoye’s YB will be appearing on TV later in the year, being one of the cars used in the Father Brown series. I will ask Peter to advise us when it will be seen

48 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2019

MG Safety Fast_June2019.indd 48

AGM 2019

In recent years we have found it far more sensible to arrange the AGM on the Saturday of the Spring Weekend. There is always the chance of a reasonable attendance. The following were re-elected: Chairman...................................... Chris Callaghan Secretary....................................... Peter Sharp Treasurer....................................... Mike Longman Technical....................................... Neil Cairns Website & Facebook.................... Peter Vielvoye Shop.............................................. Mike and Sue Silk* (A potential replacement is in the pipeline) Scribe & Events ........................... Jerry Birkbeck Committee (without portfolio)... Maggie and Paul Grafham, Fran Smith

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/05/2019 13:39


MGB CAT LAUNCH POSTCARD 2019 UK qxp_Layou 1 17 05 2019 15 32 Page 1

DESCRIPTION

PART No.

No.

DESCRIPTION

PART No.

No.

INSTRUMENTS

PART No.

QTY REQ. QTY REQ. QTY REQ. No.

DESCRIPTION

& GAUGES

s & Gauges

Engine 4 Cylinder

Engine 4 Cylinder

20 26

Engine V8

15

New Instrument

Oil Cooler

19

most applications available again for and gauges are now units. Brand new instruments less than the cost of reconditioned . often at modern technologies original units using to match exactly the Sympathetically re-tooled

16

Clutch

1

Engine V8

Engine & Gearbox Mountings Cooling

4 CYLINDER MODELS gauge

y Gauges & Clock

ES

204 PAG

& Hoses Oil Pressure Pipes

Auxiliar

OUT NOW!

PART No.

QTY REQ.

AHH6554 1 14 NO. DESCRIPTION PART No. QTY REQ. Oil Cooler 32 HOSE, oil pressure 11G15 DUAL oil pressure gauge Heater & NO. DESCRIPTION 1 33 ADAPTOR, engine PART No. 12 new, outright: QTY REQ. 6K638 Engine Controls hose to GAUGES 1 19 DUAL GAUGE, models 22 adaptor Clutch 4 Cylinder NO. DESCRIPTION Jaeger, 3 synchro PART No. lit gauge). 34 WASHER, sealing pressure gauge QTY REQ. 17H298 18G/GA engines (externally oil 1 AAA628 for further details. 1 4 BARREL CARB 35 CONNECTOR, See panel opposite Fuel No. DESCRIPTION 17H298 °F CONVERSION KIT PART No. hose to pipe RA1337 Engine V8 Engine & 5 QTY REQ. System 1 17 21 EDELBROCK PERFORMER Smiths no. GD1501/01. securing: 1 BHA4296 GHF101 1 Gearbox 36 SCREW, connector DUAL PLANE No. DESCRIPTION performance. °C PART No. RB7314 GHF117 STRIKER PLATE,High profile, maximum 1 QTY REQ. up to Sept. 1976 Mountings & GHD4/5, 1 Smiths no. GD1501/04. DUAL PLANE 'B' POST, RH MODELS GHN4/5 Exhaust Oil Cooler models GHF331 24 OFFENHAUSER 360 from Sept. 1976 on No. DESCRIPTION 1 CZA3310 Smiths, 3 synchro ROADSTER & GT lit gauge). Medium profile. 1 RB7314B AHH6247 18GB engines (externally 1 BHA4586 heads 1 37 WASHER, spring ALL V8 MODELS Cooling manifold to headed BUTTON DOOR HANDLE bolts & washers. PUSH ON, 18 connector BOLT KIT, inlet 1968 °F 8 12 point or GD1501/14A. 38 SPACER, 1976. 4 SYNCHRO, Gearbox Clutch ARP stainless, flanged, interior: Smiths no. GD1501/14 alloy 1 BHA4587 Up to Sept. CZK3792 pipe: 1 RB7322A 44 DOOR HANDLE, 1 25 THERMOSTAT HOUSING, oil pressure gauge °C CZK3793 by-pass outlet) or GD1501/15A. RH 39 GROMMET, 1 9 Heater & GTG116 models 2-wheel drive (inc. 1 Smiths no. GD1501/15 Engine & 1 Engine AAA643 BHH901 GHN3/4, GHD3/4 housing Propshaft 10 Controls LH 2 2140 5 BHA4586 models 603440 thermostat 1 GASKET, up to GHN4/GHD4-15 TO GHN3-5798 Smiths, 4 synchro 83 (internally lit gauge). on, door handle Gearbox PMZ308 hose Cylinder BHA4296 6 45 DUST SEAL, GHN4/GHD4-1542141 DOOR HANDLE. ROADSTER MODELS Up to GHN4/GHD4-1560 SHIM, 23 1 BHA4737 CONNECTOR, heater 14A7033 handle, machine thread 6 WL105001 13 GHN4/GHD4 from Sept. ‘76 1 1964, PULL TYPE 1 ERR4935P Mountings Rear of manifold. STRIKER PLATE 46 SCREW, door Fuel °F 3 SYNCHRO, UP TO exterior: Rear Axle connector or GD1301/04. AHH6678 GHN5/GHD5 up to WP5 1 BHH341 6 AHH6661 WASHER, spring Smiths no. GD1301/19 GASKET, heater hose all engines: 1 47 System 1 BHA4764 gauge Engine V8 1 DOOR HANDLE, 7 YM506 ERC3990 Cooling 40 PIPE, oil pressure 2 1 AHH6662 °C GASKET, inlet manifold, 48 WASHER, plain 1 or GD1301/00. 54902 RH handle, self tapping 1 6 1 LKJ500020 Smiths no. GD1301/20 2 WF702101 KX4505 41 WASHER, sealing, tin Front gauge LH 49 SCREW, door 2 gasket was first pipe to oil pressure CZA2259 Exhaust handle composite composite inlet manifold but Suspension Oil Cooler PCR307 4 AAA835 used as Smiths, C-N-H, 1 BHA4900 50 WASHER, shakeproof 2 2 SCREW, door models pressure gauge pipe 1 improved onwards, is often oil The item. cylinder handle CLIP, approx. 4 tin 27 Heater & 'P' 37H3539 Note: the door 1992 with 42 from 2 4 synchro ADA1764 51 BEZEL, 4 through GHN5/GHD5 2 originally fitted with link rod 3 WASHER, cup door handle PMZ308 introduced on engines to bulkhead handle to 1 on earlier enginesERR7283 may in fact be used they Controls From GHN4/GHD4-15608 2 AHH6673 42 Smiths no. GD 1301/21 52 CONNECTOR, operating a sensible upgrade the case clip to bulkhead 4 BUFFER, exterior Gearbox gasket type end seals up to Sept. 1976. WL105001 but whicheverdifferent Rear BHA4737 types 1 Clutch AHH8818 43 SCREW, pipe lock The compositecomposite 1 manifold gasket, (the AHH6674 GLZ118 53 LINK ROD, latch 2 2 5 BARREL, door Suspension BHA4587 either a tin or with their matching ERR7282 clamps Smiths, C-N-H, 60PSI, 1 BHA5227 WASHER, spring AHH8819 and matched). 44 RH 1 centreing mixed ASSEMBLY used AHH6672 be be GD2D1-1824 not PULL Fuel to 2 must 1967). SPRING, 6 84 DOOR clamps should V8 models up for further details. (3 synchro, up to LH of end seals and CZA2364 Engine & 7 HOUSING, door lock RB7254 2 See panel opposite GHN3/GHD3 models Propshaft gasket: 1 Smiths no. GD1301/45. AJM645 System operating: 2 00 (1968-71). AHH8816 END SEAL, manifold pair, incl. barrels, 1GearboxBHH1281 ONLY, 390cfm 1 V8 MODELS Road Wheels 1 AHH6672CPR 54 LINK ROD, lock 85 DOOR PULL CARBURETTOR gauge to hose cleaner (K&N at extra ERR7283 NI LOCK ASS'YS., Smiths, C-N-H, 80PSI, models up to GHN5/GHD5-2580 see above. secondary. 2 CHA600 on 1 BHA5331 for tin gasket carb 14" chromed air AHH8817 1 AHH6249 RH 1 GHN4/5 & GHD4/5by 3 synchro type door pull GLZ118, 45 PIPE, oil pressure oil pipe to pipe Mountings springs & housings 2 Manual choke. Vacuum from GD2D1-1825 cable kits, and 5° gasket clamps above. carb, inlet manifold, choke litre. models and 3.5 include; V8 composite for CZA2365 replaced Kits for be Exhaust 2 May AHH8834 door Rear Axle Supplied jetted seals and housing, accelerator for 4x4 applications. LH 2 53. 46 HOSE, connecting 2 AHH6675P rod Smiths no. GD1301/53. See note on end 8 CLIP, lock to cost), thermostat 00 (1968-71). 88G308 cable adaptor filters to allow clearance for pull, RH type Brakes Primary jet 51, secondary 3" length required. lock operating link 2 GHF1180 2" 86 END, door AHH6676 4 be 602076A RFR503 models up to GHN5/GHD5-2580 see above. levelling plate/accelerator 2 55 RETAINER, supplied as a pair: 2 9 LINK, lock, replacement 1 CLAMP, end seal:end seal is included with the Cooling14A7033 pump which may GHN4/5 & GHD4/5by 3 synchro type door pull GLZ118, 20 GROMMET, gauge capillary to lock engines. JETS, replacement, barrel 47 CLIP, hose Note: a 1/2" spacer ‘Optional Parts’ such as fuel pipe 1 ERR7282 Gearbox 2 capacity/modified CZA2366 56 CLIP, link rod for tin gasket temperature up to Sept. 1976, all V8 models. Front 2 10 CLIP, link to May be replaced oil pressure gauge RB7254JET48 kit. For tuning larger end seal 29 1 linkages. See also to 914696 gasket models GROMMET, conversion MECHANISM: (1968-71). 1G9529 the 48 00 RH 1 cylinder AHH6668 & MECHANISM: 4 LOCK pull, for composite seals and clamps above. 1 57 1/2 Brake BHA4900 Suspension 3 11 LOCK hose required in addition 87 END, door 48 jets (qty. 2). gauge capillary models up to GHN5/GHD5-2580 see above. 1Heater &BHH1285 602236 914695 1 RB7254JET51 RH See note on end 2 49 PIPE, connecting 1 AHH6669 (qty. 1), all V8 models Clutch housing RH GHN4/5 & GHD4/5by 3 synchro type door pull GLZ118, 1 BHA4764 28 21 CLIP, temperature MGB GT: up to Sept. 1976 clamp to remote oil filter MGB &Hydraulics 51 jets BHA4081K 1 RB7254JET53 May be replaced 4 cylinder models Propshaft LH 6 SF604081 Controls 1/2 plane inlet manifold SCREW, end seal LH 2 AHH6669K 36 door clip 2WD Up to GD2D1-1148. RB7722 with Edelbrock dual V8 models (qty. 2). door pull to door: RMP308 53 jets Rear 22 RETAINER KIT, capillary lock mechanism to RB7254JET55 lock mechanism 11 4 Engine OW 1 SCREW, KIT, SCREW, hose 1976 (qty. 1), all 88 cleaner BHH1345 Sept. 58 air to REPAIR 3" up connecting NI 1 'B' post: including 50 PIPE, 4 cylinder models RB77222WDL CZA3310 55 jets Suspension chrome 4 Cylinder Repairs one mechanism. 1 4 RMP308SS 1 RB7254JET56 59 STRIKER PLATE, PART No. to connecting hose Fuel Axle REQ. Steering2" air cleaner plane inlet manifold QTYMECHANISM: including on. AHH6666 37 CZA3311 23 'P' CLIP:models up to Sept. 1976, all V8 models. 1 RH 56 jets stainless steel 1 RB7259 Rear From GD2D1-1149 12 REMOTE CONTROL 1 48360 dual DESCRIPTION 4 cylinder Offenhauser KIT, PUMP KIT No. System RB72622WD AHH6667 35 1 QJ12990S ACA5420 RH gauge carb to oil pump 40 01 LH 1 pipeREQ. PART No. 1 ‘RED TOP’ FUEL 52 with ADAPTOR PLATE V8 PCR311 89 DOOR PULL: cleaner post, FACET suitable for 4 barrel air 51 HOSE,QTY Engine from GHN5/GHD5-2580 'B' 39 bay. 3" to Road Wheels OW 1 pump capillary to oil pressure jet models engine plate in 41 plate. 46 electric pipe including (1971-72). secondary secondary jet mounting GHN5/GHD5 RB72622WDL LH 2 SF604121 base union High capacity 51 Electrical 60 SCREW, striker unions. Mount remotely & GHD5-296000 PCR307 53 jet. pipe connector on. No. DESCRIPTION RB7259B Front 1 2 BFP1469PA PMZ306 to GHN5-294250 30 1 mechanism to remote 4 Replaces existing on the Holley 390 has a single conversions. Includes including 2" air cleaner From GD2D1-1149 PART No. 40 long 2Exhaust 88G308 Suspension 13 SCREW, lock QTY REQ. FUEL PUMP ONLY 1 45 2 PMZ308 capillary to bulkhead The standard plate fitting of a pair of jets to increase RB7259A 1 Black plate to 'B' post, FACET ‘RED TOP’ control mechanism 4 WF702101 39 2 RGK6476 Brakes BHA5331 4 SF604061 Oil Cooler 52 CLIP, hose to bulkhead No. DESCRIPTION 1 61 SCREW, striker This kit allows the sold separately. on. UNIONS ONLY WL105001 AHA6392 1 PMZ308 Autumn Leaf From GD2D1-1149 2 45 RGN6476 24 SCREW, capillary 1 FACET ‘RED TOP’ BHA5227 Bodyshell RB7254H short performance. Jets 1 14 WASHER, shakeproof to door 14 44 Pair. oil pump base union RGT6476 Gearbox lock & remote control plate: GROMMET, Rear Navy 2 25 WASHER, spring 619076 & Panels 14 WL105001 53 A/R Synchro on. 15 OVERHAUL KIT 38 WP5 - SCREW, 62 SHIM, striker - 4PIPE, PCR307 From GD2D1-1149 Brake & 26 FUEL GAUGE: MOUNTING KIT: BHA4214R Suspension 4/5GEAR LEVER Clutch 1 Ochre BHH341 2 RGX6476 14 RB7254S 0.032 A/R 16 WASHER, spring 43 1 BHH2049 STUD, NUT & WASHERcarb kit pressure gauge149pipe 50 Clutch 'strap-on' fuel tank. on. Jaeger, recon., exchange plain PMZ308 41 54 'P' CLIP, oil from GD2D1-1 32 Beige 47 4 with 2WD 2 JPC8387PA models with early 0.064 RB7181 4 Synchro supplied 22H1055 1 Body Propshaft 17 WASHER, FRONT COVER, gearbox Qty. increases door Hydraulics 1 3 synchro roadster to interior 6 01 31 90 SCREW, door pull manifold FUEL 18 DOOR HANDLE, to remote 48 Engineat&extra Road Wheels PMZ308 Fittings Smiths no. FG 2530/63.Engine from GHN5/GHD5-2580 GASKET, carb to 4 cylinder models 55 SCREW, 1pipe clip: 22B684 2 QJ130465 4 54K205 (K&N non-overdrive, recond: (1971-72). GHN5/GHD5 models 2 & GHD5-296000 chromed air cleanerGearbox 19 SCREW, handle GEARBOX ASS’Y, PX506 GHF201 Smiths, recon., exchange 37 4 Cylinder to bulkhead V8 models GAUGE SECONDARY DIAPHRAGM 1 QJ123140 to GHN5-294250 1 8 inlet manifold, 14" accelerator and choke 42 WL105001 models1with early control mechanism Steering KIT: Rear Axle 47 Kits include; carb,housing, fuel feed banjo and bolt, cable adaptor cleaner, complete 712837 for 4x4 Mountings 22H1053R BHA4381R 520999A2 wing GHF332 3 synchro roadstertank 2 1 1 4 cylinder AIR CLEANER FLOAT PULL: QJ123050 to inner 1 ‘pancake’ type air NUT, front cover Trim CARB DOOR 1 spring 8 models carbs. AHH6547 thermostat 7 chromed 91 GHN5-294251 on. fuel Interior cost), plate/accelerator 1 Brakes from exterior WASHER, bumper KIT Edelbrock diameter & 20 14" 'strap-on' 2530/70. chrome REPAIR overdrive WL105001 BHM5020R for Holley From GD2D1-1149 5° carb levelling 1 GHN5/GHD5 models All V8 models. 49 63 DOOR HANDLE, GHN3/GHD3 462/3SWITCH, cable kits, and door lock knob cut-out WASHER, spring 1 GUG705707GM FLOAT ADJUSTER AHH6513 43 1 QJ130610 overdrive models. on (1973 on). 38 with element, suitable 8 BHA4736 clearance for & Fittings Smiths no. FG Engine V8 roadster withrubber early bumper models FINISHER, 1976 assys. 21 on, 520999AS1 spring 88G545 Roadster & GT modelspush button door handle). 2 X2A1500 & GHD5-296001 RB7438 2" filters to allowwhich may be 46 September cover 2 5 cams) applications. 1 See also K&N filter except Front AHC735 switch lock, interior recond: Electrical is included with the GD2D1-1 149 on. RMP212 1 pump Cooling 2 712837FK CAM KIT (includes 36 9 GASKET, front cover56 WASHER, (3 synchro, 1965-67, A/R QJ140865 KNOB, door 3 synchro models, BHA4470R 1537261 22 overdrive Black ASS’Y, overdrive, Note: a 1/2" spacer ‘Optional Parts’ such as fuel Qty. increases from 22B309 2 X2K1500 1 SCREW ONLY, RB7439 Brake & FITTING KIT standard (3" deep) 1 NISuspension tank 2 1 GEARBOX 33 also knob to lock1 mechanism AFH1684 1 clip overdrive unit. 10 OIL SEAL, front SCREW - BUTTERFLY 2 linkages. SeeHood 1 QJ130880S 'strap-on' fuel2300/02. SCREW,switch NI DOOR HANDLE deep) GHN3/GHD3 &to37 23 overdrive Autumn Leaf the conversion kit. Does not include 2 X2N1500 Clutch gearbox57 SPACER, low-profile (2"clearance. 47 LINK WIRES, on.22B319 latching, 'B' post Roadster & GT models overdrive models. button door handle). required in addition 5 4 AHH8885 Smiths no. BFOil Cooler RB7184 1 1976 11 SIDE COVER, A/R 14A4673 From GD2D1-1149 ELECTRIC CHOKE 1 SeptemberHN2005 1 GHF431 22H1052R 42(3 synchro, 1965-67, push 24 on,STRIKER, door to 'B' post For extra bonnet Hardtops 4 cylinder Navy35 Hydraulics 2 4 1 Bodyshell Heater & wing cover air cleaner: 3 HU857 CONVERSION 44 1976, bumper models exterior & GHD4/5 pipe 10clip to inner MGB & MGB GT: 360 dual plane inlet manifold Smiths, new, outright models up to Sept.chrome 12 GASKET, side Rear 25 SPACER, striker 1 post34AAU8099A4 SF604061 door pull to door MANUAL CHOKE BHM5019R Controls REPLACEMENT ELEMENT, & Panels 48 CAP: 24 on.GHF332 1 64 DOOR HANDLE, GHN4/5 cover NI NUT, 92 SCREW,34 to 'B' from GHN5-294251 knob strikermodels. AHH6273 From GD2D1-1149 handle), all V8 models. RA13232WD Excludes cable. with Offenhauser BHA4736 4 synchro 4 cylinder 10 bumper modelsCLOCK 4 1 RB7438EL 13 SCREW, side 38 Roadster & GT models V8 models. Clutch standard element Suspension switch &26gearSCREW, GHN5/GHD5 models 1 48G780R rubber KIT: on, push button door 1 HN2005 on (1973 on). All Chassis 1976 on, overdrive to 'B' post 2" air cleaner 4 13H2494 RB7278 (4 synchro, 1968 BHH19004 GD910161 all V8 models2226/00. 1 RB7439EL Steering September & GHD5-296001 manifold 3" deep including ACCELERATOR CABLE4 barrel carb 1 1 254 14 WASHER, spring 27 27 BUFFER, door securing & V8 models 15 to door handles. JWR dual port inlet Fuel OW Plates gearbox Body Smiths no. BF buffer models. RB7278B 2" deep Offenhauser 36 65 NUT, handle gear knob 1159609SMITHS button' exterior door Holley & Edelbrock, withDecals 1 to engine: SCREW, 56 93 NUT, plasticmodels from GHN5-294251 RA13232WDL 15 MAIN CASE, 281976 55 50 4 WL105001 - on, non-overdrive 1 All models with 'push Wheels Engine & 3 BOLT, gearbox Fittings BHH2049 34including System V8 models. 57 GAUGE September GHN5/GHD5 1 RB7438ELKN 2" air cleaner 22H1054HOSE, Road K&N element (re-useable) RB7278A 4 cylinder models 1 Universal, Holley OIL PRESSURE on (1973 27 CLOCK 4 cylinder models from Sept. 1976 on.4 cylinder models 1 23 on). All 7 66 WASHER, spring button' exterior door handles. BH605221 159609SMITHS & GHD5-296001 gear lever AAU3030 ADAPTOR 4 Gearbox 1 RB7439ELKN Electrical 3" deep 4 synchro 1 chrome bumperhole and oval clutch release with 'push 49 GROMMET, AHH6554 8 All models 49 WP5 4 ACCELERATORto CABLE 56 32 BH605261 6 RB7654 pedal. MountingsSept. 1976 on. 2 3/4â€? long 21/4" deep 2 gear lever: Features dipstick 1 TEMPERATURE GAUGE 01 (Oct 1971) onwards, Paints plain 9 Adapts ball end 1 RTC117HOLLEY 50 GAITER, Brakes Exhaust GHN5/GHD5-2580 exterior door handles. Interior Trim 28 4 synchro 4 cylinder models from 67 WASHER, 3 1/4â€? long 22H1463 K&N RECESSED arm gaiter hole. BH605241 breather pipe trap/breather. 25 - Holley 390 1 16 1 4 cylinder models 617402 10 with 'push button' ADAPTOR, 2 TYPE All models base to engine flame KICKDOWN KITauto. Bodyshell & Fittings Smiths no. BT 2231/01. all V8 models. Connects air cleaner 3â€? long rubber bumper models. handle, small rectangular clutch RB7290 54 gauge: SD1 Borg Warner 1 AIR CLEANER GASKET, door exterior door handles. Cooling 33 filler plug hole and SPACER: 21 & Panels 68 be fitted to all 4 synchro button' filter. Can 1976 on. V8 models Features 2" 'push EXTERIOR CLEANER Sept. using 617403 with KIT AIR from 29 SENDER,4 temperature BH506181 hole. Accessories & 2 models KIT - RA1397 30 VA 4 DOOR HANDLE, AHH8885 Brake K Gearbox over linkages when 52 All models BY9340 CHOKE CABLE 31 22B682 release arm gaiter 1 4 synchro cylinder vinyl 1YCB000101E 1 handle, large Allows clearance handles. 1 BHH2072BLAC INTERIOR 2 1/4â€? long Hood & BH506241 Clutch AP 4 BY9341 28 57 69 GASKET, door button' exterior door DOOR HANDLE, JPC8387PA E 1 OEM 1/2" spacer Black V8 models plug hole and round clutch release 1YCB000101EV 20 18 22 BHH2072BEIG All models with 'push 1 Hardtops long Body 3â€? Hydraulics Heater & Features filler 26 AAU3032 1" spacer 60 aftermarket Beige 2 14G2792S 51 Index BHH2072NAVY GASKET SET, pair, Fittings hole. Propshaft spring: 1 22B549 70 Controls 4 1 WASHER, gaiter GHF333 arm outright 1 29 handle new, handles. 7 1976 on. for one door Navy BHH2072RED button' exterior door 30 FUEL GAUGE, models from Sept. 1 GHF333 4 cylinder models All models with 'push Chassis 8 16 DIPSTICKmodels, chrome bumper. handles 4 synchro 4 cylinder EAF Steering Red 53 GHN3/GHD3 BHH2072AUTL car set, for two door 4 cylinder AAU3033 54 GHF201 1 14G2791K 63 Smiths no. BF 2239/00. Plates & & GT1 MODELS 112 Interior Trim 7 Fuel outright 1V8 models Leaf HANDLE NI GASKET SET, new, Rear Axle & filler Autumn ROADSTER handle engine on. door handles. for further details. Decals 31 OIL PRESSURE GAUGE, 55 PUSH BUTTON DOOR & boot lid with 17 PLUG, drain for 4 cylinder rubber bumper models, System from Sept.51976NUT, gearbox to & Fittings 'push button' exterior RA1335 models KL See panel opposite mmerbros.com AHH7450 1 Qty. increases leather 3 SYNCHRO, 1965-67, All models 1 4 synchro 4 cylinder MECHANISM: 1 BHH2072BLAC 4 cylinder models. Electrical ONLY, 500cfm3.5/3.9 litre. 2K5830 AHH7484 / E-MAIL: sales@ri YL1 plus all V8 models. 1/2 PMZ308 Smiths no. PL 2324/00. CARBURETTOR gearbox to engine: 1 Black29 REMOTE CONTROL 4 RP1651 14 LATCH, boot lid/tailgatelid/tailgate jetted for Front 1 BHH2072NAV L1 merbros.com NI FITTING KIT, AHH748513 71 bootLINE: www.rim RH standard Manual choke. Supplied Paints 62 1/2 2K5830M 65 Hood & Navy 4 WL105001 53 secondary 0.095, Exhaust SCREW, latch/toON BHH2072RED Suspension 72 568000 4 cylinder models 1 Primary jet 0.086, x 0.052 jet. PMZ308 GHF201 4, 5. 3 PIECE LH WP5 Magnetic 6 spring 3 SET, Hardtops EAFL RP1652 0.065 LOCK Bodyshell 4 rods 01522 Red Contains items 3, door SENDER, WASHER, RA1335C to 1 73 metering 1 BHH2072AUTL BY6PHONE: 64 to main case GAUGE WL105001 4 barrel carbs: KIT AHH6179S SCREW, remote1control TEMPERATURE 5 BH505101 AHH7596 30 Leaf & Panels 18 NUT, rear case to main case 1 17 Autumn V8 models 3, 4. rods Holley & Edelbrock 74 WASHER, plain models) on to carb. TUNING/CALIBRATION 20 WP5 Accessories K&N FILTER,filter YCB000101EVA jets and 5 metering GHF332 (GT Gearbox PJZ602 WASHER, spring assembly, bolts directly TYPE Contains items 19 8 lever: top (lid). 19 BOLT, rear case engines. AHC1876 s.com K&N FLATRear gear31 Includes 4 assorted 61 75 COVER, latch to tailgate (GT models) 1 Pancake (14") 1 51 RING, capacity/modified KIT with ‘X-stream’ filter mmerbro RA1397 Chassis& Suspension 22B522 RA1335B 12 1 2 JPC8387PA ZKC6132 AIR CLEANER for tuning larger 1 1 May also be fitted 32 WASHER, plain interior sales@ri 59 1 SCREW, cover 20 WASHER, spring /control Plates 76 chrome Body E-MAIL: latch BOLT & (assembly) 67 1976.HANDLE, RA1398 .com lid/tailgate 22B372 bonnet clearance. GHF117 RA1335D recessed type BHH1986 33 DOOR 1 FUEL FEED BANJO Index 1 Up to September 2 Decals 21 HOUSING, remotecontrol 1 on carb for extra 77 STRIKER, boot to body 11 Fittings 54K205 68 Propshaft www.rimmerbros 58 handle to remote 3" deep. Sits low manual choke only. 2 GHF331 GHF163 RA1398 2 4 black 34 SCREW, GASKET KIT 71 22 GASKET, remote 78 SCREW, striker Road Wheels 66 N.B. for use with 1 568000 / ON LINE: mechanism on. MOUNTING KIT: 2 WL105001 housing to rear case 2 BH505181 GHF300 September 1976 control RB7254S 2 type (assembly) 1 BY PHONE: 01522 STUD, NUT & WASHERcarb kit flat or automatic choke. 79 WASHER, spring 23 SCREW, short, spring rear case to Paints 1/4" deep, fits either manual 70 WASHER, 2WD Trim ring: 111 plain housing 35 with AHH6179 2 GHF332 Axle Interior RB7181 1 Rear supplied 52 SCREW, 6 1 80 WASHER, console 24 BOLT, long, centre AHH7451 flow (lid only)standard pancake MECHANISM; without LOCK & Fittings AHH6180 SG6040531 Brakes ‘X-stream’ air models 36 22B295 69 81 HANDLE, boot lid/tailgate handle carb to manifold 1 RB7278 1 1 flow. Replaces GASKET, 1 25 WASHER, spring AHH7452 For maximum air in black, red or polished. PART No. lid/tailgate KIT selector lever short (front) RH SG6040831 QTY REQ. 21H6060 3 or flat type) must 1 RB7278A Accessories 82 GASKET, boot 72 K&N lid. Available 26 BUSH, remote ACCELERATOR CABLE ADAPTOR 1 Front ALH1879 LH assembly (recessed 2 1 ASSEMBLY, door: gearbox DESCRIPTION door handles. long N.B. K&N filter separately. CABLE & No. LOCK exterior BAU1074A Hood 83 & 1 BREATHER, RB7290 No. button' 73 27 PART Brake anti-rattle ACCELERATOR 1 BHH972 Suspension 4 be purchased centre console lights 1 QTY REQ. All models with 'push with WASHER, 1 RA1399BLACK 74 models 37 502146 Hardtops 1 linkSG604083 2 1 Clutch 13H2023 86 28 SWITCH, reversing BHH973 CHOKE CABLE KIT 1 RA1323ACH 7 RA1399RED ‘X-stream’, black RH CIRCLIP, remote control SG6041032 1 (front) No. DESCRIPTION 1 Index 87 75 short38 22A84 Hydraulics PART No. 3 1 ED 85 SF604081 29 WASHER, switch to lock mechanism ‘X-stream’, red AUTO CHOKE ASSEMBLY LH 1 BHH973PR QTY REQ. 76 77 78 79 1 RA1399POLISH 22B4046 Rear long door1 AEG3123 to polished lock 80 1 89 case DESCRIPTION ASSEMBLY 30 PLUNGER, anti-rattle Chassis 39 case SCREW, rear 631773DL No. PULL ‘X-stream’, to pair 81 1 DOOR 9 Suspension GLZ118 AEG3122 locks, pair & main STRIKER PLATE, 'B' post: GASKET, AHH7758 3 53 Plates 1 42 631773 31 SPRING, plunger cap Steering deadlock security 40 1 gearboxes. 22B5891 82 Overdrive 1 pair 22A85 AHH7759 88 Decals 1 s.com 1 RH 32 WASHER, springspring K&N X-STREAMgearbox standard clip fix type, 1 631773NF 83 84 12 54 REAR CASE, 22H15 sales@rimmerbro AIR FLOW LID pair 1 type, gearboxes. LH BHH972G 37H1901 Road Wheels 33 CAP, anti-rattle 90 fix E-MAIL: post / nut 2 'B' Overdrive to 1 91 .com RA1399RED caseplate lever striker 2 SF604121 22B419 to rear lock 93 1 GOODRIDGEElectrical 41 SCREW, 34 BUSH, gear 92 lock): Paints overdrive www.rimmerbros NI GASKET, door 55 GASKET, locks & boot long HOSE KIT BAU1074A 3 piece (2 doorexterior post Engine Overdrive gearboxes. door handles. 35 GEAR LEVER 1976. 568000 / ON LINE: 13 CLASSIC BRAIDEDRP1144GRC 8 NI LOCK SET, striker plate1 to 'B' Brakes inhibitor 4 SF604061 with 'push button' 1 DAM2576 94 Up to September overdrive 42 SCREW, 5 BY PHONE: 01522 100All models 1 AHH6179S 4 Cylinder 101 56 SWITCH,gearboxes. retaining locks Bodyshell Engine lever door 99 22B525 gear 502146 short fixing 3 KIT: 95 106 Overdrive 98 with clip102 36 PLATE, 1 AHH6179SN Accessories plate: 1 locks & Panels 4 Cylinder to remote housing 619076 CALIPER CONVERSION door switch A/R 3 WS600051 96 43 SHIM, striker shape of striker) with nut fixing 37 SCREW, plate UPRATED BRAKE Performance 107 mmerbros.com 57 WASHER,gearboxes. Brake & discs. coil sales@ri 97 (cut to BHH341 Engine V8 103 to existing 0.032" Overdrive 22A1613 A/R E-MAIL: for/fitment 1 4 Pot Alloy - BCC case 1 GUG705705GM Clutch only108 38 WASHER, doublelocking .com to rear 105Pads & Uprated Index main case0.064" (cut to shape of striker) RP1757 merbros 4 Pot Calipers 1 Body Engine V8 58 GASKET, 104 Hydraulics 39 NUT, gear knob1976. LINE: www.rim 22B368 1B3736 Non-overdrive gearboxes. TO HELP 11 1 RP1758 4 Cylinder Models 1 Up to September Fittings 1 568000 / ON Oil Cooler car, contact gearbox WE’RE HERE original type up to GHN5-294250 right part for your and advice. BY PHONE: 01522 HOSE KIT OF 3: 59 REAR CASE,gearboxes. V8 Models 40 GEAR KNOB, 109 Not sure of the GHN4/GHD4, 115 110 BRAIDED BRAKE 141 Non-overdrive team for help Steering Oil Cooler 4 cylinder models, Conversions. KIT: GOODRIDGE CLASSIC our technical sales 112 Trim 1 RP1144GRC BHH788 111 speedometer all Uprated Brake for UPRATED BRAKE 1 Interior and GHD5-296000. PINION, 60 Recommended Clutch 116 22B654 original type and RP1803 Non-overdrive gearboxes. 4 Pot Alloy 1 1 & Fittings All Models 41 GEAR KNOB, models (Inc. Solid Discs) and TRW Slotted / GHN5-294251 114 117 DAM687 chrome bumper 4 cylinder models, 1972) to Sept 1976. All V8 models. 4 Cylinder models Electrical Clutch 113 uprated pads: 1 Uprated Pads 6 ONLY - Replacement GHD5-296001 (Oct Inc. 4 Pot BCC Calipers,Discs. NKC105A 1 2161312ULT rubber bumper models BRAKE PADS Engine & 1 118 KIT - RP1757 120 RP1804 & Drilled Uprated (Solid) pinion 10 1 & RP1804. 119 Hood CALIPER CONVERSION EBC Ultimatefor RP1757, NI GEAR KNOB: Discs) Gearbox RP1758, RP1803 Sept. 1976. 61 SEAL, speedometer UPRATED BRAKE Engine & Hardtops 1 RP1426WMG All models up to V8 models (Inc. Solid Pads and EBC 22H29 Bodyshell Replacement 1 2161312GS Non-overdrive gearboxes. Mountings 123 Inc. 4 Pot BCC Calipers, Uprated speedometer 1 Gearbox wood, ‘MG’ logo (Solid) Discs. 1 RP1426LMG & Panels RP1803 & RP1804. EBC Green Stuff 62 PINION HOUSING, Turbo Groove Uprated RP1757, RP1758, Mountings RP1100 Replacement for 22H903B leather, ‘MG’ logo 1 RP1415PAD 1 Non-overdrive gearboxes. 1 Chassis RP1415 4 Pot Vented Alloy 1 housing Cooling EBC Green Stuff Discs) alloy, ‘MG’ logo 42 1 DAM3079 124 63 GASKET, pinion RP1415. Plates & Body 270mm Vented All models (Inc. Vented 122 GHF117 Replacement for Uprated Pads and Non-overdrive gearboxes. 2 Decals 125 42 GEAR LEVER Cooling Fittings Inc. 4 Pot Calipers, on. housing 131 15â€? wheels required. 126 September 1976 64 SCREW, pinion Discs. Minimum 132 121 GHF321 29 Heater & Non-overdrive gearboxes. 2 43 43 CONE NUT:1976 on. 31 Controls 39 C30505A Paints 1 September 65 WASHER, shakeproof Heater & Interior Trim 41 40 120694 133 127 Non-overdrive gearboxes. 1 30 chrome 1 C30505SS Controls & Fittings 135 angle (‘angle drive’) stainless steel 66 ADAPTOR, right 1 DAM2174 Fuel gearboxes. Accessories Non-overdrive System 44 GEAR KNOB 128 on. Hood & Fuel C30623 1 September 1976 134 136 Hardtops System 46 45 NUT, knob retaining

