Safety Fast! March 2017

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

March 2017 Volume 61 Number 03 £3.95

THE

CAR

CLUB

LT D

A B I N G D O N - O N -T H A M E S FO U N D E D 193 0

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JULY 2016 SAFETY FAST! 3

www.mgcc.co.uk

MARCH 2017 SAFETY FAST! 3

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Inside this issue Regulars 7

Club Matters and Kimber House News

65

Luffield Championship

66

Calendar of events

8 News

72

Centre Updates

14

Postbag

84

Register Updates

62

Race Torque

92

Classifieds

64

MGs on Track

98

Looking Back

Features 12

MGLive! 2017 Information on the Biggest MG event in the world, June 17 - 18 at the home of British Motorsport, Silverstone MGLive! ticket booking form enclosed with this issue.

16

Tale of the two sixes The story of the MGC and ZS 180. Despite being short lived both six cylinder MGs hold an important place in not only MG’s history but in owners’ hearts

27

Modern Petrol – Volatility More from the Manchester XPAG Tests by Paul Ireland

37

Journey of a lifetime Clive Stokes’ Midget adventures in the 1960s

69

Overseas News The Norsk MG Treff, Sogndal 2016

56

Newsletters 45

SVW Newsletter Another SA back on the road – almost!, Jim Andrews’ Paper Chase, Ex David Washbourne SA Saloon, Register Chairman’s jottings

50

MGA Newsletter MGA ‘Fake News’, How Many Left?

56

MGF Newsletter Forging Ahead into 2017, Future Events, Fob Frying!

Racy Fs, The MGF Register

69 The MG Car Club, Kimber House, PO Box 251, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 1FF Tel: 01235 555552 Fax: 01235 533755 E-mail: mgcc@mgcc.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk.

If visiting The MG Car Club using Sat Nav please use OX14 1AS

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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Welcome

The six-cylinder MGC GT, celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2017. Photo: Andy Knott

38

@mgcarclub

FO U N D E D 193 0

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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 2016 2017

I’m sure you’ve read in the Classic Car Press and National Press that MG have ended production at the Longbridge factory, moving it all to China. Since the news broke, photos have emerged from the factory site of CAB 2 (car assembly building). It’s like time has stood still from 2005. MG Rover paraphernalia and paperwork are everywhere, and even some part-built MG TFs and ZSs were still on the line. Within the past month photos have appeared on a website from an employee of a demolition company currently working at Longbridge on the CAB 2 site. It seems as if the body shells have been lifted off the line and loaded onto low loaders to be taken away, and that demolition of CAB 2 is well under way.

I do hope that the majority of MG Rover paraphernalia has been rescued for future generations to enjoy. As we know too well with the MG Abingdon factory, when this stuff is gone, it’s gone for good. Thankfully some employees from Abingdon had the foresight to rescue paperwork, such as the pre-war chassis files, and other MG-related material, in 1980 and this now sits proudly in the MG Car Club archive, and is enjoyed by our members The booking form for ‘the not-to-bemissed MG event’, MGLive!, is enclosed with this magazine. Lots of information can be found at www.mglive.co.uk If you think you could spare some time to volunteer at MGLive!, either on Saturday June 17 or Sunday June 18, please email Lauran Gallacher, the MGLive! Event Manager, on lauran@mgcc.co.uk As we were going to press we heard of the sad passing of Brian Moylan.

Brian worked in the BMC competition department, writing several books on his time there. He was also a founding member of the Abingdon Works Centre, eventually becoming their President. Our thoughts go out to Brian’s family. Safety Fast! will carry a full tribute to Brian next month.

Until next month, drive safely.

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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CHAIRMANS NOTES

BY IAN QUARRINGTON

M

G Car Club Motorsport. Many people say that motor racing, or music, or science, or rugby, or any other pursuit or interest is “in their blood”. Four of my favourite things in life and all of them in my blood. I am going to take one step further and I will say as many have said before me that motor racing and motorsport are in the DNA of the MG Car Club. That takes the analogy to a different level, and it goes some way to emphasising how important this aspect of our Club life has been and remains to us all.

I want to share a few brief facts which many of you will be so familiar with, but the younger generation perhaps not so much, and I am grateful to Ron for the history lesson that helps make this month’s Chairman’s notes.

Let’s look at a little of that history. The MG Car Company and motor sport go right back to 1930. A plethora of famous models were raced, Tigress,

I

KIMBER HOUSE NEWS

n February, Kimber House had a visit from South West Centre members Neil Lock and his son Oliver, who were in Abingdon to complete some of Oliver’s GCSE coursework. Oliver interviewed the staff at Kimber House, asking them why they thought MG was so special and getting them to recall their favourite MG moment. We thoroughly enjoyed helping Oliver out, and would like to wish him all the best with his coursework.

At the beginning of the month, MGA enthusiast Mark Tossell visited Kimber House, along with ex MG employee Jimmy Cox, to discuss

www.mgcc.co.uk

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K3, NA, to name a few. After the war, John Thornley was keen to get back into motor racing and by 1951 the Club was able to organise its very first race meeting at Silverstone, an annual event that continues to this day. He gave help behind the scenes to various privateers and then established a factory team competing in TDs and Y types. Later on, the BMC team took to rallying, with Club members both driving and involved in support roles.

The world-famous Competitions Department was formed in the 1960s and on occasion there were even BMC race meetings. There were no Championships until the T Register started with Sprints, Hillclimbs and racing. The MMM followed on. How wonderful to still be able to have the opportunity to see some of these cars racing this year at Brands Hatch and Cadwell Park with our Club. The Competitions Department closed in 1968 but the Club continued to run race meetings without the safety net

Mark’s plans of recreating a 1955 Le Mans MGA. Mark brought along one of the special Weslake Works heads he had acquired for both of them to re-enact the lapping of the head onto his block – something which Jimmy did whilst working in the MG Development department in preparation for Le Mans in 1955. If you any have information relating to the MGA’s at the1955 Le Mans please forward it to the club and we will pass it onto Mark.

We’d also like to give a special mention to the Abingdon Works Centre Wanderers group who enjoyed the morning at Kimber House in the

provided by the MG Car Company.

I was lucky enough some years ago to hear a presentation from Peter Browning about his time with the Comps Department and it sounded like a fascinating period in the Club’s history.

Racing at Silverstone has evolved immensely since 1951, as have our Championships and race calendar. The event now known as MGLive! grew out of the efforts to make a step change in the Club’s major event and now, through the hard work of too many people to name individually, we have six race meetings each year as well as a Sprint Championship and hill climbs.

So where does this all lead me?

Last week I read an article about the possible long-term future of motor racing. It suggested we could be watching driverless cars in the future.

That thought fills me with dread, even though the reality of computercontrolled racing may be many years away. Don’t miss out on any of our live human being-run motor sport events; come along and enjoy them with us.

One of the benefits of belonging to one of the oldest single-make Members’ Car Clubs in the world is the diversity of what we can do with our MG cars, and motor racing and motor sport are right there, in our DNA.

middle of February as part of their monthly trips.

Jimmy Cox (left) and Mark Tossell (right) lapping the Weslake head onto the engine block

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NEWS

OBITUARY FOR FABIO FILIPELLO On February 12, Fabio, the much loved and admired President of the MG Car Club d‘Italia, died after a period of illness. He was a tremendous force for kindness and friendship throughout the Club and I know I speak for many members when I say he will be greatly missed.

Fabio worked for many years in the United Nations and was multi-lingual, speaking English and several other European languages. What better background was there to develop the gift of bringing people together and he used these skills to organise, with great success, many national and international events. He was in his element when bringing MG owners together to enjoy their cars in his native Italy.

He was responsible for setting up and running the series of rallies called ‘MG by the Sea’ which took place in and around Gabicce Mare on the Adriatic coast. The formula was more or less the same each time.

Participants from all over Europe would gather in Gabicce and then travel out each day in a large convoy escorted by the Polizia on motor cycles. It was a spectacle and a joy experienced by many members, some of whom returned again and again. He also organised the series of rallies called ‘The Italian Job in an MG’ with the first based in Turin. Organising this kind of touring event can be challenging and stressful but Fabio was always

calm and charming which added so much to the enjoyment of those taking part. On two of these rallies I had the misfortune to suffer an axle failure on our 1929 MG 18/80. Fabio and his team swung into action and it was like having one’s family on hand to assist in getting the car home.

Fabio was proud of his home city, Rome, and it was his greatest joy to show visitors not only the famous sights of the historic city but also the less well-known cafes, restaurants, museums and churches. There was, however, one aspect of living in Rome he disliked and that was enduring the long, hot summers in the city. On one occasion I had the great privilege to have Fabio as a passenger in our opentopped 18/80 during the MG Event of the Year in 2007 when it was based in Speyer, Germany. The day started well but gradually the weather deteriorated and by the time we reached our first stop in the mountains it was raining quite steadily. I apologised for getting him wet and his characteristic reply was: “I love the cool rain on my head after being in Rome. It is so hot at the moment, this is lovely!”

I was also with Fabio in Italy in October 2011 when it became known that I had been nominated as the President of the MG Car Club and he said: “I have something for you”. He went to his car and came back with a tie. He said: “I would like you to wear this. It is a special tie made for the President of the MG Car Club d’Italia.

It will remind you of our personal

friendship and the high regard we have in Italy for the UK Club.” I treasure that tie and still wear it proudly to all official Club meetings.

Fabio was above all a gentleman and a true friend to so many people, both in and outside the worldwide MG Car Club. I cannot begin to think of the MG international scene without his happy, smiling presence. In reply I can hear him saying: “You must all carry on, enjoy your MGs whilst you can, make friends, keep friends and be kind to each other.”

This is how I will remember Fabio and I hope you will do, as well.

Our thoughts and prayers are for his family, friends, colleagues in the MG Car Club d’Italia and the wider MG Car Club community.

John Day President MG Car Club

DOUGLAS MICKEL FUND 2017

MONTHLY CLASSIC CAR MEET

The Board has agreed to “top up” the fund for 2017 so there is now £5,000 available. Applications to the fund can be made by any member or CRB for projects which fall within the Fund’s objectives. Full details can be found in the members’ area of the Club’s website.

However, if you have ideas you want to discuss before making an application please email outline details to dmf@mgcc. co.uk The DMF Review Panel will be happy to discuss and advise on ideas for projects.

The MGA Twin Cam Group held their 50th Anniversary Lunch at The Half Moon, Windlesham, GU20 6BN last year, and the month before that, Colin Manley started a monthly Classic Car meet at that venue. The group meets on the third Sunday of each month, all year round, from 08.30am to 11.30am, with coffee and bacon rolls available in the bar from 09.30am. All Classic Cars are welcome. Email: sundayclassiccars@gmail.com

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWS

MEMBERSHIP OF REGISTERS You will recall that an article on this topic was published in the July 2016 issue of Safety Fast!, which produced some comments from the membership.

Subsequent to that a presentation was made at the Council meeting on the October 15, after which a lively discussion took place.

The points raised were noted and the board debated these, resulting in the guidelines shown below.

The Aims of a Register The aims of a Register are formally described in Clause 92 of the Articles of Association of the MGCC. Additionally, they are to provide good quality support and information for fellow MG enthusiasts by direct contact, online through websites and social media, in contributions to Safety Fast! and by other published material.

To welcome non-member enthusiasts and demonstrate to them that the Register is able to provide this valuable support and information, which they will perceive as a benefit as part of their Club membership package.

Availability of these support services and information This is where the balance between providing enough information to act as a shop window and avoiding free-loading comes in.

When enthusiasts approach a Register for help and support a friendly enquiry should be made as to whether they are a member of the MGCC. If so, their membership number should be requested and then verified against the listing provided by Kimber House.

To strike that balance, enough

information should be provided to demonstrate to potential Club members the real value of our services so they will want to register and join the Club; however the amount of information provided should be restricted to avoid ‘free-loading’.

Allowing ‘registrations’ to web-based forums from prospective members, without the requirement of being a member of the Club, leads to minimal resistance in the future should that person choose to join the Club.

All register websites, forums and bulletin boards operate on an ‘open to all’ basis for viewing the content, but access to posting new messages and responses to existing threads is only available to enthusiasts who have registered.

The Register thus obtains valuable information about a particular car, the owner’s contact details and Club membership status.

Where no membership number is declared a welcoming response is sent encouraging them to join the club, with a copy to the Membership Secretary who will send a new members pack, and carry out the necessary follow up.

Many registers offer items of regalia, workshop and rebuild notes etc, which can be sold to generate income to cover operating costs.

A two tier pricing structure should exist in such a way which rewards Club membership, with the non-member price being pitched at a higher level as to encourage most rational enthusiasts to see the advantage of joining the Club.

At all times, in any discussions with potential new members the ‘Marque of Friendship’ should prevail.

SHOWCASE CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR GALA MGs of all ages are invited to gather on Sunday May 7 at Cowdray House, West Sussex, for the Showcase Classic & Sports Car Gala, being arranged by MGCC members in Chichester.

Our special guest will be Team GB double Olympic gold medallist Joanna Rowsell Shand, who will greet the drivers, and present prizes in the grand finale.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MGC Register AGM. Venue: Rose & Crown Hotel, Harnham Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire. SP2 8JQ Date: Friday April 28 2016.

Time: 3.30pm.

Agenda: Apologies for Absence.

Approval of last year’s minutes.

Matters Arising and Correspondence.

Chairman’s Report.

Secretary’s Report.

Treasurer’s Report.

MGC Event 2017.

Nominations for Committee.

A.O.B. Time, date and venue of next year’s AGM. Motions for Debate, duly proposed and seconded, should be forwarded in writing to The Secretary, Ginny Cartmell, MGCC MGC Register, Lower Carblake Manor, Cardinham, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 4BX. to arrive no later than two weeks prior to the date of the meeting.

MGA Register AGM Venue: The MG Car Club, Kimber House, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 1AS Date: April 8 2017 Time: 10.00am for 10.30am sharp.

Agenda 1. Welcome and Apologies for Absence 2. Review and Approval of Minutes of 2016 AGM 3. Chairman’s Report 4. Treasurer’s Report 5. Election of Officers and Committee 6. Any Other Business Date of Next Meeting Colin Manley Hon Secretary

Drivers can take part in the scenic ‘Showcase Run’ over the South Downs in the morning, or relax with ‘jazz on the lawn’ in the showground.

The Run will return to the showground in time for lunch, and afternoon live music and entertainment.

Book your tickets now from just £25 per car at www.showcase-classic-cars.events (Motor trade stands are also available).

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NEWS

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MIDLAND CENTRE TASTER TRIAL AT BROMSGROVE April 30 2017 This is an invitation for new trials drivers to have a fun day out. It is also a chance for old hands to bring along youngsters to have a go at trials driving.

New drivers don’t have to be a Club member or have a competition licence. MSA Go MotorSport is supporting the event by waiving Club membership so that newcomers can have a first-hand try at this branch of motor sport. Because it will be held on private land younger drivers without an RTA are eligible, too, but must be accompanied by an experienced trials driver who is a member of the invited Clubs.

As in all motor sport, car control is key so sections will be laid out to show the techniques required to start uphill, a typical feature in trials, how to cope with a steepening hill and then how to reverse safely when the car comes to a halt – and that happens to the best drivers, so you have to know how to handle the situation. Another good challenge is steering downhill dealing with bends, adverse camber, humps, hairpins and narrow gaps between marker posts. We’ll also show you how to deal with special tests which are timed and often used as a tie decider. Experienced drivers will act as instructors and also provide rides to demonstrate how the instruction is applied on a section.

Of course, trials involve paperwork; supplementary regulations, entry form, which class to enter, the brands of tyres that are approved. We’ll show you where to find the information you need in the MSA Blue Book.

Scrutineering is also important, making sure that cars are safe; particularly brakes, steering, security of seats, doors, boot, bonnet and general bodywork condition.

Older, small saloons are a popular vehicle in production car trials, so if that is what’s available they can be a handy tool with which to make a start.

Please take a look at the website: www.mg-cars. org/uk/mgccmidlandcentre/ where you’ll find more information under Events.

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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LET US HELP YOU ORGANISE YOUR

SOCIAL MEDIA NEWS In February we went live on Facebook for the first time that wasn’t at an event. Instead, we got people to vote on their favourite MG out of four models. It was hugely successful, generating a lot of responses and something we shall be doing again in the future.

Keep an eye out!

Our Photo of the Year winner, Michael Amorsen, sent us another photo of him and his collection of MGs, holding the prize he won, which we shared across social media. We’re a huge fan of his wrapped Midget, something we may well feature at some point.

We also said hello on Twitter to MG’s new BTCC drivers The options our Facebook fans were able to vote for for 2017, Aron Taylor-Smith and Daniel Lloyd, and wished them all the best for the upcoming season. Aron has since been getting into the swing of life at MG, posting a picture of a rather funny-looking MG which we’d love to see him use in the BTCC! A full report of the season launch will be in next month’s edition of Safety Fast!

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MGLIVE!

MGLIVE! JUNE 17–18 2017

By Chris Kynoch

We’ve got great news to begin this month’s MGLive! update – tickets are now on sale. And just in case you missed last month’s news, ticket prices have been frozen, meaning you’re able to enjoy a day out or a whole weekend at the home of British motorsport for the same price as last year. Result!

We’re so excited to share the plans we have for MGLive! in the coming months, but rest assured, all of your

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favourite aspects will remain. There will still be two days of intense racing on the Grand Prix circuit, an action-packed live arena with even more audience participation than ever before, and plenty of MG displays – showing off the best of MG throughout the years. Whether you’re a fan of the modern or classic models, MGLive! offers the best of both.

One new addition to the event this year is aimed at the ladies – the

MGLive! Ladies Lunch. This will be taking place at Silverstone Golf Club on Sunday June 18, and will feature a three-course carvery lunch. At just £25 per head, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t book up.

For 2017 we’re encouraging more people to make the most of the weekend by camping with us.

Why? Well, it means you’re able to experience everything MGLive! has to

www.mgcc.co.uk

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offer across two days without having to rush around and miss bits you wanted to see. The evening entertainment is getting a complete shake-up for this year’s event, giving you all the more reason to spend the night. Pitches are available for motorhomes as well as tents, and with electric hook-ups you’ll have everything you need for a memorable weekend.

MGLive! is not only a great spectacle for MG enthusiasts but also a great place to sell your car. Listing in a magazine works just fine, but we encourage anyone wanting to sell their MG to come forward and have it on show at Silverstone. Here you’re guaranteed maximum exposure to the wider MG community.

This year we’re very keen on making MGLive! as engaging for visitors as possible. It’s often been said that to get the most out of the event requires participation, and the Pride of Ownership/Concours competitions are the best ways of doing that. They’re free to enter, which is great, and they offer any MG owner the chance of winning trophies and various prizes.

What’s not to like about that? With so many different awards in various categories up for grabs, you might even surprise yourself. What better way to top off your weekend than to take home some unexpected silverware?!

The California Cup is free to enter this year, giving more people the chance to get involved in one of the Club’s most coveted competitions.

The annual auto test will be given pride of place in the heart of MGLive! allowing participants and spectators more coverage than ever before.

For more information on getting involved in the California Cup, please contact Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk.

Keep an eye out on the MGLive! website for the latest news and if you haven’t joined the Club’s event page on Facebook, be sure to do so.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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POSTBAG

MG T Series Rear Crank Seals In the December issue of Safety Fast! magazine, within the Y Type Register’s pages, there were a number of comments about suggestions on improving one of the rear crank seal kits on the market. It’s not clear where the kits came from or how old they were.

However, there were a number of points in the article that are perhaps worthy of comment and expansion.

Brown and Gammons were directly involved with the original kit development in conjunction with Al Moss in America, who pioneered the idea. Needless to say, we learned a lot along the way, specifically with regard to the variances of the machining of the original blocks and cranks, and the development of the kit back in the last century reflected this. There were many letters and drawings to and fro between Al and myself before the kit was finally marketed.

The kit, of which we have sold very considerable numbers, into four figures, and now manufactured in the UK, has been eminently successful, even on engines used hard, for racing use, and being taken to over 7,000rpm on a regular basis.

The points made in the article of ensuring that the seal lip was clear of the chamfered edge of the crank are stressed in our comprehensive fitting instructions. The Speedi sleeve is also useful where the crank flange has been damaged or scarred since the seal will otherwise be torn.

One of the important things that we learned in the early days was that, contrary to the belief that we needed to restrict

the oil reaching the seal, the reverse was true. The seal needed lubrication and to some measure cooling, so the oil was needed to provide this. The seal must be lubricated on installation as well Now as to the seal itself, our seals are specially manufactured for us and do not have a spring, as Mr Piller suggests is needed, since our lip seal is coated in manufacture with a graphiteimpregnated Teflon. A spring would most probably increase the surface tension and therefore the heat which will cause the seal to char and split. Our seals are well capable of the rotational speed of the crank. Certainly there are some seals on the market which do not have this capability.

Failures and oil leaks on the kit installation are in our experience a result of failing to read and apply the instructions.

As Mr Piller says, leaving the seal lip on the edge of the crank chamfer is certainly one of those and may have been the cause in his case. There are a couple of other sources of leaks. One is the core plug sealing off the camshaft bearings and another is the plug in the back of the main oil gallery. Both will provide a leak for which the crank seal often takes the blame! The kit installation calls for extensive use of a special silicon sealant to ensure oil tightness I can of course only speak for our kit, not for others which have copied ours subsequently. Our alloy housings are now anodised and etched with our company name to enable identification.

Ron Gammons

MGs in Hibernation There follows a cautionary tale for those bringing their MGs out of hibernation.

Recently I decided to bring my old race MGB out of its hibernation, where it had been since 2013 following its last race at Snetterton. Since then due to some health issues, and a lack of money, it has been snug in its garage.

I began the recommissioning by checking oil, water and electrics. I removed the plugs, added a little oil to the upper cylinders, Gel Blocking Thermostat Housing then with fuel and ignition disconnected I spun the engine on the starter to build the oil pressure. All fine, I refitted plugs etc. It started first go.

I warmed the engine between 2000 and 2700 rpm, all fine. Then all of a sudden it boiled over. On investigation, I found the engine coolant, which was fifty percent good quality antifreeze, had reacted for some reason in the top hose and thermostat cover, turning to a blue gel as can be seen in the photo, stopping water circulation.

I shut down the engine before any damage was done and was able to clear the problem, however it shows how a thorough check is needed before attempting to start an engine that has been standing for any length of time.

Rob Muir

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January Looking Back

The 1938 Le Mans MG PA

The PA featured in the January Looking Back page is the Dorothy Stanley-Turner 1938 Le Mans Car, seen at MGCC Beaulieu in 1988 with its then-owner Tony Miles who, regretfully, has just died. It had been rebuilt especially as it was invited to attend Le Mans that summer on the 50th anniversary of its race there, all expenses paid. It has since been sold to an Italian who, I understand, took off the special Le Mans body and rebodied it with a new ash frame! The car behind is my blown swept wing J2, with me in the sunglasses.

Gil Collins

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 19:00

POSTBAG

MY RECOLLECTIONS OF THE MGC GTS

L to R – Gerald Wiffen, Tommy Wellman, Cliff Humphries

Cliff Humphries (left) and Geoff Mabbs (right)

In last December’s Safety Fast!, I was interested to read that Don Hayter has passed some information about the MGC GTS cars which were built at Abingdon, to the Club archive.

I was prompted to add a little to the early history of the cars, commonly now described as the MGC Sebring cars.

It was probably during 1966 that the production of the six lightweight bodies was carried out by Pressed Steel at Swindon, under the supervision of Dave Nicholas. The first of these body-shells was delivered to MG Development Dept where it remained for some time. Don Hayter kept an eye on the programme and Geoff Clarke remembers the red painted shell being over at Motor Panels, and having to take an axle and front and rear suspension parts to check clearances on full bump/rebound with wide Minilite wheels and tyres.

This body was then prepared by Gerald Wiffen and Tommy Wellman in the Competitions Department, and allocated the registration number MBL 546E. It was destined for the 1967 Targa Florio and, although all the running gear was MGC, the engine built for it was an MGB 4-cylinder engine (entered as 2004cc) with twin two-inch HD8 SU carbs.

The reason for using the four-cylinder engine was that the launch of the MGC GT was not due to take place before the race, so it was decided not to fit the six-cylinder engine to avoid the press getting too interested in it.

The Black Horse Treasure Hunt Having enjoyed the Black Horse Treasure Hunt (formerly the Gribble Treasure Hunt), I feel moved to write.

The date was originally chosen as there is so little other activity for our cars during the winter months. The day turned out to be a lovely sunny day, with no salt on the roads. We were told that no maps were needed, we were given a route card, a map of the route with clues marked, mileages, everything. Just like a road run, in fact, with added interest. Out

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The car was nearing completion in the Comps workshop when we found that, as it was to be entered in the Prototype Category, it would have to race in the colour of the country of the entrant, ie British Racing Green. There was no time to strip and repaint the car, so the external visible panels only were painted BRG! The car was tested for the first time at Castle Combe circuit with drivers Geoff Mabbs and Andrew Hedges on April 25 1967. We also took the second Targa entry, MGB (MBL 547E), to get some miles on it and a general shakedown.

The MGC was tested with SU and Weber carburettors with the SU HD8 carbs providing approx 1.2 sec per lap improvement, completing 53 laps in total. The MGB completed 27 laps with lap times approx 1.5 secs a lap slower.

The ‘hybrid’ MGC was also tested at Thruxton before the race. In the race the car was driven by Paddy Hopkirk and Timo Makinen, finishing 10th overall and 3rd in class.

Unfortunately, the MGB (MBL 547E), driven by Andrew Hedges and Alec Poole, crashed and did not finish.

After the Targa, the car was converted into a full-blown sixcylinder MGC prototype and a second body was also built into a six-cylinder race car, allocated the registration number RMO 699F. The four remaining special body-shells were eventually sold to private owners.

Both cars competed in the 1968 Marathon de la Route at Nürburgring in 1968 and the Sebring 12 Hour race in 1969.

Note: Apart from my notes above, I am not aware of a special lightweight MGC being prepared in MG Development.

Bill Price of the 1,500 members in the South East Centre, there were six entries!

I think people should actually use their cars; I blame the Classic Car investment market. Anyway, many thanks to Lesley and Martin Neal for organizing a lovely day out. The sheet of pub sign photos to identify was brilliant. My grandson did that well.

Yours in despair, Peter Mace

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21/02/2017 19:00

THE TALE OF THE TWO SIXES

By Colin Grant and Andy Knott. Photos by Andy Knott, Colin Grant and Dennis Wharf

Having long been in the shadow of its predecessor, the MGC celebrates its 50th Birthday in 2017, giving the six-cylinder MG its share of the limelight.

Despite being short lived, it holds an important place in not only MG’s history but in owners’ hearts. To celebrate the milestone, we decided to compare the MGC to another short lived six-cylinder MG – the ZS 180.

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www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 19:15

The MGC The MGC was firmly based on the MGB and announced to the eager press in 1967. This followed the merger of BMC and Jaguar which formed British Motor Holdings. The car was to be powered by an inline 6-cylinder OHV engine of 2912cc. It was capable of producing 145bhp which made it an ideal candidate as a long-legged touring car.

On paper, the MGC should have become one of MG’s best-selling sports cars of all time. In concept, it offered improved performance over the MGB, at a similarly low price.

But, by the time the MGC was going into production in October 1967, the Abingdon MG factory had lost control of engine design to other sectors of the vast BL empire, and was forced to compromise with an unsuitable engine that was so heavy, depending on specification, that it could be up

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to 340lb heavier than the B series.

It ruined the road holding that had been the hallmark of every MG before it. MG did the best they could with the weight problem, redesigning the front suspension to make room for the engine. This meant using torsion bars, rather than coil springs as the suspension medium, combined with telescopic shock absorbers in place of the lever arm devices because so much weight was concentrated over the front axle line, due to the fact that the engine sat far more forward than the designers would have liked, as it had to be able to accommodate the relatively bulky automatic transmission for the American market. The rear suspension was essentially the same as the MGB, but a much stronger rear axle had to be fitted to accommodate the increase in power. The bodyshell was strengthened to cope with the extra weight, suspension setup and the

engine torque, also due to the large radiator being moved forward and the shape of the engine fitted with its twin SU HS6 carburettors, outwardly the MGC gained the distinctive bulges in the unique bonnet. Larger 15” wheels with 5” rims were fitted because of the car’s additional performance potential and to house the Girling 11” discs on the front. John Thornley once said: “It could have been a worldbeater, had the engine not been half a hundredweight too heavy”.

