Safety Fast! June 2017 by MG Car Club

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

June 2017 Volume 61 Number 06 £3.95

THE

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

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Inside this issue 7 8 11 60 64 65

Club Matters and Kimber House News News Products Race Torque MGs on Track Luffield Championship

66 70 72 84 92 98

Calendar of Events Overseas Review Centre Updates Register Updates Classifieds Looking Back

Features 12

MGLive! 2017 Biggest MG event in the world, June 17-18

Suck, Squeeze, Bang and Blow Paul Ireland continues his series on the Manchester XPAG Tests

The 2017 Shanghai Motor Show Latest MG news from the Shanghai Motor Show

Caledonian Centre ’Tweed Valley 25 Ken Cothliff reports on the recent Caledonian Centre three-day tour

British Touring Car Championship All the action from Thruxton and Oulton Park

Brilliant Brands Round two of the MGCC Race Championships of the MGCC Race Season

Overseas News Getting to know the MG Car Club of Finland

Newsletters 38

Triple M Newsletter Brands Hatch, New J2 Unearthed – Literally, and The Kimber Trial

Y Type Newsletter First Y (Y6807) found and restored, Round Britain Relay and Y Type Spring Weekend

ZR/ZS/ZT Newsletter Events and Shows and Attention to Detail

The MG Car Club, Kimber House, PO Box 251, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 1FF Tel: 01235 555552 Fax: 01235 533755 E-mail: mgcc@mgcc.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk. If visiting The MG Car Club using Sat Nav please use OX14 1AS

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Welcome

The MG E Motion concept car on display at the 2017 Shanghai Motor Show. Photo: Adam Sloman

@mgcarclub

FO U N D E D 193 0

www.mgcc.co.uk

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The offi cial publication of The MG Car Club Incorporating ‘The M.G. Magazine’, ‘The Sports Car’ and ‘Brooklands Track and Air’, Safety Fast! Copyright MG Car Club 2017

It’s been a busy time for MG recently, with the unveiling of the MG E-motion concept car at the Shanghai Auto Show in April, witnessed by Lauran, Adam and Chris from Kimber House; there is a full report on the show elsewhere in this issue. The E-Motion is an exciting innovation for MG, being an all-electric sports car-like coupe. The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed the roundness to the front badge; we’ve been assured that this was just for the concept car and the Octagon will still adorn the front of future MGs. Early May saw the unveiling of the new mini SUV at the prestigious London Motorshow. Christened the MG XS in the UK, the SUV will be on sale later this year and specifi cation and pricing is yet to be confi rmed by MG Motor. Exciting times ahead. Speaking of exciting times ahead, this month sees thousands of MGs descend on the home of British Motor Sport, Silverstone, for the largest MG Event on the planet, MGLive! With lots going on over the weekend of June 17-18, there’s hopefully something for everyone. This year, as well as all the exciting motorsport action, from racing and sprinting to autotests and autosolos, there will be a large social area with a stage where live acts will be performing all throughout the weekend. From The Glamophones, who will be bringing a bit of 40s and 50s swing to Silverstone, to the covers band Dammit Jack who will be playing all your favourites from the 1960s right through to the latest chart-toppers. The various models of MGs will be fi lling the infi eld; from the early Bullnose Cars through to the Y Type celebrating 70 years and the MGC celebrating 50 years, to the MG Rover-era cars right up to the very latest MG Motor products. Sunday sees the most pristine examples of these MGs all competing in the prestigious Concours and Pride of Ownership. With lots more happening over the weekend, it’s worth visiting www.mglive.com to fi nd out more. You can also book tickets securely on that website or by using the form enclosed with this magazine. To take advantage of the advance ticket rate you must order your ticket by June 8. Don’t fear, though, tickets will be available on the gate during the weekend. Until next month, drive safely.

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CHAIRMANS NOTES BY IAN QUARRINGTON

arque of Friendship. The current Chairman and other members of the Board volunteered to help man the telephones whilst an MGLive! meeting took place in our Club House in April, and the phrase “ There are never enough hours in the day” cannot surely have been used more appropriately than in connection with how busy Kimber House is during normal working hours (and beyond!). I should like to thank a wellknown member who took advantage of knowing the Board would be carrying out this task and called to ask if we could find details of the paint code for 1929 MG 18/80 in dark blue and was the paint still available. This building, which is your Club Office, is a hive of activity at all times, but especially in the lead up to our major event, MGLive! which takes place in

just a couple of weeks from now. But in between answering the phones and talking to visitors who came to the door, I took the opportunity to look back at copies of Safety Fast! from 10, 20 and 30 years ago. If I were to highlight just one area that shines through the decades in the editorial, the letters, the articles and the CRB reports, it is that the “Marque of Friendship” is a constant and remains so to this day. By coincidence, one of the telephone calls I answered was from a fairly new member to the Club who simply wanted to say thank you and how welcomed he had been made to feel when joining us while visiting the NEC Practical Classic and Restoration Show in March. Keeping this message alive is important to all of us as members, those new to the Club and the many who have been with the MGCC for several decades. It is the ethos on which the Club is based and applies to each and every part of the Club, from Motor Sport to road runs, pub meets, exhibitions and major events. The history and the future of the MGCC is not so much about which MG

models were prominent at a certain time but the members, the people who make our Club. Another phrase to think about is that the Club is for the Members first and the cars second. Some food for thought, I hope. Volunteer is another well-used word and during the day I was able to catch up with many of the ordinary members who came to the meeting at Kimber House and who go to extraordinary lengths to support us in events all year round, especially at MGLive! where there are numerous tasks to set up and run the event well before the gates are open at Silverstone. These folks not only give of their time during June, but all year round to attend these planning and co-ordinating meetings and share their ideas with the Kimber House staff to ensure there is an event to take place at all. They are some of the unsung heroes of the MG Car Club and it is they who truly embody the spirit of the Marque of Friendship. There is still time for you to volunteer to help out at the weekend. Jim Andrews and the whole team on the ground led by Lauran will be delighted to hear from you.

Peter in his K1 in the 1960s

KIMBER HOUSE NEWS

ith good weather fast approaching, Kimber House has been increasingly busy over the past month with visitors coming in from across the World. Canadians, Americans, and Australians, amongst others, have all travelled to the home of the MG Car Club to see the years of history that’s on show. In May we had a special guest come and see us in Abingdon, former member Peter Van de Weil. During the 1960s Peter was a member of the Club, owning at that time a 1934 MG K1 Magnette. Peter, a sprightly 92-year-old, visited Kimber House recently and the car, chassis No 0363 and reg LJ900, was tracked down by our Archivist, Peter Neal, who

www.mgcc.co.uk

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was able to display the original build and service records. Through the Triple M register it was established that the car still exists today. Whilst at Kimber House, Mr Van de Weil generously presented a handsome Octagonal MG clock to the Club. We’d like to thank Mr Van de Weil for the gift he presented to us that will sit proudly in the Bill Wallis Wing archive. If you’re thinking of visiting Kimber House, we’re open from 9am–5pm from Monday–Thursday and 9am–3:30pm on

Fridays. Weekends are available through advance bookings only.

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NEWS

MG OFFER TIP-TOP TIN TOP Since 2012, the MG Car Club has worked with MG Motor on a variety of activities supporting their involvement in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship. These have included, amongst other things, Club displays at BTCC rounds, ticket offers for Club members, driver and race car appearances and a whole host of other activities. Since 2014, MG UK has designated the Thruxton round of the BTCC as ‘the MG Car Club round’, displaying customer vehicles on their trade stand and enabling race-goers to hear about owning modern MG vehicles first-hand from those people who have invested their own money in the next generation of cars. This round has become a real highlight of the calendar in terms of MG’s off-track activation of the BTCC programme. MG’s Events and Sponsorship Manager, Keith Harris, said: “We always enjoy working with the MG Car Club and especially the folks from the 6.3.5 Register who are such fantastic supporters of the company. They have really bought in to what we are trying to do with the BTCC, using the platform to bring our new products to this increasingly brandaware audience. It is brilliant to be able to say to someone ‘don’t take it from me, speak to Stu and Bev, this is their car and they drive it every day’ – it can be incredibly powerful. When we had decided to go ahead with the concept of using the race car roof to give a boost to the ‘Go P3rsonal’ scheme, I had an idea that I thought would enable us to give a little back and make a gesture that I felt would demonstrate how grateful we are for the Club’s support and put a smile on people’s faces.” The MGCC 6.3.5 Register Chairman, Steve Haines, was bowled over by the gesture from MG Motor and all the MG BTCC team. “It was such an amazing surprise to see the MG Car Club and 6.3.5 Register logos on the roofs of the MG6 GT touring cars at Thruxton,” said

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Steve, who went on to say: “We have worked closely with Keith Harris at MG Motor, as well as the MG/888 team, for the past few years and supported them where we can. We have been very lucky to receive tickets to give away, hospitality for those providing their cars for the stand, as well as contact with the team and drivers, and of course huge support for the Register. This year, we can really see the team effort and enthusiasm, and particularly Aron and Dan’s understanding of the history of the marque.” Keith has told us that the whole 2017 roof concept was the brainchild of new MG RCiB Insurance Racing star and four-time BTCC race winner, Aron Taylor-Smith. Aron said: “The roof concept really came about after one of our first meetings at MG Piccadilly. Scattered around the showroom were the different roof designs that are currently on offer as part of the Go P3rsonal range for the MG3. It seemed like the perfect fit to align this with our BTCC programme as it’s a great innovation from MG and something that I wanted to put in place as I really felt we could give it a bigger platform using the BTCC cars.

“Each round we are running a different roof, usually based on one of the MG3 Go P3rsonal options, but as a one-off for the Thruxton round, the guys at MG wanted to do something a bit different to surprise the owners. I think it really brought it to life, showcasing the MG Car Club logos for Thruxton. Seeing how enthusiastic everyone was made it feel so worthwhile. This is what MG and the BTCC are all about: getting to represent an iconic brand while also competing at the top level of British motorsport. It was an honour to have the MG Car Club and Register logos on the roof, as it was clear to see how much it meant to everyone who was representing the Club at Thruxton.” Keith has also advised us that although this was a unique roof design created for the occasion and therefore not appearing on the MG3 configurator, it has as part of the process been scaled for the MG3 and (based on owner feedback over the weekend) the MG GS and can be made commercially available to any member of the MG Car Club who wishes to have these unique graphics fitted to their car. If you require further information then just contact the MG 6.3.5 Register who will put you in touch with Keith directly for a quote.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWS

TERRY STARKEY 1945-2017

Terry Starkey departed this life on April 19, leaving his family and friends in a state of shock, then and now, due to the short duration of his illness. His education at King Edward VI Grammar School in Chelmsford gave him a lifelong love of the beautiful English language. That love, combined with his natural creativity, influenced his career choice, as he formed his own successful marketing company. Perhaps there is one word that could top the list of words that might be used to describe Terry, and that word is Passionate. He was simply passionate about his family, intensely proud of his wife and his two boys. How he loved them. He loved aircraft and was on his way to an Officer Selection interview with the RAF

when, the evening before, he walked into the kitchen at a party and met Brenda, the love of his life who became his future instead. He was passionate about his dogs, the MG Car Club – The Marque of Friendship as he would quote so often, the Queen, Britain, the Union Flag – flown the right way up please and don’t you dare call it a Union Jack, England, Norfolk, his cars, especially his last one, the Le Mans Green RV8 called Arthur after his father, from whom he inherited his love of the V8 engine. Terry carried his father’s pipe in the glovebox of Arthur at all times. He was passionate about his chums from the past who meant so much to him, and from recent times with the formation of the Burblers, a group that began with six RV8 owners and went on to become known in many countries around the world, fuelled perhaps by sales of the Starkey gear knobs. Some years ago, Terry visited a neighbour who had just lost his wife. As they spoke, the neighbour told that he and his wife-tobe had courted in an MG TC, and the MG bond was formed between the two men. When Terry told him of his RV8 with the Elm Burr panel, the neighbour mentioned that he had some blocks of Elm Burr in his garage, left over from the Dutch Elm disease. By coincidence, Terry had been thinking of a replacement gear lever knob for his car but could only find poor

quality Walnut ones. The idea formed to take a piece of the block and have it turned, literally, into a gear knob. The result was so good that he realised that his chums would also like one. The end result was a production of over 230 knobs, some sent to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, all over Europe and the UK. Some wag christened him Von Knobhausen, which became VK. He loved the Lancaster, the Vulcan, the Spitfire, the Merlin engine, so frequently heard when a local Mustang would be heard over his house. Terry ran Formula Ford and Formula Vauxhall racing teams and, being gifted with the ability to spot a need and a solution, he was also able to help several financially struggling young drivers to obtain sponsorship from within his pool of contacts. I was once taken through the Paddock at his beloved Brands Hatch where so many people knew him. I felt to be in the company of greatness. Terry’s funeral was as unique as the man himself. At his wish Arthur, his RV8, was at his graveside as he was lowered toward his final resting place, high rpm slowly lowering, following him to switch off. VK, you have left a hole in our lives that, simply, can never be filled. Our love and thoughts are with Brenda and your two boys, Pete and Rob, always. Angus Munro

ABINGDON WORKS CENTRE MG DISPLAYS Two new venues have invited us to take part in car shows over the coming months. This provides an ideal opportunity to show off your pride and joy whilst promoting the Car Club! Please make a note of the dates and places and try to join us. Sunday July 2 at Notcutts Oxford Garden Centre, Nuneham Courtenay, OX44 9PY www.notcutts.co.uk This is a classic car show open to all marques and will be the first time they have held such an event. There are prizes on offer and the show is from 9.00am to 4.30pm, but cars may arrive and leave whenever they wish. A poster giving details is on our Events Calendar on the website.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Sunday September 10 at Yarnton Nurseries (just North of Oxford), Sandy Lane, Yarnton, Kidlington, OX5 1PA www.yarntonnurseries.co.uk This is just for MGs and the details are still being worked upon. It’s planned to run from 10.30am to 4.00pm, however, cars may arrive and leave whenever they wish. It’s also planned to have categories for prizes. We’d be delighted to have your support and if you can let me know beforehand, so that I can gauge numbers, that would be great. Further details from Richard Martin 01235 529331 or r.martin@mgabingdon.org.uk

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NEWS

BANGKOK TO ABINGDON On April 2, eight MGs from Australia set off commencing an overland trip from Bangkok to Abingdon. The MGs will be driving through Thailand, Cambodia and Laos before crossing into southern China. Winding their way north, visiting Shanghai (and the MG factory), and Beijing before returning to Xian to start on the fabled Silk Route. This route will take them through Xinjiang Province and then through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. From there they will journey through Iran, Turkey and across Europe. The eight MGs will finish their 27,000 km trip at the home of the MGCC, Kimber House on July 12, 2017. Should any members of the Club feel like a drive on July 12, the cars will be arriving at Folkestone at 8.30am and driving along A and B roads to Abingdon and would be delighted to have company. As a group they have a website which leads to various blogs by members of the team, and should anyone wish to follow their progress please google mgsilkroad.mgcc.com.au.

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MJS AUTO AND MARINE OFFER THEIR SUPPORT TO SAIC MG OWNERS It has come to the attention of Mike and his team at MJS Auto and Marine, MG Rover specialists based in Littlehampton, West Sussex, that Rivervale MG are no longer an MG Motor franchised dealer. MJS wish to reassure all MG owners that they are able to service and repair all generations of MG including SAIC MG cars. Genuine SAIC parts are used, so warranties are unaffected. MJS offer a fully-fitted garage service and can offer mobile service and repair. Based in the picturesque seaside town of Littlehampton, there is plenty

to keep you occupied while Mike and his team work on your car. They can also offer courtesy cars for those longer jobs. For any enquiries or booking please contact the team at: MJS Auto and Marine Garage, Manor Parade, Church Street, Littlehampton, BN17 5AH, 01903 725123, repairs@ mjsautoandmarine.co.uk

MG MOTOR UK LAUNCHES ALL-NEW SUV AT THE LONDON MOTOR SHOW MG Motor UK officially unveiled its all-new compact SUV – the MG XS – at the London Motor Show on May 4. Safety Fast! were at the show and live streamed a video of the launch on Facebook, which attracted over 7000 views. The XS features the latest in driver technology, in-car infotainment and nextgeneration vehicle design, the new model offers a glimpse of the future for MG’s iconic model range. Expected to arrive in dealerships in late 2017, the MG XS will be available in two engine derivatives and either automatic or manual transmission. The manufacturer’s first car to be marketed under a different name in the UK than China, the MG XS has been specifically developed to suit market demand for a competitively priced, family-friendly, compact SUV. Blending style, performance and practicality, the new model joins the highly acclaimed MG3 Supermini and MG GS SUV in the brand’s all-new line-up for 2017. Pricing will be highly competitive, making the MG XS perfect for young families and new drivers alike. Full specifications, trim details and pricing will be announced later this year. Until then, customers can pre-book test drives and pre-order model brochures via approved MG dealers nationwide.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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PRODUCTS IF YOU HAVE A NEW PRODUCT THAT WOULD BE OF INTEREST TO OUR MEMBERS, AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT IN SAFET Y FAST! WHY NOT CONTACT COLIN GRANT AT COLINGRANT@MGCC.CO.UK

MG MIDGET AND AUSTIN HEALEY SPRITE HIGH-PERFORMANCE MANUAL

by Daniel Stapleton Reviewed by Chris Westell Many owners of Midgets or Sprites look to improve the performance of their cars simply with mods to the engine, but improving them should also extend to such items as the brakes and suspension. Daniel’s detailed study of modifi cations is of a high standard and gives numerous suggestions on the modifi cations that can be tried. One of his suggestions is to increase the engine size from 1275cc to 1380cc and is a very cost-effective way of achieving more power. To further increase performance compression ratios can be changed by replacing the pistons, together with bigger inlet and exhaust valves. Once the engine is modifi ed and producing more power you will need to change the standard clutch coupled with a 7.5in lightened fl ywheel. Daniel then moves on to gearboxes and suggests alternatives to the standard 4-speed box, such as the Toyota or Ford 5-speed units.

NEW FROM NTGSPEEDOMETER DRIVE HOUSING FOR T AND Y TYPES Speedometer drive housing as original, but with built in oil seal -- prevents oil from travelling up cable into speedo head. Fits all T and Y-Types £94.80 i nc VAT. For more information go to NTG’s web site at www.mgbits.com or phone 01473 406032. NTG Motor Services are based at 282-284 Bramford Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 4AY

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A car is no good unless it handles, so a chapter is dedicated to this, covering the Peter May front damper top link kit. This, together with fi tting the front suspension, discs and dampers from an MGB and the rear suspension tied down with a Panhard rod, makes the Midget a fi ne-handling car. Finally he covers the reasons for modifying the bodywork and his results were validated by the MIRA wind tunnel. For high speeds in excess of 110mph, he points out that it can be more benefi cial to reduce drag than increase horsepower. For instance, fi tting a front airdam reduces airfl ow underneath the car increasing top speed by 5mph. With over 400 mainly colour pictures and exclusive tuning advice this book is a must for any Midget owner wishing to improve his car’s performance. It contains everything you could possibly wish to know. I raced Spridgets in the 1960s and wish I’d had this book to refer to then!! This book is available from the Club shop at www.shop.mgcc.co.uk priced at £35 plus £5 post and packing.

XPART ANNOUNCE AVAILABILITY OF NEW MGF HEADLAMPS XPart are pleased to announce that they now have stocks of MGF headlamps, with the Trophy variant available from mid-June. This is good news for owners as units new or good second-hand condition have been hard to source. Standard unit is priced at £159.99 each plus vat with the Trophy variant is priced at £169.99 each plus vat. For more information contact your local XPart dealer or go to the XPart website at www.xpart.com

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10 REASONS TO COME TO

MGLIVE!2017

GLive! 2017 looks set to be the best celebration of MGs that we’ve ever had at Silverstone. Most members will have seen that all of our print and digital media have been flooded with news on the event since the beginning of 2017, and as we’re getting increasingly close we thought we’d give you… 10 reasons to come to MGLive! 2017 1. Motorsport After two enthralling rounds at Donington Park and Brands Hatch, the third round of the 2017 MG Car Club race season takes place across the MGLive! weekend on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit. If you’ve joined us at one of the last two rounds, you’ll know what we’re talking about. The action has been gripping in every Championship and Series so far, with some very close racing where cars have been no more than just a few seconds apart. At MGLive! you’ll get to see cars from the 1940s right up to the 2000s compete for glory on the Grand Prix circuit – something which is special to MGLive! being one of very few events that still use it. Those interested in classics will enjoy the BCV8 championship, which focuses solely

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By Chris Kynoch

on MGBs, V8s and MGCs. The Midget and Sprite Challenge is the only exclusive ‘Spridget’ race series in the UK, making it unique to the MGCC. The Iconic 50s Series is exactly that – Iconic 50s sports cars. Here MG T-types are popular, alongside a wide selection of other car marques including Lotus, Austin Healey and Lancia. Others might be drawn to the newer models of MG, and the Trophy Championship doesn’t disappoint in that department. Three different classes of MG ZRs make up this exciting grid which has seen previous drivers such as Jack Goff graduate to the British Touring Car Championship. The Petro-Canada Lubricants Porsche Club Championship will be competing at Silverstone on Saturday June 17, and new for this year are the Masters Pre-66 Touring Cars, who will be taking to the track on Sunday June 18. Fellow newcomers Radical will be with us for the full weekend, providing high-speed racing for those in attendance. The Club boasts an open paddock policy at all of its race meetings, giving spectators the chance of roaming the pits to get a closer look at the racing cars. If you want to learn more, drivers and team members are very friendly and will be more than happy to have a chat.

2. Wheeler Dealers MGLive! 2017 will see the debut of the new Wheeler Dealers team of Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead. The duo will be hosting the Live Arena together on Saturday, whilst Ant will be taking charge on the Sunday. The Human Gymkhana is back by popular demand, and the pair will be putting the audience through their paces with a number of car-related tasks and challenges. For those that fancy themselves as a member of a pit crew, we have the Mac Tools Challenge. If you think you’re the quickest tyre changer around, we’ve got some great prizes up for grabs. Wheeler Dealer Karting will not only be a blast to get involved in, but hilarious to watch. Mike vs Ant will see members of the crowd join both teams as they race in a relay through a tricky

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MGLIVE!

obstacle course which also includes plenty of water! If you’ve ever wanted the Wheeler Dealers to look over your MG, now’s your chance. The Car Clinic is brand-new for 2017, giving members professional advice on their MGs. Each entrant will also get a special goody bag, courtesy of the Wheeler Dealers themselves. Mike and Ant will also be on hand for autographs and selfies throughout the day. 3. Social The Club is renowned for being the Marque of Friendship, due to the brilliant atmosphere generated by enthusiasts of all ages and at MGLive! this is all brought together. The Village Green will be the social hub for the event this year, with live music playing all weekend, alongside food and drink stalls and celebrity meet and greets. The Sunday of MGLive! is Father’s Day, and we can’t think of a better place to spend the day than Silverstone.

4. MG Displays If there’s something MGLive! has in abundance, it’s MGs. Over 3,000 will pour into Silverstone over June 17-18, with cars dating from the 1920s right through to the modern day. The main marquee is where you’ll find the Club’s Registers who will be happy to chat and answer any MGrelated queries you may have, ranging from technical support to local events. Another feature this year is our motorsport display which will be showing a selection of cars that have all inked their place in the history books of MG. The ex-works MGC GTS (RMO699F) is a car with huge racing pedigree. Only two lightweight MGCs were built in the Competitions Department at Abingdon, MBL 546E and later RMO 699F. They both ran in the 1968 Marathon de la Route – an 84-hour race in Nürburgring, as well as Sebring in 1969. Tony Pond’s MG Metro 6R4 is an iconic Group B rally legend that always catches the attention of enthusiasts. With its striking appearance, classic Computervision livery and V6 engine, we know it’ll be turning heads across the weekend. To round up this unique trio is one of the current MG6 GTs that’s racing in the 2017 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). Operated by Triple Eight Racing for 2017, the cars are campaigned by Dan Lloyd and Aron Taylor-Smith and are heavily modified versions of the MG6. 5. Traders and cars for sale Traders for 2017 are bigger and better, with more stands that ever before covering a wide range of MGs. A

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_June17_1-49.indd 13

vast range of businesses will be in attendance this year, providing visiting enthusiasts with everything they’re after, including motoring automobilia, with items such as leather jackets and wicker picnic baskets. MGLive! is great if you’re looking to sell your car. Your MG will be on show at Silverstone where you’re guaranteed maximum exposure to a wider community of enthusiasts. Likewise, for people looking to add to their collection, MGLive! is the best place to find the one you’ve always wanted. 6. Village Green and Lifestyle Marquee The Village Green is at the heart of the event, and provides a centre point for everything else going on. The festival feel will be in full swing with five music groups adding to the atmosphere across the weekend. 40s and 50s close-harmony vocal group, The Candy Girls, will get the music underway, with the Shadow Monkeys providing some rock, pop and funk covers to mix it up. TFI Live will get the party in full swing on Saturday evening, playing a wide range of music from the 50s, 60s and 70s right through to the 90s and 00s. On Sunday, The Glamophones will be performing some 40s and 50s hits, while the fantastic Dammit Jack will encourage you to sing-a-long to all of your favourites from the 1960s to the latest chart-toppers. The Lifestyle Marquee gives visitors a change of scenery with an exciting arrangement of quirky stalls that will certainly catch the eye. Motorsport in Focus will be on hand to sell photos from the event – including those taken

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MGLIVE!

when the cars enter Silverstone. This is your chance to get a professional photo of you and your MG. 7. California Cup and Autosolo In June, the California Cup is taking place in the heart of the event, and for the first time, it’s FREE to enter. No previous experience of an Autotest is necessary; however, each competitor has to be an MG Car Club member and they must use a roadworthy car. An Autotest comprises a series of tests around a tarmac course marked out with cones, and the California Cup is awarded to the team that can get around the cones in the quickest time possible. Centres and Registers usually put teams together, but if you fancy having a go with two members of your local Club meet, for example, that’s absolutely fine. The Autosolo (not to be confused with an Autotest) will be taking place on Sunday June 18 and this is slightly different to the California Cup. The Autosolo is for individuals, not teams, and is specifically targeted towards amateurs – so if you haven’t done anything like this before, don’t worry, as you won’t be alone. You can also have one nominated passenger who can give you a hand as you make your way around the course. We want people to experience everything MGLive! has to offer this year, and getting involved in either of these competitions will really enhance your enjoyment of the event. Essentially, it’s about having fun in your car – something we all enjoy. 8. Entertainment MGLive! is never short on entertainment for all the family, and this year is no different. We’ve already touched on the music playing in the Village Green, and the Wheeler Dealers hosting the Live Arena. A brand-new children’s activity area will be a welcome break for the little ones coming to Silverstone. We’ve

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got a range of activities and games for them to get stuck into and picnic tables for the parents to relax while the kids enjoy themselves. On Friday evening the Pit Stop Café will be open and serving food until late, providing the best possible start for your weekend. Alongside the assortment of music on Saturday, the annual Glo Cars competition organised by the MGF Register will be held in the evening, as an accompaniment to band TFI Live. Downforce Racing Simulators will give you the chance to get into the hot seat and set some times with the only seven driver mobile racing car simulator in Europe. Choose from a selection of racing cars and tracks and emulate the racing at MGLive! for yourself. 9. Russ Swift Russ Swift is exclusive to MGLive! 2017, as Silverstone plays host to the stuntman’s only UK show this year. Wowing crowds with his amazing collection of stunts is what Russ does best, and he’ll be showing off all of his moves on both Saturday and Sunday. Throughout his career Russ has driven cars to the absolute limit, from the Montego in the famous 80s advert, to the modern MG3 he now uses for his performances.