d& V8 - Inlet Manifol Barrel Carb Components - 4

Door Latches & Mechanisms

Holley 390 4 Barrel V8 & Components V8 - Holley 390cfm Kits Carb Conversion

Interior Door Pulls

Exterior Handles

V8 - Fuel Pump

500cfm V8 - Edelbrock 4 Barrel Carb Conversion Kits

& Locks

V8 - 4 Barrel Carb Air Cleaners

500 Carb V8 - Edelbrock & Components

ORDER

Carb

V8 - K&N 4 Barrel Air Cleaners

ORDER

14

Oil Cooler Clutch Engine & Gearbox Mountings

ORDER

01522

September 1976

on.

Exhaust

GEAR KNOB, WOOD RP1426WMG

Chassis Plates & Decals

Gearbox GEAR KNOB, ALLOY RP1100

Paints GEAR KNOB, LEATHER RP1426LMG

Accessories Index

57

ORDER

BY PHONE:

01522 568000

merbros

/ ON LINE: www.rim

mmerbros.com

sales@ri .com / E-MAIL:

Index

130 129

Propshaft

ORDER

BY PHONE:

Rear Axle

Exhaust

01522 568000

merbros.com

/ ON LINE: www.rim

UPRATED BRAKE

UPRATED BRAKE

Gearbox / E-MAIL: Pr

s.com

sales@rimmerbro

UPRATED BRAKE

81

ORDER

/ ON

Heater & Controls Fuel System Exhaust

25

21

Gearbox Propshaft

26

Rear Axle

28

Front Suspension

27

Rear Suspension

35

32

44

22

33 23

24

34

75

72 84

74 63

85

Brake & Clutch Hydraulics 80

85

Steering 79 Electrical

73

69

82

86

64

68

77

78

71

66

Road Wheels Brakes

37

Handbrake LEVER ASSEMBLY:

01522 568000

20

19

38 45

WA600071

BY PHONE:

Cooling

15

16

36

58

2 GHD5-412300. 85 WASHER,upplain GHN5-415000 & GHF201 AWZ107 All models to 1 1 cable front securing GHF332 GHD5-412300. 1 59 NUT, handbrake 86 WASHER,upwavy GHN5-415000 & CLZ513 All models to 2 Rear AHH6236 60 WASHER, spring cable securing 1 cable to rear brake PC34 2 251345 Suspension 47 HANDBRAKE 87 CLEVIS PIN, 1 61 CLAMP, handbrake to rear brake BHH2136 BHH538 chrome bumper models 1 1 88 SPLIT PIN, cableaxle rear cover AHH6237 1 62 NUT, cable clamp box on. to BHH538R new & GHD5-412301 to battery 1 89 STRAP, cable 63 CLIP, cable SH605071 Road Wheels All models from GHN5-415001 cover 1 models. reconditioned unit required for reconditioning. ACH8529 Chrome bumper 1 to axle rear & GHD5-412301 on. BHH2503 Customers own 1 90 SCREW, strap clip new AWZ107 64 FERRULE, All models from GHN5-415001 1 models. AHH6232 PCR809 rubber bumper models, 1 Chrome bumper 1 Brakes wavy GHD5-412301 on. 91 WASHER,from GHF300 to battery box GHN5-415001 & 1 24A1356 48 PAWL, handbrake 65 CLIP, cable All models cover 1 SH604051 88G295 Rubber bumper models. 1 strap to axle rear & GHD5-412301 on. 49 WASHER, pawl securing 3 92 SPACER, from to battery box GHN5-415001 GHF200 Brake & 50 SCREW, handbrake lever AAU2492 HBS1001 1 1 All models 66 SCREW, clip 1 box warning axle battery Clutch on. to to GHF331 handbrake clip cable NUT, 1 67 51 SWITCH, 1976 on. 93 STRAP, from GHN5-415001 & GHD5-412301 GHF117 Hydraulics GHF300 September All models 2 1 68 WASHER, spring cable adjuster, on. to axle ACH5104 1 & GHD5-412301 UHN105 52 NUT, handbrake 94 SCREW, strap 69 WASHER, plain handbrake cable 1 GHF200 All models from GHN5-415001 2 lever end NIPPLE, cable GHD5-412300. GREASE & Steering on. axle 70 to AHH5322 handbrake GHN5-415000 1 AHH5295 95 NUT, strapfrom GHN5-415001 & GHD5-412301 53 TRUNNION, All models up to 1 GHF331 All models 2 ACH8508 adjuster axle 1 spring 71 CLIP, cableuptoto GHN5-415000 & GHD5-412300. GHD5-412301 on. WP167 handbrake cable adjuster 2 96 WASHER,from GHN5-415001 & All models PMZ306 GHF300 Electrical 54 SPRING, 1 All models 4 spring, front GHF300 to axle 1 55 WASHER, adjuster spring, rear plain GHD5-412300. GHD5-412301 on. 72 SCREW, clip 97 WASHER,from GHN5-415000 & GHN5-415001 & HN2005 GHF120 All models up to 56 WASHER, adjuster 1 All models 1 on. to cable axle Bodyshell 57 HANDBRAKE CABLE ASSEMBLY: GHD5-412300. & GHD5-412301 73 NUT, clip to 98 SCREW, strap bumper GHN5-415000 & GHF201 WL105001 & Panels All models up to All models from GHN5-415001 steel wheels, chrome 1 1 AHH5227 to cable early 3 synchro roadsters 1 GHD5-412301 on. GHD5-412300. 99 NUT, strapfrom 74 WASHER,upspring GHN5-415001 & GHN5-415000 & GHF332 AHH5203 All models with banjo axle 1 All models to 1 Body G LEVER, inner spring AHH7391 GHD5-412301 on. 3 synchro roadsters/GTs 1 GHD5-412300. 100 WASHER,from 75 COMPENSATIN GHN5-415001 & Fittings GHN5-415000 & GHF301 AHH5225 All models 2 with tube axle All models up to 1 roadsters/GTs. lever plain GVC1004 GHD5-412301 on. 4 synchro 4 cylinder 1 GHD5-412300. 101 WASHER,from 76 BUSH, compensating GHN5-415001 & GHN5-415000 & All models ACH5101 V8s All models up to 1 Interior Trim bumper G LEVER, outer & GHD5-412300. steel wheels, rubber 77 COMPENSATIN to GHN5-415000 & Fittings to GHN5-415000 up roadsters/GTs models All GVC1016 4 cylinder 1 lever V8s SH604051 1 & GHD5-412300. 78 SCREW, compensating bumper assembly to GHN5-415000 & GHD5-412300. Hood & wire wheels, chrome GHF200 All models up Hardtops AHH5228 assembly 1 early 3 synchro roadsters lever 1 GHD5-412300. 79 NUT, compensating with banjo axle GHN5-415000 & GHF331 ASSEMBLY All models up to 1 AHH7392 HANDBRAKE CABLE 3 synchro roadsters/ 1 Chassis GHD5-412300. 80 WASHER,upspring GVC1004 GTs with tube axle GHN5-415000 & AHH5025 Plates & All models to 1 lever cylinder 4 GVC1005 compensatingGHD5-412300. 4 synchro 1 Decals 81 FULCRUMupPIN, GHN5-415000 & roadsters/GTs GHF222 All models to 1 bumper fulcrum pin wire wheels, rubber to GHN5-415000 82 NUT, leveruptoto GHN5-415000 & GHD5-412300. PWZ205 Paints BHH1471 4 cylinder roadsters/GTs All models 1 1 & GHD5-412300 GHD5-412300. 83 WASHER,upplain GHN5-415000 & GHF223 ASSEMBLY:from All models to 1 HANDBRAKE CABLE pin to axle & GHD5-412300. Accessories 58 4 cylinder rubber bumper roadsters/GTs 84 NUT, fulcrum on. GHN5-415000 GVC1014 All models up to mmerbros.com GHN5-415001 & GHD5-412301 1 GVC1015 / E-MAIL: sales@ri steel wheels 1 Index merbros.com wire wheels LINE: www.rim

Front Suspension

17

KIT, VENTED - RP1415

KIT, V8 - RP1804

KIT, 4 CYL - RP1803

Engine V8

Kits - 4 Pot

ORDER

Engine 4 Cylinder

18

HANDBRAKE

Uprated Brake

568000

DS)

RO (1967 ONWAR

OX - 4 SYNCH

MANUAL GEARB

x

External Gearbo Components

ly

Gearbox Assemb & Fixings

Carb

81

76

57

67

Bodyshell & Panels

83

70

Body Fittings

87 88

62

Interior Trim & Fittings

58

61 66

Hood & Hardtops

65 51

69 59 60

68

99

67

47

92

49

59

55

Chassis Plates & Decals

101

93

56 48

100

54

60

90 91

95

96

98

89 94

97

Paints Accessories

53 52

50

STRAP, CABLE TO HBS1001

merbros.com

ORDER

BY PHONE:

01522

www.rim 568000 / ON LINE:

Index

AXLE -

mmerbros.com

/ E-MAIL: sales@ri

82

Contact us for your FREE copy:Tel: 01522 568000 Fax: 01522 567600 Email: sales@rimmerbros.com Or visit our website: www.rimmerbros.com

We’ve Expanded our Call Centre hours now open up to 20 hours a day - 7 days a week!