The MGC should have been one of the best-selling sports cars of all time, because in concept it offered a muchimproved performance over the MGB on which it was based, at a similarly low price. But sadly the MGC was to be very short lived, for in 1969 it was dropped from the MG range. No doubt that its poor reception by the press had affected sales, and by then MG had

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come within the British Leyland group, where Triumph products were looked upon with favour – and the MGC could have made life difficult for the Triumph TR6.

When the first road test reports on the MGC appeared, MG engineers could not believe that the press had been driving the same cars that they had! The general handling of the car was panned by the press. It was said to suffer from terminal understeer, and to be an unworthy successor to the Austin Healey, which had by now been discontinued. The press did not like the fact that it was so very similar to the MGB, and felt that it should have been a little more modern in its interior appointments. The MGC did find Royal favour, though, as the first car owned

by HRH the Prince of Wales. His Mineral Blue MGC was later restored by the Manchester College in 1999 and now resides in the Royal Sandringham Museum.

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However, the car was good in a straight line, and once owners became aware of its handling characteristics they could get around bends quite rapidly with the slow in-fast out technique. Other comments stated that the car lacked low-speed torque and an engine that was reluctant to rev, but all agreed as a long distance touring car it was ideal.

But the poor reception the press gave the MGC undoubtedly shortened its

production life. Its introduction was soon followed by the formation of the British Leyland group, and the fact that the MGC and Triumph TR6 were competing for the same sector of the sports car market.

There was considerable feeling against anything emanating from the old BMC part of the group at the time, and it took only a month or so for the board to make a decision on the future of the model.

The MGC was dropped from the range in 1969, while the TR6 continued until 1976.

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STOC OF:

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21/02/2017 19:16

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21/02/2017 19:16

Who can help?

The MGC Register was formed in 1975

by Richard Cox, asked by the then Club General Secretary Gordon Cobban.

Like today, as well as organising newsletters gatherings, technical information and the administration of the Register, an additional and very important function during those early years was how to overcome the various shortages of spares that occurred.

Thankfully, there are specialists within the Club (listed below) who can help

keep the MGC on the road, and offer modifications that will give the MGC rapid acceleration and excellent road holding; quite the opposite of those damaging press reports of 1967.

Back in 1992, for the Silver Jubilee of the MGC, the Register held their first MGC Day event, an event that has been held every year since, becoming a major event in the MGCC calendar. This year marks the 50th anniversary of this Classic MG, and to celebrate the MGC Register

are holding their main event over June 7-12, based at Chateau-Impney, Droitwich Spa. If you would like more information on the event go to the MG Car Club website www. mgcc.co.uk and click on the MGC Register micro-site. There you will find our online booking form and all the details you need to book the event, or contact Ginny Cartmell, Secretary and Registrar MGC Register, Telephone 01208 821552, email: ginnycartmell@ btinternet.com

General Information Engine type: 2.5 V6 quad Cam petrol CC: 2497 Max Power: 177 @ 6500rpm Max torque: 240Nm @ 4000rpm 0-60mph: 7.3 seconds Top Speed: 139mph Combined mpg: 29.7

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www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 19:16

Midland Classic Restorations, 01905 622166, www.midlandclassicrestoration.co.uk Brown & Gammons, 01462 490049, www.ukmgparts.com Crown Classic Cars, 020 8891 6101, www.crownclassiccars.co.uk Fisher Services, 020 8776 7695, www.fisher-services.co.uk Prestige MG, 01827 259340, www.prestigemg.co.uk MG Motorsport, 01442 832029, www.mgmotorsport.com Steve McKie Sportscars, 01246 454527, www.stevemckiesportscars.co.uk Rees Bros, 01252 323038, www.reesbros.co.uk Buck Sports & Classic Car Centre, 01296 433550, www.mgsonthenet.co.uk Dennis Welch Motorsport, 01543 472244, www.bighealy.co.uk Robin Lackford Eng, 01403 864600, www.robinlackford.co.uk

General Information Numbers Built: 4,542 MGC Roadsters, 4,457 GTs Top Speed: 120mph Performance: 0-60 in 10 sec Fuel Consumption: Approx 19.5mpg Price new in 1967: Roadster £1,102, GT £1,249 End of Production: August 1969

www.mgcc.co.uk

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THE MG ZS 180 As the people of the world were busy worrying about what might happen when the millennium bug struck at midnight on January 1 2000, BMW were deeply engaged in talks with various companies about Rover’s disposal. After an unsuccessful bid

by Alchemy, eventually in May 2000 the Phoenix Consortium, led by John Towers, acquired the Rover brand, moving all production to the famous Longbridge factory leaving the Cowley plant with BMW for production of the MINI to begin.

The Phoenix Consortium needed to move quickly, and decided to work with the car platforms they had. Because of this, the history of the MG ZS can be traced right back through the Rover 45 to the Rover 400 of 1995. Offering a ‘new’ car based on a six-year-old design would appear to have been suicide in modern terms, but MG Rover, as the company became known, were lucky that the Rover 45 Chassis, combined with the Honda-inherited double-wishbone front suspension and fancy, fully independent multi-link rear suspension meant they had a solid base on which to work, and create a real driver’s car. It was the job of Professor Peter Stevens, who is arguably one of the world’s best-known and most sought-after automotive designers, to redesign the MG Rover range, and make the MG range the eye-catching and bolder arm of the business. Externally, Peter managed to turn the styling from the Rover 45, a car that oozed a genteel charm, into a distinct, aggressive looking motor car with racetrack looks, especially the range-topping ZS 180 model with its 17” wheels, high mounted plane type spoiler and sports exhaust housed within a fabricated stainless steel heat shield; so much so that the four-door saloon model was the basis of the company’s entry into the British Touring Car Championship in 2001.

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The interior was also given the Peter Stevens treatment. Out went all of the walnut wood and luxury leather seats, being replaced with new-age touches such as the Dark Rhodium door cappings and the metallic sheen instruments. The seats were given a very modern, sporty feel, shaped with side bolsters to locate the occupants securely, making them an integral part of the MG driving experience.

The ZS went into production at a time when many other companies were concentrating all their effort into smaller engines with forced induction. MG Rover decided to buck the trend with their flagship model and go for a 2.5 normally aspirated V6; cubic capacity in the MG Rover facility really did matter. The ZS 180 came equipped with an aluminium, 24-valve, quad-cam KV6 engine, one of the shortest and lightest V6 packages around at the time, and with a 90-degree V, it ideally suited the ZS’s front wheel drive application and delivered 177PS and 240Nm of torque. The V6 engine meant the ZS had pure, uninhibited grunt, making proper sports car noises because its cylinders were firing in different directions. Swap the air filter boxes

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and exhaust for an MG Rover XPower aftermarket setup and the V6 sings and howls as the revs rise, unleashing a few more ponies as well. Unlike the forced induction cars, the V6 power delivery was instant with no lag, like a proper British sports car should be!

The chassis specification of the ZS was actually developed on the racetrack by enthusiasts before the MG saloon programme started and was at the heart of its sporting appeal. The ZS sat 20mm lower than the Rover 45 on sports springs, and combined with some Delphi dampers,

provided very firm control of low speed suspension travel yet retained the relatively gentle damping when the car encountered pot holes or road humps. To cope with the improved chassis and uprated power, the brakes were uprated on the 180 with highperformance 282mm front discs, 260mm diameter rear discs, with matching larger calipers all round and optimised ABS. At the press launch Rob Oldaker; MG Rover’s Product Development Director, said: “MG cars have always been appreciated by drivers and

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Guernse

MG_SafetyFast_March17_3-48.indd Guernsey & Jersey A4 Ad 31 Jan 2017.indd231

21/02/2017 19:16 31/01/2017 16:21:29

I am sure the MG ZS will actually surprise and impress. The MG ZS 180 particularly so, with its powerful and smooth six-cylinder engine, rare in a car of this size”.

Pencils were sharpened as the journalists pre-planned their attacking of the ZS at the press launch, but they emerged from the cockpit with a smile, admiration for the brand and praised the car on its own merits, and rightly so. There was no doubt the MG was a true driver’s car, and more than that, it was fun!

A major facelift, instigated by Peter Stevens, was put into production on the MG ZS in the spring of 2004, clearly inspired by the awesome MG

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XPower Supercar, the SV. The changes included updates to the interiors, but the major alterations were focused around the exterior. A revised chunky radiator grille with svelte single unit headlamps was brought in, as was an integrated splitter for the deep-set front bumper, the front wings had ‘shark’s gills’ vents set into them, wheel arch extension front and rear, meaty 17” wheels that were half an inch wider than the previous 17” wheels filled the arches, making the ZS look aggressive with a real presence; in reality it was still as light and fun as the previous model.

During their five-year production period over 27,500 MG ZSs were built

at the hallowed Longbridge plant.

Today, even the newest MG ZS is 11 years old and many cars have been written off over the years, or broken for spares due to the value of the cars being relatively low – the sellers make more money from the ZS’s various parts than selling a whole car. Thankfully, you can still find the odd low-mileage example with good service history, and many of the remaining ZSs are finding homes with true enthusiasts who know just what an outstanding driver’s car the ZS 180 is, and with its pavementstopping looks, it looks as good today as it did when built.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 19:16

Who can help?

The ZR/ZS/ZT Register of the MG Car Club was formed in 2003 to cater for the needs of those members with a Zed model. Today the register is still very active, organising many events including the hugely popular Zed15 event last year, and can offer technical support as well as a range of quality merchandise. You can contact the Register Chairman, John Thompson, on johnt5@btinternet.com There are still lots of modern parts specialists around helping to keep the ZS on the road, and many of the MG Rover parts are still available through XPart dealers (www.xpart.com). There are also MG Rover specialist companies who have all the diagnostic equipment, hands-on MG Rover mechanical experience and plenty of quality secondhand spares available, such as:

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College Motors, 01993 823560, www.rovermgspecialist.co.uk Brown and Gammons, 01462 490049, www.ukmgparts.com South Coast MG Rover Ltd, 01202 677196, www.southcoastmgrover.co.uk MJS Auto & Marine, 07956 575220, www.mjsautoandmarine.co.uk Beech Hill Garage, 0118 988 4774, www.beechhillgarage.com Retro Sports Cars Ltd, 01484 715851, www.retrosportscars.co.uk John Woods Motorcare, 01244 851371, www.johnwoodsmotorcare.co.uk Summit Motors, 01628 629707, www.summitmg.co.uk Our thanks go to Nigel Guild of Former Glory who kindly lent us the MGC GT to photograph. Former Glory always has a good stock of MGs available to purchase. For an up-to-date stock list or to contact Nigel please visit www.classicmg.co.uk Former Glory, Postcombe Service Station, A40 London Road, Thame, Oxon, OX9 7ED Tel: 01844 281700

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1 Pen and pencil set featuring the detailed ‘Founded 1930’ MG Car Club logo, presented in a special gift box. £16.00 2 A 100g box of MG Car Club Breakfast Brew Tea blended in Oxfordshire by the Jeeves and Jericho Tea Company £5.00 3 MG Pullover Mens Cotton Pullover, Navy or Burgundy, with embroidered MG logo. Available in M, L, XL, XXL £65.00 4 MG Benji in white overalls with MG Car Club logo on front and back, limited edition of 251 £12.50 each 5 MG Benji the mascot of the MG Car Club, in green hoody and blue trousers £10.00 each 6 MG Wash Bag A door hanging MG toiletry case with many interior mesh pockets for bottles. £16.00 7 Mens Polo Shirt Grey. Embroidered with MG logo on and Safety Fast!. Available in M, L, XL, XXL £25.00 8 MGB Scarf (140cmx140cm) £19.95 9 Mens V-Neck cotton knit Forest Green or Red Jumper. With embroidered MGCC logo. Available in M, L, XL, XXL £55.00 10 MG Beanie Hat available in Grey or Black £12.00 11 Letter Opener MG Car Club letter opener with a chrome finish handle and a velvet pouch. £7.50 12 MG Umbrella Union Jack, with the slogan Keep Calm and love MG £17.50 13 MGB cotton pouch with metal zipper £15.50 14 MG Doormat Suitable for outdoor and indoor use £15.00 15 MG Cap featuring the MG logo. Available in grey or black. £10.00 16 MGB 1966 Marathon de la Route 1/43 scale diecast model of the Abingdon Comps Department 1966 outright Winning car. £35.00 17 MGB GT or Midget cotton pouch with metal zipper £15.50 18 MG Clock, also available clocks with speedometer of your own MG £30.00 19 MG Clipboard – For all your rally routes, or for your other to do jobs £12.50

To o r d e r, p l e a s e e m a i l i n e k e @ m g c c . c o . u k o r p h o n e 0 1 2 3 5 8 4 9 7 3 1 T h e M G C a r C l u b 12 C e m e t e r y R o a d , A b i n g d o n , O x o n O X 14 1A S

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21/02/2017 19:02

MODERN PETROL – VOLATILITY

- THE MANCHESTER XPAG TESTS

By Paul Ireland Introduction Petrol is not a single substance; it is a mixture of many different hydrocarbons and additives. This mixture is very different from that supplied in the past, changing petrol’s physical properties and the way it behaves in an engine.

One change is a difference in volatility, which appears to be the main cause of the difficulties some people encounter using modern fuel in their classic cars, namely Overheating and Hot Restart problems.

Overheating and the Hot Restart problem How many times have you heard people say “modern fuel makes my car overheat in traffic”?

In years gone by, when driving in slow-moving or stop-start traffic, the temperature gauge would slowly creep up. As it reached 100oC the water would start to boil and the engine misfire, eventually coughing and spluttering to a stop. With modern petrol this can happen long before the temperature gauge reaches 100oC. While the symptoms are the same as classic overheating, it occurs when the engine temperature is still well within its normal running range.

The Hot Restart problem is related to Overheating. With a warm engine, after stopping for five minutes or so, the engine will refuse to restart, it just coughs and splutters. Wait of 15 or 20 minutes, the engine restarts without any difficultly. Both of these problems

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are caused by the low boiling point of modern petrol.

The dilemma is that not all vehicles suffer with these problems to the same extent. Sometimes you see apparently identical models, one stopped with fuel problems, the other running perfectly well, suggesting that, with care, these problems can be avoided.

This article describes what causes these problems and what steps can be taken to alleviate them.

Fuel Distillation Curves Petrol consists of over 300 different hydrocarbons, each with its own boiling point. If you heat a sample of petrol, the component with the lowest boiling point will boil first. Once this has evaporated, the temperature will rise until the boiling point of the next component is reached, and so on.

Measuring the volume of fuel that evaporates as the temperature increases gives a distillation curve for that fuel.

The components that evaporate at the lowest temperatures are called front end components, those at the higher temperature, back end components.

The way an engine starts, ticks over and runs depends on the shape of the distillation curve. However, just because two fuels have the same distillation curves does not mean they are chemically the same.

The Federation of Historic British Vehicle Clubs sponsored distillation tests on samples of the fuels used at Manchester.

The graph shows how much of the 95 octane forecourt petrol (blue line) evaporated as the temperature was slowly increased. It also shows the curves for 1930s and 1960s ‘classic’ petrol (the red and purple dotted lines).

They are both very different from modern petrol. At a temperature of 75oC 20% to 30% of the classic petrol would have evaporated. While at 75oC nearly twice that volume of modern petrol has evaporated.

With nearly 50% of modern petrol evaporating at typical under-bonnet temperatures, it is surprising classic carburetted engines manage to run at all when you realise carburettors will only work with liquid fuel.

Petrol evaporation Modern vs Classic

Engines and heat A petrol engine produces colossal quantities of heat. Unfortunately, only around one third of this heat energy is converted into power to move the car forward; the remaining two thirds is waste heat energy. A normally tuned XPAG engine produces 40 Kilowatts of power at full throttle (one third of

MARCH 2017 SAFETY FAST! 27

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the heat energy) and 80 Kilowatts (two thirds) of waste heat energy. Imagine a room in your house with 80 electric fires all switched on – it would certainly get very toasty!

In practice, approximately 55% of this waste heat is lost via the exhaust, heating the exhaust manifold, exhaust pipe and vented as hot exhaust gases, 35% to the cooling system, 8% to heating the engine block and oil and 2 -5% through other means.

Manchester Temperature Measurements Heat transfer to the carburettors and to the fuel was one of the measurements made at Manchester using eight thermocouples attached as follows: 1. Fuel pump outlet to measure the temperature of the fuel flowing into the carburettors. Typically this was 22oC room temperature, corresponding to a warm summer’s day.

2. Two thermocouples, one in each carburettor, were placed in the air inlet to measure the air temperature (shown below).

Typically this was 30oC. Again probably representative of an engine on a warm day.

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Float

3. Two thermocouples, one in each carburettor, at the bottom of the transfer pipe connecting the float chambers to the carburettor body (shown in the photograph above and over the page). Typically this was 42oC, which is surprisingly low considering this part of the carburettor is positioned under 1” away from the 500oC exhaust manifold.

4. Two thermocouples, one for each carburettor, embedded into an aluminium gasket that was fitted between the carburettor and inlet manifold to measure the heat entering the carburettors from the engine. Typically this was 36oC.

Plate

These plates (shown above) were also fitted with vacuum gauges to measure inlet manifold pressure.

5. Finally, one thermocouple was fitted to the cylinder head between cylinders two and three (large photo).

Typically this was 170oC, heated by the exhaust gases passing through the cylinder head.

When the engine was running, the highest fuel temperature of 42oC was the petrol in the transfer tubes.

At this temperature less than 10% of modern petrol will evaporate, insufficient to cause any problems. The low temperatures of the carburettors are shown more dramatically on the thermal image (over the page) taken of the XPAG running at 3,000rpm at full throttle.

The dark blue (20oC to 42oC) carburettors and float chambers are clearly shown silhouetted against the white (300oC plus) exhaust manifold.

You can also see the blue pipe (cold) that links the two carburettors looping over the top of the very hot exhaust manifold.

Despite being so close to the exhaust manifold and with no heat shield protecting them, the carburettors do not get excessively hot. The reason for this is simple.

When the engine is running, especially under power, a large volume of fuel is flowing through the carburettors keeping them cool and this is why they are able to work with modern petrol.

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to enrich the mixture. Although it will run very unevenly, driving a short distance will bring cooler petrol into the carburettors from the tank and the increased airflow will help reduce under-bonnet temperatures.

Modern cars do not suffer from these problems for two reasons. First, the petrol in the pipes and injectors is held under high pressure, which increases the boiling point of the different components. Second, as soon as you switch the ignition on, the hot petrol in the engine bay is recirculated back to the fuel tank allowing the engine to start on a new charge of cold petrol.

Carburettor setup

Thermal image

However, looking at the thermal image above, the two choke levers below the carburettors are hot and shown as yellow with a red outline.

Probably around 80oC. As these levers are connected to the bottom of the jets, they will certainly contribute to heating the petrol, particularly after the engine stops. Unfortunately, these did not have separate thermocouples fitted to them so it was not possible to track these temperatures.

Overheating and the Hot Restart Problem When the car is in slow-moving traffic or stopped, two effects work to increase the fuel temperature.

Although the engine is running at low power and producing less heat, the rate at which heat is lost is greatly

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reduced because there is less air flow through the engine bay. The under-bonnet temperature will rise.

In addition, the fuel is flowing more slowly through the carburettors, so it has more time to heat up.

The distillation curve for 95 octane fuel shows a rapid rise in the volume of fuel evaporating between 45oC and 70oC, the typical temperatures reached in the engine bay. Furthermore, when the engine is switched off, no fuel is flowing and with nothing to remove the heat, under-bonnet temperatures will further rise as heat soaks out from the exhaust manifold, radiator and engine block.

As the fuel in the carburettors gets hotter, more of it boils. The pressure of this vapour forces petrol out of the carburettor jet, which collects in the inlet manifold making the mixture temporarily richer. The vapour bubbles in the jet then cause the carburettor to deliver a much weaker mixture when the engine is running or cranking. This is what causes the engine to stop or prevents you from restarting it.

The only solution is to lift the bonnet and wait for the temperature to drop. However, if the problem is not too bad, it is possible to nurse the engine back into life using the choke

What can be done to address this problem There are basically four ways to address the Overheating and Hot Restart problems: • Change the petrol you use • Decrease the amount of heat generated by the engine • Increase the heat removal from under the bonnet • Reduce the amount of heat reaching the parts of the fuel system Change the petrol you use When I have suggested using a different brand of fuel in the past, I have met with comments like “all petrol is the same. How can using a different brand resolve my problem?”

Nothing could be further from the truth. The composition of petrol from different sources is anything but the same. Not only does each distributor use different additives, many also sell different grades of petrol. To further complicate the matter, the composition of petrol varies across the United Kingdom and over the time of year.

The UK fuel distribution industry is served by around 14 different refineries which supply petrol to their local area.

Many of these came on stream in the late 1950s and early 1960s, reflecting

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the post-war demand for petroleum.

The result is that no two refineries are identical. Petrol of one brand in one part of the UK most probably differs from the same brand in a different part of the UK, depending on which refinery supplies those regions.

In addition, three different grades of fuel are sold throughout the year: • Winter fuel - October to April.

This has the highest front end components to ease cold starting and is what was used a t Manchester • Intermediate fuel - April to May and September to October • Summer fuel - June to August.

This has the lowest front end components and is the best fuel to use in a classic car.

In practice, these dates are not fixed and will vary with ambient temperature and the fuel turnover at any particular filling station, making it virtually impossible to know what grade of fuel you are using to fill your tank.

The chart below compares the distillation curves of some of the different fuels used in the

The distillation curves of some of the different fuels used

Manchester tests.

Fuels with lower front end components are less likely to suffer from the Hot Restart or Overheating problems. Additionally, the test engine at Manchester also ran better on these fuels.

These curves suggest that the best fuels to use are Sunoco Optima 98 from the Anglo American Oil Company and Avgas (a fuel for use in aeroplanes). Both these

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have considerably fewer front end components, more closely matching classic fuel below 100oC. Unfortunately, it is not legal to use Avgas in a road vehicle. While Sunoco Optima 98 is expensive, it could be considered as the fuel of choice for low mileage vehicles.

More practical solutions are to use Super grade fuels, or add kerosene (paraffin) which is legal for vehicles built before 1956 (a licence from HMRC is required). While the curve shown above is for a 5:1 95 octane / kerosene mix, I use a 10:1 super grade / kerosene mix which gives a better reduction in low temperature volatility.

Interestingly, adding kerosene gives a better volatility match to classic fuels above 100 oC. Changing to a petrol that has lower volatility in the 45oC to 70oC range will result in less petrol evaporating at typical under-bonnet temperatures and is probably the most effective way to reduce the severity of the Overheating and Hot Restart problems. It is worth trying different brands, grades and filling stations until you find one that best suits your car.

Perhaps the most practical solution would be for the regional Centres and Natters to share members’ experiences.

Possibly even to establish a relationship with local suppliers or garage owners to find out which stations are selling summer fuel and when.

Regardless of which fuel you use, it is best to avoid filling your tank on the first run of the season, probably in April or May, when petrol stations are selling winter fuel. Only put in the fuel you need and fill up as soon as summer fuel becomes available.

Otherwise, you could end up with a tank full of volatile winter or transition fuel on a hot summer’s day; a recipe for problems!

Decrease the amount of heat generated by the engine You can keep under-bonnet

temperatures to a minimum by ensuring that your engine is properly tuned and runs at optimal efficiency.

Remember cyclic variability from the first article? This can reduce an engine’s efficiency by a few percent.

Not sufficient to notice in everyday use, but a few percent of the 80Kw of waste heat is a lot of heat!

This will be covered in the future article on combustion.

Increase the heat removal from under the bonnet 35% of the waste heat is lost through the cooling system and it is important to make sure this is working to its optimum efficiency: • Flush out the radiator • Remove the flies and other debris from the radiator fins • Check all the hoses are in good condition • Ensure the thermostat is working properly • Use a cooling system wetting agent • Check your fan is fitted the correct way around. If the blades are dished, the convex face (outward bulge) should face the radiator • Ensure your fan belt is in good condition, driving the fan properly and not slipping Ensure air can flow freely through the engine compartment: • Remove leaves and other blockages, such as badges, from air intake grilles • Ensure ancillary equipment such as the horn, wiring, etc, are not blocking the airflow, particularly around fuel pipes and carburettors Electric radiator fans help keep air circulating but may make matters worse. In slow-moving traffic, they are drawing hot air, probably in excess of 80oC, through the radiator and blowing it into the engine bay. Not ideal. It may be better to fit the fan at the bottom of the radiator, where the

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air is cooler, or in a position where it can suck in cold air from the front of the car. I understand some people have also fitted 12-volt computer fans to blow cold air directly onto the carburettors.

One important point to remember is that hot air rises. Any fans, ducts or baffles intended to move cooler air through the engine bay should encourage this, not ‘fight it’. Blow cold air in at the bottom of the engine compartment, extract hot air from the top.

It is also worth fitting a timer or equivalent circuit to ensure any electric fans continue to run for around 5-10 minutes after the engine has stopped, as this will help alleviate the Hot Restart problem.

Reduce the amount of heat reaching the fuel system Anything that can be done to keep the fuel system, particularly the carburettors, cool will help reduce the severity of the problems caused by the volatility of the low end components in modern petrol.

Solutions worth consideration are for example: 1. Fitting electric fan(s) 2. A heat shield between the exhaust and carburettors 3. Thermal spacers between the carburettors and inlet manifold 4. Insulating parts of the fuel system 5. Adding baffles to redirect hot air around carburettors or fuel hoses 6. Insulating the exhaust manifold and front part of the exhaust system to reduce the heat they radiate under the bonnet Unfortunately, insulation does not stop the transfer of heat; it only slows it down. Once the engine has stopped and the fuel is no longer flowing, the petrol will heat up, no matter how well insulated the parts of the fuel system are. Benefits will only arise if the heating is delayed for a sufficient time to allow the under-bonnet temperature

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to fall below 45oC. Unfortunately, not all ‘obvious’ solutions are effective. At Manchester we insulated the bottom of the carburettor, the float bowl and transfer tube which are closest to the inlet manifold. This had no measureable effect on reducing the temperature of the fuel. After the engine was stopped, temperature measurements below were taken every 30 seconds from the thermocouples on the fuel pump and

Temperature profile graph

carburettor to give the graph below: The three readings are the fuel pump (green), the average of the two transfer pipes between the float chamber and carburettor (red) and the average of the temperature of the junction between the inlet manifold and carburettor (blue). As can be seen, the temperature increases of the pump

outlet and transfer pipe were small.

The greatest temperature rise was seen at the point where the carburettor was joined to the inlet manifold. This was heated by conduction from the 170oC cylinder head through the inlet manifold and the hot gases travelling back up the inlet from the valves. After four minutes, this raised the temperature of the carburettor to 70oC, at which point 50% of the forecourt 95 octane fuel would evaporate. Sufficient to cause the Hot Restart problem.

The thermal image on the right is taken looking down the inlet tract after the piston in the carburettor had been lifted with a screwdriver. It shows the hot gases in the inlet manifold. The light blue area within the circle, the carburettor needle, is at an average of 61.1oC, the green area is hotter. This shows how the heat from the inlet manifold is significantly increasing the carburettor and fuel temperature.

This finding is not what would be expected and explains why the thermal insulation, mentioned above, had no effect. On the XPAG, the reason why the carburettors get hot after the

Piston being lifted by a screwdriver www.mgcc.co.uk

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Thermal image looking down the barrel

engine has been stopped is not because of their proximity to the inlet manifold but because of the hot gases escaping back up the inlet manifold.

A solution may be to blip the throttle and switch off the ignition while the engine is still revving, as it will allow the hot gases to be vented and cold gases to enter the cylinders as the engine runs down.

The tests at Manchester were performed in a test cell, where the conditions are very different from an engine bay where there may be other sources of heat. For anybody wishing to investigate potential solutions, an infrared thermometer or, better still, a thermal imaging camera is the ideal way to identify hot spots. However, remember that as soon as you open the bonnet, the temperature profile will change. As an alternative, digital multimeters with thermocouples are now inexpensive and provide the means to allow your passenger to accurately measure the temperature of parts of the fuel system even while a car is moving.

