Safety Fast! January 2016 by MG Car Club

JANUARY 2016 £3.50

Volume 60

Number 01

inside this month MG_SafetyFast_jan16_Covers.indd 1

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP MG Car Club History – Part I Vantastic – Another one saved, Part II Aldon Automotive Rolling Road Day Bob Olthoff and his MGA Twin Cam Revisited – Part IV 14/12/2015 16:38

21st Century Technology for the Classic Motorist Startmonkey 400 is a revolutionary new alternative to the heavy battery jump pack. Weighing in at only 1100g and measuring just 210x65x64mm, it will start the 12 volt battery of any 4x4, van, car, boat or motorcycle between 15 and 20 times without requiring a recharge. It will retain 75% of its charge for at least a year. The roadside model connects to your battery with conventional crocodile clips while the motorsport model is fitted with a standard Anderson plug. £199.95 incl UK delivery and VAT. Zircotec has appointed British Motor Heritage as distributor and technical support for their incredible heat management products. Significant reduction in under-bonnet temperatures is possible by coating an exhaust manifold with Zircotec ThermoHold Coating. A range of 14 different coloured ceramic coatings provide the ultimate in thermal barrier performance whilst they are also an attractive durable finish that is easy to maintain. Please call for more information and a quotation to coat your exhaust components. The Motoring Classic’s Powermonkey Discovery measures only 46x13x114mm yet can recharge an iPhone twice, standard mobile phones 3-4 times, or give iPods / MP3 players up to an additional 120 hours playtime. Simply recharge the unit from your computer USB or a mains charger (not supplied). £45.00 incl UK delivery and VAT.

buy online at www.motoringclassics.co.uk or call 01993 707200

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14/12/2015 16:38

MIDLAND

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JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:45

Sussex Classic MG Car Parts Huge range of MGB parts!

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We manufacture a complete range of top quality ash frames and components, complete panelled bodies, individual steel parts. Full restorations undertaken on all classic cars. Comprehensive paint shop and trim facilities. Ash frame skeleton bodies. Individual ash frame components and steel panels. • Dashboards • Quarter Panels • Door Frames • Hood Finishers

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JANUARY 2016

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www.mgcc.co.uk

15/12/2015 11:45

Inside

this

issue January 2016

18 Club History Part I Chris Kynoch’s MG ZS pictured in a suitable autumnal scenic setting in Abingdon. 2016 marks the 15th Anniversary of the Z range of cars.

First part of the history of The MG Car Club

27 Vantastic – Another one saved Part II Second part of the story of the MGCC MG Express

30 MG arrive in Dubai Adam Sloman reports on the Dubai International Motor Show

33 Hazy Headlights How to clean cloudy, scratched, oxidized or yellowed plastic headlights

Regulars 7 9

38 MGA meets English Rose A day out filming with Carol Klein

Editor’s Welcome

65 Luffield Championship

A summary from Andy Knott

Latest news from the MGCC Luffield Speed Championship

From the Chair Club Matters from Ian Quarrington

10 News MG Delighted to announce 2016 BTCC Entry, MG GT arrives in Thailand and more

12 Kimber House News Progress on the Bill Wallis Wing, Why MG? and more

14 Products

66 Overseas News News from the MG Clube de Portugal and more

70 Overseas Review Safety Fast! keeps tabs on the overseas action

72 Centre Updates News from the MGCC Regional Centres

The latest products in the world of MG 82 Register Updates News from the MGCC Registers

16 Postbag

Members have their say

62 Race Torque A look back at 2015 by Ron Gammons

64 MGs on Track Spa… with our MG friends and 2016 MGoT dates

www.mgcc.co.uk

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92 Looking Back A selection of snippets from the MGCC archives

94 Classifieds Cars and Spares offered for sale

40 Aldon Automotive Rolling Road Day The Midget Register test their cars on the Rolling Road

58 Bob Olthoff and his MGA Twin Cam revisited Part Four of the Bob Olthoff story by Edward Vandyk

Newsletters 44 T Type Newsletter The Continental Tour 1936, The MGCC T Register 2016 Calendar of events and more

49 Magnette Newsletter Events for 2016, Magnette Technical Articles and more

54 MGC Newsletter Our last event of 2015... From Tourer to GT – Jon Glover’s Two MGCs, Part I and more

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 12:07

Luxclassics

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JANUARY 2016

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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WELCOME

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 2015 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, Colin Grant, Victor Smith, Adam Sloman Regular Contributors: Alwyn Morgan

Andy Knott

Words from

Editor

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 President: John Day Vice Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best. Chairman: Ian Quarrington Vice Chairman: George Wilder Treasurer: Richard Colston Directors: Dave Saunders, Paul Plummer, William Ball, George Wilder, Dave Tynan and Peter Cook Company Secretary: Colin Grant Staff Members: Adam Sloman (General Manager 01235 849732), John Hutchison (Competitions Secretary 01235 849738), Andy Knott (01235 849730), Liz Allsworth (Membership Secretary 01235 849734), John Inness (Exhibitions 01235 849737), Colin Grant (01235 849733), Lauran Gallacher (01235 849735), Cherina Scarrott (Finance Officer 01235 849736) and Chris Kynoch (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. 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

With 2016 almost upon us it’s time to look ahead and see what you can get from the Club this year. The Centres, Registers and Branches are busy planning plenty for you to enjoy, and we can finally confirm that the MGLive! date will be June 4-5; keep an eye on the website for confirmation of what will be happening where at Silverstone. Last year there were a lot of anniversaries, and the Registers did a superb job organising events to celebrate these. This year sees anniversaries of two of the more modern MGs: the MG Zed range and the MG6. I was fortunate enough to attend both press launches, the former being held in Cardiff in 2001 and the latter being held at Longbridge in 2011. I’ll never forget driving a bright Trophy yellow ZR160 through the city of Cardiff on the way back to St David’s Hotel, our base for the launch, located in Cardiff Bay. To say that people’s jaws dropped as the car went by is an understatement. The most exhilarating drive though was on the Pembrey Circuit, behind the wheel of a V6 Trophy Blue MG ZS 180. I vowed there and then that I’d own one, one day. In 2006 I was fortunate enough to own an Xpower Grey ZS 180 for three years until circumstances changed. The opportunity recently arose to purchase another ZS 180, this one being a late 2005 model. I got to know the car intimately on the long drive back from Scarborough to Abingdon and enjoyed every minute of it; the car is a true credit to its previous owner. The launch of the MG6 in 2011 was held inside the factory at Longbridge, with the excited press standing by the production line as a Regal Red MG6 was driven off the line by Lisa Ponter, who at the time was the only woman working on the production line. Although I don’t currently own an MG6, I’m fortunate enough to be insured on my dad’s TSE petrol model and also use the Club’s MG6 GT diesel. Both are seriously underrated cars in my opinion. As I mentioned last month we’re launching a series of articles on the history of the MG Car Club this month, starting with the formation of the Club in 1930. I do hope you enjoy them. Until next month, drive safely

@mgcarclub

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

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JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:46

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15/12/2015 11:46

FROM

THE CHAIR

Ian Quarrington Club Matters from

A Happy New Year to all our Members, I hope you were able to enjoy a restful time over the holidays. I wonder if perhaps some of you were out and about in your MG? As I write, we are enjoying unseasonably mild weather, and having cut the lawns today, I decided to take out each of the cars currently in our care (do note, I only actually have my name on the documents of one of them!). All three of them started first time, all of them had a good checkover before we went anywhere and all of them brought a huge smile to my face. Many of us simply leave our cars in the garage during the winter months, although I am sure we all take the right precautions in storing them, but I was reminded that cars can be a bit like the human body, they do need exercising regularly. On the subject of regular checkovers, the Board and the Editorial Sub Committee have been busy reviewing how we manage Safety Fast! with our publishers, Hine Marketing. It is very important that we carry out this review regularly, along with similar exercises on a host of other matters that help support the smooth running of the Club. You might be surprised

just how much there is to do on this front, and the work continues all through the year, not just at the “close season”. I have been looking on this Sunday afternoon, for example, at the work being carried out by the Racing Committee along with our Treasurer Richard Colston to firm up the budgets for 2016. The Club went through a period of significant change during last year. We appointed a new General Manager at Kimber House, a new junior PR officer and a new finance officer. The set up of the Board changed too, with a retiring Chairman and two other Directors stepping down after long periods of service. Change, especially when it comes in such significant numbers, can be slightly unsettling. However I can assure you that we are taking the opportunity to build on the success that we achieved together in 2015 as well as introducing new initiatives, all of which serve to improve the quality of your membership. A polite reminder to everyone: the Douglas Mickel Fund which was launched in 2015 to allow Centres, Registers and

Branches as well as individual members to have access to funds for MG related projects, whether small or large, has not been utilised very much at all. Each year we put aside a significant sum to offer as either a loan or a grant, depending on the circumstances of the request. If you have an idea which you believe is worth an application, please do contact George Wilder who is looking after the Fund on behalf of the Board, or you can find details on how to make an application on the Members’ Only area of the website. This month will see the Car Club represented at the Autosport Show being held at the NEC between January 14-17. John Hutchison, our Racing Competition Secretary, has worked hard with the Racing Committee to ensure our presence at this show. Please go along and support John and the Club. Racing is such an important part of the Club’s past, present and future and is something we should all be very proud of. Kimber House are also working on plans to support Centres at other shows during the year so keep looking at the website and the magazine for more details.

“IXxxxxx” “Beginning to regret celebrating new year with such reckless abandon now, are we?” www.mgcc.co.uk

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JANUARY 2016

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NEWS NEWSLETTER

MG GT arrives in Bill Greig of the Johannesburg Centre As we go to press, we are sorry to hear of the passing of Bill Greig in Johannesburg, South Africa. Bill owned a lovely MG TD and was a Chairman and Honorary Life Member of the Johannesburg Centre. He will be remembered as a principled, old school gentleman and our condolences go out to his wife Daphne and family from the Worldwide MG family. Brian G Woodhams Superspoke Steering Wheels Superspoke Steering Wheels (www. superspoke.co.uk) capture the classic aesthetic, inspired by a style that has been used in British car building for over 75 years. The Collection is a selection of unique steering wheels, beautifully handmade in the UK, using traditional methods and modern materials. Each steering wheel is elegantly designed with passion to enhance the beauty of your car. Safety Fast! will bring you more news and test a Superspoke Steering Wheel in a future issue. The MG of tomorrow? The winner of the 2015 SAIC Motor MG Roewe Cup has been announced. Designed by Russian Nikita Medlets, the GT-class car is designed to be based around an electric motor and is intended by the designer to follow the new design language for MG introduced by the Zero and CS concepts, with a prominent MG octagon set at the heart of the car’s grille. Could this be the MG sportscar we get excited about in ten years’ time? Let us know what you think of the car…

JANUARY 2016

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Thailand The MG GT has arrived in right hand drive form in Thailand. Renamed as the MG5 for that market, it’s offered with a 1.5 petrol or the same engine turbo charged. The non-turbo develops 105bhp while the boosted variant offers 128bhp and 155ft lbs of torque. Prices for the 5 start at 649,000 baht or around £11,900, rising to £13,500 for the range-topping 1.5 Turbo LX. MG Delighted to announce 2016 BTCC Entry MG Motor UK is pleased to announce a new three-year contract extension with Triple Eight Racing in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). This new contract will see MG Triple Eight Racing battling it out in this ultra competitive series for more pole positions and manufacturer championship wins until 2018. Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing for MG, said: “We are really excited to be renewing this partnership. The BTCC has given us the opportunity to give our brand some fantastic exposure, so we’re thrilled to be continuing this for another three years. “We have built up a strong relationship with Triple Eight during our four years together, so we’re glad to be working with them again and look forward to developing a new team that will lead to more successes.” More information, including the driver line-up for 2016 will be announced in due course.

Midget Register AGM Date: March 20 2016 10.30am Location: The MG Car Club, Kimber House, Abingdon, OX14 1AS Agenda 1. Apologies for absence. 2. Approval of the minutes of the 2015 AGM. 3. Matters arising. 4. Chairman’s Report. 5. Secretary’s Report. 6. Treasurer’s Report and adoption of 2015 accounts. 7. Registrar’s Report. 8. Election of Officers. 9. Election of Committee. 10. Any other business. 11. Date and time of next AGM. Nominations for election to the Committee and or Officers should be submitted to the Secretary, Pete Chaundy, 156 Roman Way, Bicester, Oxon, OX26 6FL or by email to secretary@midgetregister. com by March 1 2016.

Tyne-Tees Centre AGM Date: Thursday February 4 2016 Time: 8.00pm Location: The Old Mill, Metal Bridge, Thinford Road, Coxhoe, County Durham, DH6 5NX Agenda 1. Apologies for absence 2. Approval of the Minutes of the 2015 AGM 3. Matters arising from the above 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Secretary’s Report 6. Membership Secretary’s Report 7. Treasurer’s Report and adoption of the Accounts 8. Election of Officers 9. Election of the Committee 10. Any Other Business

www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWS NEWSLETTER

Social News Media Kimber House

In December we ran a feature on our website called ‘Why MG?’ – We now want to follow that up. The article was written by racer Richard Ide; someone we’d love to hear from if he’s still a member, or anyone that remembers Richard driving his MGs back in the 1950’s and 1960’s. We’d also like to know the whereabouts of two MGs he raced in - a 1947 TC, with the registration number ‘LPC 600’, and an MGA registration number ‘425 HHY’.

During the next couple of months, we once again would like to advise anyone coming to Kimber House that parking is limited, and if you plan on visiting with a large group, to please let us know. Overall, it was another fantastic year at Kimber House in 2015 as we celebrated 25 years since our return to Abingdon. To mark the occasion the Club had an open day at Kimber House in May that prompted members from across the country with various different models of MG to come and visit the home of the MG Car Club. We also had two unique additions to the archive. The VA engine that the SVW register restored was welcomed into the John Thornley Suite, and the model of factory A-block that member Roy Locock kindly donated to us was also put on show. A huge thank you goes to everyone from across the world that visited us last year – we are nothing without the support of our members. If you haven’t done so already, make some time to call in this year and we’ll be happy to greet you at the door of 12 Cemetery Road to show you our ever-growing collection of MG history.

Round Up

Through December we ran an advent calendar of MGs that went down well across all of our social media platforms and it included a wide variety of models – ranging from Club President John Day’s 18/80, an MG GS, and wintery pictures of a Y-type and MGA, amongst others. The biggest attraction on Facebook this month was a picture shared by Paul Robertson that featured a train load of MGs that were ready for export at Southampton’s East Dock. The photo reached almost 8,500 people and amassed over 300 likes. If anyone at home has an interesting picture they’d like to share, please either post it to one of our social media pages, or email chrisk@mgcc.co.uk Whenever we flick through old copies of Safety Fast! something interesting always pops up that makes us smile. This month that happened to be a letter sent in to the March 1987 edition, where a lady argued that her boyfriend, and soon to be husband, loved his MG more than her. We can fully relate to that feeling, and I’m sure many of our members can too. The Club had some fantastic photos, features and posts across social media in 2015. From Ant Anstead cutting cake, a video of Mike Brewer at MGLive!, and Tweets from Theo Paphitis – we’ve covered it all. Here’s hoping for another successful year on the digital side!

F: www.facebook.com/MGCarClub T: @MGCarClub I: @MGCarClub The roof goes on the new Bill Wallis Wing at Kimber House

JANUARY 2016

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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Untitled

Lake Garda

Laon Historique 25th Anniversary Tour

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PRODUCTS

Nifty new heavy duty hose cutter from Laser Tools This nifty new heavy duty hose cutter from Laser Tools (part number 6135) may be small in size but it’s big on performance. Its compact size means that it’s great when working in restricted areas, and its heat treated stainless steel blade gives sharp, 90º cuts on hoses from 3mm to 13mm (1/8” to 1/2”). The soft grip handles are comfortable to work with and you’ll be able to get right down into the engine bay and make high quality cuts every time. Available now from your Laser Tools stockist, and terrific value at a typical price of £7.15 (including VAT). More details from www.lasertools.co.uk

MG Artistry in Aluminium Paul Pennell of Artistry in Aluminium is a second-generation traditional panel beater who has made one-off wings and bodies for many important cars. He is now well known in the motoring world for his stunning, entirely hand-beaten, three-dimensional aluminium pictures, and his clients include a well known prestige motor manufacturer. He has just introduced a framed 8 by 10 inch photographic print of one of his MGB commissions at £15.00 each, which make ideal gifts without breaking the bank; or, if you have deeper pockets, Paul can create one of his stunning pictures of any MG, working from your photo. One-off commissions start at £350.00 for a 20 by 24 inch picture with matt black background, framed ready to hang, and Paul offers full money back guarantee on all work. For further details go to www.artistryinaluminium.co.uk or ring Paul on 01327 341321. Visitors welcome at his Northamptonshire studio. Powerflex Suspension Bushes for MG ZS and Rover 45

MG3 Stainless colour coded front grille set from MG and AMC Parts We are now offering colour coding or virtually any colour for our Stainless Steel Mesh grille sets. These are powder coated to full Auto Spec and are offered in Flat, Matt, Gloss and Metallic finishes. We manufacture and supply a whole range of unique accessory products for the MG3 – MG6 – MGF and MG TF. For more information go to our website: www.mgandamcparts.com Brand new website dedicated to the MG3 and MG6 will be live in the New Year with new exciting products. (Visits to our offices are most welcome:) MG and AMC Parts, The Smithy, High Street, Southwick, Hants. PO17 6EB Tel: 02392 220222 – 07454 006080

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Powerflex have just released a new range of suspension bushes for the MG ZS and Rover 45. Powerflex offer improved reliability over original parts and, of course, all Powerflex bushes carry the Powerflex Lifetime Warranty. For vehicles used in Motorsport or predominantly on track these new bushes are also available in the stiffer Powerflex Black Series range. For prices and more details visit www.powerflex.co.uk or call 01895 460033.

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FEATURE POSTBAG

Premature Capacitor Failures I have recently suffered failure of a newly fitted capacitor on my V8 for the second time! I rate that at least once too often! I am assured by a fellow Member friend who knows his electronics that it can’t be the car’s fault, nor yet mine, so whose fault is it? Hearsay has it that the problem is ‘cheap imports’. If so, why can’t someone in the UK start making them to a decent quality standard even if they worked out more expensive? I gather that they are scarcely super high tech, so how hard can it be? I know that British Industry is now so emasculated that we have to import our bus stops from France and Meccano is made in Calais, but come on chaps, this isn’t so much a gap in the market as a gaping hole!

Grahame Page In the November edition of Safety Fast! SVW Register section page 83, I read the article that was of personal interest to me relating to Grahame Page of Colchester. As a youngster in the 1960s I worked at Pages Garage in Crouch Street, in the sales department, and I remember that the MG VA was normally parked near the entrance to the showroom. I was pleased to learn that Grahame is in good health at the age of 90. In April this year I acquired an MGB roadster, joined the MGCC and have been to various classic car events in Essex and Suffolk. Very enjoyable first year and I look forward to many more.

John Bennett

Jacks and Punctures This is a lesson in solving a problem properly, and is especially relevant to owners of low slung sports cars. In September Janine and I went to Llandrindod Wells for the Welsh Weekend Tour organised by the MGB Register of the MG Car Club. The weather was glorious all weekend, and I only realised when I was attaching the Rally Plaque on Friday that my MGB GT was having its 48th birthday that very day. On the Sunday we were heading north and got somewhat lost on white roads around Llanidloes when we had a puncture in the driver’s side rear tyre. Not a problem you might think – well out comes the spare and the hydraulic bottle jack. As I am undoing the wire wheel spinner, memories come back to me of this happening before on the passenger side. My worst fears are realised when the bottle jack would not fit under the car, which was about three inches lower than with a fully inflated tyre. Janine was not slow to point out my failure to sort out this problem, as on the previous occasion she had to rescue me by picking up my three ton garage size trolley jack and coming out from work – she’s a strong girl! We were rescued by a young Welsh couple who lived a mile down the road. They found Janine whilst I had gone foraging for implements, and told her that they would be back with a trolley jack and wood. We were very grateful to them for their assistance, and there parting shot was – “We only stopped because it was a Classic – nice to see it being used and enjoyed!” The outcome of this tale is that the bottle jack has been relegated to the garage, and after considerable research a new Clarke 1.25 ton aluminium low entry racing jack has been purchased. The beauty of this jack is that not only is it lightweight, but it fits alongside the spare wheel in the boot of the BGT – admittedly with the removal of one of the grab handles which is only two Allen screws. Problem solved – I will probably never again have a puncture now!

Insurance Issues Whilst I agree with a lot of Colin Firth’s post in the December issue of Safety Fast! I feel I must come to the defence of the insurance broker Peter Best. I am an ex manager of a major insurance company and have owned several MG cars for over 30 years, thus giving me a good knowledge of the business of Classic Car Insurance. I have recently expanded my fleet to three cars, the latest being a 1981 MGB roadster. Like everyone I searched the net and contacted numerous brokers who advertise in various magazines and came up with certainly no better than the broker who insures my other two cars, a 2001 MGF and a 1975 MGB GT, namely Peter Best. Having the correct insurance and disclosing all the relevant information is a major point and I hate it when a broker or insurance company is only interested in beating a competitor’s cost. My cars are precious to me and if they are damaged in any way I want them to be replaced/repaired without any fuss. Peter Best Insurance have given me by far the best advice and service during my time with them and are recommended by the MGCC; they also give members a discount. I have no connection to Peter Best other than they are my current brokers and I hope will be so for many years to come. Stuart Lay VED Rules Ref the item on changes to the vehicle tax rules, can I point out that not for some years have dealers been able to pocket the refund on part exchanged or purchased vehicles. The refunds will only be made to the registered keeper. Unless the owner sends the V5C/3 dealer part of the V5C to Swansea him/herself and does not give the entire form to the dealer then the only beneficiary will be the DVLA as the new system seems to be designed to prise an extra month’s VED from many of the used car sales in the UK!

Roger Middleton

Brian G Woodhams

Gethin Jones Magna Key Enclosed with this letter is the original near side door key to an MG “F” Magna, registration number TM 9731, a 1931 model, which I owned in the mid 1960’s. There was no key for the offside in manufacturer. I found the key during a sort out of odds and ends, as you do. So I thought I would send it to the Club in the hope that it will find its way back to the original car and present owner. This is one of the many cars that that I have owned over the years that I do not have photos of. Please, do you think it possible in return of the key after all these years that I could have some photos of the “F” Saloonette. I’m not on a computer so would have to be by post. I do hope that nobody has spoilt the car by changing the body to a 2/4 seater, open car. Originally it was black with apple green roof Mr Earl.

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To order any of the products please visit www.mgcc.co.uk/shop or phone 01235 555552

Cars that rock with Brian Johnson

When he’s not wowing millions of screaming fans in one of the biggest and most influential rock bands of all time, AC/DC singer Brian Johnson can be found behind the wheel of a powerhouse car. He’s competed in vintage races all over the globe and even participated in Daytona. Brian has a passion for magnificent four-wheeled vehicles, and in this book he talks about some of the world’s biggest marques, with an interesting chapter on MG, where Brian visits Kimber House and talks to the owners of some very special cars.

Priced at £20.00 plus P&P at £5.50 UK and £11.00 overseas. Available from the MGCC online shop.

MGs, the Mini and Me By Dudley Pike

Dudley Pike grew up with MGs: he, his father and two brothers all worked in the MG factory. This is the story of Dudley’s 45 years in the motor industry, from his apprenticeship at the MG works at Abingdon, progressing to the preparation of rally cars, moving on to the retail trade, and finally returning to the manufacturers.

Priced at £10.00 plus P&P at £5.50 UK and £11.00 overseas. Available from the MGCC online shop.

MG War Time Activities

This spiral bound book, edited by Colin Grant, is a reproduction of a book called ‘War Time Activities of the MG Car Company Limited Abingdon’. As the content of the book covered many magnificent topics from that era, the MG Car Club, led by Colin Grant, decided to reproduce the book in its entirety for others to enjoy, with just some light editing and additional material. As the book carried no reference to the author or publisher, one can only speculate who wrote it. A must read for any MG enthusiast!

MERCHANDISE

CLUB

MG TF Front & Rear Mud Flap Set

The MG Car Club, in conjunction with MG and AMC Parts, has had the MG TF Front & Rear Flaps reproduced to the original specification using stainless steel black fittings. This set consists of a front and rear set of mud flaps. Non Member Price at £100 plus P&P at £8.50.

MGCC Members price £90.00 plus P&P at £8.50 UK. Available from the MGCC online shop.

MGF and TF by David Knowles

In the wake of the demise of the MG Midget and MGB, there seemed little prospect for the MG badge beyond being used as a kind of ‘GTi’ badge for various Austins and Rovers. However, thanks to the determination of a few people – and an enduring affection in public hearts – the tale has had a happier ending. This is the story of that journey – from desolation to rebirth, just like the phoenix from which the project that created the MGF took its name.

Priced at £25.00 plus P&P at £5.50 UK and £11.00 overseas. Available from the MGCC online shop.

MGA Roadster from Norev

Another wonderful Model from the renowned Model maker Norev. A 1:43 Scale 1956 MGA Roadster finished in Red. Fully detailed with a black interior and wire wheels. Supplied in a dust proof display case. The paint finish is up to Norev’s usual high standard. This is a new Model to the market and therefore a must for any MG Model collectors.

Priced at £35.00 plus P&P at £5.50 UK and £11.00 overseas. Available from the MGCC online shop.

Priced at £7.00 plus P&P at £2.00 UK and £5.00 overseas. Available from the MGCC online shop.

Norev MGA Coupe

Another wonderful Model from the renowned Model maker Norev. A 1:43 Scale 1956 MGA Coupe finished in Black. Fully detailed with a red interior and wire wheels. Supplied in a dust proof display case. The paint finish is up to Norev’s usual high standard. This is a new Model to the market and therefore a must for any MG Model collector.

Priced at £35.00 plus P&P at £5.50 UK and £11.00 overseas. Available from the MGCC online shop.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE HISTORY

The M Type was the start of the Club with a growing number of members competing in trials

Club History

– Part 1

The first complete Club History was compiled by the late Mike Hawke and published in 2000 to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Club. The book was soon out of print, there was clearly a need for a replacement and Peter Browning volunteered to edit an enlarged and updated version. This is the first of a 12 part series.