! $&" %&' #'' %$#' from 1996

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MG Sa e y Fas _June2019 ndd 49

JUNE 2019 SAFETY FAST! 49

24 05 2019 13 39


NEWSLETTER

John Thompson 01702 298866 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister www.facebook.com/zrzsztregister

WELCOME TO THE

ZR/ZS/ZT NEWSLETTER

W

elcome to our first newsletter of 2019. This year has been particularly busy for us so far with the events we’ve attended, and the launch of our ‘Save Our Zeds’ campaign. We thought it would be a good idea to briefly review the events we’ve been to, followed by an update on our campaign. Our first event took place on Sunday February 10 when we returned to Stoneleigh for the MG & Triumph Spares Day. This has now become the traditional season opener for us. Our stand area was quite generous and we were able to have all three Zed models on display. We were very lucky to have Paul Field’s recently restored ZT-T 190 in Garnet as one of the trio. This car has undergone major bodywork restoration and a complete respray. We have also been lucky this year to have the use of the Club’s own ZR 160 Express Van and it made its display debut at Stoneleigh, too. The van is becoming a rare example of its type and as such makes an ideal vehicle

The ZR/ZS/ZT Register stand at Stoneleigh

to promote the Club/Register and our campaign around the country. Completing the line-up was Ray Kemble’s early ZS 180 in Trophy Blue. Whilst planning the Stoneleigh event we were also finalising our arrangements for our next show at the NEC. This year was the third

time we’ve had a stand at the PC Classic Car Restoration Show and a three-day show takes a lot of organisation. We are always very conscious of how we portray the image of the Zeds and the Register at this show as there are so many

The campaign ZS heads a line of yellow cars at Pride of Longbridge

50 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2019

MG Safety Fast_June2019.indd 50

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/05/2019 13:39


NEWSLETTER

One of the many Zeds that drew the crowds at Pride of Longbridge

The ‘Save our Zeds’ campaign car on display at the NEC in March

other classic cars and groups around us. Ultimately, I think our completed stand looked punchy and professional. Space allowed us to have all three Zed models displayed with enough room around them for viewing. Many thanks go to Tony Cotter for loaning us his stunning ZT 385 in Trophy Blue for the show. The V8 certainly pulled in the crowds and looked stunning under the lights. The ZR Express van took centre stage again, whilst completing our line-up was our ‘Save Our

Zeds’ campaign car. The show marked the official launch of our campaign with the Trophy Yellow ZS creating quite a stir among the visitors and the classic car press – brilliant! The 2019 racing championships began at Silverstone on March 30 and we were present in the paddock with our gazebo and campaign car. Please read Paul’s article elsewhere in the newsletter about race meetings, what we do there and the benefits of attending.

We returned to Birmingham on April 13 for Pride of Longbridge. There is always a real mixture of cars from all ages at this event that represent the decades of heritage from this famous car plant. It has also become a haven for cars from the MG Rover era which makes us feel right at home. Fortunately, this year the weather was on our side and the day went ahead as planned. We had a small number of cars around our gazebo, including the Campaign Car and Express Van. This was the ideal environment to publicise the Club and Register, but also our campaign and to explain exactly why we were doing it/how it works, etc. We ultimately had a lot of interest in both, which was great. We returned to Brands Hatch on April 27-28 for the first weekend of racing in the 2019 championships. In the weeks prior to the event we decided to go all the

Nick Ashman’s ZR prototype and the SV-R of Colin Beckwith next to the Register gazebo at Pride of Longbridge www.mgcc.co.uk

MG Safety Fast_June2019.indd 51

JUNE 2019 SAFETY FAST! 51

24/05/2019 13:39


NEWSLETTER MG SALOON DAY 2019 Line of Zeds at Brands Hatch

way on the Saturday and bring the full kit: gazebo, flags, regalia, flyers/information, etc. As we should know by now, you can plan everything except the weather. The remnants of hurricane Hannah did its worst that day and although the rain stopped early on it was too windy to have anything outside. We’d like to thank those hardy members who braved the cold and joined us that day. Weather aside, there was some excellent racing. See elsewhere in this issue for a full race report. The following day on Sunday April 28 we were invited to Braxted Park Estate in Essex for a Breakfast Meet which had been organised by Peter Best Insurance Services. This also coincided with the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs’ Drive-it Day. Around 430 cars arrived during the morning producing a real mixture of classic cars of all ages. We took the campaign car and the Express Van, but the MG brand was well represented with many Fs/TFs and MGBs so we were in good company. This was a stunning venue for a car event with such a relaxed and friendly environment. Bringing ourselves right up-to-date, as I write these notes ‘Zeds in the West’ has just taken place. There will be a full report in the next Register update….

The MG Express and ZS flying the Zed flag at Braxted Park

With MGLive! having been rested for this year, our next summer show will be MG Saloon Day which takes place on Sunday July 28. We return the Shuttleworth Museum at Old Walden after a gap of seven years. The museum collection contains some very rare vintage aircraft from around the world, one of which is the oldest British aircraft still in flying condition. The collection also houses a wide selection of vintage vehicles, motorcycles and agricultural machinery. The six display hangers will take you on an aviation journey from the early years of flight and through the two world wars. Adjacent to the collection are the Swiss Gardens which are a classic example of Regency fashion in creating landscapes in an alpine style. Also close by is the children’s play area, restaurant and gift shop. All of this makes for an ideal summer family day out. Admission into our event is free, and we have arranged a discounted entry rate into the collection and Swiss Gardens. We have also arranged a voucher for use in the restaurant. MG Saloon Day in recent years has become a haven for Zeds, MG6s and MG3s, but everyone is welcome. We would like to extend the welcome to the owners of Metros, Maestros and Montegos and also to the older MG saloon cars. The owners of the latest SUV models are most welcome, too. Let’s see how many cars we can get in the paddock area. Please see the accompanying advertisement for further information or contact myself or Paul Money at paulmoneymg@gmail.com

A colorful display at ZED15

ZEDS ON PARADE

The ZED Register has been organising the Parade Laps at MGCC Race Meetings for many years. ZED Registrar, Paul Money, explains the thrills that members will experience in their own cars! For those members who regularly attend race meetings, the chances are fairly high that you have taken part in a lunchtime parade lap, and have experienced taking your pride and joy around a race track behind the Safety Car. For those that haven’t, or perhaps have never been to a race meeting, it really is a chance to take to the track in complete safety and experience the circuit from a racing driver’s perspective and at a speed you’re comfortable with. There’s always a great atmosphere at race meetings where drivers and participants mix with visitors and spectators, and most 52 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2019

MG Safety Fast_June2019.indd 52

MGs take to the Silverstone track during a parade www.mgcc.co.uk

24/05/2019 13:39


NEWSLETTER race meetings operate an open-all-areas policy which means you can wander into the paddock and pit garages to watch the cars being worked on and chat to mechanics and drivers, who are normally more than happy to talk about their cars and how they became involved in motorsport. Motorsport is dangerous, as the signs tell us, and there are certain areas of the circuit that are controlled, and if you are told to move by someone dressed in orange, it generally means you have strayed into an area policed by a marshal, an amazing army of trained volunteers without whom there would be no motor racing! At all race meetings there is a welcome centre, normally housed near race control or in one of the pit garages, and this is where you’ll find Geoff Hirst. A hardened motorsport enthusiast, Geoff is responsible for sign-on for the parade laps and will take your personal details and membership number. You’ll be given a wristband and asked to confirm any passengers that will be joining you, and the time and meeting point will be confirmed. Once the paperwork is complete, time for some complimentary refreshment which is available for members throughout the day.

The Paddock and garages are open to all spectators to visit

At this point, I’m going to divulge one of the best-kept secrets!! Parade Laps are FREE for members to participate and is part of your MG Car Club annual membership! Yes, you read correctly, FREE! Race Meetings at Brands Hatch, Donington, Oulton Park, Snetterton and the spring meeting at Silverstone all offer Parade Laps, and where would you find better value for money! So, the time has come! You have congregated in the holding area waiting for the last race to end before the lunch break and the parade lap commences. No racesuit or crash helmet needed! You chat to fellow MG owners: “Is this your first time?” “What’s it like?” Before long, the marshals open the gates – too late to check the oil and water now! And you’re off! Driving on the same circuit that your racing heroes have driven. Your heart

rate rises as you follow the car in front, hoping he or she takes the racing line. You’re completely focused but smiling all the time, not quite believing that you’re driving on one of the UK’s historic and iconic circuits. Twists and turns, sharp bends, it all adds to the excitement. The Safety Car sometimes pulls away, giving the chance to push the throttle for a few moments until you catch the car in front, and then… it’s all over! Personally, I get a real thrill from experiencing paddock hill bend at Brands Hatch, even at 50mph! Just imagine what it’s like to be strapped in to a racing seat, travelling at speeds far in excess! So what are you waiting for? Come and join the ZED Register at a race meeting this year, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

SAVING THE ZEDS – WHERE ARE WE? We first had the idea for the campaign during the autumn last year. Over the summer we had become very aware of the number of cars that seemed to be being scrapped, some of which for very trivial reasons. During the initial stages of the campaign we discovered that around 78% of the original build had been lost. This alarming statistic was enough for us to set the wheels in motion. With the assistance of Jade at Kimber House we set about detailing exactly what we wanted to achieve. Quite simply, the campaign is about the sharing

Plenty of parts are still available for the Zed range of Cars www.mgcc.co.uk

MG Safety Fast_June2019.indd 53

of knowledge. We know that a lot of spare parts are still available new. Some of them aren’t, however, and that sourcing them from eBay or a specialist breaker is the only option. What we’d like to do is encourage everyone to share their knowledge with each other of not only the locations where they can go to find these parts, but also any garages/workshops in their local area they would recommend to carry out work on their car. Looking ahead, we aim to work with parts suppliers/specialists and create an arrangement that will hopefully be beneficial for all. Doing so will enable going for the repair to be a viable option. Our campaign car was purchased for a very small amount and is a good example of how, for relatively little cost, a Zed can be put back on the road. We have taken it to a number of specialist garages since the campaign began and they have all got behind our campaign

Mike Stafford from MJS Auto and Marine carries out some maintenance on the campaign car during the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show

with great enthusiasm and support. Some of them have generously agreed to sponsor the campaign car. The car will feature prominently at all our events this year. We can’t save every single one and we know that, but at least the campaign has raised everyone’s awareness of the situation. In 2021 we will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the launch of our cars at our ZedTwenty event. We hope the attendance will be as great as it was ten years ago.

JUNE 2019 SAFETY FAST! 53

24/05/2019 13:39


BTCC

THE DONINGTON DOUBLE Photos by Dickon Siddall

C

onsidering EXCELR8 is brand new to the BTCC, with two rookie drivers Rob Smith and Sam Osborne, and learning the running of two MG6 GTs, there was no mistaking the improvement the squad had made from its series debut at Brands Hatch last month. The opening race was action packed at the East Midlands circuit, and the second bout provided its fair share of incident too, but it was the BMW of Turkington out front in both contests. Turkington converted his first BTCC pole position in over two years into a relatively comfortable race one victory as the drama commenced behind him. A multi-car accident on lap one led to several retirements and heavy damage to a number of cars as Andrew Jordan’s BMW slid sideways following contact on the exit of the Old Hairpin. The Mercedes of Adam Morgan had nowhere to go – making contact with Jordan’s BMW – while Ollie Jackson’s Ford, Matt Simpson’s Honda and Jake Hill’s Audi also crashed out of the action. Jordan was taken to hospital as a precaution but the incident caused so much damage to his BMW 3 Series that the 2013 champion was unable to take part for the remainder of the day. When the dust eventually settled it was Adrian Flux Subaru Racing’s Ash Sutton

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who followed Turkington home, whilst Team BMW’s Tom Oliphant grabbed a firstever BTCC podium. The safety car period helped Smith into P14, and a points finish was on the cards, until his tyres began to wilt in the closing laps. Aiden Moffatt and Goff eventually snatched the final points-paying places on the final lap, leaving Smith 16th. Osborne also enjoyed a clean race, running as high as 19th and battling hard with drivers such as Mark Blundell, who he successfully held off to the flag to secure 22nd. Turkington had to contend with a further two safety car periods in the next race as the action-packed weekend continued. The triple BTCC champion took to the challenge with consummate ease as he scampered off into the distance on each occasion. Halfords Yuasa Racing’s Matt Neal – quietly going about his business on an otherwise dramatic day – made a great move by Sutton on lap 17 of 19 to take second place away from the Subaru star. Race two proved a more bruising affair for the MG6s, particularly for Osborne, who was dumped through the gravel at the chicane after contact with Mark Blundell’s Audi at the end of lap two. Smith admitting to pushing a bit too hard on the cold, hard rubber tyre and losing grip through graining, but he recovered

well and survived a race of attrition to bring the car home in 18th. Things looked bright for the weekend’s finale in the MG6s, with Smith starting 18th on the optimum tyres, with only five of the cars ahead of him also on the faster rubber. However, it just wasn’t to be his weekend. After battling hard with threetime BTCC champion Matt Neal, he was restricted to 19th place. With Osborne’s car patched up after race 2, he put in a strong drive to climb from 28th on the grid to finish 23rd. It was to be Tom Ingram’s race, though, as he scored an emotional first win in the all-new Team Toyota GB with Ginsters Corolla, as more than 4,500 Toyota members and their families watched on.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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BTCC

E

XCELR8 Motorsport faced an uphill battle during its first British Touring Car Championship round at Thruxton, but came away with a whole heap of extra knowledge ahead of the return to the track in August. Both Smith and Osborne threw themselves into the weekend and set about finding a balance with the two MG6 GTs. With Rob Smith finishing 25th , 20th and 23rd in the three races he said: “On the whole it’s been a positive weekend as we’ve found pretty much two seconds of lap time since the test here and my times from races one and two were pretty much matching what Rory Butcher was doing in the car last year. The whole weekend was a big test. We were making quite big changes to the car with each session, some which worked and some which didn’t, just trying to get more comfortable with the car in highspeed corners.” Sam Osborne finished 28th, 27th and 21st; he had this to say: “The weekend was OK, and we were just improving the car as we go. At the start we lacked confidence in the high-speed stuff and a bit of turn-in at the low-speed stuff, but the car moved forward with each race. We’re gradually learning more and more and finding these

extra little things. Track time is so important to me right now. The more laps we can get in the car, the better we’ll be. The main thing is we’re progressing and moving in the right direction.” The weekend’s racing at Thruxton was to be dominated by Andrew Jordan who scored his first Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship double success in more than five years as the BMW Pirtek Racing driver led early proceedings at Thruxton, before BTC Racing’s Josh Cook won the final race in Hampshire. Jordan impressively bounced back from a dismal Donington Park last time out, which saw his car heavily damaged in a multi-car accident. Jordan eventually got the better of pole-sitter Sam Tordoff in the opener after initially blasting his new BMW 3 Series off the line and into second, getting by Halfords Yuasa Racing’s Dan Cammish. The frontrunners held station for almost the entire race until Tordoff’s AmD-run Civic wiggled slightly on lap 13. Jordan eyed his chance and comfortably slipped by. He won his second race of the day after leading from start to finish. He never really looked back, despite being kept honest by Turkington in the sister 330i M Sport over the 16-lap

encounter. Cammish completed the podium for the second successive time. BTC Racing’s Josh Cook earned his second BTCC victory of the season following a commanding display in the Thruxton finale. Cook squeezed his new-for-2019 Honda Civic Type R (FK8) alongside Ash Sutton’s pole-sitting Adrian Flux Subaru Racing Levorg on the opening lap and edged past at the first chicane. The Bath racer had to contend with two safety car periods, as well as the race-long attentions of Rory Butcher and Sutton, but he held on brilliantly to keep his title challenge well on track. Sutton eventually conceded second place through Church as the Cobra Sport AmD AutoAid/RCIB Insurance Honda of Butcher nipped up the inside through one of Britain’s most challenging corners. That eye-catching move also helped the Scotsman to take joint-lead of the overall Drivers’ standings, alongside Turkington, who both sit just two points ahead of Cook – though the Northern Irishman heads the way on races won.

JORDAN JOINS THE 2019 BTCC DOUBLE CLUB Photos: Dickon Siddall

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COMPETITIONS

A

t Brands Hatch the second MG Car Club race meeting of the year, the Maidstone MG Trophy, MGCC Lackford Engineering MG Midget & Sprite Challenge and Baynton Jones Historic Motorsport MGCC Triple-M Racing Challenge all made their 2019 season bows. And the weather changed along with the line-up, with the sun and warmth of Silverstone’s opener replaced by cooler conditions and intermittent rain in Kent. The Maidstone MG Trophy The common theme of the Maidstone MG Trophy season-opener was recovering from adversity. Reigning champion, Graham Ross, won race one after starting seventh following “a gamble that didn’t really pay off” of running slicks in wet-but-drying qualifying. Ross was aided to victory by Doug Cole spinning on fluid at Clearways – one of several to spin there – then by

Ross Makar retiring from the lead when throttle body screws got loose and were sucked into his engine. Ross was chased home by returning three-time champion, Chris Bray, who wasn’t letting Ross relax despite Ross’s self-admitted desire to cruise to the flag! “It was more to do with the attrition of a couple of others,” said a modest Ross of his win. The Class B win was taken by Richard Marsh who, after starting at the back of the class grid, headed a fine scrap with Samuel Johnston and Adam Jackson. This also got Marsh Driver of the Race. Cole later in the race was hit in the side by Tylor Ballard’s 170 who was out of shape in avoidance of another car losing it, meaning a frantic repair of Cole’s door for race two. “I had to do something about it; I had to win,” said Cole of the second race, and he did just that by leading home a four-car battle and resisting

enormous pressure from Makar, Bray – who discovered after the race he’d picked up a left-rear puncture after running over debris – and Ross. It also earned Cole Driver of the Race and Driver of the Day for Saturday. Kirkpatrick got “a bit of a redemption” by winning Class B in race two, passing Luti partway through when Luti got stuck behind a 190; Kirkpatrick started the move at Clearways and completed it at Paddock. MGCC Lackford Engineering MG Midget & Sprite Challenge Reigning champion Stephen Collier started 2019 as he left off last year by winning both of the Lackford Engineering MG Midget & Sprite Challenge season-opening races. “It couldn’t get much better could it?” said Collier of his results. In race one it looked initially that Collier would win at a canter, but a mid-race

MGCC THRILLS AND SPILLS AT

BRANDS HATCH Report by Graham Keilloh

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Andy King in a Cream Cracker PB. Photo: Colin Murrell David Cooksey (21) leading an MG K3 in his MG Montlhery Midget. Photo: Colin Murrell

safety car deployed when Robert Morris spun his Sprite – though Morris was able to continue without outside assistance – and got Stephen Watkins’ fellow Midget onto Collier’s tail. Watkins – fast but unlucky towards the end of last season – chased Collier closely for the rest of the way, a showing which got Watkins Driver of the Race. Marc Campfield in a Sprite won the Class E race ahead of Pippa Cow’s Midget. Campfield is the son of reigning Class E champion Paul Campfield who is unable to drive the car due to breaking his hand in a skiing accident. Richard Perry in a Midget took the Class D win. Race two had a similar pattern at the front, with Collier leading and Watkins on his tail. Watkins looked like he might be the quicker on a tricky surface with oil put down at Paddock and Graham Hill Bend by Rose. “We were both sliding around all

over the place,” Watkins noted. However Watkins then hit Perry – who again was leading his class – at Graham Hill Bend when lapping him, removing them both. Collier still had a strong lead, even with the safety car resulting from the Watkins clash, as Morris proceeded slowly and therefore never caught the safety car, and those pursuing Collier were caught in Morris’s wake. Morrison indeed got too impatient in the slowly proceeding queue and passed two cars before the line at the restart. He got a four-second post-race penalty which dropped him from second to fourth, behind runner-up Richard Wildman and Driver of The Race Andrew McGhee – both in Midgets. Lackford claimed the Class E win after Campfield led in class before dropping to third after experiencing apparent intermittent technical problems then

The busy Equipe GTS race with the MGB of Mark Prutton (103) to the fore. Photo: Dickon Siddall

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having an off. Jon Simpson’s Midget inherited the Class D win from Perry. MGCC BCV8 Championship The first BCV8 race started in gathering rain which didn’t play into the hands of poleman Russell McCarthy at his local round. He had a poor start then on lap two was speared into by Jonnie Wheeler’s GT V8 which had lost it under braking for Paddock. It put both cars into the gravel with McCarthy’s GT on its side! This meant a red flag, and in the truncated restarted race James Wheeler quickly built a strong lead, but then dropped out when his head gasket failed. Neil Fowler therefore inherited race one victory, half a second clear of Ian Prior. Russell’s brother, Spencer, completed the podium in his Roadster, and with it got Class B win, coming through from the back at an incredible rate after a fuse broke half a lap into qualifying. He also got Driver of the Race and Sunday’s Driver of the Day. Andrew Young in fourth place overall took Class C honours in his GT, while Ollie Neaves – who had considerable problems with his Roadster in the Equipe races – took the Class AB victory. Wheeler, his head gasket woes behind him, got recompense by winning race two. He led from pole and this time benefited from attrition, as Russell McCarthy, who had shadowed him from the start, got past him to lead at Paddock on lap five but immediately slowed then retired after experiencing a bad vibration, possibly a legacy of his race one accident. Young again took the Class C win and again by finishing fourth overall, while Jim Bryan in the GT V8, second home in Class C and fifth overall, got Driver of the Race. Spencer McCarthy finished sixth and got another Class B win while Neaves took a second AB victory.