Conclusion The Manchester tests clearly demonstrate that one of the problems of modern fuels is their low temperature volatility. This article suggests a number of ways to mitigate these problems but, other than changing to a fuel with a lower percentage of front end components, there is probably no magic solution.

I am fortunate: by using summer, super grade fuel with 10% kerosene added and ensuring the engine is optimally tuned, my TC does not suffer from the Overheating or Hot Restart problem, even though I do not have a heat shield, insulation or an electric fan.

The MG Car Club takes no responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material or information in these articles, and the opinion of the author is his own and the Editor and the MG Car Club are not bound to agree with those opinions.

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F

irst registered in December 1963, I bought my MK1 Midget, known as Midgers, with less than 2,000 miles on the clock, 10 months old, for the then princely sum of £500. The equivalent in today’s money would be around £9,500. This lovely little car was pristine, Old English white with red interior, resting in a breaker’s yard (reason unknown) pleading for a good home.

After paying a small deposit, there and then, I only discovered later that there was a significant sum outstanding

on Hire Purchase, as it was then known.

I would not return to collect until I had written confirmation that this had been cleared; again, we didn’t have the luxury of websites to assist.

The rack and pinion steering was so much more positive than the sloppy steering on my 1948 Ford Prefect. I found that I was all over the road with constant over-correction, that I had to stop. You see, my escort was driving a Daimler Dart and had to slow down as I was too dangerous at his speed. My lifelong love affair with MGs was about to start, but I was totally unaware of that at the time.

The year 1964 was a time when the asphalt in front of you could stretch for miles, and when driving possessed a certain sense of adventure.

Garages – not filling stations – were much more prevalent and one had to either carry a spare gallon or be aware of when next a fill-up would be required. In these garages, too, were men who knew mechanics, actually had welding equipment, skill and imagination, who could fix things.

It was not at all like the modern, impersonal ‘drive through petrol stations’ of today.

JOURNEYOF ALIFETIME

By Clive Stokes

A well traveled Midget in Norway.

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‘Midgers’ ready for the off – 1964

Osa, the cause of this incredible journey

With hood down, wind in my hair, I started to explore the highways and byways of the wonderful English countryside, feeling a mixture of Toady in Toad of Toad Hall, Jack the Lad and/ or the dogs “doodahs”. And then I met this beautiful 19-year-old Swedish girl which changed everything. Suddenly the madness of being in love hit me like an express train.

This was the summer of 1965 when I was a young blade of 26 years. It was the magical sixties when youth rebelled, Rock and Roll boomed, The Beatles arrived and the mini-skirt was not far away. There was a sort of magnetism in the air, with women burning their bras, rebellion from the underclass as if they had walked through a restricting mist and were now asserting themselves.

This was post-war Britain in all its raw assertiveness. Unbelievably exciting times, with new inventions, new ideas, new

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horizons, and most importantly, new ambitions with new possibilities. The yoke of war had finally been broken and youth were going berserk with their newfound freedom and an ever-improving disposable income.

I found myself leaving the northerly sea port of Immingham, in Hull, on my way to Gothenburg on the dodgy old wooden tub of a Swedish ferry called the Suecia, with absolutely no stabilisers. The North Sea can be brutal and this tub of a ship rolled and pitched like a brewer’s barrel being tossed into its cellar. I learned later, after a very rough crossing, that it was being withdrawn from service as newer ships were replacing it.

My trusty little Midget was full of Osa’s luggage together with mine, but this little motorcar was like a young spaniel excited at the prospect of an outing and could not wait to get going.

When we docked this very large young Swede came up to me and asked me if I was going to Stockholm, to which I answered yes. “I see you are alone.

Could you possibly give me a lift? I am broke and need to get home.” I told him that I had a very small car that was already crammed with luggage and then I suddenly thought there could be a beneficial possibility here. “If I can shoehorn you into the car and get you there, would you be able to put me up?”

We struck a strange deal. “We will have to drive with the hood down and your luggage on your lap,” I said, as we got to the car. Eirik was 6’ 6” and had been rather a naughty boy playing away from home and told me that he would have to ask his wife first. But remember, this was Sweden and ‘free love’, and it was the sixties. It all depended on her immediate reaction when he opened the front door. Strange, these Swedes, but incredibly open and honest with a warm generosity, practical, they saw life as it was and not as some romantic dream.

I aimed the bonnet towards Stockholm, pressed the accelerator and shouted “Tally Ho”. Eirik gave me a look and probably thought, strange, these British.

I parked the little Midget outside Eirik’s flat whilst he went inside to negotiate my future lodgings, since I, too, wanted to reside in Stockholm. After a nervous 10 minutes or so, the door opened and I was beckoned forth.

Lovely flat, lovely people and, boy, did I have the luck of the Irish. I was only three blocks away from where my girlfriend lived in a high-rise flat and pondered the chances of this happening in such a city as Stockholm.

Osa and I met up with an English pal of mine, who was living in Sweden with his Swedish girlfriend, and spent the weekend at her parents’ summer house. I remember travelling with the hood down and two other adults sitting on the rear bulkhead with their legs down behind the seats, our luggage on the rack. Authorities were extremely

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M

The midnight sun

hot on ‘drink driving’, even then, but somehow ignored what would be considered dangerous today.

Strange, that.

We took Midgers into Norway, and stopped for petrol at a filling station somewhere north of Bodor. A certain Eirik Furebottom – pronounced firboten – came to fill us up. As soon as he realized I was English he said: “You comm...” So I comm.. If we were not in the Arctic Circle then, we drove well into it later on.

Osa and I followed him into his house where we met the family who were watching Manchester United on the television! Clearly, they were great fans. Eirik went and got out his ‘private collection’ of beer and said: “You drink”. I drank. His storage was outside in a cold cabinet. Poor Midgers was forgotten about for the next 16 hours or so, as we were guests of the family. Out came the Bremvin – a kind of schnapps. Osa warned me that if I started drinking she would go to bed.

Eirik and I went midnight fishing in the mountains for uret – a sort of mountain salmon. All I achieved was getting my tackle caught in the nearby trees! We returned and ate a very well-cooked meal, as it had been left on the top of the stove for some hours.

I said to Eirik: “Short of giving me your wife, you could not be more generous – why?” This all in broken English. He replied: “You comm.” So again, I comm…

Outside in his back yard were mossy banks and big fir trees, with stepped

40 SAFETY FAST! MARCH 2017

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banking going away from his property.

He said: “You, my friend, you fought hand to hand against the Germans”, with great emotion, shaking my hand.

Bodo had been captured, as it was a vital steel-producing town, and poor young Eirik’s town had been occupied and I guess the relief of the British Army relieving them was imprinted on his memory. He could not do enough for us.

We drove off the next morning the greatest of friends and some distance down the road I said to Osa: “We didn’t pay for the petrol!” I went back and paid him and for my trouble he gave me what must have been his most treasured possession: a cured shoulder of reindeer meat. That meat travelled to hot Spain, and when I got back to England it was still edible, which says something for the skills of the Eskimo We hit rain on our way south and the little white car became almost a greyblack with all the mud spray from the dirt roads. I could only just see out where the wipers had swept, it was that bad.

I can’t remember much about the

journey from Norway down to the south of France, but I do remember that we had a mother of a row over something.

Prior to this, I had given all my money and passport to Osa for safe keeping.

She said something about it being safer, which I challenged. Anyway, immediately after the row I got back into the car and we shot off. She had left her handbag on the pavement with all our money, and passports, too.

From an idyllic trip so far, our nightmare suddenly began. It was the year that Harold Wilson had devalued the pound and actually said on television that the money in your pocket would not be affected. There was a universal limit of £50 per person for foreign travel spending money (£900 in today’s value) – the country was broke.

We managed to get the French police to stop British motorists to allow us to beg from them what little money they could afford and managed to scrape up around £30 or so. At the police station we learned that a road block had been put in place and that the police were confident they would catch the thieves, since there would be three different currencies in their possession, Swedish, English and French.

We waited several hours as a variety of calls came in with the devastating message: “Absolument rien”. It was then that we realized that we had lost the lot. With no passports and very little money we were in deep, deep trouble.

It was a Friday and it meant that we would have to blag our way in to

M G E

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Entering the Arctic Circle

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hotels without passports. It also meant that I had to drive half the length of France from the deep south to Paris and back in four days, a matter of nearly nine hundred miles, but the little Midget was up for it. We had to report to the Swedish and British Embassies in the hope that we could obtain ‘emergency passports’.

Once in Paris, I sent a telegram to my Father: “Been robbed send money”. He was used to his second son getting into all manner of trouble, so I hoped that the poor man would not be too shocked.

How we managed to gain access to hotel bedrooms without passports I cannot fully recall, but we did it somehow. I remember that we sat down on some steps in Paris and shared a hamburger and bottle of water between us. We were broke and the money had not yet come through by then, although I was offered a bed for the night by a very accommodating (no pun) young French lady in the Westminster Bank, as I had explained my problem to her when enquiring if my money had come through.

The British Consul instructed me to obtain a mug shot to enable them to issue me with an Emergency Passport.

The Swedish Lady Consul was more interested in attending an embassy ball and simply said: “She will have to be sent home”. “Impossible,” I replied, “her parents are away, her house key is in my parents’ home in England with the rest of her clothes.” Finally, the rather trumped-up Madame conceded that it would be best if Osa stayed with me, so a second Emergency Passport was required.

We were advised to visit a photographer on the Champs-Elysées but when he quoted his price, out of a continual build-up of frustration, I very nearly wrecked the place. I managed to get what were then called ‘photomatoms” from a photo booth. Was I ever proud of my Father, stepping up to the plate like he did, since money finally came through to the Westminster Bank in Paris.

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The British Consul showed me just how these sorts of photos could be forged, but under the circumstances issued me with my emergency documents, as did the Swedish Embassy.

We were once again legal citizens and were on our way south again.

It is strange how shocking situations affect people since, when I was sorting out the contents of the boot, I came across this envelope with perhaps around £30 in. It had been my ‘emergency fund’, which I had completely forgotten about. Was I surprised when I found the cash, which I waved to my girlfriend saying: “Tonight we will have a really special meal to celebrate our survival against life’s tribulations”, and we did. I was in the money – big time, since I also had the money that my father had sent me.

It could have been in St. Tropez for all I remember, but I had ‘fruits de la mer’ but the blessed shellfish were still alive. The waiter had taken an instant dislike to me and thought he would teach this British Roast Beef a lesson – why, I know not.

If I had eaten any of them I guess I could have been really ill, but I sent them back. Perhaps he thought that I was a truly spoilt English brat, with money and a delicious blonde girl on my arm – who knows? But I did think “why does it seem always to happen to me?”

The reindeer meat survived extreme temperatures and was still quite edible, even when I got back to England. I thought of Eirik Furebottom and his family, his wartime experiences and how strange and diverse life could be.

My trusty MG Midget did not miss a beat. I discovered later that it had a ‘development engine’ in it, since it had double valve springs, parts that were not listed in the ‘workshop manual’. I telephoned the main dealer in Hammersmith where I was told “you don’t have those parts, Sir”. “That’s strange, since I have them in my hand!”

I replied.

The first thing I did when I got home was to go and thank my Father profusely, for his kind and prompt generosity.

“That’s all right, Son,” he replied, “It was your money, taken from your account.”

Eirik Furebotten’s general store and filling station

Footnote: Unbeknown to me at the time, I was to become a life-long fan of the MG Marque. I would graduate to several MGB GTs, trying to convert a bit of a dog with a donor car. An ex-Californian left-hand drive Mk.1 MGA into a pristine, beautifully performing little motor car with a souped-up ‘B’ engine and a fivespeed gear box, and then on to an MG RV8. I still have fond memories of the Midget, so if anyone should know of the existence of 562 TRT I would dearly love to hear from them. This marque is truly the “Marque of Friendship” since I have made many wonderful friends along the way.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 19:03

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ocket

SVW NEWSLET TER Paul Campbell • svw.safety.fast@gmail.com www.svwregister.co.uk

m m

WELCOME TO THE SVW NEWSLETTER Your Register committee has been very busy; in fact I can’t remember a time when so much was going on.

Our Chairman, John Dutton, sets the scene in his jottings. Jim Andrews as Secretary reports on a mammoth task he’s undertaking. John Bannister has taken the Advertising Manager role by the scruff of the neck and has a record number of advertisers (and hence revenue) for the coming SVW Review.

This is enabling Charlie Plain-Jones, SVW Review Editor, to put together a bumper edition – probably the biggest ever – which is as always free to all SVW Register members and can be purchased by everyone else. On top of all this, we have decided to join the Inter-Register Club. What is that, I hear you ask – find out over the page.

Jim has also taken care of the annual task of updating the list of technical articles, which can now be found on the website. This refers to any article relating to our cars that has appeared in any publication over many years including, of course, the SVW Review and Safety Fast!

Robert and Jane Crayston are busy organising the SVW Event at Colchester and I’ve received some insight into what we can expect. All I can say is: think ‘Castles and Constable’. Quite a few people booked when the event was announced, but now that we’re into the New Year further bookings are coming in at a steady pace. Book soon!

As for me, I’m just planning some bodywork restoration, as I mentioned last month – removal of wings and

running boards, some remedial work, replacement of the wing piping, repaint all the parts then refit. I took it to a local MG restoration specialist to get an estimate for the whole job. This will be sent later, but the recommendation seems to be for a body-off restoration.

Most likely this will now have to be a home job, although I’ll get the painting done professionally. I’ll start with one side and see how I get on.

I’ve also been doing further research into the police history of BAP 689. This has revealed some very interesting facts and, dare I say, produced evidence of several other ex-police VA Tourers not known before. There’s too much to write here, so I hope to report fully in the SVW Review.

Seeking professional help!

www.mgcc.co.uk

MARCH 2017 SAFETY FAST! 45

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SVW NEWSLET TER

50TH ANNIVERSARY We’re now in the 50th year of SVW Register!

Yes, it was formed in 1967, so this will be celebrated in various forms during the year. Launched by Martin Brent in 1967, Issue one of the SVW Review was not produced until December 1976. Copies are still available and in fact you can get a complete set at a bargain price – see the website. Looking back at my own copy of Issue one, I found a set of inserts inside, which are quite interesting in themselves.

Inserts that came with issue one of the SVW Review in 1976

ANOTHER SA BACK ON THE ROAD – ALMOST! Malcolm Robertson reports from Australia: Harry Hickling in Australia has a new SA. Readers will remember that back in 2006 Harry masterminded the reconstruction of the derelict SA2337 in the style of the Reinbolt and Christie cars bodied in Switzerland for Keller in the late 1930s. He says perhaps it is best referred to as a “Keller Tribute”.

Harry then set about trying to destroy SA2337 in two Peking to Paris rallies in 2007 and 2010 and a couple of other endurance events. I’m sure you have all read about his adventures with his wife, Cathy, as navigator. Fortunately the car survived and looks as pristine today as it did when first constructed.

To use up his leftover SA bits and pieces, including the chassis from SA1885 which was burned out in a

A reminder of SA2337 on the Peking-Paris.

Photo: Harry Hickling

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West Australian bushfire many years ago, Harry has now commissioned the construction of another SA Special for use in rallies: a tourer in the style of the Charlesworth-bodied SAs but perhaps more reminiscent of the Lagondas of the period. This car has all the knowledge of the prior SA plus all the lessons learned to build an SA capable of taking on the world’s toughest rallies. Importantly, as Harry says: “it has to look fast – even standing still!”

Its purpose is to allow the Keller car to retire into the more sedate role as a

touring car. Harry points out that both cars have been built by the Robinson Brothers, near Canberra. He says that the second car should be described as being bodied by the Australian “Robinson Brothers Carrosserie”, albeit in the modern era.

Harry, who now lives in Melbourne, called in to Canberra in early January with the new car in a trailer, heading home for final fettling. He kindly took it out of the trailer for a special inaugural public viewing by a select group of MG enthusiasts!

Harry Hickling’s SA1885 at Canberra in early January.

Photo: Malcolm Robertson www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 19:03

SVW NEWSLET TER

EX-DAVID WASHBOURNE SA SALOON Talking of skilled people who don’t mind getting their hands dirty, I was privileged to catch up with Tim Phelps recently. Tim bought SA893 from David’s estate in 2014. It had been in a garage in West Horsley, Surrey, since David had a substantial accident in it and some of the work had already been done. The garage had repaired and straightened the chassis and fitted new suspension components, fuel tank and exhaust system. It arrived in Tim’s garage at a time when he was building a Q-Type replica, so the SA had to wait its turn. Having seen some of Tim’s work (including VA Tourer 1601), I can assure you the SA is in good hands and work has now started in earnest. Tim is focusing on the bodywork and has repaired and strengthened three of the four doors so far, as well as some welding to the front wings and replacement of the rotten A posts. I managed to get a couple of photos for you. Tim is keeping a journal and intends to provide updates, including an article in the next SVW Review.

Tim Phelps looking very happy with SA893.

Photo: Paul Campbell

Lots to do but what a great place in which to do it. Photo: Paul Campbell

INTER-REGISTER CLUB The IRC is a club that gets together Registers from a diverse range of pre-war single-marque clubs and specialises in light-hearted events such as Naviscats and Treasure Hunts throughout the UK. The Triple-M and Vintage Registers within the MGCC are already members. Given this is at Register level, it means that all members of affiliated Registers have access to these events and there may be one near you in the coming months. The IRC itself is affiliated to

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_March17_3-48.indd 47

the Motor Sport Association (MSA). I like the idea as, being a smaller Register, it would be nice to get together with larger groups of like-minded people who own other marques such as Riley, Alvis, etc. You can read up on it at www.interregister.org.uk/index.htm The SVW Register joined officially in February, so please keep an eye on their website and let us know if you attend any such events.

MARCH 2017 SAFETY FAST! 47

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SVW NEWSLET TER

JIM ANDREWS’ PAPER CHASE Since the early days of the SVW Register, the Register Secretary has kept copies of all written correspondence received from members. With the introduction of email the number of letters received has dropped to virtually zero. The respective Register Secretaries have stored all this correspondence (which now amounts to five very large storage boxes containing approximately 100+ A4 ring binders) at their houses, taking up considerable space.

The correspondence is filed by a unique number given to all members of the Register. The Register committee has discussed what we should do with all this documentation, which has not been looked at for

many years. Our current Register Secretary, Jim Andrews, undertook to carry out an assessment and report back to the committee.

Jim established that the vast majority of the correspondence was a mixture of social correspondence, requests for how to obtain certain spares, membership applications, etc. However there is some historical information, including members detailing the condition of their car at the time of writing, confirmation of previous ownership (include police forces), details of a car that was stolen, etc.

Jim also established that to try to find if we had any information on a particular car was a major task, as

one has to extract from the Register database the unique number of each owner and then check the multiple correspondence files for any information that may exist; a quite tedious task that was often fruitless.

Therefore Jim is now listing any historical information and refiling it by chassis number, enabling easier searches in future.

On completion of this mammoth task we will assess how to make the information available to members, which may be a listing of chassis numbers and the type of information held placed on the Register’s website.

Jim has already commented: “There is some interesting information emerging”. Watch this spac

REGISTER CHAIRMAN’S JOTTINGS By the time you read this, the birds will be singing, the bulbs breaking through, the lambs springing about, etc, etc. And about now, many of you will be dusting off your pride and joy, putting the wheels back on and charging up the battery, ready for your first real run of the year. For the year ahead there is a lot to look forward to.

First, the MG parts event at Stoneleigh in February. This takes place whilst I am in NZ with Charlie Plain-Jones and John Bannister, plus our wives, attending the Pre-55 event being held this year in Whanganui, on the South Coast of North Island. Local MG owners are kindly letting us borrow their cars, so I am looking forward to driving Bob Douglas’s SA Tickford. He is bringing this car over to the UK in May to sell it – if you are interested, it’s shown on the ‘cars for sale’ page of our website.

The next event I anticipate going to is the MG Era Day at Brooklands on April 2. I no longer own my WA Tickford, but will be there in my newly acquired 1954 TF. Last year there were just three SVW cars at Brooklands;

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a shame, because the best SVW car there receives the David Washbourne Award. Do come along and bring your SVW car – it’s always a great event and makes you feel the season is really under way.

Close together in June and July are MGLive! and the annual SVW event in Colchester. This year is the 50th Anniversary of the formation of the SVW Register, and both events will be used to commemorate it.

I never understand why the MGLive! event is not better attended by our cars. It’s in the centre of the country, so accessible to all, the weather is often kind and, even if you’ve been many times before, the sight of all those MGs always stirs the blood – plus this year there are going to be some real changes in the way the event is run. We will be celebrating the anniversary at the SVW desk, so come along for a piece of cake and a glass of bubbly, and an extra slice and glass if you come in your SVW car.

Robert and Jane Crayston are deep into the organizing of the Colchester

event in early July. I am going along to give them a hand, as I live reasonably close and know the area well from my school days. It is perfect for our cars – picturesque villages, a great hotel, convenient for Harwich and with lovely, rural countryside. You can be sure that this will be a great event, so don’t miss it!

So, 2017, our anniversary year, is going to be a year to remember, and we still have the second half to look forward to!

John Dutton

SVW Cars at the 2016 MG Era Day, Brooklands.

Photo: Martin Cumming

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 19:03

SHOWCASE Classic & Sports Car Gala

Sunday 7th May 2017

In the grounds of Cowdray House, Midhurst West Sussex

“A great gathering of MGs of all ages” Other British classic & sports car marques welcome too

Morning: Relax with “jazz on the lawn” OR take part in our Scenic run across the South Downs, returning to Cowdray in time for lunch.

Afternoon: Vintage gala with stalls, live music, food, refreshments, raffle prizes, trophies for the best cars and much more....

Early Bird Tickets from just

Team GB Olympian Joanna Rowsell Shand MBE will present prizes to the best cars

“Celebrating our British motoring heritage”

£25 per car

BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment as places are limited

Tickets: www.showcase-classic-cars.events

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21/02/2017 18:54

MGA NEWSLET TER Edward Vandyk Tel: 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk

WELCOME TO THE MGA NEWSLETTER An update on events – the best place for up-to-the-minute news is the MGA Register website which has details of 2017 and 2018 events.

The Spring Tour, organised by George Dutton, now has 53 entries. As if George was not busy enough organising this event, he is yet to be relieved of his merchandising duties on behalf of the MGA Register – volunteer(s) are sought. Your Register Needs You! For details of the role please go to http://www.mgcc.co.uk/mga-register/news-2/.

The venue for the South West/MGA day on July 2 is the

East Somerset Rail centre at Cranmore which will also be the venue for the South-West Centre picnic. There will be a road run – details to follow.

Stockfest 2017 will be held on Sunday August 20 and will again comprise the Rare Breeds road run, returning at lunch time, and a car show with a vintage/craft fair, food, drink and music – something for driver and co-driver alike.

Entries for the Rare Breeds road run are now open and the entry form can be found at http://rarebreedstour.co.uk along with details of the car show.

MGA ‘FAKE NEWS’ Fake News, along with Alternative Facts, have been topics in vogue recently so, not to be Trumped so to speak, here is a bit of MGA Fake News contained in a headline which never, of course, appeared. MG Entries for Sebring 1962 Excluded. Indeed, the headline could have read MG Entries for Sebring 1962 Excluded – Again!

Whilst researching an article about the MGA with the Dunlop Disc Brake All Round option, the De Luxe colloquially, and, at the same time, applying for an FIA Historic Technical Passport on a 1960 MGA Twin Cam, as well as answering a Safety Fast! reader’s query about whether glass fibre wings should be allowed in competition, I stumbled across what appears to me to be the challenge of the RAC/FIA homologation of the MGA. The Sebring 1961 and 1962 stories are well-documented. Two MGAs were entered in 1961 by the US distributor and the three MGAs in 1962 were entered by MG themselves, heralding their return to circuit racing for the first time since 1955.

All the cars were prepared at Abingdon and all had the Dunlop Disc Brake All Round option fitted.

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The cars ran in both years in the Grand Touring Class, Category 9 at 1588cc. To run in the Grand Touring Class the cars had to have satisfied certain criteria of Appendix J of the FIA International Sporting Code, in French with an English translation, which criteria were the same in both years. The key criteria being that they had to be homologated, meaning that they were of a specification, including options, fixed and recorded in writing by forms produced by the RAC on behalf of the FIA. Homologation required that more than 100 identical models of the car, as offered by the regular sales department of the manufacturer, had to have been produced in a 12-month period and that options likewise available, but with seemingly no stipulation as to numbers built with those options, could be listed in relation to the model.

A model for these purposes being either the MGA 1600 or the MGA 1600 MkII. Satisfaction that the Appendix J eligibility criteria had been met was originally left to the manufacturers themselves who produced their own

rather short Forms of Recognition, but the 1960 Appendix J introduced homologation based on the Forms of Recognition, often with the manufacturer’s forms attached to the homologation. The homologation was in a standard 8-page format with photographs. Trying to interpret the various Appendices J from that time seems to only lead to one conclusion: namely that what the English translation of the French said and what actually happened in period differed materially, not so much in how the cars were presented but rather more in how the homologations themselves were constructed. In other words the cars complied generally with the homologation but the homologations themselves were simply inaccurate as to their contents.

I guess this is hardly surprising, given the transition from a manufacturerbased system to an FIA/RAC system which would have taken the opening position from the Forms of Recognition and manufacturer definitions for the rest of the eight-page form.

Homologation starts with generic VIN number and engine number formats relevant to the model.

The homologations for the MGA, excluding the Twin Cam, are with

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 18:54

MGA NEWSLET TER

dates granted, No. 29 (17/9/1959), 51 (16/1/1962) and 56 (20/3/1962).

So far, so good! The 1961 Sebring entry would, I believe, have to have been made under the then-existing Homologation 29. However, this is where I believe the challenge starts and, in that challenge, possibly why the Sebring 1961 entries should have been excluded.

The Form of Recognition produced

by MG themselves attached to Homologation 29 is a double-sided single-sheet document dated 4/9/1959 and relates to the MGA 1600 in both Roadster and Coupe form. It does not, and indeed could not at that date, include the Dunlop Disc Brake All Round option. However, Homologation 29 itself relates solely to the 1600 Roadster and not the 1600 Coupe but does include the Dunlop Disc Brake All Round option which would invariably have had knock-on disc wheels. Since Homologation 29 is dated 17/9/59 and the Dunlop Disc Brake All Round option was not introduced until 1960, one has to assume that homologations could be updated for specification without updating their date! The exclusion of the 1600 Coupe from the homologation could have been because the Form of Recognition has the Coupe designated incorrectly as GHO not GHD. The 1961 Sebring MGAs were standard Coupes GHD100148 and GHD100149 and the production records show they were built up in

MGAs at Sebring 1962

Racing at Sebring

the then archivist, Anders Clausager.

Errors were possible and indeed are known to have occurred. For example, the original VIN plate for Twin Cam 2600 reads YD2/2600 (YD2 is a RHD Roadster Export car). It should have been a YDH5 (CKD) car based on the Clausager formula, the car being sent to South Africa as a kit and built up there.

A photograph of the VIN for 100148 is prefixed by GHD, albeit the VIN appears modern. So at scrutineering at Sebring in 1961 Homologation 29, being solely for the Roadster (GHN VIN prefix), should not have been applicable and reverting to the Form of Recognition, if indeed allowed, should not have worked either because it did not include the Dunlop Disc Brakes All Round option. Nevertheless, I do not think it would have been that difficult for the organisers to conclude that the car was eligible, and there would have been little doubt that they very much would have wanted to, based on the two documents read together.

However, it is the 1962 entry that is of more interest because there seem to me to be only two explanations available for the events that preceded it.

Either there was a series of inexplicable random but proactive events with

www.mgcc.co.uk

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the Competitions Department where they must have had their Dunlop Disc Brakes All Round fitted. They are, however, not shown in the production records as being cars fitted with Dunlop Disc Brakes All Round. Such cars are identified in the production records by part of the entry, relating to the body, trim and (if applicable) hood colours being in a different colour, brown or green, for Coupe and Roadster. A standard car is also likewise identified in red for a Coupe and blue for a Roadster.