In the beginning 1930-32 Harold Hastings It is a little over six years since I put together a page of readers’ correspondence for The Light Car including the letter that started it all. It appeared over the signature of one Roy Marsh and was published in the issue of September 5, 1930. WHY NOT AN MG CLUB? Being a very interested reader of The Light Car and Cyclecar, I notice that a number of one make clubs have been formed lately with very satisfactory results. Now Midget enthusiasts, what about an MG Car Club? There are hundreds of you and surely some very enjoyable social runs and trials could be arranged. Perhaps MG owners would let me have their opinions on the idea. Quite brief and to the point, it took immediate effect. That was as inevitable as the subsequent growth of the Club. You cannot have a lot of people rushing round the country in cars like MGs without wanting to get together. Various people wrote to various other people, H.M. Post Office was enriched by numerous pennies inserted in numerous slots and one or two more letters appeared in The Light Car. The upshot of it all was an announcement in that journal of an inaugural rally on October 12 for the purpose of formally bringing the Club into being. It was part of my job, of course, to keep in touch with events. That would have applied to the formation of any motor club. In this

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Harold Hastings editor of The Light Car who played a major role in establishing the first two years of the Club

case, however, it was not so much a job as a joy because I was myself running an M-type Midget and felt just as everyone else felt about those wonderful little motors, terrifically enthusiastic. They were quite unlike anything else in their day and it was not until mine had provided me with well over 30,000 miles of very good motoring that I reluctantly parted with it. All this is a little beside the point and yet in a way it isn’t, because owners of T-Types and other recent models may not realise that the old original Midget inspired just as much enthusiasm in its time as the T does today. Anyhow, the rally duly took place at the Roebuck Hotel, near Stevenage, on the Great North Road. Over 30 MGs turned up, all but two of them Midgets, and the car park looked rather like

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FEATURE HISTORY

Lord Nuffield (right) and Cecil Kimber were active supporters of the Club from the start

the dispatch bay at the works. Inside the pub everyone looked a little awkward, felt it was up to them to do something but didn’t quite know what. Co-conspirators Roy Marsh and John Thornley stepped into the breach, however, and a meeting was soon in full swing. (John Thornley, of course, is the man who now tells you how much it will cost to mend the bits you break, although at that time he had no connection with the works.) At the meeting, I remember him explaining how he had made contact with Roy Marsh immediately following the letter in The Light Car and offered to take on the duties of secretary pro tem. On Marsh’s agreeing, he had approached Mr Cecil Kimber and obtained from the MG chief a promise of full support; a provisional design for a badge was also produced for inspection and approved and suggestions put forward regarding subscriptions and so on. He concluded, “If you will let me be secretary for the time being, I think I can make the Club a success,” which, when you come to think of it, was a fairly stout undertaking to make to a lot of strangers. After a little more discussion, the MG Car Club was formally constituted, Thornley was enthusiastically voted secretary, a committee elected, and everyone sat down to an overdue tea. Forming a club is one thing. Turning it into a going concern is another Obviously, the first thing was to give members a better chance of getting to know each other. To this end, another rally was arranged at the Roebuck (on November 9), the plot this time being

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to assemble for lunch, make a pleasant tour of the countryside in the afternoon, and finish at the King’s Arms, Berkhamsted, for tea. The immediate success of the Club can be gathered from the fact that over 50 cars turned out on this occasion. This large number rather upset the organisers’ calculations and the idea of a convoy run had to be abandoned; instead, members were asked to find their own way to Berkhamsted, which they did by promptly losing themselves and meeting each other going in opposite directions in narrow lanes. The resulting confusion effected a high percentage of introductions so that, by the time the King’s Arms was reached, lots of members knew lots of others and everyone was satisfied. At Berkhamsted, a member of the local constabulary did yeoman service by standing in the middle of the road and waving members into the hotel yard. This he did with the greatest insistence to every MG that attempted to pass and thereby performed some quite useful recruiting. Thanks to his efforts and the presence of others who had been unable to turn up earlier, the gathering of members and friends at tea numbered well over a hundred. A week or two later, Thornley rang me up and we met for lunch to discuss the prospects of a trial. The Chilterns seemed the obvious district and I promised to find him some hills and draw up a set of regs. Early in the New Year, we got down to the route question in earnest and started a series of extraordinarily muddy expeditions. Arch Mudlarkers were Ernest Wood, the trials secretary, Norman Eames, one of the committee, Thornley and myself. We generally ended up at the King’s Arms wondering whether we were going to be thrown out for carting such large quantities of Chilterns’ chalk into a clean hotel but a tolerant management put up with us without complaint. The classic occasion during these expeditions was when we found ourselves stuck in a sea of mud at the foot of Light Car’s Lament just as it was getting dark one bleak afternoon. We couldn’t get up Light Car’s Lament and after making the cars face the other way by dint of incredible effort, we found that they would not go up the hill and would not come down either. Prospects for a good trial seemed encouraging! Eventually we decided on a course to our liking and some one finger efforts on a typewriter produced a route card that the rest of the committee could understand, so everything was set for the regs to go out and the entries to come in, we hoped. In the meantime, the Club held its first annual dinner. This took place on January 9, 1931 at the Mecca Restaurant, Ludgate Hill, with Mr Kimber in the chair Amongst the guests was the Earl of March (now the Duke of Richmond and Gordon). Mr Kimber made a characteristically amusing speech, gave some interesting facts about the Midget with which George Eyston was even then starting his record breaking habits, and concluded by promising a donation of 50 guineas towards the Club funds. John Thornley returned thanks, mentioned that the membership figure was nearing the 200 mark and read a telegram from Sir William Morris (now Lord Nuffield, of course) consenting to become Patron of the Club. Everyone was terrifically enthusiastic and the function registered one more success for the Club. The affair was also noteworthy as marking the birth of another MG tradition, for an item on the account subsequently rendered by the restaurant read, “To six spoons, bent and unfit for further use, 6s.” or some such sum. (Great oaks from little acorns grow.) Three weeks later on February 15 the first Chilterns Trial was held. It marked, incidentally, what I believe was the first ban on competition tyres; a ban I had suggested because many members were new to the trials game and might be deterred from entering if

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FEATURE HISTORY

The gathering at the Roebuck Hotel, Stevenage for the inaugural meeting of the Club in October 1930

they thought it meant spending a five pound note to put themselves on a level footing with the regular trials men. An entry of 60 had been obtained but ’flu was in fashion and 50 drivers actually started, amongst them Mrs. Kimber who drove a Midget, Robin Mere who is now more often organising than organised against, and Stanley Kemball whose office in University Motors the committee regularly borrowed for its meeting. Here is a brief summary of what happened and where: Start, The Lambert Arms, Aston Rowant; finish, Ashley Green; hills: Lewknor (1 failure); Kingston Blount down hill brake test (24 drivers lost marks); Kop Hill slow climb (30 lost marks including 12 who stopped entirely); Kimble Lane (16 failures); Water Works Hill restarting test (3 lost marks); Hawridge (6 failures); Light Car’s Lament (22 failures). Weather bright sunshine after a week of rain. Best performance, W. H. Haden (Midget); first-class awards 9, second class 13, retired, 1. Following the event, members adjourned to the King’s Arms for tea and afterwards the annual general meeting was held and brought to an end what, if not a complete year, was virtually the Club’s first season. One other event remains to be chronicled to make this record of the beginnings of the MGCC complete, although actually it did not take place until May 7, 1932. I refer, of course, to the Abingdon–Abingdon. The trial was noteworthy first because it marked the beginning of a very successful series and second because it was, I think, the first occasion on which a one make club opened its entry lists to other clubs. In selecting the hills, we were lucky in securing

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Roy Marsh, whose letter to The Light Car, launched the Club seen here with his TC in Johannesburg in 1963

Start of the first Chiltern Trial, the Club’s first event, February 1931

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FEATURE HISTORY

Start of the first Chiltern Trial, the Club’s first event, February 1931

the help of that super trials enthusiast H.P. Baughan of Stroud, who has a better knowledge of his own district than any man I have ever met. When we explained what we wanted, he sat down and, without looking at a single map, dictated a route card that subsequently required no correction and very little amplification. With this basis, arrangements went forward with unusual ease, the only hitch being a panic of major proportions caused, I regret to state, by one H.C. Hastings who had undertaken to obtain all the necessary direction cards from his office and having carefully wrapped them up in a neat parcel, left them in his bedroom at home. To make matters worse, the discovery was not made until the indefatigable Wood, who had travelled down to Rodboro’ from Leigh-on-Sea during the night, arrived at The Bear and roused the culprit from a peaceful sleep at about 6am, by demanding to see the wretched things. By a stroke of luck, Thornley had put the remnants of a previous trial’s marking in his car. Frantic turning of white cards into red with the aid of a bottle of red ink was needed before the Cotswold end of the route could be marked. The trial, which started and finished at the MG Works at Abingdon, was run off in bright sunshine and was great fun, particularly an emergency stop test in which competitors, on seeing a notice ‘MG CLUB STOP’, were expected to do so before reaching it. They were, of course, warned of the test, but not its location, and few of them expected it within half a mile of the start when they were still buttoning on their gloves and generally getting comfortably settled. Thornley’s bright notion of having the test so placed resulted in over half the 43 starters overshooting the line. So far as the hills were concerned, here is the list: Wragg hill (restart), Nailsworth Ladder, Quarhouse, Blackness, Mutton, Lies Lane, Besbury Common (acceleration and braking test), Battlescombe (timed climb). Soon after that first Abingdon–Abingdon trial the Club began to grow very rapidly, which involved a great deal of work for its painstaking secretary. So, having given you my own early memories, I will leave the next stage of this narrative to his very capable pen. Enter J.W. Thornley. Harold Hastings was on the editorial staff of The Light Car magazine and he put together a page of readers’ correspondence including the letter which prompted the formation of the Club. As is clear from his report above he played a major role in getting the Club up and running. Harold went on to be the Midlands Editor of Motor magazine and as such was close to the heart of the motor industry. He was a personal friend of Cecil Kimber with whom he corresponded on a regular basis.

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Roy Marsh disappeared from Club activities in the mid 1930s. The Club tried to find him, hunting references in London, pouring over street directories and phone books in London and the Midlands, his old London address having disappeared in the blitz. Eventually the Club gave up in despair until a member of the Natal Centre sent to Safety Fast! a small snapshot of an MG bearing a curious MGCC badge of a type that he had not seen before, This car, he said, was owned by a gentleman in Johannesburg who claimed to be a founder member; the badge was the original type and the gentleman’s name was Roy Marsh! He went to South Africa in 1933 and had been there ever since but he had not forgotten the fun he had with MGs back in Britain. He was elected an Honorary Life Member as a small gesture of appreciation of all the pleasure that many thousands of people have derived from the Club that he founded.

A formative year 1932 John Thornley

John Thornley the first Club Secretary

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HISTORY FEATURE

John Thornley with son Peter enjoying the 1967 Beaulieu gymkhana

Forgive me if I do not pick up the threads of these chronicles of the MG Car Club from the exact point at which Harold Hastings left off. I will start in the middle of 1931 when, at the July Open Shelsley Meeting, the Club provided a car park for members for the first time. This, together with tea in the marquee after the climb, was the forerunner of what is now one of the Club’s traditions. Nearly 200 teas were consumed and, whilst the percentage of gate crashers was not computed, it could only have been very small indeed, as every single individual in the marquee seemed to know at least half a dozen others, which resulted in a thoroughly matey affair. The following weekend the Club registered its one and only really serious failure. An immense amount of care, time and trouble had been expended in organising a trial in the Peak District. Many of the best known hills were to be used, including Litton Slack and Jenkins Chapel, but the entry was so uninspiring that the event was abandoned. In the February of 1932 there was held the second annual dinner, also at the Mecca. Well do I remember the beginning of that party. It was apparently a new experience to many of those present, who were used to Club dinners on the grand scale, to go to a Club dinner which was not held at either the Park Lane, the Cafe Royal or one of the usual rendezvous, but as they arrived they were obviously wondering what sort of a ‘do’ it was to which they had been brought. They were soon to discover. The party warmed up with very great rapidity and by the time dinner was over and the floor cleared for dancing, things were in full swing. In the course of a recent record attempt on the ‘Magic Midget’, George Eyston had put in an exceedingly fast lap, only to find that the timekeepers had not done their stuff. The scene was accordingly re-enacted after dinner on the dance floor. George Eyston himself, sitting backwards astride a small chair, did several laps of the dance floor, ‘timed’ by Mr H.D. Parker of Shell Mex, who, in this farce, was cast as Colonel Lloyd-Parker, the whole production being ‘under the personal direction of Mr Cecil Kimber’. On May 7, 1932, was held the first Abingdon–Abingdon. In later years this trial has gone from strength to strength, until it now appears in the year’s calendar as an undoubted classic. A rare array of trophies attracted an entry of 46. Starting from the MG Car Company’s works at Abingdon, the route led through many of the famous Gloucestershire hills and

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returned to the works at Abingdon, where the company had pushed the boat out to the tune of a first class tea for all competitors, friends, organisers, and the like. The MG Challenge Trophy for the best MG Car Club member was won by W.G. Everitt, who has since raced MGs with great success and has been associated with the road racing circuit at Crystal Palace. The cup for the best visitor was presented by Mr W.E.C. Watkinson to K.W. Bear in a Bugatti. The University Motors Trophy for the best under 1,100c.c. car was won by E.W. Deeley, and we, the organisers, had been so shortsighted in the preparation of the regulations that there was a tie for the P.J. Evans Ltd. Cup for the best over 1,100 c.c. car. This went jointly to H.H. Sewell and E.S. Barnes. Shelsley appeared again on June 25, 1932 and shortly after, at the end of July, the membership reached 200. The 200th member was no less a man than Maurice Toulmin, though why he was not in the first 50 nobody has yet been able to discover In September, 1932, Alan Hess took over the secretaryship and, despite a very busy and enterprising year, the balance sheet published at this time showed the very satisfactory surplus of just over 50 pounds. John Thornley played a leading role in both the MG Car Company and the MG Car Club. When five young men met in October 1930 to form a Club for MG owners the youngster who offered to act as its founding honorary secretary was John Thornley, a 21 year old student articled to one of the leading London accountancy firms who had recently bought an M Type Midget. The infant MGCC Committee instructed him to seek approval from Cecil Kimber at Abingdon and this he did so effectively that the great man pledged his unstilted support; it marked the beginning of a happy relationship between Club and Company that was to span almost half a century. Thornley himself wanted to escape the stuffed shirt City atmosphere and his energy and enthusiasm must have impressed the MG boss, for a year later he was given a full time job at Abingdon as a service department interviewer. Within weeks the service manager was moved to another post and Thornley found himself carrying the can for two not very talented successors. Ironically he had so much work to do that he had to resign his MGCC post! In 1933 he was appointed Service Manager.

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FEATURE HISTORY

Early Dinner Dances were well attended with members in white tie and tails

As an army reservist, he was called up on the outbreak of war in 1939 and found himself shouldering considerable responsibilities in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Returning to Abingdon after the war he became MG sales and service manager. With MGs export sales rocketing, the parent Nuffield Organisation recognised this dynamic individual as a man who got things done, and appointed him assistant general manager of both the MG Car Company and Riley Motors when Riley production moved to Abingdon in 1949. Three years later he had become General Manager of the two companies. He was now under intense pressure to build enough MGs to satisfy the ever growing demand of the time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a demand that surged higher when the MGA was announced in late 1955 and when Austin-Healeys replaced Rileys on the Abingdon assembly lines. Thornleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s keen interest in motor sport had never wavered. In the1930s he had competed in club events whenever he could

find the time, and from 1936 to 1938 he managed the famous Crackers and Musketeers works trials teams. The MGCC was restarted after the war in mid-1947 and at the end of the year Thornley took over his old position again as general secretary. John was the one man who stood out amongst the greyfaced nonentities of the BMC management as a warm blooded human being, well known in the motor sporting world and a staunch advocate of works participation. He was responsible for the formation of the BMC Competitions Department at Abingdon in 1955, and in 1958 he became Chairman of the MGCC, a position he held for 22 years. In the late 1950s a serious childhood illness returned, causing major surgery and a brave but long convalescence which finally forced him to retire from MG in 1969. He returned to the fray to do battle against the closure of Abingdon by BL without success. Maurice Toulmin, the 200th member of the Club, competing in the Abingdon to Abingdon Trial which had a section within the MG Works

www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

Vantastic – Another one saved part II

The MG Express at TJ Broadbents undergoing its initial inspection

The MG Car Club MG Express

ollowing on from my last article on the MGCC purchase of the MG Express , which had so far had quite a hard life as a builder’s van during its 12 year existence, Trevor Broadbent, a local Trade Member kindly offered to have a proper look over the van on the ramps at his premises at Weston on the Green, Oxon. The report Trevor gave us could have been better, but in his words everything is fixable and the ZR bits are readily available thanks to companies like XPart, who currently carry over 20,000 MG Rover parts (£15 million worth) in stock. The first thing that Trevor got to work on was the beating heart of the car. The 160 VVC engine had covered 90k miles (about 7.5k per year) but

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looking at the tar-like substance that clung to the dipstick on inspection, it looked as if it hadn’t seen fresh oil for a good few years, never a good sign. The engine rattled when cold; this is normally attributed to wear and tear on the VVC mechanism, and we weren’t overly worried and hoped that a flush and oil change would help the situation. After two flushes and good quality fresh oil the noise was still as bad, some you win some you lose. As with any car without any service history it’s imperative that the cambelt is changed asap (assuming it isn’t chain driven); if one lets go, the odds are that the engine will need quite an extensive rebuild as valves and pistons clash, resulting in an expensive bill. Cambelts snapping have been

known to write off a ZR/ZS/ZT or MGF/TF! As well as the cambelt and cambelt cover, Trevor also changed the water pump, manifold heat shield, auxiliary belts, air filter, fuel filter and flushed the coolant system before cleaning up all the earth points and battery terminals. Next Trevor tackled inside the van, checking all the switch gear and dashboard lights as he went along. Inside, Trevor established that the rear wash wipe motor was blocked, resulting in no screenwash being squirted onto the rear window. These motors are an absolute nightmare to get apart, so the easiest and quickest solution was to replace with a good second hand one. This is where another local Trade Member, Simon Ballard of College Motors (01993 823560) offered to

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FEATURE

Trevor gets to work sorting out the engine bay on the MG Express, new cambelt being fitted

help out. Established 17 years ago, College Motors provide a professional service for all MG Rover owners, which enables them keep their cars on the road. As well as being an XPart Autoservice Centre, College Motors have been supplying car parts and services for over 17 years and are a well-respected car breaker, with many MG Rover parts on the shelf salvaged from cars that they weren’t able to put back on the road. Simon kindly supplied the rear wiper and also a good driver’s seat as the original one had the side bolster torn and the padding had collapsed, making it quite uncomfortable on long journeys. Whilst working in the cabin of the car, Trevor found a few gremlins in the wiring and set about removing the odd bodged wire, soldering and heat sealing as he went

A good selection of second hand spares are always available from College Motors

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along to ensure all the switch gear worked as it did when it left the Longbridge factory on August 12 2003. Finally, something that is often overlooked: one of the forgotten filters, the pollen filter, was changed. This is located under the glove box on the passenger side. From the state of the one that was removed I would definitely say this hadn’t been changed for a good few years! As Trevor put the van onto the ramps to check the underside, something immediately became evident. The front discs looked smaller than they should have been and were solid! The MG ZR 160 came with larger discs than the other ZRs in the range, 282mm as opposed to 262mm; they were also vented instead of solid, to aid braking efficiency. A phone call to XPart

and the correct discs were on their way with a set of new front pads to fit to the van. The rear calipers, discs and pads all looked relatively new, which was pleasing to see as the rears do have a habit of the seizing due to dirt and grime entering under the seal by the caliper piston and also the caliper slide pins, as the rubber seal and protector boots perish over time. If this does occur you can buy rebuild kits that include a new piston, seals etc from companies, although for many, myself included, it’s far easier and almost as cost effective to purchase an exchange set of calipers. The underside of the car revealed no hidden surprises, looking fairly clean, tidy and straight. The rear back box exhaust had been replaced at some stage with an

The wrong front disks removed, hubs cleaned and awaiting the correct larger, vented discs

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FEATURE

The new exhaust centre section gets bolted in place

aftermarket example, the centre section had not though and was in need of replacement. The only other items that needed replacing under the car were the antiroll bar links as there was a lot of play in the nearside one. With the van fully serviced and Trevor happy that the suspension, brakes etc were all ok, it’s time to start using it. We’ve taken it to several local shows, using it as a pack horse carting the display equipment wherever it goes. We also used it to carry equipment to the NEC Classic Car Show held in November; it was evident on a longer run that the engine noise that had only been there when cold was now a permanent edition to the van, time for it to visit Trevor Broadbent again…

New MG Rover spares in stock at College Motors

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Our thanks to… Trevor Broadbent at TJ Broadbent Auto Engineers Address: Forge Works, Northampton Rd, Weston-on-the-Green, Bicester, OX25 3QN Phone: 01869 351176 Email: broadbe.broadb@btconnect.com Web: www.tj-broadbentautoengineers.co.uk Simon Ballard at College Motors Address: Unit 4, Sturt Farm Ind Estate, Oxford Rd, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4ET Phone: 01993 823560 Web: www.rovermgspecialist.co.uk/ XPart For all the Genuine Parts you need for an MG or Rover car, there is just one name to remember. XPart is the one and only dedicated source of Genuine Parts for MG and Rover models. Phone: 0870 242 4791 Email: xpart.communications@neovialogistics.com Web: www.xpart.com

The old parts removed, the filters look as if they haven’t been changed for a while

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FEATURE

MG arrive in

Dubai By Adam Sloman

ince MG came under the management of Shanghai Automotive our favourite marque has arrived in almost every corner of the globe.

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The current range of MG first went on sale in back in 2011, with a range that included the MG 750 (based on a combination of Rover 75 and MG ZT), the MG6, MG5, MG3 and MG 350 (based on

the Chinese-market Roewe 350). With the upcoming launch of the MG GS, MG Middle East, based in Dubai, looked to the UK and specifically Abingdon to shape the future of MG in the region. MGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brand manager, Andreja Ursic, visited MGLive! in the Summer and came to Kimber House looking to found an MG Car Club in the Middle East; fast forward to November and I found myself in Dubai on MGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stand at the Dubai International Motor Show. MG were using the show to effectively relaunch the brand, led by the unveiling of the GS in that market. Inside, the show stand boasted examples of the MG3, 350, 5 and 6, while the GS took pride of place on a high plinth, complete with video screen and dancers!

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FEATURE

Taking a moment to look at the cars, it was difficult to find any difference between the UAE and UK 3 and 6 – the MG5, a car not available in the UK, looked neat and, settling behind the wheel, there were some nice, sporty touches to the interior. The dash featured flashes of red to match the exterior body colour, while the black leather trim on the seats, wheel and gearshift was broken up with red stitching – the only thing missing was red seatbelts! Switching on the stereo, and the 7” touch screen in the dash lit up with a large, chrome MG octagon on screen, underlined by the text ‘Since 1924’ – in this setting it was easy to see the appeal of the 5. If one car looked out of place on the stand it was the 350 – it’s clearly a Roewe in disguise, though following a facelift it does now include a neat MG grille and badge, unlike earlier cars which retained the Rover/Roewe shaped badge with an MG octagon set inside it. Finished in white it lacked the sporty feel of the other MGs on the stand; this lack of sportiness was underlined by the interior, replete with beige seats, beige carpet and beige dashboard. The small saloon market is an important one in the region – Toyota dominate this sector and it’s natural that MG need an offering, however the 350 does little to stand out in a very busy crowd. The MG GT will hopefully succeed the 350 and offer MG in the UAE a cohesive range without the need to lean on Roewe’s range. Away from the glitz and glamour of the show halls, MG also had an outdoor test

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drive area. The only other manufacturer granted outdoor space was Land Rover, and MG secured a considerably larger area, with huge advertising hoardings to back it – this was a clear statement of intent from MG Middle East. The outdoor area allowed visitors to try the 3, 5, 6 and GS, with MG employing trained drivers to take passengers over a test hill in the new SUV. This allowed the driver to demonstrate the GS’s ‘hill hold assist’ and the auto hold programme – this system will hold the GS on a hill until the MG builds up enough power to move forward off a hill, negating the need to use the car’s parking brake when performing hill starts. From the top of the hill, the driver demonstrated the car’s hill descent control, a vital tool for heading downhill over rough terrain, snow and sand. The car’s brakes pulse in a similar manner to the way ABS works to stop the car breaking away and heading downhill uncontrollably. According to MG’s driver in the UAE, customers would typically have to pay twice the price of the GS to get those sorts of features on a rival SUV – a strong case for the MG then. As well as the new cars, the outdoor area featured a large map detailing all of

the MG Car Club’s global branches, with the headline ‘The World’s Oldest Car Club – Coming to the Middle East’; alongside the map, the walls were covered in images of previous MGs. The big highlight for many of the visitors though was a Midget 1500. The car was unusual, being a USspec car that seemed to have previously spent time in Japan. Hibaq Basser, MG’s PR and Digital Marketing manager, explained to me the struggle she’d had to find a classic MG in the region. They were thrilled to have a Midget and it was clearly worth the effort, from the number of people that stopped by to see the car. The trip was a great success and the MG Middle East team were only too pleased when I presented a plaque to celebrate the formation of the MG Car Club Middle East; and they’ve already expressed their hope to come to MGLive! in 2016. With a strong expat community, MG has a great chance of success in Dubai. Interestingly, a lot of visitors asked when MG will be launching a sports car in the UAE – the only MG I saw on the road apart from those driven by MG’s staff just happened to be a sports car in the form of an MGF!

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Country Lane Tours

WELSH WEEKEND

June 24th – 26th (27th) 2016 FRIDAY / SATURDAY / SUNDAY / (MONDAY)

The 2016 Country Lane Tours Welsh Weekend is based at the four-star Metropole Hotel in the Victorian spa town of Llandrindod Wells. The surrounding countryside features stunning driving roads, and during the weekend we take in the amazing Elan Valley and its spectacular dams, Abbey Cwm Hir with its vast displays of Minton, Wedgewood and Royal Doulton ceramics, Welsh Royal Crystal, Hay-onWye, the second-hand book mecca, the National Cycle Museum, and much more! The leisurely three day event (with an optional fourth night at a discounted rate) costs just £345 per person based on two people sharing. This includes three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the historic Metropole Hotel, family owned since 1897, use of the heated indoor swimming pool and spa facilities, buffet lunches Saturday & Sunday, detailed road book, rally plates, entry to all attractions, and the presence of the event organiser throughout to deal with any queries.

For full details email your name and POSTAL ADDRESS to countrylanetours@aol.com or call Ian on 01824 790280. Please note! Targa Sicilia May 5th – 18th. Fifty-two cars booked, just three places left! 32

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TECH TORQUE

Hazy Headlights

t’s becoming more noticeable that as the MG TFs, some of which are now 13 years old, and also the MK2 MG Zed cars which were launched in 2004 are getting older, the plastic headlight lenses fitted in these cars are deteriorating due to the weather elements and general road muck thrown up by following vehicles. Some headlights on these MGs are so cloudy that they have become an MOT failure in Britain and people have been

1. The headlights on this MK2 ZS would be close to an MOT failure and are ideal for the Meguiars Headlight Restoration Kit.

2. After taping around the headlight, work the defect removal pad that comes with the Headlight Restoration kit over the headlight thoroughly.

3. Keep working the pad, lubricating the headlight with Meguiars Quick Detailer until you’re happy it’s removed most of the contaminates from the lens.

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replacing them with new, which is becoming increasingly difficult with some modern MGs, like the MK2 MG ZS. Thankfully, there are now companies like Meguiars who produce products to rejuvenate tired plastic headlights. The majority are very straightforward to use, and anyone with a spare 30 minutes could have their headlights looking almost as good as new and not cloudy, scratched, oxidized or yellowed.

4. Once finished with the removal pad, the headlight will dry cloudy; don’t worry, this is all part of the process.

5. Using, preferably, a mains drill on a medium speed, attach the buff wool pad and apply the Plast-RX liquid. This is the stage where you’re grateful you added some tape around the headlight.

6. Start working the buff wool pad over the lens, being careful of the bodywork. As you work the pad you’ll see it polishing the plastic lens, improving the clarity and quality

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TECH TORQUE

7. Keep working the buff pad, applying the Plast-RX liquid as needed until youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re happy with the finish.

8. The finished product, almost perfect clarity again.

9. The difference is night and day, well worth the effort and a lot cheaper than a new set of headlights. There is another product available for restoring headlights from Meguiars in the USA, The Perfect Clarity Headlight Restoration Kit. Speaking with the guys at Meguiars headquarters in Daventry, UK they hope it will be available to the UK market in early 2016. This is a simpler two stage process.

11. Using a back and forth motion, thoroughly clean the entire headlight surface. The surface is properly cleaned when it has a uniform, frosted appearance across the entire headlight. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry completely.

Stage 2: 12. Apply one, medium wet coat of Meguiarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Perfect Clarity Headlight Coating to the entire headlight surface and allow to dry for 3-5 minutes.

13. Follow with a second coat to completely seal the headlight lens. The coating fully cures within 24 hours.

Stage 1: 10. Squeeze a penny-sized amount of Perfect Clarity Cleaning Solution onto the provided cleaning pad.

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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Untitled

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15/12/2015 11:47 30/11/2015 10:39:11

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

he story starts back in July 2014 when Clare Bartimote from a TV production company called Oxford Scientific Films contacted MG Motor UK about finding a classic MG to use in a series that they were going to be filming in Devon. The series would be fronted by Carol Klein (the English gardening expert, television presenter and newspaper columnist), and they would be travelling from Carol’s house (in North Devon), and wanted to get a ‘travelling shot’ of Carol in a really classic style of car. The email was forwarded to the Devon and Cornwall Center via the MG Car Club HQ and eventually reached Mark Tossell, who jumped at the chance to showcase his Judson supercharged MGA. Fast forward to September 1st, when Mark was asked to meet Carol and the production crew at RHS Rosemoor ready for filming to take place. Mark and a couple of friends arrived at Rosemoor at the appointed time and met the crew, and then waited to start filming. It was quite a long wait as they were running

behind time with the filming they needed to do at Rosemoor for the programme, although they kept them supplied with tea and cakes (and water for Mark) while they waited. It was almost three hours later by the time they were ready to start working with Mark and his car and they were slightly concerned that it would soon be getting dark…. Carol and the team came outside, and Carol, who had been saying all day that she couldn’t wait to see the car, finally set eyes on the classic MG that they had arranged for her to drive. She came over to the car and had a huge smile on her face when she saw it. Mark said he would drive her to the place where the main filming would take place, and they set off, with the camera crew and the entire entourage in hot pursuit. They got to the filming location and then realised that they had lost the sound man and no-one had a mobile phone signal to be able to contact him! By this time it was getting dusk and without the sound man filming couldn’t start and there was a

lot to do with the car. They suddenly heard a van approaching and saw him fly past the crossroads at which point the film crew had to jump in their van to give chase, and finally he was there and filming could start. Filming was taking place on a private road. Mark took the car down to the bottom of the lane, and then Carol got into the driving seat and Mark showed her all of the controls. Then she was off up the hill, with Mark running along behind her, so that he could help her with the handbrake each time she stopped. She drove the car very well, and Mark was very impressed at. She said how much she enjoyed driving it, and would have loved to drive it on the open road if there had been more time – this was the original intention although unfortunately it got too dark and they ran out of light before they could do that. Mark was slightly concerned about all of the brambles sticking out of the hedges, and was a bit disappointed that they hadn’t trimmed the hedges before his visit! The car was driven up and down repeatedly while the camera

MGA meets English Rose

words by Sheila Ballard, photos by Colin Ballard

Carol getting final instructions from Mark-dont break it

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FEATURE

Carol and Mark Now running on supercharged power

Reversing for the second run

crew got all of the shots they needed for the programme, which would be about the botany of the English rose. He even had to get into it and rev the engine so that they could record the sound of the exhaust. They had hoped to put a camera inside the car but there was nowhere to fix it, so the camera man had to sit in the passenger seat leaning out of sight to get the close ups of Carol driving the car. Filming continued until it got completely dark, and she even sent her husband to get

some fresh vegetables from her garden to give Mark as a thank you for letting her drive his car. Mark and his friends all agreed what an enjoyable experience working with the team had been. Originally Mark had been told that the series was due to be broadcast in February 2015, but this came and went with no news from the filming company. Finally, in July, he heard from them that the first programme in the series Carol Klein’s Plant Odysseys, which would be the one featuring his MGA, would be shown on July 27 on BBC 2 and was called Roses. Carol then phoned him at home on July 26 to tell him that she was going to be on the Chris Evans breakfast show on Radio 2 talking about her new series the following morning, and she wanted to make sure that she got all the information about his very special car right. He told her all of the information she needed about the car and told her to make sure that she told Chris Evans that it was fitted with an original Judson supercharger, as Chris would love that.