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COMPETITIONS

The bright orange MG Midget of Stephen Watkins leading the pack during the Midget and Sprite Challenge. Photo: Dickon Siddall Jim Bryon (74) pushing his MGB GT V8 during the BCV8 Race. Photo: Dickon Siddall

Baynton Jones Historic Motorsport MGCC Triple-M Racing Challenge Harry Painter dominated the two Baynton Jones Historic Motorsport MGCC Triple-M Racing Challenge races, taking his PA to comfortable wins. His father, Mike, briefly led at the start but Harry was back past at Surtees on lap one, and finished 20 seconds ahead of runner-up and Class C winner Oliver Sharp who passed Mike Painter late on. Richard Frankel in his MG PB Cream Cracker – ninth overall and third in Class B – got Driver of the Race. The Mary Harris Trophy, awarded based on the race result with handicapping applied, went to Chris Goddard in his PA Special, who finished fifth on the road and won Class B. Mike Davies-Colley in a PA was Class A winner. Harry Painter again led Sharp home in race two, this time by 12.6s. Despite dropping to third at the start, Painter was in the lead by lap three. Goddard, like Sharp, took his second class win of the day in race two while in Class A Hamish McNinch beat Davies-Colley home by less than 2s. Class The MG3 Cup Racer being piloted by Piers Prior during the MG Cup Race. Photo: Dickon Siddall

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B runner-up Fred Boothby was awarded Driver of the Race after showing much improved race pace in his J2. MGCC MG Cup supported by Peter Best Insurance with MGCC Drayton Manor Park MG Metro Cup Mike Williams at last avoided technical maladies to exploit his Rover Metro GTi’s pace and win both MG Cup supported by Peter Best Insurance races. He led all the way from pole in both and his racewinning margins were 18.7s and 22.6s. The MG Cup shared grids with the Drayton Manor Park MG Metro Cup and reigning champion Jack Ashton fought at the front in his less powerful but more nimble car. He qualified on the front row alongside Williams then finished third overall in race one, being passed by Richard Buckley’s Rover 220 Turbo at Druids at one-third’s distance. This got Ashton the Metro win, with Dick Trevett finishing second in the category and seventh overall. Trevett had to recover from a right-front hub problem

in qualifying and vaulted from 15th on the grid to ninth on lap one. It all got Trevett the Metros’ Driver of the Race. Ian Boulton took the MG Cup race one Class B win and Driver of the Race in his ZR 170, finishing fourth overall. Aaron Ross comfortably won Class A in his 160. The second race had a similar pattern at the front and the same top three finishers, with Buckley this time getting by Ashton at the start. He still had no answer to Williams’ pace and Ashton again fought him hard for the runner-up position. Peter Burchill got MG Cup’s race two Driver of the Race after finishing fifth in his ZS 180 while Mark Wilson – the third Metro home in only his second ever Metro race meeting – got the Metros’ Driver of the Race. Dale Reet took the MG Cup’s Class A win in his 160 after long-time leader, Ross, stopped late on. Boulton in sixth place overall completed a double Class B triumph. Equipe GTS Group A Equipe once again had a strong presence, with 101 cars and 111 drivers competing across six races. Mark Ashworth claimed both GTS Group A wins in his TVR Grantura Mk III. In both he had a close fight with Ollie Neaves’ MGB Roadster, but Neaves was twice stopped by technical woes. In race one, having been passed by Ashworth at mid-distance, Neaves pulled off near the end with carburettor issues. In race two, Neaves, just when he looked set to challenge Ashworth’s lead after a safety car got him onto his tail, again pulled off when the vibration from www.mgcc.co.uk

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COMPETITIONS

The Austin Healey 3000 of Bill Rawles pushing hard. Photo: Dickon Siddall

a damaged propshaft meant a flange detached in his engine. Brian White in his Triumph SLR was the Class 4 winner in race one while Nick Mountford in a TR4 claimed that honour in race two. Equipe GTS Group B Simon Ashworth made it three wins from the weekend for the TVR Grantura, by winning the opening Group B race in it. Tom Grindall’s Midget led for much of the way, but Ashworth moved past in traffic in the late laps. Poleman Lee Atkins was slow away in his Grantura due to difficulties getting first and second gear, then he retired a few laps later when one of the followers broke, which he thought may be related to his difficult getaway. Race one’s third-place finisher Brian White in his Triumph was Class 4 victor, while race two runner-up Jon Payne, also in a Triumph, took that race’s Class 4 win. Oliver Harris took a comfortable Class 5

in race one while Nick Harris did the same with the same car in race two. The Grantura couldn’t get four wins from the meeting, though. Ashworth in it was challenging Peter Edney’s Roadster for the Group B race two lead but spun on the damp track at one-third’s distance, losing several places. Edney later himself spun at the same spot, also losing many places, meaning Rob Cull in another Grantura came through to win from starting at the back. Cull had hardly run earlier in the weekend and retired early in race one.

Equipe Pre 63 Bill Rawles won Equipe Pre 63’s race one in his Austin Healey 3000, holding off a racelong challenge from Mark Holme’s Healey. The next day Bill’s son, Jack, took over the wheel and came roaring through from the back to pass Holme at Paddock at twothirds’ distance for a lead he didn’t lose. Oliver Harris was a comfortable Class 5 winner in race one in his Healey 100/4, and Richard Knight took over the car in race two and repeated the class result. David Wenman in his Morgan +4 was the Class 4 victor in both races.

The close racing MG Trophy cars with the 190 car of Doug Cole (99) being chased down. Photo: Dickon Siddall

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RACE TORQUE

THE MG CAR CLUB

RACING ‘FAMILY’ by Mark Baulch Photos by Dickon Siddall

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s the evenings grow longer and we start to enjoy some warmer days, I find myself reflecting on the fact that we already have two race meetings behind us. Brands Hatch was a reminder of just how great the MG Car Club racing ‘family’ is. As with any family, there are lows as well as highs, and we remembered MG racer David Heasman with the Trophy family through the wearing of black armbands. Dave, who finished third in the 2018 Standard Power

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Class, always thought of Brands Hatch as his favourite circuit. His partner Sue thanked the Championship for this mark of respect, wishing all drivers the best of luck. The happy times are marked as well, with the Welcome Centre at the track being filled with song as we celebrated the birthdays of Stephen Collier in the MG Midget and Sprite Challenge and Emma Cross, the MG Metro Cup Championship Co-ordinator. We remembered, even if her father did not seem to…!

It is well worth attending a race meeting to enjoy this atmosphere for yourself. Ticket prices are incredible value for money and we have a completely open paddock area, so you can chat to all of the competitors and learn even more about the racing. The Welcome Centre is also available to all MG Car Club members, with tea, coffee and biscuits available and the opportunity to attend the prize giving ceremonies. Do not worry, singing is optional, really. You can also be involved in your very own MG. At every race meeting there is a parade of MG cars driven by the members during the lunch break. Simply come along to the Welcome Centre and register in the morning, for an amazing opportunity to drive around some historic circuits and perhaps follow in the tyre tracks of some of your heroes. All types of MGs are encouraged to join in. We now look forward to our next fixture, Donington Park on Saturday 20 and Sunday July 21. We have a packed timetable for the weekend, with plenty of British metal streaking around this world-famous tarmac, including nearly all of the MG Championships and our friends from Morgan, plus a three-hour relay with the Equipe GTS competitors. So, as always, we look forward to seeing you at one of our events in 2019. Do come along to the MG Welcome Centre and become a part of the ‘MG family’, helping to make our events some of the friendliest in the sport.

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MGs ON TRACK

MG on track

Duncan Wood duncanw@mgs-on-track.co.uk Dave Pearce in his MGB GT takes the chequered flag at the end of a Goodwood track day

COMMITTEE UPDATES A

t the MGs on Track AGM held at Kimber House in March, Dave Pearce, our Chairman of several years, stood down. This was not prompted by internal power politics, a botched leak of sensitive information, Bunga Bunga party revelations, or even fatigue on Dave’s part, but by the MG Car Club’s probably rather sensible requirement that no individual should hold the post of Chair for more than five years. Dave has worked calmly and tirelessly both in this headline position and in many of the behind-the-scene roles that ensure we can continue to provide safe and enjoyable track days for our members, so a very big thank you from all of us. Luckily all that acquired knowledge and experience is not deserting us, and Dave will continue on the committee as Vice-Chairman, will take over the role of Contracts Manager from Steve Hill, will still cherish the club’s rental helmets, and, I’m sure, will end up managing a good many of our events! So, Dave, to quote from an early TripAdvisor review of a certain West Coast USA hotel: “You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave”. Of course, this presents us with rather big shoes to fill (readers can insert their own clown references here), so we are lucky to have a worthy successor as Chairman in the person of Nigel Silman. Nigel will already be well known to many

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as he writes the newsletters, nurtures MGoT’s Twitter and Facebook accounts, understands the inner workings of the website as few others on the committee do, and, of course, manages several of our events each year. As a relative youth in comparison to some on the committee we are hopeful that with our unwavering support Nigel will serve out the full allowed term, thereby lessening the risk that one of us might have to step out from the shadows! As mentioned earlier our longeststanding committee member, Steve Hill, will be handing forthcoming responsibility for negotiations with circuits to Dave Pearce. That we can offer such a variety of events to members at such keen prices can be largely attributed to Steve’s determination and skills of persuasion over the past many years. We thank him warmly for his efforts, although, perhaps fearing a trap, he has declined the honorary title of Contracts Manager Emeritus! James Mumford continues as Secretary and Fran Guy as Treasurer; the maximum of five years rule does not apply to these posts so, despite exemplary behaviour, their release is not thought to be imminent anytime soon. The other big committee news so far this year is that we have been joined by two new members; Mark Peters and Julian Hepburn have been participants at our events for several years and were

both keen to become more involved with the running and promotion of MGs on Track, and we very much welcome their input and enthusiasm. The remaining committee members are John Dignan, an after-dinner speaker par excellence alongside his wider-known organisational talents, and Brian Goodban, who modestly waves aside all mention of his considerable IT skills! Martin Holmes handles procurement, John Robertson has unwittingly become organiser for shows and events, and, for those that have stoically read this far, I write our monthly Safety Fast! page. All committee members, whatever their other responsibilities, share the management of track days. Finally, I must make mention of Dave Livingston our President who, in company with Steve Hill, started the MGoT ball rolling over a dozen years ago. As part of the MG Car Club, the foundations laid in those early years have stood the test of time, and MGs on Track continues to offer value for money, fun, sociable and, above all, safe track days for all MG drivers. Clearly we are keen to welcome new members into the fold so, even if you are not ready to commit to driving at one of our events, do come along to spectate and talk to some of the regulars who will be eager to persuade you of the many joys and benefits of joining in.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MGCC SPEED CHAMPIONSHIP

MGS ON TRACK – 2019 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. Blyton Park – June 3 Not a traditional racing circuit, but a fun and friendly venue boasting a layout with real character. Castle Combe – June 24 The first of two annual visits to this very welcoming circuit in Wiltshire. North Weald – July 5 An introductory activity day for those who have not yet tried a full track-day. A chance to explore the capabilities of driver and car in complete safety. Croft – July 12 Experience one of the hidden gems of British Motorsport on a day shared with Lotus on Track. Brands Hatch GP – August 1 A rare chance to experience the full GP Circuit with fellow MG drivers. Anglesey – August 12 Experience this challenging circuit on a day shared with the Lotus 7 Club. Overlooking the Irish Sea and with views to Snowdonia this track offers something for all.

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

M

any motorsport venues have become iconic and none more than Goodwood. It was not surprising that 16 of our number carried the speed championship flag to the Bognor Regis motor club’s event there on April 20. Although I have never had the pleasure of driving there, I know from watching the revival meeting videos that it is a fast and demanding circuit. Star performers at this event were Ben Rolls and David Slade who both scored almost maximum points and indeed Rob Bell, Alan Chenery and Andrew Till all established new records. The NW Centre ran its annual Anglesey weekend on May 4-5. The weather was cold bright and breezy which is as good as you can expect in early May on the island. The meeting was very popular with other clubs, particularly the Morgan and Porsche championships. Unfortunately, we had only nine MGs and only five of them were Championship contenders. I appreciate that Anglesey can be a long journey for some people but when you consider the amount of track time on offer and the superb facilities at the circuit, free camping with showers and really civilised ablutions not to mention the excellent catering, I

can’t help thinking that many people are missing out on a terrific event. Of the five contenders present, Keith Benningfield was up to his old winning ways by producing the highest score. Tim Kirkham in his newly acquired ZR 160 also scored well and no doubt he will be featuring prominently as he gets used to his new mount. May is a busy month and the following weekend the Championship moved to the Llandow circuit in Wales. This is a very popular event, as anyone who has tried to get a late entry will tell you. Eight of our number managed to get in though I am aware that several more were unlucky. A point to bear in mind for next year. Neil Thomas in his K series-engined Midget had a good day scoring a maximum 104 points. Neil Hails (from Tenby, so presumably competing on his own doorstep) spurs him on. Rob Griffiths in his conventional Midget was the next highest scorer, followed by the aforementioned Ian Benningfield. As I said before, May is busy and still to come are Wiscombe, Rushmore, Scammonden and Prescott, so I will have much to report next time.

Castle Combe – September 9 A second opportunity to enjoy the thrills of this ever-popular track which includes a couple of chicanes and high speed, technical corners! Donington Park – October 7 A flowing, historic circuit in the Midlands, featuring the fantastic Craner Curves and Old Hairpin sequence. Goodwood – October 28 A second visit in case you missed the first due to popularity! Brands Hatch ‘Indy’ – December 2 Our last event of 2019. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this undulating circuit including Paddock Hill Bend! Neil Thomas in his rapid K series-engined Midget www.mgcc.co.uk

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OVERSEAS REVIEW

TC in the rain

Antwerp Classic Motor Show display

T

his month’s overseas jaunt took me through Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, five Australian states, a city in New Zealand, as well as North America and Canada, proving that the Marque of Friendship is thriving around the world. Sadly, space issues won’t allow me to cover all of them so apologies to those not cited! Inside Belgium’s MG Nieuws there is a report, plus photos, of March’s Antwerp Classic Car Show whilst the magazine’s front cover shows two MGBs which formed part of a display. Those of you who watch the BBC TV series “Call the Midwife” will know that an MG Magnette has regularly appeared. Well, it appears this particular model is popular with the medical profession as one has also appeared in a Danish TV programme involving the nursing profession. An article inside the magazine from the MG Car Club, Danish Centre has an article on how this came about.

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

F in the Swedish snow

different nature are illustrated on the cover of Sweden’s Bulletinen whilst an altogether more warming weather image is conveyed on the cover of Norway’s Magasinet. Inside MGB in Vesteralen, Norway Is this Sweden’s fastest YA Bulletinen we find a report on the 2018 MMM racing was the villain portrayed in MG folklore. season, supplemented with some stunning Something which I’m sure produced some Colin Murrell photos. There’s also an article, debate amongst the members. There’s also the heading of which, according to Google an entertaining piece relating the author’s Translate, poses the question “Is this tyre experiences over the years, from reSweden’s fastest YA?” One of those moulds, through cross ply v radials to the current position where wheel alignment articles where you wish your language skills plays an important part. It finishes with were better! “I must check my tyres and tyre pressures Wheel Spin from MG Car Club of more often”; wise words. Victoria devotes a number of pages to their North America’s MG Driver has a page involvement in the Australian Grand Prix of photos and a little text about the “MGF where MGAs transported the F1 drivers test mule visit to Toronto in 1995”. The on the Drivers Lap ahead of the race. text states there are now imported MGFs Their Club provided 22 of the MGAs used, in Canada and it won’t be many months providing those members involved with before it will be the same position in the US. wonderful memories. Finally, the New England T-Register’s The Bulletin from New Zealand’s Sacred Octagon has a report and photos Wellington MG Car Club carries an from their off-road Mill Creek Hill Climb interesting article headed “Leonard Lord – with some 30 members taking part. villain?” and questions whether he really

The car’s the star on Danish TV

The front cover of Finland’s Brittisportti shows an alternative to raising the hood on a TC whilst taking part in a road run – Safety Fast! slogan to the fore! Inside, there is a review of Bob Frampton’s recent book “MG Made in Abingdon”, publication of which is also covered in other magazines in this month’s collection. Elements of a MG Victoria cars & their F1 passengers 66 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2019

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MGF Test Mule in Toronto 1995

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CENTRES ABINGDON WORKS Richard Martin sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk Sitting here in the warm on what is, I’m being told, the coldest Bank Holiday Monday for nearly 40 years, there’s little incentive to take the car out of the garage on this particular Public Spring holiday. I hope the weather’s more conducive to open-top motoring where you are. However, there have been some decent/ reasonable days since the last time these notes were penned and one of these was for our “Not Quite St George’s Day Run” a couple of weeks before the actual day itself. Thanks to Pete and Sarah for putting this together and Miele, on the old factory site, saw 40 cars assemble ready for the rural run to the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum in Calne, Wiltshire. It was certainly a cold day, but the roof stayed down both there and back, although we were tempted to call in to a warming pub on the way home – some I believe succumbed to the temptation. A good day in good company. It was an extremely pleasant surprise to see our

ANGLIA Rob Muir 01206 862619 scribe@mgccanglia.com www.mgccanglia.com Enthusiasts Trophy Our congratulations go to Barbara Pratley and Margaret Beresford who have been awarded The

webmaster, Malcolm Bailey, join us for this event. Health problems have prevented him making events for a while so it was great to see his car arrive at the start and we’re all hoping that this is the first of many this year. Photos of the day are under Galleries on the website. For Drive it Day, Gill and I took the B to the Isle of Wight and, with friends, joined in the run around the Island organised by the Vectis Classic Car Club. Of the 49 cars, there were a number of MGs, but I think we could have been outnumbered by Healey 3000s of which there were quite a few! It is, however, still an Abingdon car.

Atwell-Wilson Museum cars on display

Anglia Centre Enthusiasts Trophy for their hard work in organising the Anglia Centre Weekend Tour in September 2018. The presentation was made at the annual celebration dinner of the Mid Suffolk Club Meet by Chairman William Ball. Although Barbara and Margaret were awarded the trophy in the main for the work they put in for the Anglian Tour, recognition is also due for the years of dedication they have given to the Club by arranging our many mid-summer runs, plus support at the Club meet events over the years. Well done to you both; you are very much appreciated members of the Club. Club Meets Many of the Club Meets organise local events, from open evenings to local mid-week touring assembly runs. Although there is not the space in the magazine to list all of the events, they represent a major part of our Club. It is well worth making contact with your local Club Meet host. A list of Club Meets and the contact details can be found on our website. If you don’t use a computer,

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG Safety Fast_June2019.indd 69

Drive it Day also saw MGs well represented at Bicester Heritage, taking advantage of the arrangements organised by Ian of the MGF Register. As many will know, the site is putting on a Super Scramble on June 23 and Ian is again talking to Bicester to see what can be arranged for MGs, so keep an eye open for information on this. Finally the Committee would like to extend a warm welcome to all our new members whom we look forward to meeting during the coming months. Welcome to the MG family!

contacting any member of the Anglia committee or the main Club can supply host details. Three examples of Club Meets with a full calendar of events are: Mid Suffolk Club Meet who attracted around 50 classic cars at their open evening last Friday at Needham Market, plus the Mid-Norfolk Longham Meet who organise a Pride of Ownership event each August (won last year by a fantastic home-restored Farina Magnette) and the East Suffolk Meet who have a list of monthly events they attend ranging from classic shows to air shows. Forward Planning Sunday June 23 sees the Anglia Summer Picnic at Oxburgh Hall. A booking form can be found on page 70 of the May issue of Safety Fast! or on the Anglia website. The Queen Vic Classic and Sports Car Show on Sunday July 7, held at the Billericay Common, with concours and pride of ownership. Organised by our events co-ordinator, Tony Batson, the event has its own dedicated website that you can access via the Anglia Centre website on the calendar of events page.

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CENTRES CALEDONIAN Bob MacGillivray 07870 407111 mgcarsscotland@gmail.com www.mgcaledonian.com Depending on when you receive this magazine, you may be too late to visit the Caledonian stand at the Thirlestane Castle show. But if you do get a chance then pop in and say Hello! It’s a good show, spread over two days with the main activity being on the Sunday. But one you still have time to enter for is Glamis on July 13-14. A very large show, with runs

organised on the Saturday by the Glamis people and the main Classic Car Show on the Sunday. Plenty for all the family to see and do. If you have not yet entered but want to come then let me know. If you need more info then give me a call. Bo’ness, our last show on the year, will soon be on us, the Saturday evening dinner is fully booked, and I expect by the time you read this that the Saturday road run to the Jim Clark museum will be full, but we can still take your entry for the Sunday Classic show. Check the website for details. If you have an MGA of any type then don’t forget the MGA run on July 27. This looks like an

interesting run on seldom-used roads, so check the website and book please! Places are still available for the August Five Day Tour based over the border in the Lake District. Based at an excellent hotel, this is a relaxed tour which will suit all models of MG. Check the website for more info. Last year we were invited by Highland MG to attend the Tain Classic Car show. About half a dozen of us made the run up the A9 for a very pleasant weekend. We have been invited again, the show being on June 23, so if you are interested in taking part then give Tony Smith a call on 07770 927803. If you are in the area then please look in. I’ve already started looking for articles for this year’s Newsletter! Seems early, I know, but sometimes it takes a while to persuade people to get onto their PC and produce something. If you would like to write an article on your MG, whether currently owned or from times past, or some MG motor sporting history, or a touring article then get in touch and we can try to sort something out. And finally, if you are not receiving regular emails from us, then get in touch please.

show which is less than an individual entry, which is for pre-1994 cars only, of £12.00 and a lot cheaper than a car and two people attending as a member of the public. It also means that Club displays can have any vehicle on show of any age, so we are hoping to have the newer models on show as well as the older ones. As an aside, I would ask that if you would like to receive the Newsletter in either electronic form or as a hard copy in the post, and you are not currently on the mailing list, please let me know and I will add your names. It is available on the Centre website as well. As mentioned last month, further details of the Natter venues will be published. The meeting in the Torbay area is at the Churston Court Inn, held on the

third Wednesday of the month at lunchtimes and organised by Alan and Barbara Turner. The Inn was originally the Manor House of Churston and it retains its original staircases, stone windows, oak panelling and flagstone floors. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of a monk who appears in the old kitchen. There is a smugglers tunnel linking the inn to Elberry Cove, which lies about half a mile away. There is also rumoured to be a link tunnel running over 10 miles to Berry Pomeroy from the inn. These tunnels were driven more than 400 years ago, so the quality and stability of the passages are no longer known. It is not known if the mine workings under Churston contain any linking passages to the old smugglers tunnel. The inn has an extensive menu and a good selection of wines and beers available.