It may not be well known that the production records do not contain the VIN prefix but only the VIN number.

The full VIN (prefix and number) you get on a Heritage Certificate is a construct based on a formula inserted in the production records by

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no underlying context, purpose or relevance relating to the entries or there was a concerted effort to achieve a perception of the entries which differed from the underlying reality. ‘Chaos’ or ‘Conspiracy’, if you like.

If this was a ‘Conspiracy’ it is not entirely clear how or why it was set up in the way it was.

My starting point is that, regardless of how relaxed scrutineering at Sebring may have been in 1961 or 1962, there was always the potential for the French model of strict scrutineering to be applied and entries thus rejected. A manufacturer would not have shipped cars to the US for an event such as Sebring in any other configuration than one which had the best chance of being accepted as an entry without question – why would you do otherwise?

In the autumn of 1961 the MGA 1600 MkII model, with a 1622cc engine, was announced.

There would have been no doubt that it constituted a separate model for homologation purposes so, accompanied by a letter from the RAC that at least 100 examples had been built, both Roadster, VIN prefixed GHN2, and Coupe, prefixed GHD2, were homologated with a 16GC engine prefix on January 16 1962 as Homologation 51. For reasons which have been explained to me but which I find hard to understand, Homologation 51 was sought with the Dunlop Disc Brake All Round ‘option’ as the standard model and with the standard Lockheed Disc/ Drums cited as an option, along with either standard disc or wire wheels. I suspect the application was directed at the intended Sebring 1962 cars which were to be Coupes with Dunlop Disc Brakes All Round fitted. Nevertheless, applying in that way was probably in order because, even if the 82 versions of the MGA 1600 built with Dunlop Disc Brakes All Round were excluded, over 100 1600 MkII similarly optioned cars had been built by the

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date of application for homologation.

However, I believe someone at Abingdon must have realised some time after Homologation 51 had been received that they could not have entries for Sebring 1962 with a 1622cc engine because it would have moved the cars into a different capacity class in which they would have been less competitive MG’s answer was to fit 1588cc MGA 1600 engines with an XSP engine prefix which were specially built for the cars.

Pausing at this juncture we now have three production-line MGA 1600 MkII Coupes with Dunlop Disc Brakes All Round commenced on January 17 1962, the day after Homologation 51 had been given, and finished on February 21 but fitted with 1588cc rather than 1622cc engines. However, these cars would have looked like 1600 MkII cars and 1600 MkII cars, which had been on sale for months, were known to have 1622cc engines.

The key distinguishing features, apart from the badges, being the different grille and rear lights. So here is the first Abingdon move – they ‘phoneyed’ the cars up as 1600 cars, not 1600 MkII cars. They did this, as the accompanying photographs show, by fitting 1600 grilles, with each alternate slat removed, and having rear lights which were neither 1600 nor 1600 MkII and which used 1600 lenses, without plinths, attached directly to the bodywork, replicating the Sebring 1961 entries. The cars were also debadged.

These cars now had to be shipped to the US having been tested at Silverstone by Sir John

RAC Letter Homologation 56

Whitmore and Bob Olthoff. The cars, uncharacteristically, were not UK registered, had the US clear front indicator/side lights and thus were presumably intended to remain in the US and be sold there, which is what happened – however being right hand drive and heavily modified they were unlikely to be sold other than as racing cars.

Not being registered, the cars must have been exported based on their full VIN numbers. Therein lies the second strange occurrence. Not satisfied with dressing up 1600 MkII Coupes as 1600 Coupes, Abingdon gave the three cars GHN2, ie Roadster, rather than GHD2, ie Coupe, VIN prefixes. So now we have three 1600 MkII Coupes pretending to be 1600 Roadsters – what was going on?

Could it have been that the Sebring 1961 scrutineering had actually been a little more challenging at the time, although there is no recall of that being the case, and that there was thus a need to make these cars fit a specification

www.mgcc.co.uk

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that would be accepted for entry in Sebring 1962 without question?

Making the cars into 1600 cars ticked that box, as would making them notionally GHN2 roadsters, because that brought them firmly into Homologation 29 where the Dunlop Disc Brake All Round option was cited as an option for the Roadster.

Except, of course, the VIN prefix did not really fit as it had that ‘2’ at the end but, more importantly, whilst the cars looked like 1600 cars they were Coupes in the metal, not Roadsters.

So I believe Abingdon’s solution was two-pronged: firstly put the cars on the boat to Sebring VIN-prefixed as 1600 MkII Roadsters, which looked something more like 1600 Coupes, despite the fact that they were 1600 MkII Coupes with 1588cc engines, and then also to try to homologate the 1600 Coupe whilst they were in transit. This is what they did.

Armed with a letter from the RAC dated March 3 1962 confirming that more than 100 units of the car had been built, MG applied to homologate the 1600 Coupe with the optional Dunlop Disc Brakes All Round as standard and with the standard disc/drum set-up as an option. By this time, if the cars were not on the water they would have been at the docks so the GHN2 Roadster identity die was cast. However, how much better would it be if what looked like a Coupe, and indeed was a Coupe despite the GHN2 designation, could be homologated as a 1600 Coupe.

So just 11 months after the last

1600 Deluxe was produced, MG made the application for Homologation 56 for the 1600 Coupe, relying on the RAC letter which itself was simply incorrect as only 12 1600 Coupe cars were ever produced with the Dunlop Disc Brake All Round option. Even taking into account 1600 Roadsters as well, the number is still 18 less than the required 100.

Homologation 56, which was solely for the MGA 1600 Coupe, was nevertheless granted on March 20 1962, the day before first practice at Sebring and thereby rectified the omission in Homologation 29.

The fact that Homologation 56 for the 1600 Coupe actually shows MGB exhaust headers and has a picture of the roadster alongside one of the Coupe just adds to the confusion.

Whether these exhaust headers were on the cars that raced I do not know, but whilst they can be fitted to a RHD car without modification this is not the case with LHD cars.

So, all in all, chaos either born out of confusion (‘Chaos’) or a concerted attempt to find a way through scrutineering (‘Conspiracy’) – take your pick.

The problems lay as much in the homologations as in the way the cars were presented, so one final point about homologation of the 1600 and the 1600 MkII cars.

Homologation 56 (the 1600 Coupe with Dunlop Disc Brakes All Round) actually shows a weight of 901.5 kg (1,987.5 lbs), Homologation 29 for

HOW MANY LEFT? A total of 101,081 MGAs were produced (98,970 Pushrod and 2,111 Twin Cams), but how many of those have survived? The short answer is – we don’t know.

Many of you will be familiar with the website www.howmanyleft. co.uk but is it accurate? No, it most

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certainly isn’t. This website is based on information from the DVLA but only includes cars that are currently taxed or on SORN. The figure for Quarter 4 of 1994 was 1,424. This figure fluctuated up and down over the years, within a very small band, until around the beginning of 2012. Since then the total

the 1600 Roadster shows a weight of 914.4kg (2,015 lbs) and the Forms of Recognition attached to Homologation 29 show weights of 2,068 lbs (938 kg) for the Roadster and 2,127 lbs (964.8 kg) for the Coupe.

Thus Homologation 56 homologates the 1600 Coupe with Dunlop Disc Brakes All Round, of which only 12 examples were made, and does so at a weight 60 kg less than a 1600 Coupe on the 1959 Forms of Recognition and about 15 kg less than a Roadster in Homologation 29.

I can only draw one overarching conclusion: namely, that the various MGA homologations are not fit for purpose and do not reflect the reality of what was genuinely capable of homologation and what should not have been.

This extends to fibreglass wings and aluminium shrouds as well.

From that conclusion arises one question: we are still using the same homologations, including the one for the Twin Cam which was revised in 1994, as the benchmark today, so should they be revisited?

Something strange was going on, whatever path was taken.

Nevertheless, where there is a will there is a way, especially in motor sport, and the entries for the cars were accepted. I suspect, being MG, they would always have been accepted regardless.

So much for Fake News, but we do also have the facts – so which is the correct ‘Alternative Fact’?

has increased steadily until Q3 of 2016, the latest period for which figures are available, when there were 1,681 licensed MGAs and 285 on SORN, a total of 1,966. The current trend does now seem to be a steady increase.

The USA is still by far the most fertile hunting ground for re-patriating MGAs to the UK. A few years ago it was felt that the best cars had already found

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their way back. However, this prediction has proved unfounded as more and more are finding their way back home.

One notable example is that of an Alamo Beige 1600 Roadster that was imported

by Bob West last year. This amazing car is a true time warp, being in remarkable condition and having a recorded mileage of 9,000 from new. It even had its original tool kit. How many other such cars will emerge in the future?

Turning to the MGA Register Database, there are some 3,000 MGAs recorded with UK registrations. Why the apparent differential of over 1,000 cars? The answer lies partly in the fact that the MGA Register records all cars known to the Register, not just those known to DVLA. These extra 1,000+ cars include many that are in the course of being restored, or even stored away awaiting restoration; the proverbial barn finds waiting to be found. There is good reason to suppose that there are more cars in this situation than might be imagined.

As Registrar, I deal with applications to DVLA for the reassigning of original UK registration numbers as well as the issuing of agerelated numbers for imported cars. In the past two years I have processed 13 applications for UK numbers and I feel confident that there is a substantial number still to come in the future.

There is a significant number of MGAs on the Register Database that do not appear on the DVLA database at www.

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gov.uk/get-vehicle-information-fromdvla Cars that have been off the road and untaxed since before 1983 will not appear on this database because the records were previously managed by the relevant local authority and, if a car was untaxed at the time the records were transferred to DVLA, those cars simply ‘disappeared’. The process of applying for original registrations will be the subject of a further article later in the year.

Turning back to the Register Database, readers may like to know how this is managed. The MGA Register, as an organisation, was formed in 1970 and the Register Database was established soon after, initially in the form of a hand-written card-ex system. In 1985, the then Registrar, Roger Martin, took on the task of computerising the Database, utilizing Microsoft Access. This is essentially the system used today. It is important to reassure owners that the Database is not available for public viewing and that all personal details, such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, etc, are never divulged unless with the permission of the individual.

Of course, any database can only be as good as the information fed into it. For this reason the records on some cars are very sketchy. There are many MGAs, probably into the hundreds that are not on the Register Database.

Despite vigorous encouragement, many owners will not divulge their car’s

details. A significant number of owners submit their car’s details with important pieces of information missing, most important of all being the Chassis/VIN number. You can register your MGA via the ‘Register Your Car’ facility on the MGA Register website at http://www. mgcc.co.uk/mga-register/register-yourmga/ or if you would simply like to know whether your MGA is registered you can request this by contacting mgcarclub_mgaregistrar@hotmail.com (note the underscore after ‘club’).

Other MGA Registers exist around the world. Most notable of these is NAMGAR – the North American MGA Register www.namgar.com/ This is very much like our UK Register and, like ours, maintains a database of known MGAs, in their case over 8,000 cars.

The MGA Register Holland http://www. mgaregister.nl/ is headed by Koen Struijk and bills itself as being for all MGA owners worldwide. In this case the Register is free for anyone to access.

However, no owner details are kept and the information available is strictly that relating to the cars themselves. In an ideal world there would be a single reference point for all MGAs worldwide, but as each Register operates using a different system this is not possible.

The Twin Cam Group maintains a record of all known MGA Twin Cams worldwide and keeps detailed history of ownership. Enquiries for Twin Cam cars only can be made to MGATCG@ outlook.com Stuart Mumby

www.mgcc.co.uk

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21/02/2017 18:54

MGF NEWSLET TER Tim Morris 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org • www.mgfregister.org 1995 press photo of an MGF VVC and MGF 1.8i

WELCOME TO THE MGF NEWSLETTER FORGING AHEAD INTO 2017 Are we at last seeing an upturn in MGF/TF prices? As more cars are “written off” for often very minor damage the number on the roads is diminishing rapidly. This is good news if you are an enthusiast determined to keep you F/TF on the road, as the source of second hand parts is plentiful and assured for some time to come, and as the cars that are left on the road become rarer it is sure to push prices higher. Sam Dawson writing in Classic Car Weekly is of the same opinion, putting the MGF at no.5 in a list of 90s cars worth saving. “(It’s) gorgeous – those nose nacelles recall the B and Jaguar E-Type and the rump harks back to the TR7 – but it was also innovative, with Hydragas suspension and a

revvy mid-mounted twin cam engine for excellent ride and handling,” concluding with “prices are on the floor now, but they’re being kept there only by fleeting ignorance.” A previous issue puts the MGF at no.23 in the most popular cars sold at auction, but notes the “wildly fluctuating prices” from £300 to more than £5,000. Indeed, top-range cars are fetching more than that but an average good condition TF can still be found for under £2,000. We are still in the phase where cars are cheap enough to be brought for modifications and donors for other projects or just cheap summer ‘fun-arounds’, much as we saw with the MGB … and look at the prices for some of those now.

THE MGF REGISTER Following last year’s resignation of our last Registrar, Adrian Clifford, we now have a new Registrar in the form of Nigel May. We thank Adrian for his enthusiasm and efforts in collecting data for the Register. Nigel is familiar already as the Vice-Chairman, Archivist and Membership Secretary and now will be adding another arrow to his quiver by looking after all our data, both car and membership details, as we tighten up our procedures. The databases are actually separate, so no personal details are connected to the register of cars and both are being kept on a secure server. Nigel can produce the MGF Register ‘Heritage Certificates’ as the Register has always done. They are free to Members and we just ask for a small

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donation to our chosen charity for non-members (although Members can make a donation too, if they wish!). Members can request information about their own vehicles, but we do not release bulk data as the information was passed to the MGCC in confidence from MG Motor with conditions that we do not do so. All registrations through the Club and our website are now passed to Nigel for checking and/or inclusion on the Register. If anyone would like to send vehicle details to help us keep the Register as accurate and up-to-date as possible then register your car at www.mgfregister.org or please email them (or any other enquiry, including certificates) to Nigel at registrar@mgfregister.org

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 18:54

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in next months issue of Safety Fast! I’m sure that David will be writing about the UK series in a future edition of FasTForward. The current issue features a newcomer’s viewpoint, with Helen Blake talking us through her first few months of F ownership and Maxine Pfander presents her ‘Marmite’ car – a heavily modified TF. In the MGF Register we embrace all members from the modders to the conkers…I mean concours champions… and like to see just what you make of your F/TF.

French and Japanese race cars at Castle Combe 1996

RACY FS David Coulthard has taken a look at early MGF motorsport in the latest edition of our Register magazine FasTForward, in particular the first Japanese and French race series. 2018 marks the 20th Anniversary of the first British MGF race series, as David explains. “It will have been 20 years

FUTURE EVENTS The Hellfire weekend is approaching on March 11-12 and you are not too late to register for the run which starts at the Market Square in Abingdon – it costs just £10 and you can register via our online shop at www.mgfregister.org/shop The evening before will be our annual dinner at the Crown & Thistle Hotel in Abingdon and we’ll be handing out our annual awards; again, you may still be able to book a place at the dinner and join in – for more info check our Internet forum or Facebook page or email mgf.events@ mgfregister.org Looking further ahead, there are several main events in the offing and some multi-region events appearing. The first of those will be our usual gathering at Brooklands on April 2 for MG Day – normal Museum prices will apply. We always encourage as many regions as possible to take part and last year there

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since the start of the BRDC-organised MGF Cup and the MGCC’s Abingdon Trophy. Both Championships were announced at a joint press conference at the London Motor Show at Earls Court in October 1997.” David is hoping to arrange a special race during 2018 to mark the occasion and you should be able to read his full appeal

Max’s ‘Marmite’ featured in the current edition of FasTForward

were a record 135 F/TFs present with half a dozen regional flags flying. Brooklands is undergoing a transformation at the moment and it could be a great opportunity to see how they are getting along. Keep an eye on our forum and

Facebook page for any more details and we look forward to seeing you there.

On April 28-30 Donington Historic Festival takes place and the Register has a stand booked. We can put plenty of cars on it and there is a ‘buy one get one

Plenty of Regional Flags flying at Brooklands MG Day last year – join us for the 2017 event on April 2 www.mgcc.co.uk

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free’ offer on tickets for Club members.

Just contact Chairman Keith at keith. williams@mgfregister.org letting him know that you would like to go and he will send you the secret code. It’s not just F/TFs, as any MG type will be welcome on our stand.

Another event where we will be having a stand is the Classic & Sports Car Gala at Cowdray Park, near Midhurst, on May 7 which is a charity event in support of Alopecia UK. The charity’s publicity car is a Member’s MG TF so we hope for a good position! Olympic cyclist Joanna Rowsell Shand MBE will also be at the show so we should get some good photo opportunities. It costs £25 per car (in aid of the charity) and you can book

FOB FRYING! Recently the sun came out in Wales so the TF had to come out as well.

Opening the garage door, I got the keys out, pointed them at the car and clicked the fob. Nothing happened. I tried my spare fob … still nothing. I tried the key in the door … it wouldn’t unlock!

With no idea what was (not) happening, I took to that great source of profound advice – social media. After numerous discussions on Facebook pages and forums I received plenty of advice and names of people to call. To cut a very long story short, I eventually managed to open the driver’s door with the key, but both fobs still didn’t work and I couldn’t start the car as it was permanently in alarm mode.

I hunted around and found the security card for the car (had it from new) but the dealer had not written the emergency key code (EKA Code) on it so I seemed to still be stuck with a TF that wouldn’t go, and that rare Welsh sunshine was waning.

What was the sequence of events that led up to this situation?

Just before Christmas I retired and moved to Wales. I had to give my

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via their website at www.showcaseclassic-cars.events Once you’ve done that let us know you are coming by email to mgf.events@mgfregister.org or sign up on our forum.

If your fancy is more for a European trip then the MGFIM is taking place again this year on May 25-28 and is based in Aalst, Belgium. It is organised by the MG Car Club Antwerp team and Register friends Bruno, Francine and Erik who were responsible for the long-running Kemperit series. The usual fun mix of road runs and activities is being arranged for the weekend and accommodation begins at 82euros per double room. For more details and to book go to www. mgfim.org

company car back, so I began to use my wife’s Mini as the daily driver. Naturally, I added the Mini key to my MG key ring and thought no more of it.

Just after Christmas I decided to take the TF for a ride. The fob didn’t work. Ah, I thought, I’ve had 11 years’ battery life out of this fob so it’s not too bad. Before I changed the battery I just dug out my original spare fob.

That didn’t work either. So, I changed the batteries in both fobs. Only the spare fob worked (not the one that had shared a key ring with the Mini fob). I drove the TF, had a lovely day out and put it back in the garage. A few weeks later and now neither fob worked!

Back to social media. One of the names I was given was Kevin at Remobilise, near Swansea (thanks Jan and Andy of South Wales MGF Register).

Remobilise can be found here www.facebook.com/Remobilise.Ltd I called Kevin and he was amazingly helpful over the phone. I managed to get my Pektron SCU/BCU out of the car (Security/ Body control unit located behind the heater controls) and drove it the 50 miles to him, along with my two failed key fobs.

We’ll be gathering at the Uxbridge Classic Car Show on July 16 with a 25-car stand and hope to have several Regions represented once more. It costs £10 per car and you’ll need to book in via Ian Wright – you’ll find details on our forum and Facebook pages as usual or email Ian at thames.valley@mgfregister.org Of course there are dozens of local meets going on – a new Kent sub-group in the South East and a new Lancashire Region to add to the mix as well. To find out what is going on in your area go to our Internet forum at www/mgfregister. org/forum and look for your nearest region. Most regions now have their own Facebook pages and they are linked to the forum so please check those as well.

MG TF Pektron key fob

Mini key fob

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David speeding up Test Hill at Brooklands when the fobs worked well! Photo: Tim Morris

As soon as he saw me arrive in my wife’s Mini with two fobs on the same ring a wry smile lit his face and I think he knew what the problem was.

He showed me an old MG Rover bulletin to dealers, which basically said that if the TF keys are kept on the same bunch as another MG Rover or BMW-derived car with similar electronic immobiliser, then the TF handset can become corrupted – but only when the key is actually used in the other car!

I have since searched further and found this information on the MGF Register technical forum from a thread as long ago as 2013!

So, Kevin added two new aftermarket fobs to my SCU and after a lot of testing came to the conclusion that my original fobs were irreversibly corrupted. At the same time, he replaced the notoriously unreliable relays in my SCU (so now my intermittent wipe finally works again).

We made sure everything worked by plugging my SCU into Kevin’s test vehicle.

I then refitted the repaired SCU in my TF and all was fine again.

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So, who would have thought it – I destroyed both my TF fobs just by having them on the same key ring as the Mini fob. The damage happens only when the Mini fob is used to start the car itself. Apparently, just

having the fobs close to each other on the hallway table is not a problem.

I’ve now just got to wait for the Welsh sun to shine again.

David Mulcahy

The Mulcahy Mini causing havoc amongst the F/TFs at Bicester in January. Photo: Ian Wright

2017 CHARITY Our charity for 2017 is Prostate Cancer UK and we have a new way of making donations by using your mobile phone. Just text MGFS95 £10 to 70070 to make a £10 donation. Larger donations can be made using the Just giving website at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mgfregister2017 Our first charity event is coming up soon, so we hope to get off to a good start – see you in Abingdon!

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 18:55

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MARCH 2017 SAFETY FAST! 61

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RACE TORQUE

RACE TORQUE

T

By Ron Gammons

he Club’s first race meeting of the year will be within very few weeks of this magazine landing on your doormat: Donington, on April 9, where we have all of the Club’s Championships racing and an excellent day of Club racing should be on offer. With the editor allowing a bit of latitude on press dates [thanks, Andy] I can report that already we have one grid, that of Equipe GTS who are into reserves with over 40 entries for their season opener!

This is a magnificent result for Rob Cull and John Pearson’s efforts. The contestants in the Equipe GTS series are also to be congratulated on the presentation of the cars, many of which could grace a concours, and one has to say that the driving standards are of a high order as well!

The rest of the entries at Donington are coming in and we really look forward to some exciting racing.

I won’t go back through the detail of Donington’s location – that’s all in last month’s magazine – but it really is a good circuit for viewing, and of course all members are welcome in the Club’s Welcome Centre, once again supported by British Motor Heritage, with coffee, tea and biscuits which are available throughout the day.

This Centre will be on the first floor of Race Control and adjacent to the signing-on area. It’s also the venue for the prize givings after each of the races, so why not attend and cheer on the prize winners!

62 SAFETY FAST! MARCH 2017

It should all be a really good day’s entertainment. Entry prices are very competitive, and according to the Donington website there is a £5 discount for old age pensioners.

The meeting after Donington is the Club’s major two-day event at Brands Hatch which is on April 29-30, so more details on that in the April magazine. It is another excellent viewing circuit with lots of action, including two races for the early cars, our MMMs, and another two races for our T Series.

The Club has just published on the website some guidance regarding Members’ use of social media. The advent of this has changed the way people communicate, and offers much good by way of dissemination of information but, as been shown recently, can be seriously misused as well. Competitors and their teams, officials and others connected with our sport were already under a duty

of responsibility to ensure that any of their communications were fair, truthful and not bringing motorsport into disrepute, with various sanctions available under the MSA regulations.

Now the Club has issued similar guidelines calling upon all Members to behave responsibly. The ultimate sanction in extreme cases would, of course, be the withdrawal of membership. Hopefully, this would never become necessary.

Last month I mentioned the travails of the future of Silverstone.

Well, there seems to be a fresh reason for optimism in that Liberty have now purchased F1 and have committed to maintaining the historic western events, which of course includes the British GP. Liberty have brought in some new faces to the management team, including Ross Brawn, the mastermind behind what is now the all-conquering Mercedes team and a very experienced person in F1, with the opportunity to bring some semblance of order to the current very unsatisfactory situation. All power to your elbow, Ross!

A final word to our competitors: do check that your equipment, helmet, overalls, etc, are still in date, clean and ready for use! Have you obtained your licence yet? If so, don’t forget to sign it. See you all at Donington!

www.mgcc.co.uk

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s expected, our MGs on Track event at Silverstone sold out within two days of opening for booking; a reflection perhaps of the desire of our members to drive in the wheel-tracks of Clark, Mansell or Hamilton, and the fact that Silverstone has not featured in our calendar for a period. However, it is still worth adding your name to the waiting list if you missed out, as members sometimes cancel because of work commitments or a mechanical malaise that can’t be cured in time.

After Silverstone, our next track days will be those at Cadwell Park and at Snetterton. As I write, booking has yet to open on our website so I can only hope that there were (or are) spaces available for all. The date of the Cadwell Park event has been confirmed as April 24, thus avoiding the clash with Easter of the previous provisional date and allowing a little more time to digest all that chocolate.

Nicknamed “The Mini Nürburgring”, Cadwell Park is situated near Louth in

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MG_SafetyFast_March17_49-98.indd 64

Pictures by Trevor Leighton

the Lincolnshire Wolds. The circuit is twisty, undulating and, in contrast to a track like Silverstone, rather narrow in places. The track winds through open park and woodland, and is surely as scenic as any in the UK. There is an excellent café, but there are no pits or garages. Parking is on the terraced grass area above the track which, although a disadvantage if the weather is poor, does encourage a sociable atmosphere and just a hint of stepping back in time.

As at all MGs on Track events, tuition will be available from ARDS instructors, and helmet hire for those that do not have their own.

We endeavour to make participation at one of our events as easy and enjoyable as possible, but, if you are new to track days, we will arrange for a more experienced member to mentor you for the day to ensure that it passes smoothly and without stress.

In contrast to Cadwell Park, Snetterton was developed from an original wartime bomber airfield.

However, it is not just straights and right angle bends; redevelopment

within the last few years has provided a challenging track with a more organic feel, and with many corners to test the handling of cars and the skills of drivers. A couple of long straights do remain, so those with a more powerful car will have the chance to fully extend their vehicles far beyond that which is legal or safe on the public road. Indeed, the foregoing is really the point of MGs on Track events; they offer the opportunity to drive your car as fast as you feel comfortable in a controlled and safe environment, with like-minded members in similar cars, and on some of the finest circuits in the UK. You’ll certainly drive your car harder and faster than you ever could on the road, but everyone is going in the same direction and there are no lollipop-ladies, white vans, or stray dogs to distract from the experience ...

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www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 18:55

MGS ON TRACK – 2017 CALENDAR

LUFFIELD CHAMPIONSHIP JOHN WILMAN, BEECHFIELD, FERN BANK, C H A P E L -E N -L E -F R I T H , H I G H P E A K . S K 23 0J J T E L : 07778 165186 W W W . M G S P E E D . N E T

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.

Silverstone – March 27 The home of the British GP is back on our calendar after a short absence.

Cadwell Park – April 24 A twisty circuit in the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Snetterton – May 22 A fast and open track.

Croft – June 23 A shared day with Lotus on Track on a great circuit, set between the Yorkshire dales and Yorkshire moors!

Castle Combe – June 26 The first visit of two, regular, annual visits to this very friendly circuit in Wiltshire.

North Weald – July 7 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.

Hethel – August 5 Another opportunity to experience the Lotus test track in Norfolk. A great track for all types of MG! Castle Combe – September 11 A second opportunity to enjoy the thrills of this everpopular track which includes a couple of chicanes and technical corners!

Donington Park – October 2 A flowing, historic circuit in the Midlands featuring the super Craner Curves and Old Hairpin sequence.

LUFFIELD CARS / MG CAR CLUB SPEED CHAMPIONSHIP 2017 March 26 Rockingham Sprint BARC April 2 Curborough Sprint MGCC Midland Centre April 9 Harewood Hill Climb BARC April 9 Abingdon (NEW) Sprint Sutton & Cheam MC April 23 Rushmoor Sprint Farnborough & DMC April 29 Anglesey Sprint MGCC April 30 Anglesey Sprint MGCC May 6 Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb Midland Automobile Club May 13 Wiscombe Hill Climb Torbay MC May 14 Scammonden Hill Climb MGCC May 27 Prescott Hill Climb Bugatti Owners Club June 10 Abingdon ‘Carnival’ North Sprint Sutton & Cheam MC June 18 Silverstone Stowe Sprint MGCC June 24 Aintree Sprint Liverpool MC July 1 Barbon Manor Hill Liverpool MC July 8 Castle Hill Climb Camel Vale MC July 9 Castle Hill Climb Camel Vale MC July 29 Three Sisters Sprint Longton & DMC August 6 Curborough Sprint MGCC Midland August 26 Loton Park Hill Climb H & DLCC August 27 Loton Park Hill Climb H & DLCC September 9 Wiscombe Hill Climb MGCC September 10 Gurston Down Hill Climb BARC September 16 Harewood Hill Climb BARC September 17 Harewood Hill Climb BARC October 8 Eelmoor Sprint Farnborough & DMC October 21 Castle Combe Sprint Bristol Pegasus MC

Anglesey – October 13 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.