She then asked him if he would like her to shut up about roses and just talk about his car, which he said would be good. The following morning Mark listened to the interview, and Chris said that the MGA is one of the most beautiful sports cars in the world, a bit like a miniature XK Jaguar, but if you’re tall you tend to look like Noddy in one. Carol of course isn’t tall, and actually looked wonderful in it. When Chris was talking about the MGA, she told him that it wasn’t just any MGA, it was a Judson supercharged MGA, to which Chris replied that he was going to ask to ask her if it was a 1500, 1600 or a Twin Cam, but she said that it was none of these and laughed! That evening Mark sat down to watch the programme and was delighted to see how many times his car appeared – seven times in all – and each time the car was shown properly, not just as a quick clip. He can look back at a very enjoyable day with a lovely lady, who was great fun to be with – thanks to Carol Klein and the production team.

Carol about to do her first run for filming

www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

Aldon Automotive

Rolling Road Day

Everyone agreed Mark’s car was in excellent shape, Simon Chapple looks on very interested

By James Thacker

he Midget Register’s annual gathering at Aldon is now almost as regular and established as MGLive!, and although sadly a few entrants had no alternative but to drop out at the last moment, a couple of reserves and two late entries returned us to a full grid in plenty of time. It’s always so interesting to see how owners go about enjoying these 40/50 year old Abingdon machines, for as always we had the customary wide ranging selection of interesting Spridgets to delight us, two being K series conversions, three A series cars (two being modified), and a modified 1500 model. So quite a diverse mix, as were the owners too, from a 19 year old apprentice hydraulics engineer to a 50 year old GP; it’s hard to imagine a wider spread of occupations and age groups, but all having that one thing in common – their Spridgets. I really enjoy this day for both the technical interest and the people I meet, which Anthony Cutler summed up perfectly when he said, “I think the Aldon day is one of the best in the calendar... It combines the social with the can’t-escape-from-the-numbers-on-the-dyno experience. Roger and the crew are very conscientious and open about the process, and you can always learn something, whether from your own car’s session or from others’. Most owners come away with a better understanding of their car and a better car as well. Standard or

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unmodified cars seem to gain the most, and I am sure this is the opposite of what most people expect. It’s almost comical that people will pay good sums of money for all sorts of things for their car, and yet baulk at a very modest £25/40 and a morning out, to understand some of the basic fundamentals that make driving so enjoyable.” In addition to Anthony, a few other past entrants arrived to see what was taking place: Steve Clark from Oxford, Tim Dalton, (who in fact had entered, but engine maladies had sidelined), and Jeremy Lenox from Upton-upon-Severn. I’d driven Jeremy’s IOW Sprite about 45/50 miles earlier in the year, and it went very well I thought, but a visit to Aldon in late summer has evidently improved it no end with improved fuel consumption too. It’s always lovely to see past entrants, so a big thanks to them for going to the trouble and travelling some pretty impressive distances on what was a horrible wet morning, but of course the biggest thanks must go Alan Goodwin and his crew of Andy and Stu, led of course by the ever helpful Roger, for whom it seems nothing is too much trouble. Saturday November 5 2016 will see us gather for the ninth time at Aldon – can you afford to miss it? 01296 714232 or dennis@wharf.plus.net for further details. Dennis Wharf

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FEATURE

Owner’s name: Richard Weaver, lives in Redditch and is a fireman Car type/Registration number: 1973 Midget GON 191L owned since 2012 and fully restored by Richard over three years. Car previously owned by Richard’s dad in 1974-76 and was successfully traced and brought back in to the Weaver family. Richard also has a pre-production 1969 facelift car, SOK 97H in bronze yellow with black windscreen surround, which was used in BL publicity. Engine type/capacity: 1275cc

Modifications [cam, head, carbs, etc]: Kent 266 cam fitted by Coventry Classic Engines, AccuSpark dizzy, Peco rear silencer. Owner’s expected power output: 70bhp, car had a basic set up at a rolling road in Bromsgrove. Actual power output: 49bhp @ 4940rpm, 57lb/ft @3670rpm Owner’s comments: Disappointed but will come back R/R operative’s comments: Showing poor ignition trace; two cylinders not really functioning; no advance at idle; top 30

Richard Weavers immaculate 1275 car being prepared and checked before any runs can take place.

Owner’s name: Simon Thompson, lives in Peterborough and at present works for Royal Voluntary Services involved with setting up a scheme to co-ordinate volunteers in the area. Car type/Registration number: 1972 Midget FKT 112L, owned since 1984 by his dad (seven previous owners to him). Car was on rollers here two years ago when it was showing 69bhp. Engine type/capacity: 1310cc replaced five years ago by Steve Hall, Hall’s Garage Modifications [cam, head, carbs, etc]: K&N filters, Frontline conversion Ford Type 9 gearbox, 3.7 diff giving approx. 22mph per 1000rpm Owner’s expected power output: 65bhp,not running too well on the way here! Actual power output: 67bhp @ 5660rpm, 73lb/ft @ 3560rpm Owner’s comments: Very pleased R/R operative’s comments: Ignition problem, misfiring, unknown electronic ignition make, much better once it was changed back to points and new coil/ feed fitted which had both burnt out. Throttle linkage needs investigating, nice power delivery, 38 degrees max advance, mixture a bit rich; could do with a bit more time. Writer’s comment: On account of having eight cars on the rollers in one day, and time naturally limited on any one

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car, Simon sensibly elected to change his unknown electronic ignition system back to points by fitting a new conventional base plate supplied by Aldon on the day. This was carried out in the car park in pretty wet conditions. The car was later slotted back in on the rollers, with the co-operation of all the other people in the queue, for Aldon to set the timing and carry out a power run. Those of you who run electronic ignition may be advised to either carry a complete spare system or a conventional base plate etc (and coil in this case), to make sure you are not left without a spark. Don’t forget to reset the timing when converting to or from electronic ignition!

19 year old William Freeman chats with Simon Thompson while Simon’s car is found to have some problems

Richard sharing his thoughts with James.

degrees; needs further investigation/work to dizzy and new vacuum advance. I regret we ran out of time on this one. Writer’s comment: It is a shame that there was not time to sort the car’s electrics out on the day. It would be good to see Richard’s other Midget, SOK 97H. (I recall the 1969 adverts complete with the obligatory nubile lady passenger draped over the car and/ or its young driver.) Richard reported that when he revisited Aldon a few days later, the original Lucas dizzy was rebuilt to replace the AccuSpark, and needles were changed from AF to AE and power improved to 53bhp. According to Aldon the cam timing needs investigation. First thing to do is take the rocker box off and see if lift at TDC (on exhaust stroke) is the same on both inlet and exhaust valves. Owner’s name: William Freeman, who is a hydraulic engineering apprentice for local company Phoenix Calibration, and lives in Halesowen. Studies at Dudley College and plays hockey at Edgbaston. Car type/Registration number: 1976 1500 Midget TNX 613R, which had new shell in 1998; owned for 18 months by William and used for everyday transport. Engine type/capacity: 1491cc Modifications [cam, head, carbs etc]: Lightened and balanced crank by previous owner Owner’s expected power output: Hoping for above 50bhp Actual power output: 57bhp @ 4895rpm 70lb/ft @ 3365rpm Owner’s comments: Quite happy with that R/R operative’s comments: Coil rubber cover was split, electronic interference, high voltage on scope trace, rough idle, plugs burnt out on cylinders three and four; all plugs replaced. Needs more time on fuelling and timing; max 23 degrees advance. Writer’s comment: It was very good to see this likeable and enthusiastic young man using a Midget for everyday transport. It took some of us older Midget owners back to the days when we were William’s age and these great little cars were cheap to buy and run 40 to 50 years ago. The

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:48

FEATURE

Williams 1500 Midget being prepared.

MGs and the Club will hopefully continue if people like William take to these great classic 1960/70s sports cars which are still reasonably inexpensive but nevertheless still great fun to drive, maintain and tune.

Anthony and Roger discuss the tuning of Simon Chapple’s K series car,

Owner’s name: Simon Chapple who is a GP from Shrewsbury. Simon owned a 1275cc Midget in 1973 for 18 years. Car type/Registration number: 1972 Midget, PYC 383L. Simon has owned this car since April 2015. Originally a 1600cc K series conversion was carried out by Moor Lane Garage, Preston, but the larger capacity engine was fitted in Ireland from where the car was bought. Engine type/capacity: 1800cc K series Modifications [cam, head, carbs, etc]: Frontline front and rear suspension, Emerald ECU. Ford Type 9 gearbox, Miinilites, 53mm throttle body, 270 degree cams, Cooper wasted spark ignition. Owner’s expected power output: 170 to 180bhp Actual power output: 159 @ 7470rpm, 126lb/ft @ 6145rpm Owner’s comments: Have learnt a huge

Owner’s name: Martin Kelly, who is an electrical engineer for train cabling etc and lives in Bodicote near Banbury. Car type/Registration number: 1972 Midget GNV 250L, owned since 1984 and this is another everyday car.

amount; now need the confidence to download the software R/R operative’s comments: Optimised spark plus 6% advance and plus 10% more fuel; initial power reading was 145bhp Writer’s comments: Good to see Simon buying another Midget some 40 years after his first one. As with other K series with non Rover ECUs, Anthony Cutler, the recognised MGCC Midget Group K series engine expert, was involved with his laptop assisting with the fuelling and timing variations. Having established the optimum settings, Anthony then produces the modified software at home and will send it to Simon to download to his car’s ECU in Shrewsbury. Quite a significant increase in power was achieved in 30 minutes. The car sounded good with the 270 degree cams.

Simon’s car just didn’t want to grip - but help was at hand!

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Martin Kelly finds it all a bit amusing, or James is telling a joke.

Engine type/capacity: 1293cc Modifications [cam, head, carbs, etc]: Oselli engine built 15 years ago with 267 cam, stage 2 eleven stud head, all balanced, duplex chain 9.5 to 1 C/R; very nice classic seats from Merlin MotorSport, 13” Mota-Lita steering wheel and Minilites Owner’s expected power output: Unfortunately the writer inadvertently forgot to ask! Actual power output: 68bhp @5795rpm, 69lb/ft @ 4410rpm Owner’s comments: Probably as expected R/R operative’s comments: 35 degrees advance, running quite rich, tried it weaker and reduced timing to 32 degrees without improvement; needs further work and needle change Writer’s comment: Perhaps should be giving just a bit more power with this specification of cam and head. Owner’s name: Tom Wood who lives at Spalding and is an electrical engineer involved in control systems. Car type/Registration number: 1971 Midget LEK 974K, owned for six years Engine type/capacity: 1293cc Modifications [cam, head, carbs, etc]: Piper BP 270 cam, Maniflow LCB, 1.75 HIF44, MG Metro head, Aldon yellow dizzy, nice works style hard top, Cobra seats, 5” Minlites. Owner’s expected power output: over 70bhp (it was 70 last year with suspected fuel supply problems) Actual power output: 81bhp @ 6366rpm, 76lb/ft @4534rpm Owner’s comments: Sulking…. R/R operative’s comments: Changed needle to richer one, improved mixture at high rpm on full throttle; feels fine but there is a huge dip in the power curve between about 4800 to 5800 rpm, could be the short manifold. Writer’s comments: Last year the car gave 70bhp @ 5270rpm and it was thought that the standard fuel pump may not have been adequate. Since then an improved pump has been fitted and also

www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

Beautifully turned out engine compartment of Mark Oxborough’s Sprite.

Owner’s name: Mark Oxborough who lives in Northampton and is an engineer building historic Aston Martin racing engines at Langford Performance Engineering. Mark bought the Sprite in 2004, used it every day for four years, then rebuilt the engine and fitted a five speed gearbox. In 2010 he set about the body rebuild in all the usual places, cills, wings, A pillars, spring hangers, front chassis rails plus re-spray; all carried out in his car port! Car type/Registration number: 1966 Austin Healey Sprite, RMT 350E Engine type/capacity: 1275cc (Morris Marina type block).

Sprite approaching 80mph while Roger calmly adjusts the loading.

Modifications [cam, head, carbs etc]: Piper 270 cam, 9.5 to 1 C/R, 35.6mm inlet/30.5mm exhaust valves, 40DCOE, Maniflow LCB, 1.75” exhaust, Lucas electronic ignition; period 5 ½“ steel wheels, Ashley Hardtop, Ford Type 9 gearbox. Owner’s expected power output: 75 – 80bhp Actual power output: 89bhp @ 6780rpm, 77lb/ft@5320rpm Owner’s comments: Big smiley face! R/R operative’s comments: Mixture was a bit weak, changed 125 main jets to 135. Good power delivery Writer’s comments: As Mark is a

the Peco LCB has been changed for a Maniflow one. Power has shot up from 70bhp to 81bhp but a big 14bhp dip in the power curve has emerged. Difficult to accurately diagnose but perhaps there is some adverse pulse/air speed issue with the inlet/exhaust manifolds. Tom was going to try initially doubling up on the 14mm spacer block between the manifold to carb to extend the inlet length. Owner’s name: Neil Thomas who lives in Tenby, Pembrokeshire and is a Detective Inspector in the Police Force and the Midget Register Scribe in Safety Fast!. Car type/Registration number: 1964 Midget, FEV 235B, Neil is only the second owner; he bought it in bits with a rotten shell in 2002 and rebuilt it all himself. Engine type/capacity: 1800K series engine fitted by Neil in 2007 Modifications [cam, head, carbs, etc]: Emerald ECU, 2¼” exhaust, knock on Minilites, roll cage, Mota-Lita steering wheel, Merlin Cobra seats, Peter May bigger front brakes, AVO front dampers; recent mods since it was last on the rollers in 2010 include uprated half shafts, LSD (no illegal substances for the S Wales boys in blue to investigate in the axle case, just a genuine

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Roger, Anthony, and owner Neil Thomas look at the various fuelling/timing options available for Neil’s 1.8 K series converted MkII Midget.

Salisbury Powerlock limited slip unit), twin anti-tramp bars, rear AVO dampers, alloy 42 litre tank, halogen headlamps, Khumo V700 Ecsta track day tyres. Owner’s expected power output: It was 145bhp five years ago and 156lb/ft, since has had revised software installed and has done 30,000 miles; it will be interesting to see how it performs. Actual power output: 138bhp@ 6201rpm, 154lb/ft@3205rpm Owner’s comments: Fine, it drives well; but perhaps needs some louvres for next year to reduce the under bonnet temperature.

professional engine builder it did not come as too much of surprise that he has combined the right mix of modified components to produce a very good engine.

Mark explaining the mods to James.

R/R operative’s comments: Added fuel and had less power, 135bhp, tried less fuel and that did not work either. Also tried advancing and retarding ignition without any gain; found out that engine loses power with bonnet closed in back to back test. Added a touch more fuel to make it safer. Writer’s comments: The only car which really did not need any adjustment; it was set up correctly here in 2010 and there have been no engine spec changes since then. The max power figure was a touch lower this time but there are several variables including a different make and section of rear tyres and also the Aldon rollers have different software. Also Neil has changed the final drive from 4.2 to 3.9; higher gearing can reduce the output figure on the rollers and vice versa. This is a very well developed and well used K series Midget driven on day runs, weekends away in UK, holidays in France and also track days, six in 2015 including Castle Combe, Pembrey, Llandow, Mallory Park and Abbeville. Neil is certainly a good and active role model as the Midget Register Scribe.

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:48

NEWSLETTER T TYPE

John Ward â&#x20AC;˘ 01621 773606 â&#x20AC;˘ johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk

T Type Newsletter

Welcome to the

Firstly, a very happy and prosperous New Year to all T Types, and of course all their owners, family and friends. 80 years on... 2016 and yet another milestone is reached in the continuing saga of this truly best loved sports car of all time (biased of course). The prototype of the T Type TA251 was built on March 3 1936, registration number CJO 618, and TA252 was built on April 3 registered as CJO 617, before full production commenced on June 25 1936. So there we have it, this year it is 80 years since the T series first began, culminating in April 1955 with the last of the TFs coming off the production line after a total of 53,046 T Types had been produced. This is the initial promotional advertising that would have probably encouraged you to rush to your nearest dealer and place an order for immediate delivery in June 1936.

The Continental Tour 1936 Never being one to miss an advertising opportunity, Cecil Kimber in 1936 loaned TA JB 9446 to a well known motoring journalist and photographer, W J Brunell, who along with another TA and some P Types, a Riley and a Lagonda set off on a Continental Tour during the rise of Nazism and before the outbreak of the Second World War. In those days it was common to loan cars to various motoring press journalists and three TAs were made available by the factory for this purpose, being registration numbers JB 9444 to JB 9446.

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John Ward • 01621 773606 • johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk

T TYPE NEWSLETTER

Original photographs of the 1936 Continental Tour taken by W J (Bill) Brunell

The Last Weekend in June 1986 Anniversaries come and go and therefore it was not surprising that the 50th Anniversary of the birth of the T Types in 1986 would not go unnoticed. Promoted by the T Register and in association with the ‘Motor’ magazine, an Endurance Run was conceived to take place from Belgrave Square London to Inverness and back to Battersea Park over four days from June 26-29, with nine intrepid T Types taking part plus a Naylor TF 1700, new on the scene in those days. Diamond Jubilee Continental Tour June 1996 By way of further celebration and now 60 years on, there was another event in 1996, roughly following the routes taken by the cars in 1936. 18 T Types embarked upon a memorable journey of approximately 1,500 miles, and just like in 1936, accompanying them was the latest example of MG development, a factory supplied MGF driven by the then new President of the MGCC, Bill Wallis, and his wife June. A 2016 Continental Tour Not quite in the same grand style but nevertheless a 2016 Continental Trip is planned for April this year to Normandy,

organised by Bill and Sally Silcock; so if you wish to join them, the details are as follows. The date is April 4-8 2016 (four nights). This is early but they got a very good deal and spring should be well under way in Normandy. The location is La Ferme de la Rançonnière, route de Creully, 14480 Crépon, France. Prices are for a double/twin 150€ per room per night half board (dinner, bed and breakfast) and single 105€ per room per night half board. The hotel is in an old farmstead with plenty of parking space on site, there is a lift and there are ground-floor rooms if required, and the dining room and bar are on the ground floor too. There is more information on their website: www.ranconniere.fr/?lang=en which is the English-language version. The nearest ferry is Portsmouth – Caen (about 30 km from Crépon). Other possible ferry routes are via Le Havre or Cherbourg (both about 110 - 120 km) or Calais (about 375 km). 15 rooms have been taken up already but the hotel will take extra bookings if we wish, so contact Bill and Sally now on treg.sec@virginmedia. com or 01525 750468.

This is what they were made for in 1936, nearly 80 years on and still going strong; Andy King in TA registration number JB 9447 pushing hard at the 2015 VSCC Cotswold Trial at Prescott. Photo: Colin Murrell

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JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:48

NEWSLETTER T TYPE

John Ward • 01621 773606 • johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk

THE MGCC T REGISTER 2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS MG International Show & Spares Day Sunday February 21 2016 at the National Agricultural Centre Stoneleigh Warwickshire CV8 2LG Once again this opening event of the T Register year tells us that spring is just around the corner. The Register will be there of course in the same location as last year, look out for the banners and posters where there will ample space for the sale of regalia and a vast array of parts and spares for T Types to be traded on a Bring and Buy basis. Should you wish to bring those unwanted but coveted parts just clearly label ownership, contact details and the price required, there will be a suitable form available shortly on the website www.tregister.org. See the press details later for pre entry tickets at a reduced price which also saves you queuing on the day. More details or information contact Barry Knight on 01252 875740. The 36th T Register Rebuild Seminars Saturday March 19 at the British Motor Museum Gaydon Warwickshire CV35 0BJ In 2015 for the 35th time these ever popular seminars were a highlight with over 100 delegates attentively enthralled by a series of presentations on T Type maintenance and servicing, proving without doubt that there is always something more to be gleaned, or for those who have recently joined the club, an insight into what is in store in owning a ‘T’. This year another series of lectures will be featured covering a wide range of topics. Confirmed presenters so far are Eric Worpe on TA, TB and TC brake systems, and the TD/TF guru Barrie Jones will then deal with the updated braking system introduced in the 1950s to the ‘moderns’. As a contrast, Roger Furneaux will then regale us with all there is to know about the driving train, that is the differential on the early cars before the war. To make the ride seem smoother Stevson Motors will tell us how to overhaul Armstrong and Girling shock absorbers and Classic Oils will inform us on the ins and outs of the lubrication products on today’s current market and the benefits to our cars. A topic close to all our hearts is the XPAG camshaft; with so much already written, tried and tested the debate still goes on, so come and listen and be guided by David Newman who will bring you up to date and assist you in making the correct decision on the occasion of your next engine rebuild. As always this will also be the place to meet old chums, seek out some interesting original spares or even offload some to make a space in the garage. 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. And finally and of just as much importance, your opportunity to attend the T Register AGM, hear reports from the officers and vote your approval of the election of committee members for next year who only seek to look after your sole interests in maintaining this Register for the benefit of you, the owners of T Types. ... so don’t, delay, book today, the application form is at the end of this newsletter.

The T Register T Party, likely to be Sunday July 31 (to be confirmed) Wings and Wheels Day at The Shuttleworth Aircraft Collection near Biggleswade Bedfordshire Now regularly re-established from earlier days and proving to be a very popular event, this visit to The Shuttleworth Vintage Aircraft Collection is a must in the summer high season but just before the main summer vacations. Usually blessed with a fine day, a perfect reason to attend and bring the picnic basket along and of course see some ‘flying men in their flying machines’. Graham and Sue Brown are organising this for us again this year, more details shortly when the date is announced. 2016 Autumn Tour September 2-5, Dorset and the Jurassic Coast This year the Autumn Tour goes to Dorset to the George Albert Hotel midway between Dorchester and Yeovil on the A37. The hotel is privately owned and has 39 ensuite rooms which have been block-booked for the weekend, therefore this restricts the numbers for this year so most important that you book early. The hotel is well situated with a number of sites and venues all close by such as Montecute House, The Haynes Motor Museum, Yeovilton Air Museum, Forde Abbey Gardens to name but a few, so plenty to do and see as well of course as doing the runs on Saturday and Sunday. Geoff and Annie Matthews are the organisers and Chris Sundt is plotting the routes, get your application in soon; contact them on 01840 214972 or geoff@ostlersbarn.co.uk THE T REGISTER CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2016 And finally an anniversary nearly forgotten last year was the 70th anniversary of the resumption of MG production at Abingdon with the birth of the TC in 1945. In 1946 approximately 40% of production was destined for export and that was before any had been sent to the States. Our Australian mates remembered and celebrated in style, looking at these pictures sent us by Mathew Magilton at Briars Park Mt. Martha on the Mornington Peninsular. 86 TCs paraded, including a few that had not been seen in a long time and four restoration projects arriving on trailers.

MGLive! at Silverstone The annual MG extravaganza date is set as June 4-5 2016, just before some of us head off to Le Touquet for the European Event of the Year in France. As usual the T Register will be there in force with our stand in the main marquee, a Specials display and the Saturday evening Natter in the paddock, and of course designated parking for all T Types on both days, if you get there early enough that is!

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15/12/2015 11:48

John Ward • 01621 773606 • johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk

EVENT MG International Day Stoneleigh Warwicks

DATE

CONTACT

DETAILS

Barry Knight

01252 875740

36th Annual Rebuild at British Motor Museum Saturday March 19 Museum Gaydon Warwicks

Barry Knight

01252 875740

MGLive! at Silverstone Northants

June 4-5

MG Car Club

01235 555552

The T Party at Shuttleworth Biggleswade

Sunday July 31 (Provisional)

Graham Brown

01234 358729

The Autumn Tour Dorset & Jurassic Coast

September 2-5

Geoff & Annie Matthews

01840 214972

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Sunday February 21

T TYPE NEWSLETTER

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:48

Light weight alloy hubs with taper roller bearings, studs and seals. Weight saving

MG Midget Vented Disc Brake Kit 240mm and 260mm kits available

of over 2 kilos a side, £240 plus vat

Lightweight Alloy 4-pot Calipers Bespoke Hub Assemblies

Ford Zetec 2.0L engine with Ford Type 9 conversion kits now available. POA

Taper Roller Bearings, Wheel Studs and Seals Included 4X101.6 and 4X108 PCD with uprated studs available

Bespoke alloy 7 gallon fuel tanks,

Bespoke Alloy Calipers Mounting Brackets

High efficiency radiators, Swirl pots, catch tanks and Alloy radiator shrouds

Available with a range of EBC, FERODO or MINTEX Brake Pads

also available. POA.

Mocal Aeroquip 2807/TFE Braided Hoses Included

£650.00 + VAT

TEL: +44 (0) 1926 817890

EMAIL: info@jlhmorrisminors.co.uk

JLH Minor Restoration Ltd, The Coal Yard, Folly Lane, Napton, Southam, CV47 8NZ

Oselli ltd, Greenway Business Park, Winslow Road, Great Horwood, MK17 0NY 01993 849610 or 07831 597424

MGB

Midget/ A Series

Engines 1800cc lead free 1800cc fast road balanced 1840cc balanced stage 2 1950cc standard lead free 1950cc fast road stage 2

£1905 £2125 £2565 £2185 £2815

Heads Standard lead free Stage 2 lead free Stage 3 lead free Stage 3a lead free Stage 4 comp head

£465 £545 £675 £755 £2545

Other Tubular long branch large bore exhaust Oselli cast rocker cover £175 Weber carb kit £695 Performance distributor £195 Head and engines supplied on an exchange basis Prices subject to VAT

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MG_SafetyFast_Jan16_3-48.indd 48

Current Stock 1958 MGA Roadster finished in Midnight blue with Burgundy trim and carpets. Fully restored in 2000 and little used since £34,000.00 1972 MGB Roadster restored some years ago on a heritage shell and little used since. £17,995.00 1959 MGA Roaster finished in Dove grey with burgundy trim restored in 2012 little history £36,995.00

www.oselli.com

Engines Standard lead free £1905 Standard fast road balanced £2125 Stage 2 fast road balanced £2565 1293cc fast road stage 2 £2755 1380cc fast road stage 2 £2885 1400cc fast road stage 2 £3395 Heads Standard lead free Stage 2 lead free Stage 3 lead free Stage 3a lead free Stage 4 comp head

£465 £545 £675 £755 £2545

Other Tubular long branch exhaust Oselli cast rocker cover £175 Weber carb kit £695 Performance distributor £195 Head and engines supplied on an exchange basis Prices subject to VAT

www.mgcc.co.uk

15/12/2015 11:48

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

MAGNETTE NEWSLETTER

Magnette Newsletter

Welcome to the

In this issue we catch up with some photos from 2015 that didn’t make previous reports, including my view from the passenger seat starting the Kop Hill Climb, and the unforgettable ‘how many Magnettes fit under a Vulcan bomber?’ (the answer is 12). Of course we remember the sad loss of Register President Lou Shorten, and also classic rally veteran Jan Pearce, but happily the indefatigable Jose de Souza is still rallying around the world, having just driven his ZA through Bhutan, and we now have a new President, Celia Palmer. In a topical technical section, there’s an excellent description by Andy Dear of how to get more airflow from your heater, and also a summary

of the options for door seals, a perennial discussion subject amongst owners. Finally on modifications, a timely reminder that committee technical rep. Trevor Jones has developed well-engineered solutions for an anti-roll bar and LCB exhaust, and has put huge efforts into making them widely available. In fact he’s been so busy with this that his own Varitone restoration has taken over 10 years – but a recent photo of the bare shell in fresh paint suggests Trevor’s prediction of having it back on the road in 2016 may not be so rash after all!

Farewell to Lou Shorten

Magnettes under a Vulcan at Norwich Starting the Kop Hill Climb

Jan Pearce 1944-2015 Jose de Souza – Bhutan Thunder Dragon rally

Trevor Jones’s 10-year restoration nearlyLenwade there ! Procession- from

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JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:52

NEWSLETTER MAGNETTE

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

Events for 2016 The programme wasn’t completely fixed at going to press, but here are some of the highlights you can look forward to: Magnettes & Steam, March 26. We’re still confirming details for this traditional Easter Saturday start to the season, however the planned location is Peak Rail in Derbyshire. Our ‘man in the North’ Stephen Coates has been checking out parking and the all-important refreshments, and will hopefully be able to advise on overnight accommodation as well. Look out for more details.

Wroxall and Black Country Museum, July 2-3. Courtesy of Grant Howlett, we’re returning to Wroxall Abbey Hotel, which made such a perfect setting for GP100 and Magnette60. This time it’s a one-night event, where you’ll be able to visit the Black Country Museum of industrial history on Saturday, enjoy a great dinner at Wroxall and then a scenic Sunday drive.

International Magnette Day June 23-26. I haven’t yet been able to convince Gunter that it should actually be called ‘weekend’ (which it is) rather than ‘day’, but nevertheless it’s well worth noting the 20th running of this event which has taken place in numerous European locations. This year it’s in the beautiful Palatinate wine region, often described as the German Tuscany, and unlike some previous occasions the date doesn’t clash with MGLive! – so we hope for a good UK representation. Organiser Thomas Cordes promises the usual combination of scenic drives, good food and good company (booking closes April 1).

Technical Blower modiﬁcation When I installed my re-manufactured three-main engine I had already thoroughly cleaned out the radiator and heater cores, so I was a bit disappointed when the heater remained rather feeble. It was obviously due to the poor blower performance, so I asked around to see what modifications others had tried, to improve things. I was variously informed that this, that or the other blower motor or fan could be adapted to fit the Magnette blower casing. Two favourites seemed to emerge; one was the VW Polo Mk4, the other the BMC Metro – I bought one of each on eBay. The first of these would have required some extensive modification of the blower casing. The fan was very large and needed to be mounted on a different axis to allow it to fit the casing, so I scrubbed round that one and used the Metro instead.