Members of the crowd can take part in the action too, with passenger rides that will get your heart beating faster than a 100m sprint. 10. Concours and Pride of Ownership The Concours and Pride of Ownership competitions, supported by Meguiar’s, are FREE to enter at MGLive! this year. Cars of all types and ages are split into various classes in both competitions, and some great detailing prizes will be on offer to the winners of each one. The overall winner of the Concours competition will go on to represent the MG Car Club in the Meguiar’s Club Showcase competition at the NEC Classic Motor Show in November, where 70,000 people will be in attendance to take a look at your prized possession. Entrants for the Concours will have to contact the Club in advance; however the Pride of Ownership can either be entered in advance or on the day. Every car that enters has to be driven to and from the event.

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W H Y N O T P AY U S A V I S I T AT K I M B E R S T O R E S , A B I N G D O N , O X 1 4 1 A S M O N DAY TO F R I DAY 9.0 0 - 16.0 0, C LO S E D AT W E E K E N D S With over 300 items in stock, it really is your one-stop shop for all things MG and MG Car Club related. The new range of merchandise has been hand-picked with Club members and MG fans in mind, all with the goal of offering choice and quality. Everything from mugs to clocks, jumpers to jackets, teas to Top Trumps and more besides. Flat-rate shipping means that you’re not paying over the odds for postage, wherever you may be in the world. As well as the classic must-have items we are also adding items from the Club’s various centres and registers, with more being added all the time, so keep checking the website for new items, and keep an eye on the Club’s Facebook page, and in Safety Fast! for the latest new products, fl ash sales and savings and even more. With something for everyone, why not visit the web shop to view the full range of products.

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

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FEATURE

SUCK, SQUEEZE, BANG AND BLOW

M 5

All clu IN Ear com Con

M Cra

– THE MANCHESTER XPAG TESTS By Paul Ireland

sk an MG owner how their petrol engine works and the answer you are likely to get is “suck, squeeze, bang and blow”. If only matters were that simple. Before presenting the next set of data from the Manchester tests, this article introduces some of the concepts affecting the combustion of fuel in a four-stroke, spark ignition engine. It describes the journey taken by a single cylinder in an XPAG engine running at 3000 rpm where it completes the four stages of the cycle in a mere 40-thousandth of a second (40ms). Think how fast one second is and imagine that one millisecond was equivalent to one second. On that timescale, one hour would last six weeks! One millisecond is so fast that even gases can act like solids.

SUCK The start of our journey is where the piston is at top dead centre (TDC). At

this point you might expect the exhaust valve to close and the inlet valve to suddenly open. Valves cannot open and close instantaneously and any delay as the inlet valve opens reduces engine power. Fortunately, MG engineers knew the valves could start to open earlier and close later than expected; increasing an engine’s power. At the start of our journey, the inlet valve will already have been opening for 0.6ms (11° before TDC) and it is another 1.3ms (24° after TDC) before the exhaust valve fully closes. The 1.9ms when both valves are open is called valve overlap and is beneficial at higher rpm. At the top of the ‘blow’ stroke the piston has expelled most of the exhaust gases and as the inlet valve starts to open, a ‘scavenge’ effect takes place where the rush of gases into the exhaust port draws in some air/petrol mixture though the inlet valve. At TDC the cylinder is not empty. The 45.5cc volume of the combustion

chamber (about 15% of the 312.5cc cylinder volume) still contains hot exhaust gases at approximately 1200°C left over from the previous cycle. As the piston starts to fall, exhaust gases will continue to vent through the exhaust valve, and the remainder will cool as they expand. (If you ever studied physics, you may remember Boyle’s Law. As a gas is expanded it cools, and when compressed it gets hotter). At some time between TDC and Bottom Dead Centre (BDC) when the pressure in the cylinder becomes lower than the inlet manifold pressure, the air/petrol mixture will start to flow in earnest into the cylinder. Induction has begun. The volume of mixture entering the cylinder is controlled by the throttle butterfly. This is a circular brass plate that pivots when the throttle is pressed allowing more mixture to flow into the engine. As the throttle is opened, the suction piston in the carburettor responds, moving upwards as more air

AU v v v v v v v v v v

16 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2017

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FEATURE

flows through the carburettor. Its height is a measure of the volume of air flowing into the engine and by withdrawing the tapered needle from the jet, it allows more fuel into the air stream. In this way the SU carburettor is able to accurately control the air/fuel ratio. The ideal mixture for the inducted air/fuel is a stoichiometric ratio consisting of 14.7 times the mass of air to petrol. Unfortunately, carburettors are volumetric devices; they deliver measured volumes of petrol and air. The addition of ethanol, currently up to 5%, affects the ideal stoichiometric ratio. Ethanol contains oxygen whereas petrol does not. With ethanol-blended fuels you need more fuel and less air, ie a richer mixture. Fortunately, SU carburettors can be adjusted to accommodate for this effect. This will be covered in a later article. Depending on throttle setting and engine revs, around 10% of the petrol will evaporate in the carburettor, cooling

18 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2017

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it. In normal road use when the engine is probably running at part throttle, this will not be noticeable. However, for racers who want the maximum power output it reduces the volume of petrol entering the engine and hence maximum power. This cooling can also cause carburettor icing, probably more likely in engines with exposed carburettors, such as motor bikes. Modern fuels have a greater range of light fractions, to improve cold starting, that are more likely to evaporate in the carburettor. In addition, ethanol requires twice the heat to evaporate as petrol. All this contributes to increasing the cooling effect. If you are suffering from carburettor icing, this will get worse as the percentage of ethanol increases. The solution would be to use a fuel with a lower percentage of front end components, as described in the previous article. The inducted air/petrol mixture consists of 20% oxygen (O2), 80%

nitrogen (N2) and small quantities of other atmospheric gases, some of the petrol as vapour and the remaining as varying sizes of liquid droplets. At low revs or light throttle settings petrol may be deposited on the inlet manifold walls, an effect called pooling, before it streams into the cylinder. The first air/petrol mixture entering the cylinder meets the residual hot exhaust gases. These heat the incoming mixture and cause some of the droplets of petrol to evaporate, cooling the residual gases in the process. Before the petrol can burn it must be a vapour. To achieve the ideal stoichiometric mixture, all the liquid petrol entering the cylinder must boil before ignition and be mixed with the air. This boiling is unlike what you see in your kettle, where bubbles form in the bulk of the liquid. Inside the cylinder, the petrol evaporates molecule by molecule from the surface of the droplets. The small droplets with a large surface area relative to their volume will evaporate the fastest. Even though the residual gases are extremely hot, they will not contain sufficient energy to evaporate all the inducted petrol. SQUEEZE After reaching bottom dead centre (BDC), the piston starts to rise. However, induction continues for another 3.2ms (57Â° after BCD) until the inlet valve closes. During this time the air/petrol mixture entering the cylinder 90mm above the piston does not feel the effect of the pistonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upward motion and continues to flow into the cylinder. This increases the cylinder pressure about 0.2 to 0.5 lbs/inch2 above that of the inlet manifold and is called the stagnation pressure. The compression stroke does not start in earnest until the inlet valve has closed and continues for another 6.8ms until the piston reaches TDC, after 20ms or half way into our journey. During this compression stroke, the pressure and temperature of the mixture

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FEATURE

increases, providing heat to evaporate more liquid petrol. Pockets of rich and weak mixture will form as the liquid petrol evaporates. Turbulence in the gases will mix these with the air in the cylinder as the compression stroke progresses. Like many modern designs, the combustion chamber in the cylinder head of the XPAG is boat shaped. As the piston approaches the top of the stroke, the gases on the outside edge of the cylinder, where the cylinder head overlaps the bore, are ‘squished’ into the combustion chamber, increasing turbulence and mixing. At the end of the compression stroke, liquid petrol may still be present

BANG Combustion is initiated by an electrical spark in the gap of the spark plug. There are products on the market that increase the power of the spark and claim to also improve the engine’s power or efficiency. This was one effect that was investigated at Manchester by measuring engine’s full throttle power output as a function of spark energy at 2,000, 2,500 and 3,000 rpm. The graph shows that the energy in the spark has no effect on power output over the range of rpm investigated. This is

20 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2017

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Trapped petrol

Evaporated petrol

hardly surprising when you consider the chemical energy released by the small volume of petrol ignited by the spark is over 1,000 times that of the electrical energy in the spark! As long as a spark is formed, no matter how weak, the combustion process will start. The only benefit of systems to improve the spark energy is to reduce

in the cylinder, trapped between the piston and cylinder wall, around the valves or as large droplets of fuel that have not evaporated. This may be more common in lowcompression engines where there is less compressive heating. Even if the carburettor is delivering the correct mixture, the presence of liquid petrol at the end of the squeeze stroke will result in a weak mixture when the plug fires. This will have a significant impact on the growth of the flame front.

misfiring caused by dirt or defects in the high tension components of the ignition system. Unfortunately, even these high energy systems will fail to deliver a spark to the plug if the condition of the ignition system is very poor. It is important to ensure the distributor cap, rotor arm, coil, plug caps and plug leads are mechanically sound (no scratches or burns from arcing) and are clean and free from dirt and moisture. This will ensure even the standard ignition system will perform to the optimum. The flash point of a flammable liquid is the lowest

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FEATURE

Trapped petrol

Expanding fl ame front Pocket of rich mixture

temperature at which there is suffi cient vapour for an ignition source, such as the spark plug, to ignite the mixture; its auto-ignition temperature is the lowest temperature at which it will spontaneously ignite, burning without a source of ignition. Auto-ignition is bad as it causes the pressure in the cylinder to rapidly increase, resulting in pinking or knocking. An ideal fuel has a low fl ash point and high auto-ignition temperature. After the spark plug fi res, there are three phases during the combustion cycle. Firstly, a fi reball of burning mixture about the size of a pin head is created. This fi reball grows as the fl ame front moves outward at approximately 35cm/ sec, depending on the pressure in the cylinder and air/fuel mixture around the spark plug. This initial phase of the combustion is slow and a signifi cant factor in the time taken to burn the fuel. Furthermore, a weak or rich mixture around the plug will signifi cantly slow the growth of this initial fi reball, leading to a late cycle. Once the fi reball has grown to approximately the size of a pea, the second phase begins when turbulence takes over and spreads these ignition points throughout the volume of the cylinder, rapidly igniting the remaining mixture. When petrol burns in the presence of suffi cient air, the hydrocarbon chains break down. The hydrogen (H) combines with the oxygen (O2) in the air to produce water (H2O) and the carbon (C) combines with the O2 to produce carbon

22 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2017

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dioxide (CO2), liberating a great deal of energy in the form of heat, 33 million joules for each litre of petrol. During the third stage, this heat both evaporates and burns any remaining liquid fuel and dramatically increases the pressure of the gases in the cylinder. After ignition, the ideal situation is that the pressure in the cylinder will reach its maximum 17° after TDC (0.8ms after TDC); anything different and the engine will not produce as much power. It takes a relatively long time from the spark that creates the initial fi reball to all the mixture being burned. As revs increase it is necessary to advance when the spark plug fi res to provide suffi cient time for all the fuel to burn before the optimum. On very early cars this was achieved manually, typically by a lever on the steering wheel. On later cars and the majority of MGs this is done by bob weights in the distributor which fl y out as engine revs increase, causing the ignition timing to advance. The graph compares the ‘centrifugal’ advance curve for the XPAG from the Manchester tests (green) to the original curve from a rebuilt TC distributor (red). The original advance curve is

around 5° too retarded below 4000rpm, supporting general observations that it is necessary to advance engines when using modern fuel. Unfortunately, the shape of the original curve is wrong. Increasing the standard advance to 5° static improves the timing up to ~3000rpm, beyond which the engine is too advanced.

The growth of the initial fi reball is also dependent on the pressure in the cylinder, which in turn is related to throttle setting. At light throttle settings, cylinder pressure is low and the growth of the fl ame front slower. More advance in addition to the

centrifugal advance is needed. On later cars this is achieved using the vacuum pod on the distributor which is connected to the inlet manifold. A light throttle setting reduces the pressure in the inlet manifold causing the pod to advance the ignition timing. Earlier cars do not have a vacuum advance. At Manchester, vacuum gauges were connected to a plate fi tted between the carburettor and inlet manifold. This allowed the vacuum advance to be measured during the part throttle tests, shown in the graph. At light throttle settings, up to an additional 15 degrees advance must be added to the centrifugal advance to obtain the correct timing. Once the ignition has fi red, a race starts between the pressure waves caused by the fl ame front rushing across and down the cylinder and the piston moving upwards. At 30° advanced, the piston still has 8.5 mm to travel (9.3% of the stroke) before it reaches TDC. During this time the building pressure is working against it. As pressure builds, so does the speed of the fl ame front resulting in a rapidly increasing cylinder pressure. Maintaining the correct advance

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FEATURE

is important. Running an engine too advanced will result in damage to the piston and big ends as the building pressure tries to force the piston back down the cylinder, reducing the power output. Running too retarded leads to an increase in exhaust temperature, burned exhaust valves and damage to the cylinder head. Both these effects were investigated at Manchester by measuring the full throttle power output as a function of advance. What is interesting is the insensitivity

of power output to ignition timing. At 3000rpm, advancing or retarding the ignition by as much as 10-15 degrees only changed the power output by ~5%. This suggests the combustion profile is very spread, as is discussed below. The change in exhaust temperature with ignition timing is more pronounced. After ignition, minor variations in the turbulence and particularly the mixture around the spark plug can have a significant effect on the growth of the initial fireball and lead to an effect called cyclic variability. If you were able to measure the crank angle when the maximum cylinder pressure

24 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2017

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was reached and count the number of cycles that occurred at that angle, you would get a frequency plot as shown in the example below. The orange curve corresponds to low cyclic variability and the blue and dotted blue curves to higher cyclic variability. Unfortunately, measuring the timing at which the peak pressure occurs in a running engine requires specialist equipment, not available for the Manchester XPAG tests. The effects of cyclic variability, however, can be assessed by comparing measurements using different fuels or, in this case, different ignition advance settings to assess its impact. Future articles will describe how carburettor settings or different fuels can reduce cyclic variability. The effect of cyclic variability is to broaden frequency curve, shown by the blue and dotted blue curves. As the magnitude of the cyclic variability increases, fewer cycles occur in the maximum power range, decreasing the engine’s power output. Additionally, there are a small number of cycles where peak pressure occurs before TDC. These cycles pink, an effect referred to as ‘micro pinking’ by John Saunders when he investigated the effects of modern fuel. Cycles where the peak pressure occurs late in the cycle will have insufficient time to fully burn and will still be burning when the exhaust valve opens, increasing the exhaust temperature. Advancing the timing moves the curve to the left, as shown by the dotted curve, slightly increasing the number of cycles that will pink and significantly decreasing the number that are burning late in the cycle, reducing the exhaust temperature. When the timing of the peak pressure is spread by cyclic variability, ignition timing makes little difference to the number cycles in the maximum power band (shown in blue). Power output is very insensitive to advance. The data clearly demonstrates

these two effects, indicating cyclic variability is a significant factor during the Bang cycle of the XPAG engine. Cyclic variability explains some of the myths surrounding modern fuel. The measurements show an average reduction in exhaust temperature of around 20°C for each five degrees advance. The standard advance curve for the XPAG is five degrees too retarded which increases exhaust temperature by 20°C, explaining why some people think modern fuel ‘burns hotter’ even though actual combustion temperatures are unchanged. Furthermore, the increased number of late burning cycles gives the impression that modern fuel burns more slowly, when it does not. These findings highlight the importance of using the correct advance curve for an engine, both to avoid micropinking and keep the exhaust gases as cool as possible. A suggestion would be for each of the Registers to sponsor rolling road tests on ‘typical’ cars to measure and share the centrifugal and vacuum advance curves. Mechanical distributors deliver a timing accuracy of around +/- two degrees, increasing the width of the curve above. These should be checked for wear, sticking bob weights and to ensure the vacuum advance is working properly. Electronic distributors are more accurate. Programmable ones allow the advance curves to be accurately set. I have now fitted a programmable electronic distributor with a vacuum advance to my TC. This is programmed using the curves measured above. The

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MG3 fuel consumption: URBAN 41.7 mpg | 6.8 l/100km, EXTRA URBAN 59.6 mpg | 4.8 l/100km, COMBINED 51.5 mpg | 5.5 l/100km, CO2 Emissions: 124g/km. MG GS fuel consumption: URBAN 36.6 - 37.6 mpg | 7.7 - 7.5 l/100km, EXTRA URBAN 53.2 mpg | 5.3 l/100km, COMBINED 45.5 - 46.3 mpg | 6.2 - 6.1 l/100km, CO2 EMISSIONS 139 - 141 g/km. Models shown : MG GS Exclusive with metallic paint in Spiced Orange at £20,090 and MG3 3Style+ in Newton Black with White Trophy Stripe graphics pack and white wing mirror caps at £12,045.40. †On the road (OTR) price of £8,695 applies to the MG3 3Time with no optional extras and £15,095 applies to the MG GS Explore with no optional extras. OTR prices include VAT where applicable, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and 12 months’‘Vehicle Excise Duty’. From prices exclude optional metallic paint, accessories and graphics packs. Fuel consumption values shown are based on official EU test figures and are to be used as a guide for comparative purposes and may not be representative of actual driving results. Offer terms and conditions apply: *0% APR: Conditional sale. 0% APR available on all MG3 and MG GS models until 30.06.2017. A minimum deposit of 20% of the cash OTR price applies on all MG3 models and 30% of the cash OTR price applies on all MG GS models. Finance by MG Financial Services, a trading style of GMAC UK plc, PO Box 6666, Cardiff CF15 7YT, subject to status, availability and terms and conditions. Applicants must be aged 18 or over at participating dealers. See your local dealer or visit mg.co.uk/offers for details.

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FEATURE

net result is a significantly advanced ignition timing above the standard, particularly at low throttle settings and, as predicted by the tests, my car runs noticeably cooler particularly in slowmoving traffic. Unfortunately, the power stroke ends all too quickly, 7.1ms after TDC when the exhaust valve starts to open (52° before BDC) and the high pressure gases rush out of the cylinder in a process called ‘blowdown’. Blowdown utilises the remaining combustion pressure to ‘get the gas in the exhaust moving’. Without this effect, energy would be lost during the exhaust stroke, as the piston would have to push the gases out of the cylinder. The piston is powering the car forward for just 18% of the time of each cycle. BLOW If everything were perfect, a fully combusted mixture of gases consisting of water vapour, carbon dioxide and nitrogen rushes into the exhaust, expanding and cooling to around 500°C. The piston reaches BDC, 2.9ms after the exhaust valve started to open and as it rises the remaining exhaust gas is pushed out of the cylinder. Combustion is not perfect; petrol vapour requires oxygen to burn. The droplets of petrol that evaporate during the combustion cycle will initially exist as ‘vapour droplets’. Although the temperature is sufficiently high to cause these to burn, the absence of oxygen means they will not burn properly, appearing in the exhaust as unburned hydrocarbons or carbon monoxide. Turbulence will mix these pockets of partially burned fuel with oxygen, allowing them to fully burn as the gases leave the cylinder and travel down the exhaust, further increasing exhaust temperature. A gas analyser looking at the exhaust gases reveals a great deal about the combustion process. The unburned hydrocarbons show how much petrol

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has been unable to burn in the cylinder or exhaust due to a lack of oxygen. This can arise either because of a rich mixture or poor combustion as described above. Finally NOX or Nitrous Oxide, (NO) is produced at high combustion temperatures when the nitrogen in the air oxidises. NOX is bad for three reasons. It takes energy from the burning hydrocarbons further reducing the engine’s efficiency, it reduces the amount of oxygen available for the fuel to burn and it is an atmospheric pollutant that contributes to `acid rain’. The presence of NOX is usually an indication of high ignition temperatures caused by a weak mixture. What about modern cars? While the valve and ignition timing will differ slightly from an XPAG, the journey described above is very similar, with three major differences. First, the fuel is injected as very small and evenly sized droplets, typically 50 micrometres in diameter (about 1/5th the size of those produced by a carburettor). These not only mix with the air more effectively,

caused in part by the careful design of the inlet manifold, they evaporate five times faster. Ultimately this creates a more evenly distributed mixture of air and petrol vapour in the cylinder before the ignition fires. Second, compression ratios are higher than in classic cars, increasing the compressive heating. Finally, the timing of the spark is continuously adjusted to ensure that the mixture burns optimally, and it is typically far less advanced than for the XPAG. The race between the piston and flame front is shorter and no longer left to chance. These differences allow modern cars to run on fuels that have a wide range of different hydrocarbons. After 40ms our journey ends, only to start over again. Each cylinder completes the cycle described above 25 times per second. Driving along in an MG TC at 3000 rpm (48 mph in top gear) this sequence repeats itself 6,000 times in the four cylinders every minute. The wonders of suck, squeeze, bang and blow.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

THE SHANGHAI

MOTOR SHOW 2017 If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to stir a car enthusiast’s interest, it’s a motor show. And when MG set about teasing a new sportscar, we’re all going to sit up and pay attention…

ince the very birth of the car industry, motor shows have been an opportunity for manufacturers to show off their newest cars in the biggest and best way possible, with full attention of the motoring press. While the London and Birmingham Motor Shows have been MG’s traditional stomping ground, the focus for MG fans now is on the bi-annual Shanghai Motor Show. The 2017 Show would be no different – interest and intrigue for the event kicked off the week before, when MG teased what appeared to be a two-door coupe, something that suggested a return to MG’s traditional sportscar market, something that MG fans across the world had been clamouring for since production of the TF ceased in 2011. And at this year’s show, their prayers would be answered in the form of the latest MG concept, the MG E-Motion. Backed by images and video of the MGA, MGB GT, MGC and MG TF and accompanied by a live pianist, it fell to former Liverpool footballer Ian Rush to pull the satin sheet from the car and for the fi rst time since the X80 in 2001, an MG sportscar concept was shown to the world.

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

A new look The E-Motion continues to the new look fi rst seen on the XS crossover, with a large grille, following the lines of half an octagon. The design has been led by Shou Jingfeng who has sought to give the E-Motion a smoother, more fl owing, natural form drawing inspiration,

www.mgcc.co.uk

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in his words, from the likes of the MGA. Jingfeng has been with SAIC for almost two decades and spent a considerable amount of time working in Europe, in Germany. It’s undoubtedly the largest sportscar or coupe in MG’s history, but has room for four adults, with entry afforded by the stunning butterfl y doors. The ‘London

Eye’ headlights are styled to resemble the iconic London landmark, complete with retractable cowls that draw back to expose the full headlight once the units are switched on. To the rear, the E-Motion features compact, upright taillamps that hint at the sweetly sculpted Pininfarina items that featured on the likes of the MGB,

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FEATURE

Standing Out

MGC and MG Midget, with large MG logos fitted prominently to the front and rear of the car – and it was these MG logos that have caused the most discussion about the car, because for the first time since 1924 this MG doesn’t wear the Octagon – almost. Look closely and you’ll see smoothed, rounded corners on the badge, but from a distance it appears round. MG’s brand manager in China, Chris Chen, was quick to quell any concern

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from enthusiasts, suggesting that the changes to the badge had been made to provoke a reaction and prompt discussion about the concept car and indeed the MG marque in general, but also moved to reassure people, saying: “The rounded logo on the E-motion is to highlight MG’s new family design; future production MGs will definitely keep the Octagon on every vehicle.” The interior is similarly space-age, with a fully connected, internet ready

The Shanghai Motor Show is one of the largest motor shows on the calendar, taking over the sprawling NECC (National Exhibition and Convention Center) and SAIC, MG’s parent company, took over much of the hall. Flanked by siblings from Roewe and SAIC Volkswagen, the MG stand didn’t disappoint, with a huge video wall and a full-size MG3 mounted to a wall displaying the Union Flag, flanked by the slogan ‘This is me and My MG’. Upstairs (yes, the stand had an upstairs) visitors were treated to an entire floor dedicated to the MG Car Club. With a café bar offering complimentary drinks, the Car Club’s logo was hung from the wall, while on the opposite wall hung the words ‘The Worldwide Marque of Friendship’. Wherever you looked there were pictures of MGAs, Bs, Cs, 6R4s, GS, 6s, 3s and more. Whatever your thoughts on the current MG range and the choice to produce an SUV, it’s clear to see that SAIC care very deeply about the brand’s incredible history and the Club that has been inextricably linked to the marque since 1930.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/05/2017 16:59

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infotainment system, leather seats and smart jet turbine-styled air vents, complete with temperature controls built into the dials. The cabin, with its full-length glass roof stretching from bonnet to boot, is light and airy, making the E-Motion feel as close to a convertible as it can be without the roof being removable. Tesla Territory With the emphasis placed on the ‘E’ it’s perhaps unsurprising to learn that the E-Motion boasts an all-electric powertrain, with MG claiming the car has a 0-60 time of under 4 seconds, while offering a range of over 300 miles – stats that put the E-Motion within striking distance of the £60,000+ Tesla Model S. MG haven’t confirmed the number of electric motors the E-Motion will boast and whether it will stick to a traditional, rear-wheel drive layout or opt for four-wheel drive. The E-Motion was by far and away the car of the show, with a huge crowd on hand to witness its unveiling and plenty of media asking questions about the car and the likelihood of its transition from concept to real-world vehicle. MG Motor UK’s Head of Sales

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XS struts its stuff

and Marketing, Matthew Cheyne, confirmed that such was the positive response to the E-Motion that it was highly likely the car would be given the green light for production, with multiple outlets suggesting an on-sale date of 2020 for the latest and most technically-advanced sportscar in MG’s rich and storied history. The decision to unveil a sportscar shows a new confidence in the brand and an understanding of its core values and an appreciation of what makes MG special and what made so many people fall in love with the marque time and time again.