Goodwood – October 31 Our second visit of the year, in case you missed the first due to popularity!

Brands Hatch ‘Indy’ – December 4 Our last event of 2017. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this undulating circuit including Paddock Hill Bend!

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_March17_49-98.indd 65

MARCH 2017 SAFETY FAST! 65

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CALENDAR

MARCH Thursday 2 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre 2017 AGM Contact: Rob Welch – RJWELCHMIDGET@aol.com Thursday 9 MGCC: South East Centre Tech Talk on Car Electrics Contact: Ian Ailes – 01932 856960 Friday 10 - Sunday 12 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Elvis Tribute Weekend Contact: Nancy Crichton – 01236 739758 Saturday 11 - Sunday 12 MGCC: MGF Register 2017 AGM and Awards Contact: Philip Hayward – mgf.events@mgfregister.org Saturday 11 MGCC Club Council Contact: Colin Grant – 01235 555552 Sunday 12 MGCC: South East Centre Spring Naviscat Contact: Philip Bayne-Powell – 01483 811428 Sunday 19 MGCC: Midget Register 2017 AGM Contact: Mike Parker – 01235 525255 Saturday 25 MGCC: Abingdon Works Centre AGM and Awards Contact: Richard Martin – 01235 529331 Saturday 25 MGCC: T Register T Register Rebuild Contact: Barry Knight – 01252 875740 Sunday 26 MGCC: Caledonian Centre 25th Anniversary Lunch Contact: Leslie Duncan – 0141 637 3475 Monday 27 MGCC: MGs on Track Silverstone GP Contact: Martin Holmes – martinh@mgs-on-track.co.uk Friday 31 - Sunday April 2 Classic Car and Restoration Show NEC Birmingham Contact: www.necrestorationshow.com

APRIL Saturday 1 MGCC: South East Centre Dinner Dance Contact: Terry Giles – 020 8660 0908

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Sunday 2 MGCC: Midland Centre Spring Sprint Contact: Simon Morris – 07788 168488

Sunday 23 MGCC: South East Centre Spring Run Contact: Derek Edwards – 01737 765891

Sunday 2 MGCC MGA Era Day at Brooklands Contact: www.brooklandsmuseum.com/whats-on/ brooklands-mg-era

Sunday 23 FBHVC National Drive it Day Contact: www.fbhvc.co.uk/heritage-culture-andmuseums/drive-it-day/

Tuesday 4 MGCC: Caledonian Centre 2017 AGM Contact: Nancy Crichton – 01236 739758

Friday 28 - Monday May 1 MGCC: South East Centre Jersey Rally Contact: Derek Edwards – 01737 765891

Saturday 8 MGCC: FWD Register 2017 Spring Run Contact: Ben Hatton – ben2692@hotmail.co.uk

Saturday 29 - Monday May 1 MGCC: Caledonian Centre May Three Day Tour Contact: Nancy Crichton – 01236 739758

Sunday 9 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre Spring Autotest Contact: David Stonehouse – 01790 754774 or davidstonehouse1@btinternet.com

Saturday 29 - Monday May 1 MGCC: Yorkshire Centre Caledonian Centre Three Day Anniversary Tour Contact: Steve Dobson – stephen.dobson.900@gmail.com

Sunday 9 MGCC Racing Donington Park Contact: www.donington-park.co.uk/ Sunday 9 MGCC: MGB Register Spring Run Contact: Graham Dix – chairman@mgb-register.org Saturday 15 MGCC: Magnette Register Magnettes and Steam Contact: Stephen Tickell – 01737 760330 or stephen.tickell@gmail.com Saturday 15 MGCC Pride of Longbridge Contact: www.prideoflongbridge.co.uk/ Sunday 16 MGCC: Caledonian Centre One Day Satellite Run Contact: Anne Howitt – 01738 623231

Saturday 29 - Sunday 30 MGCC: North West Centre Anglesey Sprint Weekend Contact: Paul Rodman – 0161 439 8990 Saturday 29 - Sunday 30 MGCC Racing Brands Hatch (Indy Circuit) Contact: www.brandshatch.co.uk/ Sunday 30 MGCC: Triple-M Register Mary Harris Trophy at Brands Hatch Contact: Mark Dolton – mdjdolton@googlemail.com

MAY Friday 5 - Monday 8 MGCC: MGA Register Cheshire Cat Tour Contact: Peter Morgan – mgcarclub_ mgachairman@outlook.com Saturday 6 - Sunday 7 MGCC: Y Register Spring Weekend and AGM Contact: Chris Callaghan – 01865 820312

Sunday 16 MGCC: Yorkshire Centre Daffodil Run Contact: Steve Dobson – stephen.dobson.900@ gmail.com

Friday 12 – Tuesday 16 MGCC: T Register T Register Trip to the Ardennes Contact: Bill and Sally Silcock – 01525 750468

Monday 17 MGCC: MGs on Track Cadwell Park Contact: Martin Holmes – martinh@mgs-on-track.co.uk

Saturday 13 MGCC: South West Centre The Kimber Classic Trial Contact: Alan Grassam – secretary@mgccsw.com

Sunday 23 MGCC: Abingdon Works Centre St Georges Day Run Contact: Pete and Sarah Davies – 07877 932284

Saturday 13 MGCC: Magnette Register Stowe House and Gardens Contact: www.magnette.org/

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 18:55

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21/02/2017 18:55

OVERSEAS NEWS

NORSK MG TREFF SOGNDAL 2016.

E

Report by Steinar Braaten Photos by Kari Braaten

very year on the third weekend in August we hold the Norsk MG Treff. There are four MG enthusiasts, from four different centres of The Norsk MG Klubb, who organise this event: Torbjørn from Bergen centre, Erik from Agder centre, Rune from Østfold centre and myself from Buskerud centre.

Per is also with us and takes care of the money, an important task!

MG events in Norway usually include all types of MG. There are not that many of us in total and all are good friends.

In 2016 you could find the oldest MG, a TC from 1946, to the most modern, an MG TF from 2004. The anniversary model MGTF 80LE was represented with two cars. That is not bad, as there were just eight of them sold new in Norway.

Our aim is to keep the event relatively small so that we can have a greater social experience. It is possible for all

participants to chat with everybody and feel that they are welcome. We have learned that 40-50 cars with 80-100 people is a good-sized group. This time there were 46 cars.

Sogndal, a pretty little town along the Sognefjord was our base for the weekend. Narrow fjords surrounded by high mountains, some of them still with a little snow, made an amazing scene.

Even for a Norwegian used to those sorts of scenery.

Thursday – was the first day of the event and participants from all over southern Norway arrived. The cars were parked on the lawn of the hotel and all participants got together outside in the sun. Could it be better? Old and new friends chatting, looking at the cars, enjoying the scenery, the fjord is just 100 metres from our base so the whole setting is very cosy.

Friday – Today’s trip is about 240 kilometres on narrow roads around Western Norway, some steep mountain

Quick break, and enjoying the lake views

passes and descents, a ferry and more.

We started with a visit to the well-known Lerum factory producing jam and juice.

They also have their own motor museum that we visited after the tour.

After this visit we began the tour, heading west towards Førde. Not far from Sogndal you can see a bit of the Bøya Glacier, wild nature! There were some longer tunnels on the way which is usual in Norway. We have many mountains and it is easier to pass inside than over…

At the top of Jølstra Lake

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Top of the Gaular mountain. Down below is the Sognefjord. You can see some of the excellent roads.

The brand-new platform to the right was built to give tourists a spectacular view Road Fv451 along the Jølstra lake. The TF is an 80LE 160VVC

At the Jølstra Lake we stopped for a rest. The Jølstra Lake has a nice MG road along the south side, much better than the main road on the north side. Then climbing up the Holsen pass on roads made for MG driving – narrow and lots of sharp bends!

At the top of the Gaular mountain we stopped to enjoy the fantastic view.

This is one of our National Tourist Roads and there is a brand-new platform where people can walk out and get an even greater view over the steep valley down to sea level again.

The twisting road is great to explore; most of us were driving slowly to enjoy the road and view. At the bottom there was a short distance along the fjord before we boarded a big ferry to cross over to Hella. Then it was back to Sogndal for beer in the sun, enjoying the cars and in the evening, dinner!

Saturday – A shorter tour today of around 155 kilometres taking in the Lustra fjord. There is a small ferry on the route with space for just 13 cars, so we have to start in two main groups.

We headed for a place called Luster.

It’s an old place dating from 1902 and it`s big! Even more spectacularly, it`s situated 500 metres above sea level and the road goes...yes…straight up!

Do I need to mention all the bends?

The sanatorium was a psychiatric hospital after the war and in the 1990s it was closed. Today all the buildings are tumbledown but the experience in visiting this very special place cannot be described.

We continued to Skjolden and the tiny road out to Ornes. About midway from Skjolden to Ornes there is a very nice museum. ‘The Juice House’ is Lerum factory`s very first factory from 1907. It has been restored to its original style.

Next stop is Ornes. A small place and as far as you can go on our narrow road.

There are, mainly, two things to explore at Ornes: a very old stave church dating from 1140 and, our target: the deer farm close to the church.

The way back to Sogndal for our group was by the very little ferry to Solvorn. Some of us were lucky to get

TFs at Gaular mountain, ready for descending to the Sognefjord

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The deer farm at Ornes

From Sogndal towards Førde. This is a part of the Jostedal glacier called the Bøyaglacier

on the first trip, some had to wait for the next departure, but the weather was great all day, and there was an ice cream kiosk on the pier.

Saturday evening was our last evening together. Beer in the garden, sun and just nice people! The dinner was tasty, so we were all happy!

Sunday - Always a bit of a sad day for us in the event team. We have spent much time to make this a good event, then met up early on Thursday to prepare and had fun together with all our friends the whole weekend. Then suddenly it is all over. We are always the last people leaving the hotel – all rooms empty and no MGs on the lawn.

This year the Norsk MG Treff will be held over August 17-20 on the south coast of Norway, based at Lista Flypark, a former NATO airbase, close to the little town of Farsund.

You are welcome to join us for an adventure. If you would like further information please contact Steinar Braaten at norway@mgfregister.org

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 18:56

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21/02/2017 18:56

CENTRES

ABINGDON WORKS

RICHARD MARTIN sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk Writing this on a grey, miserable January day, you could be forgiven for thinking there’s not much going on in MG circles at this time of the year. However, during the past few weeks, Centre members have been supporting the Phoenix Natter’s New Year gathering in Hampshire, the NONG Natter’s visit to Hightone Restorations in North Oxfordshire, the classic car gatherings at Stony

Stratford in Buckinghamshire and Brackley in Northants, as well as the first meeting of 2017 at Bicester Heritage. Add to this a visit to Aston Pottery, just outside Bampton, aka Downton, and a tour of British Motor Heritage, plus quizzes and dinners you’ll see that, thanks to the efforts of the Natters, there’s still plenty on offer through the winter months, so please try to support them.

MGA and MGB photographed at the Bicester Scramble. Photo: Mike Gething

ANGLIA

ROB MUIR 01206 862619 scribe@mgccanglia.com www.mgcc.co.uk/anglia-centre Since when I have owned many A President’s MG History MGs and still do today.

Recently Anglia Centre President Here is a list of them, to the and former Anglia Chairman, best of my recollection. MGB Roger Latham, produced an Roadster, MGC GT and TC. These interesting synopsis of his three I owned concurrently. Sadly, involvement with MGs and how they had to go. First to do so was he became involved with the Club. the MGC, then the TC. The MGB I think it warrants reproducing for was my daily driver for some threethe magazine below. plus years.

My MG motoring started in A pause in my MG owning the 60s when I spotted an MG followed while I made do with Midget on the forecourt at my local other cars. Then the urge took BMC dealer. At first they couldn’t hold again with the purchase of start it, not a very good beginning! a new MGF in 1996. This had Undeterred, I purchased it and an unfortunate end, as it was used it for my daily commute; it damaged at the dealers while was our only family car. As is often there for service. It was repaired, the case, it eventually had to go but unfortunately not correctly. to make way for something more The outcome was that the car was family friendly. returned to the dealer and the full All that was long before I invoice amount refunded!! became an MG Car Club member.

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Coming up in March we have our AGM – don’t be put off and stop reading now! – when we’re delighted to have Centre member Allan Ashenden talking of his time at Longbridge and in China.

This promises to be a unique insight, exploring the challenges, the people and the difficulties faced by the project team developing the MGF, as well as the final stages of production at Longbridge, the TF, and the SAIC versions. Clearly a date for the diary, Saturday March 25, Kimber House, 1.00pm.

In April, Sunday 23 to be precise, we have our first outdoor event of the year, the St George’s Day Run in conjunction with the FBHVC’s Drive it Day. Via a road run from Abingdon, we’re visiting the Swindon and Cricklade Railway www.swindon-cricklade-

After a while an MGF VVC Abingdon followed. This gave way to a TF160 with aircon and hardtop, too. A great car.

Restless again, it was sold and an MG Maestro EFI replaced it.

That went, but a new MG ZS180 filled the void very nicely.

That in turn was replaced by the updated MG ZS180 which was improved, not just in looks but in ride and performance; a better torque curve, I thought.

I have owned various MGB GTs, probably about four in total, over the years, including a very nice BGT LE, the pewter colour one.

An RV8 was enjoyed, too, especially as it had power steering

Roger’s new MG3 Style Lux

Mike Gething’s MGB at Bicester.

Photo: Mike Gething

railway.org where there’s an opportunity for a steam train ride, plus two museums and a café for light rereshments. There is an entry form on the website; however, if there’s a problem in getting one that way, Pete and Sarah Davies, 07877 932284, have the answers. Deadline for entries is April 14.

Finally, a warm welcome to all new AWC members and we look forward to seeing you at an event in the near future.

fitted during its time in Japan, plus aircon, of course.

I enjoyed a lovely black TF LE 500 which had a very full specification and was purchased with less than 1,500 miles on the clock. It went to the Le Mans Classic where the aircon proved its worth in temperatures of 30⁰C. With a desire for something more versatile, it moved on and was replaced by a ZR105 which was replaced by a ZR160, face-lifted version, which I much enjoyed.

Coming right up to date, last December I traded in my first MG3, a 3 Form Sport, for an MG3 Style Lux which is a wonderful, practical car.

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

MG TF 135LE Convertible (just 25,000 miles)

MG TF 135 Spark + H/top. (just 50,000 miles)

MG TF 135 Style pack. (just 48,000 miles)

MG TF 135 Coolblue (just 39,000 miles)

2009 (09 Reg) 25,000 Miles Manual Petrol Finished in: B.R.Green/Black leather A very low mileage TF135 ltd edition, finished in British Racing Green (rare ), fitted with full black leather sport seats, soft ride suspension, heated glass rear screen, engine water level censor, sport pack 2 red 4 pot brake calipers with 16” alloys, front fog lights, immaculate condition £5,995

2005 (05 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Xpower Grey Previously supplied by us at 28,000miles. High spec Spark ltd edition model eg, sports pack 2 with 16” 11 spoke alloys, chrome packs, front fog lights, black leather sport seats with grey alcantara inserts, Silver interior trim, plus a colour coded removable hardtop. Mudflaps all round, wind deflector. Just had a full service with a new Headgasket/cambelt/ water pump. Superb condition. £4,295

2010 (10 Reg), Manual, Petrol, Finished in: Silver/ Black leather Style pack ltd edition 2011 year model with folding mirrors. Black leather sport seats, soft ride suspension, heated glass rear screen in soft top, engine water level censor, 16” twisted pepper alloys, silver interior trim. Recent ull service with a new cambelt, brake disc’s and pads alround and moted. Colour coded hardtop available with leather head lining £450. One of the last 130 MG TF’s made. £5,495

2004 (54 Reg) 39,000 Miles Manual Petrol Finished in: Silver/black leather blue inserts Due in soon,......... Ltd edition Coolblue, Silver with black leather sport seats with blue alcantara inserts, 16” cup alloys, Blue hood, engine water level censor, front fog lights etc. Having covered just 39,000 miles with service history headgasket/ cambelt replace Oct 2016. £3,195

MG TF LE500 PreProduction Press car (just 22,600 miles)

MG TF 120 STEPSPEED (Automatic)

MG ZR EXPRESS TD Van (just 54,000 miles)

MG TF 115/135/160vvc Remapped ECU’s

2007 (57 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Grey/ black leather 1 owner MG A very early made car chassis # 7D059. One owner NAC MG UK ltd.

This pre production model was used for press days and shows to show what the new TF’s would be like.

Made to a high spec with full leather sport seats, air conditioning, soft ride suspension, glass heated rear screen, Wind deflector. Very low mileage rare 07/57 plate TF in outstanding condition. Fully serviced with a new cambelt etc Moted £5,995

2003 (03 Reg) 102,000 MilesAutomatic Petrol Finished in: Trophy Blue/Cream Oxford leather Rare Stepspeed (automatic) TF Convertible. Very high spec, Sports pack 2 ,16” alloys, Cream Oxford leather sport seats, 2 owners previously supplied by us, Exhaust + lamba censors at 96,000m, headgasket/cambelt etc at 100,900m, Just had full service with new coolant pipes at 101,832 miles.

Sold with 12 months Mot, Superb.....£2,895

2003 (03 Reg) Manual Diesel Finished in: Yellow/ black One of only 7 in Trophy Yellow. Mg main dealer one lady owner plus ourselves are the only owners of this very low mileage and rare Express Van. Full main dealer service history(10 services). Outstanding condition hard to find a more original van in better condition Our reg number is not with this Van. Only selling as now keeping our Racing MGF “Racing Red”. £2,895

2017 (PP Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: most We can now offer while you wait ECU Remaps/upgrades for all MG TF’s and late MGF’s, 10% power increase more mpg better throttle response. Please phone David for more details, from £295.

VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT PLEASE

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_March17_49-98.indd 73

This is just a small selection from our stock

FAMILY BUSINESS ESTABLISHED 1981 OUR OFFICE/ SHOWROOM IS AT 62B HIGH STREET SHEPPERTON TW17 9AU

www.churchsquareautos.com MARCH 2017 SAFETY FAST! 73

21/02/2017 18:56

CENTRES

CALEDONIAN

BOB MACGILLIVRAY 07870 407111 mgcarsscotland@gmail.com www.mgcaledonian.com

Spring is about to do so and MGs will be coming out from their winter slumbers…but the Centre is active already! You might still be in time to book for the 25th Anniversary Lunch at Airth Castle, near Falkirk, on the 26th. As I write this, there is a rumour of a special guest… To book check the website.

Next on the agenda is the AGM, no pun intended. It’s on April 4 at the Royal Hotel, Bridge of Allan. This is your opportunity to meet all the committee and to raise anything that concerns you. There will be a few changes to the committee following, and if you wish to nominate anyone for the committee then the nomination

paper needs to be in the hands of Nancy Crichton, our Secretary,

by March 17. Again, details are on the website.

Our first proper run is the Satellite Run on April 16, with three separate start points all converging on Tibbermore, near Perth, for lunch. MGs of all ages and models are welcome, so why not make this your first run?

More details on the website.

And if you can’t make that and fancy something a wee bit different then take a look at the May Run and Sail on May 20.

Apart from a drive in stunning scenery, you will also have a sail on Loch Katrine on the Sir Walter Scott. It’s likely to book up early…!

DEVON & CORNWALL GRANNY JANNER www.allegropeter@aol.com www.mgcc.co.uk/devon-cornwall-centre/

We’re still in the quiet and restful time of year, before the start of the longer evenings and many events to occupy our time.

The Devon/Cornwall Natter at Horsebridge held their New Year meal at the Royal Oak, with quite a gathering of people and an excellent meal to start the year off. A list of events was circulated to whet our appetite for the year ahead.

The South Hams Natter held a gathering to put forward ideas for this year’s calendar. This gave Graeme time to sort out the monthly meetings and the summer excursions.

The Torbay Natter: Alan Turner’s MG TC has gone to a new

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local owner after a two-month wait for the DVLA to issue an age-related number. The lunchtime sessions this year are: March, June, September and December.

Marshals are needed for the start of the Land’s End Trial at Plusha on Friday April 14. Sorry I was given the wrong date, which was published in last month’s notes, but please contact Bob Slatter on bobslatter@hotmail.com The West Cornwall Natter’s Brian Williams Spring Run will be held on Sunday March 26. Please contact Angus Wakeham on anguswakeham@hotmail.co.uk Drive It Day on April 23. Please contact your Natters to join in this drive to Lifton Farm Shop for lunch.

I expect by this time that details of our first show at Thirlestane Castle on June 4 will be on the website. This is always well-attended but we need early entries, so please book soon.

For a variety of reasons it’s likely that our MGLive! Team will be reduced, so if you would like to help man our stand then please get in touch. If you haven’t been before then it’s a very worthwhile event and one that has something for all the family. Check the details in this magazine… See you there?

There are two big announcements this month.

First, we have obtained sponsorship from The Edinburgh Watch Co. Those of you who attended Bo’ness or Ignition last year will have seen their stand. They have an excellent range of high-quality watches

at excellent prices and there are at least two Caledonian members very happy with their purchase. Take a look at www. edinburghwatchcompany.co.uk or find them on Facebook.

And there are some exciting plans for the Bo’ness Revival in September. Unless you were competing on the hill, the Saturday would be a fairly quiet day. This year, however, the team are organising a Saturday run with a competitive edge. No competition licence is required and the day will include two autotests and a timed run on the hill. There is scope for team entries, so let’s see what the Caledonian Centre can do. Look out for more information later on our website. This event gets bigger and better every year.

Mark September 2-3 in your diary now.

It would be nice to have cars from all the Natters come to this event.

Join us for a carvery or just park your MG and show it off – there is plenty of room at the Farm Shop.

Even if you do not normally attend a Natter you are welcome to join us. Please contact Ian Cameron on cameronj-i4644@hotmail.co.uk There has been a change of dates for the Atlantic Coast Run, now on June 11, please note.

And Devon Day is now on Sunday August 13.

The Spring Break in Dorset, April 7-9. There are still a few

rooms available. If you would like to go please contact Pete Heath on allegropeter@aol.com A change of format for this year’s the Cornish Riviera Run on Sunday September 10. It will have two starts, one in Plymouth and one later in Cornwall, trying to please everybody, as some Cornish thought it was too early in the morning to start from Plymouth.

A blast from the past. Alan Davis’s picture of MGs on display at Morwellham in the 1980s, with the late Norman McKee’s Cracker in the foreground.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 18:56

Telephone 01753 644599 martin@runnymede motorcompany.com

Mobile (07836) 222111 www.runnymedemotor company.com

1978 MGB Race Car, This cracking little MGB race car in Daffodil yellow and affectionately known as “Juicy Lucy” was owned by my wife from 2002 until 2009 during which time she and I regularly competed in various sprints and hill climbs and some MG Car Club race meetings. Prior to her ownership in 1995 the car was the subject of a complete rebuild, photographic evidence of which is contained within the considerable history file. Also within that file are photographs of the internals of the engine showing the upgrades carried out to the cylinder head during the rebuild. Since then “Lucy’s” competitive life has continued by way of various track days and more sprints and hill climbs during which time she has always been regularly maintained. Her specification includes fuelling through a 45DCOE side draught Weber carburettor and Facet race fuel pump, 4 speed all synchro gearbox, Aeroquip oil and brake lines and large oil cooler, alloy rocker cover, electric cooling fan, oil catch tank, 800lb competition front springs with competition shock absorbers and stiffer front anti-roll bar, brake cooling ducts, headlamp cowls, “Works” hard top, OMP race seats with 5 point race harness seat belts, “Safety Devices” roll cage, “Lifeline” fire eater system, aluminium race fuel tank, alloy bonnet, Fibreglass boot lid (originals also with the car) and “Minilite” alloy wheels. Lucy has always been a good reliable car for club events and will no doubt give hours of pleasure to the next lucky owner. Huge fun for little money at £12,950

1964 JAGUAR XK120 Roadster 3.8 This delightful Nostalgia copy of a 1950’s XK 120 Roadster has to be seen to be believed. From only a few yards away it can easily be mistaken for the real thing as the attention to detail is quite remarkable. With XK prices having now reached beyond the pocket of many, this excellent looking motor car presents a real opportunity to acquire a very sound and well driving classic for half the price of an original. It is powered by a 4.2 Jaguar XJ engine from the donor car coupled with a 5 speed, all synchro gearbox. The interior has been beautifully trimmed in red leather which compliments the Old English White of the coachwork. The car sits on 15” painted wire wheels with high speed radial tyres and is a delight to drive. Very sensibly priced at £44,950

Please view our website at www.runnymedemotorcompany.com for further information or contact Martin Brewer on 01753 644 599

MG_SafetyFast_March17_49-98.indd 75

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CENTRES

LINCOLNSHIRE JOHN HEBB 01522 683541 jhebb38@virginmedia.com www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk

March Natters: Wolds Wednesday 1; Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 3; Wishing Well Wednesday 8 (Talk on Motor Racing Photography by Robin Pearson); Abbey Lodge Monday 13; Three Horseshoes Thursday 16; Admiral Nelson Thursday 23.

Luncheon Club: Wednesday15.

March Events: Lincolnshire Centre AGM Thursday 2 Abbey Lodge. Weekend in Yorkshire (Steve 01778 570286).

Early April Natter: Wolds Wednesday 5 (Book Swap – bring along those books you have finished with).

January’s venue for the Luncheon Club was the Robin

Hood & Little John at Aslackby.

An interesting country pub where 29 members enjoyed an excellent meal. A few days later, there was more dining at the Centre’s Annual Dinner and Presentation Evening, held again this year at the Bentley Hotel in Lincoln. As usual, many members took advantage of the the Centre’s negotiated rates to enjoy the Hotel’s leisure facilities or the city’s delights. The guest of honour was Club Director William Ball, who presented the award winners with their rewards. The California Cup and BMC Trophy had been released from the vaults and were on display, allowing our winning teams from MGLive! some more photo opportunities.

An added feature this year was the auction of an MG ‘Directors’ chair,

MIDLANDS

JOHN FRY jcfryza@gmail.com www.mgcars.org.uk/mgccmidlandcentre

Am writing these notes from Canada in sub-zero temperatures, but I believe it is not exactly opentop weather in the UK at the moment, either!

So, looking ahead to hopefully warmer weather and our forthcoming events, we have our Spring Sprint at Curborough on Sunday April 2. Regs and entry forms are now on our website (as above).

Young drivers – under 21 – get a discounted entry fee, as do Members entering both events at the same time, the Summer Sprint being on August 6. The course is the exciting figure of eight configuration. Any queries or questions please to the Entry

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Secretary Paul Hipkiss 0121 550 4280 or p.b.hipkiss@live.co.uk Something new this year for aspiring newcomers to motorsport, especially youngsters. We have our ‘Taster Production Trial’ in Bromsgrove, near Worcester, on April 30, which will be held on a farm where the terrain is nondamaging. More information, regulations and entry forms can be downloaded from our website.

This is your Centre’s effort, with MSA blessing, to encourage more folk into motorsport.

Without exception, none of the Committee have regrets over the years of participating in various forms of the sport, so why not

donated by one of our members, which raised a magnificent £100 for Prostate Cancer, the F Register’s charity of the year.

Otherwise, the evening followed the usual format of meal, presentations, dancing with break for the raffle. Efficient service from the hotel staff, and thanks to the Committee members for the organisation and to all who donated raffle prizes.

The major event in March is, of course, the Centre’s AGM, and as we say every year, your chance

to hear the reports from the Chairman, Hon Treasurer (always of great interest, this one), Hon Secretary, Competitions Secretary, etc, and to have your say on what the Centre is doing or should be doing.

As I write this, the days are getting longer. When you read this, hopefully spring will have sprung and all those hibernating MGs will be about to be released into the open, ready for Drive Your Classic day in April. The photo is another from New Year’s Day.

sign up and come along to give this event a try!