(and I only noticed this after laboriously hand crafting the motor mount) the Metro rotor was designed to run in the opposite direction to the Magnette rotor, which didn’t suit the ‘Snail’ shape of the casing. When run ‘backwards’ it did shift more air than the Magnette rotor but was clearly not meeting its potential. There then followed a lengthy delay while I searched for a suitable rotor to replace the Metro one. To cut a long story short, I was unable to find an optimally designed rotor of the correct ‘handedness’. However I was successful in locating a suitable ‘non-handed’ fan rotor (i.e. it has flat radial vanes) that worked much better than the curved-vane rotor running backwards. This fan came from a Jaguar XJ6 Series one, also on eBay. I could probably have adapted the Jaguar motor as well, but since I had already made a good mount for the Metro motor, I drilled out the boss of the Jag fan to fit the shaft of the Metro motor and I was good to go. To complete the conversion I needed a three-position rotary switch and a resistor pack to provide the speed control. I used a Rover resistor pack available for a few quid – you know where – and mounted it through the wall of the fan casing where it was cooled by the airflow. I used 6.3mm female spade connectors to link up the cables, but proper resistor harnesses are also available.

Metro rotor is larger than original

The Metro fan motor was of Canadian manufacture, and the same diameter as the original Magnette motor. I removed a couple of brackets that were spot welded to it in unwanted places and made up an end bracket from alloy plate which allowed it to be bolted on the inside of the casing using the original mounting holes The fan rotor was ideally sized to fit inside the ‘Snail’ casing and considerably larger than the original metal rotor. Unfortunately

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Resistor pack mounted in airflow

www.mgcc.co.uk

15/12/2015 11:52

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

I seem to remember that the motor draws around eight amps on its fastest setting so a relay is not really necessary although my circuit does use one. The original blower switch is connected so that it controls the relay while the relay load contacts take their power from before the blower switch and supply the end of the resistor chain (speed 1) and also the common terminal of the speed control switch. Additional power is fed in progressively from the speed control which I mounted in a bracket attached to the bottom edge of the dash panel.

Speed control mounted below dashboard

The end result of all this is a modest improvement in heating performance which is now verging on the satisfactory. Now if I could just get all the doors to seal properly, winter driving might even become comfortable!

Modified blower installed

Andy Dear

Door Seals

Original door seal

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MAGNETTE NEWSLETTER

Most Magnette owners have probably replaced their door seals by now, as the original rubber inner and outers have deteriorated, and/or the ‘Furflex’ fabric-covered metal retaining channel has lost its covering. Many of us have tried more than one remanufactured type and experienced problems including: • Rubber section consisting of a round tube rather than a flap, so can’t be squashed into the available space without a huge effort when closing the door. • Rubber is correct shape, but solid rather than sponge/ neoprene. • Furflex channel not secure on door frame, even with spring clips. The outer edge of the door should have an arrowhead seal glued in place, which provides a first barrier against water and draughts. Some cars have lost this altogether in the course of restoration, and opinions vary as to whether it’s essential. From experience with and without, I’d say it’s beneficial on the front doors to keep water out of the A-post area, and generally the extra seal reduces wind noise at speed. The only arrowhead rubber currently known to fit properly is manufactured by Clarke Spares and Restorations in the US, and fortunately Peter Martin is able to supply this. There is a seal of more or less correct size available from Woolies (who are generally a good source for most trim) but it has much thicker rubber flaps which will make it very difficult to close the door. For the inner door seal, I tried a couple of replacements in the past, and eventually decided to keep my battered but intact rubber, with a new furflex channel. This provided a good seal, but was always prone to coming adrift because the new channel didn’t have the spring characteristics of the original tempered metal to enable it to properly grip spring clips attached to the flange. When volunteering as a taxi driver at Goodwood Revival I was constantly having to reattach the rear door seals where they’d been kicked off by passengers getting in and out. Resolving to find something better, I discovered Anthony White had used inner seals from Clarke Spares for his tin-top ZA restoration. Todd Clarke developed tooling specially for manufacturing, initially for MGA – a quick google will lead you to mgaguru.com which provides a very positive review. This seal is manufactured as a single piece which looks very close to the original, using the correct steel rather than alloy skeleton. Anthony confirmed that the fit and door closure is good and it stays in place. Barbed metal clips are built into the channel section, and the instructions do emphasise that it isn’t intended to be removed after fitting – although they suggest finger pressure should be sufficient to install, others have found it needs to be lightly tapped into place to follow the corners or where there is more than a double thickness of metal. It’s available in several colours to match interior trim. In the interests of research I decided to try an alternative seal for my own car, from ‘Macgregor UK Car Parts’ based in Ontario, Canada. Like the Clarke seal, Bristleflex is intended to suit a number of 50s/60s British cars, but is not as close to the original in design. It uses a half-round rubber flap which is able to deform easily and accommodates a metal to metal gap Clarke seal on Anthony up to ½" White’s ZA

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15/12/2015 11:52

NEWSLETTER MAGNETTE

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

MacGregor seal grips with rubber barbs

To summarise, I think Peter has done very well to find a cost-effective inner-seal solution which is easy to install and stays attached. On the other hand the Clarke seal is closest in appearance to the original, while Bristleflex is somewhere in between the two, but is notably easy to install. I should add that if you want to pursue this last option you’ll need to be prepared for some long-distance phone calls. Although Martin MacGregor has a website, the prices are out of date and email contact rarely succeeds – but once you get to speak to him he’s extremely helpful and well-informed. Stephen Tickell

Modiﬁcation parts Instead of metal clips gripping the door frame, moulded rubber barbs run continuously through the U-channel to grip the flange (which is how seals on most modern cars attach) and it pushes on with a satisfying ‘snap’ using only finger pressure, even on corners. I think it would cope with an uneven or thickened metal edge more easily than the clips, and the lack of barbs avoids paint damage. The channel is available in different colours but I decided on black just to match my interior. The rubber flap provides good draught sealing and easy door closure, Bristleflex installed and my only complaint would be that by Stephen Tickell the channel doesn’t overlap the edges of interior panels and headlining in the same way as the original. Some might also find it undesirable that the edge of the rubber flap can be seen when open, but this may actually be beneficial at the bottom (over the sill), as it avoids water getting trapped under the seal which was always a problem with the original. In parallel with Anthony and myself, Peter Martin has also been investigating suitable seals and has found a tubular type which Ann and Martyn Collet (amongst others) have recently fitted with good results – they report that it requires a bit of force to install, but the doors close easily. The black version has a vinyl rather than velvet covering, grips without the use of clips, and costs an extremely reasonable £120 for a full car set, whilst coloured versions need clips to fit, and cost £160 – still much cheaper than the other two solutions. Contact Peter for full details (01580 763056).

Peter Martin’s seal fitted by Ann & Martyn Collett

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In case you haven’t already seen them, here’s a reminder of some of the modification parts which Trevor Jones has developed using his considerable engineering skills. Small batches have been manufactured, and Peter Martin has agreed to handle orders for these parts, on a first-come first-served basis (Trevor is generously donating any profits above cost price to Register funds). You’ll need to check with Peter about shipping costs.

5-bearing adapter plate by Allen Bachelder

The 5-bearing adapter plate was originally designed by Allen Bachelder, to allow the mating of a later MGB block to a Magnette sump (which has a unique shape to fit round the front crossmember). Where the holes for the two don’t coincide, countersunk bolts and tapped holes are provided, to ensure secure fixing which would previously have required cutting and welding top and bottom of MGB and Magnette sumps together. Allen has kindly provided the CNC files to enable Trevor to make a further batch, which are priced at £75. LCB exhaust system

Anti-roll bar based on Derrington

The anti-roll bar is based on a 1950s design by Derrington, a common aftermarket addition to Magnettes at the time. It includes brackets to bolt to the chassis front extensions, flexible bush mounting to the suspension arms, and costs £250. The exhaust system features a long centre-branch (LCB) manifold, again based on the Derrington period performance accessory which replaced the flow-limiting cast-iron manifold. The design has been refined after fitting on several cars, and is fabricated in stainless steel. Price is £550.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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15/12/2015 11:52

NEWSLETTER MGC

Ginny Cartmell • 01208 821552 • ginnycartmell@btinternet.com

MGC Newsletter

Welcome to the

Your committee have been working very hard over the winter months firming up both the MGC Weekend this year and the 50th Anniversary four day event to be held in 2017. Please see below all details and entry form, for you to get involved with this year’s MGC Weekend, July 2-3. We have a great programme organised, with lots going on to entertain you both Saturday and Sunday. Any further information you might need, please do not hesitate in contacting me. Please be aware we do have limited accommodation at Wroxall Abbey. To avoid disappointment, you will need to book early, if you want to spend the weekend with us....

Our last event of 2015.... Our last event of 2015 was our Christmas Dinner at Dumbleton Hall. This was a sell out, with some members having to take up accommodation in a nearby hotel, as we had booked all available rooms. We hope to repeat this end of year gathering of friends again this year and re-visit Dumbleton Hall for a third time.

50th Anniversary 2017 We are very pleased to announce we will be celebrating MGC 50th Anniversary 2017 in early June. It will be a four day event, taking in a museum, locomotives, a stately home, test routes and much more. Early indications are, event start date, Wednesday June 7 2017 with registration and welcome to our event hotel. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be full event days. Although this is not confirmed and set in stone yet, we hope to be able to do just that in the very near future. We are very much looking forward to welcoming many overseas members and hope this early heads-up will help in your planning. We already have interest from New Zealand, Australia and the USA, along with many of our European countries. So let’s hope we can make this a real Golden Jubilee event, that we can all be proud to have been a part of. Watch this space as more information will be firmed up each month. It would also help (with no obligation) to register your interest, so I can ensure to keep you fully informed and up to date, as this event develops.

Last chance to order your MGC Register Calendar for 2016, subject to availability.

The only 4 MGCs to have braved the winter weather at Dumbleton Hall

Reception drinks before going into the Oak Room for Dinner.

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Limited print run of only 150, so don’t delay in placing your order. Inland £6.50 + £1.50 postage & packaging = £8.00 Europe £6.50 + £4.00 postage & packaging = £10.50 Christmas has come and gone and it’s on to a New Year. May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy, Prosperous and Healthy New Year, from your MGC Register committee.

www.mgcc.co.uk

15/12/2015 11:52

Ginny Cartmell • 01208 821552 • ginnycartmell@btinternet.com

MGs at Wroxall Abbey in 2015

MGC NEWSLETTER

We hope to be able to take small groups up to Race Control throughout the day and we are also attempting to organise some MGC parade laps, if the racing programme permits. So make sure you arrive in plenty of time to be included. Wroxall Abbey has a limited number of rooms available, and their function room for Saturday night’s dinner can only seat 70 people. If you would like to get involved in this event, please don’t delay in returning your entry. Anyone wishing to include an additional night at Wroxall Abbey, we have been offered an attractive Sunday night Bed & Breakfast deal, please see below... Wroxall Abbey Hotel & Estate

MG Racing at Mallory Park and Wroxall Abbey Hotel & Estate We are pleased to announce MGC Weekend will be July 2-3 2016. We will be welcoming you to join us at Wroxall Abbey Hotel & Estate from Saturday afternoon. We plan to park up (weather permitting) in front of the Mansion House and display our cars, chat, relax and hopefully enjoy the July sunshine, in the superb setting of this beautiful hotel. Wroxall Abbey is set in 27 acres of landscaped grounds and open parkland. Prepare to be delighted with this beautiful hotel and its surroundings. Saturday evening we will be dining in the Sonnets Restaurant, with a reception drink in the Broadwood Bar, to start. You will be served a three course dinner, with coffee. Sunday, after a hearty breakfast, we will head off to Mallory Park Circuit, for a great day of MG Car Racing. We will have a couple of route options for you. These will just be suggested routes and not Tulip/Road Runs. Our chosen hotel is some 34 miles away from Mallory or cross country around 26 miles. It was chosen for its love of classic cars, impressive building and delightful accommodation. On arriving at Mallory Park, you will be directed to Gerard’s Bend, where we have MGC Register Parking organised for our event. This area of the circuit is a great spectator point and is very close to the ‘Bridge’ that will give you access to the Paddock and the Hailwood Suite, with elevated viewing across a good percentage of the circuit. We have exclusive use of this suite, for the entire day and will be offering a buffet lunch to all attendees supporting their MGC Register event badge. The official timetable has not yet been released for the racing. However, typically spectator gates will open from 9am with practice starting around 9.30am. Racing will commence mid-day.

Single Room

Double Room

£121.00

£192.00

£90

£100.00

Mallory Park

One Ticket

Two Tickets

Entry into Mallory Park, MGC Register parking, Exclusive all day use and Lunch in the Hailwood Suite, within the Paddock, all inclusive

£23.00

£40.00

Saturday Dinner, Bed & Breakfast With private dining in the Sonnets Restaurant Sunday Bed & Breakfast

Total

£..........

Please send your entry along with full payment to.... The Secretary, Lower Carblake Manor, Cardinham, BODMIN, Cornwall PL30 4BX. All cheques to be made payable to The MG Car Club C Register please. For all other payment methods, please contact: ginnycartmell@ btinternet.com Driver ...................................................................................... Passenger ............................................................................... Address................................................................................... ............................................................................................... ............................................................................................... Email....................................................................................... Tel Number .............................................................................. Distance Travelled to the event.................................................. Your Car Details Make....................................................................................... Model....................... Registration ............................................ Date of Registration ................................................................. Colour ..................................................................................... Chassis No .............................................................................. Membership No ....................................................................... Would you like to enter Concours

Yes

Pride of Ownership Yes No It is important to book in advance for Mallory Park, as we will only be given enough parking spaces for the MGCs booked in through me and you will not be directed to C Register Parking without your Rally Plaque displayed on your vehicle. Classic MGs enjoying Mallory Park, close racing on a great circuit.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWSLETTER MGC

Ginny Cartmell • 01208 821552 • ginnycartmell@btinternet.com

From Tourer to GT – Jon Glover’s Two MGCs, Part 1 I have had many MGBs in my time, Tourers and GTs, and even a ‘Talking MG Maestro’! Caroline, my wife, had a lovely white MG Metro at one point. My love of MGs stems from an encounter with an MG TF on a hot day one summer in the 1950s. It was parked on Hove seafront, Old English White, red interior. The car was ticking gently in the heat and it was just so different from my dad’s Wolesley 4/44, and I managed to get the very same Dinky toy of the TF of which I still have! In 1992, my last rubber bumper B was sold to pay a tax bill so it was after a long gap that the acquisition of a spare garage space took me back into the world of MG, with a fair, chrome bumper MGB Tourer. (Mid-life crisis perhaps?) Then one day I had a light bulb moment, a chance drive in a sad but serviceable MGC GT automatic. I loved the low down torque and the grunt from the three litres; this really was a grown up B. I sold the B Tourer without much trouble, and started looking for a CGT Tourer. The new adventure had just started; boy was I green, still am, but luckily had the help of Brian Page, the go-to Classic assessor. We found a stack of Cs in a barn in Shaw, Lancashire. Brian luckily steered me past the shiny one, towards what turned out to be a reasonable car that could be improved. The C introduced me to the wonderful world of the C Register, King and Queen Barrie and Ginny, + Merlin =Vic Young!

MGC Roadster with its new owner sporting Singapore number plates

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We tootled along together for a while, and after a few years I had a really nice car, which I improved and enjoyed, UNTIL I bought Caroline a £750 MGF, automatic, power steering and she could hear the radio! I was becoming more and more involved with the South East Centre of the MG Car Club, and she was getting fed up with sitting in a field full of MGs every Sunday in the summer! Solution? Her own, modern MG, come and go as you please my love, as long as you are in an MG! You know what? I love the way the F’s hood goes up and down in one easy movement, even from the driver’s seat, something I had never achieved with the Bs and the C. (Several soakings – me and car interior, broken nails and stuck apparatus bearing witness!) Times were good and I was getting an itchy wallet, I fancied another project and I’d spotted a nice looking CGT – on Jersey! More space for all the Event gear, and a sunroof for open motoring, plus it was automatic, taking me back to that first C experience and easy on the left leg in traffic! Experience of MGs was now better, I had a little more ‘nouse’; naughty garages and dealers can be great teachers! Sell the current C first. It duly went on a couple of sites and the punters started turning up. Some wanted a day out. Some fancied a drive in a C. Some thought it was too nice. Some thought it wasn’t near enough concours. Then an email – from Singapore! Hmm, was the enquirer one of those nice gentlemen who promises to put millions of dollars into your bank account if you will send them all your details? No, the enquirer’s business profile etc. checked out. He really wanted an Austin Healey, but with 100% import tax into Singapore, had decided on a C, because it has a similar engine! He was prepared to make me a generous offer on photos alone, but I advised him to get my car independently inspected, so that we would both be happy with no comebacks. The inspection came back near perfect, with a couple of niggles that Vic Young soon dealt with. The deposit in my bank by return, a drive to Southampton, then the rest of the funds confirmed in my bank and into a Korean container ship, and bye-bye Tourer! Flush now with Singapore sourced funds I looked often at the Jersey car, and made contact with the nice sounding vendor in St. Hellier, Ian Le Riche, a leading classic dealer and restorer, who was selling on behalf of a client. Ian sent loads more photos, including close ups of body issues he wished me to be aware of. However, psychologically, I just couldn’t get on a plane to view a car. Surely there was another CGT on the mainland? I went all over the country, looking at an ever more depressing bunch of ‘goners’, and cars priced beyond the next 20 years of Marque inflation. I even, on one memorable day, drove from one side of Scotland to the other! In Loch Lomond there was a highly original, faded beauty, but at a price that would have made its restoration to market value impossible. Then drove over to the coast near Edinburgh, to view a ‘project’, whose owner was not pleased when I started to remove bits of sill with my fingers, never mind a screwdriver! I arrived with a Natter mate and Brian Page at Anglia Car Auctions, Kings Lynn, and we managed to get on telly as ’For the Love of Cars’ was filming proceedings. I was interested in a nice blue, restored GT. Brian liked it as well, but luckily he restrained me as the shiny paint took the bidding on way beyond my limit.

www.mgcc.co.uk

15/12/2015 11:53

Ginny Cartmell • 01208 821552 • ginnycartmell@btinternet.com

Vic Young found a car in Portsmouth, that he and ‘Mike The Pipe’, the exhaust master, had worked on years before. Nice vendor gent couldn’t take on board that 15 years had passed since then, and his damp garage hadn’t done the bodywork any favours. The car was no bargain, even at half the price he was asking. So I passed on that one. I was still having a weekly reference to the web and it showed the Jersey example, temptingly, remaining unsold. Thus finally one bright and breezy autumn day, I took a flight on Easyjet from Gatwick, and by 10 in the morning was proceeding in a stately manner round that Channel Island, in the Tartan Red example I had viewed on the internet so many times. Ian Le Riche turned out to have large premises filled with lovely Classics, and a section restoring the Swallow, Lyons’ first Jaguar, based on the Austin 7, and the Le Riche speciality. The red MGC GT up on the ramp, and no objection to the screwdriver through the outer sill rust holes. Lovely to drive, Borg Warner Auto Box changing smoothly, but sill issues and a re-spray needed to match my last C’s condition. Was I considering a money pit? Once the sills came off, what would be underneath? I knew enough to know that rusty sills often mean a load of hidden trouble. Back home by mid afternoon, I started pondering, who knows why one car picks itself out from another? It’s just a feeling, and I had that feeling about this car. I made a tentative bid with Ian by phone. His client had other ideas, but in the end I paid what the vendor had paid 10 years before. The price left me with enough of the Singapore loot to fettle the car as I wanted. Then there was the process of getting the car to mainland England; Ian had fitted new tyres and a battery. Not simple at all! This was a car that had been exported to Guernsey direct from

MGC NEWSLETTER

The MGC GT engine bay

the factory in late 1969 so it had to be imported, VAT paid, and an English Historic Registration obtained to replace its Jersey plates. A December trip to Yeovil to collect the car from the Le Riche Depot, so what did I end up with? An MGC GT in faded Tartan red, with an original interior, automatic, and supplied to Guernsey, with no history, and then taken to Jersey, where she had 11 owners with less than 40,000 miles, probably genuine given the history, and probably never run at more than 50 mph, given the island’s limitations space wise. The vendor had a large collection and they can get bored on Jersey, so the car had hardly moved for 10 years. What happened next? Follow this story later in the year. Jon Glover

The MGC GT in faded Tartan red, supplied to Guernsey, with no history, and then taken to Jersey

www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

YRX 310 in 1962

Bob Olthoff and his

have set out Bob Olthoff’s story at some length in three articles in the February, March and April 2015 editions of Safety Fast!. This included a possibly colourful history with the 1762cc Twin Cam engine. This fourth and final article is about the many modifications Bob made to turn his car into a road going racing car. Racing modifications are inevitably ongoing and I have taken the car as it raced at the Nurburgring in 1962 as the applicable specification. Bob competed with some success in his MGA Twin Cam, YDH5/929, registered in the UK as YRX 310, in southern Africa in 1959 and early 1960 and in the UK, Eire and Germany in 1960 to 1962. He worked in the Show Shop at Abingdon and was effectively an MG works privateer. He was also the reserve driver and mechanic for the MG

YRX 310 as it arrived back from USA, 2015

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Twin Cam entry in the 1961 Sebring race and drove in the 1962 Sebring race, as well as being Ted Lund’s co-driver for the 1961 Le Mans entry of the special bodied 1762cc Twin Cam, SRX 210. Bob entered the Autosport Championship in 1961 and finished third overall. He competed in his car in the 1961 Nurburgring 1,000km race with John Whitmore and finished a creditable seventh in class behind the Porsches, and also competed in the 1962 Nurburgring 1,000km at 1762cc, again with John Whitmore. This is the only example of the 1762cc Twin Cam engine being run in an FIA International Race in, essentially, a standard profiled bodied MGA. In Dublin in 1961, again using a 1762cc engine, Bob claimed the fastest recorded speed of a Twin Cam which has been

revisited

Part Four by Edward Vandyk

variously reported, essentially by Bob, at somewhere between 136mph and 143mph. That Bob was a talented driver is not in doubt. That Bob’s car was competitive when other MGAs, Twin Cams or otherwise, generally were not, is also the case. In 2014 I built a replica, registered YRX 800, of Bob’s car and obtained an FIA Historical Technical Passport (HTP) for it as it raced in the 1961 Nurburgring 1,000km, entered at 1588cc, and in the 1962 Nurburgring 1000km at 1762cc. I did this with the invaluable assistance of Michael Eaton, the then owner of YRX 310. I subsequently bought the original car from him and brought it back to the UK earlier this year. To make the replica I had to have a car to start with, and luckily I had a Twin Cam with an 1800cc MGB engine as the basis for the replica. Building a replica car from scratch to a specification based solely on current pictures, descriptions and measurements, as well as period articles, concentrates the mind on the minutiae. The subsequent and unexpected opportunity to compare the two cars in the metal made me realise how right I had made the replica and just how far YRX 310 itself had currently been removed from the state in which it raced in 1961/1962, principally, I believe, by the ‘restoration’ carried out by the

www.mgcc.co.uk

15/12/2015 11:53

FEATURE

YRX 800 engine bay

YRX 310 interior

late Simon Robinson in 1984. I hope to rectify this over the winter and bring the car back to the 1962 specification. I also recognised how poorly modifications to other well know cars such as 1 and 2 MTW and SRX 210 had been documented in period, perhaps for obvious reasons. Bob probably gives the best contemporary description there is of inperiod modifications, save, of course, for his 1762cc engine! This article sets out the modifications that Bob made to his car in period, with photos from both YRX 310 and YRX 800, and some details where relevant. Anyone wishing to copy any of those modifications and who needs further details is welcome to contact me at mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk Bob’s Twin Cam was originally a standard white CKD (Completely Knocked Down) 1500 bodied car, with the only accessory being an oil cooler, assembled in South Africa in February 1959 and delivered new to Bob shortly thereafter. Bob raced it from the outset, starting with the 6 hour race in the MG Team fielded by the local distributor at the Roy Hesketh circuit in March 1959. Luckily I have Michael Compton’s extensive notes as to the preparation of the MG Team cars for that event as well as the race report. The notes show Bob had a modified exhaust essentially from the outset. Bob brought the car to the UK in the spring of 1960, by which time it had become white with a maroon flash down the sides. In May 1961 Bob’s car emerged from the Competitions Department at Abingdon in green and gold Springbok colours, highly modified and fettled for the 1961 Nurburging 1,000km race, complete with competition numbers. However, in essence, the car was still recognisably a standard bodied roadster. Bob wrote a number of articles

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about the car in March 1962 and these, along with a letter he wrote in 1984, have proved invaluable in determining the period specification. It is clear that at all times Bob’s Twin Cam was a road going car in everyday use which was used for racing at the weekends; this even applied at the Nurburgring in 1962, in which the engine ended with a hole in the side of the block, as Bob had apparently intended to go touring Europe after the 1962 race. Roland Greenwood bought the car off Bob in 1963 and his recollections of its specification, his photographs and the sale particulars sheet he created when he sold the car in 1965 have also proved extremely helpful. He also recalls a number of meetings with Bob to collect parts from Bob’s race trailer at Willments, to whom Bob was contracted to race in 1963, and the anecdotes Bob told him. He was able to tell us, for example, that the car could run with a jockey wheel rather than a dynamo when racing (which would not appear to be within the regulations) and that the 42 DCOE Weber carburettors had supports on their underside from the block. Exactly when Bob made which

modifications to the car is not always clear so I do not list the specification changes chronologically, rather doing so by location and systems. The specification list for the car as it ran in 1962 contains over 60 modifications and that does not include specific internal engine modifications other than the work on the head. The form many of those modifications take are self evident but some are worth an individual mention. a) The removable panels in the front wheel arches, which I believe Bob removed to race, take away the challenge of engine access on a Twin Cam. A worthwhile, relatively easy and practical modification. b) The dual circuit brakes Bob used on YRX 310 were activated by a single bodied dual master cylinder in the style of the standard MGA combined clutch and brake master cylinder but operating the two brake circuits. On Bob’s car this was originally a prototype unit discarded by a later owner, and is now a standard MGA dual master cylinder operating the two separate front and rear circuits. The brake lights on YRX 310 operate on one hydraulic circuit only, which is not ideal. c) Bob’s bonnet was functionally pointless as far as I can determine. It had a complex pattern of louvres matching the internal ribbing and a bulge at the front to clear the cam covers at the front of the engine. It was fabricated from an early 1500 bodied pre Twin Cam bonnet. Bob’s car

Removable front access panels

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FEATURE

Bob Olthoff’s manifold moulds

Bolb Olthoff’s bonnet underside

Airbox at Weber air intakes

would have come with a Twin Cam bonnet originally which had added curvature and fitted with no bulges. As a consequence Bob’s modified bonnet was a terrible fit as can be seen from period photographs, and as is apparent on the replica with a bonnet I had fabricated identically. Interestingly the bonnet on the car has now been made to fit perfectly, an example of restoration matching expectation rather than period reality. Quite why and when Bob fitted this bonnet is not known; although photographs from March 1960 in South Africa show the louvres, it is unclear whether there is a bulge present or not. d) Bob fitted a Lucas C40R dynamo. Exactly what this was took some time to establish because it does not appear in the Lucas parts lists as such. A footnote says ‘R’ is for racing, and this seemingly involves taking a standard dynamo and mating it to the rear plate of a dynamo from a commercial vehicle which has a ball race rear bearing. e) Bob designed and cast his own Weber manifolds in South Africa. The original moulds for these have survived and thanks to Bo Giersing’s generosity I now have them. Manifolds have been cast from them in South Africa recently and were fitted to the replica. Peter Wood has had further copies cast. These manifolds do not provide a rear mounting point for the dynamo, unlike modern Weber manifolds, and the dynamo is mounted at the rear by a fabricated bracket bolted to the block.