While the E-Motion rightly got all of the media attention at the show, the MG ZS compact SUV also generated a lot of interest – especially with some of its clever on-board technology. The ZS, or XS as it will be called when it arrives in the UK, features voice-controlled satellite navigation in the Chinese-market model and a whole host of other tech that’s intended to make things simpler and safer to use. The cabin marks another notable improvement in MG’s interior design, with higherquality materials than ever before, resulting in a car that feels well screwed together and pleasing to be in, with the leather-topped dashboard and steering wheel feeling like premium items. With a decent boot, bags of headroom and MG Motor recently confirming a choice of petrol engines and both manual and automatic gearboxes, it should be a worthy addition to the growing MG line-up when it arrives in the UK towards the end of 2017. The XS was joined on stage by the GS, which has undergone a China-only facelift in recent months and the smaller four-door saloon, the MG GT. All three were resplendent in special-edition graphics for Liverpool FC, further cementing the tie-up between the football club and MG in China.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/05/2017 16:59

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The MGB of the author Ken Cothliff ( Yorkshire)

The TC of Ian Graham (Tyne Tees) at Kelso

The TD of Dave Stewart somewhere in the Borders (Caledonian)

Cars resting at the Sunday lunch stop. Dryburgh Abbey Hotel

Jim Henderson (Holland) enjoying a round of golf ‘30s style on the Sunday evening

CALEDONIAN CENTRE TOUR

TWEED VALLEY 25 ANNIVERSARY TOUR 2017 A ‘FIRST-TIMERS’ PERSPECTIVE.

t the end of April Julie and I and ‘Marmalade’, our orange 1973 MGB Roadster, headed north from Leeds to join the Caledonian Centre on their 25th Anniversary spring tour, this year taking in the Tweed Valley and the Borders of Scotland and England. We approached the southern rendezvous at Vallum Farm Shop Centre, near Hexham, along a long straight road, probably of Roman origin. The majority of Caledonian Centre members assembled at the Radstone Hotel at Larkhall, just south of Hamilton. Leaving our respective bases, and armed with the excellent route manuals provided, we headed into the Scottish Border area for a lunchtime gathering at Kelso after a

www.mgcc.co.uk

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By Ken Cothliff

run of some 69 miles. The cars took over the town square, much to the enjoyment of all, and the locals. Marmalade had kept her hood up for the first part of the trip, but as the weather improved, down it came for a sunny afternoon run. Each route manual had well-planned ‘tulip guides’ and maps showing the routes. For the rest of the weekend, options were given for ‘long’ or ‘short’ routes to the various destinations. For the Saturday afternoon we elected to do the long route, about 60 miles, which consisted of many narrow roads with passing places. Plenty of warning was given for potholes, which were pretty common on these little-used highways. Past Howman, we crossed a ford which led us on the Roman Dere Street, with remains of a Roman encampment on the

left. It was tough to pass the Cross Keys pub in Ancrum, especially as our Scottish friends told us it sold excellent beer! The last part of this first run up to the Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, our base for the weekend, was along a heavily wooded road on the south bank of the River Tweed. This evening, and throughout the weekend, the Caledonian team left plenty of time to enjoy the facilities of the hotel, which is also a Golf and Spa Hotel. We checked in to the Hotel, and on entering our room we found a wonderful ‘goody bag’ with lots of surprises from the sponsors. Much to my wife’s special delight was a box of Tunnocks Teacakes. Early evening was spent having drinks and meeting the wonderful team from the Caledonian Centre, in particular

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One of the sponsors, Central Garage displayed an MG 3 and GS in Kelso Square

Bob MacGillivray, and Barry and Nancy Crichton, who couldn’t have been more helpful, especially to newcomers like Julie and me. After a good night’s sleep, interrupted only in the morning by the twittering of some local oystercatchers, and a hearty breakfast, it was time to select the route we would run, and as the weather was sunny again we selected the long route of some 80 miles. This took us along the Tweed upstream, past Peebles, and over more narrow one-track roads, over Tweedine Hills and on past the Talla and Megget reservoirs and St. Mary’s Loch. Eventually we met up with those on the shorter route at the friendly Gordon Arms hotel. Leaving the pub and crossing Ettrick Water we headed for Hawick. We took the opportunity to top up the fuel before heading along a very twisty road towards Melrose, turning to the Ettrick Forest. After crossing the Tweed again we eventually entered the grounds of Dryburgh Abbey Hotel, for our lunch stop. Julie and I took the opportunity to visit the graves of Sir Walter Scott, and Field Marshal Earl Haig, both buried in the abbey ruins, especially poignant for me as Earl Haig founded the Poppy Appeal, for whom I collect every year. Leaving the Abbey we headed past Scott’s View viewing point, and Abbotsford, Scott’s home, before wending our way down the Tweed Valley again and back up to Cardrona, passing Traquair House, allegedly the oldest inhabited house in Scotland, dating back to 1107. That evening was a special event marking the 25th Anniversary of this popular spring Caledonian Centre event, this time taking the form of a special dinner and dance. We were asked to

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There were a lot of RV8s on the Tour! Trudi Henderson (Holland) enjoys the Jazz Band

enter into the ‘spirit of the 1930s’ and the beginning of MG Car Club activities in Scotland by dressing accordingly, which many did, yours truly dressing as a 1930s aviator, and Julie as my wealthy lady, complete with long cigarette holder. Prizes were awarded during the course of the evening for dress and longdistance travel, and two entrants who were present at the first tour and with the same cars won a special prize each. Afterwards dancing went on late into the night to a local jazz band, with music of the time. Monday, and the last day saw us up early and packed, ready to go on the last run to the north east. This time we took the shorter route along the north bank of the Tweed through the Elibank and Traquair Forests up to Stow and Lauder and across the hills to Duns. Here we had to pay homage to the late great Jim Clark, racing driver extraordinary, and the fantastic collection of racing trophies in the

museum in the town where he was born. After lunch at our final stop of the weekend, Manderston House, and an excellent tour of the house owned by Lord Palmer, we decided to head home back to Yorkshire, arriving back in the very early evening. A total of 84 cars entered the event, which was the best ever for the spring event. The organisation of the whole weekend was ‘par excellence’ and the whole team of volunteers made us feel so welcome. One should not forget the sponsors, without whom an event such as this could not go forward, including Peter Best Insurance, Tunnocks, Edinburgh Watch Company, MacDonald Hotels, Central Garage Galashiels, Dean’s shortbread, NTG Services, and Stahly Quality Foods. There were plenty of commemorative souvenirs to be had as well. This part of the UK was not well known by Julie and me, although my grandmother was born in Peebles. We got to see some wonderful countryside, and yours truly sampled some fine Scottish beer and whisky. To use Bob’s words in the route book: “this is a FUN event based in some of the most beautiful country in Scotland.” It certainly was! I think we will return again. The final lunch stop. Manderston House

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/05/2017 16:59

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TRIPLE M NEWSLET TER Jeremy Hawke Tel: +44 (0)1225 863934 mgk3007@btinternet.com • www.triple-mregister.org

WELCOME TO THE TRIPLE M NEWSLETTER BRANDS HATCH It just gets bigger and better. After last year’s efforts, Mark Dolton and his bunch of enthusiasts managed to go one better this year, with no less than 27 cars posting a practice time for one of the two MMM races. Several, like Mike Davies-Colley (PA) and Tom Hardman (Bellevue Special) were competing for the Mary Harris Trophy for the fi rst time, or dusting off old warhorses, such as John Seber with the Lund PA Special and Malcolm Hills with the Ex-Annie Templeton KN s/s. Those seeking exotica had no fewer than four K3s, three C Types and a Q Type to lust after, with a further two K3s lurking in the paddock just to get in on the act.

Andrew Taylor in K3011 on his way to winning the Mary Harris Trophy. Photo: Colin Murrell

Enough to make you drool – the biggest gathering of MMM machinery about to take to the track for many a year. Photo: Jeremy Hawke

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/05/2017 16:59

TRIPLE M NEWSLET TER

John Seber (PA “Lund spl”) followed by Oliver Richardson (C Type “The Rat”), with Richard Frankel (K3001) in the background. Photo: Colin Murrell

As last year, the racing was close, with the Chaz Jones’s L Type being harried/mugged by the extremely rapid Harry and Mike Painter (PA Spl/ J2 Kayne Spl respectively), the fourcylinder cars being that little bit quicker off the line. There was a moment of drama on lap two, when the Bellevue

www.mgcc.co.uk

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attempted to outrun Jones and Hills going into Paddock, with the resulting trip into the gravel dropping him right down the fi eld, from where it was diffi cult to recover. Other notable battles included that between K3s 001 and 011, which only ended when

001 went sick with gearbox woes. Whilst Tony Seber (Wolseley Hornet Spl) fi nished ahead on the road, the pursuing MMMs fi nished: Malcolm Hills, Harry Painter, Chaz Jones, Mike Painter, with Andrew Taylor and K3011 picking up the ‘Mary Harris’ on handicap. Unfortunately, the race was

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TRIPLE M NEWSLET TER

Simon Jackson (PB) in a K3 Sandwich (Philippe Douchet, K3026 and John Gillett, K3030). Photo: Colin Murrell

The extremely quick Harry Painter in his PA Spl, pretty much “on the limit” I’d say? Photo: Colin Murrell

curtailed early after Duncan Potter had the bad luck to roll his C Type after dipping into the gravel, fortunately without injury to himself. The C Type, however, will require a little bit of attention before its’ next outing. A slightly depleted grid emerged for race two, but the pace was just as quick, though this time it was David Seber up front in the Wolseley and

Malcolm Hills retiring the KN allowed Andrew Taylor in on the act behind Harry Painter, Chaz Jones and Mike Painter. The hospitality side also ran smoothly, with ample on both the Saturday evening and Sunday lunch. Finally, give yourselves all a pat on the back because the Club Chairman himself, when presenting the awards, was heard to say that the healthy

MMM presence was “probably doubling the spectator attendance”!

THE KIMBER TRIAL

the leaders this year. An error-free run from Tim Beckh (PB), with tidy special test times, netted him second in the pre-war class (unfortunately won by an Austin, so we all slipped up there). Full (official) results will be in next month’s notes. Again, the event was based around the Yeovil area, visiting many of the hills on which MGs made their reputation, pre-war. Though

some had to depart on the Saturday evening, many enjoyed an excellent dinner at the Lanes hotel, before those still thirsting for more went off to drive around in circles at the Foster emporium on Sunday morning. This last bit I had to miss, but when I left the hotel, Mike Linward was busying himself with a bit of J2 carb rebuilding in the car-park – I hope he made it.

Sometimes it seems that the SW Centre of the MGCC puts on the Kimber Classic for the benefit of MMM owners, for it is us who make up the bulk of entries, assisted by a “bumper” Dutch entry, so soon after Brands Hatch. This year, the sun came out (unlike the rain and hail of last year) and we had a leisurely start courtesy of the 18/80 entrant (cars start strictly in order of age, if not seniority). Despite being allocated entry No 13, I made it to the end without mishap (only the small issue/ minor technicality of an “astride” or “over” the line on one of the special tests blotting my copybook). However, so tight is it at the top of the board, that this is enough to reduce you from hero to zero and the J2 did not trouble

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Chaz Jones’s (L Type) being harried by Mike and Harry Painter (J2 Kayne Spl and PA Spl). Photo: Colin Murrell

Your Scribe and Marcus Hawke navigating Alham Splash in the May sunshine. Photo: Sophie Hawke

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TRIPLE M NEWSLET TER

NEW J2 UNEARTHED – LITERALLY Last month, I casually threw in talk of a J2 run over by a tank, just to get your interest, you understand. The truth is a little less far-fetched, but equally interesting. A few months ago, my wife was attending an archaeological conference about various diggings on Salisbury Plain. One of the speakers made reference to an “Old MG” being found during the excavations as his fi nal anecdote. After 27 years of marriage, she needed

no prompt and duly engaged him in conversation. A week or so later, a couple of photos arrived and showed not the modern relic I was expecting, but something looking distinctly J Type. Hawke duly volunteers himself as a ‘consultant’ and, armed with a wire brush, trots off for the afternoon with the archaeologists, digging and recording. Fortunately the remains were easily identifi able as J2192, which from other material nearby, had been

bulldozed over whilst under repair sometime in the early 60s, creating a great deal of damage in the process, even before 50-odd years of burial had done their bit. Engine (non-MG) and box had been removed, as had seats and fl oorboards, to gain access to a broken Diff. The chassis is saveable, axles corroded/bent and anything alloy has turned to powder. The lucky (?) land owner now knows what he has, though it’s fair to say that the car is unlikely to be challenging for the ‘Mary Harris’ anytime soon.

The sorry remains of J2192 as excavated. Photo: Jeremy Hawke

TAILPIECE Our fi nal photo is another from the Kimber Trial. Phil and Wendy Coombs’ M Type was plagued with a slipping clutch all weekend, which took its toll on the steeper, more challenging sections. Ultimately, the car cried “enough” and this is not Phil looking for a way past, but a friendly West Country farmer doing his bit to ensure that Phil, Wendy and M Type could get back to the Lanes in time for dinner.

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Phil Coombs and the M Type. Wendy has abandoned them both! Photo: Wendy Coombs

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Y T YPE NEWSLET TER Jerry Birkbeck Tel: 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325 jerrybirkbeck@btinternet.com • www.mgccyregister.co.uk

WELCOME TO THE Y TYPE NEWSLETTER The June issue of Safety Fast! is one of two occasions when the Register has the opportunity for a good spread. However, many of our key events have either yet to take place or are later in the year. I have, though, included a few photos of Ys from events over the last five years, which I hope you will enjoy.

DRIVE IT DAY EVENT THE AVRO HERITAGE MUSEUM, WOODFORD, CHESHIRE Bill Bennett’s superb Y is featured following a trip to a new event in which he and Helen participated as part of the Drive it Day celebrations on April 23. “This year’s Drive It Day saw some members of the MGCC, along with members of other local classic car clubs, converge on the Avro Heritage Museum at Woodford, Cheshire. This small aviation museum is all that is left of a once-vast aircraft factory that built over 20,000 aircraft in its lifetime, including Lancasters, Canberras, Nimrods and, of course, Vulcans. The enthusiastic staff at the museum made us all very welcome on this pleasant sunny day, and all attendees thoroughly enjoyed the visit. MGs were well-represented, mostly from the later

Bill and Helen Bennett’s outstanding YA at the Avro Heritage Museum, Woodford, Cheshire

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years, but there were two Y Types! This was the first event of this type to be held here, but we’re hoping it will become a regular event. Thanks to all involved in organising the day.”

FIRST Y (Y6807) FOUND AND RESTORED Many of us have owned Ys in the past, sold them and then, years later, recaptured our younger days and acquired a Y again. Some have been fortunate (if that’s the right word) to find that very first Y they owned. Indeed, Peter Vielvoye is one such person. His tale of his YB is covered on our website and he has now restored the car back to a high standard. He was fortunate enough to know the previous owner well, and kept tabs on where the car was and to remind him of his interest in buying back the car. My first Y I bought in London in October 1972. Advertised in Exchange and Mart (when you really had to read though all the ads rather than find them correctly collated as now) for £165. I managed to get the car for £95 with a year’s MOT. When I collected the car, I had to navigate around the south circular as a part of my short trip of around six miles to where I was living in Greenwich. Suffice to stay I encountered a few problems on that first journey. The steering was very stiff and a few other issues became apparent. Anyhow, I got home in one piece and after having a couple of guys heat the king pins to soften the grease,

matters gradually improved. We kept the car for seven years and Jo used it daily to drive to school. However, with imminent fatherhood ahead, the Y had to go and I optimistically advertised it for sale in Classic Cars in September 1979 for £1,400. There were never any Ys advertised. However, on this occasion two others were included, one for £300 and another for £900. Anyhow, it was sold to a car dealer in Belgium. That was 38 years ago and I have often wondered if it still existed. I placed a note on Paul Barrow’s International MG Y Register website (mgytypes. org) under `Where is my Y now’. That was some while ago. I was therefore amazed when, in January this year, Paul contacted me and mentioned that the car still existed and was still in Belgium. The present owner is David Van Bogaert and I exchanged correspondence with him. The car looks outstanding. (Thank you, Paul, for providing the link.) I have included a photo of the Y6807 during my ownership and some elements of the car during its restoration. David wrote: “This car was registered on March 4 1980 in Belgium, and owned by Erik Gillis, the President of the MG Club of Antwerp. He was an MG collector and had almost all types. He passed away at the beginning of 2011, and his son sold it very quickly, together with all his other MGs. I bought the YA from Rudy Moens (www.ateliermoens.com) on May 11 2011. It was in very poor shape … but running. I stripped it down completely and invested about 5,500€ (£4,700) on new spare parts, and built it up over the last 5-6 years. Btw … the bumpers are still original. (Although, as I mentioned to David, the bumpers were from a Ford

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Pop that my stepfather had on his farm back in around 1974!) The interior is completely new, in grey leather with bordeaux piping (same two-tone colour as the body) also the head liner is in grey leather. This year I’m planning to finish the front seats and connect the wiring of the new lights, and should be able to register the car. But I’m waiting on that, because in Belgium we will get a new old-timer status.”

DISCOVERED Y TYPES 1951 MG YA JGD 208. Owned by Jerry Birkbeck 1972-79

These are series of photographs taken by Victor Rodrigues of a YT whilst on holiday in the USA at Scottsdale, Arizona, in May 2014.

JGD 208 after the extensive rebuild

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Y T YPE NEWSLET TER

ROUND BRITAIN RELAY Our principal activity in this the 70th Anniversary celebration of the launch on March 24 1947 of the One and a Quarter Litre (known to many as the `Y’ Type) is the Round Britain Relay. We will also have a presence at MGLive! over the weekend of June 17-18 at Silverstone

All the details can be found on the Y Register website. Please post any photographs on the website, and do take as many as possible, together

with details of the location, drivers and passengers, etc, involved and any crowds you may come across. No, I am not organising any `rent a crowd’!

Start Points – Saturday June 3 2017 RBR commences at the Tesco, Lakeside, London, RM20 1TX at 10.00am on the anti-clockwise northern route, and then involves three stages to end up overnight at Morrison’s Supermarket in Kings Lynn. These stages include seven different cars. The clockwise route also sets off from Tesco, Lakeside at 10.00am through to Hastings and Littlehampton fi nishing at Sainsbury’s, TN37 7SQ, with three cars involved.

Y TYPE SPRING WEEKEND Elcot Park near Hungerford May 6-7 2017 Photos by Annette Callaghan and Paul Cook Chris and Annette Callaghan found a superb venue for us at Elcot Park Hotel, near Hungerford. This provided us with excellent facilities for parking, the AGM and the Dinner which Annette had undertaken with great care and 65 guests attended. Our Guest Speaker was Marc Hanson who gave an excellent and lively illustrated talk on his experiences

www.mgcc.co.uk

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in his ex-Gregor Grant 1952 Monte Carlo Rally YB. Marc has entered the last two Classic Monte Carlo runs, in 2016 and earlier this year. This gruelling event essentially follows the route that the original `Monte’ undertook, although the conditions were not so daunting. Climate change has meant that heavy snowfall has not been the problem that it was 65

years ago, though for a car of the same vintage this was a hugely notable achievement, covering more than 3,000 kilometres over 4-5 days. Well done, Marc, and thank you for your inspirational talk. On Sunday morning there were 29 Ys gathered for the forthcoming run with nine YAs, 13 YBs and seven YTs. The sun broke through and shone all day!

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The run chosen was through some very picturesque villages before finishing at Nuffield Place, the home of the late Lord Nuffield. He died there in August 1963, stipulating to Nuffield College, whom he left his estate to, that the house remained intact. Its future was in doubt until last year, when it was donated to the National Trust. It is well worth a visit and the history of Morris is fascinating, and to see a property in essentially the same condition as when he died really is a piece of history. Each year the Spring Weekend is noted by an Awards Event at the Dinner, and upon completion of the Run a `Pride of Ownership’ competition based on the personal preferences of the attendees for the YA, YB and YT.

At the Dinner The Car of the Year went to Marc Hanson’s MG YB and he was awarded the Dennis Doubtfire Shield. The Piston Broke Award was `won’ by Slater Reynolds who experienced

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notable overheating problems on his drive up from Wiltshire – but he made it! A new award was donated by Mollie Murray, the widow of much-loved former Registrar, Jack, who sadly died a year ago. Mollie said in her note with the shield that she wanted to donate an award to the Register in his memory. It is The Jack Murray Helping Hands Shield, with the following citation: Awarded for giving help, information, support and encouragement to fellow MG Y owners. The recipient was Neil Cairns. Many, many thanks to Mollie for this wonderful and fitting gesture. After the run on Sunday, a Pride of Ownership Award was held and judged by the participants. The YA chosen was that of Sue Gibbs and family. Sue and her two sisters have been the keeper of the car since the death of their father, John Edwards, who was for a while Secretary of the MG Octagon CC. They and Garry, Sue’s husband, have been very supportive of the event and

have turned the Y into a stunning car. Well deserved. The YB award went to Keith and Rita Herkes who have restored and owned for many years this well-travelled and regularly used model. The YT was that of Peter Vielvoye, the erstwhile Chairman of the Register. Peter’s YT was imported into the UK from Australia in the early noughties by dealer Terry Bone. Peter drove it and just had to buy it, so he did! It is a muchloved and well-used car.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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ZR/ZS/ZT NEWSLET TER John Thompson Tel: 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com • www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister

WELCOME TO THE ZR/ZS/ZT NEWSLETTER Welcome to our first newsletter of the year. Events have come and gone in quick succession so far this year. As I write these notes ‘MGs in the Weald’ has just taken place. After months of planning we had a good turnout and fine weather – more details next month. Later in June is, of course, MGLive! ‘the’ event of the MG calendar. We’d like to see as many of you there as possible, especially those of you who have joined the

Club recently. You will have noticed that, sadly, there is no MG Saloon Day this year. Don’t worry – the event will return bigger and better next year. An additional event which was not in our original calendar is the South-East Centre’s Summer Gathering’ at Penshurst Place in Kent, which takes place on July 30. The Register has been invited to attend and we aim to have a good turnout – over to you!

EVENTS AND SHOWS On Saturday April 15 the annual ‘Pride of Longbridge’ gathering took place in Cofton Park, Birmingham. Fortunately, the weather was kinder to us this year and we were blessed with a cool but sunny day. The overall turnout of Longbridge-built cars was fantastic, with the Zeds flying the flag for the modern saloons. With so many Zed groups out there, it is important for us to attend as a Register to promote ourselves and the Club. A lot of interest was shown in both the Club and our own activities.

ZRs compete in the MG Trophy Championship at Brands Hatch. Photo: Chris Webb

Huge turnout at Pride of Longbridge 2017. Photo: Andy Knott

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Monagram MGs were well-represented at Pride of Longbridge 2017. Photo: Colin Grant

Moving forward to the end of April we arrived at Brands Hatch for two days of racing action. The march of Zeds onto our racing scene continued over the two eventful days of the May Day weekend. It was very good to see MGs manufactured over a 75-year range taking part at the same circuit. A chilly wind kept the track temperatures down, which may have contributed to a number of incidents, but no drivers were hurt. ZRs and ZSs

comprise over half the entry for the Peter Best Insurance Cup. Ed Davies and David Mellor made the podium in the first race and after a DNF Tom Dimet took the second place, with Ian Boulton third. As usual, the two rounds of the Trophy Championship produced some great ZR racing. On Saturday, Ross Makar led the field over the finish from Gary Whetton with Doug Cole a close third, with class wins for Paul Luti and Matt

Turner. The start of the Sunday race saw a multiple shunt that resulted in only 19 of the original entry of 30 taking the restart after an early lunch break. This time Jason Burgess prevailed, just ahead of Ross Makar, with Doug Cole again third. Matt Turner made it a double in the 160 class, with Jack Roberts winning the battle of the 170s. Hopefully all the damaged bodywork will be repaired in time for MG Live!

AGM We will be holding our AGM on the Saturday of MG Live! late afternoon at a venue to be confirmed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all members are welcome to attend. For further information please contact a member of the committee. In addition, we are on the lookout for someone to look after the regalia side of the Register. This isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a time-consuming role; we just need someone to liaise with Kimber House and maybe introduce some new products to freshen up the range. If you are interested please let me know. The ZR160 cars battle it out at Brands. Photo: Dennis Wharf

www.mgcc.co.uk

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ZR/ZS/ZT NEWSLET TER

ATTENTION TO DETAIL I often get comments at shows and events I attend on how clean and shiny my MG ZR is. These comments include: “have you over- lacquered it?” and “have you just had it resprayed?” No to both of those! It’s taken a long time to get it to the standard it’s at, but it’s achievable for all, with some hard work and using the correct methods. 95% of the end result comes from the preparation; preparation is the key to achieving a showroom finish. This is an insight into the stages of detailing I go through every year and before shows, as well as some hints and tips for you to try. It takes roughly two days to detail the car before a show. First, you need to find a good shampoo. Don’t be fooled by shampoos that offer wax protection: it may offer a small amount of wax protection but you will need to wax the car properly to protect it. I use Meguiar’s Gold Class Shampoo. It’s very good at getting off road grime, suds well, and leaves a clean surface

for the next stage. Before shampooing a car, snow foam can be used through a pressure washer and snow foam lance. This works on the same principle as soaking your dishes: you spray the foam on and leave it to soak for roughly five minutes, then rinse off. This is a good step to use before washing if the paint is especially dirty. When using your shampoo, use two buckets or one bucket with a grit guard and never use a sponge, always a wash mitt. A sponge picks up and traps small dirt particles, you then wipe the paint, and those dirt particles come into contact with the paint causing fine scratches. Using two buckets works on the principle that you rinse the wash mitt in one bucket, so the dirt particles stay in that bucket, then dunk the wash mitt in the clean bucket to wipe the car. Once the car is washed, you then have a clean surface to work on. Twice a year I clay the ZR. Claying is a process which picks up surface

Two buckets or a grid guard are essential to stop small particles being transferred back onto the paint

A wash mitt is a lot safer to use than a sponge, which can trap large grit particles

ZR covered in snow foam, ready to be pressure washed off before washing 52 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2017

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Cleaning the difficult-to-get-at places with a cotton bud

Engine bay cleaned and ready for a show contaminants on the paint which are not visible to the human eye. You can tell if your car needs claying by running your hand over the paint. If it ‘sounds noisy’ and isn’t smooth then it needs claying. When running your hand over the paint, the surface should be as smooth as glass. I use the Meguiar’s clay bar kit, which comes with a lubricant and a clay bar. You simply spray the panel with the lubricant, warm the clay in your hand and use up and down motions with the bar on the panel and wipe off excess spray. You will never achieve a showroom shine without taking this step, as when you wax you are simply waxing over surface contaminants, which will hinder the shine.