Line up of MGs at the Tain Classic Car show

DEVON & CORNWALL Young Janner II bobslatter@hotmail.com www.mgcc.co.uk/devon-cornwall-centre As I write these notes, we are preparing to go on the third D&C Spring Break over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend at the Shillingford Bridge Hotel on the Thames between Oxford and Henley, along with quite a few other Centre members and friends. This event has grown in popularity since its inception two years ago by Pete and Sue Heath. Although it has been mentioned in Ted Lawrence’s excellent Centre newsletter, I will give details of the Crash Box and Classic Car Club’s Annual Classic Gathering at Powderham Castle, near Exeter, on Saturday 13 and Sunday July 14 as not everybody in the Centre receives it. The Centre is once again having a display on both days. Unfortunately the owners of the Castle have increased their fees to the organisers again, and so the entry fees have also risen to compensate. We are subsidising the entry fees once again, but would ask for a donation of £8.00 per car per day to be in the display. This allows the car and two people into the

MGs outside the Shillingford Bridge Hotel www.mgcc.co.uk

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June Natters: Wolds Wednesday5; Abbey Lodge Monday 10; Wishing Well Wednesday12; Three Horseshoes Thursday 20 (Landlords Choice); Ferryboat Tuesday 25 (Landlords Choice); White Hart Thursday 27. Luncheon Club: Wednesday 19. July Events: On the Green Car Show, Allington Sunday 7; Rover Day & MG Display, East Kirkby Saturday 13. Well, what an excellent turnout! Despite the loss of hardy perennials, we attracted over 20 competitors to the East Kirkby Autotest in April. Braving icy arctic “breezes”, young and slightly less-young novices competed with regular attendees in a variety of cars, not all badged MG. Results-wise, Duncan Peters was quickest in the long-wheelbase sportscars, Michael Denton took the short-wheelbase sportscar award, newcomer Calum Macpherson in the saloons, Malcolm Clark the Specials class and Ian Webb

MIDLANDS Jane Parry 07841 648428 Jane.mgccmidlandscentre@outlook.com Hello from the newest recruit to the MGCC Midland Centre Committee. Those of you who recognise my name will know me as the Secretary of the MGF Register. Branching out into the Midlands Centre was something I had thought of for some time, and I became a Committee Member at the last AGM in January 2019, so please forgive my ramblings; this is all very new to me and slightly different to the newsletters I send when wearing my Register ‘hat’. Being the ‘newest’ member of the MGCC Midland Centre Committee wasn’t a position I held for long, as soon after we welcomed Keith Williams as our MG Car Club Director/Liaison. Keith brings a wealth of experience to the Centre, having previously been Chairman of the MGF Register. During this month I have been working on a new Facebook page for the Centre. I’m very conscious that we need to look at as many options as possible to encourage members to attend our

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took fastest time overall, but most spectacular must go to the smokin’ Phoenix Almond in his totally unsuitable (who knew?) Subaru Legacy estate. Well done, one and all. We had an excellent gathering of 39 cars for the National Drive it Day, descending on Metheringham Airfield visitor centre, where we were entertained by an introduction from the “enlightened” Andy Marson, who introduced us to “FIDO”. If you weren’t there, you’ll have to “look it up!” A clamber aboard their Dakota brought back memories for one of our ladies! After a photo opportunity, it was then on to the International Bomber Command Centre at Canwick Hill, Lincoln, where most joined an excellent walk-round tour of the facility, and were introduced to some of the many characters and personal stories from those dark times. A restful Sunday is in store on July

7 at Allington, near Grantham, where we are invited to display our cars on the village green. Contact Richard Withington on: 01949 844066 or r.withington@btinternet.com for details. Another show to look forward to is the Rover Day and MG Display at our good friends the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby on July 13. With the added advantages of Avro Lancaster “Just Jane” and De Havilland Mosquito HJ711 to savour, it’s a summer Saturday not to be missed. Details can be found on the Centre’s website, or contact our organiser Kevin Pateman on 01529 460169.

events, and get involved to arrange further events and local Natters. Social Media, be it Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, have their place and, love them or hate them, they provide us with a platform to reach out to our members, which paper copies of calendars often don’t. How many times have we heard a member say: “Yes the magazine arrived, haven’t had chance to open it yet,” only to find them sitting waiting for their friends at their local meet/event posting photos of their pride and joy to the MG community via Facebook? I would love to hear from members of the Midlands Centre on what they would like included on the Facebook page, and ideas for events and meets they would like us to consider, or where they would like to get involved,. It’s sometimes easy to forget that the majority of work needed to make events a success is carried out by a relatively small group of committee members, yet it offers a day/weekend of enjoyment for so many more. The Centre is well known for its love of motorsport, from the twice-yearly Curborough Sprint Days to our Midlands Centre Summer Day Out at the Shelsley Walsh. Unfortunately, our trial days this year seem very unlikely, so we are

considering other alternatives and these will be updated on our events calendar. For those of you who like a day’s driving, we are considering a road run for later in the season, so watch this space in the coming months for more details. Finally, please support your local MGCC Natter, for an enjoyable evening discussing your latest antics in your MG, to finding out what is happening in your area, be it over a drink, or a meal, you won’t be disappointed. If there isn’t a local Natter close by, perhaps you would like help and support starting one? Please feel free to contact a member of the Midlands Centre Committee for more details.

Cars at Metheringham Airfield on Drive it Day

The MGF Register supporting the Midlands Centre at their Curborough Sprint Day JUNE 2019 SAFETY FAST! 73

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SOUTH EAST CENTRE SUMMER GATHERING Michelham Priory, Upper Dicker, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 3QS

Sunday July 21 Michelham Priory is England’s oldest medieval moated country house dating back to 1229. There is much to see, apart from the rows of MGs; these include a historic watermill and working forge, together with a replica bronze age roundhouse,

an interactive medieval gallery in the 14th century gatehouse, and trails through the grounds’ seven acres, as well as a cafe and gift shop. Our rally will include the usual Concours and Pride of Ownership competitions, regalia items and raffle.

ENTRY FORM Name: ...........................................................................................Home Tel No: ................................................................................. Address: ................................................................................................................................................................................................ .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. ……………............................................................................................................................................................................................ e-mail address(write clearly) .................................................................................................................................................................. MGCC Member: Yes/No

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CENTRES NORTH WEST Paul Goodman 01625 876300 Sadly, there will be no MGLive! to attend this month. The great news is that the Centre is offering a wide range of alternative events for you to visit and enjoy. First is our summer gathering at The Shrewsbury Arms on Tuesday June 11. This meeting venue is proving to be incredibly popular, with a fabulous range of MGs on view. Then on Saturday June 15 the competitors in the Speed Championship will be competing at Three Sisters, near Wigan. This is a great venue to watch all the action with the circuit visible from the viewing area. Our event of the month is the Plough and Flail summer meeting and informal concours. This is the biggest event of the year with more than 100 cars expected, mainly MGs, but some interesting guests attending from other clubs, including one of the oldest surviving cars in the country. If our plans go well, we will also have the “London to Sydney Marathon” MGB on display. This car has been restored by the MGB Register and has featured in lots of press coverage.

SOUTH EAST Philip Bayne-Powell 1942mgman@gmail.com www.mgccse.co.uk The MG Day at Brooklands on April 14 saw a good turnout of MGs, with a new arrangement of a timeline of cars up the newly cleared finishing straight. The central octagon of cars in the paddock was made up of a 14/40, two 18/80s, a D and C-Type, plus a lovely WA drophead coupe. There was a morning cavalcade of cars round the Mercedes Benz test track, and in the afternoon, there were up to three ascents of the test hill. The Club was out in force, with the Main Club complementing the usual SE Centre display of cars. Cars from the late Colin Reynolds collection were there, supported by his widow, Pauline, and children; an M-type 12/12 was with an MGA and MGB, and a trophy in his name was awarded to the best Triple-M car. We next turn our attention to the Brooklands 12/12 event, which would have clashed with MGLive! We can now concentrate on this excellent two-day event with our SE Centre display, and

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The next event is the Lymm Transport Festival on Sunday June 23. The Centre will have a timeline display with members ready to chat during the day. Then on Wednesday June 26 the pub lunch meeting will be at the Three Greyhounds, Holmes Drive it Day at the Lion Salt Works. Photo: Paul Goodman Chapel Road, Allostock, Knutsford, WA16 9JY. Looking back, Drive it Day brought lots of To round off the month, the Speed MGs to the Lion Salt works, ranging from Mike Championship competitors will be assembling and Jean Entwisle driving their P Type to a modern again, this time at Aintree on June 29. The sprint MG3. The Anglesey Sprint Weekend on May 4 and circuit uses the road inside the horse-racing 5 was a big success with a large entry in sunny course on the “country” side of the Melling Road. conditions. Best North West Centre runner was Once again, spectators are welcome. If you are Richard Watkinson driving his Midget. considering entering speed events, then please Finally, well into July but with advance come to one of these meetings and chat to our tickets available now, the MGCC race meeting at regular competitors who will be happy to explain Donington Park on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 is what is needed to become an entrant. going to be superb.

hopefully some of our members will be competing for the overall trophy; previously we have come away with class wins. Our first round of our Alternative Pride of Ownership series will be at the Fairmile pub in Cobham (KT11 1BW), organised by John Morgan (Tel. 07802 770025) who will be handing out the score sheet for this self-judging event. The next round of the Alternative PoO will be at the Surrey Oaks, Newdigate, RH5 5DZ on July 7, where the landlord is a keen classic car enthusiast, regularly hosting classic car meets. Our Summer Gathering will be at Michelham Priory on a NEW date of July 21, as the calendar date wasn’t suitable. We hope this time we will not be rained off as happened for last year’s Autumn Gathering! We will hold the usual Concours and Pride of Ownership competitions. Details and entry forms can be downloaded from the website or contact the Secretary. We are sad to have to tell members that our esteemed Chairman, Derek Edwards, was recently taken into hospital following a stroke. He is likely to be there for a good few months, so the committee has arranged to cover the jobs

South East Centre at Brooklands

he would have been doing. Derek’s wife has asked that people do not try to visit him in the East Surrey hospital for the time being, but get well cards can be sent to his home address, or to the hospital itself. If you need to check on his current condition, Adrian Malthouse, his next door neighbour and MGA man, will be able to give you the latest news. Telephone 01737 7789076. We are pleased to report that we have signed up Chris Leigh, MGA Twin Cam man, as interim/ caretaker Chairman until Derek is able to resume duties. Chris’s details are email candjleigh@yahoo. com or telephone 01634 201145. We still urgently need a replacement Newsletter editor; please contact the Secretary if you can help.

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CENTRES SOUTH WEST Bruce Weston 01963 440941 07929 497 408 brucemweston@gmail.com So, where were you? The 2019 Kimber Classic Trial took place the week before Easter in brilliant sunshine which allowed all 10 sections including four restarts and the ‘Alham Splash’ to run almost without incident. Of the 28 starters there were no less than 26 MGs, 21 of which were pre-war! A magnificent turnout by the MMM membership to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the M Type, of which five competed. Eight entries were from our Dutch friends who make a bi-annual visit just for the joy of driving up a hill on ordinary roads! Let alone the ‘green road’ sections. So, where were the T Types and Midgets? This event is the oldest in the MG calendar (1936) and is in danger of folding if numbers continue to drop. The organisation is the same for 1 or 100 competitors. The marshals needed to run the event this year outweighed the competitors, which is a disappointment to them as so few cars do not seem to justify the effort involved. The event is also a social occasion with a good lunch

TYNE-TEES Tony Wood anthony@scrutonvillage.co.uk Drive it Day saw many events around the area, and on my way to the start of our Cobweb Run I saw Morris Minors and Jaguars all heading in different directions. An enormous entry of 66 cars gathered at Brocksbushes Farm shop, just outside Corbridge, for the usual ritual of bacon butties, tyre kicking and general chat. Once again Ian Graham and

Allan Campbell being flagged away on the Cobweb Run 76 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2019

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stop and a gathering of enthusiasts on the Sunday. With mounting restrictions on the use of green roads and government policies restricting the internal combustion engine, the current generation may well be the last to experience motorsport for real, so in 2020 ‘use it or lose it’ before your car becomes a museum piece. The week after Easter saw Peter and Victoria Jones hosting MGOG1 in very high winds above Bath. A select few braved the weather and had as usual great fun navigating the driving tests.

Coming up, the SW Centre Summer Picnic on Sunday June 9 at the Avon Valley Railway, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HD. A social occasion with added interest for all ages. MGOG2 will again be held at Claverham Court Farm, Yatton, on Sunday July 28. A mixture of gymkhana and autotests to suit all tastes. Full details of the above at mgccsw.com/events This month’s photo shows the five M Types who entered the 2019 Kimber Classic Trial with the 90th anniversary Best Performance Award by an M Type going to Mark Smith, second from right.

his hardworking team came up with the goods, producing a route which took us up the coast on a fine, sunny morning through to Alnwick where many of us stopped for lunch, creating our own MG “flash mob” in the Market Place. The afternoon took us out into the heart of Northumberland along quiet and flowing roads, ideal sports touring country, returning us to Brocksbushes and the hard earned (?) cream tea. Our guest judge deliberated and chose John Adamson’s fine TB as the best pre-1981 car and Ian Whyte’s MGF as best post-

81. Spirit of the event went to Laurence Hogarth in his 1949 Daimler DE 27 Sport for his efforts in aiding another competitor with a puncture, though personally I think he deserved it for pedalling such a large car around with such brio! With the demise of MGLive! can I attract you to Scruton Fete on June 15? Hardly an adequate substitute, I hear you say, and I agree, but at least we are still here. Come along and join in the fun of a traditional afternoon in the country (think Midsomer but with hopefully fewer casualties). We are just off junction 51 A1M. Please arrive by 1.00pm and be prepared to stay until 4.00pm; ring (07885 654795) or email me for further details. Looking further ahead sees the Fish and Chip Supper run on Friday July 19, organised by Dennis Hope; always a great scenic route with a super supper to finish. Contact Dennis (denhope@ hotmail.co.uk) for start details. The following Sunday, July 21, sees our first official stand at the Newby Hall Classic show, near Ripon. Probably the best show in the North East. Contact Noel for details but don’t delay as the stand is filling up fast. The same stricture applies to Croft as well, so digitum extractum, good folks!

www.mgcc.co.uk

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CENTRES YORKSHIRE David Copeman 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk North – Nick Mann In April our guest speaker was Carl Mitchell, on his role as a paramedic. It certainly is a job that has a stratospheric stress factor built in! For the remainder of the month our membership will be attending our annual bowls and curry night. Also at the end of the month is Drive it Day. Given that I’m writing this report the day after the event, I was personally a little disappointed in only seeing six other classics on the road whilst Tess and I were out in the GT. Interestingly, five of the cars were MGs!! South – Mike Breedon April saw an increase in Natter members’ activities, with a breakfast run organised by Vaughan and Glenys Rich, the Daffodil Run organised by Steve and Marie and supported by Janice and Cliff Hobbs. The founders Trophy, provided by Brian and Val Lewis to recognise individual(s) who supported the Natter above and

ULSTER Carol Willis 07831 345560 www.mgcculstercentre.co.uk carol.mgulster@hotmail.co.uk We had postponed our Derek Walker Trial until April when the better weather and a new committee would be in place. However, Storm ‘Hannah’ put the clappers on that and it was February weather that met us on the day with gale force winds and heavy rain – great fun if one is driving, not so if one is marshalling or time-keeping! Anyway, the event ran like ‘clockwork’ and ‘Broken Wing’ Noel Cochrane and Richard McCracken had a neat course of 19 tests lined up in the Ards peninsula with start and finish at Echlinville Distillery, Kircubbin, which makes premium brands of liquor such as ‘Feckin’ and ‘Dunville’ whiskey, ‘Jawbox’ and ‘Echlinville’ gin. Marshals spent the day sheltering where they could to record times and keep the paperwork dry! The drivers had a ball with the slippery conditions around farmyards, lanes and airfield tests. Will Corry and Peter Moreland Moore once again triumphed in the ballistic blue K-series Midget. Class wins also went to Midgets of Pete Mann, David Gomes and David Cochrane and it was good to see a few

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beyond for the last 12 months, was presented to Cliff and Janice Hobbs and deservedly so, too. East – Chris Moore Evening social runs on last Thursday of the month meet at Humber Bridge car park (upper) 7.00pm for 7.30pm start. JH Foreman70 social run is on July 21, exploring the North Yorkshire Moors, and a weekend trip to The Bunker at RAF Holmpton organised for August. It was hard to find a free weekend over the summer as there are so many great MG events to attend. Find details of such events on the Yorkshire Centre website. See you there! West – David Copeman Members were out and about on Drive it Day, although the previous day looked as if it could have been a washout. We enjoyed the Wolds Way and the Heartbeat Runs, and with our Pride of Ownership evening being very well attended once again, May proved to be a rather busy month for MG-ing. With all that is on the calendar we are finding it difficult to fit in general holidays.

MGBs out with Lloyd Cochrane taking the class win. Thanks to Echlinville for providing the splendid venue, to caterers ‘Barn & Bred’ and all the help from marshals on the day. Noel, we all wish your ‘broken wing’ a speedy recovery! Gordon Buckley had a mix of rallying, hillclimbing and autotest clips lined up for our Film Night on April 16 at Tudor Cinema, Comber, and yes, we did indulge in the inevitable choc-ices. The clips included a Ferrari excursion around scenic parts of Paris, Kris Meeke visiting a car park before winning the WRC Mexico rally and excellent historic Croft Hillclimb footage. On Sunday April 28, a route of about 40 miles in length was devised by Mike Wilson. We met at McDonalds in Sprucefield and chatted in the car park then got under way travelling a few miles to McConville’s Flax Mill, near Dromara. At this point expectations were on hold. However, as we got closer, the flax dam came into sight, exactly as it would have been in its “hay-day”. After having the most interesting tour of the Mill, Mr McConville sat down in the middle of the room and played an ancient fiddle with remarkable verve for a man of his years, encouraging all to sing. Absolutely priceless! And so we took to the road again, up

Tiger – Pete Welbourn Thanks go to Stuart and Irene for organising the April luncheon run to the Crown and Cushion at Welburn, we had a good turnout and everybody I spoke to thoroughly enjoyed the day. The May luncheon run is subject to a lastminute change of venue: we are now going to the Hope and Anchor at Blacktoft. We shall be hoping for good weather as the pub is on the bank of the river Ouse and has attractive southerly views across the river. Vale of York – Ken Cothliff Welcome to Philip Styan and his wife, Jennie. Rod Moreton ran our raffle as members volunteered to marshal on the Heartbeat Run The events are really starting to fill the calendar now, with each month having at least two or three events for the MGCC to choose from. The Yorkshire Post Father’s Day Show has returned to Harewood House, near Leeds, on June 16, and another new show is on August 18 at Sutton upon Derwent, near York.

Vincent Rodgers on Test 1

the wonderful and unspoiled Slieve Croob, passing Legananny Dolmen and stopping at a viewpoint where the full majesty of the Mourne Mountain range could be seen in one take. And, lo and behold, there we happened upon the Riley Club on their outing. It was ironic that MG and Riley cars, historically rival racing marques, should find themselves meeting in a remote car park at the top of a mountain! Full report is on our website. Dates for your Diary: June 13 Autotest at TTS, Crumlin (venue tbc) – Sign-on from 5.30pm June 30 MG Run – Tour of Killyleagh Castle then go for lunch and finish with run July 10 Nosh ‘n’ Natter – venue tbc

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1951 MG TD in a beautiful dark green colour with light biscuit interior. The engine was rebuilt in 2005 with an unleaded head and a 5 speed gearbox conversion was also fitted at the same time. In 2010 the ash frames, metal work and woodwork were replaced and then a full respray was carried out. 2017 A new hood, sidescreens and tonneau were fitted along with a full service and brake overhaul.

£24,995.00

Classic and Sports Cars are extremely proud to have for sale this newly completed MG TA Special. This MG TA Special recreation has just been finished to the highest standard and the rebuild and restoration quality is “probably” the best you will ever see. No expense has been spared and the eye for detail is second to none. SPEC All aluminium ‘Boat-Tail’ design bodywork. Small boot space for overnight bag. Side foot plates to aid entry to the interior. Fully overhauled XPAG Engine bored to 1300cc. Ported cylinder head and fully unleaded. New Sports Camshaft and matched distributor. Engine Fully Balanced. Stainless Steel fish-tail side exhaust.

£80,000.00

1981 MGB rubber bumper roadster in green, (originally an LE in gold) Black vinyl interior with black carpet, New black vinyl hood, Alloy wheels, Hard Top, Various MOT’s and invoices

£7,495

1969 MG Midget Chrome Bumper 1275cc Here we have a Stunning 1275 chrome bumper MG Midget which underwent a complete bare shell restoration and was completed in 2014. The car has the luxury of a 5 speed gearbox to ensure that you get the ultimate drive and pleasure from the little Midget so keeping up with the modern day traffic certainly isn’t a problem. Same owner for over 38 years. Spec includes: Original steel wheels, Chrome bumper, Bucket seats, 5 Speed gearbox, Stainless steel exhaust. Much Much More!!

£14,995.00

View all cars at www.classicandsportscarsessex.com MG Safety Fast_June2019.indd 79

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REGISTERS VINTAGE Ian Quarrington IanQuarrington999@BTInternet.com Firstly, my thanks to Peter Jones, who provides us with our excellent four-page VR notes in SF! This is a photo of him seen driving his car on the Kimber Classic Trial in Dorset with his co-pilot, the Reverend Tim. What a fabulous sight of all those cars sporting octagonal badges at MG Era Day at Brooklands

SVW Paul Campbell svw.safety.fast@gmail.com www.svwregister.co.uk Dennis Klemm in the USA wrote recently to our Registrar, Gary Perry, regarding documents he found in the history file of VA2328, previously owned by Bill Davis. This included three issues of a newsletter entitled SVW Exchange, published in the USA and dating from the late 1970s. We were not previously aware of this publication, edited by Judith Bertoglio-Giffin living in New Hampshire. They describe the models, list the factory-approved

All 3 VA models represented 80 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2019

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the week before Easter. There was everything from Philip and Rosemary Bayne-Powell’s 14/40 through to an MG SVR (it has eight cylinders in case you didn’t know) to a 2018 MG ZS (that is a very modern SUV... in case you didn’t know!) All are MGs because they all have that octagonal MG badge on them somewhere. I made that point as Club Chairman and I will continue to make it. It was a jolly cold day, but there was a fantastic turnout to this great event which was beautifully organised by the South East Centre under the guidance of Jon Glover; thank you, Jon. You will be delighted to know that one of the prizes for cars of the day went to Patrick Gardner with his Vintage MG and your scribe was honoured to be asked by Jon to hand make the presentations. Patrick was on good form, especially when his name was announced to come and collect his award,

as he and Jon then went on and enjoyed good banter on the Brooklands Club House Veranda. In full flight, clearly enjoying talking about his car to the assembled faithful, Patrick was then asked by Jon: “So did you buy it new, then?” Lovely. It was good to work at the event with the wonderful Kimber House staff again, not many folks will have known that they had been at the Pride of Longbridge show the day before, flying the flag for the MG Car Club. They are a real credit to us all. Next on the list for us to enjoy is the Spring Tour to Norfolk, all sorted now by TED. There will be a full report next time. The next Bulletin is in production right now, TED has all her articles and photos ready and that ought to be coming through your letterboxes mid-May. Please, if you would like to write an article for the Bulletin, or even send in a VR-related photo, do contact the Editor on DebbieBradingvr@yahoo.com Finally, congratulations to its new owner on the purchase of a rather well-known MG18/80 which now resides not more than a couple of miles from where it was built just on 90 years ago. Isn’t it a lovely thought that our Club President’s former car has returned to its home county. Another chapter in its long life now begins.

extra equipment, provide technical tips, talk about what they were up to and list several cars for sale and parts wanted. Issue number three dated June 1978 was perhaps the last, as the editor said she would need to discontinue the Exchange or raise subscription costs to $7.50 to break even. “Also, enough of you will have to renew to make it possible to continue to publish the newsletter. I’ll hold all cheques until August. At that time, if there is not enough to continue, I’ll refund to everyone” You should receive this in early June, by which time the SVW Event in Holland will be something like three weeks away. Many of us have booked the ferry and hotel, informed the

organisers (Rene and Peter) that we’re going, transferred the requested funds to John Dutton to enable a single transfer to the organisers and (hopefully) prepared our cars for the trip. Details as ever can be found on the website and the Facebook group (where we now have 137 members). We had a lovely gathering of five VAs in the ‘time-line’ at Brooklands MG Era Day on April 14, despite the cold weather. Christopher Rowe’s WA Tickford was selected for the main paddock display. Looking forward to seeing many of you in Holland.

WA Tickford in the Brooklands paddock www.mgcc.co.uk

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REGISTERS T TYPE PAUL PLUMMER 01926 854574 scribe@tregister.org The T Register 2019 season has started in fine fashion with two events taking place in April, our Spring Tour to Normandy and MG Era day at Brooklands. Spring Tour to Normandy Organised by Bill and Sally Silcock and based at the excellent Hotel Ferme de la Ranconniere, located at Crepon in Normandy, a total of 22 T types took part. Two TAs, four TCs, nine TDs and seven TFs, together with two PAs, one MGB V8, one MG TF, and three moderns completed the line-up. There were no major breakdowns, just the usual crop of minor ailments which are to be expected with cars of this age. With much to see in the region, visits were made to the WW2 beaches and museums, as well as cider producers, chateaux and gardens. A good time was had by all and it is rumoured that a return visit will be made to the Ardennes region next year.