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to remedy the terrible finish by slapping on f) Bob created an airbox arrangement to extra resin. They also said that the wings duct air from the right front valance aperture, were extremely flimsy, light and easy to which has the MGA badge covering it, to deflect. Roland reports this was the case. the carburettor air intakes presumably to The front valance was modified to take two supplement the air flow from the front duct. A Lucas 576 lights and would have originally very neat design, but given modern thoughts been aluminium I believe. However, it was on airflow I suspect it may have had entirely damaged at Dunboyne in 1961 and the the opposite effect of that intended. current valance is steel. g) Bob’s modified dipstick is another useful idea. As any Twin Cam owner will l) Further lightening was achieved by tell you, putting the dipstick back can be a fitting a number of aluminium parts including frustrating process. Bob connected a longer splash plates, battery cover and gearbox tube to the standard dipstick tube so the tunnel. ‘aiming point’ so to speak was at the level m) The gearbox tunnel was mounted on of the cam covers and not deep down by the top of the floor boards to facilitate speed of exhaust manifold. engine removal and the toe board was split h) Bob could run with two alternative so as to avoid the necessity of removing the silencer configurations which conceptually steering column. originated from his very first race in South n) Bob had large feet, hence the Africa. The more standard one came out the enlarged brake pedal. back, but the racing one exited just in front of The car had, but no longer has, a the left rear wheel. Bob believed that these column steering lock when Roland acquired alternatives suited different types of track. it in 1963. This was a period optional extra at Roland Greenwood tested both and found the the end of the MGA’s production in certain results identical. Roland describes the racing overseas markets. The car did not have one one as being very complex and it certainly when it left the Competitions Department had a fish tail type outlet. in 1961. The steering lock was a Nieman’s i) The suitcase cut-out behind the seats type, also fitted to early MGBs, and I have the was to comply with the FIA GTS category original key. It operated the ignition and was regulations which required the car to be able presumably fitted for the 1962 Nurburgring to carry a specific sized suitcase. trip because steering locks were mandatory j) Bob’s arrangement for lowering the for all cars in Germany from July of that year rear springs was conveniently sketched out and, according to Roland, Bob said he was by him on a piece of Reed’s Hotel paper going touring after the race, which fitted in whilst he was at Sebring. with it being a road going racing car. k) In order to lighten the car, Bob Current FIA Appendix K dictates fitted fibreglass certain modifications which wings. Roland would have had to be reports that Bob incorporated were the said that the car to compete now, and fibreglass wings the replica car is modified were commercially accordingly. Such made, but were modifications include taken out of the a Roll Over Protection moulds too soon System (ROPS) complying as he wanted with FIA specification, them quickly. In which makes sitting in October 1963, the car with helmet and when Roland race overalls a tight fit, bought the car, especially with a hard top. Bob took it to Appendix K would Specialised have also required a foam Mouldings filled fuel tank. Bob had a Olthoff spring note Limited in 17 gallon tank in period. London SE19 to ‘Repair and Fill Front and This was out of a Morris Rear Wings’ all for £23, a not inconsiderable commercial vehicle with the same footprint sum in those days. Specialised Mouldings as the standard tank but more depth. told Roland that the gel coat was very uneven Appendix K would also have required and that it looked as if someone had tried a kill switch, an oil catch tank and five

www.mgcc.co.uk

15/12/2015 12:09

FEATURE

YRX 310 twin fuel pumps and 17 gallon tank

Bob working at MG helped

point belts amongst other lesser items. Bob raced in period with simply a lap belt. So how did these many modifications make Bob’s car so competitive? Leaving aside Bob’s undoubted talent, there are three factors which may well be relevant: a) Power. Bob’s car probably had a 1762cc engine throughout the 1961 season and certainly had it at the Nurburgring in 1962. He actually enters, but later denies he had, the 1762cc engine in Dublin and Dunboyne in 1961. Capacity increase alone would not have achieved that much. He had 42 DCOE carburettors mounted on his own design inlet manifolds, he had a gas flowed head of his own design and he ran without a fan and without a dynamo on occasion. He

also had his modified exhaust system. b) Weight. The front wheel arch modifications not only eased access but, when removed for racing, reduced weight. The fibreglass wings and aluminium panels went further, as did removing the dynamo and replacing the standard batteries with a lightweight battery under the bonnet. The car was, of course, de-bumpered. c) Grip. There were stiffer front springs, and the front Armstrong shock absorbers had modified valves and bigger reservoirs. There were adjustable shock absorbers at the rear. The lowered suspension at the rear with modified rear springs would also have been a factor. A combination of the above certainly led to an impressive end result, but to what

YDH5/929, YRX 310 Modifications as at ADAC Nurburgring 1000Km Race 1962 Debumpered at front Underswung roll bar fitted on 1500 front chassis extension Front grille removed Blanking plate at top of grille aperture Modified and shallower aluminium front valance with two Lucas 576 lights Oil cooler offset to left Air intake in right front shroud ducted to carburettors Clip to secure front of bonnet MG badge on front valance Competition front springs Competition front shock absorber valves Enlarged front shock absorber reservoirs Two (L) and three (R) removable panels secured by Dzus clips in each front wing arch to improve engine access Austin Healey 3000 headlight surrounds Lucas P700 headlights Front side lights as per MGA 1600 Fibreglass front wings Aluminium front splash panels Dual Circuit Brakes 1600 wiring loom Lightweight battery mounted under bonnet Lucas C40R dynamo Lucas RB310 control box Solenoid starter No engine fan Split toe board Olthoff cast inlet manifolds 42DCOE Weber carburettors Carburettor supports from block

Elongated Weber air intakes Modified air ducting from right shroud inlet Modified porting and valves in head Additional cooling from head Competitions Department Weber throttle linkage 1762cc capacity Dual block breathers Enlarged brake pedal Modified dipstick Tubular exhaust headers Silencer with side exit in front of left rear wheel Louvered and bulged 1500 (non Twin Cam) bonnet raised at rear Bug deflector Two speed windscreen wiper Perspex 12” aeroscreen (as an alternative to aluminium hardtop with sun visors) Headlamp flasher Ammeter 18 gallon fuel gauge Starter button with electrically operated solenoid 4.55 differential and speedometer Limited slip differential Close ratio gearbox Wooden Derrington steering wheel Aluminium gearbox tunnel and gear lever cover mounted on top of floorboards Microcell seats Aluminium battery cover Suitcase cut out behind seats Twin fuel lines running through passenger compartment Twin fuel pumps 17 gallon tank

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_Jan16_49-98.indd 61

extent some of the modifications were, in the event, simply cosmetic or actually detracted from performance is impossible to determine. Perhaps the biggest factor was that Bob was a talented driver! Postscript: Peter Wood has just given me a copy of a handwritten note of the specification of Bob’s car which confirms the above and adds only that Bob used Ferodo DS11 brake pads. However on the reverse he has recorded some performance figures. 0-60 in 8.1 seconds with 4.1:1 axle and SP 165x15 tyres; 0-80 in 14.5 seconds; standing quarter mile 16.2 seconds; Bottom gear limit 47mph, second 72mph, third 85mph, top 112.5mph at 6,500 revs. Short circuit Silverstone 1min 13secs.

Twin fuel fillers Lowered rear springs with third leaf removed Adjustable rear shock absorbers Debumpered at rear No rear number plate mounting Rear number plate light on body Rear fibreglass wings Aluminium rear splash panels 1600 rear lights Steering lock In addition, the replica car YRX 800 has the following non period modifications Electric fan with thermostatic control and manual override Roll Over Protection Cage Electronic kill switch Brake failure indicator Five point harness Oil catch tank Extinguisher system Foam filled 17 gallon tank Indicator buzzer Hazard warning lights Rain light Mechanical brake light switch Oil pressure warning light Bonnet clips Rear brake bias valve Lower twin fuel filler a dummy Tow points front and rear Competition clutch Reverse gear lockout Fixed hardtop mounting points Oil temperature gauge Fuel pressure gauge Lambda gauge

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 12:09

RACE TORQUE

s we move into 2016, one thinks back to the success of last year’s racing, the fun and the pleasure so many of our Club’s competitors have had, and the officials and volunteers who have made it all possible. We have received a number of gratifying remarks from various quarters, of the quality of our racing, the close competitive battles between drivers and of the competence of the organisation, ensuring that we maximise the use of the time available to us at each of the circuits. One of the most gratifying of all is to hear the comments from the marshals, who are surely the best judge of all of that goes on at different meetings! That we receive such excellent support from the marshals, organised by Paul Stilling our Chief Marshal, speaks volumes. On behalf of everybody, our thanks to everybody involved with the Club’s very successful motor racing programme At the beginning of 2015 we made a donation to the marshalling cause of a £1,500 cheque, and we gave an undertaking that in 2015 we would donate £1 for every driver who signed on at one of our race meetings in 2015. That itself is a similar size sum again, and we hope that we can make arrangements to hand the cheque over during the Autosport Show in January. The money is being used to help keep the cost of the marshals’ overalls as low as possible by a subsidy, and each new overall will have the MG Car Club logo on it. We will also continue to give each and every marshal a year-dated embroidered badge in 2016. I have made the point a number of times, “No marshals, No motor racing.” The BBQ at MGLive!, Silverstone will also continue in 2016. For many of our regular marshals it is one of the most appreciated gestures they receive. The Co-ordinators meeting took place late in October and a number of items were agreed. Firstly that the ‘Drivers’ Entry Fee Rebate Scheme’ would continue for 2016. There was a 30% increase in drivers qualifying in 2015 compared with the year before!

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Race Torque

For those unaware of the scheme, any driver entering and taking part in all of his (her) Championships events with MGCC in the year receives a refund of 5% of the entry fee. A really worthwhile refund. In addition, the names of all competitors who qualify are entered in a draw, £500 to the winner and a consolation prize of £250, not in money, but as a help towards next year’s entry fees! With MGCC of course! This year’s winner was Jake Fraser-Burns (Trophy), and runner up was Dave Thompson (PBIC). In addition the Club will continue our half price race entry fee for those 21 or under through 2016. This year we have had five who qualified for this reduction. Again another reason to compete with MGCC. Those who have raced over many years with MGCC will appreciate the length of service of Brian Wright. He started in the late 1950s working with Gordon Cobban, then the Secretary of the MGCC South Eastern Centre and in truth the powerhouse of the Club through which most speed and race events were organised. Brian helped marshal on virtually everything, sometimes on two events in a weekend. He then became Chief Observer for race meetings under Jim Goddard, and then Chief Clerk when Jim retired to Malta. Brian retired from the Chief Clerk’s position back in 2007 and was appointed as one of a very select few to the post of an honorary Officiel d’Honneur under the MSA scheme to recognise those who have given exceptional service to our sport. Brian continues in that position. From 2007 Brian has been one of our permanent Club Stewards and has been

by Ron Gammons

at just about every race meeting; bearing in mind that Brian and his wife Pam moved to be closer to family in Newcastle upon Tyne some years back, that’s quite a trek. Well, Brian has decided to take a step back and sadly he has handed on the responsibilities of being a Steward to another long standingmember, Howard Gosling, who takes over the role in 2016. On behalf of everybody I would like to thank Brian, a true gentleman, and of course his hard working wife Pam who has helped in Race Administration for as long as I can remember. It will seem strange not having the two of them around, although they have said that they will come and visit us from time to time. It’s sad to have to report that our former Chief Marshal, John Watson, lost his wife ‘Dot’ (Dorothy) a few weeks back. Dot was always present at signing on for the marshals and did so much to support John in his endeavours for our Club meetings. A goodly number of Club members were present at the funeral in Louth. John states that he will continue to marshal and help wherever he can at our meetings. Another true gentleman. The programme for our 2016 race meetings is virtually complete now, just a few loose ends to tie up and we should be in for a another year of excellent Club motor racing. Our first event is of course not a race meeting but our exhibition stand at Autosport Show at the NEC, January 14 to 17. Come and say hello on the stand. Happy New Year

www.mgcc.co.uk

15/12/2015 11:53

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JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:53

MGs track on

Happy New Year, Everyone! We at MGs on Track wish you all a prosperous 2016 and look forward to seeing our members, old and new, on track with us this year. Our new calendar has an eclectic mix of circuits, offering something for everyone. In 2015, we met many MG owners at our publicity events who were very keen to experience the thrills of driving their MGs the way they were intended to be driven… We welcome you all to MGs on Track! To be kept up to date with information on track days, and to be able to book a place at your favourite circuit, please register with us by going to www.mgs-on-track.com. It’s free to join and you’ll receive our regular newsletters via email to inform you of the very latest events. MGs on Track members do not confine themselves to the UK and occasionally like to wave our flag in Europe. Committee member Doug Bond tells us about his trip to Spa in his MGB GT V8…

Spa…with our MG friends Words by Doug Bond

With no Classic Le Mans in 2015, it was decided that we should visit the Classic races at Spa along with our MG friends and ‘BGT’ owners, Stuart and Gill from Northumberland, who jointly, were looking forward to our organised trip with Classic Grand Touring. We met up with the group at the Flexiplus café at the Eurotunnel Terminal for breakfast before being loaded onto the first available train as a group. (Our group consisted of two BGTs, two Morgans, a Mercedes and a group of eight Lotus Elises.) Once across the water we took the quickest motorway route possible, going straight to the circuit to meet up with our organiser Thomas, to find our dedicated parking area and stretch our legs before taking to the circuit for our first 30 minute parade session. We were formed up in the new pit lane. A varied group of 40 plus cars included several other European registered MGAs and Bs, Triumph TRs, Morgans, and some more modern Jaguars, Mercedes and Ferraris. Helmets and seatbelts checked, and we were waved out onto this fabulous historic

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F1 circuit. The excitement and adrenalin flowed as we went down the old pit straight cautiously through Eau Rouge and off up the hill and along the straight to Les Combes. Oops! I think I’m going a bit too fast for the first right hander so it’s over the kerb and across the hard run off to re-join the circuit. Luckily I had a bit of space around me and didn’t impede anyone. The rest of the lap

was spot on. Being overtaken by a few faster cars, driving standards seemed very high and speed differentials not too bad, but I always kept one eye on the mirror! The rest of the time seems to go far too quickly but with two clear runs at Eau Rouge, one flat in 4th, I have had a glorious time and best of all, I get to do it all again next day too! We set off to the hotel in Spa town centre, where we enjoyed a drink or two at a bar in the square before our organised ‘welcome dinner’ back at the hotel. All nicely done and thankfully approved of by our Ladies! ‘the fastest trip up through the paddock…’ After breakfast next day we made our way to the circuit to take part in our second track session, which was held between practice sessions for the racers. Just as we approach the circuit, panic sets in as a front pad fails. Fortunately, we found a flat bit of paddock and set about a pad change. (Thank heavens for the Hoyle 4 pot calipers, as they make it is so easy to change pads.) However, we were only just halfway through when a circuit motorcycle marshal came to collect us for our session. Oh well, that’s it, I thought! But fortunately he took pity and gave me an extra 10 minutes, followed by the fastest trip up through the paddock trying to keep up with the marshal, only to find I am half way down the grid and loads of cars still to come! Out on to the circuit again, this time with many more classics including several Porsche 365s and a couple of superb Ferrari 275 GTBs. The driving by most in this session was fairly sedate so a fair bit of overtaking was to be enjoyed with everyone giving us plenty of space. Again a hugely enjoyable session but foreshortened when someone in a modern BMW went off in a dangerous spot. To finish the day, our group set off to Stavelot to enjoy a lunch at a local Auberge. The rest of the stay was spent watching some of the racing and then enjoying a few touristy things in and around Spa. Our return journey back to Blighty was good, and apart from the pad change my BGT V8 didn’t miss a beat!

www.mgcc.co.uk

15/12/2015 11:53

Steve Brand steveb@mgs-on-track.co.uk www.mgs-on-track.com

MG on track

2016 Calendar *Goodwood – February 20 Blow off the cobwebs with our first visit of the year to this fabulous, historic, very popular, 50s, iconic circuit set in Sussex. *Donington Park – March 14 Our dedicated first timers and novices event to introduce you to MG track days, including mentoring and novice instruction. This event, as always, is also open to more experienced drivers from MGAs to MG V8s… One not to be missed! *Cadwell Park – April 18 The UK’s mini Nurburgring. An exciting and undulating circuit set in scenic Lincolnshire countryside. *Snetterton – May 23 A chance to experience the ‘Snetterton 300’ circuit with its fast and technical layout ensuring there is something for everyone. *N Weald – Date TBA Not a track day but a fun day allowing you the opportunity to discover more about the handling characteristics of your car prior to doing a full track day. An excellent opportunity for beginners! *Castle Coombe – June 20 The first visit of two regular annual visits to this very friendly circuit in Wiltshire. *Croft – July 1 A shared day with Lotus on Track on a great circuit, set between the Yorkshire Dales and Yorkshire Moors! *Blyton Park – July 16 A first time visit for MGoT to this circuit that has been given some great reviews. A variety of track layouts makes this an interesting venue! *Hethel – July 30 Another opportunity to experience the Lotus test track in Norfolk. This will be our second visit due to the popularity in 2015. A great track for all types of MG! *Brands Hatch GP – August 25 A must do! A rare opportunity to try the GP circuit which has imposed limited use during the year. It’s a privilege for MGoT to be invited back for a third year running. *Castle Combe – September 12 A second opportunity to enjoy the thrills of this ever popular track which includes a couple of chicanes and technical corners! *Goodwood – October 31 A second visit in case you missed the first due to popularity! *Oulton Park – November 18 Back on the calendar due to demand by members, a circuit that has a bit of everything for everyone! *Brands Hatch ‘Indy’ – December 5 Our last event of 2016. Don’t miss the chance to experience this undulating circuit including Paddock Hill Bend!

LUFFIELD

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

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas, and a happy new season to all competitors old, present and hopefully new. The 2015 season had its usual share of successes, surprises and one or two bits of bad luck with blown engines and excursions off the black stuff. New faces keep appearing and we can only hope that they gain as much pleasure from their interaction with the established players as the rest of us have over the years. It is always sad when long-established faces drop out for their various reasons. Their departures leave a big gap in the Championship, not just in terms of numbers competing but being deprived of the pleasure of their company. As you can imagine, this time of year is a busy one for coordinators. Next year’s calendar has to be juggled and this can be like a very complicated game of chess. Then there is the modification, if any, of the regulations. Some of these modifications are forced upon us by the MSA and some by listening to our competitors and forever striving to reach that elusive level playing field. To that end I recently had the pleasure of hosting a drivers’ meeting in Northampton which was well attended, and my report on the proceedings will be with competitors by now. We are fortunate to have a number of highly experienced long term competitors, and their wise advice is invaluable. As this is the ‘off’ season there is nothing more concrete to report, and I hope that next month I will be able to give you some real news. I’ll leave you with a few photos from the 2015 season.

* To book places you need to be registered with MGoT on our website www. mgs-on-track.com ** All registered members will receive an email about a week prior to the event opening for sale. *** If an event says ‘Status: Provisional’ it is not open for booking yet. **** If all places are ‘Sold Out’ contact the ‘Event Manager’ highlighted on the booking page for a reserve place.

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_Jan16_49-98.indd 65

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:53

OVERSEAS

REVIEW

News from the

Cascais Classic Motorshow

s a result of the annual election process and the takeover of the new elected Board of Director for 2015/2016, it was only possible for the MG Clube de Portugal to organise one event during the first half of 2015. Later during 2015, the newly elected board of directors were very pleased to be able to rejuvenate the regular Club activities, and also install a brand new design concept for the Club’s website: www.mgclubedeportugal.pt Also, three main gatherings known as ‘Concentrações MGCP’ were organised: 1. Visit to the new National Coach Museum Lisbon, which was originally founded in 1905, by Queen Amélia of Orleans and Bragança, in the Royal Riding School. According to a description inside, this made it the first transport-themed museum worldwide. 2. Weekend across the region of Alentejo, visiting three of the many castles along the Tejo river, historical places which were witness to important battles during the expansion of the Portuguese territory, closely connected

MG Clube de Portugal to the activities of the Religious Military Orders. 3. Celebrating the Club’s 34th Anniversary in the Ota military airbase, where a Speed Competition, Concours d’Elegance and Pride of Ownership took place, followed by a traditional MGCP-Lunch. The results of these competitions are also part in the yearly ‘Full Driver Criterion MG 2015’ prize award. Also this year, the club was part of the Cascais Classic Motor Show on August 30, and also participated in a Parade in Lisbon’s iconic Av. da Liberdade on October 11, joining other car clubs with the support of local authorities. MG Clube de Portugal was the first single-marque Car Club founded in Portugal in 1981. It has a national membership and

is open to those owning any MG-Model, classic, modern or members with new models such as the MG3, MG5 or MG6. Closing the 2015 activities was a Christmas Dinner on November 20, where a presentation on the Goodwood Revival 2015 was be made by a member who drove his 1966 MGB GT to the event. MGCP would like to take this opportunity to wish a Happy New Year to all the MG enthusiasts!

An MG parade in Lisbon’s iconic Av. da Liberdade

Visit to the National Coach Museum Lisbon Weekend in Alentejo

MG Clube de Portugal display in Lisbon

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34th anniversary display in the Ota military airbase

www.mgcc.co.uk

15/12/2015 11:53

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JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:53

OVERSEAS

NEWS

Magnettes at GOF 2015

suppose that one could say that the MG Magnette started out as a family car rather than as a sports car and was designed to go on long trips. This is still true today, with two such machines leaving from Adelaide and Strathalbyn on September 2. Our 1956 MG ZA and also Tony and Pauline Welsh in their 1958 Varitone MG Magnette met in Tailem Bend for the start of our drive to the MG Gathering of the Faithful in Wagga Wagga over the traditional second weekend in September. These old saloons do give one a sense of security as they have both a huge boot plus all of the back seat to allow for plenty of space for lots of tools, replacement parts and to add any last minute items one must take, or thinks that one must take, well just to be on the safe side! And subsequently put back unused upon return! The weather was overcast with the temperature on the cool side at about 15 degrees C so the temperature gauge sitting comfortably just below the N (for normal) all the time driving through rural country scenery very lush following a good winter rainfall. We arrived in Wagga Wagga at our motel, City Park Motel, early on the Thursday prior to the weekend, as the Magnette owners traditionally meet one day earlier to catch up and be introduced to other Magnette owners who have only been communicating via email up until then. During the afternoon a number of MGs started booking in, some having driven from all parts of country NSW and quite a number from the Hunter MG Car Club. The next morning, Friday, the day started pretty slowly as the actual event registration did not happen until the next morning so there was no need to hurry, however there was a special recognition for a number of the Magnettes where they received the special identity badge created through Peter Baldry. Saturday was a lovely day sunny but not too hot. We all did a bit of a clean-up of the cars to get rid of the dust and bugs

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before we all left the motel to register and get our goody bag. This allowed everyone to catch up with MG friends and to meet new ones as well. There were 128 cars according to the event programme and during the morning I presume that most were in attendance. The Wagga MG Car Club organised Fun Run was due to start at 1.30. This run is not a race, just a chance to get out in the cars with all the others and see some of the surrounding countryside before calling into a nearby country show hall for afternoon tea, which was exceptional, with lots of every sort of cake and some delightful sandwiches. The drive back to the motel was very short as the drive was basically a semicircle ending in Gumly Gumly, so it only took us 10 minutes to return to have a break and get ready for the Noggin & Natter that evening. One of the MG Magnettes after the run was in trouble, the starter motor had died! Very frustrating seeing that a number of us had several on the shelf at home in the shed! After organising a loan car they had to wait nearly all day for the tow truck to take the car back to Thirroul, south of Sydney. This year the Saturday night dinner was held at the Wagga Country Club, where we enjoyed the wonderful location and a superb three course evening meal. A number of the prizes were awarded including the Hard Luck Trophy. All in all a very enjoyable evening among friends. The next morning was the main event â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Gathering of the Faithful! The Gathering was split into classes with the T and Y Types at the front, As and Bs behind them and then the newer MGs towards the rear of the parking area, and the Magnettes this time off to one side. The Breakfast commenced from 8.30am and there was quite a wait until the final judging was completed. By 10.30am we were on our way, having packed everything that morning. Our two MG

Magnettes then headed towards Adelaide and Strathalbyn but this time we went a different way, guided by our GPS; we had made the decision to drive down towards the Murrumbidgee River and then follow along the Murray Valley Highway back through Ouyen, and then retrace our steps via Pineroo and home. We drove along a series of by-roads to go through Denilquin which was famous for early history of bushranging where Ned Kelly had held up the town, but there was very little in the way of signage to tell us this so we disappointedly headed towards Kerang and on to our evening motel in Swan Reach. The cars performed beautifully and while we were a bit tired given the late-ish start we were happy for the rest up that night. The final run home was very uneventful with the MGs just running well, we sat on about 100kph and were fortunate that the traffic was light with hardly any trucks coming our way, but lots going away from us. So all in all a very enjoyable trip of some 1,460 miles in our little 1956 MG Magnette as we drove in the driveway in Strathalbyn to see that the grass was very much in need of a mow! Oh well! Back to reality eh! Mike Greenwood

www.mgcc.co.uk

15/12/2015 11:53

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15/12/2015 11:53

OVERSEAS

REVIEW

A monthly look through a few of the overseas magazines we receive at Kimber House Reviewed by Paul Plummer

Overseas Review

ith an organisation such as the MG Car Club, with its great variety of models, multitudes of clubs and Centres etc, it is not surprising that there are many anniversaries falling due at any one time. For example, in 2015 the MGA celebrated 60 years and the MGF 20 years and following on from last month’s Overseas Review, these two milestones were recognised in many of the overseas magazines.

Heritage, the Journal of the MG Car Club de France, runs detailed features on the evolution of both these models, and Cream Crackers, the magazine of the MGCC Kobe, Japan produced a ‘Special Issue’ to mark this anniversary. Celebratory runs were staged by many clubs, with the Auckland Centre, New Zealand having a very wet one as evidenced from the front cover of the MAG.

Why not brand your steaks?

From the Sacred Octagon comes this little culinary piece, ‘Why not brand your steaks with the MG logo!’ Several of the European magazines feature reports on the EEOY 2015 that took place in Holland at the Beekse Bergen a wildlife safari park close to the Belgium border. The picture here comes from the MG Kurier, the journal of the MGCC Deutschland. Staying with the EEOY, the MGCC de France are promoting this year’s event which takes place at Le TouquetParis-Plage in June 2016. The opening of a flagship showroom for MG Motor in London is picked up by several magazines, who show pictures of the elegant building in the heart of Piccadilly, this one coming from the MGCC of Sweden’s magazine Bulletinen. Also from London, we have a picture

The opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium

from the opening ceremony of the first anniversary games at the Olympic Stadium. MG Motor was a sponsor of the games and six MGs were provided to give the stars a lap of honour. The picture shows the athlete Usain Bolt being driven around in Richard Martin’s MGB, together with Chris Bray’s MGA and Dave Tynan’s MG TF. From the USA, the NAMGBR’s publication MG Driver shows an intriguing collection of colourful logos featuring MG octagons, Union Jacks and landmarks, of both MG and other British car clubs. Bladet, the magazine of the MGCC Denmark, has this intriguing photo. Does the member have his car in his living room? Or is his garage kitted out for entertaining?

MGs flagship showroom in Piccadilly

MG1100 on the EEOY 2015 that took place in Holland at the Beekse Bergen Safari Park.

Chapter Logos from the MG Driver magazine

JANUARY 2016

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15/12/2015 11:54

CENTRES

ABINGDON WORKS Tony Cotter sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk

Let me start off by wishing all of our members a very Happy New Year! Now I know how wise all AWC members are, and that you won’t be fooled for a moment that these notes are being written as the clock approaches the end of the year. Printing and publishing deadlines mean that I’m actually writing these notes on Sunday 30 November – a date that should be etched in our memories for years to come. For every time I look up, I see that Andy Murray is one step closer to winning the Davis Cup, for Great Britain – for the first time in 79 years! At least tomorrow’s front pages should be full of good news for a change, rather than the sad and dreadful global news we’ve come to expect recently. And that leads nicely into the New Year. Traditionally a time for looking forward, a time of optimism and a time for making resolutions. If you are looking for ideas for New Year resolutions, may I suggest that you consider supporting your local Natter at least once during the winter months? Natters are run by volunteers for our benefit, so we should all support them whenever we can. They are a great way to make new friends, enjoy a drink, maybe a bite to eat, and a good old fashioned natter with like minded

people. A list of all AWC Natters can be found on our website at www.mgabingdon.co.uk. 2016 Events Your AWC Committee has worked hard to prepare the 2016 Events Calendar, and this year we have come up with a varied list of road runs and visits that we believe will be of interest to all our members. We’ve listened to your feedback, and we’re planning to have more organised road runs in 2016. This is following on from the very successful road runs to Chavenage House, the Abingdon to Abingdon 85th birthday run, and of course the excellent Old Speckled Hen run. Road runs do seem to be more popular than visits to a place of interest where everyone makes their own way there. Your feedback is hugely important to the committee, so please keep us informed of the type of events you want us to organise, and if you have a particular suggestion or location in mind, please let us know. The list of committee members and our contact details are available on the AWC website. You may have noticed that there is no printed copy of the 2016 octagonal events calendar in this edition of Safety Fast!. Instead, you can

ANGLIA Rob Muir 01206 862619 Rob.Muir@hotmail.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk/anglia

Autotesting With a new motor sport season just around the corner, I would like to take the opportunity to focus on a very traditional and cost effective form of motorsport: the discipline of Autotesting. Autotesting has a proud tradition within the Anglia Centre. We have run a very successful championship for many years, organised by intrepid Midget driver Bruce Cox. Bruce hung up his helmet last year and has handed the reins over to Mike Pelling, our Competition Secretary. Mike is no mean driver himself, and apart from competing in Autotests had a successful career driving a very rapid Mini in Autocross and Rallycross. Driving in an Autotest is against the clock round a set course on private land. You do not need any special equipment or competition licence to compete, and in fact many of the competitors use their road-going MG which they drive to the event. Mike is proposing holding two Autotest Taster Days in April this year for members who have never

MG Midget enjoying the Autotest at Great Massingham

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tried and would like to dip their toe in the water to see if they like it. There would be no cost to entering, you can use your road car and there will be plenty of help and advice from experienced Autotesters on the day. We propose to use courses at Great Massingham in the north of the region and Depden for members in the south, tbc. If you would like to have a fun day and enjoy some grass roots motor sport contact compsec@ mgccanglia.com to register your interest. 2016 Anglia Centre Calendar This year we as a committee have decided to produce the Anglia Centre calendar online rather than as a hard copy printed version included in the magazine, Apart from a saving on cost to the Centre, the main reason is the versatility that an online calendar can offer. Changes to dates or times of events that occasionally are forced upon organisers can be

CENTRE print your own copy from www.mgabingdon. co.uk/octagonal-calendars. If you are not able to download a copy, please contact us and we will send you a copy by post. AGM Please make a note of the 2016 AGM, to be held on Saturday March 19 at 2.00pm. This year, the AGM will be held at the Lamb & Flag, Faringdon Rd, Southmoor, Abingdon OX13 5HN. The pub offers excellent food, including an authentic Thai menu; why not arrive early for lunch, or maybe an early dinner after the AGM proceedings have completed? Fancy joining (or maybe re-joining) the AWC committee? We’re always looking for volunteers, so come along to the AGM and see what we’re about. You never know, it could be YOU writing these Safety Fast! notes this time next year! And finally, just space to plug our AWC Regalia. You can order Polo Shirts, Sweatshirts, Caps plus lots of other goodies via our website www.mgabingdon.co.uk, or bring along some spare cash to the Old Speckled Hen run or MGLive! at Silverstone and you can take home a selection of future collectibles.