Twice a year I use a cleaner fluid at this stage to prep the surface for waxing. I use Swissvax Cleaner Fluid; it’s non-abrasive and will nourish the paint ready for waxing. It will also remove minor swirl marks and light scratches, as well as old wax. I also apply a glaze on the occasions I do not use cleaner fluid. I use Adams Brilliant Show Car Glaze. A glaze is a shine-enhancing product; it adds even more depth when wax is applied over it. It can often be the difference between a deep, wet-look shine and a dull shine. Apply a small amount onto a foam applicator pad and apply in up and down motions, a panel at a time, then wipe of straight away.

ZR competing in the Pride of Ownership at a previous MGLive! www.mgcc.co.uk

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Once this is done, it’s time for waxing. There are a lot of different waxes on the market to choose from. I use a mixture as I like to try out new products. Three of my favourites are Meguiar’s Gold Class paste wax, Wax Planet White Noise and Swissvax Best of Show. All three of these should be applied thinly using a circular motion, left to haze and then buffed off. I wax the ZR before every show. This enables the layers to build up, which will increase the depth of shine. (It is important, however, to strip the layers back at least twice a year, to start with a fresh surface so that the new wax can bond to the paint.) My wheels are cleaned with Chemical Guy’s wheel cleaner and Iron X fallout remover (which can also be used on paint) and then coated with wheel wax. Tyres are dressed with Meguiar’s wet-look tyre gel. The engine bay is cleaned with Meguiar’s engine clean and then coated in Meguiar’s engine dressing. When I bought the car, the engine bay had never been cleaned. It took a long time to get it to the standard it’s at now. Once it’s at that standard, though, it’s much easier to maintain it. My ZR also gets machine polished twice a year. Machine polishing removes swirls and fine scratches – you basically remove the top layer of paint. Machine polishing can drastically improve the overall depth of shine, as swirls hinder the finish. I have a DAS6 pro polisher and use Chemical Guys hex logic pads with Meguiar’s 105 and 205 compound. Machine polishing is very time-consuming but the results are absolutely worth it. Louise Allen

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BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP

ROUND 3 THRUXTON

By Paul Goodman. Photo: Martin Cumming

hruxton Circuit was carved out from an airfield, incorporating the perimeter roads. It is one of the fastest and most abrasive circuits visited by the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship. It is a ‘marmite”’ track, loved by some and hated by others and has been the location of many incidents and dramas in recent years. Designing a tyre compound which will last for a whole race has always been an issue, with many races lost from punctures in the last laps. For 2017 Dunlop arrived with a brandnew construction harder tyre which everybody hoped would provide safe racing with good grip. The circuit owners, the British Automobile Racing Club, had also been active, redesigning and constructing new run-off areas without altering the actual track itself.

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Some of the teams had attended a short test session, but the 888 MG6 team made the decision to get more testing miles by spending a day at Croft Circuit. The cars may look very similar to those raced in 2016, but under the skin all the suspension and engine have been changed. As ever, the two warm-up sessions on Saturday May 6 would be crucial for all the teams in setting the suspension of their cars to get the maximum performance whilst protecting the life of the tyres. The first six races of the 2017 Championship had shown that all the teams now have competitive cars and drivers so, once again, tenths of a second would be critical. It was clear from the start of the action that it was going to be a difficult day for the 888 MG team. Both cars made numerous runs during

the two free sessions but couldn’t reduce their times to be able to get within one second of the quickest runners. The drivers were both frustrated by the difficulty of tuning the new RML suspension and hard tyres to produce a stable feel to the rear end of the MG6s. Neither Aron nor Daniel could improve in qualifying, finishing up in 23rd and 29th slots on the grid for race one of the weekend. The front row was locked out by the Hondas of Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden with the TOCA-powered Honda of Jack Goff in third place. The first race of the weekend started in good conditions. The three Hondas all made textbook getaways and finished in formation, with Matt Neal, Gordon Shedden and Jack Goff filling the podium. The two MG6s raced hard and made up places with Aron finishing 21st and Daniel 22nd. These would be their starting places on the race two grid. Race two lasted less than half a lap, as the two MG6s and Senna Proctor’s Vauxhall came together at Church, the fastest part of the course. Daniel’s car hit the Armco barrier hard and flew into the air before coming to rest the right way up. Aron’s car was not damaged, but would need replacement tyres so he would have to start the new race from the pit lane. It took more than an hour to repair the barriers. The shortened race ended early as another incident resulted in a race stoppage, with Aron finishing 27th. Victory went to Rob Collard in his BMW. The timetable was revised after the long stoppage, with the support races shortened to allow the third BTCC race to take place before the circuit curfew. Only Aron’s MG6 lined up on the grid, but an incredible repair job by 888 allowed Daniel to join from the pit lane. Sadly, his race was very short after contact with another car. Aron couldn’t make any progress through the field and finished 25th. This race was won by another of the BMWs, driven by Colin Turkington.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/05/2017 17:10

BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP

ROUND 4 OULTON PARK

By Paul Goodman. Photos: btcc.net

ulton Park is one of the favourite circuits with all those involved in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championships. The parkland setting and the undulating track provide a great setting for watching the action and a very large and enthusiastic crowd creates a wonderful atmosphere. The Oulton Park Circuit does not have many clear overtaking places so grid position is extremely important. This places extra stress on the drivers in the short qualifying session on Saturday afternoon. Starting on the front two or three rows of the grid almost guarantees a good race finish and another favourable starting position for race two. The two 888 MG6 drivers, Aron Taylor-Smith and Daniel Lloyd, experienced a very tough time at Thruxton. Since then, the team had stripped the cars right down and rebuilt them and also used a static testing rig to tune the suspension. The two drivers also hoped that the testing day at Croft circuit would give them a good baseline to tune

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_June17_50-98.indd 55

the cars. The aim was to match the performance of the Toyotas which have the same engine and suspension components as the MG6. Before the track action began, it was announced that Ian Harrison had been replaced as team principal at 888 by Nico Ferrari who ran the VW team in 2016 which included Aron as a driver. Sunny skies were soon replaced by damp conditions for the first warm-up session. Daniel achieved 20 good laps driving a car built up to replace his Thruxton MG6 using a chassis from 2016. Sadly, Aron’s car had a front end mechanical issue which precluded him from running. The second session was very wet and none of the drivers risked many laps. Qualification started promptly on a track with a few wet patches. With 32 cars on the track, getting a clear lap was proving a problem for everybody. Matt Neal was quickest in the Honda when an incident caused a red flag stoppage, and, yet again, a five-minute dash to conclude the session. Nobody caught Matt so he would start from pole, with Andrew Jordan’s BMW alongside. Aron improved at the end

and would line up 19th, with Daniel down in 26th place. Several hours after the completion of qualification, penalties were issued for yellow flag offences. These pushed Aron and Daniel back to 24th and 25th places. The first race of the day was dominated by Andrew Jordan who got the best start in his BMW and took victory from pole-sitter Matt Neal. Former MG driver Ash Sutton piloted his Subaru Levorg into third. The two MG6 drivers battled in the pack and finished safely in 16th (Aron) and 20th (Daniel). Andrew Jordan had to carry maximum ballast in race two, slipping back through the pack. This time Ash Sutton took the win. The BMW of Rob Collard finished second and Matt Neal third. Aron had a very strong race, finishing 12th, giving him a good chance of a top-ten finish in race three. Daniel couldn’t escape from the mid field and finished 22nd. Race three turned into a Honda benefit after Andrew Jordan lost the lead to Gordon Shedden and Matt Neal. Aron had a superb race, running right on the pace in the top 10 until, as the car was in sight of the line, it slowed with a mechanical problem crawling across the line to take 25th place. Meanwhile, Daniel also drove well ending up in 12th place. The performance of the MG6s in the final race showed significant improvement. Aron and Daniel could look forward to the next round at Croft with renewed optimism.

JUNE 2017 SAFETY FAST! 55

23/05/2017 17:10

Simon Cripps (80) leading the Equipe GTS pack up Hailwoods Hill. Photo: Colin Murrell

BRILLIANTBRANDS, ROUND TWO OF THE MGCC RACE CHAMPIONSHIPS

By Leanne Fahy wo days, 24 races and lots of

Despite leading the way at the start of lap

circuit, the race was restarted somewhat later,

happy people. The perfect way to

one, he was sent into a pirouette. As the field

albeit sadly missing nine cars. Tom Butler and

sum up the second race meeting

swept by, his MGZR remained in one piece, as

championship leader Turnbull were the only

of the season. Brands Hatch

he rejoined unscathed at the back of the pack.

drivers able to take the restart after being

always presents spectacular racing,

Class B was a hive of activity, with Paul

caught up in the incident.

and this year was no different. Each race was

Luti, Andrew Rogerson and Jack Roberts nose

With the grid reformed, it was pole-sitter

certainly eventful, and despite a number of

to tail for the duration. Rogerson led the way

Burgess who secured the best launch, Makar

red flags, the majority escaped unscathed.

early on, but after much deliberation, Luti

settled in behind. By way of a series of fastest

Although a little chilly at times, the sun shone

managed to sneak ahead. With his mirrors

laps, Makar piled on the pressure, determined

all weekend, adding to the spectacle.

filled by Rogersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MG ZR, Luti had his work

to match his race one winning performance.

cut out, but as a sudden red flag flew, his MGCC MG Trophy A red flag ended the action earlier than

advantage was confirmed. As three cars simultaneously left the

As the pair lapped, a coming together with a backmarker saw Burgess caught out, as Makar sailed past. With just minutes left on the

planned in the first MG Trophy adventure.

circuit at various points, the red flag was

clock, Burgessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; determination saw him make

Despite an abrupt end, Ross Makar managed

thrown, deeming each to be in dangerous

the most of an MGZR-sized gap beside Makar,

to fight his way to the head of the pack to

positions. With less than four minutes to go,

to reclaim the lead and seal the race win.

claim victory, and Driver of the Race.

the result was called, crowning Makar, Luti

A front row placing left Makar wheel spinning at the start, as the field surrounded

and Matthew Turnbull as class winners. An eventful start saw race two red

Doug Cole steered to a somewhat lonely third place finish, whilst fourth place was awarded to Class B winner, and Driver of the

him into Paddock Hill Bend. Despite this, he

flagged before it barely began. An 11-car

managed to weave his way ahead of the pack,

coming together at the top of Paddock Hill

as he pulled out quite a distance.

Bend saw the race immediately stopped, as

his luck around and doubled his success,

cars were scattered across the track.

with another Class C victory, ahead of Andy

Pole sitter, Jason Burgess, fell foul of a spin at the bottom of Paddock Hill Bend.

56 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2017

MG_SafetyFast_June17_50-98.indd 56

Giving officials the chance to clear the

Race, Jack Roberts. Championship leader, Turnbull, turned

Spencer and John Booth.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/05/2017 17:10

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JUNE 2017 SAFETY FAST! 57

23/05/2017 17:11

MGCC BCV8 Championship James Wheeler enjoyed a victorious start to his Brands Hatch weekend, claiming the opening BCV8 Championship race win by just over

The ZR 190 of Doug Cole leading the MG Trophy. Photo: Chris Webb

10 seconds.

trap, entangled with one another. As both

As Andy Southcott veered off circuit on the

Untouched by his rivals, Wheeler enjoyed

cars were removed from the gravel trap, the

opening lap, the red flags were shown as

a seemingly easy outing, as he controlled the

race result was called, with Smith handed

officials rescued his Lenham Sprite.

pace from start to finish. The action behind,

victorious status, ahead of Cull.

however, was far from tame. Ian Prior made second place his own for the duration, as the battle escalated behind. Andrew Young’s third place became a long-

Smith doubled his success in race two on Sunday morning, after a furious battle with

and Collier steered head to head towards

chief opponent, Rob Cull.

Paddock Hill Bend; however as the pair

The pair were side by side away from the

standing position, as he held his ground

grid, but as they rounded Graham Hill Bend,

until the chequered flag came into sight.

it was Smith who managed to convert pole

Simon Cripps had steered his spectacular

position into the race lead.

MGB Roadster to fourth place; however

Following a lengthy stoppage, the grid was reformed as the race began. Wildman

Cull’s efforts to displace Smith were

stormed into Druids, Collier’s pole position MG Midget suddenly slowed. Despite his woes, Collier continued to circle his ailing race car, before entering the pits. In his absence, Wildman went on to steal

Neil Fowler’s impressive recovery drive saw

rewarded at mid-distance, when he managed

the show with a race win, ahead of Edward

him steal a late fourth place finish. After

to squeeze his TVR Grantura into the lead.

Reeve and Paul Campfield.

recovering from a drop to 11th place, Fowler

Cull looked strong to defeat Smith; however

made the most of a late lunge on the final lap

as the race neared the end, the latter

renew their battle in race two; however

to claim fourth place. His impressive drive also

managed to weave his way back to the front.

the outcome was not as we expected. Bad

Determined to reclaim the lead, Cull tried

luck befell Collier once again, after a brief

saw him awarded Driver of the Race. Neil Fowler triumphed in the second

Collier and Wildman attempted to

his best to pester Smith until the chequered

red flag period, with Ed Reeve eventually

BCV8 Championship race. A red flag ended

flag flew; however he had to settle for runner-

being crowned winner. After an outstanding

proceedings earlier than expected, when

up spot once again.

opening lap, which saw him move up from

Oliver Wardle’s MGB GT V8 landed on its side in the infamous Paddock Hill gravel trap. As Wardle clambered out of his stricken MG race car unscathed, the result was called, with Fowler awarded a victorious finish.

The first Group B outing ended in similar

eighth place on the grid, Paul Campfield was

fashion, as the red flag ended the race earlier

in the right place at the right time to claim a

than scheduled, crowning Tim Greenhill

strong second place, whilst Wildman received

victorious.

some solace with third. Despite his woes,

David Griffiths triumphed on the second

Collier was awarded Driver of the Race.

attempt, to steal honours from long-time Equipe GTS

leader, Greenhill. Greenhill had led the way

MGCC Drayton Manor MG Metro Cup

Tom Smith enjoyed a triumphant end to the

for most of the 30-minute duration; however

Dick Trevett fended off fierce attention from

Equipe GTS Group A outing, after a red flag

after immense pressure from the Triumph TR4

his rivals to be crowned winner, Driver of the

ended proceedings earlier than expected.

behind him, he was forced to settle for second

Race and Driver of the Day in the opening MG

place, some three seconds adrift.

Metro race. Trevett led from start to finish;

As the race began, a spectacular manoeuvre around the outside into Paddock

however intense pressure from Lee Connell

Hill Bend handed Smith the lead of the

MGCC Lackford Engineering MG Midget

race. From here, the MGB Roadster driver

and Sprites Challenge

was harassed by Rob Cull for the duration.

Richard Wildman won the eventful MG

his best to steal the lead from Trevett’s

As the top two began to sew themselves a

Midget and Sprite Challenge opening race.

grasp. Keen to avoid the distraction, Trevett

early on kept him on his toes. A determined drive saw Connell try

substantial cushion to the rest of the field, the safety car was released. An excursion into the gravel trap at Druids for Ivan Hayward meant the race was suddenly neutralised, as his TVR Grantura was rescued from a dangerous position. After a few laps circling at half pace, the race restarted, only to be abruptly interrupted with the red flag. As the field raced through Paddock Hill Bend, Chris Ryan and Brian White collided, with both landing in the gravel

58 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2017

MG_SafetyFast_June17_50-98.indd 58

L Type, MG Kayne Special (23) and Q Type (10) battle it out in the MGCC Triple M Race for the Mary Harris Trophy. Photo: Colin Murrell

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/05/2017 17:11

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JUNE 2017 SAFETY FAST! 59

23/05/2017 17:11

Early leader, Bob Lines, was muscled aside when the charging Ellis came through. Despite looking strong, Ellis was unable to escape the grasp of race one winner Smare, as the pair swept past the chequered flag just 0.9 seconds apart. The MG TC (27) of Bob Allen leading the Edney TB in the MGCC Iconic 50s Series. Photo: Colin Murrell

Following his strong race one performance, Watton claimed third place in

continued his strong form, ignoring advances

stricken MG K1 Monoposto also being

what has been his first race weekend in his

from behind, as he held on for the race win.

collected by recovery crews.

Turner Mk II Gurney Special. His second and

As Connell piled on the pressure, his

Charles Jones had led the way early on,

third overall were also backed up by two class wins.

efforts were deemed too fierce, when he was

before Harry Painter reclaimed his advantage

penalised by five seconds for exceeding track

to lead the way. Painter’s lead was soon

limits. With the penalty applied, he eventually

nibbled away, when race one winner,

driven MG TB finished in a strong fourth

finished in fifth place.

Seber, steered his way ahead. Behind,

place, ahead of Colin Jones and early leader

Harry Painter claimed second place,

Lines. Edney was also awarded Driver of

managed to sneak ahead to finish second

ahead of Jones and Mike Painter.

the Race.

and third, respectively, while Mike Williams

Thijs De Groot was awarded Driver

claimed a fourth place finish.

of the Race by our commentary team.

Jack Ashton and Andrew Ashton

The shared George and Peter Edney-

MGCC Peter Best Insurance MG Cup The Alan Brooke-MG Metro combination

Williams stole the show, to finish just 0.2 seconds ahead of Lee Connell in race two,

MGCC Iconic 50s Series

was unbeatable once again in the opening

after a frantic 18-minute dash. Pole sitter and

Jonathan Smare won the first Iconic 50s series

MG Cup race. Tom Diment looked strong for

race one winner, Trevett, succumbed to bad

outing. As the impressive machines toured,

victory; however he was forced to pull out of

luck at the start when his Metro slowly exited

Smare muscled his way into the lead to take

the lead when his MG ZR suddenly slowed.

stage right. In his absence, Williams inherited

the chequered flag some 13 seconds ahead of

the lead.

his nearest challenger. Pole sitter, Robin Ellis, succumbed to bad

A speedy launch saw Brooke leap into the lead as the race began, albeit with Diment hot on his heels. As the pair circled mere

MGCC Triple M Race for the Mary Harris

luck when his Lotus Elite was pushed away

millimetres apart, Diment’s bid for glory was

Trophy

from the grid before the start. After lining

strong enough to see him sneak ahead and

Tony Seber claimed the first of the Triple M

up in the pit exit, Ellis managed to start his

into the lead.

race victories, and Driver of the Race, in his

pristine white challenger to take the start,

Wolseley Hornet Special. The red flag was

albeit from the back of the grid.

raised towards the end of the outing, calling

With a mountain to climb, Ellis didn’t

Diment’s control looked set to secure him a good result; however when his MG ZR seemingly gave up the ghost, due to a fuel

shy away from the challenge in front of him.

pick-up problem, he was unable to defend his

After sailing his way through the pack, he

position. As he pulled out of the race, Brooke

steered his MG K1 Monoposto into the lead

eventually claimed a third place finish, just 0.5

collected the lead once again to steer to an

at the start. As Hills circled, he suddenly came

seconds behind Steve Watton. Watton was

unchallenged victory. Ed Davies was awarded

under pressure from the chasing Seber. Unable

rewarded with Driver of the Race and Driver

second place in his MG ZR.

to defend his position for too long, Hills was

of the Day.

for an early end to their first appearance. Malcolm Hills was the man to beat, as he

forced to succumb to Seber’s advances, as he sailed into the lead of the race. A sudden stoppage came about

Ellis brushed away his race one troubles

A frantic finale for the MG Cup saw Tom Diment steer to a race win, and Driver of

to claim a victorious end to his weekend in

the Race, some six seconds ahead of nearest

race two.

challenger, James Darby, in his MGB GT.

when two cars landed in the gravel trap at Clearways, calling for a red flag, and an early race finish. Harry Painter claimed a third place finish, ahead of Charles Jones, Mike Painter and Andrew Taylor. Seber triumphed again in a shortened race two, to claim top spot ahead of pole sitter Harry Painter. As Richard Jenkins’ MG KN came to a halt on the exit of Druids, the red flag was shown, with Malcolm Hills’

60 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2017

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The MG Metro Turbo of Dick Trevett pushing hard in the MGCC Drayton Manor Park MG Metro Cup. Photo: Chris Webb

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/05/2017 17:11

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JUNE 2017 SAFETY FAST! 61

23/05/2017 17:11

RACE TORQUE By Ron Gammons Photos Dennis Wharf

he Club’s two-day race meeting at Brands Hatch at the end of April brought some packed grids, exciting racing and close results. Special mention should be made of Equipe GTS who produced an entry of some 51 competitors against an anticipated 32! By some juggling, we managed to give an extra set of races for them, and the split of the entry into A and B groups was very successful. Our Trophy Championship also put on a superb entry for their double header and gave two exciting races as well. However, the top award has to be for the MMM who managed to get some 29 entries (although a couple dropped out prior) and gave two really good races. The revitalised Iconic series produced a grid of 24 and it’s clear that the (new for this year) regulations have encouraged some of our previously raced cars to return to our fold. Long may it continue. It has to be reported, though, that there were a number of incidents during the Brands meeting which took place in dry calm weather over both days, and sadly the red flag stopping races became rather too regular in its appearance. The Clerks have debated what could have caused the situation,

62 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2017

MG_SafetyFast_June17_50-98.indd 62

but have not come up with any definitive reasoning. However, there may well be some drivers’ briefings at Silverstone, with the main point that ‘all the prizes are at the finish’! Talking of prizes, Mark Baulch and wife Kirsty continue to do a superb job in sourcing the prizes and hosting the prize-givings in the British Motor Heritage-sponsored hospitality area. Stephanie Gammons ensures that there are always tea, coffee, soft drinks and biscuits available; all are welcome. At Silverstone, this will be in garage five. Why not come and be part of the various Championships celebrations? For the Club’s showpiece event, MGLive! at Silverstone, entry forms have been out for some weeks, and entries are already pouring into the

Club office, so if you are reading this and still intending to enter, don’t delay – the event is only a few days away! Sadly, the difficulties with the Club’s website application for marshals mean it is still not working properly, although we understand that the matter is being addressed. So if you have volunteered to marshal and have yet to hear anything, please contact John Hutchison at the Club office to ensure that you will receive details and tickets. The event after Silverstone is on Saturday July 22 at Cadwell in the Lincolnshire Wolds. It’s a year or two since we have been there and we are really looking forward to a real Club racing meeting. The event is bookended with the Vintage Sports Car Club who are there on the Sunday, thus giving an opportunity to our MMM cars for a weekend of racing with events on both days. Cadwell is a scenic track with good vantage points for spectators. It’s known as the mini Nürburgring and is a real favourite with drivers, such are the demands of the corners. Plenty of B&Bs in the area, so why not make a weekend of it? We look forward to seeing our Club members there.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/05/2017 17:11

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JUNE 2017 SAFETY FAST! 63

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NORTH WEALD EXPERIENCE DAY

ur MGs on Track Starter Experience day at North Weald aerodrome on July 7 is aimed squarely at those who have never tried one of our track days, and those who are not even sure that they want to! However, at just £55.00 for the day, you surely have nothing to lose and much to gain. The event offers the chance to explore your car’s handling and performance in the completely safe and wide-open environment of the airfield, under the watchful eye of a performance driving instructor. Numbers are restricted to just 23, and with each exercise being undertaken by just one car at a time the risk to both vehicle and driver is minimised. No special equipment or helmets are required, just enthusiasm and an MG. The day starts with a group introduction and an explanation of the

64 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2017

MG_SafetyFast_June17_50-98.indd 64

Pictures by Duncan Wood

day’s activities, the first of which will be the high-speed bend. You will be encouraged to approach the bend at ever increasing speed until you reach or exceed the very limit of road-holding. In all probability this exercise will result in a disorientating but harmless spin on the open tarmac, after which the instructor will offer advice and a few comforting words, sending you back out to put your newly found knowledge to the test before progressing onto the next exercises. Confidence in both your own abilities and the potential of your car will grow as the event proceeds, and you will be ready to try your skills on the two circuits formed of cones that will be set-up for the final portion of the day. A hint of competition enters these last activities as your ‘laps’ will be timed and, whilst there may be no silver cup or champagne on offer, it’s always nice not to be last!Our regular MGoT events differ from the Experience day in one very important aspect as they are strictly non-competitive, with any form of timing or racing completely forbidden. Strict rules of etiquette govern overtaking and behaviour on the track and you’ll certainly witness fewer spins than at North Weald! Clearly we hope that the Starter Experience day will give you the confidence and desire to try a full track day sometime soon,

but even if you decide not to take it any further you will still find it to be a fun and sociable day out, and are certain to come away from North Weald having learnt lots of new skills. It will not have escaped your attention that MGLive! is almost upon us. MGs on Track will have a stand in the main marquee so please take the opportunity to visit and say hello, and we will also endeavour to answer any questions that you may have about our activities. This year we have already held events at Goodwood, Silverstone, Cadwell Park and Snetterton, and the full calendar of the remaining circuits is included here. You will have the opportunity to drive some of the best and most challenging race tracks at your own speed, with the emphasis always on safety and friendliness. Whether you are a complete beginner or a track day veteran you are always assured of a warm welcome at an MGoT event.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MGS ON TRACK – 2017 CALENDAR Please visit www.mgs-on-track.com to register, check

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

availability, or to book a track day. Registered members will receive regular newsletters and notification of event opening dates.

MG Live – June 17-18 Visit our stand to find out more about our track days. Croft – June 23 A shared day with Lotus on Track on a great circuit, set between the Yorkshire Dales and Yorkshire moors! Castle Combe – June 26 The first visit of two regular, annual visits to this very friendly circuit in Wiltshire. North Weald – July 7 An introductory activity day for those who have not yet tried a full track day. A chance to explore the capabilities of driver and car in complete safety. Hethel – August 5 Another opportunity to experience the Lotus test track in Norfolk. A great track for all types of MG! Castle Combe – September 11 A second opportunity to enjoy the thrills of this everpopular track which includes a couple of chicanes and technical corners! Donington Park – October 2 A flowing, historic circuit in the Midlands featuring the super Craner Curves and Old Hairpin sequence. Anglesey – October 13 Experience this challenging circuit on a day shared with the Lotus 7 Club. Overlooking the Irish Sea and with views to Snowdonia, this track offers something for all. Goodwood – October 31 Our second visit of the year, in case you missed the first due to popularity! Brands Hatch ‘Indy’ – December 4 Our last event of 2017. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this undulating circuit including Paddock Hill Bend!