Our Welsh Rallye May 1921 may still have a few spaces available. This is a non-competitive event, centred on Llandrindod Wells. Please contact Andy Robson on 0121 453 1595 for more details.

The Arden Centre is holding their 25th – and last – Heritage Run from Evesham to Stanway House on Sunday June 11. This is a popular event, so early booking recommended. Please refer to their website for full details.

Another date for your diaries is Sunday July 16 for our Summer Picnic, held at Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb, north of Worcester.

The event is part of the Midland Automobile Club’s Nostalgia Weekend – so plenty of classics.

Incidentally, did you know that

Shelsley is the longest-standing continuous motor racing venue in the world?

Finally, don’t forget Drive It Day on Sunday April 23. Please see our website and/or your Natters’ for details of local events. Andy Robson is more than happy, by the way, to enter your events on our website – just email him your details.

The picture is of Anne and Peter Tilbury’s A, and Judy and your scribe’s B, taken near the Athabasca Glacier in the Canadian Rockies last September. Road height was above 7,000 feet, and temperature below freezing!

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 18:57

MG Car Club Midland Centre

Welsh Rallye 2017 All inclusive weekend Package including, Friday Dinner Saturday: Breakfast Coffee stop. Lunch and afternoon tea stop.

Evening Dinner Sunday: Breakfast, optional visit to Abbey Cwm hir (not included in price) Sunday lunch.

May 19 – 21 2017

The Midland Centre Welsh Rallye is a touring run into wildest North Wales, that starts and finishes at The Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells.

For more information contact the Midland Centre website www.mgcars.org.uk/mgccmidlandcentre

or call Andy Robson: 0121 453 1595

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_March17_49-98.indd 77

MARCH 2017 SAFETY FAST! 77

21/02/2017 18:57

CENTRES

NORTH WEST PAUL GOODMAN 01625 876300

This is the time of year when we all look forward to using our cars more, so get out into the garage to do some preparation. We have a huge pool of knowledge within the North West Centre about the maintenance and improvement of MGs. One of the ways to tap into this is to attend one of our regular meetings. This month we will be holding three of them.

First is the Old Hall Farm Pub gathering on Tuesday March 14, followed a week later by the Plough and Flail meeting on Tuesday March 21, and finally by our regular lunchtime meeting. This month that will be on Wednesday March 29 at The Dog at Peover, Wellbank Lane, Over Peover, WA16 8UP. If you

can’t get to see us in person, then make contact by email. If you have a car to sell, then we can often find a sympathetic new owner. In April, the Plough and Flail regulars intend to make a visit to the Preston and District Enthusiasts Club at the Railway Tavern, Leyland. This is likely to be on Tuesday April 25 – more news next month.

Initial indications are that the Cockshoot Cup Race Championship and the Luffield Speed Championship will be very well supported this year. The Cockshoot starts at the MGCC race meeting at Donington Park on April 9. The competition to win races and Class C is going to be very open, with three TF

SOUTH EAST

JO RUFFELS joruffels@gmail.com www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccse/

The annual Natter forum was held in January, with most Club meets being represented. A range of events is held across the SouthEast throughout the year, with many groups having an active membership. Several now hold very successful lunchtime events; however it was recognized that the evening meets continue to welcome new and younger members and are particularly busy throughout the year, organising seaside visits, pub meets and even holding regular technical talks for the would-be mechanics amongst us.

February saw the start of events in 2017, with film night at the Fairmile Natter, a Valentine’s treasure hunt and Danny Byrne’s

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renowned leather night, where a prize was won for the best leather jacket.

March kicks off with the Spring Naviscat, organized by Philip (01483 811428, philipbp@ mgcottage.freeserve.co.uk) on March 12, and ‘MGs on Track’ on March 27 (www.mgs-on-track.com) as well as other local events.

And for those not yet booked, MG Era Day is on April 2 with the much-acclaimed Dinner and Dance being held on April 1 at the Reigate Manor Hotel. Terry Giles (wireless@ btconnect.com, 020 8660 0908) is organising the dinner, with promises of a great evening and dancing. Brooklands will be celebrating 50 years of the ‘C’ as well as the 70th Anniversary of the

LE500s up against V6-powered ZSs and ZR190s. Meanwhile, in Class B, the traditional modified Midgets will take on the ZR170s, and Class A will contain the usual battling Midgets. It looks as if Class F for the standard MGFs will have more runners this year.

The strength of the Luffield is that the cars compete in their classes against a target time.

This means that everything from standard Midgets and Bs to heavily modified V8s can be seen competing. There is a great social side to speed events, with

waiting time between runs to be filled. The drivers are always happy to chat about their cars. All the dates, venues and regulations can be found on the Championship website.

Finally, some information about Drive it Day which is on Sunday April 23. We intend to visit the Avro Heritage Museum at Woodford again. Since last year, the Vulcan has been repainted in gleaming white paint and new cockpits, including one from an Avro Lancaster, can now be entered.

Helen Waddington’s ZR and Wind Power at Scammonden Dam Hillclimb.

Photo: David Coulthard

‘Y’ type. It is hoped to encourage a larger than usual number of both of these models.

The spring run on April 23, organized by Grahame White (emgewhite@gmail.com), starts at Barnsgate Manor Vineyard, East Sussex, at 10:00 am, with around 40 miles of glorious roads running through the countryside, and finishes at Bewl Water; with a motor launch for trips.

Saturday May 6 will see an inaugural ladies event being organised by the North Downs group (J.Ruffels@gmail.com).

We will be visiting the Big Cat Sanctuary, Smarden, not usually open to the public. Opened in 2000, the sanctuary houses some 50 wild cats on a 32-acre site, hopefully offering some fantastic photo opportunities and an amazing day.

We have also received news concerning an event on May 7

2017, a classic car gala in the grounds of Cowdray House, Midhurst, which MGCC SE are looking to be part of. www. showcase-classic-cars.events/ Ian Ailes (Fairmile Group) is busy organising the SE Centre Stand for MGLive! on June 17-18 2017 and would be really grateful for your support. Volunteers are needed between 10.00-17.00 each day. You can volunteer for any short stints in this period. Email contact: iailes@as-r.co.uk Changes to note: 1. New email for East Kent Wanderers (johnbennett698@ yahoo.com) 2. Correct email for Sussex Wanderers (dr.gjazz1@timetalk. co.uk) who meet on 2nd Wednesday each month.

3. Deers Hut, Liphook, no longer hold a meet.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 18:57

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MARCH 2017 SAFETY FAST! 79

21/02/2017 18:57

CENTRES

SOUTH WEST

ANDREW OWST 01761 221893 andrewowst@hotmail.com www.mgccsw.com As there are still no recent events to report on, I will move straight on to future events which are also detailed on our website.

Indeed, our super, brand new website, all put together by one of our committee members, Ian Beningfield, so please take a good look.

South West Centre AGM. Tuesday March 7 2017 at 8.15pm. Come along to the Natter at the Ring O Bells, Compton Martin, and it is a few hundred yards walk to the Old School Room, next to the church, where the AGM will be held. Please come and support your committee and let us know your views as, after all, it is your centre.

Wye Valley Social Run. Sunday May 7 2017 start at Symonds Yat in the beautiful Wye Valley.

Kimber Classic Trial.

Saturday May 13 2017 start at Lanes Hotel, West Coker, Yeovil. PLEASE VOLUNTEER TO MARSHAL if you are not entering.

I cannot emphasise strongly enough our requirement for marshals at this event. With 10 hills requiring four marshals per hill, the need for willing volunteers is obvious, otherwise we will be unable to run the trial.

As several competitors will be coming from Holland specially for the event, you can judge the popularity amongst our many

TYNE TEES

NOEL LINDFORD noel.lindford@btinternet.com

The AGM was held on February 9 at Coulby Manor, with 41 members in attendance. Reports on the 2016 season and a look ahead to events planned were given by the Chairman and Secretary, plus the Financial Report from our Treasurer, all receiving unanimous approval.

The Officers of the Centre were re-elected, and we formally elected Matthew Alexander as Young Member Liaison. Anthony Wood was also elected to the Committee. As past Secretary and Chairman of this Centre, Tony brings much experience and welcome support to the team. Sadly, Bob Heslop has had to step down this year, but was thanked for his many sterling efforts.

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Events Coming Up Sunday March 19: Regularity Production Car Autotest at Seaton Carew.

Contact Tony Coates on 07470 377317 or tonycoates2003@ gmail.com for Regs and Entry Form. Sign on from 9.00am at the old funfair coach park on the seafront. Come on Tyne-Tees, this is non-damaging to your car but good fun.

Sunday April 2: Luncheon Run (Revised date) This will be an enjoyable 40+ mile drive on pleasant roads, starting from Wolviston Services, just off the A689, close to the A19, satnav TS22 5PZ. We will meet from 10.30am for an 11.00 start.

Further details from Dennis Hope, the event organiser, contactable

regular entrants. The good news is the time spent marshalling is only for a few hours, so the rest of the day can be spent socialising or spectating on another hill. This event is great fun in glorious countryside with a very interesting collection of cars, and most marshals make it to the pub at the lunch stop. No matter which hill you would be marshalling, you can be assured the drive there in an MG would be superb, along roads which our cars were built for. No motorways in Dorset!

Unusually, I am penning these notes two editions in succession and last month I gave a brief synopsis about the rebuild of Sue’s much-loved and well-used MGB GT. I crave your indulgence whilst I bring you up to date. During the last four weeks I have not been able to

allocate as much time as I would have wished, but the engine has been running with all gears selected, not before I had to replace the brand new clutch master cylinder with another brand new cylinder! All electrical circuits have been checked and are working and most of the interior has been installed. The car is still on its axle stands and I keep checking underneath for any possible area where more seam sealer and/or metal protection is required. For the underside I prefer to rely on paint covered with Dynax UB, with Dynax S50 in the box sections. All this will be checked annually. Hopefully, about three full days on the car should see it ready for MOT and back on the road. In the meantime the Midget fulfils the role as our second car.

on 07970 115202 or denhope@ hotmail.co.uk Please try to let him know in advance if you are taking part, as he needs numbers for Sunday lunch, to advise the very nice pub we have lined up at the finish.

Sunday April 23: Cobweb Run Celebrating Drive It Day: This year’s route is a 90+ mile circular tour through some of the most beautiful scenery in Northumberland and parts of Cumbria, on some original roads and tracks traversed in days gone by. The start and finish will be Brocksbushes Farm, which is located at the junction of the A69 Newcastle to Carlisle road and the A68 south to Darlington.

The first cars will leave Brocksbushes Farm at 10.00am.

After a run of more than 90 miles you will return to Brocksbushes for well-earned Tea and Cream

Scones (or coffee, if you prefer), from about 2.30 to 3.30pm. The designated lunch stop this year is at the Lanercost Priory café.

Alternatively, why not bring a picnic, especially if it is good weather, as some of the scenery is absolutely spectacular. This event has proved extremely popular over the past six years, so we advise you enter sooner rather than later! We are limited to 60 entries maximum, and it is not essential to be driving an MG or other classic vehicle.

Entry forms are available on our website at www.mgcc. co.uk/tyne-tees-centre/futureevents/ or contact Ian Graham, the run organiser, on 0191 413 6321 who can send one out to you, if necessary. Ian can also be emailed at justineandian. graham@yahoo.co.uk should you need any more information.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 18:57

www.mgcc.co.uk

MARCH 2017 SAFETY FAST! 81

CENTRES

YORKSHIRE

DAVID COPEMAN 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk North – Colin Brear A very busy year is planned. Nick Mann brought his Scalextric to the February Natter, always a very competitive and enjoyable evening’s entertainment, our ladies being just as competitive as the men! So thanks go to Nick.

The March Natter features a talk by Gordon May ‘Overland to Vietnam’ by motorbike. Gordon is an excellent speaker and has many interesting stories to tell.

South – Geoff Norcliffe We began our new year with the traditional tenpin bowling event ably organised by Pete Long. Our Natter leader, Malcolm Perry, led

everyone to win both games convincingly.

For those who haven’t visited us yet, we meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Old Post Office by J38 of the M1.

East – Brian Rylance The AGM recorded the same volunteers and yours truly as the contact point.

The 22nd Wolds Way Run on Sunday May 14 2017. The Run is open to all MGs, Sports and Classic Cars, starting and finishing in Hull, the 2017 UK City of Culture. You have the option to dine at the wellregarded Cerutti’s at the end of the run. Forms at www.

ULSTER

CAROL WILLIS (028) 9079 9997 or 07831 345560 www.mgcculstercentre.co.uk carol.mgulster@hotmail.co.uk

The Ulster Centre held its Derek Walker Trial on February 4. A cracker entry of nearly 60 cars indicated that Club drivers and navigators were keen to get wheels in motion after the brief Christmas break. Let down by one landowner, Chairman Clarke pulled it out of the bag, making final arrangements for one test at 10.00pm on the eve of the Trial. The sun shone at TTS Nutts Corner as bacon butties were chomped, coffee quaffed and tests got underway. Competitors were split into two groups for the nine morning tests, eight tarmac including two laps of a stock-car oval track, and a ‘rally’ gravel surface for test eight. In the

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afternoon the pièce de résistance had to be five tests at Ladyhill Quarry, Antrim, a new Club venue, mainly on loose surface.

There was plenty of sideways action from the rear wheel drives and a show-down between Midgets and Minis for top slot.

The last Ladyhill test through the quarry base turned out a bit of a quagmire due to recent heavy rain, but everyone attempting made it through, exhausts steaming, to drive to the final farmyard test. With spectators there, including several ruminant species chewing cud and watching the antics, the final tricky test was well lubricated with slurry and drivers had to

mgccyorkshire.co.uk The Natters: Half Moon, Elloughton, second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm.

West – David Copeman MGCC member Bob Ward gave a very informative presentation on the development of radiators through the past 60 years. He was ably assisted by John Goldsbrough (Chief Marshall at Harewood Hill Climb) who handed around the various samples. This was followed by a presentation on a 1,300mile tour of Denmark, Sweden and Norway in a 1953 TD. With sponsorship Bob raised £1,250 for Médecins Sans Frontières.

Annual General Meeting March 21 at The Star.

Tiger – Pete Welbourn January 1, cold and wet, but Mel and I were determined to get the

MGA out for its usual run to Sir Greg’s classic car meeting at the Black Swan, having managed to ignore the A for most of the previous month.

Mel and I have started planning the luncheon runs, dates on the website.

Vale of York – Ken Cothliff Another good attendance from Members, in spite of the meeting date being brought forward a week. The date for the first run organised is now Sunday April 2, starting in Wetherby and finishing at Black Sheep Brewery at Masham, using a route planned by Dennis Hodge. Other run dates were discussed, as well as other events such as Yorkshire Area Dinner. Suggestions for Natters during the summer are a ‘Pride of Ownership’ event and ‘Something for the Ladies’.

keep very alert between the byres and farm walls.

Congratulations to winners Will Corry and Peter MorelandMoore in their K Series Midget, closely followed by the Mini of Sam Wilson and Simon Brewster.

Dates for your diary: March 11: Autotest, Delamont, Killyleagh March 23: AGM, 8pm Shandon Golf Club March 29: Lunch and Tour, Hilden Brewery, Lisburn

Derek Walker Trial Runners up: Sam Wilson and Simon Brewster

Derek Walker Trial winners: Will Corry and Peter Moreland-Moore

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 18:57

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21/02/2017 18:58

REGISTERS

VINTAGE

JOHN VENABLES 01865 862573 johnandtriciav@gmail.com

The Vintage Register AGM will be held on Sunday March 5, and there will be some changes to the committee, as I shall be standing down as Chairman, sadly, for health reasons. We will also need a new Events secretary, a job I have done for several years, as I feel I shall have difficulty in continuing. This event takes place at the Shillingford Bridge Hotel, at Shillingford, near Wallingford, Oxfordshire.

We commence proceedings with coffee and cakes from 10.15am and the AGM is at 11.00am. We shall have lunch at 12.45pm and follow this with a guest speaker.

I would be glad of any donations for our raffle; this helps the funds for the Register and paying

the speaker for a charity of his choice. I would also be pleased if some of you could turn up in your vintage car. There will be a prize for the car judged by the speaker as the one he would like to take home. We shall depart at about 3.30pm, after a cup of tea.

Of course, our next main event will be the annual Spring Week, based in Bury St Edmunds.

We have 14 cars entered to date, and you are not too late to enter.

I understand that there are a couple more people hesitating in the pipeline. This is an interesting part of the country, albeit a bit flat, and we shall be visiting the Norfolk coastline, and maybe an old RAF Bomber Command site, I guess. Stephen Hiner, the

TRIPLE M

JEREMY HAWKE +44 (0)1225 863934 mgk3007@btinternet.com www.triple-mregister.org Last Month’s ‘Mystery’ Photos Whilst the photos from last month showed some of the finer detail, our picture this month (from the MBH collection) will give the game away. The ‘Mystery’ car is none

other than J4004, photographed shortly after its appearance at a Castle Combe race meeting in 1951, before it lost the body and before being dismantled and “parted out”, as they say across the pond. Now the body is the

organiser, will, I am sure, come up with other delights for us.

It is now only about 15 weeks until MGLive! I read in Safety Fast! that there are to be new attractions, and wait to hear what they are to be. We shall have our usual table in the marquee. The date is June 17-18.

An event which is growing and very good is the Flywheel event at the old Bicester Airfield on June 24- 25. It also includes

Vintage MGs at MGLive 2016. Photo Chris Webb

really interesting bit, as this is the original ‘lightweight’ body from J4002 (the Hamilton TT 1933 car).

This body really did the rounds as it went from J4002 to J4003 in 1935 (though it must have required extensive re-work after Hamilton’s crash in the 1933 Czechoslovakian GP whilst running third and closing on the leaders in the wet). It found its way onto J4004 in 1943, only to be lost not long after the series of photos from last month and this one were taken. So, that rather crude-looking body can lay claim to quite a bit of history. A pity it was lost, though; with one or two exceptions, I cannot imagine anything similar gracing a ‘historic’ paddock today – everything looks far too smart and shiny!

MMMs on Track – Goodwood Though photos have yet to arrive in my inbox (probably

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a Vintage Air Show. This site has also attracted a number of Vintage Car dealers.

Geoff Radford usually has an entry, along with his son, in the 18/100. The beauty of this event is that you can wander around the pits and drool over the exotic machinery, a very interesting day.

Pre-war hill climbing produced some extraordinary machinery, and many have survived to this day and are still used in anger.

because Colin M. was out on the track having fun), it would seem that a great day out was had by all who participated in the MGs on Track session, organised by the MGoT branch of the Club, who have given us our ‘own’ slot at these events.

Even the weather was good.

These events are even tempting one or two new drivers out onto the track, where driving can be that little bit more spirited than on public roads and the cars really enjoyed.

This can only be a good thing.

Again, it is the enthusiasm of that man Mark Dolton which has moved this along – watch out, he’ll have you all signed up for your Ards courses next!

With spring just around the corner, I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible out and about this year.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 18:58

REGISTERS

T TYPE

JOHN WARD 01621 773606 johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk www.tregister.org Last chance reminder Rebuild 2017 The 37th T Register Rebuild Seminars Saturday March 25 at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, CV35 0BJ. This year another series of lectures will be featured covering a wide range of topics.

The programme will consist of: 1st Session. Tom Wilson part one – History of MGs by a T Type Legend 2nd Session. Eric Worpe – XPAG Cooling Systems 3rd Session. Moto Build – Trim and Upholstery 4th Session. Tom Wilson part two 5th Session. (Time permitting) Q&A Forum All this, and food and beverages throughout the day,

makes this a must for all T Types.

An application form is on the website www.tregister.org or see Safety Fast! January edition on page 26.

As always, this will also be the place to meet old and new chums, seek out some interesting original spares or even offload some to make a space in the garage. Just dig them out, clean ‘em up a bit, clearly label with name, contact details and price, and you never know!

Naturally, you will be fed and watered and all for the price of a few pounds. What else would you be thinking of doing on a cold, grey day in March?

For those who have not been to Gaydon, you will find it a

Y TYPE

JERRY BIRKBECK jerrybirkbeck@btinternet.com www.mgccyregister.co.uk Tel: 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325 MG ERA DAY I have touched on this is in previous notes and this is a reminder. Brooklands, who organise the event, have kindly agreed to reserve a space for up to 20 Y Types outside the Clubhouse on their MG Era Day on Sunday April 2 2017 to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Y. This gathering very much kicks off the traditional beginning of the MG year and fits in neatly with the Y 70 Celebrations that are being planned during this year.

If you are interested in attending then please do contact me. Marc Hanson, who has now

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successfully participated in two gruelling Monte Carlo Classique Rallies and completed his second at the end of January, confirming the durability of the Y, will be there with his two Ys, amongst others.

NEXT EVENTS ANNUAL Y SPRING WEEKEND The Annual Y Spring Weekend will be held over the weekend of May 6-7. The Register has arranged a hotel and accommodation at Elcot Park Hotel, near Newbury, RG20 8NJ, Tel: 01488 658100. For those wishing to stay overnight, a special rate of £99 per room has been negotiated by Chris

fascinating place to browse. There is an amazing collection of cars and memorabilia, even “Old No.1” is housed there. Even bring the family – I am sure you will be able to get a family day ticket.

As usual, the T Register AGM will follow on immediately after the final presentation, at about 4.30pm. Your now-outgoing Chairman, together with the officers, will present their reports and outline proposals for the coming year to ensure the continuing success of the Register in the future, and most importantly come and meet your new Chairman.

A little nostalgia now TF racing in the late 1960s James Thacker has recently been in conversation with an ex-T type racer colleague of his, Neil Hoskison.

Callaghan and a dinner on the Saturday night (£25 per head for a three-course meal).

The 19th Spring Run Sunday May 7 will be the start of the Y at 70 gathering and we shall be starting from the hotel at 10.00am and ending at Nuffield Place, Huntercombe, near Henleyon-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 5RY. It is here that we are hoping to gather as many Ys as possible – 70 would be outstanding! If you wish to participate in either activities or just the Spring Run (entry fee: £5.00) then please do contact Chris: 16 Cherrytree Close, Southmoor, OX13 5BE Tel: 01865 820312 Email chrismgabingdon@yahoo.co.uk Nuffield Place is a National Trust property, so entry is free to NT members, nonmembers £7.50.

“We both started competing in the late 1960s in our TFs in speed events and, soon afterwards, I changed to circuit racing in Midgets and Sprites, but Neil had several seasons in the TF. “Neil won the roadgoing/ unmodified class in the T type racing championship a couple of times from memory in the late 1960s/early 1970s. The car was originally a works-prepared factory car and previously owned by Simon Arkless, a BL employee who bought the very badly damaged TF which had been written off. He rebuilt it quite swiftly, being able to locate and purchase the last remaining new TF chassis in the mid-1960s through his work connections.

Simon went on to be a mechanic/ engineer for Morris Nunn’s Ensign F1 team in the early 1970s when they were based at Burntwood, near Walsall, Staffordshire.”

ROUND BRITAIN RELAY June/July 2017 We have been working closely with the MG Octagon Club to help promote the Round Britain Relay and our organiser, Maggie Grafham, has been liaising with them to help fill in spaces for the stages, and for this we must thank the hard work of MGOC Chairman Brian Rainbow.

This is also an opportunity to thank the MGOC and their contribution to raising awareness of the event.

I will be contacting a number of the classic car magazines and papers to help widen appreciation of the Y Type through the various activities that are being undertaken during 2017.

I look forward to seeing you and your Y on the road and at some of the events in this, the 70th Anniversary year.

MARCH 2017 SAFETY FAST! 85

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REGISTERS

MAGNETTE

STEPHEN TICKELL 01737 760330 stephen.tickell@gmail.com www.magnette.org

Not long now till our first event of the year at the Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden, on April 15. There are updated details on the website, including B&B suggestions, and a link to K&ESR’s advance ticket booking which gives you a special extra discount – although you’ll be welcome to just turn up and buy your train ticket at the normal price on the

day. Also, if you’re planning to make a weekend of it, you might want to know that there’s a special ‘Real Ale’ excursion train on the Saturday evening, however you’d almost certainly need to book that in advance.

Paul Batho on TV! Paul made a brief appearance recently on the BBC antiques

Paul Batho on antiques show

MGB

DAVID BROADHURST 01209 614704 newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org www.mgb-register.org. mgbforum.mgb-register.org A bright, warmish and sunny day here in West Cornwall, and feeling the sun on my face makes me think forward to what is to come in the way of MG-related activities and so forth this year. Looking in the online Register Newsletter, I am reminded that … the Practical Classics Show at the NEC is on March 31 to April 2. The Register will be on the MGCC stand with the Jean Denton Marathon car.

There will be parking for MGB Register members at Brooklands on April 2 and the Spring Run is on April 9 to Woburn Abbey. MGLive! is scheduled for the weekend of June 17-18 at Silverstone and the September weekend in Lincolnshire is almost booked up.

I have been reading the Newsletter of the Federation of

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British Historic Vehicle Clubs, FBHVC, and found the following, which I considered would be of interest to MGCC members who may not have access to this material. The following extract relates to rebuilding or reshelling of vehicles and recovery of original registration numbers. I quote it verbatim.

“We have reached an understanding with DVLA on how the treatment of replacement bodies on chassis will be dealt with through their different schemes. DVLA accept that original bodies may properly be replaced, not least because bodies deteriorate and may need replacing over time.

“For vehicles applying under the V765 Scheme for

series ‘Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is’, as an expert advisor on Magnette grilles.

One of the competitors had bought a slightly tatty grille and hoped to make money selling it on. After meeting Paul at Kimber House, admiring his ZA and hearing some of the history, she eventually sold her grille for a modest £25 profit to an ‘upcycling’ specialist who planned to remove the grille slats and convert it into a wall mirror.

Paul did comment after the filming that the original purchase price of £95 was rather high given the condition, as original Magnette grilles are strangely less rare than most other models – presumably we take more care of them and don’t have to be too outraged that there’s one less now for Magnette restorers.

Danish early production car Definitely more of a rarity is the early ZA restored by Paul Dalkov in Denmark, which first appeared in our website gallery some years ago when Paul purchased it in a fairly sorry state. With chassis number 528 it’s probably the second-oldest known to still exist.

The car was originally exhibited at the Copenhagen Motor Show, and Paul has carefully restored it to the original maroon/biscuit colour scheme, retaining the many small differences that distinguished very early cars from later production.

Apart from the obvious lack of front quarterlights, even parts such as the wiper motor are different.

I hope to include a more detailed account of the restoration in a future issue, but in the meantime you can find the photos on magnette.org

the recovery of an original registration number, the applicant or supporting club should set out clearly the nature of the replacement body fitted, especially if the style is different to that quoted on a supporting original log book, which of course must always be supplied if available, as it is DVLA’s preferred primary evidence of the identity of the vehicle. The application should demonstrate that the replacement body is one that could have been placed on it from the outset or is of a style which historically has become associated with the marque.

“A supporting club should also provide similar information for applications for an agerelated registration number, supported by dating evidence/certificate.

“If this is done, DVLA should normally give favourable

consideration to the application.

“It follows from this that vehicles which, by reason of the completeness of their original rolling chassis components, appear entitled to apply for an age-related plate should not be submitted as reconstructed classics.

“The reconstructed classic category is confined to vehicles created from a collection of parts which did not originally belong to one vehicle. Reconstructed classics will continue to be subject to strict rules in which the body cannot be new but must be contemporary with the other components which have been used to create the vehicle.”

Whilst the sun is shining, time to have a root around under the stuff in the garage and see how my B is…

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 18:58

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MARCH 2017 SAFETY FAST! 87

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REGISTERS

MIDGET

NEIL THOMAS 07891 684435 ns.tenby@hotmail.com www.midgetregister.com It’s taken 37 years of Midget ownership for me to get into motorsport and I don’t mean Track Days. But 2017 is the year it’s eventually going to happen.

I retire in five weeks and so a new chapter opens in my life.

Living in Pembrokeshire, I have joined the Trident Engineering Welsh Sprint and Hill Climb Championship. I’ve also joined the MGCC Luffield Championship.