CENTRE shown instantly online which is not the case on the printed calendar. This avoids confusion and keeps information accurate for members. If you do not have access to a computer to download the calendar, contact your local Pub Meet host or any of the committee and we will download and print a copy for you. The calendar will be ready to view online from January too, which is two months earlier than in the past. Event Planning The traditional winter warmer, Rabbie Burns Run will start from Needham Market on Sunday January 24. This will be the 11th running of this popular Touring Assembly event. In the past we have had to deal with floods and even snow drifts two years ago necessitating last minute route changes, but we have always had fun. Contact John Cumming 01359 259717 or Graham Wills 01359 890732 to book a place.

The entrants signing on at the start of the popular 2015 Rabbie Burns Run

www.mgcc.co.uk

15/12/2015 11:54

CENTRES

CENTRE

CALEDONIAN Bob MacGillivray 07870 407111 mgcarsscotland@gmail.com www.mgcaledonian.com

May I start by, on behalf of the Committee, wishing you all a belated Merry Christmas and a very Happy MG New Year! Now that the shortest day is past… spring beckons! But before that we have a few events… For the first time in many years we are holding a Film Night at Kirkintilloch Golf Club on January 29. A buffet supper will be available beforehand from 6pm and all members and their partners are welcome. Nancy Crichton will be arranging something to suit the ladies if they don’t want to film watch. Details are on the website. There are still a few places available on our Three Day Tour over the first weekend in May, but we need to confirm numbers by January 31 so if you want to go, check the website and book now! Our annual Technical Day will be on February 21. At the moment it looks like the focus (not Ford!) will be on MG ZTs and MGFs but if there is anything else that you would like covered, please let me know. There is also a pre meet lunch so again please book through the website. A bit of advance warning on the show season. There is a new show on August 21… The Royal Deeside Speed Festival to be held at Kincardine Castle on Royal Deeside. The

preliminary information looks good and the Centre will be taking a stand. We haven’t done many shows in the North East previously so if you live in the area, put it in your diary! Apart from this show we will be at seven others this year and are in the process of updating some of our equipment to help maintain our usual high standards. Speaking of shows, I don’t think there are many anniversaries this year that we can major on apart from possibly 15 years of the Z cars, ZR, ZS and ZT. We are likely to give them some attention during the season and if any of you have special Zeds, race, rally, rare, Monogram or other types please let me know in advance and we will see what we can do. There is a group of Caledonian members planning to go to EEOTY in France in June. We are meeting to confirm travel arrangements etc, but if you are going and have not heard from me then please get in touch so you can be kept in the loop! If your Newsletter for 2016 is not already with you, it will be shortly, along with a full list of the 2016 Centre Events. We look forward to seeing you! That’s all for now folks. Any questions or matters you want to raise let me know! Lang may yer lum reek!

Interesting tail piece from Bo’ness

CENTRE

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

Just to say a very Happy New Year to all the Natters and everyone else and look forward to seeing new faces at events in 2016. The skittles challenge for the annual trophy took place at The Fox and Hounds with 36 people representing several Natters. We were able to have three teams –Wadebridge, Horsebridge and South Hams; and play commenced early, getting through one whole game quite quickly. The second game started and so did the food so the games room was very quiet as they all settled down to a good tuck in. Revitalised and off again to participate, with some strikes from Rob and James Constant, both had strikes of 15. The scores at the end were ties for the men and ladies award with Ruth Gailbraith and Jean Quartley, and Rob and James, father and son who on their second go both scored six, so tried again with father managing a strike, never mind James, age before beauty, and Ruth won the ladies. The Bobby went to Lin Opie, Best Ladies to Ruth Gailbraith and Best Man Rob Constant. The scores for the team were Wadebridge 190, Horsebridge 185, South Hams 151 so the trophy went to Wadebridge. Thanks go to Barry and Fee Smith for putting this event on with their busy life as grandparents now.

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_Jan16_49-98.indd 73

Is there anybody out there who would like to go on the Devon & Cornwall Committee? Meetings every other month, sharing a car journey and helping with events. The youngsters are not coming forward and the many members moving down to the West Country only want events put on for them. Please support your Club, or else we will cease to exist; AGM is in March so have a think over the New Year and make helping the Centre your New Year’s resolution.

Events For Your Diary 2016 January 8-9 – MCC Exeter Trial, contact Bob Slatter for offers to marshal www.bobslatter@ hotmail.com March 19 – AGM Eagle House Hotel, Launceston May 28-June 4 – Janner Week at Berrynarbor in North Devon. This is the last one; to avoid disappointment visit www. watermouthcoveholiday.co.uk or telephone 01271 862504 to book. Queries Peter Heath allegropeter@aol.com

A bit of nostalgia, sun shining during a 2014 Devon and Cornwall event

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:54

CENTRES

LINCOLNSHIRE John Hebb tel 01522 683541jhebb38@virginmedia.com www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk

January Natters: ‘Swallow’ Wednesday 6 (venue tba); Abbey Lodge Monday 11; Wishing Well Wednesday 13; Three Horseshoes Thursday 21; Admiral Nelson Thursday 28. Luncheon Club: Wednesday 20 (Richard/Vicki 01949 844066). January Events: New Year’s Day Run Abbey Lodge; Dinner Dance and Presentation Evening Saturday 16 Bentley Hotel Lincoln. (Robert 01724 764144). Early February Natters: ‘ Swallow’ Wednesday 3; Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 5. As you will see from the above, the ‘Swallow’ Natter leaders are still seeking a new venue, regular attendees will be notified when one is found, also keep an eye on our webpage. All Centre members should now have received their copy of the Winter Newsletter, which among other things contains the 2016 Calendar of Events which will also be updated on the webpage and in Safety Fast! as the year progresses. No November outdoor events, but 30 members made a return visit to the Ball House for the Luncheon Club meet, and the same number

attended the Wishing Well Natter to hear a talk on the Lincolnshire dialect by Peter Mackinder. Alfred, Lord Tennyson wrote some dialect poems, his ‘Northern Farmer Old Style’ and ‘Northern Farmer New Style’ as well as being authentic may also reflect his view of Lincolnshire farmers. Looking back over the past year there has been a wide variety of events to entice members. In addition to the Natter quizzes, film shows, talks and drive outs there has been the Bomber County Tour, visits to Normanton Hall and Ayscoughfee Hall, Autotests, a Naviscat and the Poacher Concours – surely something for everyone. At MGLive! members excelled in the California Cup Autotests, the Concours and the Sprint events.

MIDLANDS Martin Price mg.price@btinternet.com www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccmidlandcentre/

It is hard to believe that, by the time you read these Centre notes, the festive season will be over for another year and we will be welcoming 2016, with everything that may offer. We have our first event of the New Year, the Chilly Willy run on January 1, and as usual it will be a great and well supported event. A report of it will be in next month’s magazine. Next, we have the Midland Centre AGM, which is on Monday January 18 at Somers Sports and Social Club, Halesowen, West Midlands; we aim for a prompt 8.00pm start. This venue is just a mile south of junction 3 of the M5 motorway on the A456 Birmingham to Kidderminster road. The postcode for Sat Nav users is B62 0JH. There is ample parking and a warm welcome. Please try to come along and support your Centre. We are always on the lookout for new ideas and also new blood to join the committee. Several of the committee members, including myself, have served many years and it really is time that some newcomers take over, bringing a fresh vision to the committee. We meet once a month, ten times a year at Somers Sports and Social Club and meetings are both productive and enjoyable. This is your club and the AGM is your opportunity to offer your help and ideas, to make the Midland Centre even more successful. Later in January, on Sunday 24, a group

JANUARY 2016

MG_SafetyFast_Jan16_49-98.indd 74

of Centre members will be marshalling on the MAC Clee Hills Classic Trial. I believe we have our usual sections, deep in the Shropshire countryside, and further details can be gained from Brian Osborn on 0121 445 4889. Moving on to April and we have the first of the Centre’s two sprints at Curborough, near Lichfield. This is on Sunday 3rd and all are welcome. We do not charge for entry for spectators and there is a selection of hot food and drinks available on site. Sprinting and hill climbing is tremendous fun and a fairly inexpensive introduction to motor racing. You can compete in any standard road car, it doesn’t have to be an MG! There are classes for everything and every modification. The MG Car Club runs its own sprint and hill climb championship, kindly sponsored by Midland Centre member David Wood, of Luffield Cars in Loughborough. The Luffield Speed Championship holds events all over the country at the best locations including Silverstone, Rockingham, Shelsley Walsh, Loton Park, Wiscombe Park, Harewood, Goodwood, Castle Combe and many more. The 2015 champion is Bristol based Ian Benningfield, who has been using a perfectly standard MG Midget. It just goes to show that standard road cars can be competitive in such a great championship. If

CENTRE Our first event of 2016 is the New Year’s Day Run; the photos show the 2015 event and some of the Concours cars.

CENTRE anyone is interested in having a go at sprinting and hill climbing, you are welcome to give me a ring on 01299 401177 and I will be happy to take you through the very simple requirements for both you and your car. Our Summer Curborough Sprint is on Sunday August 7. Despite a low turn-out for the 2015 event, we have decided to go ahead and look forward to greater support in 2016. All that remains for me to do is wish you all a healthy, happy and successful New Year in you MG, from all of us on the Midland Centre Committee.

Martin at the wheel of his T Type

www.mgcc.co.uk

15/12/2015 11:54

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JANUARY 2016

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CENTRES

CENTRE

NORTH WEST Paul Goodman 01625 876300

The North West Centre Committee wishes all members a happy and prosperous New Year. It looks as if 2016 is going to be another great year for owning and using an MG. The first event for you to attend is the Plough and Flail meeting on Tuesday January 19. We will need to make some decisions about which shows and events we are going to attend during the year and who would like to be involved. The first lunchtime gathering of the year will be on Wednesday January 27. The venue will be on the Centre website. Next is the formal announcement of the Centre’s Annual General Meeting. This will be held on February 11 at the Tatton Arms, The Moss Nook, M22 5LZ at 8.30pm. We will transact the formal business as quickly as possible and then there will be an opportunity to discuss any aspects of the Centre’s activities that are of interest. There are several vacancies on the committee and any volunteers will be warmly welcomed. If you intend to compete in either the Cockshoot Cup Championship or the Luffield Speed Championship, then now is the time to get your registration sent in. The registration fee for the Cockshoot has been raised this year in order to cover the costs of running

the Championship. If a sponsor for the whole championship or individual races could be found, then the financial pressure would be eased. If any members are interested or know somebody who would like to promote their company, then please let me know. The Luffield drivers will need to be ready by March 20 for the Rockingham Sprint with the Cockshoot drivers on track two weeks later on April 3 at Donington Park. The awards for success in 2015 were presented at the Centre Dinner Dance in November. Nearly one hundred members assembled along with our special guests Bill and Sally Silcock. Once again, we were allowed to have cars in the bar and David Rainsbury’s TD and the Luffield winning Midget driven by Ian Benningfield

SOUTH EAST John Bennett 01227 637813, johndotbennett@tiscali.co.uk www.mgcars.org.uk/mgccse/

Having just watched the delightful Carol Kirkwood predict snow for much of Northern Britain on the BBC Breakfast Show weather forecast, I wondered how long we shall be spared here in the South East. This led me to question where in the world do winters have nothing but MG friendly weather throughout? Australia, of course! Who do we know who lives Down Under? None other than Doug Bush, past Chairman of our Centre, and his wife Chris. By sheer coincidence, I had at that moment December’s Safety Fast! open at page 71 where I saw advertised the 2016 Australian National Meeting, planned for Perth next Easter with Doug Bush billed as organiser. I promptly emailed him for further details and this is his reply: ‘So far we have 210 Registrants from Oz, Germany, South Africa, Canada, Hawaii and Bali but as yet none from the UK. The events include a Concours, Observation Run and a Social Run plus a Motorkhana (UK Autotest equivalent) and a Circuit Sprint, plus three evening social gatherings. We have also arranged a Post Natmeet tour of WA’s Southwest after the event. We would love to see some of our old friends over here. Host Families will be arranged prior to the event and probably the loan of an MG for the weekend. The £ is high against the AU$ and our petrol is around 55 pence per litre! There

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flanked our new display stand. The trophies were presented after the meal and then dancing and chatting continued well into the night. Finally, if you have joined the Club with a view to buying an MG or are thinking of increasing your collection, then within the Centre, we have members with knowledge of all the eras of our cars. Please get in touch if you need any assistance.

Glittering prizes for The Cockshoot Cup and Luffield Speed Championship winners. Photo: Paul Goodman

CENTRE

is still time to enter, the website is at: www. mg2016natmeet.com.au or just contact Doug Bush at: dougmgwa@msn.com for further info. Happy New Year to all our UK MG friends and we hope to be in the SE around June/July next year.’ A long way to go, but what a trip! (JB) Closer to home, there is only one event advertised on the website for January so I can hardly avoid highlighting Jon Glover’s Fairmile Natter dinner being held there at 7pm on January 14 at the cost of £17 per head for three courses. I know that visitors will be welcome so if you fancy joining them, contact Jon on 01932 864426 or jongloveractor@gmail.com. My final word is one of Best Wishes for a Happy, Safe and Enjoyable New Year from Sheila and me.

Santa Bush in his TD on Christmas Day in Perth

Looking back at 2015 SE Events, here’s to the year ahead.

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CENTRES

CENTRE

SOUTH WEST

Jim Lott 07773 491953 chairman@mgccsw.com www.mgccsw.com www.facebook.com/MGCCSW @mgccsw

It falls to me to write the first Safety Fast! notes for 2016 and therefore I would like to take the opportunity to wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year. The Centre’s 2015 Driver Championship results were published on the website just before Christmas and congratulations to Neil Lock, Overall Champion and Charlotte Withers, Ladies Champion. The class winners were: Class 1: Vintage, MMM, S, V & W – Jeremy Hawke, MG J2 Class 2: Y, T, Z and Farina Magnette – Dave Coppock, MG TC Class 3: Midget, AH Sprite & Arkley – Ian Beningfield, MG Midget Class4: MG A, B, C, V8 & RV8 – Rob Orford, MGB

Class 5: MGF & MGTF – Neil Lock, MGTF 160 Class 6: MG FWD cars – Dave Mothersdill, MG ZR. The Mike Hawke Trophy for best young member goes to Oliver Lock. The Marshals Trophy goes to Simon Lott. The awards will be presented at the Annual Dinner and Awards evening at the Limpley Stoke Hotel near Bath on February 27 2016. Details of how to order and pay for your meals are on the website under the events heading. If you don’t have internet access, give me a call on my mobile (07773 491953) and I will send you the details by post. The events calendar for 2016 is being finalised and all being well, it will be published on the website. It is always a great disappointment that we

do not get larger attendances at the events we put on (last year’s MGs on grass autotest only had six entrants). The South West Centre has approximately 1,200 members and covers quite a large area, so the committee has decided to invite the Natter leaders from the South West Centre Natters to come to Bristol and discuss with the committee what they would like to see in their own area. This is planned for some time in January, therefore, if you have any good ideas about events you would like to take part in or venues you would like an organised run to, local to your area, then let your Natter leaders know and we will see if something can be arranged. Charlotte Withers waiting to drive her dad’s Midget at the MGs on Grass 1 autotest

Neil Lock competing in the Wessex Sprint

TYNE TEES Noel Lindford noel.lindford@btinternet.com

May I first of all wish you a very Happy New Year, and all the best for 2016. With luck you will have received your copy of the Tyne-Tees Calendar of Events for 2016 with this issue of Safety Fast!. November 11: Visit to Aston Workshops – report by David Alexander Twelve members and guests gathered for a visit to Aston Workshop at Beamish in Co. Durham, which was established by Bob Fountain in 1988. This specialist car sales and restoration company grew out of Bob’s personal interest in restoring Aston Martin cars to the highest possible specifications. From the moment you enter the large showroom featuring over 40 classic Aston Martins and a

Aston undergoing full restoration

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sprinkling of other specialist cars it’s obvious they are no ordinary restorer. The cars were all open and we were encouraged to have a close inspection. Brian Steadman showed us around the workshops where cars are stripped down and rebuilt to the highest standards. In the body shop they regularly make new bodies in aluminium, but most impressive is that the craftsmen are young enthusiastic guys who have been taught the skills. I had never seen a DB6 Volante with a hard top, which was not surprising as it had been made by hand from scratch, with only a few pictures as a guide.

CENTRE area please. It is not an onerous task or major commitment on your time (we only have six Committee meetings a year) but it is enjoyable. Like everything in life, you get out what you put in. Please do give me a call if you feel you can help. I am contactable on 0191 5870753 / 07432 152095 anytime. All nominations (in writing to the Secretary) need to be received by January 20 at the latest. Aston BD6 Volante with hardtop

Events coming up: February 4 2016 Tyne-Tees Centre Annual General Meeting at 8.00pm This year our AGM is at The Old Mill, Metal Bridge, Thinford Road, Coxhoe, County Durham, DH6 5NX and will be held in the large conservatory. The formal AGM Notice (with agenda) is in this issue of Safety Fast!. The events we run allow you to get most enjoyment from driving and using your cars as they were meant to be. They only happen with the organisational efforts of dedicated Committee members, and we do need more help in this

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JANUARY 2016

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CENTRES

CENTRE

YORKSHIRE David Copeman 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk

Chairman’s Chat – Stephen Dobson I hope you have all had a great year of MG motoring and enjoyed the events put on by the Yorkshire Centre. I would like to thank those members that have made these events possible and look forward to 2016 where we should all look to help make these events prosper. This in part could be done by volunteering to organise, or at least assist in organising events, let’s not be apathetic and just leave it to others to organise them “as somebody will do it”. There isn’t an organising fairy that just magics these events, members do work hard in setting them up, let’s all get our hands dirty and move this Centre and the MGCC forward. In closing I would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable 2016 of MG motoring. North – Ken Cothliff Great fun for November’s Natter meeting. Always popular, Nick Mann organised the annual slot car ‘Grand Prix’. Matching cars – two MGBs – made for even ‘parameters’ and a lot of dicing before the final pair, Miriam Brear from Yorkshire and Keith Beningfield from across the border in Lancashire, meant the final race of the night was the ‘War of the Roses’ over again. In the event, Keith won and was heartily congratulated. We had a new member join us, David Doulin who owns a 1973 Midget, who will

be moving into our area shortly. Plans are already being put in place for events in the New Year, after our group run to Wales in April. There was a good contingent that went down to the Classic Car Show in Birmingham on the Sunday. It obviously was not a ‘girly event’ as it was ‘all chaps together’. All met up at the Midget & Sprite Club Stand, next to the MGCC stand, to see your writer with ‘Little Red’ the Midget that was on display, next to the sole surviving 1962 ‘Sebring Sprite’. MGCC President John Day and Chairman Ian Quarrington also came over for a look. No meeting in December, and the annual dinner instead will be on Saturday January 9. South – Kathryn Twiby A number of our group led by John and Debbie went to the VSCC Lakeland trial and had a good time at the hotel in Grasmere, with walks around the trial sections. Although the weather was more suitable for aquasport not motorsport! Wishing everyone a merry Christmas and Happy MG-ing in the New Year. West – David Copeman From Carol and me we both wish you all a Happy New Year, may your MG run trouble free throughout 2016. We have had our Christmas Party and Faith

Supper, you may have been on the Boxing Day outing at Scarborough or the Chilly Willy Run on New Year’s Day, now we can look forward to sunny open top motoring. The Daffodil Run is on Easter Sunday, March 27 this year, and is being organised by Roger Flanagan and David Chapman who have already completed this year’s route and sorted start and finish venues; a definite date for your new diary. Tiger – Pete Welbourn Not a lot to report car wise. Recently Mel and I drove the cars to Sir Greg’s lunchtime classic car meet at the Black Swan in Brandesburton, and barring snow and ice we will be back there on New Year’s Day. I announced we would be having a quiz this month; that thinned the attendance. We managed three teams, the results being: TCs 65, MGAs 59 and MGBs 54, so well done the TCs. As usual, a good time to think about the summer luncheon runs. I have had a request to visit the aviation centre at East Kirkby, and another look for new venues away from the Dales and Wolds; no problem, as being registered with the Lincolnshire Centre I have a copy of their Winter Newsletter somewhere. Mel and I wish you all a happy New Year and look forward to seeing you at The Tiger Inn.

CENTRE

ULSTER

Carol Willis Tel: (028) 9079 9997 or 07831 345560 Email: carol.mgulster@hotmail.co.uk Website: www.mgcculstercentre.co.uk

So I write the Safety Fast! epistle for the last time in 2015 just after our Mince Pie Night on Tuesday December 8. Once again it was a very successful evening but with slightly fewer attending than in the past. Gordon had organised a representative, Rodney, from The Alzheimers Society to come along and receive our cheque for £1,000 which had been raised throughout the year at our various outings. Rodney spoke for a few minutes giving us some insight into the work done by the Society and also described various symptoms associated with the condition, which was all very interesting. David Bryce, one of the landowners whose property we used for our charity event, The MG Ulster Classic Trial, and who selected the charity, presented the cheque on our behalf. The Treasure Hunt on January 1 will start at 2.00pm from the car park at Minnowburn, on the B25 just round the corner from the Shaws Bridge car park, and the finish will be at Daft Eddys at Skettrick. (For your information Minnowburn Car Park is on the Edenderry Road, off the B25 Ballylesson Road, 3.5 miles south of Belfast at Shaw’s Bridge.) Now is the time to make sure your car is ready to take part in the Derek Walker Classic Trial on Saturday, February 6. The start and finish are at Delamont Country Park and plans are well in hand with the route and test sites. Please

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remember entries are received on a ‘first come first served basis’ and we will need to know the car you are using, its registration number, name of passenger and the class. Here’s to the start of the 48th year of the Ulster Centre and may it be another successful one!

Dates for your Diary Treasure Hunt January 1 – whatever the weather Film Night January 13 – Tudor Cinema, Comber Derek Walker Trial February 6 – Delamont Start and Finish

Presentation of the cheque for £1,000 to the Alzheimers society

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15/12/2015 11:54

REGISTERS

VINTAGE John Venables 01865 862573 johnandtriciav@gmail.com

A New Year has arrived, so a Happy and Prosperous New Year to you all. The Vintage Register have been busy planning our events for 2016. First up is our renowned AGM at the Shillingford Bridge hotel at Wallingford, Oxfordshire. We start at 10.30 for 11am on Sunday March 6 for coffee and cakes, the AGM starts at 11am, lunch at about 12.45 and our speaker at about 2pm. Our speaker this year is Peter Vacher, who discovered a Battle of Britain Hurricane rotting in India, and he will tell us how he recovered it and restored it and also its history. I know he will be a fascinating speaker and will be accompanied by his wife Polly who flew a single engine Cessna around the world a few years ago. After our speaker we shall have tea and cakes before departing for home. It is hoped that some of you will turn up in your vintage cars. We shall ask Peter to judge the car he would like to take home; he knows what he is talking about as he has Vintage Rolls Royces. A prize will be given to the winner. Our next event is our Spring meeting at Dumbleton Hall, near Broadway on April 18-22, I have 14 confirmed entries and could take one or two more if you are interested. MGLive! is set to take place on June 4-5, we are awaiting details of this great event, where we shall have our usual table in the marquee so

whilst you are clearing your garage out please put any saleable items into a box for us to sell and earn a bob or two. Whilst on events the EMGS have a tour of Brittany and Normandy on June 26 to July 7 and an Autumn tour of Hampshire on September 1315. The annual VSCC Prescott hill climb is held on the weekend of August 5-6 with our traditional picnic in the orchard on the Sunday. The photo shows my car on wedding duty in the summer; the threatening clouds were emptying themselves on Silverstone.

TRIPLE M Jeremy Hawke +44 (0)1225 863934 mgk3007@supanet.com www.triple-mregister.org

2016 And All That: Well here we all are at the start of 2016. As you read this, like me, you are probably suffering from a little bit of over indulgence during the last couple of weeks. You may even have managed to sneak away for the odd session fettling, or even driving your MMM over the holiday period. If so, well done – the new season is not that far away. For those of you wrestling with that perennial problem of getting 8” brakes to work (and there appear to be lots of you), fear not; though the batch done last year went like proverbial hot cakes, Olli Richardson is getting some more made. As with the last batch, they are cast in one piece with machined fins (no shrunken alli rim). Olli can be contacted by email at ollirichardson@ yahoo.co.uk, or through the forum.

best and a speedy return to MMM motoring, which in those years has covered: courting, honeymoon, babies (apparently a carry-cot fits quite well in the back, but is not to be recommended in 2016), even the Winter of 1963. So, if there is one thing left to toast before daily life returns, perhaps we should raise a glass to those unsung heroes – our passengers/navigators and co-pilots who happily play second fiddle to us drivers hogging the limelight in our (slightly eccentric) hobby. They provide us with Thermos flasks, sandwiches, child care, dog care, even the odd bit of encouragement and a lot more. Where would we be without them? Next month is our ‘bumper spread’ and four

REGISTER Vintage Register AGM Venue: Shillingford Bridge Hotel, Shillingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8LZ Date: Sunday March 6 10.30–11.00am Agenda 1. Welcome and apologies for absence 2. To receive the Minutes of the previous AGM 3. Acceptance of AGM minutes 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Treasurer’s Report 6. Stand down/rotation election of officers 7. Any Other Business

REGISTER complete pages of waffle is too much (even for me), February is indeed the twilight zone for event news, so if you wish to share your trials and tribulations of ownership with me for inclusion, please do so.

From Brands Hatch in 1961 to Silverstone in 2015 – same car and co-driver. Photos: Mike Hawke & Cathelijne Spoelstra

Rebuild News Those of you who frequent social media may have seen a recent video showing a rather tall gentleman ‘extracting’ (there is no other word for it) from a J2 with hood up, something to challenge a decent gymnast, let alone mere mortals like the rest of us. After more than 50 years performing the task (though mostly sans hood), J2 matriarch Ann Hawke is currently recovering from a hip replacement, with the next one due imminently. We wish her all the

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REGISTERS

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

LED Headlights Many members have fitted halogen bulbs in place of our standard 12v 36w/36w double dipper filaments. I should mention that some time ago the mechanical dipper on my VA Tourer was removed so I had twin filaments in both headlights and my reflectors are in good condition. Halogen replacements seem to come in 35/35, 40/45 and 55/60 (perhaps others too) with the correct BA15D bayonet fitting. These are all a progressive improvement but use more power and may make our standard 2-brush dynamos struggle. LEDs draw minimal power, remain cool (so don’t waste much of their energy in the form of heat) and should also last many times longer. I was thinking about comparing results between halogen and LEDs but as many people have installed the former, and inspired by Charlie’s informative article on this subject in the 2015 SVW Review, I decided to go straight for the LEDs with BA15D fitting supplied by Classic Dynamo & Regulator Conversions of Lincolnshire (www. dynamoregulatorconversions.com). These duly arrived with a set of instructions. Fitting the LEDs was simple using the instructions, which said not to replace only one bulb for an immediate comparison, despite the obvious temptation. Each fitting

has two LEDs, the top one for dipped beam and top and bottom for main beam. Slightly trickier is focusing the new bulbs. This is done by moving the bulb holder in and out to find the focal point of the reflector, and requires removal of the reflector to access the clamping clip behind. This is explained in our Instruction Manual – in the case of the VA see page 94. This process is easier with LEDs as they don’t get hot. The alignment should also be checked and adjusted by moving each lamp on its universal mounting. I think I have more work to do on this but I’ve achieved what seems to be a reasonable result, but it still requires road testing. Comparing old and new, the most obvious difference is the LEDs give a white light, which may prove to be more penetrating, and the ammeter shows much less of a discharge on tick-over: -10 amps with the filaments on main beam and about -5 amps with the LEDs. In fact the ammeter hardly moves when switching on the headlights so most of the current is taken by the sidelights. This means that positive charge is reached at lower revs, about 1,000 rpm. I tried to take photos before and after, but this was not too successful with the glare and would not be too scientific anyway. I have

Y TYPE Jerry Birkbeck 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325 jerrybirkbeck@btinternet.com

Happy New Year A happy New Year and I hope that you all enjoyed all the festivities and somewhere in your stocking a little Y Type goody found its way! The Classic Motor Show, NEC, November 13-15 2015 The key UK event in ‘our car world’ is the annual Classic Motor Show held at the NEC, which attracted a record attendance of 68,000 over the three days. The MG marque was represented by the Car Club, Octagon CC and the Owners Club, all of whom included examples of some of the range of models. In fact MG was further represented by the Midget and Sprite Club, MGCC FWD Register, the Maestro and Montego Owners Club and the Metro Owners Club. The Car Club included a fascinating racing TC, an 18/80 saloon was present on the Owners Club stand and a lovely SA Tourer on the Octagon site. Were we Y owners represented – well yes, as my YT was on view on the Octagon stand. I met several Y owners including the new owner of YB 0251, who has discovered that the car was originally painted Silver Streak grey, and he was seeking confirmation of whether he should repaint it this colour. Martin Lister (a long standing Octagon member) and I pointed out that

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it was his car and therefore there are no ‘do’s or don’ts’ but agreed that it would be a worthwhile route to follow. I also met Neil Coombes, Mike Silk, Peter Vielvoye, Mike Brown who has two YTs, Anil Kohtil (YT), two more who are restoring YTs in the UK, Edward Vandyk another YT owner who bought the red YT from a garage in Abingdon a few years ago, and four or five other Y owners. What is noticeable is the increasing number of YTs in the UK! Well over 40 now!

REGISTER however included one photo (lower shot is LEDs) which may show at least the difference in colour if not intensity. I shall provide more details of the final results of focusing, alignment and road testing next time. Wishing you all a very happy 2016.