MAGNETTE Stephen Tickell 01737 760330 stephen.tickell@gmail.com www.magnette.org In case you’re still looking to fill a gap in your June calendar, John Harris has arranged with the Midlands Centre for Magnettes to join them on their summer day out at Shelsley Walsh, on Sunday June 16 (which would have been MGLive!). You’ll be able to watch classics on this historic hill climb near Worcester that claims to be the oldest still using its original course – period dress and entertainment also feature. Please note that you’ll need to book in advance for the Club parking, cost £18 per person. New website Steve Hanegan has been helping other Magnette owners for many years with technical advice and online photo albums of his own restorations. He’s now been able to collect much of this information together on his own ‘Z Magnette Help’ website (zmagnette-help.com) which will be an invaluable resource for anyone tackling jobs such as restoring

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MG Era Day at Brooklands Dry but cold weather encouraged a huge turnout of MGs, including more than 50 T Types at this event. The Museum was featuring 80 years of MG production, with a central display in the main paddock of keynote cars from each decade since inception, together with a timeline along the newly reopened Finishing Straight of all vehicle types including MG Old Number one, loaned from Gaydon. Ten T Types were on the timeline representing models from 1936 TA up to 1955 TF, including a TB and a TA Tickford. A number of members participated in the Cavalcade Tour and runs up the Test Hill.

My thanks to Clive Manser and Alan Wakefield for their reports on these two events. In the meantime enjoy the sunshine and happy T Type MotorinG.

T Types in Normandy

a dashboard or repairing the steering wheel centre assembly. It also allows us to appreciate the quality of Steve’s workmanship, and not inconsiderable photography skills, and adds to the accumulated wisdom on magnette.org ‘Tech Tips’ plus various forums. MG Magnette – the book ! In addition to his duties as Register chairman, and his ‘day’ job, Paul Batho has found time to write a completely new book which covers Magnette history, development, ownership and restoration. While several other books have included sections on the Magnette, and the career of designer Gerald Palmer, this is probably the first devoted exclusively to our favourite MG, and represents a great deal of work to research and collate. Amberley Publishing will be releasing ‘MG Magnette’ on June 15, when it will be available on Amazon as well (at a very reasonable price of £14.99) but I expect Paul will also have some

copies for sale at Register events and might even be persuaded to sign one for you.

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REGISTERS MGA Edward Vandyk 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk 2020 sees the 50th Anniversary of the creation of the MGA Register and the Register Committee intend to ensure this milestone is appropriately recorded and commemorated. The current plan is to bring out a 50th Anniversary book with appropriate contributions relating to all aspects of the activities of the Register along with relevant history of the MGA and the MGCC. The Register recognises that there may be current readers of Safety Fast! who were MGA owners and Register members during those 50 years and who may well have memories, anecdotes and photographs of the time they spent with their MGA, which should both be recorded and shared. If you think you can help please contact me directly. A potted history of the origin of the Register, unashamedly abridged from an article written by Dennis Ogborn, one time Chairman of the Register, included in September 1999 Safety Fast! follows.

MGB David Broadhurst 01209 614704 newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org www.mgb-register.org I am writing these notes mid May, having NOT just MOT tested my MGB GT. It was scheduled for 7.00am. As I went to start my car the starter motor made a rattling noise… nothing more. How, in the name of all that is good and beautiful, has it got a flat battery? It has a smart charger almost permanently attached, certainly all winter though not for the past couple of weeks. In that time it has been driven, perhaps, 40 miles. This goes to prove the old adage. They do need driving and I have been sadly remiss in that department and have been caught out. I checked the car out at the end of last week; everything worked fine except the screen washer. Investigation proved that the washer bottle had cracked and the jet spout on the back of the hand pump had snapped off! How? They reside in almost total darkness and were merely 52 years old! Tim Kelly provided both components and a length of new hose and after much contortion on my back in the nearside

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The MGA Register was created by the October 1970 meeting of the Council of the MGCC. In those days Registers were not created automatically and there was, in addition, a notional 10 years cooling-off period after production had ceased before the creation of a Register for a model could be considered. It is thus unsurprising that the then MGCC Secretary, Gordon Cobban, resisted the formation of the MGA Register when the idea was floated to him in the winter of 1968/69 after a meeting of MGA Register proponents at the Phoenix at Hartley Wintney. This resistance was despite the formation and recognition of the MGA Twin Cam Group (you will note not ‘Register’) as a de facto Register by the MGCC well inside the ten-year rule. The rationale of the formation and recognition of the TC Group was to identify and source the availability of increasingly scarce parts. Direct and organised action arose from Cobban’s resistance! Some 40 MGAs just happened to turn up unannounced, and very much uninvited, at the Register Concours at Beaulieu in 1969. There being no MGA Register there could obviously be no MGA Concours but the cars were allowed to gather, albeit outside,

but adjacent to, the rope barrier delineating the Concours. One last twist in the tale. The MGA Twin Cam Group sought, and obtained, an undertaking that the MGA Register, before supporting its recognition by MGCC, would never seek to takeover or absorb the Group.

foot well (I’m getting too old to do that) the system sprang to life. It produces enough of a sample to prove its claim to fame and, therefore, enough to satisfy the examiner. Which thought brings me to my conclusion. The current MOT expires on May 10. I cannot get it examined now before the 14th. It is taxed, from May 1 for 12 months (£0), insured and no longer requires an MOT, being the age it is. What is my legal position? Can I just drive it willy-nilly? Personally, I am confident that it is perfectly sound and fit for purpose but I would still like the reassurance of an inspection to a known standard by a competent motor engineer. John Watson, our esteemed Chairman, considers that an MOT, to whatever the standard is or will be, for older vehicles is the sensible option and I agree. Just before going to press, my MGB GT passed it’s MOT with no advisories.

book your tickets direct with the organisers, visit www.classicnostalgia.co.uk

Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb The MGB Register will be at Shelsley Walsh on June 15 with a reserved parking area and discounted entry of £18 per ticket. All MG Car Club members are welcome. For full details and to

Bicester Super Scramble Sunday June 23 Bigger, better and more action-packed than the well-established tri-annual open days, the Super Scramble will see the beautiful former RAF Technical Site filled with a specially curated collection of historic vehicles, the test track brought to life with cars demonstrating for the crowds and visiting aircraft on the historic airfield. Classic Car and MG Summer Picnic Sunday August 4 Millets Farm Centre and Frosts Garden Centre offer various attractions and restaurants, something for everyone. Who built your MGB? Sunday August 18 Here is a chance to meet the workers who built your MGB. Ex-Factory employees and MGB owners Welcome. Kimber House 10.30am There are still a couple of places left on the MGB Register weekend in Woodbridge, Suffolk, Friday 13 to Monday September 16. See the website for details.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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REGISTERS MIDGET Mike Parker mikeparker78@btinternet.com www.midgetregister.com/ The first two rounds of the Lackford Engineering Midget and Sprite Challenge were held at very cold and sometimes very windy Brands Hatch on April 27-28. We had 24 cars on the grid for Saturday’s race, which was similar to the other car club races. We welcomed two new drivers to the grid, Tim Grigsby and Robert Morris, and making a return to Midget and Sprite racing was Marc Campfield in his father’s Frogeye Sprite – Paul Campfield was at the meeting nursing a broken wrist! The race was won by Steve Collier in his Class A Midget, but there was good, close racing right through the pack until oil dropped on the track by one of Midgets forced the race to finish behind the Car Club safety car. Sunday’s Race took place in the morning; with the sun shining it was a little warmer. Sadly we were missing Tom Walker’s Frogeye Sprite, which went home early with gearbox problems from Saturday’s race. Sunday’s race was won by Steve Collier, but it wasn’t a walk in the park – he had a race-long battle with other Class A cars. Again, the safety car was called after Richard Perry

MGC Mike Haughton mgc_mike@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/mgc-register/ What some consider to be the first event of the season, MG Era Day at Brooklands, was well attended with 20 Cs in attendance. The weather was much kinder to us this year, cold but sunny. Nice to see some new faces there as well as old friends. As I write this month’s article we are literally loading up the C for the Downton show and then on to Jersey the following week. It’s shaping up to be a busy 10 days ahead and I’ll let you know how everything went next month. We still have a limited supply of some 50th Anniversary regalia available – Polo Shirts £12, Caps, Grille Badges £15, Key Rings and Pin Badges £3 each. When it’s gone, it’s gone, so don’t delay in placing your order before stock finally runs out. Contact Mike for details of what is available. Just a quick mention for those unaware: the Register has its own page on Facebook. Lots of technical information can be found here, as well

had been forced off at the top of Paddock Hill. As you will have seen in last month’s Safety Fast! the Register road run is starting at Timothy’s Restaurant, Fosseway Garden Centre, Moreton in Marsh, leaving to take a scenic route to Claydon House, south of Buckingham. Full details with a booking The business end of a racing Frogeye. Photo: Dennis Wharf form are on the Register Some of the Car Club Registers, including the website, or send your entry to John Grainger, 10 Oak Midget Register, have joined up with Abingdon View, Great Kingshill, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP15 Works Centre for this year’s Kop Hill weekend 6HB Tel 07785 902920 if no email address. Please on September 21-22. You’ll be able to book your ensure you enclose a stamped addressed envelope tickets at www.kophillclimb.org.uk We’ll have with your entry. more details next month. As there is no MGLive! being held this year, If you haven’t booked for the September every Midget which enters the road run will be Register Weekend in North Wales there’s still time, judged for the Mike Authers Cup for the best but it is filling up quickly, so don’t leave it too Midget on the run, so you could take a prize home long. Details from Mike Parker on 01235 525255 to remember your day. Let’s have a good entry of or email mikeparker78@btinternet.com Midgets, please.

as being an excellent forum for discussing C related matters. Just search ‘MGC Register’ on the Facebook site. MGs in the Park promises to have a few MGCs in attendance. It’s at Cotswold Wildlife Park, Gloucestershire, on June 9 – Contact Peter Mapson for details on peter.mapson@ bowermapson.co.uk As I am sure you are aware by now, there will be no MGLive! 2019 so if you can make just one C Register event this year please join us at Holdenby House on July 7. Holdenby House is just north of Northampton (postcode NN6 8DJ) and includes magnificent gardens. For those wishing

to make a weekend of it we will base the event at the De Vere Staverton Estate, near Daventry, and special rates at the hotel have been arranged. Please book with the hotel directly quoting reference MGCC050919. Further information can also be obtained from Mike Haughton or myself. We are just in the process of finalising details for our Register annual Christmas dinner which will be in Farringdon, Oxfordshire, and will be on Sunday December 1. A visit to Kimber House is also being arranged for the Monday. Booking details will be available soon so please keep an eye on the C Register micro website. Colin Howes

Ready for the off! Cs lined up on Hanger Straight at Brooklands 84 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2019

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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H1 - CLIVE WHEATLEY_H7 - CLIVE WHEATLEY 09/10/2018 14:41 Page 1

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REGISTERS V8 Victor Smith 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net Subtle upgrade of intermittent wipers! Retronics is a joint venture formed by two classic car enthusiasts with over 40 years’ experience in electronics who have set about designing, developing and testing a Windscreen Wiper Timer Module for classic cars. Many classic vehicles have windscreen wipers that are either on or off and some, like the MGB GT V8, have the added ‘sophistication’ of two wiper speeds, so driving in drizzle or moderate rainfall means constantly reaching for that toggle switch! This subtle device

is a helpful upgrade. Further details on our ‘More’ web page at: www.v8register.net/more.htm Cost of car insurance has dropped The magazine reported last month that the cost of car insurance has dropped £100 between December 2018 and February 2019, according to the latest online Premium Drivers Index. The average annual premium now stands at £690. The decrease follows new Government reforms to the personal injury compensation system introduced last year. It comes as welcome news for drivers across the UK, who have faced significant increases to their car insurance premiums over the last few years. Let’s hope we see the effect pass through to classic car insurance. The fall in car insurance costs follows the UK Government passing the Civil Liability Act in December 2018 to change the way that whiplash claims are calculated. Follow this item via a link on our ‘More’ web page. V8 Technical Day The event is on Saturday June 1 at a study centre near Watlington in Oxfordshire, just west of the M40. For full details and booking for the final few places, go to a link on our ‘More’ web page.

FWD Ben Hatton ben2692@hotmail.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk/fwd-register/ This year was our fifth Spring Run and yet again we were lucky with the weather. As usual we started from Kimber House and drove through Abingdon to reach Cowley, our next stop. Clearly our Spring Run has become quite famous as Theresa May decided to visit Abingdon that morning, so word had reached Downing Street that this was an event not to be missed! Sadly Mrs May missed us; she doesn’t seem to be having much luck at the moment, does she? However, we’re quietly guessing that the MGs going through Abingdon, especially the three MG Metros together would have been more popular with the good folk of Abingdon than our beleaguered PM! We managed somehow to keep our convoy together all the way to Cowley where we stopped for a cuppa and were joined by some friends. As usual, we were joined by other BL/Austin Rover Group cars and even a Fiat! The story behind the Fiat was that the owner’s brother used to take part

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V8 Lincolnshire Tour 2019 The V8 Tour from Thursday 12 to Monday September 16 2019 will be in Lincolnshire, providing a taste of some of the attractions in this often underrated county. The tour will have contrasting scenery, from the open flat fenlands to the largely unknown Wolds. The tour organisers are Richard and Victoria Withington. Full event information and booking details are available via our ‘More’ web page. MGV8 market review Our latest market review and price guide to the beginning of May notes V8 and RV8 prices continue to recover from the fall from a peak in 2017. The premium for chrome over rubber bumper V8s appears to have continued reducing, down from 11% to 8%, and similarly the premium for RV8 Other Colours over Woodcote Green has reduced from 9% in November 2018 to only 3% by May 2019. Increased interest in RV8s from US buyers, as the model reaches 25 years old enabling RV8 reimports to be made to the US, has been seen with several purchases in the market. This may become a demand factor.

in the Spring Run in a 1.3L Maestro, with his family joining him, but he sold it and bought an MGF which then meant if his family were going to still join us, they would need to use a different car. We all know that the MGCC is all about friendship so we The Spring run stops at the MG Sales Centre, Longbridge wouldn’t stop the Fiat the church and were delicious, along with a raffle from joining us, instead encouraged her to use the raised £98 for Shelter. rest of the year productively on the car-buying front Due to the generosity of all five venues, none so that next year she could join us in an MG! of which charge us for their use, the MG FWD We then convoyed from Cowley to our lunch Register is able to put the Spring Run on free of stop at Gaydon where we were lucky enough to be charge which is a real bonus. A big thank you to some of the first visitors to their Mini 60 exhibition, the Kimber House staff, MINI Plant Oxford, the which is well worth a visit. After lunch we then British Motor Museum, the MG Sales Centre and continued on to the MG Sales Centre at Longbridge St John the Baptist for making the Spring Run before finally heading to St John the Baptist Church possible and to all of those who came along and hall in Longbridge for very welcome tea and cake. made the day thoroughly enjoyable. Sales of tea and homemade cake, which were both Tanya Field baked and served to us by some of the ladies from

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/05/2019 13:41


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REGISTERS MGF Tim Morris 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org We do like to get out and about in our little roadsters and you’ll find most of our regions heading out into the countryside many times throughout the year. Whilst the cars like to stretch their legs on those twisty stretches of perfectly tarmacked roads with clear views miles ahead, there is also the challenge of high-hedged, deep-cut, pot-holed lanes with no visibility and a sharp intake of breath as every rightangled corner and crest hoves into view – what will be on the other side? You can experience these roads around the UK, but there is one place that attracts the MGF Register more than most – the Brecon Beacons and South Wales. The Epynt ranges are legendary, favoured by rally drivers, and the military keep the surface in tip-top condition as you might expect. The Mountain road, beloved of Top Gear and countless magazine articles, is another favourite but then there are National Trust houses, alpine scenery, reservoirs, book-loving towns, stormy seaside resorts and more to be experienced as well. It’s on

the doorstep of our lucky South Wales region, and the Central region are often seen scampering over the border for a loop around the Elan Valley. Our South East Region paid their third visit to the Llanerchindda farmhouse in April, expertly run by the Hadley family whose hospitality is also legendary amongst car clubs in the know, and experienced all these things plus some challenges thrown in as well. I should probably mention the “Plunge of Peril”. It was supposed to be a bridge but the rains on Friday/Saturday night had turned it into a fast-flowing river. The question was whether to risk a crossing. Nigel gingerly inched into the fast-flowing stream only to rapidly retreat at Helen’s eager behest as the water started to splash over the bonnet. It was too deep and there was no alternative but to reverse 200 yards, turn around and drive for miles back across the only rain-sodden mountain road until….a fork. That is where it all went even more pear-shaped, as the prospect of a wet literary afternoon in Hayon-Wye lay in totally the opposite direction to the road we took. Some made it to Hay eventually and some didn’t, ending up in the storm-battered seaside town of Aberystwyth instead. Everyone, though, eventually made it back to Llanerchindda

The “Plunge of Peril” aka the Abergwesyn Pass.

for warming afternoon tea and the inevitable tempting trays of cake. Next day was the ghost hunt, but that’s another story, best told in the pages of the autumn edition of FasTForward. Incidentally, the summer edition has just been published and is available now from the MGF Register online shop. The first of the new-style 2019 editions sold out rapidly so don’t delay to put your order in – £16 for four editions. Do keep an eye on our website, Internet Forum and Facebook page for all the latest MGF Register events and chatter. We like to hear from you, so do take part in the Facebook chat if you can.

MG6.3.5 Steve Haines Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register twitter.com/635register The events season has started with a bang, lots going on with owners enjoying their cars now that the weather has finally improved a bit! There have been lots of local events around the country, which owners have been very warmly welcomed into alongside the more usual classic cars… it must be something about the badge! A few members joined Drive it Day events around the country. Below is at Petroc College in Tiverton where a few MG3s from local owners came along to support the charity event for the Poppy appeal.

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The Forbes family fleet!

A few local MG3, 6 and GS owners also came along to support the Zeds in the West event at the Haynes Motor Museum on Sunday May 12. Some owners were also there in their Zeds supporting the MGCC Zed Register. There were also quite a few MGCC Young Members attending the event, which was nice to see. Our next major get-together will be Saloon Day on the July 28 at the Shuttleworth Collection, in collaboration with the FWD and Zed Registers. We will have our usual Register stand, so please come along and say hello. We will be able to formally register your vehicle on the day and have some Club regalia for you to purchase. There will be a Pride of Ownership competition and plenty of interesting things to do

and see. We’re hoping for a really big turnout for this one. We are also hoping to get our usual excellent deal at Silverstone for the BTCC rounds on September 28-29, so watch this space and Safety Fast! for more information.

Young member Tom Haines’ MG ZR 160 in good company

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/05/2019 13:41


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CLASSIFIEDS How to Advertise Members can advertise their cars free of charge in Safety Fast. The advert will also be posted on the Club website in due course. This is for one insertion only. To place an advert or for additional insertions email colingrant@mgcc.co.uk with details of your car, around 60 words, together with an attached picture, your contact information, price of your car, the area where you live, and membership number. Cost for non-members to advertise is £20. All adverts should be submitted by the 10th of the month for the following months issue.

2003 MG TF 120 Stepspeed Starlight Sliver in excellent condition with 58,593 miles on the clock. FSH from new with head gasket changed/uprated at 20,134 miles (12/07). Last cam belt change at 59,060 miles (06/18). Original Sales invoice and 2x keys. Extras include bright trim pack, front fog lights, windstop and hard top. Soft top uprated to later glass rear window with demist. £2495. Tel; 07785 354371 (Somerset).

1945 MGTC

White with black interior. Present owner since 1984 and garage stored since then. All complete including tonneau, luggage rack and various spares. Condition 2 overall and would benefit from TLC. No rust, chassis sound, paintwork not perfect. Very early TC ( Sept 1945). £22,000ono. Contact David on 07736350853 or Email: jdavidskelly@aol.com (North Hertfordshire)

1968 MG Midget 1275 cc Finished in mineral blue with black interior. 71K recorded miles, lovingly restored by current owner to its original & former glory, only 3K miles in the last 22 years. Tax & MOT exempt, always garaged, tonneau cover/bag, waxoyled with perfectly fitting rust free panels. S/S exhaust,,original steering wheel, heritage certificate, history file & an award winner. Condition 2+ £11,750 Tel 07891 573352. Email dave@day-family.com (Essex)

2004 MG ZS 180

4 door (facelift model) Starlight Silver in showroom condition having been a collector’s car all it’s life. FSH from new with only 13,116 miles on the clock. Fully loaded spec including full black leather interior, electric rear windows and parking sensors. Original Sales invoice and 2x keys. Cam belts changed at 10,383 miles (01/16). New Conti Contact Sport tyres at 10,716 miles (01/16). £5995. Tel: 07785 354371 (Somerset).

MGF 1.6i MGTD 1951

Ivory with Green leather trim, 5 speed g/box, Leystall- Lucas aluminium head, remote brake servo, new hood and side screens. Imported from California in 1989 and converted to R/H drive. Current owner 29 years. Registration No. 1951 MG. Good reliable car with no issues and ready to enjoy. £26000. Email davidtinker@xpag.co.uk. or telephone 07771735304. (Mid Wales)

Tahiti Blue Pearlescent. 2001. 44000 miles. Low coolant warning kit. Stainless water pipes. Alloy radiator. New tyres and spare set of wheels. HPI clear. Some service records and old mot's. On Sorn. Needs MOT and due cambelt. Waxolyed sills and wheel arches. Unmolested and nice car for younger member. Started regularly. £600 o.n.o. Henry 01268 761017 (Wickford Essex)

1997 MGF VVC

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

1974 MGBGT V8

First registered 1/1/75. Original factory black with chrome bumpers. 6 owners & approx 76k miles. New Minilite wheels/tyres. (Original wheels retained if required). Sale due to age of owner! Much history & thorough check/necessary works carried out last autumn (along with MoT issued) since when only a few miles driven. Garaged all during my ownership of some 30 years. £24,750ono. 01293 203499 (nr Gatwick).

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1954 MG TF

R HD dr i ve U K car subject to a g round u p resto ratio n in the l a te 1990's and still in bea uti ful co nd itio n. Read y ti o dr i ve and enjoy. I n my ownership for the last 5 ye a r s . E x t e n s i ve h i s t o r y i nc l udi ng a f ull rebuild file w i t h p h o t o g r a p h i c re c o r d . Li ttl e us e since rebuild and in excellent condition. Ser v i c e hi sto r y and regular M OT ' s w i t h n o a d v i s o r i e s . Fa nta s ti c d rive , but unfo r tuna tely ha s to go as I need the garage space. £25,250 o. n. o Tel 07836 326069 o r tbrown5400 @ ho tm ail.co.uk.