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Abingdon Long Sprint Sunday April 9 2017 This was the third sprint for the MG Luffield Championship this season. The weather was sunny but with a strong breeze blowing across this Oxfordshire Airfield, which kept some a little on the cool side. This is the first time Sutton & Cheam MC and Craven MC have run this event in this format. This made it about a two-mile event with nice long straights and a number of very tricky chicanes. MG Luffield entries were 12, which was a shame because this is a good starting point for anyone wishing to test their skills, with good run off either side of the circuit, should the need arise. Veterans are always on hand to give help and advice. What better way to enjoy your MG. Carrying the number one, Derek Porter was in his faithful MG 1100 which may not have been the fastest car but he was competing, which is what this game is about. The ever-competitive ZR160 of Nick Arnold and Graham Cherry went well again, ending the day with Graham second and Nick third in Class A2. Class A3 saw Andy Till’s ZR105 put in some strong runs, while David Butler’s MG TD was the unfortunate casualty of the day with an oil and water mix in the engine. Good to have Martyn Phillis out again with his MGA after the engine rebuild and mods to his rear-axle. Rounding up that class was the ‘Legend’ Mike Cole in his MGB GT and myself in the ‘Bumble B’.. The MGF of Rob Bell ran well, splitting two other MGFs. Peter Clark’s Midget had been fixed by Dad after Rockingham, coming away with second in class,good result. Finally, we had John Cavendish, MGB GT Sebring 1950cc but with a blower now in place, shared with David Slade. I asked John why the change. He said: “to keep out of the way of your class.” Good to see them both out again. David just pipped John by 69 hundredths of a second. Overall, a very well-run event and highly recommended to those who like a day’s motorsport. Rob Orford

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CALENDAR

JULY

Friday 7 MGCC: MGs on Track North Weald Contact: Martin Holmes – martinh@mgs-on-track.co.uk Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Glamis Show Contact: Robert MacGillivray – 07870 407111 Tuesday 11 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre Afternoon visit to Rokeby Park Contact: Tony Wood – 07885 654795 Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 MGCC: Magnette Register Shropshire Weekend Contact: www.magnette.org Saturday 22 MGCC Racing Cadwell Park Contact: www.cadwellpark.co.uk Sunday 23 MGCC: Caledonian Centre One-Day Run Contact: Lorraine Noble-Thompson – 07882 377422 Sunday 30 MGCC: Abingdon Works Centre Hampshire Hog Outing Contact: Malcolm Bailey – 01425 616896

AUGUST

Tuesday 1 MGCC: Anglia Centre Longham Club Meet Pride of Ownership Contact: William Ball – 01508 471506 Thursday 3 – Sunday 6 Porto MG Club European Event of the Year Contact: Rua Gonçalves Zarco – (+351) 913 825 051 or geral@portomgclube.pt Saturday 5 MGCC: MGs on Track Hethel Contact: Martin Holmes – martinh@mgs-on-track.co.uk Saturday 5 – Sunday 6 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre Croft Nostalgia Weekend Contact: Noel Lindford – 0191 517 2804 or noel. lindford@btinternet.com

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Saturday 5 – Saturday 12 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Seven-Day Tour Contact: Douglas Arthur – 01360 550535 Sunday 6 MGCC: Midland Centre Summer Sprint Contact: Simon Morris – 07788 168488

Monday 11 MGCC: MGs on Track Castle Combe Contact: Martin Holmes – martin@mgs-on-track.co.uk Friday 15 – Monday 18 MGCC: MGB Register Lincolnshire Weekend Contact: Graham Dix – chairman@mgb-register.org

Sunday 13 MGCC: MGA Register MGA Day at Croome Court Contact: Peter Morgan – mgcarclub_ mgachairman@outlook.com

Saturday 16 – Monday 18 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Three-Day Tour Contact: Barclay Henderson – 01292 560200

Monday 21 MGCC: South East Centre Club Meet BBQ Contact: John Morgan – 0208 657 2714

Saturday 23 MGCC: Anglia Centre Anglia Centre Committee Meeting and AGM Contact: Peter Skipper – 01502 731141

Sunday 27 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Fun Day and BBQ Contact: David Reid – 01383 727695

Sunday 24 MGCC: Midland Centre Autumn Trial Contact: Tony Lake – 01604 589104

SEPTEMBER

Sunday 24 MGCC: South East Centre Autumn Gathering Contact: Andrew Mitchell – 07703 138419

Friday 1 – Monday 4 MGCC: T Register Autumn Tour Contact: Bill and Sally Silcock – 01525 750468 Saturday 2 MGCC Racing Oulton Park Contact: www.oultonpark.co.uk Saturday 2 – Sunday 3 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Bo’ness Show Contact: Robert MacGillivray – 07870 407111 Sunday 3 MGCC: Midget Register 2017 Midget Register Road Run Contact: Mike Parker – 01235 525255 Thursday 7 – Monday 11 MGCC: V8 Register 2017 V8 Tour Contact: Ken Clayton – kenclayton@mail.com Sunday 10 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre Autumn Autosolo Contact: Sue Mackenzie – 01529 497849 or maccav8@aol.com Sunday 10 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre 10th Old Speckled Hen Run and Road Safety Trial Contact: Noel Lindford – 0191 517 2804 or noel. lindford@btinternet.com

Saturday 30 – Sunday 1 October MGCC Racing Snetterton (200 Circuit) Contact: www.snetterton.co.uk/ Saturday 30 – Sunday 1 October MGCC: Magnette Register Lou Shorten Tribute Meeting Contact: www.magnette.org/ Saturday 30 – Monday 2 October MGCC: MGA Register Autumn Tour (Hampshire) Contact: Peter Morgan – mgcarclub_mgachairman@outlook.com

OCTOBER

Monday 2 MGCC: MGs on Track Donington Park Contact: Martin Holmes – martin@mgs-on-track.co.uk Friday 6 – Sunday 8 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre Yorkshire Weekend Contact: David Alexander – 01670 861178 or david.alexander2012@btinternet.com Sunday 8 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Brunch and High Tea Rail Run Contact: Tony Smith – 07770 927803

www.mgcc.co.uk

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OVERSEAS NEWS

GETTING TO KNOW

ourism in general is nice, but I have made quite a mess of it in the past. Who would not spontaneously say yes to a trip in good company? Especially since that trip is another year off, and you don’t know what has already been organised for that particular year. I’m talking about 2016. In Gabicce Mare (Italy), we met with the President of the Finnish MG Car Club, Rauno Halme. We agreed that we would see him six weeks later in Helsinki. We were four campers taking a trip around the Baltic Sea, an area not immediately topping the list with tourists. Thousands of Islands It was a wonderful trip with many interesting cities such as Copenhagen, Helsinki, Tallinn and Riga. But what impressed me most was the wonderful landscape between Sweden and Finland, with its thousands of islands connected by narrow roads and ferries. Shoes were allowed to stay on Back to Rauno. The day before, I called to inform him of the time of our arrival. Promptly at 15:30 we were at his door. A friendly welcome was followed by the announcement that we were allowed to keep our shoes on. On entry to someone’s house there, it is usual to take off your shoes. After we admired the trophies in his cabinet, we sat in the conservatory, where Ann, the Australian wife of Rauno, had prepared some delicious Finnish dishes.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MG CAR CLUB OF FINLAND By Marius Erven

Rauno’s collection From the conservatory we saw the large collection of vehicles Rauno owned, eight in total: a closed Chevrolet 1929 with a six-cylinder engine, an MG TD Mark two from 1951 (a specially adapted model for competition with eight shock absorbers, two fuel pumps, larger carburettor and intake and exhaust ports), a 1969 MGC GT, two MGBs, a 1974 MG Midget and a 1997 MGF. Next to the house there was also a Volvo 850 for winter days, when the classic cars are in the garage. You have to realize that on average there may be several months with one metre of snow. When asked why he had so many cars, he replied: ”I can not say goodbye to any”. We know that feeling! Brittisportti On behalf of the MGCC Holland, I handed him a set of copies of MGNiews, a DVD of the restoration of an MG and some other small memorabilia. He was very happy to receive them. The MGCC of Finland has its own magazine, which is published four times a year. It’s a nice illustrated magazine in A5 format called Brittisportti. It is therefore fortunate that Rauno and Ann speak perfect English. Rauno has travelled and lived extensively around the world in his working life.

events in spring: a picnic, often shared, and a trip to historic Tallinn across the water in Estonia. They also organise an end of season and Christmas meeting. Most members are located in southern Finland. Also, given the size of the club, events are organised together with other marque clubs. Rocker cover racing is still popular, of which Rauno is the winner. He proudly showed his self-prepared rocker cover racing monster. Finally Finland has 5.5 million inhabitants in a country that is more than eight times larger than the Netherlands. Finland has 188,000 lakes. Can you imagine that landscape? For us to visit Finland once, then July is the most appropriate month, with nice temperatures between 20oC and 25oC.

MG Car Club of Finland The official name of the Finnish club is the MG Car Club of Finland. It has 175 members countrywide and was founded in 1995. They organise two

JUNE 2017 SAFETY FAST! 69

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OVERSEAS REVIEW A MONTHLY LOOK THROUGH A FEW OF THE OVERSEAS MAGAZINES WE RECEIVE AT KIMBER HOUSE REVIEWED BY RICHARD MARTIN

Geelong Champions

Abingdon Virginia

his month’s collection of magazines seems to contain a disproportionate number of photos showing people sitting around tables bearing food. These, plus the mention in many of visits to pubs or wineries, suggest that as well as enjoying their MGs, owners enjoy eating and being social. But, how better to demonstrate the Marque of Friendship than with a plate of food in front of you and a drink in the hand?! Another common theme is the weather, with a number of the events being reported upon not enjoying the best of Mother Nature. “The day started very dismal, with thunderstorms being forecast and the early organisers sheltering from the drizzle, but then the weather gods took over and the day just got better and better…” (G-Torque from Geelong); “… cool day that had a mixture of rain, squalls and sunshine…” (MG Monthly Motoring News, Tasmania); “Undeterred by low cloud and light drizzle, the Sunset Run was enjoyed by our members” (The Canterbury MaG, NZ). I think those last few words serve to illustrate that, whilst perfect weather is obviously better, the lack of it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an event. The weather is, as we all know, something you can’t control, but sometimes challenges of a different type have to be tackled.

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The Canterbury MaG reports the organisers of the Sunset Run having to resort to changing their plans four times! Their original hill-top destination was beset by fires which, two days later, had spread to their second choice, which ultimately prevented access to the third choice! Not to be deterred, the day before the event another location was found. Top marks for persistence and determination. The LogBook from the MG Drivers Club of North America proudly announces its 20th birthday and reproduces on its front page its first edition from Fall/Winter 1997. From an initial membership of 33, garnered from its first ‘drive-in’ event in Pennsylvania, it has now risen to almost 900. Happy birthday! A little older, the MGC’s 50th birthday is covered in ‘C’ Notes from the American MGC Register Association, with their own celebrations taking place in SeptemberOctober in Abingdon, Virginia. This year’s event is also dedicated to the memory of the organisation’s founder, Tom Boscarino, who died in late 2016. Another celebration is reported in The Octagon (Toronto). This involves the British Sports Car Hall of Fame and the induction into it of those who have made a “significant and lasting impact on the British sports car industry and hobby”. Glancing down the list of those who will form the induction class in 2017, I spot Cecil Kimber and former MG mechanic, Jimmy Cox, who I regularly see around Abingdon. Congratulations, Jimmy!

Art Deco theme in Napier NZ

US TA Q-Racer

US TA Q-Racer driver

Sunshine & Showers

Bs in Australian sun

Also celebrating, by picking up impressive trophies, were two younger members of Geelong’s MG Car Club. G-Torque carries photos of Mitch McAllister and Grant Lang; hope they have large mantelpieces!

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/05/2017 17:12

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CENTRES

ABINGDON WORKS

SARAH DAVIES sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk The Abingdon Works Centre 2017 events got off to a flying start, or should I say driving start, with the first run of the season being the St George’s Day Run, which also celebrated the FBHVC’s Drive-itDay. With over 30 cars including a Daimler Dart, Caterham 7 and a Mk2 Jaguar starting off at Abingdon Miele Experience Centre, site of the former MG factory, the day looked to be promising, with some lovely spring weather. Flags flying, cars shining and folks stuffed with coffee, cake and bacon rolls, participants roared off into the sunshine leaving a faint whiff of burnt bacon behind! The route meandered through three counties, taking in some

remarkable views which were made even more delightful with the spring blossom. The route brought us to the final destination of the Swindon and Cricklade Railway, based at Blunsdon, Wiltshire. Cars arrived with some having managed to still hold on to their flags! It was a steam day, with ‘Spartan’, a 1953 locomotive, taking us (I have to say a rather noisy but very jovial lot) to Taw Valley Halt or Hayes Knoll Station where we were allowed to alight and take in the atmosphere, before returning to the starting point where more tea and cake were on offer! We would like to thank Miele, in particular Monika and

ANGLIA

ROB MUIR 01206 862619 scribe@mgccanglia.com www.mgcc.co.uk/anglia-centre

Terry Starkey It is with much sadness that we have to report that Anglia MG member Terry Starkey passed away peacefully last month after a short cancer-related illness. Terry will be fondly remembered in MG and V8 circles and as a founder member of the Norwich Burblers pub meet Natter. A group he founded with friends Angus Munroe, Max Porter, John Cumming, Stuart Middlemiss and Ian Quarrington, who all share a passion for the burble of a V8 engine. A full tribute to Terry is published on page 8. Our thoughts and prayers at this time are with Terry’s wife, Brenda, and their two sons.

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New MG Committee member and roving reporter Roger Latham was at the London Motor Show in May to see the unveiling of a new MG. His report is as follows: “I was at the London Motor Show yesterday, courtesy of tickets from Toomey MG. An hour and a half after the show opened a new MG SUV was unveiled. Big news was the name is XS and not ZS, as in China. Prices will be better than competitors. It is quite large and dwarfs the MG3. As per press reports, the interior quality is much improved over all previous offerings, which is good news. It’s a spacious vehicle with good luggage space.”

The start of the St George’s Day Run.

John, for their hospitality and such a superb starting venue and refreshments. Also to all who partook of refreshments, as we raised almost £70 for Miele’s chosen charity. I think I have won Monika over for another year as I took in a peace-keeping bouquet of flowers for burning a tray of bacon in the oven! It was a great day with so much fun had by all, the first of

more delightful and cheerful events with the Abingdon Works Centre. If you’re a new member, welcome and we look forward to seeing you on future events.

Old Codgers Sidings. Swindon and Cricklade Railway

Pub Meet News The Mid Essex Pub Meet is currently meeting on the second Thursday of the month at The Red Lion, situated in Margaretting, on the outskirts of Chelmsford. This is due to refurbishment works going on at their usual venue, The Crown in Sandon, with the result that their open evening scheduled for June 8 is most likely to be a normal Club night, but meeting at the Red Lion. Dave Tynan and Andrew Woods will post the latest information on the Anglia Centre Facebook page as it happens this month and I will confirm the future meeting venue in the July edition of Safety Fast! Anglia Mid-Summer Run Scheduled for June 11 and going from Melton, Woodbridge, to The Museum of East Anglian Life, this popular event is usually oversubscribed; however it

could well be worth contacting organisers Margaret Beresford 01394 382096 or Barbara Pratley 01384 385135 to see if there are any spaces left. Anglia Summer Picnic The Anglia Summer Picnic is being held on Sunday July 2 at Ickworth House, Suffolk, one of the most unusual houses in East Anglia with its huge central rotunda and curving wings in the Italianate style. The gardens around the house were created during the first half of the 19th century. It is a National Trust property and Roger Latham has arranged a dedicated area for us to park our MGs and enjoy our picnics. Entry forms for the event can be found on the Anglia website and in the May edition of Safety Fast!

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/05/2017 17:12

A day out at the historic Breamore House and Countryside Museum The magnificent Elizabethan Breamore House overlooks the Avon Valley, on the edge of the New Forest, just north of Fordingbridge. The house was completed in 1583 and looks today much as it would have done to its original owners. Guided tours are included in the admission although numbers are limited so it’s first come first served! Opening times – Tea Rooms: 12.00pm - Countryside Museum: 1.00pm – House (guided tours only): 2.00pm Breamore Countryside Museum houses full size replicas of numerous trades and crafts including a blacksmith, village shop, school, dairy, etc. The museum boasts one of the finest collections of steam powered farm machinery, tractors, barn machinery and historical tools. What is a Hampshire Hog? People of Hampshire have had the pleasure of being referred to, from the late 18th century, as ‘Hampshire Hogs’. Hampshire was the home of wild boars that could be found foraging in the undergrowth of forests in the county. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Send this form, or a photocopy, with a cheque for £8.00 per person, payable to MGCC AWC to: Malcolm Bailey, 5 Parkview Mews, Station Road, New Milton, BH25 6NA Phone: 01425 616896 or email: me@malcb.uk If you do not have an email address please include a S.A.E. for your receipt. Ticket(s) required:

Number of people @ £8.00 each ...........

Cheque enclosed for £............................

Name: ......................................................................................................... Guided tour required? Yes/No Address: ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................... Postcode : ............................. Landline No : .........................................................

Mobile No : ..................................................................

Email : ............................................................................................................................................................ Car Model : ..................................................................... Year: ..................... Reg No : ..................................

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CENTRES

CALEDONIAN

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

I’m writing this just a day after out 25th Anniversary Three Day Tour ended. There is a full report in this issue and I think Ken Cothliff has managed to catch the flavour of the event! Great cars on great roads in great countryside and based in a great hotel added up to an excellent

weekend! The Cooper Bowl this year was awarded to Douglas Arthur for his work on organising two Orkney tours and a new award, the Dughall Leask Trophy, was given to Colin McLachlan in recognition of his achievements with his PA. Thanks to all who came, hope to see you next year,

Mr Toad and friends at the Tweed Valley 25 1930s night

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

Well, the sun is still out but our cars seem to be off the road! During the Cornish Riviera Run planning, to make sure we had the route right, we joined a queue to go over the bridge and the car in front started smoking. No, it was us: the radiator had sprung a leak! As we were in the outside the lane nobody would let us into the inside but eventually we managed to get the car in and then off the road, and waited for the AA. Drive it Day came and I was left trying to select gears in the MG ZS, so called the AA again. Only one car left, the MGB. We had left the battery switched on all winter and half-serviced. So would it start? Luckily it did, as it was Pete’s birthday we had arranged a meal out. Oh, the joys of happy motoring.

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A group went to Dorset for a spring break. We met at Exeter Services and proceeded in convoy to the East Dorset Golf Club, stopping several times to admire the views as they were lovely. The lunch stop was at Seaton for a picnic on the beach in the sun. We followed the coast around to Weymouth, where we lost somebody but proceeded to the Hotel in time for a G&T and a look around before our evening meal. The following morning, after breakfast in the sun, we drove by scenic route to the station for a trip in a reserved carriage on a steam train to Swanage. Arriving in the town, we were left to our own devices to walk around. We did the tour of Swanage to the

and to those who helped…hope you do again next year! We will be at Silverstone this month sharing a stand with Anglia Centre. We will be situated just outside the main club marquee, so if you are there don’t forget to drop in and say hello! And in the unlikely event of rain we will be sheltering in the main marquee! We will also have our Anniversary whisky glasses on sale. You must have a pair of these! You are too late to enter the Thirlestane show but why not come down and see us on June 4. Our theme is ‘MG the Iconic British Sports Car’ and I’m sure our stand will impress you. Similarly, bookings for Glamis in July have closed but there may be a cancellation; so if you would like to join us over July 8-9 then get in touch. And also on shows, the booking form for Bo’ness in September is on the

website now. With a Saturday run and a semi-competitive option, as well as the hillclimb both days and the classic car show, this event grows every year, and on this their 10th Anniversary there will be special features. Don’t miss it! And don’t forget that the Caledonian Centre will be at the bigger and even better Ignition Festival at the Glasgow SEC alongside our friends from Bo’ness. Another unmissable event! In terms of runs, we have a short evening run on Friday June 23 starting at Kirkintilloch and finishing with a curry at Dunblane. If you don’t like curry then don’t worry – other food will be available…check the webpage for details! Our July run on the 23rd is based around Argyllshire and will feature stunning scenery and a great drive…again, check the webpage.

pier and harbour and a lovely café with a view around the bay. The train arrived, puffing smoke, and we alighted at Corfe Castle for a walk around the village and Castle. The evening meal was rather noisy as we were challenged by a golf group to a limerick competition. They did not know what they had taken on, most of the limericks coming from D and C, so they were awarded the Rest of the World Trophy! Afterwards some attempted short bowls, having to put on special shoes and borrow some woods, great fun for all. Next day a scenic drive up to Compton Abbas Airfield to watch the light aircraft, but so

crowded there was no time for coffee. Descending into Shaftsbury, parking at Ye Olde Two Brewers – not an easy place to find but we all made it safely for a lovely roast. The pub was at the bottom of Gold Hill, famous for the Hovis advert, so we had to climb up to the Abbey for far-reaching views. A quick Sunday walk around the town and stroll down Gold Hill. It was then time to leave, but as everyone had had an enjoyable time, it was suggested we arrange another weekend next year. Drive it Day saw a lively crowd, with MG cars arriving from five different Natters and 92 people for lunch, thanks Ian. More next month.

Rest on Gold Hill – The Three Wise Monkeys? Photo: Jean Quartly

Dates for the Diary July 8-9 – Powderham Car Show – Bob Slatter September 10 – Cornish Riviera Run – Sue Heath

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CENTRES

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

June Natters: Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 2; Wolds Wednesday 7; Abbey Lodge Monday 12; Wishing Well Wednesday 14; Three Horseshoes Thursday 15 (Landlords Choice); Admiral Nelson/Bricklayers Arms Thursday 22. June Events: Sunday 4 Social Run (Len 01205 750386) this replaces the run that was scheduled on May 21 and that in the calendar on June 25; Sunday 11 Autotest East Kirkby; Saturday-Sunday 17-18 MG Live! Silverstone. Luncheon Club: Wednesday 21. Early July Natters: Wolds Wednesday 5; Lincolnshire Poacher 7.

April has been somewhat of a mixture weather-wise, but the Luncheon Club had a fine, sunny day for the visit to a new venue, the Railway Tavern at Aby, with 24 members enjoying the sunshine and a good meal. A different day on the 24th when MGs on Track paid a visit to Cadwell Park. Several of our members were participating; a cool day and heavy rain at lunchtime did alter the driving conditions a little. In contrast, the previous day was a top down day as members made their way from various start points to Batemans Brewery in Wainfleet All Saints as our contribution to the National Drive it Day. Several members went on one of the Brewery Tours (which

do include some free samples) explored its history and either lunched in the dining room or enjoyed a picnic on the grass. There was also a rather fiendish Treasure Hunt to tackle. Hearing the groans of those who had attempted it as the answers were read out made me glad that I wasn’t one of them! The result was a tie between Lorraine Ginniff and Teresa and Mark Bellamy. In the Pride of Ownership the winner of the NonMG Class was the Morris Minor 1000 of Keith Clifton, second was the Ford Zodiac of Jeff Patterson, and John McEwen’s Morris Minor ‘Woodie’ was third. First in the MG Class was the TA of Mr R Beaver, second was Bob Twine’s 1954 TF, third Ian Thompson’s TC, fourth the MGA of Hazel and Robert Taylor and in fifth place the Mk IV Magnette belonging to John Taylor.

MIDLANDS

TONY LAKE tonylake134@hotmail.co.uk

The Taster Trial was a key event whose target audience was newcomers who’d never driven in a production car trial before – grassroots clubman motor sport at its friendliest and least expensive. Just bring your daily driver and have a go. This kind of trial has been organised by the Midland Centre since 1938. It complemented the Midland Centre strategy to encourage younger drivers, recruit new members, maintain the spirit of the Marque of Friendship and ensure car trials have a future in our calendar. Sunday April 30 dawned bright, sunny and windy at East Lodge Farm, Bromsgrove, where an entry of 13 cars and 22 drivers, 19 of whom were novices, turned

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up to find out how to do it. The publicity certainly worked. They were supported by six experienced coaches in their own trials cars who paired up with the novices to show them the tricks of the trade. Adrian Tucker-Peake, Clerk of the Course, gave a kick-off briefing. If there was a way of harnessing nervous energy and tension we might have lit a small town with it! The morning was spent on slopes of varying steepness, fortunately dry, on which the skills of car control were honed. As the morning wore on, anxious expressions turned into big grins. After lunch a short competition was won by Sarah Skelton and Nicole Kosmorova in father Don’s very tidy Austin

Joanne Barnes driving husband Kevin’s 1934 Singer Le Mans that competed in trials before the war, driven by his grandfather, J D Barnes. Seen starting the timed auto-test

7 Ulster Replica. The ladies were a formidable pairing, losing no marks. They have a free entry to our Autumn Trial on September 24. John Croxton and Steve Authers in Dave Sullivan’s VW on three marks were second. Pat Woolford/Barrie Parker in Barrie’s MR2 just beat Philip and Karen Traynor, both with nine lost, on a tie break which was a timed autotest that everybody did twice. A chance to let off a bit of steam on a relatively flat part of the field.

Some of the Drive it Day cars with Bateman’s iconic windmill trademark

Marie McCance sharing Lindsay Clark’s MG ZS was very nervous at the outset then gained massive confidence and won the award for the most improved driver. James de Salis Young, the youngest at 16, mixed it with the older tyros to good effect in Nigel Coulter’s 1929 Austin 7 Chummy, Richard Ames’ 12 year old son, Stuart, also had a good time in the passenger seat of dad’s MG ZR. Huge thanks to the coaches who gave so willingly of their cars, time and experience and to the stalwart marshals and officials. Mustn’t forget the MSA whose club membership waiver allows youngsters and newcomers to participate in Taster events with full insurance cover, a brilliant initiative. Shelsley Walsh is the venue for the Summer Day Out on July 23 and Curborough beckons the sprinters on August 6.

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LINCOLNSHIRE POACHER CONCOURS AND PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP SHOW 2017 SUNDAY 20 AUGUST 10AM – 4PM DODDINGTON HALL AND GARDENS DODDINGTON LINCOLNSHIRE LN6 4RU Set within spectacular gardens, Doddington Hall, Doddington, near Lincoln is an example of a fine late Elizabethan mansion house and is, for the fifth year, the venue for the MG Car Club Lincolnshire Centre’s flagship event sponsored by Peter Best Insurance, the Lincolnshire Poacher Concours and Pride of Ownership Show.

Enjoy a great day at a special location

Classic Cars of any marque and particularly MGs of all models welcome! Rosettes will be awarded to winning cars on the day with fabulous trophies presented at the Centre’s annual Dinner Dance in January 2018.