REGISTER Ys down under Tony Bushell, whom we met in New Zealand in 2014, forwarded me an update on some existing and former owners. He mentioned another YT (YT4621) that has returned home, following owner John Wallace’s sad death earlier this year, to his brother Peter, a member of the Triple M Register, who still owns the MG PA which belonged to John before he emigrated to NZ many years ago. Those tyres look like radials to me?!

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REGISTERS

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

The Festivities are almost over and I suspect many MGA aficionados, like me, hope to be at car shows in the months ahead sitting in the sunshine, talking cars and, of course, partaking of something we British have always done with a certain style, having a picnic. So here are a few thoughts about the MGA and picnicking in period. The capacity of the MGA boot and the interior stowage space, in roadster or coupe, were limited by the overall design. Two folding seats, especially the modern ones, and a picnic table are an easy

fit in the boot around and on top of the spare. It is the picnic itself that is the challenge. In the 1950s and 60s picnics were carried in rigid containers, the most iconic being the traditional wicker picnic basket. A boot luggage carrier is, of course, an answer but they are not to everyone’s taste. Before WWII there were large picnic sets for touring cars packed into beautifully fitted out bespoke cases, which now sell for many thousands of pounds. In the same era, and continuing post war until the mid 1970s, manufacturers like Sirram and Brexton developed rigid attaché case sized picnic sets alongside their wicker basket models for the smaller car and budget. These practical picnic sets are in period and are particularly suited to the MGA, being in general that critical inch or so less deep. They can fit on top of the spare in the boot, in the footwell or in a coupe, or roadster hood up, behind the seats. These sets are readily available on eBay and can be bought complete sometimes for less than £50 and incomplete for much less. You can make up your own set. The various manufacturers’ cases are

MGB Neil Hyett 01869 241180 neilhyett54@btinternet.com www.mgb-register.org

Best wishes for the New Year. As I have said before, every year I plan the MG jobs I am going to do over the winter, especially the Christmas break. Then when it arrives, due to a cold garage and family commitments nothing gets done. Sadly this year has been no different, so moving swiftly on…. The Jean Denton MGB attracted a lot of interest as expected at the recent Classic Car Show. It was great to see Rosemary Smith and Alec Poole, who both took part in the Marathon, looking over the car during the weekend. Rosemary and Alec were both top class racing and rallying competitors for many years. Also Tom Purves, the Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall, showed interest in the car and would like to display it in their atrium in London. Work continues on the car, with a good part of the bodywork restoration being complete. The car’s engine has now been removed and as expected is not in too good an order. The pistons are solid in the bores so the engine is being treated with a penetrating solution which will hopefully free things up, allowing work to continue. As you can see below, we are already well into the planning of this year’s events, we just never stop! I have mentioned before a couple of times, if any of you have any ideas for events then

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please tell us. We always get good response for our events so hopefully we are doing what people want, but if you have any ideas for things then please let us know. We would far rather organise something that you want than what we think you want – all ideas are welcome. A few dates for your diary: MGB Register AGM on Sunday March 13 at 11.00 – As usual the meeting will be held at Kimber House at 11.00am. As I said in last month’s notes we are always looking for volunteers, so why not come along and meet the committee. You don’t have to join the committee, just make contact and perhaps help out over the year. We look forward to meeting you. You will be made most welcome. Spring Run on Sunday April 10 2016 – This year again it is supported by British Motor Heritage. The run will finish at the magnificent Ragley Hall near Alcester Warwickshire (www. ragley.co.uk), near Winchcombe, Gloucestershire. As in previous years there will be the usual three start options to make it more user friendly. These are Millets Farm near Abingdon, and Hatton Country World near Warwick, with the third option being you plan your own route to join us at Ragley Hall. The Hall is set in wonderful grounds and although only a stone’s throw from Birmingham

REGISTER all about the same size with thermoses, food boxes, bottles and plates and cutlery in the lid. The contents are thus essentially interchangeable if one is not a purist. Note that plastic thermos flasks replaced metal in the mid 1960s and may not fit in the earlier cases. The same sets are also available with the traditional wicker basket, which are of much more robust quality that current baskets seem to be. Nice touches are period 12v electric kettles and the salt, pepper and mustard pots in a bespoke holder exclusive to earlier Sirram sets. The crockery ranged from Bakelite to plastic and included china from well-known manufacturers over-stamped with a Sirram design number. I was delighted to see the Picnic Retro stand at the NEC Classic Car Show with an impressive display of complete sets which diminished fast as the show progressed. So if eBay is not for you or you want a completely sorted set, contact Ian on 07931 580854 or trailwisecrampon@aol.com. There is a whole history of period picnic sets to be collected here, even a book? Finally a date for your diary – South West MGA Day July 10 2016, details will follow later.

REGISTER is situated in a lovely part of the country, close to Worcester and Stratford upon Avon which are ideal for a weekend away. So there is no excuse not for entering; just make the weekend of it. Don’t forget, this event is open to all MG models. Register Weekend This is still in the planning stage but keep the weekend of September 16-19 free. We are looking into the possibility of a weekend in Yorkshire. Will keep you updated, and keep an eye on the website.

Tom Purves and Rosemary Smith standing next to the Jean Denton MGB at the NEC Classic Car Show

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:55

REGISTERS

MIDGET Neil Thomas 07891 684435 ns.tenby@hotmail.com www.midgetregister.com

All here at the Midget Register hope you enjoyed your festivities and that you are looking forward to 2016. There’s no peace for the wicked and so as well as trying to sort out the dodgy and slightly unreliable starter motor on my 1275 Midget, because after all this is the time to sort these matters out, I’ve also been busy planning some Midget Register events for next year. Our Midget Register Weekend is now planned and will take place on July 1-3 2016 in Somerset. Places are limited so contact me direct if you would like to join us and I will provide details. Then on September 4 2016 is our annual MR Run. Put it in your diary. It will be a cracker in a really picturesque area. Also I

Presentation being made to James Dunkley

see that the MG and Triumph Spares Day will take place on Sunday February 21 at Stoneleigh and the MR will have a stand with interesting Midgets on. We would love to see you there. Meanwhile on November 26 just gone, Kim Dear and Richard Perry attended at Kimber House for Midget Register presentations for their racing exploits. Kim was presented with the Ernie Foster Shield for winning the Midget class C race at MG Live! whilst Richard was presented with the award for becoming overall champion in his class E Midget in the Midget & Sprite Challenge. Congratulations to you both. Then staying on the racing theme, congratulations go to Will Corry for winning the

Richard Perry being presented with the award for becoming overall champion

V8 Victor Smith 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net

Restoring a Costello V8 after a 20 year lay up Our ‘V8 Rebuild’ series is a popular feature on the V8 website and Trevor Crane has contributed a report of his restoration of a Costello V8 conversion. The car was originally a standard 1966 MGBGT which was converted to a Costello V8 using parts purchased from Costello in 1976/77. The 4 synchro gearbox and engine were purchased separately. Mike the Pipe provided the exhaust and manifold.

JANUARY 2016

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Other modifications included an axle ratio change, an MGC propshaft and radiator, a brake servo, strengthening the wire wheels, and upgrading the electrics with an alternator. A fibre glass bonnet was also obtained from Costello as the early cars had a power bulge for both engine and carburettors. The carburettors were originally side mounted giving pimple bulges on either side of the bonnet. Later on Trevor managed to obtain an inlet manifold from a MGB GT V8 and then the carburettors were sited at the rear of the engine bay. The car was resprayed prior to laying up and during that time the engine was turned over frequently but eventually the clutch seized. Despite numerous efforts and using different methods, it refused to be freed. So the main task was to have the engine out

REGISTER inaugural A series all comers race at the HRDC at Donington on November 7 in his splendid AH Sprite. Well done Will. And of course I must mention James Dunkley who whilst racing at MGLive! promised his partner that if he won his race he would make a proposal. He won by fractions of a second and they were married on September 26. Congratulations both. Whilst I’m mentioning names, it was a pleasure to meet fellow Midget and B enthusiast Alec O’Bierne recently whilst I was visiting Oxford. I enjoyed the Midget related chat Alec. Well that’s it from me. Next month it’s the MR Newsletter in Safety Fast! so keep a look out for some interesting material. Happy New Year to you all.

Kim Dear being presented with the Ernie Foster Shield

REGISTER and replace the clutch. Other items that needed replacing were the fuel lines, fuel pump and the fuel tank. The carburettors needed refurbishing. The original exhaust and manifolds were also no longer fit for purpose, so they were replaced with stainless steel parts. Some of the interior was also replaced, for example leather seats and floor mats. Once the car was driveable Trevor put it in the expert hands of Steve Illing of MG Car Restorations at Abingdon to go through the MOT. The car failed initially on the front number plate on the bonnet (see photo) which has now been changed. The car still needs some work, particularly on the chrome and paintwork, but it is roadworthy and registered as historic so I am looking forward to some motoring in the fine weather. V8 Technical Day 2016 Following the successful V8 Technical Days in 2014 and 2015, Roger Aldridge is planning another at Club Office for Saturday May 21 2016, which will include a visit to Frontline. For full details and booking, see: www.v8register.net/ more.htm

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JANUARY 201619/1/07

11:22:0687

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REGISTERS

FWD Tanya Field 07929 868284 tanyafield123@sky.com

As I reported in last month’s Safety Fast!, there was real interest in our cars at the NEC, particularly the MG Maestro Turbo and MG Montego Turbo. During the show I was approached by someone who told me in no uncertain terms that he wished to buy the MG Montego Turbo on the stand which belonged to Jeff Patterson and was fondly known as Black Beauty. As I was aware that Jeff was thinking of selling in the New Year, I introduced him to Jeff. The upshot is that Jeff has now sold Black Beauty for £9,000! Now I’m sure that figure will have some of you blinking and rubbing your eyes, but it wasn’t a huge surprise to me. While these cars still attract some disparaging comments including being described as ‘unfashionable’ during some commentary at 2015’s MGLive!, they are proving increasing popular within the classic car community and public at large. I guess part of the appeal is that they were unexceptional back in the day, so owned by many, and everyone who owned them seems to have a story to tell whether good or bad. I have always felt that the fact Maestro and Montego struggled as new cars with build quality, rust and at times avoiding the hard

shoulder (I guess the AA didn’t call the hard shoulder Montego Bay for no good reason!), that this has meant the models have formed strong characters with plenty of stories and memories so consequently a following. Owning these cars is fun, as everyone will come and talk to you as they all have an opinion or story that they want to tell. It is good to see prices on the rise for good and outstanding examples as hopefully this will lead to it becoming increasing worthwhile to preserve those examples which escaped the terminal rot for future generations. I was approached by a couple of people at the NEC looking for cars and I wondered if any of you were looking to sell. I have someone looking for an MG Maestro 2.0 EFi and another person after an Mk1 MG Metro restoration project. If you can help with either of these, please do get in touch. This year has flown by and I would like to thank all those who have supported the FWD Register. As well as getting the cars ‘out there’, we have also had a lot of fun with various events and runs. We have lots planned for next year and I am looking forward to catching up with everyone after the winter break, and meeting new faces too. Our first event is the Practical Classics Restoration Show at the NEC on March

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

The MGF comes of age this year, yes it is finally getting the key of the door. After all the excitement of MGF20 and the other anniversary specials last year we probably won’t be doing anything to celebrate on the same scale – however I’m sure we’ll mark the occasions at a couple of events. I know there is a plan to have 21 cars at the Uxbridge Classic Car Show in July and we’ll theme the MG Day at Brooklands in April along ‘key’ lines I suspect. There may be more, so keep an eye out on our internet forum and Facebook page for any updates. The Photographic competition closed in November and the run of printed calendars sold out very quickly. It’s not too late though if you would like one, as there are downloadable versions that you can print yourselves available on our website and internet forum. There were nearly 150 entries so it was a tricky decision by our team of judges who voted independently for their favourites. These results were then cross referenced and photos with multiple votes were the eventual winners. So after all that deliberation we ended up with the winning 12 – congratulations to John Harper, Alan Bradley, Chris Hathaway, Tim Morris, Carl Lambert, John Corbett, Liz Morris, Ricky Cruz, Nigel May, Simon Davies, Adrian Clifford and Lin Opie. The 2016 MGF Register Calendar featured all 12 of the winning photographs but we are keeping the overall winner secret until our Chairman’s Charity Weekend in March.

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MG_SafetyFast_Jan16_49-98.indd 88

We have some initial details on that weekend now as we know it is popular with members. The weekend of March 19-20 will take a similar format to previous years in that it will be in three parts. As usual you can take part in the whole weekend or choose those elements that you would like to join in – which means you don’t have to come to the AGM (unless you want to of course!). All the details and prices can be found on our website and internet forum with links to our Online shop so you can book your place. The weekend will basically be as follows: 1) Saturday March 19 MGF Register AGM at Kimber House 2pm. 2) Saturday March 19 MGF Register Annual Dinner and awards at the Four Pillars Hotel, Abingdon. The dinner will be held in the Hotel’s octagonal function room and we hope to have a guest after-dinner speaker as well as the usual dastardly table quiz and, of course, the annual awards presentation. 3) Sunday March 20 Chairman’s Day run will begin in Abingdon Town Square and meander to Nuffield Place where we will stop for a look around Lord Nuffield’s house before heading away to a late lunch at a special location in Henley on Thames. We are pleased to announce that the Register’s charity for 2016 will be Guide Dogs for

REGISTER 5-6. I am still looking for cars for this show so if you are able to bring a car, please get in touch. I am particularly keen to have cars which need to be worked on during the show so rolling restorations would fit the bill perfectly. If you have just restored a car and would like to bring it along, that too would be great. And finally, I would like to wish you all a very happy New Year.

The MG Montego Turbo known as Black Beauty. Photo: Jeff Patterson

REGISTER the Blind, and we will be donating funds raised at various events throughout the year to the charity beginning with the Chairman’s Weekend. Another of our main fund raising events will be the return of the Thames Tunnels and Bridges event, taking cars through central London on a Saturday evening covering as many bridges and tunnels as we can. This event comes back after a two year absence and will be longer than previously – just about covering the whole diameter of Greater London from M25 to M25! It will take place in September so look out for more details on this challenging and unique event soon. I’ll close now by wishing you all a fantastic 2016 and we hope to see you at one of our numerous local, national or international events or on our social media pages!

www.mgcc.co.uk

15/12/2015 11:55

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4Sight Lighting Company.....63 Adrian Flux ...........................91 Airflow ...................................79 Barrie Carter.........................97 Barry Walker ........................95 Beech Hill Garage ................96 Brian Brown Classics............97 British Motor Heritage.......IFC Brown and Gammons ........ 11 Bucks Sports & Classic Car Centre ...................................87 Car Cover Shop (Hindsight)89 Carole Nash Insurance..........6 Chertsey Minors .................87 Church Square Autos ..........93 Classic and Retro..................81 Colin Groom........................71 Colne Classics.......................89 Country Lane Tours ............32 Crown Classic Cars .............77 Dennis Welch.......................87 Distributor Doctor...............81 Don Trimming......................87 EJW Classic and sports ........94 Evans Division of Hydratech32

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EZ Power Steering ..............71 Fishers Services.....................67 Footman James ....................69 Former Glory .......................91 Frontline ...............................22 Halls Garage..........................81 Heathrow Transmission ......87 Hoyle Suspension ................20 JLH Minor Restoration ........48 Just Right Autos Ltd.................8 Kimble Engineering Ltd........89 Luffield Cars Limited .......OBC Lux Classics .............................6 Manor Garage .....................89 Martin Smith Used MGTF Spares ...................................93 MG Mecca ............................95 MG Motorsport ..................79 MG Sales Centre..................37 MGF Mania ...........................75 Midland Classic Restoration ..3 Midland Wheel Ltd ..............89 Mike Authurs Classics ..........97 Mike Rolls ..............................97 Mike Satur .............................71

Naylor Brothers ..................98 NTG Services.......................53 Oselli Ltd ...............................48 Peter Best............... 87, 89, IBC Prestige MG ..........................91 Rees Bros ..............................79 Retro Lifestyle ......................20 Rimmer Bros Ltd..................63 RJJ Car Shipping and Transportation ....................89 Robin Lackford Motor Engineering ..........................67 Scenic Car Tours .....13, 15, 35 SMR .......................................94 Sports and Vintage ...............87 Steve McKie Sports Cars.....94 Superspoke...........................77 Surrey Sports & Classics ......87 Sussex Classic Car Parts ........4 The Hutson Motor Co Ltd ...4 The Old Motor House........75 TJ Broadbent Auto Eng........63 TMS Storage...........................3 Vitesse Global Ltd ................77 Webcon ...............................67

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Visit our website: www.manorgaragewantage.co.uk JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:55

REGISTERS

ZRZSZT John Thompson 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister

Happy New Year! Here we are again at the start of another busy year, and a significant year it is too as it marks the 15th anniversary of the launch of our Zeds by MG Rover. Below you will see our programme of events for the forthcoming year. I would like to emphasise the list is provisional and may alter as details are confirmed. Any alterations will be published in future notes and in our Facebook group in due course. As you can see we have another packed season ahead of us. The

year starts in the customary way at Stoneleigh on February 21 for the MG & Triumph Spares Day. Donington Park hosts the first round of the 2016 racing championships in April. We will be present at all the race meetings, organising the parade laps as usual. The Pride of Longbridge event held in Cofton Park will be particularly significant in this anniversary year for the Zeds as a number of groups will be holding their own celebrations. We will be holding our own anniversary event

A snow covered MG ZR, photo taken in 2012

‘ZedFifteen’ in July, the final details of which are to be confirmed. This event will be combined with the annual MG Saloon Day, and owners and enthusiasts of all MG and Rover saloons of all ages will be most welcome. Provisional programme of events 2016 Sun Feb 21 MG & Triumph Spares Day Stoneleigh, Coventry Sun April 3 Donington Race Round Donington Park, Leics Sun April 10 MG Era Day Brooklands, Surrey Sat April 16 Pride of Longbridge Birmingham Sat/Sun April 30-May 1 Brands Hatch Race Round Brands Hatch, Kent Sat/Sun June 4-5 MGLive! Silverstone, Northants Sun July 3 Mallory Park Race Round Mallory Park, Leics Sun July ?? ZedFifteen/MG Saloon Day TBC Sat Sept 3 Oulton Park Race Round Oulton Park, Cheshire Sat/Sun Oct 1-2 Snetterton Race Round Snetterton, Norfolk Fri/Sat/Sun Nov 11-13 Classic Motor Show NEC, Birmingham

MG6.3.5

Steve Haines Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register twitter.com/635register

Happy New Year to all 635 owners!! We had a great AGM at MG Motor, and Christmas meal on December 5. A great turnout of enthusiastic owners were treated to a review of 2015 and a very informative talk from Andy Kitson, Vice Director of Chassis at SAIC Motor Technical Centre. Apparently the biggest hazard to drivers in the countryside in Thailand is elephants. You learn something new every day! Once again MG Motor were very generous in hosting us, providing raffle prizes and making us owners extremely welcome. John Woods Motorcare were there with one of their modified MG3 exhausts for us to drool over and were also very generous with raffle prizes. We raised £85 for Prostate Cancer UK on the day. The formalities of the AGM returned an almost unchanged committee for 2016, with myself continuing as Chairman, Barry Faiers continuing as Treasurer, Mark Cropper continuing as Secretary and Steve Taylor continuing as Technical rep. Matt Kimberley moved to the new post of Registrar and Archivist and we welcomed Sean Round onto the committee as BTCC and Events co-ordinator. We hope to continue to expand and improve services to members in the Register and this year, to make it easier to register your 6, 3 or 5 and put together and electronic database.

JANUARY 2016

MG_SafetyFast_Jan16_49-98.indd 90

At the end of this year’s charity fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK, I am pleased to report that we have raised £720 as I write this, against our target of £500, with more to come from my sponsored leg wax! Huge thanks to all that donated to this very worthwhile charity. The Chairman’s charity for 2016 will be Crohn’s and Colitis UK. For more information about this charity, please visit the web page here:

www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/ . Our target for the year is £635, so please give what you can to help at our events throughout the year. We’re looking forward to spring time and our first event at Pride of Longbridge in Cofton Park, Longbridge on Saturday April 16. Please add your name to the event on the Facebook page so we can organise numbers for parking: www. facebook.com/events/1714394165457615/

Enjoying the Christmas dinner after the MG6.3.5 Register AGM

www.mgcc.co.uk

15/12/2015 11:55

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MGS URGENTLY WANTED TO PURCHASE. MGOC Recommended MG Car club trade member JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:55

LOOKING BACK

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.

JANUARY 2016

MG_SafetyFast_Jan16_49-98.indd 92

We kick off this month with a Mike Wray photograph of the Donington Spitfire watching over the MGB 30th Birthday parade around the circuit on June 28 1992. We hope you like this Tim Rathbone photo above of Keith Portsmore’s extremely smart (and rare) 1935 NA Airline Coupe taken on the occasion of the South West Centre’s Dorset Social Run held in July 2004. We have no details regarding this beautiful two-tone SA basking in the sun, resplendent with its whitewall tyres. Can you fill in the details for us please? Finally, we simply could not resist this Mark Rathbone picture of an absolutely immaculate MGC engine bay, photographed at the South West Centre’s Dorset Weekend in July 1995.

www.mgcc.co.uk

15/12/2015 11:55

A SELECTION OF MGTF LE500’S BREAKING FOR SPARES

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MG MGB roadster (RHD) Pull handle GHN3 model.

MG TF LE500 #354/500 (Just 8,500 miles)

MG TF LE500 (Pre Production) (just 30,000 miles)

MG TF LE500 (Pre Production) (just 22,000 miles)

A superb 1964 MGB pull handle Roadster (GHN3). Tartan red with black leather/red piping and wire wheels. Documented history file, Thousands of pounds spent with Richard Lackford Engineering including 1988cc Fast road engine polished/ balanced 714 camshaft and a Overdrive gearbox @ 53000miles now just 61,000 miles. Over £18000 spent from 2010 todate on re-commissioning work and restoration work. Heritage certificate. £14,995

A very very low mileage LE500 having covered just 8,500 miles. Number 354 of 500 made. Finished in Intense blue with Black leather, fitted with air conditioning, soft ride suspension, park sensor, heated glass rear screen, 16” 11 spoked alloys with sports pack 2, engine water level sensor, etc. Supplied with our CSA Heritage certificate. Outstanding condition throughout. £7,895

Pre Production LE500 ex press car . Very low mileage TF finished in Graphite grey with black leather sport seats, Air conditioning, sports pack 2 with 16” 11 spoke alloys, Heated glass rear screen, rear park sensor, soft ride suspension, engine water level sensor. Just been through our workshop serviced disc’s/pads plus a new cambelt and mot. Supplied with our CSA Heritage certificate. A rare pre production car. £6,295

Pre Production LE500 ex press car, a very low mileage TF. Finished in Vibrant Orange with Black leather sport seats, air conditioning, sports pack 2 with black 16” 11 spoke alloys, heated glass rear screen, engine water level sensor, soft ride suspension, just serviced plus fitted with a new cambelt/brake disc’s, air condition also serviced and a new mot. Supplied with our CSA Heritage certificate. Outstanding condition £5,995

MG TF 135 A/C (just 4,864miles)

MG TF 135 facelift model (just 53,000miles)

MG TF 160vvc Sprint ltd ed (just 38,000miles)

MG TF 135 Spark ltd edition.

A one owner TF135 having covered just 4,864 miles repeat 4,864 miles only. Extra’s fitted include Air conditioning a passenger airbag and unmarked 16” alloys. We have just serviced this TF plus fitted with a new cambelt four new tyres and moted . One owner from new, supplied with our CSA Heritage certificate, must be the lowest mileage MG/Rover car for sale. Immaculate throughout. £5,795

Facelift model TF135 having covered just 53,000 miles with full service history. Heated glass rear screen, soft ride suspension, unmarked facelift alloys, engine water level censor, full black leather sport seats, Silver interior trim, fog lights. Superb condition throughout. Colour coded hard top available @ £350+vat. £4,295

This TF160vvc Sprint ltd edition was Previously supplied by us. Just been through our workshop and fitted with a new headgasket / cambelt /water pump. All the usual TF160vvc Sprint extra’s, sports pack 2 with 16” 11 spoke alloys, chrome packs, fog lights, smokestone cockpit, black leather sport seats with grey alcantara inserts, wind deflector. A Colour coded hardtop is available @ £350 +vat. £3,995

These were the last ltd edition model made by MG/ Rover group and are high spec. Black half leather with grey alcantara inserts, chrome packs, silver interior trim and steering wheel, wind deflector, Unmarked ‘Spark’ salt & pepper hood. Serviced, new headgasket/ cambelt/water pump/stainless water pipes and a new mot. Supplied with our CSA Heritage Certificate. A superb condition Spark. Was £3795 Sale price £3495.

This is just a small selection from our stock

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_Jan16_49-98.indd 93

www.churchsquareautos.com JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:55

CARS FOR SALE

ANY MG WANTED ANY CONDITION

07774 484497 • 01923 840236 ejwhitescars@aol.com www.mgandporsche.com Northwood, CARS FOR SALE Middlesex

www.mgandporsche.com How to Advertise

STEVE McKIE SPORTSCARS CHESTERFIELD

Specialists in the repair and restoration of MG cars

Members can advertise their cars DERBYSHIRE 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 Colin Grant at Suppliers of parts colingrant@mgcc.co.uk with for details MGAcar,• MGB • Midget of •your around• MGC 60 words, togeth-

•

er with • T anType attached picture, your • MGF/TF contact information, price of your car, the area where you live, and membership number. Cost for nonTel 01246 454527 • Fax 01246 453681 members to advertise is £20. All Albert Street North, Chesterfield, S41 8NP adverts should be submitted by the 15th of the month for the following months issue.

www.stevemckiesportscars.co.uk

Steve McKie Sports Cars Hi-Res.indd 1

23/06/2010

enquiries@mgsforsale.com

01707 876089

www.mgsforsale.com

07831 556666 MGB Roadster, 1965, chrome bumpers, original pressed steel wheels with chrome hubcaps, overdrive, unleaded engine, late 90’s comprehensive restoration still maintaining a very impressive fresh appearance, Tartan Red coachwork, detailed engine beautiful MGFcompartment, TROPHY 2001interior with Black leather original style seats uniquely Well sorted MGF in Trophy engineered to provide reclining operationBlue and with removable wind stop. 160 bhpwalnut and fascia, good easily headrests, Moto-Lita steering wheel, carpeted boot tyres all round. Very good hood compartment storage bags, with clear with rearorganised window. Interior, very heavy history ﬁle, drives absolutely boot and front bonnet areas delightfully, just arrived, £13,750.00 very

clean and tidy. 65,000 miles. Serviced in mid and MGB Roadster 1966 November Restored, chrome bumpers, chrome wire wheels, MOT until November 2016 overdrive, with no British Racing £Green ‘Advisories’. 1950.coachwork, Black interior trim, original steering wheel, recent Tel: John on 01509 413215 or email: restoration, with photographic evidence, mg2000@btinternet.com forcastle me included structural works of new sills, rails, pans you etc. power train dismantled to ﬂoor send more photos. & inspected, good oil pressure, tight gearbox, (Leicestershire). overdrive smooth, runs and drives nicely, £12,495.00

MGB Roadster, 1974, chrome bumpers, chrome wire wheels, overdrive, last owner 29 years, older restoration utilising a new Heritage Shell supplied by Ron Hopkinson in 1992, very good condition light British Racing Green coachwork with Black leather interior trim, Moto-Lita leather steering wheel, mechanically sound with engine producing good oil pressure, history ﬁle, very nice drive, just arrived, £11,750.00

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 Austin Sprite please (available evenings & weekends) no obligation to purchase. All our vehiclesHealey carry a warranty, have an MOT and are fully serviced prior to collection/delivery. Car

JANUARY 2016

MG_SafetyFast_Jan16_49-98.indd 94

Race

Based on a 1965 shell, this has been a race car for many years and as such has no corrosion. Lenham front, fibreglass boot lid and rear wings, alloy skinned doors, 6 gallon alloy tank, comprehensive roll cage. 1380 engine, SCCR box, 45 DCOE. Currently in Midget Challenge class

CARS FOR SALE How to Advertise

Members can advertise their cars free of charge Safety Fast. The How toinAdvertise advert willcan alsoadvertise be posted on cars the Members their Club of website course. is free chargeinindue Safety Fast.This The for onewill insertion To place an advert also beonly. posted on the advertwebsite or forinadditional insertions Club due course. This is emailone Colin Grant only. at To place an for insertion colingrant@mgcc.co.uk details advert or for additionalwith insertions of yourColin car, around email Grant 60 at words, together with an attached picture, your colingrant@mgcc.co.uk with details contact information, your of your car, around 60 price words,oftogethcar, with the area where you live, your and er an attached picture, membership number. Cost contact information, price for of nonyour members to advertise £20. and All car, the area where youis live, adverts should be submitted the membership number. Cost forbynon15th of thetomonth for theis £20. All members advertise followingshould monthsbeissue. adverts submitted by the 15th of the month for the following months issue.