This should give me plenty of options to experience different well-known venues around the country. I have spent my time since Xmas getting myself and my car ready. Of course, I needed to first get my National ‘B’ licence from the MSA. This was accompanied by the ‘Blue Book’. Now there’s

a read! I sourced an excellent secondhand ‘in date’ nomex suit and new gloves. I already had a helmet. I will certainly look the part at least. I can’t resist using my K Series Midget for the events and so have been getting that ready as per the Blue Book and great advice from both my local club and members of the MGCC Speed Championship. Thank you all. As I’ll be entering the Road Going class, there are certain exemptions for preparedness compared to highly modified cars.

This has helped me. Of course, I’ve had to install the firewalls between the cockpit and the boot and cover the holes behind the B posts. I’ve had to clearly identify the negative post on the battery

with yellow tape and show, next to the ignition key, the direction to turn it to switch it off. I could use standard seatbelts but already had harnesses, so have improved the mounting point. I’ve also installed an MSA-recommended 1.75 litre hand-held foam fire extinguisher.

I’ve fitted towing eyes front and rear, sorted the numbers I will need to display for each event and ensured I have no holes in the firewall between the engine

bay and cockpit. I’m just about set to go. I’ve already entered a number of events, including a Castle Combe, Shelsley Walsh and Loton Park. I have lots of others to enter yet, as and when the regulations come out. It’s going to be an exciting year and hopefully my Midget will be a good, wellbehaved car. My final message is that if I can do it, so can you. Why not dip your foot in the water like me?

The car had more work on its return from the Inca and was stored for some while, but again was sold on. In 2007 the new owner carried out even more work on the car, including full maniflow exhausts, suspension rebuilds including polybushes and some overdrive and gearbox work. This owner took the car down to live in France and in 2009 competed in the Rallye International de Charente and it was brought back to the UK in 2016 where a new gearbox and overdrive was fitted and some

other small works completed.

I purchased the car recently and have become its seventh owner. I have given the car a full service, made and fitted a sump guard, and given it a few shake down runs to make sure all is as it should be. Those years of development have made this a car that puts a very large smile on your face and I’m looking forward to getting acquainted with my ‘new’ MGC over the next few months.

Simon Wilkinson, Colne Classics.

MGC

GINNY CARTMELL 01208 821552 ginnycartmell@btinternet.com

YWT 666G certainly has some racing pedigree that beats both the works GTS cars combined.

With a stunning 49 wins from 100 races this C, in the hands of privateer Malcolm Trewhitt, has a development history like no other C. Registered in March 69 and competing in its first event in April 69, the car had some success but was soon sent to Downton Engineering for full engine lighten, balance and head flowed, 649 cam, triple 45 DCOE Weber carbs, close ratio gears, competition overdrive and 4.55/1 ZF limited slip diff. More modifications happened naturally over the next few years, and with wider arches and wider wheels that allowed slicks, the car had 36 wins from 57 races between 73 and 78.

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In 1989 the car was awoken from an 11-year retirement and sold on, but its racing career was not over. The car was turned into a FIA historic rally car to compete the 89 Pirelli Classic Marathon. After the event the car was again placed into retirement, but only a short-lived one, as the car was sold on again with 25,965 miles on the clock.

More work was carried out on the car in preparation for Le Jog 97 and the London to Cape Town Marathon in 98, and then a rather more expansive rebuild prior to the Inca Trail in 2001.

15,000 miles in 55 days around South America and the car took all in its stride, and owners Mike Knox and Rita Shelley even found the energy to get married at the end of the event.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 18:59

REGISTERS

V8

VICTOR SMITH 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net

Replacement 5-speed Mazda gearbox for the V8 Vitesse has been offering a replacement five-speed Mazda gearbox for MGBs for some time

but they now also offer it for an MGB GTV8. It’s come at a time when the availability of some replacement gearbox parts and original complete gearboxes for the MGB GTV8 are increasingly difficult to find. Many owners have looked to alternative gearboxes as replacements like LT77 and R380 boxes, but they too are becoming less easy to find. So the news that Vitesse now offer a five-speed Mazda Gearbox Conversion Kit for the MGB GTV8 is very welcome.

Vitesse say that since autumn 2016 they have fitted production kits to two MGB GTV8s, two MGB V8 Roadsters, a Costello MGB V8 and an MG RV8, and the in service experience is good.

FWD

BEN HATTON ben2692@hotmail.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk/fwd-register/

At the beginning of February, the FWD Register held its AGM at Kimber House. Unfortunately I was unable to attend due to a family commitment. However, Tanya Field sent me this report from the AGM which I thought that I would share with you. If you can help Tanya with cars for the Restoration Show, help with a stand at Brooklands or would like to join the MG FWD Register’s Spring Run, please get in touch with me. Also, the MG FWD Register has decided to enter the Club awards at the Restoration Show in the Outstanding Support for the Next Generation category, so I will be able to update you next month as to whether or not we’ve been

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MG_SafetyFast_March17_49-98.indd 89

successful in being shortlisted.

Fingers crossed!

FWD AGM The committee expressed their thanks for Ben’s year’s work as our chair and are delighted that he has agreed to continue. The committee has broadly remained the same: Ian Kimpton remaining as Vice-chair and Registrar, Jim Lott as Secretary, Wayne Bates as Treasurer, Colin Corke as Historian, Tanya as Events coordinator and Ken Armstrong as a committee member. We are also really pleased that Alan WebbMoore has joined the committee.

Alan has extensive experience in running clubs and organising stands, he owns an MG Metro

With the torque characteristics of an MGB GTV8 there will be torque load build-up on long climbs of hills, but the experience so far is that the Vitesse Mazda box copes well with that and with the effects on the lay cluster.

Further information and a link to an article from fellow V8 member, Ashley Vane, on his experience with a Vitesse gearbox, installed in his 4-litre MGB GTV8 by Vitesse in November last year, is available via links on the ‘More’ webpage.

There will be a feature article on this new gearbox in our newsletter in the April issue.

V8 Technical Day This year’s V8 Technical Day will be held on Saturday May 20 2017 in the John Thornley Suite at the Club Office in Abingdon, commencing at 10.00am and finishing at around 3.30pm. The organiser is Roger Aldridge, who is putting together an interesting set of talks and presentations.

For details and booking arrangements see the link on the ‘More’ webpage.

RV8 25th anniversary 2017 This year we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the launch of the model in 1992. Event details will be announced in March.

V8 Tour 2017 The next V8 Tour in the popular series will be over the long weekend Thursday 7-Monday 11 September 2017 based in the North York Moors. The organiser is Robert Crowson. Full details and the booking arrangements are available via the ‘More’ webpage at: www.v8register.net/more.htm

and has a keen interest in ADO16s. I sometimes worry that we don’t have enough focus on the ADO16s, so it’s good that Alan has joined Ken (who has an MG 1300) on the committee.

Ian reported that he had 51 cars on the Register, with the majority being MG Metros.

Ian is continuing his work with this and we will continue to encourage all MG FWD Register members (and non-members) to register the details of their cars.

Tanya reported that the MG FWD Register had had a very good year for events in 2016 and 2017’s events diary is looking good, too. However, if we are going to have a stand at MG Era Day at Brooklands on April 2, we will need a member to step forward a.s.a.p. and take this on. It’s not an onerous task, but with all the committee at the NEC for the

Restoration Show, they aren’t available to organise it on the day.

Talking of the Resto Show, we are still on the hunt for cars, particularly MG ADO16s and MG Montegos or cars which haven’t appeared on our stand before.

The planning for the MG FWD Register’s Spring Run is well under way; however, there are still some spaces for more cars for those who would like to join us on Saturday April 8.

Adam Sloman also attended our AGM and was able to finally present the Register with the Longbridge Cup for winning the Autotest at MGLive! We might have won by default, and I’m sure that I must have been the slowest person on record to take part in an autotest, however that didn’t dent our pleasure in winning and finally being presented with the Longbridge Cup!

MARCH 2017 SAFETY FAST! 89

21/02/2017 18:59

REGISTERS

ZR/ZS/ZT

£10 per person and this includes sampling the beers JOHN THOMPSON Tel: 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister at its conclusion! There is also a shop to purchase their range of beers. Tour times • Although primarily a Zed Upcoming Events are 10.30 and 12.00. If event, it is open to all MGs With our events season you are interested in a tour, so everyone is welcome. beginning at the end of the please contact Andy Knott • There is no entry charge, so month, I thought I’d take the at Kimber House, 01235 just turn up on the day. opportunity to tell you about 849730.

• We have negotiated a 10% one of them taking place during • There will be a ‘Car of the discounted rate for travel May. ‘MGs in the Weald’ is Show’ competition with on the railway. Tickets can a new event for us and has prizes for the winner and be bought either in advance been organised by ourselves. runner up. from the railway’s website or It’s taking place at Tenterden • Tenterden town is very on the day. station on the Kent & East picturesque and has some • We have also negotiated Sussex Railway, near Ashford. lovely pubs, cafés and shops. a 10% discount in the The K&ESR is one of the leading • Bodiam Castle at the other station café. A voucher will heritage railways in the country end of the railway is well be given out with the event and has played host to a number worth a visit. programme and can be used of car enthusiast groups in the For further information on the all day. past. We also approached the railway visit www.kesr.org.uk If • The two brewery tours neighbouring micro-brewery who you go to the What’s On section are pre-book only with a are kindly opening especially for for May, you will see ‘MG Car maximum of 25 people on us and will conduct two guided display’ in their calendar. each tour. The tour will be tours for visitors on the day.

Other Events and Shows At the end of this month is the Practical Classics Restoration Show which takes place March 31-April 2. This is another new event for us and I am happy to confirm that we will have Louise Allen’s award-winning Trophy Blue ZR on display. We are also very lucky to have the Le Mans Green ZR from Classic Car Weekly’s ‘£500 Challenge’ on display, too. We would like to say a huge thank you to David Simister and his team for kindly loaning their car to us for the weekend.

Meanwhile, we have booked an area for 30 cars at the MG Era Day at Brooklands on April 2.

Later the same month, Pride of Longbridge takes place on 14th.

We have booked an area here too for 30 cars. Hopefully we will be located next to the main Club stand and FWD Register.

MG6.3.5

STEVE HAINES Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register https://twitter.com/635register Things are starting to take shape for 2017, with lots of events being organised and booked. Hopefully the early March events will be well supported at the BTCC Media day at Donington on March 16, and John Woods Motorcare open day on March 19. Our first big event for 2017 will be the Pride of Longbridge at Cofton Park on April 15 where we have booked a large stand for 6, 3 and GS. If you have any queries or ideas for events, please either check out the Facebook page events tab or the MGCC web page on our Register micro page, where there is a full list of events for the year. If you are going to an event, please indicate attendance so we can

90 SAFETY FAST! MARCH 2017

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account for numbers on stands and allocate enough space for everyone.

If you have any ideas or wish to promote any events, please contact Sean Round: sean@ seanround.co.uk A mixed bag of news on the BTCC front recently, with the announcement that Ash Sutton has moved to BMR and Josh Cook doesn’t have a drive with MG/888 for 2017. 2016 was a lot of fun with these two and also very competitive.

They always had time for us owners and BTCC fans. We wish them well in their future careers.

So, lots more change in the team again this year with Aron Taylor-Smith and Dan Lloyd joining the team. We welcome them to the

MG family. It should be an exciting one, as both drivers are real racers and very competitive. The MG6 GTs have been re-engineered with the latest RML suspension parts and after a couple of major accidents last season, chassis have been rebuilt from the ground up. Let’s get behind them and the team and hope for a very successful year…

Aron has already taken delivery of a very nice Orange marmalade MG3, which he seems to like the look of!

The 635 Register has been supporting new MG GS owners since the model’s launch and has set up a Facebook group specifically for the GS, with a view to the formation of a new Register. Any events supported by the 635 Register this year will also include anyone wishing to attend with their GS. New owners most welcome!

We look forward to meeting 6, 3 and GS owners at a gathering very soon…

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 18:59

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21/02/2017 18:59

CL ASSIFIEDS

CARS FOR SALE 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.

MGBGT Jubilee model

Full Service History available, in good condition, kept in garage, used only for shows and exhibition.

Reason for sale Beaverement..

Price £8000 (negotiable) Contact Rita on 01252 331813 or email: p.ferrari@sky.com

MG TD 1951

For restoration. Complete car, dismantled ready for restoration.

LHD, Red with black interior.

Matching numbers car. Radiator rebuilt, shell and nose piece rechromed. Also new brake pipe kit.

Superb project £6500.

Please phone 01594835659

MG Midget 1970,

1275cc Ivor Searle engine. Tax exempt and MOT till July. Trials prepared with a Fack diff, roll bar, Kenlowe, sumpguard, hydraulic handbrake and raised suspension. £2950. Tel;07779392235 or E-Mail: nigeldavidk@tiscali.co.uk.

(Cornwall)

MGTF Sunstorm

Registered Feb 04. 57,000 miles, new hood with H.R.W. Cambelt, water pump, head gaskets, wishbones, ball joints, discs, pads, and subframe mounts all new. 4 pot calipers, ABS,, fog lights, 4 new tyres, full sized spare. Half leather interior, full service history, and all bills and MOT's from new. Current MOT Feb 18. £2750.

Tel: 01323 392629. (East Sussex)

1936 SA Tickford

Dark blue/County Cream 2-tone with mid-blue leather interior, Ace wheel trims. 20 year ground-up restoration completed 6 years ago.

Full restoration history available on request plus detailed photographs.

The car is currently in NZ and will be shipped to the UK mid-May for a 3 month tour of Europe. This is a luxurious quality MG, comfortably seats 4 with luggage and runs smoothly at speed: “grace, space and pace”. A superb touring car. £81,500.00. Contact Robert..Email: bobandlynne1950@gmail.com

1971 MGBGT

Red, recessed grill £3500 Car unused since 1989. Body fully restored and in superb condition.

Paintwork not first class but acceptable. Interior OK, engine fitted with unleaded cylinder head. Ideal for someone who wants to make a superb car but does not do bodywork. Car has full MOT and drives well with overdrive gearbox .

Contact rjwelchmidget@aol.com or 01724764144 (Lincolnshire)

MG ZR160, 3 door, Trophy Blue, 2 mature owners, genuine 57000 miles.

Excellent condition blue/black half leather interior, excellent exterior. Fully waxoiled underside, standard except K&N air filter and rear exhaust box. Full service Aug 2016 with all fluids changed and only 200 miles since, MOT Aug 2017. For more info tel Greg Rowe 07887 710265 Email: gregrowe1@btinternet.com (LLANDRINDOD WELLS, Powys.)

92 SAFETY FAST! MARCH 2017

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1968 MGC GT OD

Total ground up body and mechanical restoration,carried out by MG specialist.New floors, doors,sills, wings,wiring looms,suspension etc.Is finished in BRG, underside in body coloured stone chip resistant paint.Painted wire wheels, leather seats and webasto sun roof.Overhauled engine and gearbox,balanced fast road spec engine,1500 miles,Heritage certificate,photographic record and receipts. £29.750.Tel: 01733 333550 Email: victor.putaj@googlemail.com (Peterborough - Cambs)

MGTF 2004 135 Spark

Limited edition, sonic blue, low mileage for year, FSH, MOT Jan18.

Head gasket, cambelt, water pump, changed 2014. Stainless steel coolant pipes, nearly new tyres, good condition, £2750 ono. Tel 01737353548 mobile 07785503822 Email: tomar.rose@btinternet.com (Surrey)

MGC GT 1970

University Motors. Grampian Grey/Black Leather, rare disc wheels, original vinyl roof, overdrive, heated rear window, slatted grill.Renovated interior, with rebuilt/recovered seats, and new headlining and carpets. Fully overhauled brakes and suspension, with new torsion bars, telescopics, quick steering rack, HR tyres. SS exhaust.

Excellent condition. £25,000 ono.

Paul 07941-029343 (London)

A sound car, mine for last 8 years, useable but would benefit from some fettling. Fitted XPJM engine but comes with a rebuilt 1250cc XPAW engine + twin carbs and manifolds to uprate to TB/TC spec. Regretted sale but now more focused on other (earlier) projects. £21,500. For more info Email: malcolm_simmonds@hotmail.com 01903 742580 / 07714 093581 (Storrington, West Sussex)

2002 MG ZR160

2013 ‘63’ MG3 Style Lux

Lady Grey with 'Mod Oct' Stickers and Black Leather, 30,000 miles. A very clean and well-maintained car, bought new by me from the MG Sales Centre. MOT until November 2017, with full MG Service History.

Immaculate bodywork and trim, with fully working electrics, and very reliable. Excellent specification, and maintained irrespective of cost.

File complete with photos of car at MGCC events. Sunning car - very reluctant sale - must be seen. £4,495. Tel: 07704676491

1938 MG TA

MGTD

Ex University Motors. Present owner 12 years, previous 30. New tub and alloybody panels by Naylors, fitted in the 70’s - running restoration since. Paintwork now as then, always dry stored, no rain journeys. Approx 5000 miles since 1970. VGC. Any inspection. History since 1970. Offers around £18500.

Tel: 01889 591599 (North Staffs)

1978 MGB Roadster

White. Two owners from new, mileage of 36888 believed genuine.

All MOTs and bills since purchased by current owner in 1991 at 18,000 miles. Dry weather/summer use over last 20 years. Never needed any restoration work - body and mechanics all completely original.

Fully rust proofed since new.

Drives as you would expect for a car with this mileage. £10,000.

Phone: 01344 882643. Email: mkeen@brockhill.plus.com (Bracknell, Berkshire)

WANTED MGZR 5 Door, in good condi-

tion. Low mileage preferred and must have sun roof. Good price will be paid for a nice car. Please tel.

Richard Wells 01359 270959

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 18:59

C 18/01/2016 10:43 Page 1

CL ASSIFIEDS

BARRY WALKER .....for the very best in vintage MGs.....Estd.1968

British Motor Heritage approved

NOW IS THE TIME TO BEAT THE SUMMER PRICES......

D L O S 1935 MG NE SPECIAL Very well known VSCC car. Developed over many years, it is probably the fastest unblown MG in the UK. VSCC buff form, FIA papers, fully road equipped. Better than a K3 replica ...... ................................................................................................ £120,000

1932 MG 6 CYL 2-SEAT SPORTS A truly magnificent MG. ’F’ Magna chassis. Fitted with Marshall S/charged NB 6 cylinder engine and driven via orig. ENV pre-select gearbox. The ultimate touring MG. Mint condition

BARRY WALKER

.....for the very best in vintage MGs.....Estd.1968 BANK’S GOOD, SUMMER’S CARSWAIT GOING...come FEELNO LIKE A ‘P’.

THE IS DOWNHILL TO SUMMERCOMING, NOW........DON’T BEOVER. LATEon:

British Motor Heritage approved

1933 MG ‘R.E.A.L’ BODIED J2 Of the 2 produced, this is the sole 1935 MG PB/Q S/CHARGED SPORTS/RACER survivor and the 1932 Olympia Motor Show car. Very rare, very fromNever the Peter stable, thisthis PBallwas 1948Originally MG TC SPORTS. beforeGregory on the UK market, 1938 MG VA DROP HEAD COUPE. This superbly restored dhc 1935 PAQ SPORTS MGaPA SPORTS is a real fine drivers car,1500cc not concours, beautifully restored PArestored. without being overdone. valuable, this is a1935 wonderful and properHere restoration.

Massive history file but matching TC hasA been A really offers true touring car with comfort, power and builtMGtonos. specs and completely subsequently developed and THE OLYMPIA MOTORSHOW ‘R.E.A.L.’ BODIED MGJ2. in UNIQUE excellent overall cond.

Aspace. recently very wellfrom rebuilt affords the A really usable that you’ll more than proud to own.

Fullycomserviced enjoyable car thing to drive; just be feels ‘right’.

Perfect for the a mass1932 of luggage Rebuilt theengine chassis-up, both ........................................Unique ...............................................£69,500 racedfor (v successfully). just undergone a complete The only one to exist of the two known to have been produced. (Ring more history). Has An opportunity to acquire one of

ing summer Old Eng. White wine leather.

A great mechanically bodily,driving this lovely cartoisour original throughout opportunity for good&reliable & coupled own recent work engine, rebuiltinsteering, deluxe dash,with aeroscreens, stoneguards andTC. superb of theand most handsome & rarest MGs evergreen made.

Total nut & bolt restoration with Phoenix c/balanced crank & rods; gas £32,500 or serious offer secures.

Another MG TC, red, finished ineverybody two-tone greensBlack with with sage leather interior refurbishment and is ready for light competition or fast youand have the car wants. beige hide, new roof, leather interior.

Allas new weather equipment just fitted, this isA really worth flowed head; rebuiltrising orig.investment bodywork, new leatherequally upholstery & weather equipment throughout. collector’s as good above £32,500 or serious offer secures. beigeforged weatherpistons: equipment...a at...£39,500 road use.you Mille Miglia car, of course...... !WOW!.....£85,000 tonneau s/screens....................it’s viewing........................... ........................... ..£45,000 (Optional s/charger available at cost) nice car..... dream or &an enthusiast’s wisha come true?

However,£45,000 if you are over 6ft tall best surrender it to the wife now (assuming she is shorter)! I am proud to offer this car, as you will be to own it.....................any test; just ring; never to repeat...£75,000

1934 MGPA PA Deluxe.

AA rare nos.PA. PA. 1934 MG Deluxe. rarechance chancefor for an an all-matching all-matching nos.

WellTCknown to MGCC & VSCC race) events, this of superbly 1946 MG SPORTS. A very, very(non original example this

CM03.16/H14/ff

known to MG MGCC VSCC (non race)& MG. events, this superbly 1934 MG PA reliable, A Well gorgeous example in&been 2-tone Dublin Ulster greens presented serviced and prepped by us, easy to has drive & fully maintain Fully rebuilt presented MG miles has been fully serviced and prepped bybays us, and and offers pride of ownership, rallying and or with really approx.

5000 ago.

All matching nos.events Claret with apple green Collingbam interior.

Fully detailed engine enjoyable road use with minimum maintenance.

Beautifully offers pride& ofnew ownership, rallying and events or really enjoyable beige hide weather equipment...................£34,950 excellent steering, fitted water pump and Blockley tyres.

Aero screens, finished in Raven black with Apple Green road use with minimum maintenance. Beautifully finishedCollingburn in Raven interiorand and nice full weather gear.appearance.

Top of the range car....£48,500 s/guards, deluxeblack dash patinised Just right with Apple green Collingburn interior and full weather gear. ...................................................................................................£42,500 Top of the range car............................. ............................................ £48,500

NEW MGB Baulk Rings

1932 MG F1 MAGNA. I know these aren’t everybody’s ‘cupof-tea’, you wantUnusual practicality, 1938 MGbut SAifSALOON. carvery fromlittle us,maintenance, but all I can say 1938 MG SA SALOON. car from us, isbutclearly all&I can MG’s most reliable early engine a car that is.........it is concours.

FitUnusual forand royalty.

Duo-red grey, underpriced, you shouldA give this much consideration. burgundy hide. forrare that trip Paris very MG TCtobeing the or car found 1947 TC SPORTS. sayMG is.........it is Fabulous concours.

Fit for royalty.

Duo-red & Monte grey, Totally restored, fully proven on the road, loads luggage Carlo..................................................................£67,500 derelict but is very original and totally restored for thea channel 4 TV burgundy hide.

Fabulous for that to Paris or Monte space, this a cracking opportunity totrip snatch seriously programme “For the Love of Cars”. Many original ‘bugs’ have been USABLE investment...............................................£49,500 Carlo..................................................................£65,000

fully ironed out and the car is now like a new pin. Powder Blue with beige leather, tan roof & s/screens. Complete documented history file, video, original manual, orig reg. No., period extras all included........my top investment tip.................. ............................................................... £39,500

COMMISSION SALES: highly service is always available to you.

We are regarded building this 1933 MG J2 CYCLE WING Our SPORTS. car from scratch with a fully rebuilt engine by Barry Foster and you

Tel: 01789 181.

Fax: have the opportunity400 to choose the colour that you 01789 would like at 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 stage. You have a choice of a dark red or beige leather interior * Coming Shortly:Email:this barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com 1931/32 MG ‘F’ MAGNA/WOLSELEY HORNET 6CYL. ENGINE FOR SALE.

by Mike Collingburn. The car will be in mint condition just like the • Pointed tail type A totally restored, bench tested 1271cc MG ‘F’ Magna/W. • Magnificent Hornet engineJ2complete in every detail except carburettors. Re• PA. Older bored, new rebuild. white metal, new bearings, new pistons, new cam &

P types in this ad. .... ..............The price will be approx. £42-45,000

rockers. Dynamically & statically balanced crank. Improved deep 1934 MGTRUE PA SPORTS. advertised 1930 VINTAGEPreviously MG ‘M’ TYPE. Totally rebuiltelsewhere. throughout 1934 MG PA A beautifully restored PA without being capacity oil SPORTS. pump; orig. factory alloy clutch cover; dynamo, starter, Recently taken intobyour ownearly workshops and brought to impeccable order leading MG rarest restorer.

A proper job; up a overdone.fan, A really you’ll moreHead thantemporarily proud 1936 MG NB TOURER. of the properly ohc MGs. This manifolds, and usable polishedthing r/boxthat with databeplate. to our standard.

Now aOne seriously, restored, all VSCC carnos. eligible for all at events, trials, rallies and offered at less LIVE” THIS w/end 4/5 June at deluxe Silverstone. to“MG own. Fully serviced engine, steering, beautifully restored Magnette 1300cc straight matching P type a cost of with overits 60k, and underremoved for photos.

READY TOrebuilt INSTALL, saving time,dash, money & aeroscreens, stoneguards interior. All than6cyl. the restoration cost.take Black fabric body with hide engine will you touring bothgreen home & interior. abroad hassle.....£11,500. priced at...............................................................£46,995 Delivery at and cost,superb or cash leather on collection. new weather equipment just fitted , this is really worth viewing Please visit our stand with reliability, comfort & huge luggage space.

Two............................................................................................................. £29,500 (Optional s/charger available at cost) tone Offers close to................................£65,000 1933 MG J2. green.

We’re of a chassis-up rebuild ..........£45,000 in the workshop.

Will be the best you’ll get. Please inspect.

(See website fornearing photos) the completion ARECycle ALL wings ON THE 1933 MG J2. Near concoursTHEY condition. withWEBSITE heavy crank. Beautiful car...£46,500

Colne Classics *

*****

*****

COMMISSION SALES: Our highly regarded service is always available to you.

Tel: 01789 400 181. Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com

www.bighealey.co.uk

MG Power Steering and restoration specialists

CNC Machined in the UK RIGHTS to our specification PLEASE NOTE: ALL RESERVED

Brass 2nd & 3rd/4th THIS ARTWORK IS THE PROPERTY OF CLASSIC MOTORING MAGAZINE. £59.95+VAT

NO PART OF THIS ARTWORK MAY BE REPRODUCED, STORED OR OTHERWISE Steel 4 synchro £49.95+VAT USED BY ANY OTHER PUBLICATION UNLESS PRIOR PERMISSION IS GIVEN BY THE PUBLISHERS - © Aceville Publications Ltd For the ‘best’ in MG high-performance

View the website on www.colneclassics.com B1 Seaden Court, Gorse Lane Ind Est, Clacton, Essex.

01255 432693, 07714 675319

Parts Hotline: +44(0)1543 472244 E-mail: sales@bighealey.co.uk DENIS WELCH MOTORSPORT, YOXALL, BURTON ON TRENT, STAFFS DE13 8NA, UK

URGENT PROOF

ANY MG WANTED

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.

SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF PLEASE TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT NO. _ _ _ _ _

STEVE McKIE SPORTSCARS CHESTERFIELD

ANY CONDITION

07774 484497 • 01923 840236 Fax 01206 500180 We reserveejwhitescars@aol.com the right to charge for any alteration to this proof which is a departure from the original copy www.mgandporsche.com www.mgandporsche.com www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_March17_49-98.indd 93

DERBYSHIRE

Suppliers of parts for • MGA • MGB • MGC • Midget • T Type • MGF/TF

Telephone 01206

Northwood, Middlesex

•

Specialists in the repair and restoration of MG cars

www.stevemckiesportscars.co.uk Tel 01246 454527 • Fax 01246 453681 Albert Street North, Chesterfield, S41 8NP

Steve McKie Sports Cars Hi-Res.indd 1

MARCH 2017 SAFETY FAST! 93

23/06/2010 13:46

21/02/2017 18:59

CL ASSIFIEDS WANTED Registration No: P8 MGR

Information leading to the whereabouts of the MGF carrying this registration number would be welcome. Not taxed or MOT since 2009. Contact George Wilder Tel 01787 236192. Mob 07742 006260 gwilder@btinternet.com

WANTED

By ZTT enthusiast a ZTT 260 to join his V8 stable of GTV8 & RV8.