Refreshments are available throughout the day. Winners of each Show Class, the Premier Concours and the Premier Condition award winners will be announced at the club marquee at 3pm. Don’t forget – for those that don’t want to enter their car to be judged, the day is still open for you to come along for a relaxing day out at no charge. . Full details available on www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk or contact Geoff and Vicki Edge on 01205 871973 geoffjedge@aol.com www.doddingtonhall.com

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CENTRES

NORTH WEST PAUL GOODMAN 01625 876300

June is the month for MGLive! and our major outdoor event. The Centre has a significant involvement in MGLive! throughout the weekend. On both Saturday June 17 and Sunday 18 there will be Cockshoot Cup races on the Grand Prix Circuit. These will be rounds two and three and quite a few drivers will be making their first appearance of the season. Then on Sunday only, the Centre will be running the sprint on the Stowe Circuit. This is a completely self-contained track within the main circuit between the Wing and Hanger Straight with access being via the perimeter road and a bridge over the track opposite the Porsche centre. We have a very large entry of MGs and other sports cars and

they will be going against the clock around the circuit. We need quite a few helpers both on and off the track to run the event and so we are offering a good deal. Everybody who offers to help will get a free weekend ticket. This will enable them to enjoy the MG Live! experience on Saturday before heading to the sprint on Sunday. Just a couple of days later, on Tuesday June 20, we have our annual gathering and informal concours at the Plough and Flail. We expect more than 100 cars to attend. There will be a special food offering and music provided by the Plough and Flail. We would like members to arrive from 6.30pm, with most parked by 7.30pm. You will have the opportunity to vote

SOUTH EAST

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

You just have time to purchase discounted tickets for MGLive! at Silverstone, June 17-18, with tickets starting at £18.00. Features this year include Autotest and Autosolo. The Wheeler Dealer team, Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead, will be taking part in various challenges, as well as it being the 66th year the event has been hosted at Silverstone. There will be a full weekend of racing, an action-packed live arena, over 3,000 MGs on display, and cars for sale – full details in the May edition of Safety Fast!. MGCC SE also have a stand. July sees the Summer Gathering being held on July 30 at Penshurst Place, Tonbridge (philipbp@mgcottage.freeserve.

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co.uk) A delightful setting with historic house and gardens, it is currently owned by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, having been first opened to the public in 1946. The day will include Concours, Pride of Ownership competitions and a bring-and-buy sale. There will be a guided tour of the house at 11.00am with the feeder run starting at the Pheasant Pub,

Drive it Day under the restored Avro Vulcan at Woodford. Photo: Paul Goodman

for your favourite cars and awards will be presented at the end of the evening. The focus will be on MGs, but we have invited several other clubs with both two- and fourwheeled vehicles to join us. Our other social events this month are at The Old Hall Farm Pub on Tuesday June 13 and our lunch meeting on Wednesday June 28 at the Fox & Barrel, Cotebrook, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 9DZ. We are running the photograph competition again this year. The closing date for the submission of images is August

31. The Centre Committee will select a shortlist of eight which will be printed and displayed at the EventCity show on September 16 and 17. Visitors will then be asked to vote to decide the winning picture. Finally, congratulations and thanks to everybody who worked to make our Anglesey Sprint weekend such a success, and to Mike Ashcroft who was the fastest North West Centre member over the weekend for the third year running, driving his ZR190.

Buckland, Surrey. Tickets can be purchased for £10.00 in advance for the rally, house entry and gardens, with pre-entry recorded in the printed programme of the day. For an application form see page 65 of this issue or visit the events page: www.mg-cars.org.uk/ mgccse/events.html

classic cars out on the roads. The spring run kicked off from Barnsgate Manor Vineyard with some 29 cars, ranging from prewar to modern MGF/TFs, following the 45-mile run to Bewl Water. Only one breakdown was reported: a fuel leak in a TC which was expertly patched up at the roadside by a combined team of Opie/Franklin/Leigh. See photo. MGs at Brands Hatch saw two excellent days of racing, although with mixed results following a few pile-ups on the Sunday. Oliver Friend was ‘driver of the day’, having spun off early in the Equipe GTS race and managing to pull back to fourth place after some insane driving in his Austin Healey Sprite 1098cc. Whilst it was a very packed paddock, it would be have been great to see more South East members at Brands.

Brief round-up: Drive it day, April 23, marked the beginning of the season and saw a very clement day in the south east corner of Kent with all manner of

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CENTRES

SOUTH WEST

DAVID MOTHERSDILL davidmothersdill@aol.com www.mgccsw.com/ www.facebook.com/MGCCSW, @mgccsw The year is marching past and the summer season is in full swing. Our events are proving as popular as ever; if you head to our new and revamped website at www.mgccsw.com you will find event reports and details of future opportunities to enjoy your MG. Recently added articles include a report on the wellsupported Wye Valley Social run and the ever-popular Kimber Classic Trial. Looking to the future and you will find an unfortunate clash. This year the Bristol Classic Car Show at Shepton Mallet is on June 17-18. This is the same weekend as MGLive! at Silverstone, bad planning indeed, and it means that

Centre resources are somewhat stretched. For the first time for many years we won’t have an ‘official’ presence at Silverstone, although I am sure many members will make their own way there. If you are visiting the Classic Car Show then make sure you say hello to the volunteers manning our stand. Moving on, and our summer social will be held on June 21 this year at the East Somerset Railway. A mixture of steam trains and classic cars with good company thrown in makes this an unmissable day out. Proving it’s a busy month the following weekend of June 25 is the Auto Aero day at the Cotswold Airfield. Steam

TYNE TEES

NOEL LINDFORD noel.lindford@btinternet.com

A reminder that Tyne-Tees Centre is now on Facebook, so why not join our group at www.facebook.com/ groups/1390089947728946/ Past Events Cobweb Run Celebrating Drive-It Day: An eclectic mix of 55 cars started (and completed) this 88-mile circular tour of Northumberland and Cumbria, starting and finishing at Brocksbushes Farm Shop, near Corbridge. The morning route took us along Roman roads, close to Roman Forts and Hadrian’s Wall, travelling westward into Cumbria for a lunch halt at Lanercost Priory. The return journey followed more industrial landmarks of coal and lead mining, but still travelling through wonderful scenery and on

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excellent roads. Following a well-earned cream tea, our guest judge chose the cars he would most like to take home. The pre-1981 award went to the MGA Roadster of John and Linda Shaw, whilst Duncan McEwan picked up the post-1981 award for his MG RV8. Organiser Ian Graham gave the Spirit of the Event award to Sandra Vinnell for her MG TF1250, which she had driven up from Sandy in Bedfordshire to take part…excellent choice! Events Coming Up A reminder: our Breakfast Meets are the third and fourth Wednesday of the month in the North and South, respectively. David Alexander and myself can tell you where.

trains one weekend and classic airplanes the next, show we cater for all forms of transport. This one is held in conjunction with the Bullpup Flying Club, with a scenic drive to Hagley Hall at 10.15am, the cars returning in the afternoon in time for a mass fly-past if weather permits. Details of both these events can be found on the website,

along with many recently found photos dating back to the sixties. Our new Competition Secretary, Ian Benningfield, has spent many hours developing the website and publishing archive material we haven’t been able to share in the past. It’s well worth a visit! Plenty going on this month, so make sure you get out and about in your MG!

Photos from the Wye Valley Social Run 2017. Photos: Ian Beningﬁeld

Sunday June 4: Prince Bishops and St. Cuthbert’s Runs starting from Stokesley and Newbiggin Maritime Centre respectively, and finishing at Durham Cathedral. Contact me asap if you would like a late entry (if we have space!) Saturday June 17: Scruton Village Fete This wonderful North Yorkshire village show includes a classic car display, and organiser Tony Wood would like to have some MG cars take part. Contact Tony on 07885 654795. You need to be there for 1.30pm Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 June: MGLive! Silverstone Weekend. Tyne-Tees are organising the Circuit Tours, California Cup and AutoSOLO. If you would like to compete in the California Cup or in the AutoSOLO please contact me asap. Sunday July 2: MG Northumbria’s Classics in Corbridge. Once again we are

invited to provide a display of MG cars from our Centre at this excellent car show which raises so much money for local charities. I have space reserved for 20 cars, so if you are going, please enter via the billetto website at https://billetto.co.uk/e/classics-incorbridge-tickets-180224/select and let me know please! Tuesday July 11: Afternoon visit to Rokeby Park. Tony Wood will be your guide to this wonderful 18th Century country house near Barnard Castle. We meet from 2.00pm, parking in front of the house for a photo opportunity and a 2.30pm tour start, to be followed by High Tea at a suitable venue not too far away. Entry is £7.00 for adults, £6.00 for concessions, and children under 16 go free. Please contact Tony Wood by email anthony@scrutonvillage. co.uk or call 07885 654795 if you are joining us.

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CENTRES

YORKSHIRE

DAVID COPEMAN 07920 06458 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk North – Colin Brear It took a Welshman, Mike Payne, to show ‘us Yorkshire Folk’ the delights of roads off the beaten track, near Stump Cross Caverns for Drive it Day, ending in a super lunch at Skipton Golf Club. Brilliant. Thanks, Mike and Val. It was Mike’s month, because he won the Men’s Bowling Competition and Kate Marsden and Sandra Poole shared the ladies’ prize for top Ladies score. A trip to look round the Norton Motorcycle Factory was oversubscribed; men and machines! South – Geoff Norcliffe The sun shone brightly for us during the Coast to Coast Run celebrating the 20th anniversary

of the founding of our Natter. The start in Scarborough was a little overcast, but as the route progressed towards our lunch stop at the Black Sheep brewery in Masham so the weather improved. The afternoon section of the run traversed the Pennines on mainly B roads and unclassified roads, before we dropped down towards Morecambe Bay. East – Brian Rylance We bravely put the hoods up, headed for York and joined the Daffodil run, a great route, if somewhat damp. The Wolds way entries are now closed and possibly over by the next report. To come is the East Yorkshire Wolds Vintage Weekend at Wolds Vintage Group, July 22-23.

West – David Copeman The Easter Sunday Daffodil Run attracted 85 entrants in a variety of classic cars. The run started with hoods down but unfortunately the weather, as predicted, changed to rain. 68 cars completed the run, finishing at the Yorkshire Air Museum to view the exhibits, including their latest acquisition the Mirage Jet. Natter evening celebrated Dorothy’s belated birthday with a supper provided by Dorothy and Alan. Tiger – Pete Welbourn Following a slow start, and Mel and I thinking the award-winning pub we had chosen was not a good venue for a luncheon run, over 20 members joined us for lunch at the Black Horse. Unfortunately, John and Louis did not make it; a brake failure on their MG ZR meant them limping to a local garage for assistance. Brooke Midgley has kindly

volunteered to plan our August run to the Wykeham Arms – which will be fine as long as he does not include his favourite and muchtravelled road around the Alps. Vale of York – Ken Cothliff We welcomed a visitor from further north this meeting: Noel Linford from Tyne Tees Natter; great to see you Noel. Another busy meeting with 28 people present, but the car park was packed – film crews and vehicles from the “Queen Victoria” drama, series two. A lot to go through, with Drive it Day coming up the following Sunday and several classic car shows in the next couple of months. Shows include Newby Hall, near Ripon (July 16), Yorkshire Post Father’s Day show at Castle Howard (July 18), and Harewood House Classic car Show at Leeds (July 2) and addition to the Yorks area Compass Run on July 30.

ULSTER

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

The Centre’s April events commenced on a showery April Fools’ Day, running its round of the ANICC Autotest Championship at Nutt’s Corner. 18 Championship contenders fought the bit out in their specials. Despite generating clouds of white smoke with servo problems, Paul Mooney in his Mini Special put in a faultless display, coming out clear winner ahead of Ashley Lamont’s potent Westfield. To promote autotesting, ANICC have introduced ‘Clubman’s’ classes this year geared towards road-going cars; class winners were Richard Earney in his Mini and Noel Cochrane in his very quick Midget. Thanks to TTS for letting us abuse their tarmac and

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the marshals who experienced a few soakings throughout the day. We were treated to a cool but dry Drive-it Day on April 23. Mike Dowey had set a fine run through the Co. Down countryside via the Mourne foothills to Castlewellan. A select band of members in their MGs turned out, along with a German upstart! Sam Christie and son’s magnificent M Type Midget and Robert Holmes’s immaculate MGC were the stars of the run and were much admired throughout the day. We made a brief stop en Sam Christie’s M Type Midget

Robert Holmes’s immaculate MGC

route at picturesque Corbet Lake, abundant with swans, before heading into the mountains up the Spelga hillclimb to a welcome fish and chip supper and opportunity for a chinwag at Castlewellan. During April, members have also been involved in other events such as Croft and Craigantlet Hill Climbs and an autotest demonstration at the ‘Dubshed’ event, so it has been a very busy month! May and June

will be equally so, with more competitions and MG Live! on the horizon. Dates for your diary: June 22 Autotest at TTS, Nutts Corner July 9 Sunday Run (details to follow) August 13 BBQ at Gordon and Ruth Buckley’s September 3 MG Day and Picnic (details to follow)

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Suppliers of parts for • MGA • MGB • MGC • Midget • T Type • MGF/TF

www.stevemckiesportscars.co.uk Tel 01246 454527 • Fax 01246 453681 Albert Street North, Chesterfield, S41 8NP

SPECIALISTS IN CAR SHIPPING AND TRANSPORTATION

Steve McKie Sports Cars Hi-Res.indd 1

For the ‘best’ in MG high-performance Parts Hotline: +44(0)1543 472244 E-mail: sales@bighealey.co.uk DENIS WELCH MOTORSPORT, YOXALL, BURTON ON TRENT, STAFFS DE13 8NA, UK

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Worldwide export and import services

HEATHROW TRANSMISSIONS MG GEARBOX, AXLE, OVERDRIVE SPECIALISTS Exchange units, repairs, parts DIY Overhaul Kits available

MGB/C OVERDRIVE CONVERSIONS • Customs clearance • UK & European collection & delivery • SAFE • SECURE • COMPETITIVE t: 01394 695566 f: 01394 673031 kevin.lewis@rjjfreight.co.uk chinita@rjjfreight.co.uk

www.rjjfreight.co.uk

Est 1990

Full workshop fitting service

Tel 0208 577 1505

Email heathrowtransmissions@gmail.com

Unit 20c Rear of 20/22, Hanworth Road, Hounslow Greater London TW3 1UA www.heathrowtransmissions.co.uk

La Foie/The Frenchblatting company

FOR SALE

La Foie is a 10 acre farm on the Loire Valley/Brittany Border. Many MG owners enjoy a week in one of the two gites which have a turnover of £3500-£4000 See the details at: www.frenchblat.com/la-foie.htm www.mgcc.co.uk

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REGISTERS

VINTAGE

JOHN VENABLES 01865 862573 johnandtriciav@gmail.com

The Register AGM was held on Sunday March 5 at the Shillingford Bridge Hotel and all went along very smoothly. The only change to the committee was that I stood down as Chairman and was replaced by Debbie Brading, who I am sure will bring fresh ideas to the Register as she is a lot younger than I am. The Register held its Spring Run between April 24-28. This was ably managed by Stephen Hiner in Bury St Edmunds and was based on the Priory Hotel there. The event ran around Suffolk and Norfolk. Unfortunately the weather could have been better, the temperature was on the low side.

However, all the cars ran well with no problems, I understand, so that was good news. The furthest-travelled to the event were Gert and Irene Jensen from Germany – well done and many thanks. I was sorry not to be able to attend. Our photos show some of the participants. This month we have MGLive! at Silverstone, where this year we have been invited to join the V8 Register in their marquee via our chairwoman who is also the secretary of the V8 Register. As usual, we shall have our stall selling various items for a commission which helps the funds. Spares, jigsaws, models, books and what have you are very welcome. You receive

SVW

PAUL CAMPBELL svw.safety.fast@gmail.com www.svwregister.co.uk

The Brooklands MG Era day was a delight, although there were only three SVW cars: two fine SA Saloons and my VA Tourer. David Gregory (pictured) had come all the way from Luton in his SA with his son, Russell, and was awarded Nice original SA Saloon

David Gregory wins the award

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80% of the sale price, so clear that garage out. I have been pleasantly surprised at what things fetch and have had one or two bargains myself in the past.

MGLive! has been revamped this year, so do come along and support your Register. I am sure we shall all enjoy the event in its new format.

the David Washbourne Trophy by Rosemary Washbourne for the best SVW car on the day.

an offence to supply, fit or use vehicle parts that do not comply with the required Construction and Use stipulations. If LED bulbs are fitted in contravention of the law then the owner’s motor insurance could well be invalid. The issue seems to be that the optics inside the lamp are unable to direct the light correctly and can result in scatter. While the car may well pass the MOT, this does not mean the bulbs are legal as they lack the mandatory Type Approval test markings. Food for thought, I think, and I’ll certainly be considering my own position! A quick reminder to check inter-register.org.uk/events.htm to see the planned events in the coming months – next one on June 11 in Essex. At least one of our members has attended an IRC event; updates in due course.

LED conversion bulbs – are they legal? Readers may remember I converted my VA Tourer to LED headlamps last year. Several members have at least used LEDs for their stop/tail lights. The Riley Motor Club has recently issued a bulletin to its members saying that no LED replacement bulbs on the market can comply with legally required technical standards and only LED bulbs in purpose-built housings are legal. They go on to say that new bulbs are one of the aftermarket replacement parts that have to comply with compulsory technical standards and LED bulbs do not do this. The UK’s Road Traffic Act states that it is

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MARTIN SMITH www.usedmg spares.co.uk

Quality New and Used MGF & MGTF Spares Covering all models from 1995 > 2006 All items Supplied - from body panels, interiors & engines to headlights & wheel nuts Visit us on stand E1

Tel: 07722 175473 East Lydford, Somerset Email: usedmgspares@hotmail.co.uk IMGT17_13_Mike_Satur.indd 1

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

MG TF /MGF’s. Large choice of low mileage cars

MG TF LE500 + H/top (just 34,900 miles)

MG 6 TSE GT 5 Door (just 39,000 Miles)

MG TF 135 High spec (just 25,400 miles)

Original MGF/TF Specialist holding a large selection of hand picked, lowest mileage, high spec, historic, ltd edition and ex factory models. Supplied with our own Nation Wide Warranty (not a warranty company) no other MG dealer offers this! Also our ‘While you wait’ exchange remapped/ upgraded ECU’s ,upto 10% extra power for your late MGF & all TF’s. We can also supply Hardtops, Wind deflectors, Sports exhausts, Mud flaps etc to your new car, plus a wide range of items as a Xpart dealer . Phone for details. £POA

A low mileage LE500 Previously supplied by us. #273/500 with removable colour coded hardtop, full service history 8 services, cambelt /water pump fitted by us last year @ 33,415 miles. Fitted with air conditioning, black leather sport seats, soft ride suspension, 16” 11 spoke alloys, heated glass screen with black soft top etc, Air con just fully serviced with new condenser. Car just serviced and moted .Choice of silver or black alloys, Superb. £6,795

Top of the range low mileage MG6 TSE Petrol 5 door, full spec MG, White with black roof/ Black leather, satnav, Climate control A/c, cruise control, rear parking camera,18” alloys, heated electric seats, etc etc, just 39,000 miles 2 private owners full service history, Outstanding. £5,995

A very low mileage TF135. Fitted with Black leather sport seats with blue leather inserts, 16” alloy wheels, two tone steering wheel, Blue hood, wind deflector. Full service history 10 services ,headgasket replaced last year at 24,889 miles . Superb very low mileage TF. MGCC / MGOC members car. £3,795

MG ZR 105 A/C 3 door (1 owner only 27,000 miles)

MG MGF 1.8i VVC Convertible (just 80,000 miles)

MG ZT 190 + 2.5 V6 Saloon (Outstanding)

MG TF 115/135/160vvc Remapped ECU’s

December 2006 registered MG ZR 105 1.4 3 door, just 1 owner from new having covered just 27,000 miles, fitted with air conditioning. Documented service history. Unmarked seats ,immaculate. Just going though out workshop. £POA

This outstanding MGF VVC has just been though our workshop and had a full service including a new Headgasket/cambelt/water pump. Full service history with bills and even the original bill of sale. Full handbook pack will a huge history file. MG club members car . Under 4,000 miles a year, Immaculate condition ideal show car. £2,395

A superb ZT190+ with full service history and just moted. High spec model with black leather seats with grey alcantara inserts, 18” alloys, air conditioning, De chromed, Boot spoiler, traffic master, front fogs, Outstanding condition. £2,195

We offer a while you wait ECU Remaps/upgrades for all MG TF’s and late MGF’s, 10% power increase more mpg better throttle response. Please phone David for more details, from £295.

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

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REGISTERS

T TYPE

JOHN WARD 01621 773606 johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk www.tregister.org Club T MG (Portland MG Car Club) If you are an MG enthusiast and live in or near Portland, Oregon, USA, the Portland MG Car Club is for you, especially if you own a T series MG. According to the latest rota, 64 of the 164 cars (145 MG cars) in the Club are from the T series era of MGs. Several of the cars deserve a special mention. There is a 1939 MG TB which came from the UK (Brighton) in 1970 and is owned by a member, Roger Aumann. He decided he wanted to own a T series MG in the 1970s when an MG T series pulled up next to the very hot sedan in which he was riding (car-pooling) and he saw the MG T with the top down.

By 1975 he found a T series but did not know what an MG TB was. Over the years, he found out some history of the car, including that on September 1 1939 the car was in Abingdon being built (chassis no.533). This is also the day that German troops under Adolph Hitler invaded Poland starting WWII. He also learned that this car was first used by the Kent Constabulary and was painted black, and recently he spent a year and a half restoring the car back to new. The other cars that deserve mention are a 1946 MGTC owned and driven by Alison Foren, which has been in the family since purchased from the original owner, and also Tim Foren owns and drives two MG TFs as well.

Alison Foren in her TC, a classic T Type pose indeed

The Portland Club is a full service MG Club which has been around for more than 50 years and the aim is to support ownership of MG cars, but with a particular interest in T Types. Dick Mullins Next up on the home front for T Types is, of course, MGLive! at Silverstone on Saturday June 17 and Sunday 18. A revamped layout this year, but we will all be there not far from the main marquee in our allocated parking area. The Register stand will be

manned all day for regalia and a chat, not forgetting the Specials display. Why not pop by late afternoon and have a drink and some nibbles!

The TB trailered up and ready for the show; note the original police bell

MAGNETTE

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

David Johnson 1936-2017 We were sorry to hear that former chairman David Johnson passed away in April, having been ill with cancer for some time. Apart from being a regular at our events for many years with his Twilight grey ZA, he was very much involved in developing and documenting a Magnette disc-brake conversion using MGA parts and a custom bracket, helping to take it from prototype form to a stage where it could be made available to a considerable number of owners. David joined the Register committee in 1995 when he volunteered to take over Safety Fast! duties. In 1997 he became Registrar, and continued in this role until 2004, when he was

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Magnettes & Steam at Tenterden

elected as chairman following the sudden death of Roy Smalldridge. He saw this elevation as a temporary measure to fill the unexpected gap, and hence stepped down as chairman and from the committee at the 2006 AGM. Our condolences to David’s partner, Jean, and other family. Events The planned Shropshire weekend (July 15-16) has been moved to

Wiltshire, due to difficulties finding suitable venues, but Trevor Jones has been working hard to come up with a revised plan. There should be a full programme on the website by the time you read this, and there’s a good mix on offer, including the Atwell-Wilson motor museum in Calne, and Lacock Abbey and village. Note that the Register AGM will be held on Saturday 15, somewhere in or around Calne (details TBA), and the NTG Concours trophy will be judged at Lacock on the Sunday. Meanwhile, John and Cynthia Harris have also been busy, fixing venues for the Lou Shorten Tribute

weekend in Norfolk, Sept 30-Oct 1. As well as the usual Saturday open-house at John Shorten’s, there’ll be dinner at Wensum Golf Club, plus a Sunday visit to the Sandringham estate. It was great to see so many familiar faces and newcomers at Magnettes and Steam in April, and I look forward to meeting many of you again on the Register stand at MGLive! Also, don’t forgot the ‘MGs in the Park’ event at the Cotswolds Wildlife Park on June 4, where you can enjoy free entry (for driver + car) and allocated Register parking courtesy of our MGOC friends.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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REGISTERS

MGA

EDWARD VANDYK 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk The grinning cat featured on the route book and rally plate for this year’s MGA Register Spring Tour, the Register’s first major event of 2017, says it all. The Cheshire Cat Tour on May 6-7 was based in the village of Lymm and 53 MGAs from all over the UK were treated to a two-day exploration of Cheshire, a county known by many only for the hours spent in traffic on the M6. Saturday’s theme was “Follow the story of technology old and new”. The Tour took in the Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope, thence to Little Moreton Hall, followed by a climb to the village of Mow Cop. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly Quarry Bank, a restored working cotton mill.

Sunday’s 75-mile tour was billed as “Salt and Ice cream”. The museums at Lion Salt Works and Anderton Boat lift told the story of the salt mining industry in Cheshire. Then via Oulton Park circuit, Bunbury for lunch, a quick climb of Beeston Hill and finally on to Arley Hall where our MGAs were on display. All in all a great success and many thanks to the organisers and to the Lymm Hotel for their hospitality. With so many photographs to choose from, the decision went to the one with the most MGAs in it, taken by Howard Quayle, the Register Archivist, at the Lymm Hotel at dusk on Friday May 5.

MGB

DAVID BROADHURST 01209 614704 newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org www.mgb-register.org • mgbforum.mgb-register.org I am writing this at the beginning of May after a fortnight of glorious weather here in Cornwall, bar last Saturday which was horrible. I am also cheered by the fact that my BGT just passed its MOT, again with no advisories, and is fit for purpose. So, I must use it rather more than I have this past year with only 1,600 miles achieved. It is my intention to use it for my trip to MGLive! this year, where I hope to spend some time on the Register stand. I have been sent an interesting article by Roger Boys which I will now share with you: It’s a while since I wrote a few lines for you on a technical subject, so here goes. When I removed the

www.mgcc.co.uk

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winter wire wheels in the spring from the Boneshaker, I noticed that the flexing of the spokes, coupled with the salt, has caused the dreaded rust to make an appearance. This was not sufficient to damage the structure of them but has made them unsightly, so I decided to give them a spruce-up. Many of you will know I am not the greatest with the spanners but cleaning and tarting up is right up my street. So I got the wheels out of the shed and carefully cleaned all the grease, brake dust and mud off. Then when dry I applied a liberal dose of Kurust to as many places as I could. When this was dry and had worked its magic, I was ready to

In June we have MGLive! at Silverstone, the Club’s annual flagship event, which will this year have a changed format. There will be a parking area exclusively for MGAs, which provides a great opportunity to meet fellow MGA enthusiasts informally, to admire their cars and to pick their brains. It will also provide an opportunity to meet some of your Register’s

committee at the Register Desk where MGA merchandise will be available. At the beginning of July we also have MGA South West Day. Although there will be a further copy of Safety Fast! before then, you need to get July 2 in your diary now. The venue will be East Somerset Rail Centre, Cranmore. See the MGCC MGA Register website for more details.

spray them with Promatic Silver Wheels paint. A single can was sufficient for all four wheels, but before I started I had to mask up the tyre – not an easy task. It was as I was applying the masking tape that I remembered a technique that I had read about many years ago. This involved completely letting the tyres down

and inserting small pieces of card between the tyre and the rim, making the masking easy and very effective. A set of playing cards would be absolutely ideal, if available. Then it’s possible to carefully spray the wheel without getting loads of paint on the wall of the tyres. Give it a try – you will be pleased with the results.