1959 MGA 1650cc

Built to 1980’s MGCC MGA Modified championship regs. Body & chassis steel as original, ally doors, boot, bonnet floors etc. Full MGF 2001 width TROPHY low perspex windscreen, Well sorted Trophy Blue steel roll overMGF cage in bolted to chaswith wind stop. 160 bhp good sis, all removable. Raceandproven MGF TROPHY 2001 tyres allsteel round. Very good modihood engine,sorted crank/flywheel, Well MGF in Trophy Blue with clear rear race window. Interior, fied pistons/rods camand all good lightwith wind stop. 160 bhp boot front bonnet areas carb, very ened and balanced tyres all round. etc, VeryWeber good hood clean and straight tidy. cut 65,000 miles. close clear ratio gears. with rear window. Interior, Serviced in mid November and Modified shocks etc,very 6’’ boot and brakes, front bonnet areas MOT until November 2016 with no steel wheels with little use. Avon clean and tidy. 65,000 miles. ‘Advisories’. £ 1950. road tyresinplus of wheels with Serviced midsetNovember and 13:46 Tel: on etc. 01509All413215 or email: old John racers standard lights MOT until November 2016 with no mg2000@btinternet.com etc fitted road legal, no MOTfor or me tax ‘Advisories’. £ 1950. to send you more photos. required of age. Last Tel: John onbecause 01509 413215 or email: (Leicestershire). rebuilt/raced 1996, storedforsince mg2000@btinternet.com me with send a little Reg to you road more use. photos. WWP444. Owned by me since (Leicestershire). 1977 'ish. Various spares availabl. £19,000 ono. Contact me Eric Hoult on 07872521382 or ejhoult@googlemail.com (Cornwall)

Austin Healey Sprite Race Car

Based on a 1965 shell, this has been Austin Healey Sprite Race a race car for many years and as Car such has no corrosion. Lenham Based on a 1965 shell, this has been front, fibreglass boot lid and rear a race car for many years and as wings, alloy skinned doors, 6 gallon such has no corrosion. Lenham alloy tank, comprehensive roll cage. front, fibreglass boot lid and rear 1380 engine, SCCR box, 45 DCOE. wings, alloy skinned doors, 6 gallon Currently in Midget Challenge class alloy tank, comprehensive roll cage. D specification and raced occasion1380 SCCR box, 45 DCOE. MGinengine, Midget 1968 ally that series. Formally FISC Currently in Midget 1275cc, ChallengeTartan class Chrome champion Bumper. European (2003 & 2004) D specification and raced occasionred, hard top (immaculate condiand CSCC Swinging sixties champially in reconditioned that series. Formally FISC tion) (lead on (2008). 25 outright engine race wins in European champion (2003 &wheels. 2004) free)and back axle, carbs, UK Europe.On thewire button and and CSCC Swinging sixties champiNew Soft top,£7000 tyres, starter motor, ready to race. on (2008).water 25 outright race wins in dynamo, pump,07785 battery, elecContact Ian Hulett 906062 UK andignition, Europe.On the button and tronic thermostat, stainless or email ianhulett@hotmail.co.uk ready to race. steel rack, and£7000 exhaust. Modified oil Contact Ian 07785 906062 filter, kenlow Hulett fan, rechromed, comor email ianhulett@hotmail.co.uk pletely restored with photos. Detailed history available with bills, plus original log book. 1 years MOT. £6,000. Telephone: 07958 553003. or 01708 456595 (Essex)

MGB 1959 MGA 1650cc

Built to 1980’s MGCC MGA Modified championship regs. Body 1959 MGA 1650cc & chassis steel as original, ally Built to 1980’s MGCC MGA doors, boot, bonnet floors etc. Full Modified championship regs. Body width low perspex windscreen, & chassis steel as original, ally steel roll over cage bolted to chasdoors, boot, bonnet floors etc. Full sis, all removable. Race proven width low perspex windscreen, engine, steel crank/flywheel, modisteel roll over cage bolted to chasfied pistons/rods race cam all lightsis, all removable. Race proven ened balanced etc, Weber carb, engine, steel crank/flywheel, modiclose ratio straight cut gears. fied pistons/rods race cam all lightModified brakes, shocks etc, 6’’ ened balanced etc, Weber carb, steel wheels with little use. Avon close ratio straight cut gears. road tyres plus set of wheels with Modified brakes, shocks etc, 6’’ old racers etc. All standard lights steel wheels with little use. Avon etc fitted road legal, no MOT or tax road tyres plus set of wheels with required because of age. Last old racers etc. All standard lights rebuilt/raced 1996, stored since etc fitted road legal, no MOT or tax MGB with a ROADSTER little road use.1969 Reg required because of age. Last Snowberry white, WWP444. Owned black by meleather, since rebuilt/raced 1996, stored since black 'ish. mohair tonneaux covers. 1977 Various spares availabl. with a specification little road use. Reg Extensive 15" £19,000 ono. Contactincludes me Eric WWP444. Ownedwheels, by meservoed since genuine on Minilite Hoult 07872521382 or 1977 'ish. front Various spares availabl. ventilated discs, 5-speed gearejhoult@googlemail.com £19,000 ono. springs Contact Eric box, parabolic withme panhard (Cornwall) Hoult on sound 07872521382 or rod. Restored, and ultra-reliejhoult@googlemail.com able. Excellent condition (Cornwall) throughout. £8950 Full details from Richard Homer willowsmere@btinternet.com. 01785 811722 or 07714 233840. (Stone, Staffs)

ROADS

Snowberry white, black mohair ton MGB ROADS Extensive specificatio Snowberry white, genuine Minilite w black mohair ton ventilated front discs Extensive specificatio box, parabolic spring genuine Minilite w rod. Restored, sound ventilated front discs able. Excellent con box, parabolic spring throughout. £8950 rod. Restored, sound Full details from R able. Excellent con willowsmere@bti throughout. £8950 01785 811722 or Full details from R (Stone, Staffs) willowsmere@bti 01785 811722 or (Stone, Staffs)

MGTF 85th Ann

Ice White Pearlesce ing Heritage hardt MGTF 85th Ann leather seats. TF85 Ice White Pearlesce age. Owned from n ing Heritage hardt Reverse parking sen leather seats. TF85 and A/C . Outstan age. Owned from n having always been Reverse parking sen “Twist of Pepper” and A/C . Outstan bished by Rimstock, having always been Proxes tyres. The ca “Twist of Pepper” drive. £7,500 Phone bished by Rimstock, (County Durham) Proxes tyres. The ca drive. £7,500 Phone (County Durham)

MG/ZR 120 Trop MG Midget 1968

Chrome Bumper. 1275cc, Tartan red, hard top (immaculate condiMG Midget MGTF 85th 1968 Anniversary tion) reconditioned engine (lead Chrome 1275cc, Tartan Ice White Bumper. Pearlescent with matchfree) back axle, carbs, wire wheels. red, hard top hardtop. (immaculate condiing Heritage Aubergine New Soft top, tyres, starter motor, tion) engine pack(lead leatherreconditioned seats. TF85 handling dynamo, water pump, battery, elecfree) back axle, carbs, age. Owned from new.wire 38Kwheels. miles. tronic ignition, thermostat, stainless New Softparking top, tyres, starter Reverse sensors, fogmotor, lights steel rack, and exhaust. Modified oil dynamo, pump, battery, elecand A/C water . Outstanding condition, filter, kenlow fan, rechromed, comtronic stainless having ignition, always thermostat, been garaged. FSH. pletely restored with photos. steel exhaust. Modified oil “Twistrack, of and Pepper” wheels refurDetailed history available with bills, filter, fan, rechromed, bishedkenlow by Rimstock, with newcomToyo plus original log book. 1 years MOT. pletely restored photos. Proxes tyres. The carwith is a delight to £6,000. Telephone: 07958 553003. Detailed history available with bills, drive. £7,500 Phone 07432 152095 or 01708 456595 (Essex) plus original log book. 1 years MOT. (County Durham) £6,000. Telephone: 07958 553003. or 01708 456595 (Essex)

1796cc Model, Fully cyl head, new start MG/ZR 120 Trop front pads and discs, 1796cc Model, Fully and re/con n/s cali cyl head, new start s/steel exhaust ( front pads and discs, sound) one brand and re/con n/s cali tyre, other three in s/steel exhaust ( Six CD Player, new o sound) one brand 69,000 miles only. T tyre, other three in a full 12 month MOT Six CD Player, new o Price £1500.00 ONO 69,000 miles only. T Mob phone: 0792923 a full 12 month MOT Price £1500.00 ONO Mob phone: 0792923

MG/ZR 120 Trophy SE

1796cc Model, Fully re-conditioned cyl head, new starter motor, new SELLING YOUR CAR? front pads and discs, new rear pads, As a member of the MG Car Club and re/con n/s caliper. Scorpion you can advertise your car in Safety SELLING YOUR CAR? s/steel exhaust (Nice throaty Fast for free. Just email your car As a member of the new MG Car sound) one brand n/s Club rear details, max 60 words, together you advertise car in Safety tyre,can other three your in v/good order. with a JPEG picture to Colin Fast forPlayer, free. new Just oil email Six CD filteryour and car oil. Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. details, max only. 60 words, 69,000 miles The car together will have Non member fee is £20 with JPEGMOT picture Colin a full 12a month whentosold. Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Price £1500.00 ONO Non fee is £20 Mob member phone: 07929230356

www.mgcc.co.uk

15/12/2015 11:55

CARS FOR SALE

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE THIS MONTH MG K3 rep. 2-seat SPORTS RACING CAR One of very few K3 reps built to the Wilkie Wilkinson/Bellevue Garage 1930s modifcation using an N Magnette chassis to take K3 axles & brakes.1400cc engine, pre-select g’box, divided track rod steering, Marshall supercharger and full K3 dashboard. Total ground-up restoration that has been thoroughly sorted. Finished in Monza Red with black leather, this awesome 100mph machine is fully MG CC & VSCC eligible for home & International events, or just exhilarating touring. Fabulous to drive ................................£129,500

OR SALE

Advertise

dvertise their cars Safety Fast. The be posted on the due course. This is only. To place an dditional insertions t at co.uk with details d 60 words, togethched picture, your on, price of your here you live, and ber. Cost for nonvertise is £20. All e submitted by the h for the issue.

650cc Y 2001

s MGCC MGA GF in Trophy Blue onship regs. Body 160 bhp and good as original, ally Very good hood net floors etc. Full window. Interior, spex windscreen, bonnet areas very ge bolted to chasy. 65,000 miles. ble. Race proven d November and nk/flywheel, modimber 2016 with no race cam all light50. etc, Weber carb, 9 413215 or email: ht cut gears. net.com for me shocks etc, 6’’ more photos. h little use. Avon et of wheels with All standard lights gal, no MOT or tax se of age. Last 96, stored since road use. Reg ed by me since us spares availabl. Contact me Eric 7872521382 or mail.com

1933 Supercharged J3/J4 Everything a J4 can offer without having to climb over the sides. Phoenix c/b crank & rods, c/tube ENV g’box, Volumex s/c, 12” brakes, – it’s really fantastic. 2 tone red, Collingburn upholstery, full weather gear. Numerous prizes, it’s a stunning rebuild. . . a J4 in all but price .................................................................. £65,000

MGB

1935 MG PA SPORTS If you’re looking for a reliable, very original P type, please view this. Built properly, by a qualiﬁed engineer and ﬁnished by us. New body, paint, trim. Rebuilt engine instruments, lamps; new wheels with Blockley tyres. Over £50,000 spent. ...................................................................... Offered at £45,000

ROADSTER

1935 V. RARE MG NB TOURER Disappointed that the practicality & sociability of this wonderful 6 cyl. MG has not been recognised. Not only a superb restoration, but the rarest of the ‘N’ types and the last before Morris took over. Correct 2-tone green, £4000 worth of Collingburn trim & the full weather equip. Give the (grand) children a bit of fun – or just go touring in comfort. . . it’s super ................... £65,000

1969

Snowberry white, black leather, black mohair tonneaux covers. Built to 1980’s MGCC MGA Extensive specification includes 15" Modified championship regs. Body genuine Minilite wheels, servoed & chassis steel as original, ally ventilated front discs, 5-speed geardoors, boot, bonnet floors etc. Full box, parabolic springs with panhard width low perspex windscreen, rod. Restored, sound and ultra-relisteel roll over cage bolted to chas1937 MG T/Q SPORTS/RACECAR There are a number of T/Q models 1949 MG TC – just arrived from NZ Paperwork suggests 2 owners 1935 MGPB DELUXE SPORTS A beautiful car undergoing reable. Excellent sis,on •all removable. provenand•isWe FULL DETAILS ONRace OUR ofcondition spares for the type of cars we sell Our highly regraded service is always available to you. the market. Few are built to this WEBSITE standard the carry best of thousands the 5 from new. Another lovely all round example which is reliable & a joy toSALES: commissioning in our workshop. Completely restored but stored • COMMISSION I’ve sold. Prewar status, Q bodywork, tuned XPAG eng. & throughout. syncho box. drive. Dark red, buff leather and full weather gear. I like this one, so will owner’s death. We will ﬁnish it to 100 point condition in early £8950 engine, steel crank/flywheel, modiEmail: Web: www.barrywalker.com Tel: 01789 400 £32,500 181. Fax:following 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 80bhp, and an entry tobarry@barrywalker.com many events. .............................Offers invited. you .............................................................................................. January. Please come and inspect, or reserve if you wish .......£45,000 Full details from Richard Homer fied pistons/rods race cam all lightDETAILS OUR WEBSITE thousands of spares for the type of cars we sell • COMMISSION SALES: Our highly regraded service is always available to you. willowsmere@btinternet.com. ened• FULL balanced etc,ONWeber carb, • We carry www.barrywalker.com Tel: 01789 400 181. Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 01785Web: 811722 or 07714 233840. close ratioEmail: straightbarry@barrywalker.com cut gears. (Stone, Staffs) Modified brakes, shocks etc, 6’’

1959 MGA 1650cc

steel wheels with little use. Avon road tyres plus set of wheels with old racers etc. All standard lights etc fitted road legal, no MOT or tax required because of age. Last rebuilt/raced 1996, stored since with a little road use. Reg WWP444. Owned by me since 1977 'ish. Various spares availabl. £19,000 ono. Contact me Eric MGB on ROADSTER Hoult 078725213821969 or Snowberry white, black leather, ejhoult@googlemail.com black mohair tonneaux covers. (Cornwall) Extensive specification includes 15" genuine Minilite wheels, servoed ventilated front discs, 5-speed gearbox, parabolic springs with panhard rod. Restored, sound and ultra-reliable. Excellent condition throughout. £8950 Full details from Richard Homer willowsmere@btinternet.com. 01785 811722 or 07714 233840. (Stone, Staffs)

65_1200_BARRY_WALKER_ADVURN52724.pgs 22.10.2015 16:51

www.mgmecca.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1953 717618 Fax: (0) 1953 717850 65_1200_BARRY_WALKER_ADVURN52724.pgs 22.10.2015 16:51 FMG-Advent

MGTF 85th Anniversary

Ice White Pearlescent with matching Heritage hardtop. Aubergine leather seats. TF85 handling package. Owned from new. 38K miles. Reverse parking sensors, fog lights and A/C . Outstanding condition, having always been garaged. FSH. “Twist of Pepper” wheels refurbished by Rimstock, with new Toyo Proxes tyres. The car is a delight to drive. £7,500 Phone 07432 152095 (County Durham)

MG/ZR 120 Trophy SE

1796cc Model, Fully re-conditioned

MG Midget 1968 SELLING

FMG-Advent

1971 MGB Roadster Teal Blue, Autumn Leaf trim. Moto Lita wheel. Nice trim. Body excellent, some age related marks and usual minor bumping on seams. Structure excellent. Very well maintained and reliable car. Recent carpets and seats. Alloy r-cover, Kenlowe fan, carpeted boot, refurbished wheels, new s/s rims. A great MGB ready to go! £7,995.00

1971 MGB ROADSTER BRG, black/green leather trim, w/w, o/drive. Reshelled 10 years ago and still superb condition. Fast road engine. Elm dash, magnolia clocks. S/S boot rack. Inertia belts. Polished screen frame. Totally restored car, better than new. Everything replaced or new, done less than 5,000 miles since rebuild. Fantastic value @ £18,995.00

1966 MGB ROADSTER BRG, black leather trim. O/drive, w/w, Moto Lita wheel, mohair hood. Fully restored car with photo history. Superb car in beautiful condition. Getting rarer now to ﬁnd. £13,995.00

1979 MG MIDGET Pageant blue, black trim, superb little car, body is in excellent condition, recent respray, all new chrome conversion, new hood, new carpets, new dashboard, recovered seats. Exceptionally pretty car in excellent order. Ready for lots of summer fun. £5,995.00

1976 MGB Roadster Damask Red, black trim with red pipe. Roll over bar, full tonneau. All new chrome, just had body and full respray. Wood dash and console. Lucas spotlights. Boot rack. Minilite wheels. Was imported from California several years ago so body excellent. £8,295.00

1972 MGB Roadster Flame Red, new black leather seats with red trim. New hood, w/w, boot rack. Much loved and very well maintained. Drives superbly, looks great. FG wings ﬁtted and has a few age related paint blemishes, no rust though. £6,495.00

cyl head, new starter motor, new YOUR CAR? front pads and discs, new rear pads,

Chrome Bumper. 1275cc, Tartan re/con n/s caliper. Scorpion red, hard (immaculate of condiAs top a member the MGand Car Club you can s/steel exhaust (Nice throaty tion) reconditioned engine (lead one brand new n/s rear free) back axle,your carbs, wire advertise carwheels. in Safety sound) Fast for free. Just email tyre, other three in v/good order. New Soft top, tyres, starter motor, Six CD Player, new oil filter and oil. dynamo, water pump, battery, elecyour85th carthermostat, details, stainless max 60 words, together a MGTF Anniversary 69,000 miles only. The with car will have tronic ignition, Ice White Pearlescent with matcha full 12 month MOT when sold. steel rack, and exhaust. Modified oil JPEG picture toAubergine Colin Grant at£1500.00 colingrant@mgcc. ing hardtop. Price ONO filter,Heritage kenlow fan, rechromed, comy Sprite Race leather seats. TF85 handling packMob phone: 07929230356 pletely restored with photos. co.uk. Non member fee is £20 age. Owned from new. 38K Detailed history available withmiles. bills, shell, this has been Reverse parking sensors, fog MOT. lights plus original log book. 1 years many years and as and A/CTelephone: . Outstanding £6,000. 07958condition, 553003. orrosion. Lenham www.mgcc.co.uk having always been garaged. FSH. or 01708 456595 (Essex) boot lid and rear “Twist of Pepper” wheels refured doors, 6 gallon bished by Rimstock, with new Toyo ehensive roll cage. Proxes tyres. The car is a delight to CR box, 45 DCOE. MG_SafetyFast_Jan16_49-98.indd drive. £7,500 Phone9507432 152095 get Challenge class (County Durham)

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:55

CLASSIFIEDS

SPARES FOR SALE HOW TO ADVERTISE

Members can advertise their spares for sale/wanted free of charge for items up to £250. Over £250, or for non-members to advertise, there is a charge of £20. To submit your advertisement email Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Please remember to include your membership number in all correspondence

MGTD

Side screen covers-set. Pretty good nick. £30 (black duck) MGB Speedo angle drive £20 Rev counter (+ve) £20 Horn push (for early spoked st.wheel) £30 MGA/Early Midget. Rev counter, British Jaeger, cable driven £50 Instruments. Smiths oil, amps, volts, vacuum and clock (OK) 2” dia £40 the lot. Lucas ammeter (1 1/2” dia) £25 Motometer Ammeters 1 1/2” dia £25. 2” dia £10. Contact Martin on 01344 424258 (Berkshire)

Lucas FT38 Spot Lamps

Two complete with glass, reflector and Bi-pod bar. £46 plus P&P Lucas FT37 Spot Lamp. One complete with glass, reflector, Bipod bar and focussing mechanism. £60 plus P&P Lucas FT/LR8 Spot Lamp. One brand new never used £40 plus P&P One set Aero Screens brand new never used £75 plus P&P 12volt Semaphor signal arm. Two in working order Type 45. Arm Lenght 71/2” £45 plus P&P Phone 01925262571 (Cheshire)

XPAG engine TD/F/YB For sale: 1380cc (i.e. plus 140") bore, new three ring solid skirt pistons, allen caphead pinch bolts, crank no 168557 (TC's Forever page 129) at .020/020" (crack tested) new shells, lightened fly wheel, 8" clutch, all balanced. Lip seals front and rear (using Speedi Sleeve) new billet steel fast road cam shaft, vernier timing sprocket set at 109 degrees, new bearings, oil grooved cam followers, combined horizontal oil pump/filter. Cylinder head stage 11, unleaded, large valve, metro stem seals, bronze guides ported (by Edney/XPAG ENG). Contact Ron Ward - 01422 823649

JANUARY 2016

MG_SafetyFast_Jan16_49-98.indd 96

MGB Spares

WANT

5.5X14 Minator alloy wheel £20. reconditioned rear shockabsorbers £15 pair. s/h sports coil £5. s/h drivers window winder mechanism £30. GT 1967 interior mirror £20. New oil pump body £10. s/h distributor £5. Exhaust manifold new studs and nuts £10. New complete rocker shaft assembly for BMC A series engine £25. Collection or postage can be arranged. Email:terrysavory@googlemail.com or phone Mobile 07958651884 (Hayes Middlesex)

Back issues of Sa issues August 20 June 2013; also a August 2014 thro 2015. Email:edeanbutler@gm or telephone 015 (Droitwich Worce

MGF 1999

MGRV8 wheel ce wanted. Please e jeff@uddercream or phone 07989 6

Complete car breaking for spares. Vehicle is British Racing Green Paint Designation HFF. Engine is good with invoice to show head gasket repaired. Vehicle is a complete runner with all parts working - it currently has an MOT with no advisories. It was previously a cat C (minor damage only) car but has been repaired. Interior trim and leather seats are good. Hood is sound with a new rear window panel. Please phone or e-mail for details of parts availability and prices. Mobile: 07746 639404. E-mail kagrainger@btinternet.com

WANT

I am interested to MG3,MG5 or MG Please contact m hakan.sigemark@

WANT

SAV Mirage Waln covers or whole s for my plat. silver 1.6mpi mk2. (Suf saggy seats + wa original...) Tel: 01798872939 07821143497 chris.muffett@ho (West Sussex)

MG TD/TF Parts

XPAG cylinder head complete (lead free) (following fitting aluminium head) Propshaft (post 5 speed conversion) Bell Housing (post 5 speed conversion) Interior cowling for remote (Ditto) Radiator (post fitting allum. rad) Under-dash shroud Offers invited on these items Tel: 020 7582 8547

MGC GT Rear Screen1969. Available following restoration. Complete with Factory fitted heated rear window element. Undamaged. You to collect. Offers,over £100. Jon Glover,SEC,07802318950. (SURREY)

WANTED WANTED

MGBGT Jubilee model gold stripes for front wings or info on where to get them.Contact Martin on 01344 424258

WANTED

1954 MGTF steering wheel and starting handle. If you can help please telephone 01383623973.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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

CLASSIFIEDS WANTED

Back issues of Safety Fast. All issues August 2007 through June 2013; also all issues August 2014 through January 2015. Email:edeanbutler@gmail.com or telephone 01527 821990. (Droitwich Worcestershire)

WANTED

I am interested to buy a LHD MG3,MG5 or MG6 Please contact me by mail hakan.sigemark@mgcc.se

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 www.mg-repairs-hertfordshire.com

WANTED

MGRV8 wheel centres (four) wanted. Please email jeff@uddercream.co.uk or phone 07989 663346.

MIDGETS! WANTED

eaking for is British aint Designation good with Contact the Midget Specialist head gasket MIKE AUTHERS on Abingdon WANTED e is a complete 07703 465 224 CHROME SAV Mirage Walnut fabric seat arts working - it BUMPERED MIDGETS in covers or whole seats, please, MOT with no excellent condition bought up to for my plat. silver 2001 MGF s previously a £8,000. View current stock at 1.6mpi mk2. (Suffering worn, mage only) car www.mgmidgets.com saggy seats + want to keep her paired. Interior Carter_D MIDDLETON 09/12/2015 10:55 Page 1 original...) seats are good. B15 - Barrie Tel: 01798872939 / txt + mob: ith a new rear 07821143497 email: Please phone or chris.muffett@homecall.co.uk of parts avail(West Sussex) . Mobile: E-mail ternet.com

ting allum. rad) ud these items 47

TRADE MEMBER

Specialising in all MG’s

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-1pm MG TD 1950, this car was originally a righthand drive US export and then MGF back to the UK in 2002 and re-registered in 2004, it has since returned undergone a full body off restoration with photographic and invoice history, COPPERLEAF it now looks stunning in its gleaming red body work complimented with beige - 2001interior and matching mohair hood and side screens, not only does leather MGF, 2001, 1.8 but it drives superbly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£23,995 this car look beautiful,

Injection ﬁnished MGB GT, 1969, British racing green, Chrome Bumper, Tax exempt, Overdrive, Wire wheels, in Copperleaf Red, Full sunroof, Autumn leaf interior with new front seat covers, Electronic MOT’d Marchignition, Stainless steel exhaust system, Restored by us in 2000, Service history, In excellent order. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£6,500 2016. It comes with

MG TF 135, 2003, Dark green, Biscuit leather interior. MOT March 2013, Tax Black Feb. 2013.cloth Radio seats, C/D player, hood cover. Recent head gasket, coolant pipe, Heated and rear glass cambelt clutch. Good service history. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£3,650

window, MG Midget,Radio/CD 1980, Flamenco Red, much money spent including up-rated suspension back, K & N Filters, Various new mechanical parts, Full player withfront ipodand jack, tonneau,and Motolita stainless steel sports steering wheel, It comes with a very good service history, Bootrack, Kenwood radio/CD player and Black vinyl seats. The car is exhaustupand under 2013 and taxed until end of July 2013. . . . . .£3,500 MOT'd to September ﬂoor coolant pipes.

MG TF 135, 2002, Silver, MOT July 2013. New head gasket, coolant pipes, Very and tidyservice car with cambelt carried out by ourselves. Navy hood, black cloth seats. . . . . .history . . . . . . etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£2,995 some MG TF 115, 2003, X Power Grey with grey hood, Has recently had a new £1,500 headgasket, bottom engine rail, Stainless steel coolant pipes and full service, MOT to May 2013, Taxed to Feb 2013, 71835 Miles, comes with Radio/CD player. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£2,750

We would like to wish everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

MGF, 2000, Alumina Green, 62,000mls, Green hood, Green leather seats, Chrome roll hoops, Recent headgasket replacement, Taxed Jan 2013, MOT March 2013. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1,950

From all @ Mike Rolls Services for MGs.

MGF 1.8i, 1996, British Racing Green, cloth interior. MOT Maarch 2013. Tax end of January 2013. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£950 Units 9/10 Fifehead Business Park, Manor Farm, Fifehead Magdalen, near Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5RR

E-mail:mail@mikerolls4mgs.co.uk mail@mikerolls.4mgs.co.uk • www.mikerolls.co.uk E-mail: • www.mikerolls.co.uk Mail Order “Friendly Quality Service”

HAPPY HUMBUG TO ALL — CALL ME LOTS

5 speed conver-

or remote

SERVICES FOR MGs

C a e i r ter r r a B

ead complete wing fitting alu-

st 5 speed con-

MIKE ROLLS

201< 2015

MG TA fitted BUILT IN THE with an TC 30S BY XPAG engine CORSICA, body and box, makers for Thomkins Bentley, steering Mercedes, conversion and Sunbeam, etc. later TC wheels. Thistime warp It is a local car 4 seater touring and being sold for its owner. I sold this about 4 years ago body is authentic and it is used regularly at local shows. Nicely pattinated, [I and not a hate that word] and with excellent weather equipment re creation. It is complete with seats, hood,hood bag, wings. Superb including a full tonneau. Essentially a TB in spec. Not fold flat screen all original. Not a collection of bits. To have it made expensive £25,995 now would be 40k ish. Be authentic for £6,995

SOLD

1939 TB with a lovely cycle winged body. This car was built many years ago in Australia and is well known tom the TB register. I bought it for me, but I’ve too many toys. It sits in my garage at home while I play with it. The car that is.... It is a lovely TB fitted with a mildly modified XPAG engine and steering upgrade, it drovefor errors in style, content a Please check this proof carefully fast and well when I lastAlthough used it. Ourevery local auction valued itin preparing your advert, we care ishouse exercised at £35K which is par for the course for a TB, and this is unique. responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook I’m not fussed if it goes,ourselves but ring if you are interested. £29,950

URGENT PROO

SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PR

Screen1969.

TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT

ng restoration. actory fitted ow element. u to collect. . 07802318950.

We reserve the right to charge for any alteration to th is a departure from the original copy

TED

1936/7 Ashley Cleave Brooklands/Shelsey Special

TED

model gold wings or info on m.Contact 424258

TED

CM02.13/B32/d

alloy wheel £20. ar shockabs/h sports coil indow winder GT 1967 interiew oil pump stributor £5. d new studs ew complete embly for BMC £25. tage can be l:oglemail.com 07958651884 x)

ring wheel and f you can help e 01383623973.

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 ano telligible for anything pointy tail pub car for 50k. Price according to spec when finished, starting at £35k but make me an offer.

XPAG engines supplied

Professionally rebuilt (there are a lot of amateurs out there) to any specifications – please call for further details.

MGTD/C. This is one of the very rare competition models, with bigger valves, carbs, and twin shocks. About 1200 of these were built. This one is LHD, easy to change, its interior is good and correct, the paint has a few chips and scrapes, and it drives very well. These are very sought after cars and |’m not asking the usual top dollar. £22,995. MG T-Types and complete collections purchased in any condition. Garage clearouts. Many parts for sale. Collection and delivery arranged world-wide. Advice free, and I hope, correct. If not, try someone else.

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_Jan16_49-98.indd 97

JANUARY 2016

15/12/2015 11:56

1966

YEARS

2016

Tel: +44 (0) 1274 585161 Direct workshop line: +44 (0)7804 077 849 alastair@naylorbrothers.co.uk or craig@naylorbrothers.co.uk 1966

1966

YEARS

2016

MG_SafetyFast_Jan16_49-98.indd 98

50 YEARS

2016

15/12/2015 11:56

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