1973 MGB Roadster

2002 MG TF 135

Owned since 2010, 68k miles. silver with black leather interior and blue hood. 1796cc. Manual transmission, Toyo Proxi tyres, recent battery, front discs, alternator, cambelt, tensioner and water pump. Quarter tonneau cover, wind break. Some spares. MOT to 23/9/19. Good condition reduced to £775.00. Tel 01803 863849 (Devon)

WANTED MGB GT

Preferably a 60’s car, but happy to consider any genuine chrome bumper version. Condition: Running (light) restoration, or better. Contact: Robin on 01825769877 or Mobil 07767824633 or Email: robinbark@yahoo.co.uk

Delightful car in Teal Blue with full leather interior and walnut dash. Full body restoration in 2013 by local marque expert and only 1000 miles since. Unleaded cylinder head , stainless steel exhaust system and overdrive. Body waxoyled. Mohair hood and full tonneau cover with vinyl hood stowage cover. History and all invoices since restoration. £12,000. Joy Burry 01784 483383. frank.burry587@btinternet.com. (Berkshire)

SELLING YOUR CAR?

As a member of the MG Car Club you can advertise your car in Safety Fast for free. Just email your car details, max 60 words, together with a JPEG picture to Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Non member fee is £20

1973 MGB Roadster

Bronze Yellow. Only done 8000 miles since full restoration in 2010. Heritage certified, chrome bumper model. New MOT (Tax and MOT exempt). Black leather seats Motolito steering wheel, walnut dash, Rostyle wheels with as new tyres, 2 new batteries, electronic ignition, new radiator, overdrive, only used in summer, kept under a dust sheet, large history file just completed spring heritage run. Owners age forces sale £12750ono 07754 915924. (Malvern)

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/05/2019 13:42


BARRY WALKER

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1959 MGA ‘TWIN CAM’ ROADSTER. A truly magnificent example. A National Concours winning car, built and restored by Bob West & his team and professionally tuned by Peter Burgess. A dream car to own of the highest quality. Connaught Green with cream leather and full weather gear... the best......................................................................................................£65,000

1937 MG SA 6 cyl. ‘ALL WEATHER’ TICKFORD d.h.c Sincere disappointment that nobody has viewed this magnificent £100k restoration. Impeccable rebuild of the rarest of the SA models and a wonderful touring car. Final reduction to £75,000 or will go to auction with no chance to test and a hefty premium...final bargain at..........£75,000

1934 MG PA EX LEICESTER POLICE CAR to PB spec. It appears I’ve under sold this very interesting little car. It is in lovely condition with history from new; period police photos with upgrades including 950cc uprated PB engine, improved brakes & shocks; plus factory fitted extras as recorded in the chassis file. Comes with new fuel system, stoneguards, aeroscreens & VSCC buff form. Nothing to spend, just use it..........................................£35,000

*

1930 MG ‘M TYPE’ to Racing spec. A very, very high spec. example of this VSCC ‘Vintage’ category car. Total, no expense spared, chassis-up rebuild with full race engine by Barry Foster, D-type gate-change gearbox, bucket seating, full dash and Blockley tyres. Fabric green body, aeroscreens, bonnet belts, Brooklands exhaust & VSCC buff form... surely worth far more than the asking price of.............£29,500 ................................................so hurry.

WHY NOT FIT A SIDEMOUNTED OR NOSE-MOUNTED SUPERCHARGER TO YOUR PRE-WAR MG? All in stock now *WHY NOT COMPLETE YOUR PRE-WAR MG, OR TA/B/C with a geniune tool-kit (no repro tools) as per factory parts list? * WHY NOT FIT A PERIOD LUGGAGE RACK, LEFT-HAND MIRROR, BONNET BELTS, QUICK RELEASE FILLER CAPS OR PR. AEROSCREENS?

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR THE MANY AFTER-MARKET EXTRAS FOR THE CARS WE SELL

COMMISSION SALES: Our highly regarded service is always available to you. Tel: 01789 400181. Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com

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

enquiries@mgsforsale.com

01707 876089

www.mgsforsale.com

07831 556666

MG TD2 Nut & Bolt Rebuild (OKC630) Only two owners in last 43 years, mid 90’s nut & bolt rebuild whereby the bare chassis even had an inspection camera inserted prior to reassembly. Today’s fresh appearance true testament to the quality of the restoration and fastidiousness of its custodians, superb MG Reno Red coachwork complimented with beige/cream interior trim, detailed engine compartment and underside, history file with plethora of renovation invoices, documents, original green log book and some paperwork back to the 70’s, still on original style cross ply tyres renewed at point of sale, drives delightfully, just arrived, £27,495.00

URGENTLY WANTED

ANY MG

1972 MGB ROADSTER Teal Blue, Ochre trim. W/W. O/drive. A superbly original car, best example of very rare Ochre trim I’ve ever seen. Genuine 80,000 from new with full history. Excellent body, nice engine bay. Drives superbly. Nice original patina. Cars like this come available very rarely! £12,995

1974 MIDGET 1275 RWA Blaze, Autumn Leaf trim. Restored car, totally solid, home restoration. Drives superbly. Weber carb. Great little car. £5,995

1976 MGB Roadster. Ermine White (like Old English), black trim, red pipe. Antique Red carpets. Sports leather seats. Moto Lita wheel. Minilites. All new chrome. Red boot carpets, mohair hood. Genuine 55,000 miles from new. Superb shell, recent respray. Drives superbly. A super car. £11,995

1957 MGA 1500 Old English White, red trim, w/w. Absolutely lovely car, restored very well a few years ago. Tonneau cover. Lovely panel fit. Reliable. Lady owner last 15 years. Used for many tours, loads of history. A superb car. £25,995

MIDGET MK1 Almond Green, Shadow Green trim. Totally immaculate. Totally restored car, probably the best MK1 available! Restored in 1992 and still looks like it’s just been done. Immaculate underside, engine bay, interior trim etc. Drives like new. Unique opportunity. £18,995 (would cost well over £40-50k to restore now!) £18,995

1995 MGRV8, Woodcote Green, stone beige trim. New beige mohair hood, new (original) tonneau, interior in excellent condition, new door cards. Re veneered dash console and door caps. 48,500 mls. Screen frame (refurbed). Power steering, upgraded to Clive Wheatley Spax shocks. Suspension poly bushed. New clutch and slave cylinder, new boot stayst. We also have a very rare hardtop for sale for the RV8 in Woodcote @ £2750. £22,995

ANY YEAR

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

www.mgsforsale.com

Do not confuse the above vehicles with cheaper inferior quality models offered elsewhere. Part exchange any make of Motor Car with generous allowances. Discounted cash purchases. Viewing by appointment only please (available evenings & weekends) no obligation to purchase. All our vehicles carry a warranty, have an MOT and are fully serviced prior to collection/delivery.

June 19 Page 95.indd 1

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG Safety Fast_June2019.indd 91

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JUNE 2019 SAFETY FAST! 91

24/05/2019 13:42


1968 MGCGT

Mineral Blue w ith complete new Interior includ ing d ash fascia, B lack with white piping seats, 2 new 6v batteries, new overdrive unit and clutch, many other new par ts, car recently inspected by 5 star 5 spanner MG garage and given clean bill of health, heritage Cer tificate , large histor y file , FM conver ted period rad io. £19950 ono. Tel 07748146218 email: s t eve n c o l l i n s 3 @ s k y. c o m fo r fur ther information and pictures. (Nor th Essex)

MG ZTT 260 SE

Rare Supercharged 400+, Facelift Estate, High miles 126k but excellent condition, full very extensive service history, full MOT, Sunroof, Leather, Xenon, Heated Power seats mirrors etc, refurbed Alloys new tyres. This is the Kenne Bell version 420bhp. Fully sorted rare chance to acquire. Please ask for further details. Fully sorted £12995 ono. Tel: 07534 466 595 or Email: PJD@mg-rv8.co.uk (Hants)

2003 MG ZTT

A lovely garaged e Blue. 75000 miles tory including new new brakes, new ty powerful engine w Very good interior tara: chequered New MOT this m Iain on 0775 124 423 650 (Helensbu

S REQUIRED

SOLD - SIMILAR CAR

1968

TF LE500

MG Midget 1970 1275, H e r i t a g e s h e l l , M i n i s p a re s stage 2 unleaded cylinder head w ith evolution high lift cam shaft d eveloping 85 bhp. Engine and gearbox rebuilt, u p r a t e d f ro n t s u s p e n s i o n , new brake callipers d iscs and g re e n s t u f f p a d s , c o m p l e t e interior retrim. Recently fini s h e d i n u n m a r ke d B r i t i s h Racing Green, tonneau cover, new hood and hood cover. All bills to substantiate M O T October 2019. £9850 ono. Tel. 07508 898817 or Email: aw quine@gmail.com

1955 MG TF 1500

REQUIRED OLD - SIMILAR CARS

S

92 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2019

MG Safety Fast_June2019.indd 92

One owner in the last 40 years. Most items renewed , re p l a c e d o r re c o n d i t i o n e d . E n g i n e re c o n d i t i o n e d a n d now unlead ed . Documented histor y for last 40 years. C h ro m e w i re w h e e l s , b o o t rack, fog and spot lights also new hood and tonneau. Maintained by MG specialist. £26,950. Contact Ian on Tel: 01698 263062 (near Glasgow)

Scorched Red. Only 6000 miles. Beautiful car. All LE500 luxury features - aircon, wind stop, rear parking sensors, hood bag and hood protector, leather interior and black alloys, full sized spare wheel, works hard top. Never used in inclement weather. Recent MOT. Private sale. Sensible offers please to Michael at Cardiff 02920563957

MGC

AUTO Mineral B restoration. Bare m Professional res Original parts used ble. Full engine a auto gearbox ove hood/carpets, wir brakes etc. Just since completion. M Offers in region more photos/inf available. Co 07516334382 (No

1994 MG RV8

1952 MGTD

Duo red. 5 owners since new (including well known MG people) Original body and engine. Current milage 101519. I bought this car in August 2003. Chassis number TD16082. Engine overhauled in 1999. Many original features. Many spares including a Shorrock supercharger, crankshaft, halfshaft. Full history recorded including original logbook. £20,000ono. Contact Jerry on 07860502926. (South Oxfordshire)

1933 MG J2

A lively swept wing car with original engine and uprated brakes. (originals available) Restored only a few years ago. Its lower than average price is indicative of my wish to reduce my collection not its condition. £25,000. Tel 01344 424258. (Berkshire)

BRG UK model a hi-torque starte hoses, wind deflect MGR number pla Always garaged Auto-Pyjama cove containing all bill and history from sale. MoT till late M 7 years much lov £20,750. Tel 078 cstreble6@hotma

2000 MGF

Three owners fro mileage of 62349 never been driven the low mileage. A have kept it garage months. MOT f Colour Tahiti Blue for sale as the o right ankle has le able to get in and Price £1275,00. Tel

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/05/2019 13:42


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

SE

ed 400+, Facelift s 126k but excelull very extensive ull MOT, Sunroof, , Heated Power c, refurbed Alloys is the Kenne Bell Fully sorted rare re. Please ask for ully sorted £12995 66 595 or Email: uk

2003 MG ZTT 190

A lovely garaged example in Trophy Blue. 75000 miles with service history including new timing belts, all new brakes, new tyres, very smooth powerful engine with no rattles. Very good interior in leather/alcantara: chequered blue/grey/yellow New MOT this month. £1850. Call Iain on 0775 124 5956 or 01436 423 650 (Helensburgh, Scotland)

1968

Only 6000 miles. LE500 luxury feand stop, rear parkod bag and hood interior and black pare wheel, works used in inclement MOT. Private sale. ease to Michael at 957

MGC

1977 Midget 1500

Heritage shelled. Body is completely rust free. Previous owner completed 90% of rebuild and I returned it to the road in 2015. We have only completed 1100 miles since. All the body including the bonnet doors wings, boot were replaced and painted in 2 pack Brooklands Green. The car is only driven in the dry and garaged. £6500 or close offer. I can deliver by trailer nationwide by negotiation. For full spec Tel: 07792 517113. (Cheshire)

ROADSTER

AUTO Mineral Blue. Superb full restoration. Bare metal preparation. Professional respray, waxoyled. Original parts used wherever possible. Full engine and BorgWarner auto gearbox overhaul. New blue hood/carpets, wiring loom, tyres, brakes etc. Just over 1000 miles since completion. MOT. Tax exempt. Offers in region of £35000. Lots more photos/information/details available. Contact Peter 07516334382 (Northants)

2003 (53 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Lemans Green/ Black This MG TF135 is as near new as you could get. Just two owners the last since 2005. Having covered just 6,925 miles. Dry stored since 2008. Finished in very rare Lemans Green. Fitted with a passenger airbag, Abs braking, spare wheel, wind deflector. Just fitted with a new headgasket/water pump/ cambelt and 12 months mot with no advisories. Totally immaculate. £7,495

MG TF 135 As New (just 6,925 miles)

1970 MG Midget Mark III

MG TF LE 500 +H/T+A/C (1 owner just 7,081 miles)

MG TF 160vvc +Hardtop (just 15,000miles)

2009 (59 Reg) Manual, Petrol Finished in: Graphite Grey/Black leather A very rare Immaculate 1 owner low mileage LE500 254/500. Full spec,, supplied with a full service and a new cambelt and water pump etc. Full service history. This LE500 is totally immaculate thoughout. £9,950

2004 (04 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Xpower Grey/Black half leather full service history and mot history,This very good spec TF is fitted with a colour coded removable hardtop, Repeat Immaculate condition £7,995

20000 miles since 2008 restoration, This is just a small selection from our stock still in good bodily condition. Ivor FAMILY BUSINESS ESTABLISHED 1981. OUR OFFICE/ VintageSHEPPERTON & Classic car specialist SHOWROOM IS AT 62B HIGH STREET TW17 9AU Searle recon engine 2013. Recent Over 50 VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT PLEASE recon gearbox. K&N filter, Maniflow years experience exhaust. Other subtle upgrades, many new parts. In regular use, Busy Pre-Spring already - thinking of selling? Talk to us first!! carefully maintained, extremely reliVintage & Classic car specialist Fellow Enthusiasts always welcome at our new Premises in the Heart of The Meon Valley Over 50 able, big history file. MoT Oct 2019 years experience no advisories. Hard & soft tops, full & half tonneaux. £5500 ono, to fund Busy Pre-Spring -already - thinkingof of selling? Talk toTalk us first!! Busy Spring already thinking selling? to us first!! another classic. Spares negotiable. Enthusiasts always welcome at our new Premises in the Heart of The Meon Valley FellowFellow Enthusiasts always welcome at our new Premises in the Heart of 07747 011411. (Cambridge)

Robin Lawton www.churchsquareautos.com Robin Lawton

The Meon Valley

1994 MG RV8

ng car with original ted brakes. (origistored only a few wer than average e of my wish to tion not its condiel 01344 424258.

Three owners from new. Genuine mileage of 62349 miles and has never been driven in the wet, hence the low mileage. All three owners have kept it garaged for the winter months. MOT for 12 months. Colour Tahiti Blue. Genuine reason for sale as the operation on my right ankle has left me not being able to get in and out of the car. Price £1275,00. Tel: 01327 341146.

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG Safety Fast_June2019.indd 93

First registered 1/1/75. Original fac1936 MG VA Tourer tory black with chrome bumpers. 6 1924 Vauxhall 23/60 OD Kington 1924 Vauxhall 23/60 OD Kington Tourer Imposing and powerful Chassis - ideal for longernumber distance touring0251, much Imposing and powerful - ideal for longer distance touring owners & approx 76k miles. New history Minilite wheels/tyres. (Original wheels retained if required). Sale due to age of owner! Much history & thorough check/necessary works carried out last autumn (along with MoT issued) since when only a few miles driven. Garaged all during my ownership of some 30 years. £21,000ono. Tel: 01293 203499 (nr Gatwick).

WANTED/EXCHANGE

1950 MG TD 1952 Healey Tickford Sports Saloon 1952 Healey Tickford Sports Saloon Restored to show standard

In fastidious ownership last 20 years, extensive history

In fastidious ownership last 20 years, extensive history

LD SO

2000 MGF

re)

1974 MGBGT V8.

LD

BRG UK model adjustable shocks, hi-torque starter, PAS, silicone hoses, wind deflector, later gearbox, MGR number plate. 45,000 miles. Always garaged and kept under Auto-Pyjama cover. Large folder containing all bills, receipts, books and history from new inc bill of sale. MoT till late May 2020. Owned 7 years much loved and admired. £20,750. Tel 07842155926. Email cstreble6@hotmail.com (Lincoln)

SO

wners since new nown MG people) d engine. Current bought this car in Chassis number e overhauled in nal features. Many a Shorrock superaft, halfshaft. Full including original ono. Contact Jerry

1951 Lea-Francis 2.5 litre sports 1933 Riley 9 Lynx - Almost Certainly the best in existence £49,500 Extensive restoration

1962 Austin Healey 3000 MKlll 1931 Riley Alpine 14/6 Fabric Saloon 71,000 miles original Please see full information on all of the Motor Cars we are currently offering by visiting our Website right hand drive SOLD after just 3 days with us!

Total restoration, exceptional throughout, much history

Elderly member offers Suzuki Swift 9 Lynx - Almost Certainly the best in existence £49,500 Riley Alpine 14/6 Fabricborders Saloon SPORT 1.6 (2015) which 1933 is aRiley quick 01420 474919 enquiries@robinlawton.com1931 Surrey/Hampshire/Sussex SOLD after just 3 days with us! restoration, exceptional throughout, much history Full details on our WebsiteTotal including other quality MGs and reliable vehicle with some senwww.robinlawton.com sible extras valued aboutPlease £7k see in full information on all of the Motor Cars we are currently offering by visiting our Website 01420 474919 enquiries@robinlawton.com 1932 Riley 9MGB/ Gamecock P/EX (either way) against 01420 474919 enquiries@robinlawton.com Surrey/Hampshire/Sussex borders Surrey/Hampshire/Sussex borders MAGNETTE/ZR OR MG classic. 01455 209168 or 07717 008207” 1932 Riley 9 Gamecock

Robin Lawton March 19 Page.indd 1

Robin Lawton March 19 Page.indd 1

www.robinlawton.com

06/02/2019 13:59

JUNE 2019 SAFETY FAST! 06/02/201993 13:59

24/05/2019 13:43


1969 MGC ROADSTER. British racing green. Same ownership since 1985. Garaged throughout. 85k miles on clock. MOT Aug 19. Some modifications but otherwise completely original. Runs beautifully. Some blemishes on bodywork but otherwise in good condition. Full history since 1985. Comes with original MGC workshop m a n u a l . £ 1 7 , 0 0 0 . Te l . 0 1 8 2 2 614590. jessue1635@aol.com (Tavistock Devon)

1994 MGRV8

Woodcote Green. Ex Japan. 45,000 Kilometres. Clive Wheatley adjustable shock absorbers. Optimax Chip. Dunlop Blu Response Tyres. Recent new hood. Overall good condition but there is a small crack in the top corner of the windscreen. £16,500. Email:lionelthorne@mac.com Mobile: 07786874309. (Dorset)

1951 MGTD

Present owner since Aug.2006. Reluctant sale due to owner’s Arthritis. Full history from 2006. Professionally and owner maintained. N.Irish car. Engine and chassis numbers match plate. Original, worn, leather seats. Hood, side screens and full tonneau. Mechanically and chassis v.g.c. Paintwork not concours. Wire wheel conversion 2000. Flashing indicators, rear fog and high level brake lights. Runs well. £19,000, will consider offers. 07723566073 or email: adb142@hotmail.co.uk

1971 MGB Roadster

Clean, reliable car in regular use, restored 15 years ago, Mallard Green, Deluxe Mohair Hood and full Tonneau, black leather interior, Mota-Lita steering wheel, leather gear knob, Kenlowe Electric Fan wired for manual operation in an emergency. 2 new 6 volt batteries recently fitted. Advancing years forces sale. No time wasters please. £8500.00 Call Brian 07770 887206 or email mgbrian@sky.com

1968 MGC Roadster

1947 MG TC

Red with beige trim. All original matching numbers and including original logbook, instruction manual and restoration invoices. S/S exhaust. Correct wire wheels and new tyres. Double duck beige hood and mohair full tonneau. Chassis, body and engine professionally restored. VW steering box conversion. Unleaded conversion. Engine starts on the button and runs smoothly. Good oil pressure. A lovely car to drive. £35,000 ovno. Contact 07796 302638 or email david_gray1@btinternet.com.

Red, wire wheels, manual overdrive with black interior. Professional nut and bolt, rotisserie restoration in 2016 (photos available) with minimal mileage since. Excellent mechanical and body condition, as would be expected. Ownership history from new, along with heritage certificate and lots of invoices. S/S Exhaust. Reluctant sale. £27,000 Contact 07738 469925 (Windsor, Berks)

1981 MGB LE Roadster

Owned since 2000. MOT until March 2020. Engine rebuilt 2017, converted to unleaded. Serviced by MG Specialist, history available. Roll Bar, wind stop, black leather seats, wire wheels, radio cassette, garaged. Excellent condition. £9,500ono. Tel: 01283841011. (Staffs)

1980 MGB LE Roadster 2000 MGF 1.8 Wedgewood SE. 52,000 miles. Stainless exhaust and water pipes. Matching hard top. Recent cambelt. Full service history by Rover and MG specialists. £2,850. ONO. Tel: 01765 608529 (North Yorks.)

1969 MG Midget 1275cc

Black interior, Unleaded head.An older restoration (13000 miles since), re-commissioned last year. Excellent condition throughout. MOT. £7250. Tel: 07703 532507 (Midlands)

MG TC 1948

An original British - West Yorkshire - delivered car, we have owned for 20 years. Mechanically well fettled in this time and very reliable; most key components restored, whilst body is good, with patinated black paintwork, green interior and wheels. Steering excellent following Brown and Gammons attention, with Blockley tyres fitted. Plus has luggage rack and aero screens. Lots of history, we have joined in many events in the South East. Also featured on the Cover of MG Safety Fast in May 2018! Ready for lots more fun and action. Offers on £28,000 please call Christopher Hobbs on 07775 847811. (Berkshire)

94 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2019

MG Safety Fast_June2019.indd 94

Just 3550 miles from new. One previous owner. A stunning looking car in exceptional and all original condition. No modifications. Stored 33 years. Recommissioned by the MGOC Workshops in 2016. Professional rust protection from new. Two tonneau covers and bag plus rail. Original radio cassette. Never been painted. MOT to April 2020. £14,450 or best offer. Drives as a new one would. Call Mike on 07842460700. (N. Ireland)

1929 M Type PROJECT

In pieces for many years but a lot of work carried out and a lot more to do!! £12,000. Telephone 07503 670764 for further information and photos. (Oxfordshire)

1947 MG TC 1972 MGB GT automatic, Condition 3. A solid car with very good chrome and oil pressure. Paintwork generally good with tidy interior. Documented history. Rovotec cooling fan.New springs,dampers,king pins,brake discs,calipers,master cylinder,

brake servo and petrol pump. £3,995 07741407116. (Northampton)

Very good condition , large history file dating back to 1958 plus full photographic records of total rebuild in 1999. red leather interior with a new hood and side screens fitted this year. Used regularly on dry days . offers in the region of £25,500 . For further details contact Chris on 07710 751 329 or arundelmarquees@hotmail.com ( West Sussex).