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REGISTERS

MIDGET

MIKE PARKER mikeparker78@talktalk.net www.midgetregister.com I have now attended two MGCC Lackford Engineering MG Midget and Sprite Challenge rounds. We were blessed with very warm weather for the Donington Park race in early April, where 19 cars formed on the grid for round one.

The race ran without any problem for most, and was won by Steve Collier in his Class A car, the exJames Dunkley car now repainted orange and black. Richard Wildman in David Weston’s car was second and Edward Reeves

Edward Reeve pushing his Midget hard. Photo: Dennis Wharf

Steve Everitt trophy. Photo: Dennis Wharf

was third. There were plenty of battles down the field, but everyone went home happy with nothing major to report. The second round at Brands Hatch was a different story, with the weather not as warm and a cold wind. The race had to be stopped early on, and four cars did not make the restart; there were some very sad-looking Midgets back in the Paddock. On the restart Steve Collier only lasted a lap, with Richard Wildman taking the flag, Edward Reeve second and Paul Campfield third in his very pretty MK 1 Sprite. He was also named driver of the Race. Sunday’s race had 21 starters on the grid for the Steve

Everitt Memorial Trophy with Steve Collier on pole, thanks to a distributor loaned by Richard Wildman – how sporting is that it! Sadly, it only lasted 15 laps when the same problem as the day before returned. Edward Reeve took the win and the Trophy, which was great as Ted was racing against Steve Everitt back in the day and did own his old car in years gone by. The Trophy was presented by Steve Everitt’s sister. The next round is at MGLive! at Silverstone, with Paul Campfield taking a 13-point lead in the Challenge into the next round. The Midget Register Run is booked for the first weekend in September 2017. Details are on the advert opposite, or you can book online via the Midget Register website www.midgetregister.com

MGC

GINNY CARTMELL 01208 821552 ginnycartmell@btinternet.com

My ﬁnal MGC Register Safety Fast! Notes At time of writing we have just finished another AGM for the MGC Register. As normal, it was well attending and went very smoothly. The difference with this AGM was that Barrie and I have just begun the final process of handing over our officer positions to the new generation. You now have a new Chairman, Colin Howes, new Secretary, Mike Haughton, and Angie Haughton has just completed her first year as Treasurer and been re-elected for a second year. Barrie and I will still take care of the MGC Register and database and will be able to dedicate much more time to that

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area of the Register. It was in the early 90s when our involvement started, just parking a few MGCs on event days for the committee in those days. We soon got roped into doing all sorts of other duties and before we know it, we were taking on more and more responsibility and enjoying every minute. It started with MGC Registrar and database. By the time we got into the millennium, we were much more instrumental with Silverstone, event days and encouraging new members to join the Club. It was when officer positions started to become available and we found ourselves being offered important roles like Secretary, Chairman and even Treasurer for a time when we

MGCs at MG Era Day Brooklands, April 1. Photo: Allan Winn

could find no one to take on the position. It has been around 25 years and time for change, both for the wellbeing of the C Register (new blood and all that) and for us to enjoy our MGC from the other side of the counter, as it were. You are in great hands with the newly formed committee; they have lots of new ideas and a huge deal of enthusiasm. Barrie and I officially stand down as officers at the end of MGC50, at Chateau-Impney. All three of the above have been

working very closely with us over the last three years, putting together the 50th Anniversary event, and it has gone from strength to strength as the event date draws closer. At time of writing we had an incredible 214 MGs attending. What is even more amazing: 206 vehicles are actually MGCs, far beyond our greatest expectations. We very much look forward to welcoming all participants over the four-day event and let’s hope the sun shines on us all.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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REGISTERS

VICTOR SMITH 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net Historic stumble across an aluminium Buick V8 engine It was only by chance, during a visit to the US, that Rover managing director, Bill MartinHurst, stumbled over a V8 engine lying on a workshop floor. His interest in the engine led to the V8 engine being crated up and sent over to Rover in the UK. There was a concern that Rover would never get permission to use it from GM. But Martin-Hurst persisted and it was finally agreed. The engine was then installed in a Rover 2000 body with little modification and Martin-Hurst drove it down to a Rover board meeting in London. Without telling the chief engineer Spen King what it was, he asked him to

drive the car back. King climbed in, started up and then switched off again and said: “What have we here William?” Rover developed the engine for production and use in the UK and since its UK debut in 1967 it has been installed in a wide range

of vehicles, from Rover saloons and Land Rover vehicles to sports cars like Morgans, TVRs and MGs. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Rover’s UK launch of the V8 engine. A three-day event – Roverfest 2017 – is being held by the Joint Rover Clubs at Wroxall Abbey in Warwickshire over the long weekend August 11-13. See more on this fascinating tale of how the V8 engine came

to Rover and the Roverfest 2017 event on our ‘More’ webpage. MGLive! 2017 In the week running up to the Club’s annual MGLive! event at Silverstone over the weekend June 17-18 we have a programme of events from the Wednesday. Full details are available on the ‘More’ webpage on the V8 website. Over the weekend at MGLive! we will have our usual V8 Marquee with free refreshments and seating where you can meet up and chat with fellow members. This year the V8 Marquee will be larger as we will have an RV8 25th Anniversary display. The V8 AGM will be held there on Sunday at 12.00pm. Our marquee location has changed this year, so see our ‘More’ webpage for the revised layout of the central area at Silverstone at: www.v8register.net/more.htm

FWD

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

As some of you may remember, my 1983 MG Metro is going through a complete rebuild. I must confess it’s taking me a little longer than I would like, but balancing work with other projects means I haven’t got as far as I would like. However, one major milestone has been reached. The engine is finally back fitted in the car. Achieving this without an engine hoist wasn’t the easiest job in the world, but with the help of both my dad and brother the engine was soon in place. Don’t be fooled by the A Series engine’s size: it’s rather heavy for what it is, but between the three of us it was manageable. My brother is not mechanically minded in any way and turned to my dad and me when we’d secured

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the engine onto its mountings and said: “and you two enjoy this… I don’t get it”. Needless to say, his help was much appreciated. I next tackled the reassembly of the cooling system, fitting and forming all new hoses, as upon inspection the originals were not looking their best. I’ve yet to fill the system, so time will tell if there are any leaks! As some of you are aware, Metro radiators are becoming difficult to obtain. The car’s original, when tested, started to leak like a sieve so I have had a new one made of copper and brass produced by a local engineering firm. At present, I have completed the reassembly of the front hub and brake assemblies. The system

has been bled through, and all appears to be working as it should. I have also refitted the car’s rear carpet, seats and seat belts, with the front soon to follow. I still aim to get this car to some shows this year. It will be three years in November when I took the car off the road and, to be honest, I’m missing the fun it was to drive. There’s not that much left now, so hopefully it will be back on the road very soon.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/05/2017 17:13

REGISTERS

MGF

TIM MORRIS 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org We will be in Jersey when this issue of Safety Fast! emerges, enjoying the MGF Register trip to the International Motoring Festival and the island itself, of course. The South East Region recently returned to Llanerchindda Farm in midWales for a four-day weekend event, and other regions will be looking forward to their own weekend events during the summer and autumn. As an example, I hear that Essex are going to Northumbria, as well as organising their own weekend event in Essex itself in September aimed at international MGF owners (as well as those UK-based). You can still book onto the latter, which is based in

Southend, by going to the event website at www.essex-iaw.com. Llanerchindda is an excellent location if you are looking for a group motoring weekend – hosts Martin Hadley and family could not be more welcoming, the food is great and the car runs are brilliant. This year, the runs took the South East across the Epynt ranges up to Builth Wells and Rhayader, plus the stunning Elan Valley loop around the reservoirs including a stop at a Red Kite feeding centre, which if you have never witnessed around 300 kites swooping to the ground en masse is definitely one to add to add to your bucket list. Next day they went to the seaside at Aberaeron, across the Cambrian Mountains. The roads and scenery

MG6.3.5

STEVE HAINES Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register https://twitter.com/635register The events season has started with a bang, so lots to report this month! Pride of Longbridge was very well supported by 6, 3 and GS owners earlier in April. The Register had its usual stand with very close links to MG Motor. Thanks to Sheila Ballard, Andy Littler and Sue and Mark Cropper for representing the committee there and organising the stand.

MG3s and MG6s at the Pride of Longbridge event

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For the fourth year, MG Motor had owners’ cars on their trade stand at the BTCC rounds at Thruxton on Saturday May 6 and Sunday 7. Stu and Bev Forbes’ MG GS, Sean Round’s MG3 and Aron Taylor-Smith’s MG GS were on the stand and were attracting a lot of public interest. There were many comments on the level of quality and value for money that the GS offers and lots of interest in the modifications and extras on Sean’s MG3, such as the sports exhaust and built in satnav system. The Register was given a massive surprise and compliment by the MG/888 team when they unveiled a one-off special roof

here are stunning: single tracks, steep inclines, hairpin bends and lots of sheep, with blue reservoirs and fir-clad hillsides contrasted against bleak moorland, all in the space of a few miles. Aberaeron was a stop for ice cream on the harbour wall bordered by brightly painted Regency houses, before heading to Llanerchaeron House for lunch and a look around. A word about the ‘10% rule’ (10% of F/TFs break down on any event). Well, this event was more of a 30% rule: two cars had to be push started (dodgy solenoid lead and a dodgy starter motor and failing fan thermostat), one TF didn’t make the start at all and the ‘B’ car had to be used, one car had a sheered wheel stud on the way home and last (and probably least) one had a rear light bulb blow. Last time the South East went to Wales nothing went wrong at all!

graphic on the touring cars of the MG Car Club and 635 Register logos. We have worked closely with MG Motor and our owners over the years to support each other, particularly at Thruxton. The MGCC continue to provide consultancy and assistance to the marque worldwide and there is certainly a big understanding of the heritage and importance of the badge to us owners. Huge thanks to the team and drivers, but in particular to Keith Harris for organising the surprise and Steve Dobson for applying the graphics. Our next major get-together will be MGLive! on June 17-18 at Silverstone. We will once again have some exciting raffle prizes from our friends at MG Motor, John Woods Motorcare, and the Car wash.Co We will be raising funds for our charity this

Central region had a good turnout at the Pride of Longbridge rally, amongst the many other MG and Rover cars that turned up in Cofton Park this year. Luckily there was no snow and the event went ahead. The Heart of England camped out at the Donington Historic Festival, and in Yorkshire Helen Blake raised some help (in the form of donations such as sleeping bags, blankets, etc) for the homeless of Harrogate with a run across the Yorkshire Dales. Clearly the regions are becoming more active now as summer arrives and you can find the nearest group to you by checking our Internet Forum at www.mgfregister.org/forum or MGF Register Facebook page. We hope to see you soon, particularly at MG Live! in a couple of weeks’ time – don’t forget the Glo Car competition on Saturday evening and say hello at our stand in the marquee.

The roof of the MG6 BTCC Car at Thruxton

year, Mind UK, so please give generously. If you haven’t booked in yet, please take part in the Pride of Ownership on the Sunday this year. Its free, good fun and nice to see the most modern of MGs represented here.

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TRADE MEMBER

Specialising in all MG’s

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Specialising in all MG’s

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

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

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

MORRIS 8 CALSHOT, 1932

Stunning Morris 8 Calshot, 1932, Sporting body by Cunard Coachworks of Acton. Restored by GB Engineering back in the 90’s and recently re-commissioned by ourselves, the car is believed to be only one of three remaining and has been in the same family for many years. The car is in beautiful condition and drives well, there is some history including the history of this particular model and invoices of the restoration and other work carried out over the years. Comes with full wet weather gear. This is a very beautiful car. £21,995

COME AND SEE US AT MGLIVE!

MGB ROASTER 1975

MGB Roadster, 1975, Rubber bumper, Tax exempt, ﬁnished in Black, it comes with Overdrive, Alloy wheels, Tan leather interior, Motolita wood rim steering wheel, Mohair hood with single rear window, Louvered alloy bonnet, Roll hoop, Electric windows, Performance engine with piper camshaft, Stainless performance 3 branch exhaust system, K & N Filters, Electronic ignition, Electric cooling fan, Silicone hoses and some service history. The car is MOT’d to April 2018 and has been de-seamed on the rear wings, the paint has blistered slightly on the offside seam and has been touched in by hand , this is a structurally sound car with good performance and is a great drive. £6995

MG Midget Mark 2. 1098 cc. First Registered 01/09/1966. Number KYU 753 D. RED. Former keepers 4. Stored from 1984 until 2013 in a dry garage before I acquired it in 2014. Mechanics and Electrics all restored, and it is now a good runner. MOT till August 2017 New parts include, clutch and master cylinder, fuel/water pumps, hoses and belts, electronic ignition, brakes and wheel cylinders. Tyres and battery. Original engine as far as I know and, hood, tonneau, and luggage rack present. Gearbox is noisy and bodywork scruffy. £2750. Tel: 01342 893266. Mobile 07976 612342

2002 MG ZT-T 190

2.5litre V6 103,000miles; FSH from new; Starlight silver; Leather/alcantara trim; dual zone climate control, driver’s intelligence pack; xenon headlamps; SS sports exhaust; sat.nav; premium sound system; shark fin aerial; dog guard. New clutch, discs, inlet manifold, gearchange. Digital workshop manual; MoT Jan. 2018; £1425. Tel. 01291 691279. (Severn Bridge area)

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

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

Enigmatic Silver, only 16 of these made of this colour, only 14,000 miles, spare twist of pepper wheel, hard top, air conditioning etc etc. unfortunately my ill health forces me to sell. Price £6500. A1 condition. Contact Ray Hunter on 01844 217946 or e-mail rayhunter35@gmail.com. (Thame)

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

92 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2017

MG_SafetyFast_June17_50-98.indd 92

CM02.13/B32/d

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

Fitted with XPAG engine gearbox and cycle wings restoration started with lots of new parts fitted. Readvertized at £15,950 for more information phone 07990 971974 (Essex)

2000 MGF 1.8 Colour Red cream June 2017. Been tyres, battery. In f could so with so for sale getting pas not giving away! ono. Tel: 0191 416

2002 MGZR

Immaculate car in dition with Step gearbox. Full serv able and includes head gasket and mileage (62000m MOT. The car h garaged. It has h from new. Two ye 13 with the prev £1800 ono. Emai vernonmarks@sky

1982 MG Metro 1300.

12 months MoT. 23,000 miles from new. Immaculate, early-spec black interior. Leak-free sunroof. Cassette player. All original. Wonderful example of an increasingly rare MG. Owned by enthusiasts for most of its life. House purchase forces incredibly reluctant sale. £5,500 OVNO. Call Adam on 07530734044.

SELLING YOUR CAR? 1936 MG TA

1098cc. 1966, Brit Owned since Sept garaged. Current advisories. Drives condition as seen Hood. Chrome Industry Heritage receipts from 199 available if require Contact Iain (Taunton, Somerse

2009 MG TF 85th Anniversary

MGA FHC 1959

Original UK Car, shipped to Leeds in July 1959. Original Registration was 8NNN UA Heritage Certificate 1588cc, 4 speed box, positive earth. Owned by me since 1988. MOT till April 2018. Iris Blue, can be seen on MGs On Track leaflets. In regular use the car went to the Le Mans Classic last year. Lots of spares available, from Cylinder Head/Back Axle to Tail Lights/grommets Recent respray. £31,000. Call Gwilym 07900187659 (Cheshire)

MG Midget M

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

1969 MGBGT

Tartan Red MGBG owned by me for and selling as we Spain. Plenty of do and bills for this sound condition a Wire wheels, new peting, recent bat pressure and reg by local garage. M dry weather use £5250. Tel 0781 (South Bucks)

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/05/2017 17:13

ark 2. 1098 cc.

ed 01/09/1966. 3 D. RED. Former d from 1984 until garage before I 14. Mechanics and red, and it is now a T till August 2017 de, clutch and fuel/water pumps, electronic ignition, el cylinders. Tyres nal engine as far as od, tonneau, and esent. Gearbox is dywork scruffy. 2 893266. Mobile

MG Midget MkII

1098cc. 1966, British Racing Green. Owned since Sept 2005 and always garaged. Current MoT with no advisories. Drives very well, good condition as seen by photos. Black Hood. Chrome boot rack. BM Industry Heritage Certificate. Most receipts from 1992. Other photos available if required. £6500ono Contact Iain 07704056716 (Taunton, Somerset) 2000 MGF 1.8 Colour Red cream dash. MOT unitl June 2017. Been garaged. New tyres, battery. In fair condition but could so with some TLC. Reason for sale getting past sale by date but not giving away! On Sorn. £1000 ono. Tel: 0191 416 0135

MGBGTV8 1974

Factory car in Citron. Nut and bolt rebuild in 2002. Dry miles since. Total miles 72,000. Bodywork outstanding. Superb car. Garaged. Offers over £20,000. Phone 07511 896226 (Ascot)

2004 MGZT-T

2.5 litre petrol engine, 101,000 miles with service history. Cam belts replaced last year. Owned for 10 years, service history, in good condition and driven every day. £1500ono. For more details. Email: rob.janjoynson@gmail.com phone 07503481264. (Staffordshire )

5th Anniversary

only 16 of these ur, only 14,000 of pepper wheel, ditioning etc etc. ill health forces £6500. A1 condiHunter on r e-mail ail.com. (Thame)

2002 MGZR 120

Immaculate car in outstanding condition with Stepspeed automatic gearbox. Full service history available and includes replacement of head gasket and drive belt. Low mileage (62000miles) and long MOT. The car has always been garaged. It has had two owners from new. Two years with me and 13 with the previous lady owner. £1800 ono. Email: vernonmarks@sky.com (Bromley)

ro 1300.

23,000 miles from early-spec black sunroof. Cassette inal. Wonderful increasingly rare nthusiasts for most e purchase forces ant sale. £5,500 Adam on

OUR CAR?

the MG Car Club your car in Safety st email your car words, together picture to Colin rant@mgcc.co.uk. is £20

1963 MGB FIA.

Road Rally prepared with current FIA HTP until 2025. Rebuilt 2003. Early car. Pull handle, excellent original shell. Iris Blue with White h/ top. 3 bearing, 3 synchro with O/D, rebuilt banjo, 72 spoke w/wheels. Big valves, Piper 270, 1¾” SUs, maniflow Zircotec, comp exhaust. ½ Roll cage, FH belts, FIA cut off, Moto Lita, Passenger f/rest, Brantz 2. Ideal longer rallies. Active MGCC member. Needs use ! £24,995. Email: toftsbank@btinternet.com [Tyne Tees]

1969 MGBGT

Tartan Red MGBGT which has been owned by me for the last six years and selling as we are moving to Spain. Plenty of documented history and bills for this car, which is in sound condition and nicely sorted. Wire wheels, new tyres, new carpeting, recent batteries, healthy oil pressure and regularly maintained by local garage. MOT'd, tax exempt, dry weather use only and garaged. £5250. Tel 07816 891306. (South Bucks)

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_June17_50-98.indd 93

MGTF 135

2005 Stunning Ignition Blue. Black Hood and Interior good condition. Glass Rear screen, 4 New tyres. MOT April 2018. New Head Gasket, Cambelt and Water Pump. ( still under warranty) New Rear Brakes, Service History. 59000 miles. £4000. Contact 0191 3867400 or 07789498118. (Durham)

JUNE 2017 SAFETY FAST! 93

23/05/2017 17:13

URGENTLY WANTED MGA/MGB/MGC/V8/ MIDGET/SPRITE ETC

Any Condition from non runners to rebuilt cars

Please call Edward 01923 840236 or any time on 07774 484497 Email: ejwhitescars@aol.com Website: www.mgandporsche.com (Northwood, Middlesex)

MIDGETS! WANTED

Contact the Midget Specialist MIKE AUTHERS on Abingdon 07703 465 224 CHROME BUMPERED MIDGETS in excellent condition bought up to £8,000. View current stock at

www.mgmidgets.com

M.G. in North Herts

MGOC Recommended Workshop and Power Steering Installer MoT & Failures Repaired Servicing, Welding, Restoration

1978 MGBGT 1973 RWA Midget

Excellent car with a Frontline Sierra 5 speed gearbox kit fitted that transforms the car. Frontline telescopic shock absorber conversion kit also included. No rust evident. 60psi oil pressure at hot idle. Comprehensive history. Numerous extras including upholstered roll bar fitted with custom windbreak, radio, air horns, alloy rocker cover, K&N filters and remote ignition isolator. Factory hardtop included but this need restoration. No known faults, just too many MGs so she has to go! £6850ono. Tel:01227637813. Johnbennett698@yahoo.com

My much loved and cherished Original interior, petrol 4speed manual + overdrive. Upgraded stereo and break servo. Garaged, good condition, driven as a daily commute. Engine replaced 4 years ago, professionally serviced & maintained, all paperwork from current owner + original manual. No previous history. £3750 ono. Telephone Marcea on 07832 484887 (Oxfordshire)

1977 MGB GT

W/Upgrades. G condition, driv Everything wor 86754. The 2nd doesn’t fit, its miles in the last unfortunately it With the las many hours of mechanical, engi sion upgrades inside, outside a Please contact Jo email for a full l £4000 neg. For m jon@woodwardga 07554 963 273.

M.G.A. – B – C – V8, Midget MG TF 135

Rear of Langley Garage London Road, Langley, Nr Hitchin, Herts SG4 7PJ

Sept 2004, 50k miles. Pearlescent Firefrost. Red, Black hood, black cloth, much service history. MOT to Oct 2017 £2,295 Tel 01298 814798 (High Peak, Derbyshire)

01438 729288 07860 473298 www.mg-repairs-hertfordshire.com

No car drying – ever ! Filter out all dissolved minerals for NO water spots

Refillable filter produces enough pure water to rinse c. 70 cars No pressure loss, easy to connect Simply wash ‘n’ go – leave car to dry in bright sunshine Resin refills only £45 – reduce long term costs 4 Star AutoExpress & Evo reviews ‘The best car cleaning product I have bought in my entire life. Wish I’d bought one years ago’ J.Longden, Huddersfield. ‘Brilliant product and great service from Race Glaze’ T Blanks, Herts. ‘Can’t recommend this product enough!’ J Weaver, Bristol

Kimble-SF_Nov-09.qxd:Kimble MGE 1_8 col 3.3

26/10/09

MG ZS 120+

MOT until February 2018 120k needs a few small jobs but well worth saving. Space forces sale as I've bought a TF and am restoring my late father's ZR. Jobs include head lining and heater blower motor (spare included). Fitted with a tow bar but only used to tow a small trailer. Cambelt changed 2 years ago. Has just done a run from Lincoln to Cornwall and back with no issues. Still in daily use until the end of May. Will be re registered to an 02 plate. £350 ono. Tel: 07889 229168

1978 MGB Road

1994 MGRV8

Woodford green re-imported 2007. Total milage 36000 MOT till September. electric power steering ,wind stop, original wheels, good windscreen, walnut dash & door caps, well maintained,good condition, heritage certificate, always garaged. £14,000 ono. Call Terry on 01983 290748. (Isle of Wight )

White. Two ow mileage of 36888 All MOTs and bill by current owner miles. Dry wea over last 20 years any restoration w mechanics all co Fully rust proo Drives as you wo car with this milea 882643. keen@br (Bracknell, Berksh

13:0

Race Glaze Ltd, +44 (0)1780 749449, www.raceglaze.co.uk

The Great British

Steering Wheel

The Brooklands We manufacture the BROOKLANDS

Steering Wheel from the original BLUEMEL tooling. It is not a Far Eastern copy and is made using the original methods and traditional materials. The CENTRE BOSS fixing kit, again from the original tooling, not only fits the MG TC and pre-war MGs, but the TD, TF and MGA. There are boss kits for other makes and kit cars too.

Ww14” ENo Nalso in W

NO ABLE Ivo AILry AV

Now also 15½ inch wheel

BROOKLANDS AEROSCREENS are made using laminated glass to original specification to suit all vintage and sports cars.

john@johnkimble.co.uk

K KIMBLE

Tel: 01803 835757 Fax: 01803 834567

Unit 5, Old Mill Creek, Dartmouth, Devon TQ6 0HN.