I'm not in a hurry to buy but if you are thinking of selling in the near future please get in touch. Contact Bob on 07870 407111 or email: mgcarsscotland@gmail.com

1955 MG TF 1500 MGA Roadster 1958 1500cc Documented restoration, upgraded MGB rebuilt engine and overdrive gearbox. Original rebuilt engine and gearbox available. Disc brakes, stainless exhaust. Feels like a new car on the road, very quiet, smooth and strong with the bigger engine and handles beautifully too. As new stunning MGA roadster with navy interior and pale blue paint, nicely set off with the chrome wires and mohair hood and matching tonneau. Price £33000. For full specification contact 07968 192057 or email: jerryhughes@btinternet.com

1973 MGB GT

Professionally rebuilt body with 4.3 litre V8 engine. Modified suspension. Power steering. 4 pot calipers. Leather interior.

4 new tyres. 9 months MOT. 22,000 miles. £10500. Contact 01425 654641 (Hampshire)

Wire wheels. Thought to be one of the last RHD UK cars built. Older restoration, in good order, history file. Recent work includes brakes, tyres and hood. £26,750 ono. Car is near 01608 662673 or email petmathen@gmail.com (Stratford upon Avon)

1998 MG RV8

In definitive Woodcote Green and great touring condition. 27,000 miles including Germany, Belgium France and Wales during 2016 Very good wood, paint, wheels, leather, weather gear, replaced shocks and the all important windscreen frame. In addition to the standard beige effort it has a practical touring tonneau cover in mohair. Oh yes, and the amusing number plate is included.......

In our family since 2004 and time for someone else to enjoy now. £ 19,000. cplainjones@gmail.com (Solihull)

MGB 1966 - OPP 199D Information Wanted

2003 Rover 75 Club SE 1.8T C oppe rl e a f R e d MOT

t i l l Aug 2017 Mi l e a g e only 3 8 3 3 7 . 1 8 " A l l oy W h e e l s g o o d t y re s A B S C e n t r a l L oc k i ng T i l t St e e ri ng W he e l El e c t ri c Wi ndows i n e xc e l lent condition inside and out . I a m t he s e c ond owne r of t hi s c a r a c qui ri ng i t i n 2005 whe n i t ha d done 9200 mi l e s . £ 1100 ono.

Te l . 07884065509 ( Wi s be c h C a mbri dg e s hi re )

I have now reacquired this car, first owned by me in 1966 to 1971 and I am trying to fill in the history from 1971 to 1977, which is when the DVLA records start.

This MGB was Old English White when I sold it in 1971 in Ongar in Essex and by 1977 it was in Somerset and Red. If you owned the car during this period, or knew someone who did I would be very grateful to hear from you.

MGB 1966 MG Midget 1275

Rwa 1973 v5c rot free American reimport restoration project good engine and trim etc works hard top.

All it needs is a good strip down clean and paint price £2,000.

Tel Paul 07704190136. (Durham)

94 SAFETY FAST! MARCH 2017

MG_SafetyFast_March17_49-98.indd 94

Engine Number 18GB-UH/39011, if you own this engine, or know of its whereabouts I would be pleased to discuss p u rc h a s e / re p l a c e m e n t / s wo p.

Thank you, Keith – Email; keith-wynn@hotmail.com

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 18:59

CL ASSIFIEDS

Manor Garage & Sons!

Tel: 01235 767751

enquiries@mgsforsale.com

www.mgsforsale.com

01707 876089

07831 556666

MG VA Tickford 1.5 Litre 1938 (CFS898) Older early 90’s body off rebuild with costs circa £22k, achieving winner and 2nd in ‘The Golden Eagle’ in its day, delightful Blue coachwork now requiring some improvement, nice condition Navy Blue leather interior trim, good sound chassis, heavy history box file containing a plethora of invoices many from SVW Services, an original green log book, period workshop manual and service documents, old mot’s and other documentation back to the 90’s, vehicle is running and driving after some light re commissioning following a short hibernation period, ideal opportunity for enthusiast or investor to further improve and realise its full potential with these rare Tickford bodied MG’s, just arrived, £34,995.00 MGB Roadster 1971 Heritage Shell Rebuild (KWY763K) MGB Roadster 1971, fully rebuilt on a new Heritage Shell by renowned MG Specialist CCHL in 2011 at a cost then of £17.5k, only covered 3k miles since, delightful Iris Blue coachwork, Black interior trim, high specification including; chrome wire wheels, overdrive, mohair hood, uprated brakes, Spax suspension, poly bushes, carpeted boot, Mota-Lita steering wheel,s/s boot rack etc. etc. just arrived, £19,750.00

Failing 6v batteries?

Fit Manor Garages twin 12v conversion.

Still 12v but with double the capacity.

Fits existing battery boxes, with minimal extra wiring. Reliable starting power after your MG has been Carter_CLASSIC parked up. KIT £150MOTORING +vat.

B13 - Barrie 13/02/2017 11:25 Page 1

Visit our website: www.manorgaragewantage.co.uk

URGENTLY WANTED ANY MG 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.

Due to rude anonymous email picture collectors who don’t bother to reply, I will only send details to those who have supplied a telephone number

MGA race car 1959 I bought this very well known twice ex championship winning car to use at Angouleme this year.

I mechanically rebuilt it with engine being prepared by a leader in race engine building. It is built to FIA 1650 spec .

Lightweight pistons, steel crank and special rods, full race big valve head and weber, special manifolds , spyder steel flywheel and cintred twin plate clutch, all balanced and properly prepared . Much quicker than my last championship winning A. GRP wings, ally doors boot and bonnet, race seaqts and cage. ZF LSD and special half shafts, Rebuilt early straight cut close ratio rare early competition box, cage, FIA belts, Three pot incredable brakes, polibushed, Wets and dries. very reliable. Second in class at Angouleme It would take very little to convert to an FIA spec car. It has the potential for many events from club rallies, h.c. and sprints to international raceing. At 75, I am about to say enough. It cost a fortune. Your gain is my loss at £26,950. I may part exchange.

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_March17_49-98.indd 95

Vauxhall Victor DeLuxe 1962

This seldom seen lovely spacious saloon appears to have covered a scant 60000 miles. Its colour is as offered by the factory and is very attractive. The DeLuxe has the added extras of four speed all synchro floor change, leather seats and a heater! Its engine bay is detailed. Excellent interior and exterior. All the tools are with it and it drives superbly and sprightly. I love it. A pic in the 1962 Motor Show catalogue depicts it as it is now. What a wedding car lots of room. Be different. £5,995

1936/7 Ashley Cleave Brooklands/ Shelsey Special As previously said my Ashley Cleave special, as raced at Brooklands in 37, is still for sale. It can be bought as is or I can complete it. It is a recognised Brooklands competitor.

Shelley Special, dominant in trials, circuits sprints, h/c and with over 500 awards. Reviewed by Bill Boddy in Motor Sport. It is eligible for many varied and coveted races and events, and a possible Goodwood entry. It starts at 35k as is with the rolling chassis restored and the rest negotiable. I’ve had it for 23 years. Or you could be a real anorak and buy an inelligable for anything pointy tail pub car for 50k. Price according to spec when finished, starting at £26k but make me an offer.

MG TC 1949. I bought this remarkable TC 2 years ago. It has had a body off rebuild by a very gifted Australian engineer who wrote a full doccumentry of all work. Its engine has steel rods and special crank, cam, and head. !/12 SUs and dry decked head.. KN 16inch wheels, superb uprated steering and brakes and diff to match.

Standard excellent gearbox New hood and tonneau, excellent panels, and chrome . Used by me for two years, it is a fast tourer not a race car, nor concours,just lovely and the best TC I’ve ever had. Sequioa cream and green leather. Unrepeatable at £27,500 MG TA/B. This lovely 1939 TA has been converted to TB spec of which there were only 372 built. It has the corredct XPAG engine with correct rare cast/brass piston SUs. It has had a body off restoration in the past and still is in great condition. Recent unleaded head with new valves. Excellent chrome and wiuth new brakes and a Thiomkins steerining cionversion it steers and stops precisely, New hood and tonneau complete this lovely, rare and true vintage MG. A delight to drive. In my toy cupboard at home I have recommisioned it personally and it is ready to use. Very attractive in marron and red leather, Charming. Forget silly TB prices, £24,950

XPAG flow competition exhaust manifold New. £525 Wade Supercharger R10 Complete with pulleys. £1,400

XPAG engines built to any specification – supplied or exchange

CM03.17/B13/a

Austin A40 Somerset historic rally car. This car has had 1 owner for at least 30 years and only for sale due to his age. It has covered many Rallies, Rusticana, Le Jog etc. It is in lovely original condition inside and has upgraded brakes and a modified 1800 MGB engine, suspension, and wider wheels. A lovely conditioned useful historic rally car, whose preparation would cost more than the price of the car. £8,750

MARCH 2017 SAFETY FAST! 95

21/02/2017 18:59

CL ASSIFIEDS

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

SPARES FOR SALE HOW TO ADVERTISE

1964 MGB ROADSTER British Racing Green, black/white trim, chrome wires. Superb condition.

12v conv. Recent sills and body restoration.

Drives superbly. Last owner for many years. S/S sports exhaust. Maintained regardless of cost.

Very rare early MGB. £14,995

1971 MGB ROADSTER Teal Blue, Autumn Leaf trim. Excellent interior. New seats and carpets.

Moto Lita wheel, s/s sports exhaust, alloy rocker cover, K&N filters, servo. Body trim excellent.

Reliable car looks great. Great value. £8,995

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.

MGB Spares

1968 MGB V8 Roadster Nightfire Red, tan/ red trim. 3.9L injected V8, RV8 running gear & crossmember. RV8 dash, Red Maple wood trim, mohair hood. 15” minilites. Totally rebuilt & restored at huge expense a few years ago.

Looks & drives superbly. The ultimate touring MG. £26,995

1968 MGC GT Mineral Blue , Black leather trim , blue pipe . Restored car in superb condition , nice engine bay , original steering wheel , minilites, Superb classic sports touring car with the desirable o/drive for long distance . Great investment £18,995

1978 MGB ROADSTER, Black , black/red trim, Osselli 2L u/l fst rd engine, leather seats, Antique red carpets, burgundy mohair hood, moto lita wheel, all new chrome, superb looking car, restored body and paint. Fast classic fun £11,995

1960 MGA 1600 COUPE Totally restored, Iris Blue, blue trim. Last owner since 1973. Totally restored chassis, body, mechanicals, suspension. Now finished with 5 speed conversion, leather trim, boot carpets, boot rack and u/leaded head. £32,500

Pair 1 3/4”HS6 S.U. Carbs inc.

K&N filters on MGB manifold & heat shield. All in excellent condition. £245.

2x MGB propshafts with good U.J’s. One 3syn x Banjo. One 3syn x Salsbury. £35 each.

2 pairs BGT good rear springs.

1 pair x standard. 1 pair x 1”lowered. £35 per pair.

1 pair MGB front springs £20.

Dynamo early MGB. Good working order £20.

Starter motor MGB 3syn. good working order £20 MGB Lucas 25D Distributer.

New points & condenser. Good shaft. £45.

Tel. Mike 01923 678160 (Watford)

MG Magnette Bonnet

Free to MGCar Club members.

Collect from near Macclesfield.

Tel Clive on 01625 576804

MG Midget Spares

Never used Moss supercharger. A back axle, spare 1275 engine and a pair of new doors. Tel; 07779392235 or nigeldavidk@tiscali.co.uk.

(Cornwall)

Engine spares for XPAG

Water Pump (untested) £40 Water pump pulley. £40 Fan blades (pair). £40 Fan blade distance piece. £20 Thermostat Housing. £70 Elbow thermostat Housing £40 Water outlet TD. £60 Branch pipe water TC. £20 All parts are original, came off XPA engines and have been resting in my garage for 30 years so they do fit. Tel: Peter on 0777 190 1730 (Bath)

MGB GT

Set of 4 centre-lock wire wheels for sale from 1968 BGT - 4.5” x 14”. Believed to be original factory fitment. All in sound condition (i.e. no broken spokes) but would definitely benefit from refurbishment. Fitted with four half-decent tyres. £50 the lot. Buyer collects from south-west Birmingham. For further details please phone 0121 453 1595.

3 Synchro Gearbox Saftey Fast Magazines

I have been a member since 1968 and kept all issues of Saftey Fast to present date.

Now is the time to downsize Offers please. Roger Godfrey 07887 557252. Email Roger.d.godfrey@Gmail.com

MGA 1500

4 speed (3 synchro). Good condition, only removed to make way for 5 speed conversation. £150 ono Tel: 07841821410. (Essex)

MGB

4 x refurbished Rostyle wheels, 2 with near new Nexen and 2 with part worn Pirellis. Also further wheel with legal tyre as spare.

FREE – “buyer” collects. Too good to scrap! Roger Latham 01702 580472 (Essex) MGB NEW spare parts. Too numerous to list here but list available on request.

Retail value of about £412. I would be prepared to accept £250 or offers for the lot. Also I have a number of books including a Leyland Workshop Manual and BMC and Leyland B-series Engine Data.

Again a full is list available on request. Alan. 01275 856887 (Near Bristol)

96 SAFETY FAST! MARCH 2017

MG_SafetyFast_March17_49-98.indd 96

Non overdrive for MGB with matching engine backplate and starter motor. As removed from donor car before I completed restoration so condition unknown.Offers over £90 please.Contact Alan on 01275 856887 (Near Bristol)

Pair 1 3/4”HS

inc. K&N filters o fold & heat shie lent condition. £ 2x MGB propsh U.J’s. One 3syn 3syn x Salsbury 2 pairs BGT goo 1 pair x standard ered. £35 per pa 1 pair MGB fron Dynamo early M working order £2 Starter motor MG working order £2 MGB Lucas 25D New points & co shaft. £45.

Tel. Mike 01923 (Watford)

XPAG Engine

Newly Built, 1350c balanced fast road on an exchange b complete spec. Te 01422 823649, co (W.Yorkshire)

XPAG spares

Used XPAG pist 60 4 ring, plus 3 10 3 ring. Also c TF, 1 Reprofiled, Tel: Ron Ward o

MGA.

Pristine copy of O Clausager. £20 t p&p. Telephone

MGF

Alloys x 4 from 1 with brand new F 185/55R15 tyres condition. Email £150.00. Contac 919337 paulmon (Mayfield, East S

WAN

Safety Fast Magazines

July 1982 to December 2016. Will split. Free to any member.

Also 'MG World' Complete in binders.

What offers? Tel 01749 346944 or Email: keith.evans47@btinternet.com For collection from Somerset.

Garage Clear Out

Various MGA & C parts Please contact Bob to see if I can help on 01276 475581.

MG P Type

Original 4 Seater Side Screens (front only)Good pattern for copying or steel frames could be recovered.£30. Call Mike on 01406 370546

MGC Wire Wheels

4 number used 15 x 5.5 chrome wire wheels (no tyres), suitable for shot blasting and painting, or used as they are for winter use. Collect from Prestwood, Buckinghamshire.

Phone 01494862981 or email ian.r.haynes@btinternet.com

WAN MGC EngineSu

Push rods MGB Rear wings, Ro Windscreen Scu Tel 07747 3013

WAN MGA TWIN C

Engine parts, Bl Cylinder head e Also wanted, co restoration, or W call Jim on 0789

WAN

For XPAG engine. wheel with 122 ring Ward on 01422823

WAN MGA 1600

Half or full engi requiring rebuild Mark on 07976

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 19:00

PETER BEST www.classicinsurance.co.uk Bonnet

Club members. ar Macclesfield.

625 576804

ares

s supercharger. A 1275 engine and a Tel; 07779392235 scali.co.uk.

for XPAG

sted) £40 y. £40 £40 e piece. £20 ng. £70 Housing £40 60 TC. £20 al, came off XPA

garage for 30 t. Tel: 1730 (Bath)

ock wire wheels 68 BGT - 4.5” x be original factosound condition pokes) but would from refurbishfour half-decent t. Buyer collects Birmingham. For ease phone 0121

arbox

r MGB with backplate and removed from I completed ondition over £90 Alan on 01275 ristol)

gazines

mber 2016. Will member. omplete in binders.

1749 346944 or 47@btinternet.com Somerset.

r Out

C parts Please see if I can 475581.

er Side Screens d pattern for l frames could 30. Call Mike on

els

5 x 5.5 chrome res), suitable for painting, or used nter use. Collect Buckinghamshire.

981 or email ternet.com

Pair 1 3/4”HS6 S.U. Carbs

inc. K&N filters on MGB manifold & heat shield. All in excellent condition. £245.

2x MGB propshafts with good U.J’s. One 3syn x Banjo. One 3syn x Salsbury. £35 each.

2 pairs BGT good rear springs.

1 pair x standard. 1 pair x 1”lowered. £35 per pair.

1 pair MGB front springs £20.

Dynamo early MGB. Good working order £20.

Starter motor MGB 3syn. good working order £20 MGB Lucas 25D Distributer.

New points & condenser. Good shaft. £45.

Tel. Mike 01923 678160 (Watford)

XPAG Engine

Newly Built, 1350cc lightened and balanced fast road engine for sale on an exchange basis. Phone for complete spec. Tel: Ron Ward on 01422 823649, collection only.

(W.Yorkshire)

XPAG spares

Used XPAG pistons in sets, plus 60 4 ring, plus 30 4 ring and plus 10 3 ring. Also camshafts. 1 new TF, 1 Reprofiled, 6 used/reusable Tel: Ron Ward on 01422823649

The best policies for either classic or modern MGs

Situated at Parkdean St Minver Holiday Park, Near Rock, Cornwall. Privately owned, luxury holiday caravan. Three bedrooms, sleeps up to eight persons.

Double glazed, central heating fully equipped throughout. Parking for two cars.

Members Lynne & Norman Verona live in the Loire Valley on the border with Brittany. They have 2 gites which they will let to MGCC members for the cost price of £120 per week. (£140 pw for bookings made after 31/3)

The details are at www.frenchblat.com/MG-clubs.htm

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

Pristine copy of Original MGA by Clausager. £20 to include UK p&p. Telephone 01798 812745.

Alloys x 4 from 1998 1.8i model, with brand new Falken 185/55R15 tyres in very good condition. Email for photos £150.00. Contact Paul on 07794 919337 paulmoney@easy.com (Mayfield, East Sussex)

WANTED WANTED MGC EngineSump,Crankshaft, Push rods MGBGT Complete Rear wings, Roof Panel, Windscreen Scuttle Panel.

Tel 07747 301326

WANTED MGA TWIN CAM.

Engine parts, Block, Crankshaft, Cylinder head etc, wanted.

Also wanted, complete car for restoration, or WHY? Please call Jim on 0789 9792516.

WANTED

For XPAG engine. Steel spider flywheel with 122 ring gear. Tel:Ron Ward on 01422823649

WANTED MGA 1600

Half or full engine, ideally requiring rebuild. Please phone Mark on 07976641284

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_March17_49-98.indd 97

01621 840400

HOLIDAY GITES

MGA.

MGF

Call for a quote today

M.G. in North Herts

MGOC Recommended Workshop and Power Steering Installer MoT & Failures Repaired Servicing, Welding, Restoration M.G.A. – B – C – V8, Midget Rear of Langley Garage London Road, Langley, Nr Hitchin, Herts SG4 7PJ

01438 729288 07860 473298

CARS FOR SALE

www.mg-repairs-hertfordshire.com

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.

Price range from £250 - £850 which includes bed linen and bath towels etc.

10% discount for car club members.

Please contact 01566 775044 or email rupertajoeth@aol.com for more details.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 4Sight Lighting Company..................79 Adrian Flux ........................................71 Aldon Automotive ..............................93 Barrie Carter .....................................95 Barry Walker ....................................93 Beech Hill Garage .............................94 Brian Brown Classics ........................97 British Motor Heritage ......................IFC Brooklands Museum.........................44 Brown and Gammons.......................19 Bucks Sports and Classic..................39 Car Cover Shop ................................83 Carole Nash Insurance......................10 Chertsey Minors ...............................83 Chisbon.............................................61 Church Square Autos ........................73 Clive Wheatley...................................87 College Motors Burford .....................68 Colne Classics...................................93 Crown Classic Cars ...........................77 Dennis Welch ....................................93 Distributor Doctor ..............................77 Don Trimming....................................39 EJW Classic and sports.....................93 MG 1951 EvansTD Division of Hydratech ..............71 For restoration. Complete car, Fishers Services ................................68 dismantled ready for restoration.

LHD, with black interior.

FootmanRed James ................................63 Matching numbers car. Radiator Frontline ............................................36 rebuilt, shell and nose piece reGet Patina .........................................43 chromed.

Also new brake pipe kit.

Superb project £6500.

Halls Garage......................................83 Please phone 01594835659 Heathrow Transmission .....................83 Hoyle Suspension..............................68 John Woods Motorcare.....................33 Just Right Autos Ltd ..........................55 Just Tickets .......................................87 Kimble Engineering Ltd .....................83 Manor Garage ..................................95 Martin Smith Used MGTF Spares .....73 MGTF Sunstorm Registered Feb 04. 57,000 miles, new hood with H.R.W. Cambelt, water pump, head gaskets, wishbones, ball joints, discs, pads, and subframe mounts all new. 4 pot calipers, ABS,, fog lights, 4 new tyres, full sized spare. Half leather interior, full service history, and all bills

MG Mecca ........................................96 MG Motorsport .................................79 MG Sales Centre...............................41 MGF Mania .......................................61 Midland Classic Restoration ................3 Mike Authurs Classics (MG Midgets).97 Mike Rolls .........................................61 Motor Wheel Services .......................79 Norman Verona .................................97 NTG Services .................................OBC Oselli Ltd ...........................................57 Paul Depper MGs..............................71 Peter Best ...........................IBC, 83, 97 Prestige MG ......................................10 Rees Bros .........................................96 Retro Sports Cars .............................33 Rimmer Bros Ltd...............................57 RJJ Car Shipping and Transportation....83 Robin Lackford Motor Engineering ...73 RPS Ltd.............................................39 Runnymede ......................................75 Scenic Car Tours ............11, 23, 29, 31 Showcase Classic & Sports Car Gala ....49 Skiptune ...........................................39 SMR .................................................95 St Minver Holiday ..............................97 MG Midget 1970, Steve McKie Sports Cars...................93 1275cc Ivor Searle engine. Tax exempt MOT till July. Trials preSummit MGand ......................................39

pared with a Fack diff, roll bar, Sussex Classic Car Parts.....................6 Kenlowe, sumpguard, hydraulic handbrake and raised suspension.

Sussex Sports Cars ...........................83 £2950. Tel;07779392235 or E-Mail: i g e l d Motor a v i d kCo @Ltd t i ....................3 scali.co.uk.

ThenHutson (Cornwall)

The MG Automobile Company ............6 Vitesse Global Ltd .............................81

MARCH 2017 SAFETY FAST! 97

2002 MG ZR160

1938 MG TA

A sound car, mine useable but wou some fettling. Fitt but comes with a XPAW engine + manifolds to up spec. Regretted sa focused on other ( £21,500. For mor malcolm_simmond 01903 742580 / (Storrington, West

MG ZR160, 3 door, Trophy Blue, 21/02/2017 2

19:00

LOOKING BACK 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.

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 2017 Editor: Andy Knott 01235 849730 / 01235 555552 andyknott@mgcc.co.uk Deputy Editor: Colin Grant 01235 849733 colingrant@mgcc.co.uk Editorial Committee: William Ball, Dennis Wharf, Andy Knott, Colin Grant, Adam Sloman, Steve Clark PR and Communications: Lauran Gallacher 01235 849735, Chris Kynoch 01235 849731 Advertising: Hine Marketing 01452 730770 Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770 Printed by: Precision Colour Printing. Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ Tel: 01952 585585 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: Ian Quarrington Vice Chairman: Dave Tynan Treasurer: Richard Colston

T

his immaculate-looking chrome bumper Midget seems to be attracting plenty of attention. Looking at the dress code, this event appears to be taking place on one of those warm summer days that we all look forward to so much. Perhaps you can tell us where and when this happy day out occurred.

We rather like this atmospheric photo by Brian Osborn of a T-Type taking part in a winter trial. Hopefully someone will be able to tell us when and where this picture was taken and what the outcome was for car number 70.

These two chaps seem cheerful enough now they’ve found a good use

Directors: Dave Saunders, Paul Plummer, William Ball, Julian White, George Wilder, Dave Tynan and Peter Cook Company Secretary: Colin Grant

for the high-mounted rear spoiler on the very smart-looking ZS! We would, as ever, be delighted to know when and where this happy occasion took place.

Staff Members: Adam Sloman (General Manager 01235 849732), John Hutchison (Competitions Secretary 01235 849738), Andy Knott (01235 849730), Liz Allsworth (Membership Secretary 01235 849734), Colin Grant (01235 849733), Lauran Gallacher (01235 849735), Cherina Scarrott (Finance Officer 01235 849736), Chris Kynoch (01235 849731) and Ineke Sherman (Merchandise 01235 849731) Honorary Members: Michael Allison, Ron Gammons, Peter Best, Don Hayter, John Quenby, Sir Stirling Moss, Paddy Hopkirk, Norman Ewing, Rob Oldaker, Steve Hanegan, Gerry McGovern, June Wallis, Ann Hawke, John Dutton, John Day, Julian White, Bill Silcock.

Company limited by guarantee The Club, as a corporate body established as the MG Car Club Limited, is a company limited by guarantee. Every member of the Club undertakes to contribute to the assets of the Club in the event of its being wound up while he is a member, or within one year after he ceases to be a member, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the Club contracted before he ceases to be a member, and the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributors among themselves, such amount as may be required, not exceeding one pound.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information at the time of going to press, neither The Publisher (herein referred to as Hine Marketing), the Editor, nor the MG Car Club can accept any responsibility or loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in the publication.

The opinions of authors are their own and Hine Marketing, the Editor and the MG Car Club are not bound to agree with opinions expressed herein. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Safety Fast! and The MG Car Club badge are protected through trademark registration in the UK and in the foreign countries where Safety Fast! circulates. Readers are warned that if they attempt any mechanical or other modifications or methods referred to herein, they do so at their own risk and no liability will attach to the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing. Neither shall the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing have any responsibility for the accuracy of the content of the editorial, neither the content of any advertisement published in Safety Fast!

It should be noted that neither Hine Marketing, the Editor, nor the MG Car Club make any recommendation in respect of any goods and/ or services advertised or featured in this issue. It is the responsibility of readers to satisfy themselves that the goods or services offered or referred to are bona fide and in no instance shall Hine Marketing, the Editor or the MG Car Club be held responsible for the quality or suitability of any such items.

The MG Car Club, Kimber House, PO Box 251, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 1FF Tel: 01235 555552 Fax: 01235 533755 E-mail: mgcc@mgcc.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk

98 SAFETY FAST! MARCH 2017

MG_SafetyFast_March17_49-98.indd 98

If visiting The MG Car Club using Sat Nav please use OX14 1AS

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/02/2017 19:00

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Parts for TA to TF 1936-55, YA YB YT, MGA & Magnette.

Secure online shopping at: www.mgbits.com or by phone.

Worldwide shipping. Free CD ROM catalogue on request

Mike (with TD) & Paul (with MGA) outside our Ipswich premises

T&YT

Exchange shock absorbers available for most models, complete with arms, links, bushes and pins where applicable.

Check with us for stocks before sending your old units.

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A selection of our extensive range of MGA body panels New MGA & Z and T&Y Type

Catalogues ÂŁ5 each - post free

NTG Motor Services Ltd 282-284 Bramford Road Ipswich IP1 4AY Tel: +44(0)1473 406031/2 Fax: +44(0)1473 742087 sales@mgbits.com British Motor Heritage Approved - founded 1966

MG_SafetyFast_Mar17_covers.indd 4

21/02/2017 18:31