2003 MGTF

BRG. Black hood and leather. Lots of history with bills from MG Specialist. MOT March 2020 with no advisories. Waxoyled. Summer use only. Never been wet in the last six years. 51,000 miles. £1850. Tel: 012382 612984. (Lancs)

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/05/2019 13:43


TRADE MEMBER

Specialising in all MG’s

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm,Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-1pm 2016 201 6

TRADE MEMBER

MIKE ROLLS SERVICES FOR MGs Specialising in all MG’s

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

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

The car is in excellent condition having been cared for by myself and other owners over the years. British Racing Green with black leather interior. She has green piping on the seats which are in superb condition, as is the whole interior.The walnut dashboard lifts the whole cabin. Body and paintwork are very strong with no rust and the underneath is sound. Engine bay immaculate. She was restored in the late 1990s. The car has electronic ignition and a Kenlow fan fitted other than that an original. A truly stunning example of 1960’s British engineering. £12995.00 Call 07930491027 or 01732 887265 email walkermr20@gmail.com (Sevenoaks Kent)

1953 MGTD2 1250cc

British Racing Green, beige interior, new beige hood and tonneau, new petrol tank. One caring owner from 1969, green log book, TReg cert. comprehensive maintenance history and invoices. Excellent condition throughout. £20,000. Telephone 01904 489719. (York area)

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

1956 MGA 1500

Dark Blue with red interior, matching mohair hood, side screens with storage bag and tonneau. Boot rack. Kenlowe fan. New front drums and servo recently fitted along with 4 new tyres. Lady owner for past 21 years who had ex-US vehicle first restored. Further work done to body 11 years ago. Full documentation available. 58,000 miles covered since 1997. Lovely car which drives really well. Reluctant sale. £22,950. 07719 798649 or 0131 336 1691 Email ysy705@aol.com. (Edinburgh)

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

Present ownership for 40 years. In good condition in BRG. Chrome bumpers, with overdrive, full length Webasto sunroof, wire wheels and stainless steel exhaust. The car was restored in 1989 and new wiring loom in 1998, undersealed. Fitted Moto Lita steering wheel. MOT until September 2019, garaged £6,500. Please call Colin on 01308 422701 or 07521 303521 (Bridport, Dorset)

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG Safety Fast_June2019.indd 95

MG TC, 1947, finished in black with beige interior and weather gear, it has been fitted with a re-con engine which has only done 10,000 mls. The car comes with a very good history file including old MOT’s, invoice’s and details of work done over several years. The car has recently had Blockley tyres fitted all round. It does have one or two minor paint blemishes but still presents itself very well. £25.995

MG TD - 1953

MG TD 1953, Finished in British Racing Green with green interior and Tan weather gear.. This MG TD had a light restoration in 2009/10 and it is a beautiful car. It has a good history with the original buff log book and drives extremely well. £26,995

MGB ROADSTER -1970

Here is our special MGB Roadster which we are building to show condition! The specification is as follows: 1970 MGB Roadster, using ex Californian shell, converted to right hand drive. Finished in MG Red, with black leather seats with black interior, chrome painted wire wheels, four speed overdrive gearbox, unleaded stage 2 engine, sports stainless steel exhaust. The car will be having power steering fitted. A rare opportunity! £29.995

MGB ROADSTER, 1973,

Blaze in colour with black interior.The car comes with overdrive, chrome wire wheels, bootrack, Motolita steering wheel, electronic ignition, full and half tonneaus, interesting number plate and is MOT and Tax exempt. This is a good solid car in excellent condition. £10,995.

MGB GT BLACK -1978

MGB GT, 1978, Finished in black, converted to chrome bumper. The car comes with overdrive, black leather seats, glass sunroof, chrome painted wire wheels and good service history. We have just given it a full service and is MOT’d to Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, Wed: Sat: 8am-1pm May 2020 but the8am-5pm, car can be registered as mot exempt if wanted, it has a good body and drives well. £5,995

MORRIS 8 - 1939

Morris 8 series E Tourer,1939 finished in black with lovely red interior, it comes with good weather gear, heritage certificate and original handbook The car runs and drives exceptionally well. £11,995

How to Advertise

1969 MGBGT

MG TC, 1947

Members can advertise their cars free of charge in Safety Fast. The advert will also be posted on the Club website in due course. This is for one insertion only. To place an advert or for additional insertions email colingrant@mgcc.co.uk with details of your car, around 60 words, together with an attached picture, your contact information, price of your car, the area where you live, and membership number. Cost for non-members to advertise is £20. All adverts should be submitted by the 10th of the month for the following months issue.

MAZDA MX5 SPORT - 2008

Mazda MX5 Sport, 2008, 2ltr Six speed, finished in red with black interior, Electric folding hood, 2 keys, 46,000mls. Service history, Will have a new MOT upon purchase. Stunning inside and out. £6,750

2003 MG TF 120 Stepspeed 1945 MGTC 1968 MG Mid BMW Z4, 2.2I SE - 2004 BMW Z4, 2.2I SE. 2004, Metallic blue, Present Starlight Sliver in excellent conWhite with inblack interior. Finished in minera 94,000mls. This car comes a full MOT dition with 58,593 miles on the owner sincewith1984 and and garage interior. 71K rec service history, it has black leather seats, electric clock. FSH from new with head since then. Allnice complete ingly restored by hood, cruisestored control, windstop and very it is in excellent condition gasket changed/uprated number at plate, including tonneau, luggageinside rack and its original & form and out and various drives beautifully. £5,495 20,134 miles (12/07). Last cam spares. Condition 2 overall miles in the last belt change at 59,060 miles and would benefit from TLC. No MOT exempt, alw (06/18). Original Sales invoice rust, chassis sound, paintwork not neau cover/bag, w Units Fifehead Business Park, Manor Farm, Fifeheadperfect. Magdalen,Very near early Gillingham, 5RR and9/102x keys. Extras include TC (Dorset SeptSP8 1945). fectly fitting rust E-mail: mikerolls4mgs@compuserve.com • www.mikerolls.co.uk bright trim pack,Mail front fog lights, £22,000ono. Contact David on exhaust,,original Order “Friendly Quality Service” windstop and hard top. Soft top 07736350853 or Email: heritage certificate uprated to later glass rear winjdavidskelly@aol.com award winner. dow with demist. £2495. Tel; (NorthJUNE Hertfordshire) 2019 SAFETY FAST! 95 £11,750 Tel 078 07785 354371 (Somerset). dave@day-family.c

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

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

CM02.13/B32/d

1967 MGB Mk1 Roadster

24/05/2019 13:43


Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern

Ex MG Car Company Press

Weaver 60 ton Hydraulic Press ex MG Company with Plant number T834 stamped on it. £160. For more information telephone 07801418200

T Type Parts for Sale.

Morris/Wolsey engine block 200 MG crested Block £300 Cylinder head £200 Flywheel £50 Water Pump (untested) £20 Water pump pulley £10 Fan blades (pair) £10 Fan blade distance piece. £10 Thermostat Housing. £20 Elbow thermostat Housing. £10 Water outlet TC. £40 Oil pipe engine to head. £20 Oil pipe pump to filter. £30 Oil pipe filter to engine. £30 Oil filter strap TC. £30 Oil filter strap TD. £30 Timing chain cover. £20 Many more items for sale please contact Peter on 0777 190 1730. Peterjones1880@me.com

MGA Twin Cam / Deluxe

Competition Seats (pair) Black with white piping. Professionally upholstered to the highest standard in best quality leather. Brand new, all new webbing and foams, never used. Absolutely gorgeous. Please contact me for more information and photos. £1900 Phone Martin on 07989 448261 (Nottinghamshire)

TD/TF Spare

TF Luggage Rack. Stainless with adjustable legs and attachment brackets. Virtually new. £165. Contact Neil. email nd.hatfield@btinternet.com tel: 01403891592 (Horsham Sussex)

Safety Fast/MG Enthuiast

Early editions, April 1959 up to November 1968. 106 issues out of 113. £100 buyer collects. First 10 volumes of MG Enthuiast, 8 copies missing out of 45. FOC, buyer collects. Contact Bryan on 01189 326346. (Hants)

Triple M Parts For Sale

Brake drums 12 inch diameter, Set of 4. No cracks - No chips No elongated holes. All within skim limit 0.040 inch. Useable lining / drum surfaces. Price £240 plus P&P. For more information gerardsegrave@btinternet.co

96 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2019

MG Safety Fast_June2019.indd 96

MGBGT

Pair of nearly new BGT rear springs -1". Come with polyurethane front eye bush. Moss items. £70. Tel: 07503214155 or text. E-mail jsbcreate@gmail.com

Spares for Sale

P-Type 4 Conrods £100. J2/F2/L2 two door locks, catches handles, early PA Set £200. T Type/YType petrol cap, a new one that fits £40. MMM starter motor spacer plate £10. Tel 01344 424258. (Berkshire)

MGF Discs and Pads

Brand New still in the boxes, £75.00 ono. Tel: 01327 341146

MGB Spares

Front Valence (2 vent holes). Part No. HZA592. In primer. £40 1971/2 Radiator Grill Assembly. Commonly known as the mouth organ grill. Red MG badge. Bonnet strip, AHH9888 missing. Slight damage to chrome on LH finisher AHH9993. £45. Contact Neil. email nd.hatfield@btinternet.com tel: 01403891592 (Horsham Sussex)

MGC REGISTER JUBILEE

1967-1992 PLAUQUE Very Good condition (Photo Avail) No 32 limited edition. £50. Tel 0121 5503908

MGB Bermuda Hardtop

Stored in my garage for many years with the intention of refurbishment. Originally used on my 1965 MGB which I sold last year. When fitted provides winter comfort! Currently painted Old English White. It requires some TLC but is in sound condition. Perspex roof panels (green tint) and rear windows are all good, but the head lining and rubber seals need replacing. All the fittings are intact and in working order, but some chrome finishes have deteriorated. Buyer must arrange collection. Photographs are available by email. Price £200, or reasonable offer. Phone: 01752 841112. or richard_n_taylor@hotmail.com

MG ZS EXCLUSIVE SUV

Spare wheel with Spacesaver tyre for sale. Never used brand new. 07778 215299. £50.00 Buyer collects or pays carriage. (Berkshire)

Midget 1275 Gearbox

Used. Dismantled for rebuild, includes a new 22G1100 laygear & shaft £85. Four Michelin ‘energy’ 145/80 13 tyres, as new, £50. Buyer collects. 07703 532507 (Midlands)

MGB

Steel bonnet £60, MGB bootlid £40. Both very good condition. Collection only from Norwich. Please phone 01603429868.

01376 574000

www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk

For Sale MG03 FUN

On retention. Offers to Tim on 01526 354864

MG 1935 TA

Front and rear wings, running boards and front valance for sale. Items are in poor condition but could be repaired by a patient enthusiast competent with a welder and with filler. I would rather give these away than scrap them but any contributions would be gratefully received! Call 07767 830913. (North Bucks)

1932-1934 MG J2 engine.

WANTED WANTED

MG 1100. Shroud to fit under/ behind front bumper. Call 01179426338 (Bristol)

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

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 advertisement email Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Please remember to include your membership number in all correspondence. All adverts should be submitted by the 10th of the month for the following months issue.

Call for a quote today

Complete unit with c/ balanced crank, new cam, carbs. and accessories. Bench tested to 4000rpm. Rare to find. £8,500 ovno. Ready to install. Tel. Barry Walker: 01789 400181 or email: barry@barrywalker.com

4Sight Lighting Company................67

Hoyle Suspension............................57

Adrian Flux ......................................55

Just Right Autos Ltd........................44

Autoseal...........................................68

Kimble Engineering Ltd...................89

Barrie Carter ...................................97

Kmaps.............................................23

Barry Walker....................................91

Longstone Tyres .............................38

Beech Hill Garage............................92

Manor Garage.................................62

Belt-Up Safety Products..................67

MG Mecca.......................................91

British Motor Heritage.....................IFC

MG Sales Centre.............................27

Brown and Gammons.....................11

Midland Classic Restoration..............4

Bucks Sports and Classic................97

Mike Authurs Classics.....................95

Car Cover Shop ..............................89

Mike Rolls........................................95

Carole Nash Insurance ..................23

Mike Satur.......................................57

Chisbon Restorations......................85

NTG Services................................OBC

Church Square Autos......................93

Oselli Ltd .........................................83

Classic & Sports Cars (Essex)....78, 79

Paul Depper MGs............................85

Clive Wheatley.................................85

Peter Best..........................IBC, 96, 97

College Motors Burford...................62

Peter James Insurance...................43

Colne Classics.................................89

Rees Bros........................................62

Classic Motor Hub...........................70

Retro Sports Cars .............................6

Crown Classic Cars.........................68

Rimmer Bros Ltd.............................49

David Manners..................................6

RM Car Care....................................43

Dennis Welch..................................89

Robin Lackford Motor Engineering .62

Distributor Doctor.............................55

Robin Lawton..................................93

Don Trimming..................................89

Scenic Car Tours .........................9, 35

Duckhams ......................................16

Skiptune..........................................67

EJW Classic and sports...................97

SMR – Car For Sale........................91

Fishers Services..............................68

Steve McKie Sports Cars.................89

Footman James..............................20

Stockfest..........................................67

Former Glory ...................................89

Summit MG.....................................43

Foston’s Ash In................................72

Sussex Classic Car Parts.................83

Frontline ..........................................30

The Hutson Motor Co Ltd..................4

Halls Garage....................................68

Torro Sports Cars Ltd.......................95

Heathrow Transmission...................89

Vitesse Global Ltd ...........................55

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/05/2019 13:54


B4 - BARRIE CARTER_CLASSIC MOTORING 21/02/2019 11:20 Page 1

Call for a quote today

01376 574000

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern

I owned this incredible Alfa/Riley special about 30 odd years ago and marvelled at its fabulous design and hand beaten aluminium body panels and Panache. Built on a shortened Riley chassis it is a true special. Registered 1952 and with 2 ltr Alfa engine and 5 speed box it encompasses all that is vintage and classic imaging the style of prewar Alfas. It is a sculpture and drives as you would expect. Gorgeous and unique, and a star any where it goes and at fraction of its mentor. £22,950

TC Race/fast road car, allegedly twice championship winner, fully modified to T reg. specs. Full race 1350 engine! “1/2” S.Us branched manifold, plumbed in ext. comp clutch, alloy body panels, 15” wheels, tramp bars modified brakes, teles, cage, race seat, and more. It’s as scruffy as raced and very quick. Ideal circuit, race or hillclimb. £19,500

MGC GT BARN FIND. Used as a mild hill climb sprint car. Very straight and solid. Full race head, fast road cam, six branch manifold. Servo. New exhaust system, new clutch, M/C full cage lowered mini lite reps and much more Drives very well quick, solid, minimal trim, daft cheap. £12,950

MGA race car, Prepared for the US series and raced at Watkins Glen. 1650 all steel engine, Kinky race seat, LSD, Fully plumbed in system, triple Mater Cyls, wires, uprated brakes, race suspension mods, lovely rot free body and chassis. Three GP wings one steel, steel wings available, fuel cell, twin facets, so much and so cheap. LHD but if you’re racing, no one’s coming the other way. Eligible for so many events or road. So cheap! £19,500

RENAULT HOLDSWORTH CONVERTED CAMPER VAN in lovely condition and full Holdsworth interior. Two previous owners and 82000 miles with full history. New M.O.T. and always stored inside. I’ll throw an unused outside awning too. Only £5,500

www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk

Citroen 2CV6 Dolly. What a lovely 2CV. Probably the best I’ve had. Plums and Custard they call the colour but this one has a gorgeous all leather Plums and Custard interior, lovely floors and panels, eyebrows, leccy ignition, Remote control radio, history and indicates 26,000 miles. It’s lovely and drives as it should. Faster than you think and handles and stops superbly and you can get a bike in the back!! 2CVs are highly collectable and appreciating... one of the last ones built. £7,995 Austin A40 Somerset, somewhat different, 30 odd years in the same garage owner’s possession, Already a very low mileage and unmolested car, he prepared it for long distance reliability rallies. It still has its Targa and Le Jog plaques. The brakes were uprated to A60, teles, uprated diff, and has a 1500 MGA type 1500 engine and modified it to. You’ll never find a better one. Goes extremely well, as you’d expect. Looks standard though. It’s lovely. £10,250

Amilcar body with dicky seat, 20s/30s in very good condition. Ready to fit a medium sized chassis. Body, wings, running boards, hood, doors, bonnet, all good and ready to fit. £2,950

CM04.19/B4/pa

k

www.barriecartermg.com

FOR DISPLAY ADVERTISING IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF

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 MG16 - BUCKS SPORTS CLASSICS_BUCKS SPORTS CLASSICS 26/09/2012 Email: ejwhitescars@aol.com Website: www.mgandporsche.com

14:24 Page 1

(Northwood, Middlesex)

URGENT PROOF Bucks Sports & Classic Car Centre

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP 03 £3.95 March 2019 Volume 63 Number

RIENDSHIP THE MARQUE OF F

February 2019 Volume 63 Number 02 £3.95

Please check this proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout. Although every care is exercised in preparing your advert, we cannot hold ourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook.

Specialist in MGA, B, C, V8, RV8, Midgets, and MGF. SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF PLEASE Also specialists in TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT NO. _ _ _ _ _ early Minis THE

CLUB

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21/02/2019 16:18

MGLIVE! TICKET INFORMATION ● MGF: RACING INTO HISTORY ● ETHANOL Safety Fast_Feb19_Cover.indd 1

BLENDED PETROL TEST 23/01/2019 15:50

For friendly advice contact Pete Giles on Tel: 01296 433550 or Mob: 07831 404968 www.mgsonthenet.co.uk www.mgsonthenet.co.uk email: peter.giles@mgsonthenet.co.uk

PLEASE CALL NICK ON 01452 730770 10STREET Rabans Aylesbury. HP19 BUCKS 8RS HP20 1EB UNIT 18, PARK IND Close, ESTATE, OSIER WAY, AYLESBURY, We reserve the right to charge for any alteration to this proof which

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is a departure from the original copy

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MG Safety Fast_June2019.indd 97

JUNE 2019 SAFETY FAST! 97

24/05/2019 13:43


LOOKING BACK The official publication of The MG Car Club Incorporating ‘The M.G. Magazine’, ‘The Sports Car’ and ‘Brooklands Track and Air’, Safety Fast! Copyright MG Car Club 2019

Editor: Andy Knott 01235 849730 / 01235 555552 andyknott@mgcc.co.uk Deputy Editor: Colin Grant 01235 849733 colingrant@mgcc.co.uk Editorial Committee: Andy Knott, Colin Grant, Adam Sloman PR and Communications: Jade Beckett 01233 849731 Advertising: Hine Marketing 01452 730770 Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770 Distributed by: Air Business. Merlin Centre, 4 The, Acrewood Way, St Albans AL4 0JY Tel: 01727 890600 President: John Day Vice Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best, Bill Silcock. Chairman: Dave Tynan Vice Chairman: George Wilder Treasurer: Richard Colston

T

his month’s offerings are the usual mixed bag resulting from a random dip into the Kimber House photo files. Our first picture c1958 by A. Hollister shows a trio of racing MGAs with, from left to right, G.N. Dear in OBL 311, J.M. Noble in JJT 425 and M.J. Reid in MJB 778, surrounded by their ‘pit-staff’. Running under the banner of the ‘Octagon Stable’ in the 750 Club’s six-hour race, they were narrowly beaten for third place by the official MG Car Club team. What was the association with ‘Red Barrell’ we wonder? Our next photo was taken some 40 years later by Kelvin Fagan at Snetterton on May 21 2000. This fine action shot shows Chris Hughes driving his colourful MG Metro Turbo on a rain-soaked track.

Directors: Dave Saunders, Peter Opie, Peter Cook, Keith Williams (co-opted) and Paul Money (co-opted) Company Secretary: Colin Grant Staff Members: Adam Sloman (General Manager 01235 849732), John Hutchison (Competitions Secretary 01235 849738), Andy Knott (01235 849730), Lauran Gallacher (Assistant General Manager 01235 849735), Liz Allsworth (Membership Secretary 01235 849734), Colin Grant (01235 849733), Jade Beckett (01233 849731), Cherina Scarrott (Finance Officer 01235 849736) and Ineke Sherman (Merchandise 01235 849737) Honorary Members: Michael Allison, Ron Gammons, Peter Best, Don Hayter, John Quenby, Sir Stirling Moss, Paddy Hopkirk, Norman Ewing, Piers Hubbard, Rob Oldaker, Steve Hanegan, Gerry McGovern, June Wallis, Ann Hawke, John Dutton, John Day, Julian White, Bill Silcock.

Our final image comes with no information whatsoever! We’re sure someone can fill in the details of this interesting-looking car and its driver and even give us a clue as to where and when the picture was taken.

If you can tell us more about any of these cars or the events, we are always keen to hear from you at Kimber House; contact the MGCC Archivist Pete Neal on peterneal@mgcc.co.uk. 98 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2019

MG Safety Fast_June2019.indd 98

Company limited by guarantee The Club, as a corporate body established as the MG Car Club Limited, is a company limited by guarantee. Every member of the Club undertakes to contribute to the assets of the Club in the event of its being wound up while he is a member, or within one year after he ceases to be a member, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the Club contracted before he ceases to be a member, and the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributors among themselves, such amount as may be required, not exceeding one pound. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information at the time of going to press, neither The Publisher (herein referred to as Hine Marketing), the Editor, nor the MG Car Club can accept any responsibility or loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in the publication. The opinions of authors are their own and Hine Marketing, the Editor and the MG Car Club are not bound to agree with opinions expressed herein. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Safety Fast! and The MG Car Club badge are protected through trademark registration in the UK and in the foreign countries where Safety Fast! circulates. Readers are warned that if they attempt any mechanical or other modifications or methods referred to herein, they do so at their own risk and no liability will attach to the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing. Neither shall the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing have any responsibility for the accuracy of the content of the editorial, neither the content of any advertisement published in Safety Fast! It should be noted that neither Hine Marketing, the Editor, nor the MG Car Club make any recommendation in respect of any goods and/ or services advertised or featured in this issue. It is the responsibility of readers to satisfy themselves that the goods or services offered or referred to are bona fide and in no instance shall Hine Marketing, the Editor or the MG Car Club be held responsible for the quality or suitability of any such items.

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/05/2019 13:43


8

PeterBest_SafetyFast_MGCarClub_Advert_297x210.pdf

1

07/01/2019

14:28

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24/05/2019 10:52


Parts for TA to TF 1936-55, YA YB YT, MGA & Magnette. Secure online shopping at: www.mgbits.com or by phone. Worldwide shipping.

T&Y Type or MGA & Z series catalogues- email or phone for your copy

K950

Disc brake kit for most models from £612

C537D

MGA 15/1600 Mk1 grille slat set special clearance price £26.40

K189TS TA/B or K189RS TC Superior master cylinder with brass body & stainless cap

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24/05/2019 10:52


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