94 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2017

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EST 1969

1973 MGBGT

Black tulip 65000 miles, fully striped and restored inside/out over 2 years, recent MOT with no advisory’s, tax exempt, new cream leather interior with grey piping, grey carpet/door capping’s, refurbished wire wheels, full tourist trophy s/s exhaust, K+N, electronic ignition, poly bushed throughout, Britax sunroof, masses of history and paperwork, looks fantastic and drives very well, MUCH money spent on this great looking car. £8795. jakemaintenance@hotmail.co.uk, 01249 247647. (North Wiltshire,)

1951 MG TD 1954 MGTF 1250

R/H drive Ivory white, tan trim hood & a side screens, chrome lug g a g e ra ck. Recent brake overhaul. Bodywork in good condition as never driven on a wet road since restoration. History file, original hand book etc. Owned by club member for 19 years with little use. £26,000. TeL; 01628 483882 or martinjar visstove@icloud.com (Berkshire)

Originally reg November 1951, t gone a no expe restoration comp since when it has only. Before reass was blasted and c ness. Every comp has either been replaced, including The car is truly condition. £34,5 830913 (North Bu

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/05/2017 17:13

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

d and cherished r, petrol 4speed drive. Upgraded k servo. Garaged, driven as a daily replaced 4 years y serviced & aperwork from + original manual. tory. £3750 ono. cea on 07832 hire)

1977 MGB GT

W/Upgrades. Great car, good condition, drives very well. Everything works. Mileage is 86754. The 2nd baby seat just doesn’t fit, its only done 300 miles in the last 12 months, so, unfortunately its time to go. With the last 2 years of m a ny h o u r s o f fe t t lin g, b o d y, mechanical, engine and suspension upgrades - it presents well inside, outside and underneath. Please contact Jon via phone or email for a full list of upgrades. £4000 neg. For more details: jon@woodwardgarage.com.au 07554 963 273. (Manchester)

Extensive restoration in the mid 90's with a good history file and invoices. Finished in Birch Grey with a Red leather interior and Carpets, with a nice patina. Hood, Side screens and Tonneau all excellent. Drives very well. In original ownership for 40 plus years. £28500. Telephone 07802 637896

1967 MGB GT V8 BRG, Biscuit/green leather trim. Fully restored last nut & bolt 5 years ago. Professionally converted to V8 spec, no expense spared. Webasto roof. Moto Lita wheel. 15” minilites. Fast touring car. Rare early GT. Superb! £23,995

1967 MGB ROADSTER Nightﬁre Red, w/w, o/ drive, leather trim, full wood dash. Excellent restored car, s/s boot rack, boot carpets, tonneau. Getting rarer by the year. £11,995

1974 NG TC Old English White, w/w, red trim. 2L Osselli engine, o/drive. All new or refurbed MBG components. Full weather gear. Built with no expense spared. Superb car, fantastic fun. Superb condition, only used in dry weather £8,795

1968 MGC GT Mineral Blue, Black leather trim, blue pipe. Restored car in superb condition, nice engine bay, original steering wheel, minilites. Superb classic sports touring car with the desirable o/drive for long distance. Great investment. £18,995

1975 MGB ROADSTER Black, Autumn Leaf trim. Bare shell rebuild, with photos, about 10 years ago and still excellent. All new chrome. Super condition. Recent retrim. Wood dash and console. Lovely gleaming black MGB ready for summer fun! £10,995

1955 MG TF 1500 Ivory (Old English White), red trim, tan hood/tonneau. Original R/H/D car (not converted). Immaculate restored car. Immaculate underneath. Hard to ﬁnd a better example. Super door ﬁt. Chrome new or replated. Superb example of most desirable MG TF. £36,995

MGB 1972

miles. Pearlescent Black hood, black ce history. MOT to Tel 01298 814798 yshire)

1978 MGB Roadster

re-imported 2007. 6000 MOT till ic power steering nal wheels, good nut dash & door ained,good condiertificate, always ono. Call Terry on le of Wight )

1250

MGTF1500

White. Two owners from new, mileage of 36888 believed genuine. All MOTs and bills since purchased by current owner in 1991 at 18,000 miles. Dry weather/summer use over last 20 years. Never needed any restoration work - body and mechanics all completely original. Fully rust proofed since new. Drives as you would expect for a car with this mileage. Phone: 01344 882643. keen@brockhill.plus.com (Bracknell, Berkshire)

1951 MG TD

white, tan trim screens, chrome R e c e n t b r a ke ork in good condiven on a wet road History file, origic. Owned by club ears with little use. 628 483882 or ve@icloud.com

Originally registered 15th November 1951, this car has undergone a no expense spared full restoration completed in 2014/15 since when it has done test miles only. Before reassembly, the chassis was blasted and checked for trueness. Every component of the car has either been reconditioned or replaced, including a new ash frame. The car is truly in outstanding condition. £34,500. Tel: 07767 830913 (North Bucks)

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_June17_50-98.indd 95

Tartan Red Roadster. This car has never let me down. Having done 60,100 genuine miles with all the certification to prove the mileage it's now time for me to sell. Always garaged, immaculate bodywork, 12month's MOT, I'm very sad to be selling. £14500. Tel 07973 837412 (Oxford)

enquiries@mgsforsale.com

01707 876089 2003 MGTF

Genuine 42000 miles. Beautiful metallic grey colour. I am the third owner and knew the second owner who had the car from Dec 04. Full service history. Clean car both inside and out. Half leather interior. Recent new hood. Car cover included. My wife says that it has to go - too many cars! £1745. Contact John Murphy mobile number 07774120296. (West Sussex)

SELLING YOUR CAR?

www.mgsforsale.com

07831 556666

MGC GT 1968 British Racing Green Older Restoration (HVG729F) manual, overdrive, wire wheels, full length Britax sunroof, black interior trim, early 2000’s rebuild including new wings, floors, full sill and castle kits, engine & rear axle, interior re trim, sunroof, all fully documented with images and invoices, little miles since, heavy history file with comprehensive documentation of the rebuild with invoices from MGOC workshop, Brown & Gammons along with a plethora of paperwork back to the early 80’s, British Racing Green coachwork not perfect but still in very nice condition, with excellent underside structure, drives very nicely indeed, just arrived £17,950.00 MGB Roadster 1969 Heritage Shell Rebuild, chrome wire wheels, overdrive, tax exempt, fully rebuilt on a new Heritage Shell in 1999 in superb Tartan Red with comfortable Black leather Club seats, stainless steel boot rack, MotaLita steering wheel, last owner 22 years with history file including original old green log book, mot’s, invoices including mechanical upgrades and independent AA inspection immediately following rebuild, the vehicle also benefits from the expensive power steering conversion and drives delightfully, just arrived £16,495.00

URGENTLY WANTED ANY MG ANY YEAR, ANY CONDITION SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF OUR STOCK

www.mgsforsale.com

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

JUNE 2017 SAFETY FAST! 95

23/05/2017 17:14

TD/TF engine. Future build of same spec, TC, TD and TF engines and one off, same spec, sleeved to 1500cc either TC,TD or TF. Call after 7th June on 01422 823649

MG Midget Spares

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. All adverts should be submitted by the 10th of the month for the following months issue.

MGZR 2 Door spares

Genuine parts for sale. Ridged PVC boot liner. R.16 hairpin alloy wheel c/w spare tyre. Rear rubber matt. Haynes service manual. Best offer for the lot. Ring Tony on 02476412861 (Coventry)

XPAG Engines

I have in build a 1380cc, lightened and balanced, stage 11 unleaded, 8” Clutch, lip sealed, fast road cam. TD/TF engine. Future build of same spec, TC, TD and TF engines and one off, same spec, sleeved to 1500cc either TC,TD or TF. Call after 7th June on 01422 823649

MG Midget Spares

3.9 Diff in good condition and an axle casing £150 ono. Could bring to MG Live or deliver on route from Cornwall if more convenient. Set of EBC Greenstuff brake pads STR505G never used. £15. Tel: 07779392235 or Email: nigeldavidk@tiscali.co.uk

Race Suit

2016 Sparco Sprint RS2, latest FIA spec, silver grey, less than one seasons use, size 58 (approx. Height 5’10 – 6’2 Chest 42 –46 inch) less than half price. £145.00 MGB distributor & cap, Lucas 25D, new points & condenser, good shaft. £35.00 MGB propshafts, good U/J’s, one 3syn O/D x Salsbury, one 3syn O/D x Banjo £25 each. Telephone Mike 01923678160 or 07967146204 (Watford)

Rostyle Wheels

4 with 165/14 Falken Sincera sn807 tyres, all have 6mm tread, plus 1 rostyle with an old Goodyear Grandprix . £50. Contact John 0116-2812313 or email steve.d9960@outlook.com (Leicester)

MGB GT

Front wing drivers side new old stock needs soda blasting. MGB 3 sync none overdrive gearbox MGB bumpers 1 with a towbar Tel: 01202511812. Buyer to collect (Bournemouth area)

96 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2017

MG_SafetyFast_June17_50-98.indd 96

3.9 Diff in good condition and an axle casing £150MG ono.Spares Could bring to MG Various Live deliver on route from Cornwall MG or YA radiator pressure recent iftest more convenient. Set of EBC and painted £160. MGY type Greenstuff brake on pads STR505G su carburetter inlet manifold never 07779392235 with used. alloy £15. air Tel: filter connection or Email: MG nigeldavidk@tiscali.co.uk having motif, along with exhaust manifold £180. MGB su carburetters AUD 325R. £60. Race Suit MGTF hub cap with black 2016 Sparco RS2, latestwheel) FIA enamel MGSprint badge (spare spec, grey,£30. less than one good silver chrome seasons use, size 58 (approx. Height Tel 01833 660000 or Email 5’10 – 6’2 Chest 42 –46 .com inch) less rgb_architects@gmx than half price. £145.00 (Darlington) MGB distributor & cap, Lucas 25D, new points & condenser, good shaft. Midget Parts £35.00 4.2 diffs, axle casings, front MGB propshafts, good U/J’s, one suspension units, 1500 gearboxes, 3syn O/D x Salsbury, one 3syn O/D x dashboards and many more parts Banjo £25 each. Telephone to list avaible. Please contactMike John 01923678160 or 07967146204 or Email: green_mx5@hotmail.com (Watford) 07970213084 (Tamworth) telephone

Rostyle Wheels MGBGT Pre 1972 Parts

4 with 165/14 Falken Sincera 2 good doors, glass, new rack, sn807 tyres, all have 6mm tread, new various bits plus clutch, 1 rostyle withengine an old etc. Contact Paul on 01584 Goodyear Grandprix . £50. 861312 Contact (Shropshire) John 0116-2812313 or email steve.d9960@outlook.com (Leicester) Various MG Parts MG Type petrol cap-repro but it fits

MGB GT Type pair headlamps£40. MGTD/Y

need chroming £140. side MG K/L Front wing drivers newoilold pipe-delivers to cylblasting. head £35.MGB MG stock needsoilsoda oil pipe - front drain from cyl 3P/N sync none overdrive gearbox head. Also 2 round end unions £35 MGB bumpers 1 with a towbar Contact Martin on 01344 424258. Tel: 01202511812. Buyer to (Berkshire) collect (Bournemouth area)

MGB Roadster

Windscreen with cracked glass, ideal to px or a new windscreen glass, other MGB parts. Buyer to collect could bring to Silverstone on Saturday. Tel 01494 813903 (Bucks)

MG Midget

Wire wheel rear axle, clean and complete with diff, brakes etc. Other 1275cc Midget parts new old stock rear bumper. Axle £150. Bumper £100. Buyer to collect. 01494 813903 (Bucks)

MGA ORIGINAL HARDTOP

Universal Laminations fibreglass type. original MGA factory option. Superb. Sensible offers tel: 07807101526

Various spares for sale

XPAG cylinder head,rusty. 2 no. 4.0J x 14 steel disc wheels (early MGB roadster) 4 no. 5.5J x 14 steel disc wheels (early MGB GT) For more details telephone Peter on 01609 748629 (North Yorkshire)

VSP Plus

Lead substitute and octane improver. Seven 250ml bottles available (one half used) No longer needed due to sale of MGA. £30. Collection only from or plus P & P. Tel 01903 243794 (West Sussex)

MG Type petrol cap-repro but it fits £40. MGTD/Y Type pair headlampsneed chroming £140. MG K/L oil pipe-delivers oil to cyl head £35. MG P/N oil pipe - front drain from cyl head. Also 2 round end unions £35 Contact Martin on 01344 424258. (Berkshire)

MG XPAG Engine Parts MGB Roadster

XPAG originalwith rocker shaftglass, as Windscreen cracked removed over years ago. Still ideal to px or 50 a new windscreen inglass, veryother good condition £120. MGB parts. Buyer to Camshaft used minimal wear collect could bringbut to Silverstone on £75. Timing chain 813903 cover (Bucks) very Saturday. Tel 01494 good condition, no wear £40. Late type outer oil filter housing MG long Midget with fixing bolt and new old Wire wheel and stock paper rear filter axle, £20. clean Flywheel complete with diff,new brakes etc. ring gear, genuine old stock Other 1275cc Midgetnote parts factory part. Please thisnew only old stock rear bumper. Axle £150. fits cars with 71/4in clutch £55. Bumper to collect. New old£100. stockBuyer original British 01494Tranco 813903exhaust (Bucks)valves and made guides. Do not compare these with foreign imports HARDTOP sold today. MGA ORIGINAL Valves £45. Set four, fibreglass valve Universal Laminations guides £40 set four. These are type. original MGA factory option. still in their factory offers packaging. Superb. Sensible tel: XPAG distributor, completet with 07807101526 cap. New old stock unused item £135. All spares the above can be Various for sale co l lected from Swansea or XPAG cylinder head,rusty. 2 no. plus P&P. Contact Phil on 4.0J x 14 steel disc wheels (early 01792587337 MGB roadster) 4 no. 5.5J x 14 steel disc wheels (early MGB GT) ForALUMINUM more details telephone MGB BONNET Peter my on 01609 748629 From 1969 car for repair or (North Yorkshire) restoration. £100. MGB 4 SYNCRO NON-OVERDRIVE GEARBOX in VSP working Plus order when car taken good off the road in 1985!and with 70,000 Lead substitute octanemiles on clock. Complete with remote gear improver. Seven 250ml bottles linkage and (one 90 degree offset speedo available half used) No drive. £50. Buyer to collect. longer needed due to sale of Telephone: 827074 only or email: MGA. £30.01706 Collection from m.gillespy@btinternet.com or plus P & P. Tel 01903 243794 for moreSussex) information/photos. (West

off the road in 1985! with 70,000 miles on clock. Complete with remote gear linkage and 90 degree offset speedo drive. £50. Buyer to collect. Telephone: 01706 827074 or email: m.gillespy@btinternet.com for more information/photos.

Various Spares For Sale

MG D Type 8/33 Midget Rocker Cover £175. 8/33 Midger exhaust manifold £50. MGA Universal joint £20. Lightened Flywheel £50. Crankshaft 1500 and 1600 £100. Cylinder head and guides £50. 1500 Pistons +30, +40 set of 4 £50 per set. Polished cover tunnel £50. Gearbox cover assy £75. Pair SU carbs complete 1500 £100. Brake and Clutch master cylinder (flat top) £100. Set of dashboard switches £50. MGF headlight covers £10. MGZR Dog guard new £10. 2 off Alloy wheels new £40. Telephone: 07816949402

WANTED WANTED

MGTD Brake master cylinder filler cap and fibre washer. Moss part numbers 180-250 & 180-220. Contact Robin Rust 01252617908.

WANTED

NOS original MG Midget folding hood unused original with vyback markings, preferably on header rail but any considered - to finish off my 1973 car. Please contact John at green_mx5@hotmail.com or telephone 07970213084

WANTED MGA steel wide wheels 1600

type. Please tel 07795670881

Various Spares For Sale

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

MG D Type 8/33 Midget Rocker Cover £175. 8/33 Midger exhaust manifold £50. MGA Universal 4Sight Lighting Company............................... 61 joint £20. Lightened Flywheel Adrian Flux..................................................... 61 £50. Crankshaft 1500 and 1600 Airflow............................................................ 81 £100. Cylinder head and guides Aldon Automotive........................................... 79 £50. 1500 Pistons +30, +40 set Hill Garage.......................................... 93 of Beech 4 £50 per set. Polished cover Bespoke Rallies.Gearbox ............................................. tunnel £50. cover assy 68 BrianPair BrownSU Classics..................................... £75. carbs complete 94 British£100. Motor Heritage....................................IFC 1500 Brake and Clutch Brown and Gammons. ................................... master cylinder (flat top) £100. 17 Carole Nash Insurance ................................ Set of dashboard ..switches £50. 31 Chertsey Minors . . .......................................... 83 MGF headlight covers £10. ChisbonDog Restorations..................................... MGZR guard new £10. 2 off71 Church Square Autos. 85 Alloy wheels new.................................... £40. Classic Car Tours International....................... 79 Telephone: 07816949402

Classic Oils..................................................... 63 Clive Wheatley................................................ 43 College Motors Burford.................................. 71 Colne Classics................................................ 83 Crown ClassicWANTED Cars........................................ 63 David Manners. MGTD Brake.............................................. master cylinder filler 19 Dennis cap andWelch. fibre................................................ washer. Moss part 83 Distributor180-250 Doctor........................................... 57 numbers & 180-220. Don Trimming................................................ Contact Robin Rust 01252617908. 83 Evans Division of Hydratech........................... 81 EJW Classic and Sports................................. 94 WANTED Fishers Services. ............................................ NOS original MG Midget folding hood63 Footmanoriginal James............................................. 33 unused with vyback markings, Frontline......................................................... 27 preferably on header rail but any Get Patina...................................................... considered - to finish off my 1973 car.23 Halls Garage.................................................. 71 Please contact John at Heathrow Transmission.................................. 83 green_mx5@hotmail.com or Hoyle Suspension........................................... 57 telephone 07970213084 JRH Morris Minors......................................... 77 Junction 59 Classics Ltd................................ 97 WANTED Just Right Autos Ltd....................................... 34 MGA steel wide wheels 1600 Kimble Engineering type. Please telLtd.................................. 07795670881 94

WANTED

Manor Garage ............................................... 71 Martin Smith Used MGTF Spares .................. 85 MG & AMC Parts........................................... 37 MG Mecca..................................................... 95 MG Motorsport .............................................. 75 MG Sales Centre............................................ 25 MGF Mania.................................................... 41 Midland Classic Restoration..............................3 Mike Authurs Classics.................................... 94 Mike Rolls...................................................... 92 Mike Satur..................................................... 85 MJS Auto and Marine.................................... 44 Moss Europe Ltd...............................................6 Motor Wheel Services.................................... 43 Norman Verona.............................................. 83 NTG Services...............................................OBC Oselli Ltd........................................................ 59 Oxford Wheel Service..................................... 41 Paul Depper MGs........................................... 59 Peter Best.........................................83, 97, IBC Prestige MG................................................... 59 Raceglaze...................................................... 94 Rees Bros...................................................... 92 Retro Sports Cars........................................... 49 Rimmer Bros Ltd............................................ 31 RJJ Car Shipping and Transportation............. 83 Robin Lackford Motor Engineering ................ 75 RPS Ltd ......................................................... 57 Scenic Car Tours............................................ 21 Skiptune ........................................................ 63 SMR – Car For Sale....................................... 95 South Coast MG Rover .................................. 61 Steve McKie Sports Cars................................ 83 Summit MG................................................... 79 The Hutson Motor Co Ltd..................................3 Vitesse Global Ltd .......................................... 49

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/05/2017 17:14

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B15 - Barrie Carter_CLASSIC MOTORING 21/04/2017 15:04 Page 1

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Due to rude anonymous email picture collectors who don’t bother to reply, I will only send details to those who have supplied a telephone number

And now for people like me who want something different here’s my lovely Jeep lookalike 2 CV 6. Built for off road use and sand dunes it is an eccentric's dream plus totally practical too. There isnt another one as far as I know. A joy to drive, quick with great chassis and mechanics, perfect weather equipment and heater. Absolutely unique - a go anywhere 2CV. 1 years MOT £5,950

2.6 Austin Healey/Wolseley Engine Engine Complete with Carbs – very well weathered – Sensible Offers please MX5 Mk1 These cars are one of the best values for money in a sports that you can find. I have one of my own and three more. I see them for sale for 12k and more... They are timeless and appreciating. This V spec one is impeccable. A Mk1 that has been cosseted by its last professional owner. It’s as lovely as you can get. Beautiful bodywork, new heated rear window hood, interior subtly trimmed in black leather with red stitching… all in excellent order. Air con. Radio. CD. Uprated suspension and brakes. Its 1800 engine pulls like a jet and it is superb under the bonnet. It recently had a new head gasket, belt and water pump. Its wheels have been powder coated not just painted. It’s as good as mine... but mine’s green....I like green... Cheaper than any comparable sports car and timeless. New mot...no advisories. Wonderful history... all mots and 1,000 miles in the last five years £5,250 now.... More next year. MX5 Mk2 I sold this to a friend three years ago and he hardly used it. It sat outside his home. It has a lovely cloth interior, radio, etc. Bad bits: it needs a hood and some paint is faded but it hasn’t any rust that I can see and drives perfectly. Only £950.

01325 311232

MGTC Another oily rag car that has had over £22k spent on it over the last 15 years. Originally from Scotland, then 40 years in Barbados followed by Mustique. A three owner car. With masses of history and pics before coming back here. It drives great and true, with an uprated steering box. And a strong engine...not rotten but a little used. And only £19,500 XPAG flow competition exhaust manifold New. £525 Wade Supercharger R10 Complete with pulleys. £999

XPAG engines built to any specification – supplied or exchange

CM05.17/B15/pd

As of course you can see I have other interests as well as MGs. So here is my rather lovely collection of 2CVs- all of which I drive. Prices are rising quickly and restorations are selling for £12K+. 1982 2CV, restored with new chassis some years ago. Little used since. Nice history file. New MOT. Extremely nice to drive. £6,250

info@junction59classicsltd.co.uk www@junction59classicsltd.co.uk

MG TD – 1952

MG MGB GT 1970

SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF PLEASE TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT NO. _ _ _ _ _

Manual, 79,000 Miles

Manual, 24,700 Miles

Recently repatriated into the UK from sunnier and drier climes. This gem of a car is ﬁnished in Old English White with contrasting green leather upholstery. Has been the subject of a substantial refurbishment which included:- new seats, carpets, hood, sidescreens, tyres etc. Covered only 79,000 miles and drives beautifully.

This GT is in need of light restoration but is currently tested. Priced to sell and would make a good useable project. These early GT’s are becoming quite sought after, historic tax, chrome bumpers etc!

£25,995

£14,995

• New and Second Hand Parts • UK & European mail order service • Full workshop and bodyshop facilities

We reserve the right to charge for any alteration to this proof which is a departure from the original copy • Parts counter service • Vehicle servicing, restoration, repairs • Vehicle preparation and modiﬁcations

Friendly and experienced staff always on hand for help and advise. Parts and Car sales open 6 days a week, Sundays by appointment.

Ketton Garage, Durham Road Darlington, DL1 3LZ www.mgcc.co.uk

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LOOKING BACK IF YOU CAN TELL US MORE ABOUT ANY OF THESE CARS OR THE EVENTS, WE ARE ALWAYS KEEN TO HEAR FROM YOU AT KIMBER HOUSE; CONTACT THE MGCC ARCHIVIST PETE NEAL ON PETERNEAL@MGCC.CO.UK.

The official publication of The MG Car Club Incorporating ‘The M.G. Magazine’, ‘The Sports Car’ and ‘Brooklands Track and Air’, Safety Fast! Copyright MG Car Club 2017 2016 Editor: Andy Knott 01235 849730 / 01235 555552 andyknott@mgcc.co.uk Deputy Editor: Colin Grant 01235 849733 colingrant@mgcc.co.uk Editorial Committee: William Ball, Dennis Wharf, Andy Knott, Colin Grant, Adam Sloman, Steve Clark PR and Communications: Lauran Gallacher 01235 849735, Chris Kynoch 01235 849731 Advertising: Hine Marketing 01452 730770 Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770

ith MGLive! fast approaching we have taken a moment to look back at some earlier Silverstone events that have, over the years, provided us with a veritable feast of motor racing memories. The rather unusual-looking MG, sporting what appears to be a Z Magnette radiator grille, is in fact a 1950 Y Type Special, entered at Silverstone in 1985 by William McFarland.

May Looking Back I was very surprised when opening the new May Safety Fast! and scanning through it from the back, as I usually do, immediately spotting the photo of our MG ZB Magnette 58TMU in the Jubilee parade which I remember well. We had recently returned from Hausach in our MGA, having been on a three-week holiday in France and Germany. During the show we had parked with all the other Magnettes and after returning from a stroll, our neighbours reported that the previous owner’s brother had stopped by and commented that it had not been black in his memory. That is correct because I had always wanted a black ZB since seeing a nearly new one at school many years before, so I resprayed it black. I had bought the car in 1971 in Ealing in a very poor state, bought a battery and drove it back on November 5. I restored it over 4 months and ran it as my everyday car, replacing the engine/

98 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2017

MG_SafetyFast_June17_50-98.indd 98

Distributed by: Air Business. Merlin Centre, 4 The, Acrewood Way, St Albans AL4 0JY Tel: 01727 890600 President: John Day

Car number 48c is the MG1300 ‘Yellow Peril’ driven with great enthusiasm by Kirk Botelle, seen here in this Mike Wray photo, taking part in the MGCC Anglia Phoenix Challenge at the 1996 Silverstone International. Finally, we see Andrew Burroughs (21) and Russell McCarthy (26) keeping very close company around Luffield two in The Moss Europe BCV8 Championship at Silverstone in 1996, captured once again by the lens of ever-present Mike Wray.

Vice Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best, Bill Silcock. Chairman: Ian Quarrington Vice Chairman: Dave Tynan Treasurer: Richard Colston Directors: Dave Saunders, Paul Plummer, William Ball, Julian White, 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), Colin Grant (01235 849733), Lauran Gallacher (01235 849735), Cherina Scarrott (Finance Officer 01235 849736), Chris Kynoch (01235 849731) and Ineke Sherman (Merchandise 01235 849731) Honorary Members: Michael Allison, Ron Gammons, Peter Best, Don Hayter, John Quenby, Sir Stirling Moss, Paddy Hopkirk, Norman Ewing, Rob Oldaker, Steve Hanegan, Gerry McGovern, June Wallis, Ann Hawke, John Dutton, John Day, Julian White, Bill Silcock. Company limited by guarantee The Club, as a corporate body established as the MG Car Club Limited, is a company limited by guarantee. Every member of the Club undertakes to contribute to the assets of the Club in the event of its being wound up while he is a member, or within one year after he ceases to be a member, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the Club contracted before he ceases to be a member, and the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributors among themselves, such amount as may be required, not exceeding one pound.

gearbox a few years later with an MGB and overdrive. We used the car at our wedding later in 1979 and it was in continual use, travelling to Peterborough every day for work, brought up a family, towed caravans and ultimately towed our MMM D type to Llandrindod Wells in 2014. However, returning home on a motorway, a rear tyre started shredding itself, acting as a flapper wheel and stripped out a big hole in the rear wheel arch. It was at this point that I took it off the road intending to restore it again. Kind regards, Mike Jakeman

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/05/2017 17:14

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

Mike (with TD) & Paul (with MGA) outside our Ipswich premises

Authentic panel and seat kits available in original colours, leather/vinyl sample pack on request. Quality carpets and weather equipment also supplied. Ring for a chat about your requirements

K950D Disc brake conversion - disc wheel - MGA 1500 £585.00 inc VAT

A574C Air cleaner TD with modern K & N ﬁlter £150.00 incl VAT

Exchange shock absorbers available for most models

S106B Fine adjustment control - steering box TA/B/C

£86.40 inc VAT

NTG Motor Services Ltd 282-284 Bramford Road Ipswich IP1 4AY Tel: +44(0)1473 406031/2 Fax: +44(0)1473 742087 sales@mgbits.com British Motor Heritage Approved - founded 1966

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S A F E T Y FA S T J U N E 2017

TRIPLE M NEWSLETTER • Y TYPE NEWSLETTER • ZR / ZS/ ZT NEWSLETTER

MG CAR CLUB

23/05/2017 17:14

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