Safety Fast! December 2018

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

mas t s i r h C Merry

December 2018 Volume 62 Number 12 £3.95

THE

CAR

CLUB

LT D

ABINGDON-ON-THAMES

& Happ y New Y ear

FO U N D E D 193 0

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www.mgcc.co.uk

JULY 2016 SAFETY FAST! 3

www.mgcc.co.uk

DECEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 3

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Inside this issue 7 8 12 58 61 62

63

Club Matters and Kimber House News News Products Out and About Race Torque MGs on Track

71 73 84 92 98

MGCC Speed Championship Overseas Review Centre Updates Register Updates Classifieds Looking Back

Features 14

MGLive! 2019 Gearing up for the biggest MG event of 2019

16

The Fairlady A 1970s MGB meets a Datsun Fairlady of the same era

26

Project MGA – The Final Assembly The big push before the NEC unveil

29

Event Reports The Autumn Leaves Run and the NEC Classic Car Show

64

MG Italy Odyssey – Part II

Ex-RAF pilot, Robb Metcalfe, decides to hang up his flying goggles and take to the roads in his MG TF and travel to Italy

68

Overseas News News from the Norwegian Centre of the MGCC

Newsletters 37

Y Type Newsletter The impossible we do today, miracles take longer and the restoration of LDA 506/YB1127

42

MGA Twin Cam Newsletter Brooklands, Chobham – 1958 Press Launch Re-enactment, YD1/2497 – the Davis Alzheimer’s MGA Twin Cam and more

47

V8 Newsletter V8 Derbyshire Tour 2018, replacement Vitesse gearbox, news and V8 events in 2019

53

ZRZSZT Newsletter MG ZS VS MG ZS, Living with an MG ZT 260 and Kermit the ZED

26

29

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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Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770

4 SAFETYFAST! DECEMBER 2018

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2018 13:05

Welcome

The iconic MGB, pictured whilst out testing the MGB and Datsun Fairlady. Photo: Andy Knott

33

@mgcarclub

FO U N D E D 193 0

www.mgcc.co.uk

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

Copyright MG Car Club 2018

The Club had a great time at the Classic Car Show, held at the NEC, with lots of interest in the various MGs on display, from the brand-new MG3 on loan from MG Motor to the stunning electric MGA. The NEC was the last major event of the year, but for those of you who don’t put your MG into hibernation the Centres and Registers have got plenty of events in the run-up to and over the Christmas period; events such as Christmas Dinners, Chilly Willy and Boxing Day runs, to name but a few. For those of you in the UK who do decide to give your MG a rest over the colder, wetter months, we can all reflect on a wonderful, hot summer of top-down motoring, with plenty of MGCC-related events throughout 2018. I hope you managed to make it to a few of them. If you didn’t manage to get to any this year, why not make it a New Year’s Resolution to attend some during 2019. The Centres, Registers and Branches do a wonderful job of organising a variety of events for us all to enjoy, so please do support them; being with like-minded enthusiasts in a wonderful setting, what’s not to enjoy? For those that want to travel a bit further afield with their MG, our friends at Scenic & Continental Car Tours have launched their exclusive 2019 MG Car Club itineraries! These tours are designed especially for the Club and membership to bring out the best of your MG whilst on your holiday.

You can find all the details for these excursions on our website www.mgcc.co.uk With Christmas just around the corner, the MG Car Club has got a lot of new merchandise available to purchase, the majority of which is unique to the MG Car Club. To view the current products or to order securely online visit https://shop.mgcc.co.uk/ or phone Ineke on 01235 849737 Finally, I wish you all a very merry and peaceful Christmas and look forward to meeting more members throughout 2019.

Until next month, drive safely.

Andy Knott

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2018 13:06

CHAIRMANS NOTES

BY DAVID T YNAN

The picture above was taken at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, London, when we were asked to take some of the athletes for the anniversary games around the track for the opening ceremony. I was privileged to take British hurdler, Tiffany Porter, around, while Richard Martin had Usain Bolt (I wasn’t jealous, honest!). We were there as MG Motor UK were sponsoring the games and had been asked to provide some interesting cars for the opening ceremony. We watched as Richard’s MGB had all its MG decals covered (as Usain had a sponsorship with another manufacturer) only for the commentator to announce he was in an MGB! We later got to sit in amongst the athletes and their families to watch the events.

Well, my first few weeks as Chairman have been interesting and very busy.

The MG Car Club had a greatlooking stand at the recently held NEC Classic Car show. I spent the weekend on the stand with the Kimber House staff and all the other volunteers.

It was great to see so many members visiting the stand, and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and chatting with many of you. A number of new members, including some new young members, were signed up over the three days.

On the stand we had a number of cars including a Racing Midget, MGF MGB Roadster and an MG3. What was interesting was the amount of interest the MG3 received, with lots of positive comments about the restyling and build quality. I should have negotiated a commission with MG Motor UK, as I could have sold a number of them over the weekend!

Also on the stand was an MGA from Retro-eV which utilised a fully restored MGA body, but replaced the petrol engine with an electric motor under the bonnet and batteries stored under the floor between the chassis rails. The rear suspension had also been updated. On another stand they had an MGB which had also undergone a similar conversion to electric running gear.

This got me thinking, as 10 years ago had we had a car like the Electric

MGA on the stand most people would have been critical of the removal of the petrol engine, but while there were some people who felt this was a step too far, there were others (including myself) that realised this was probably one of the ways forward for classic cars.

As most governments around the world are looking at pollution levels, how much longer will petrol be available for? I’m sure it will be for a number of years yet, but what will the future be for all our MGs? Maybe a fully synthetic non-polluting petrol, gas conversions but again limited by resource, or the most likely a hybrid electric fuel cell?

Interestingly, when chatting to the developers behind the Electric MGA, one of the issues I mentioned was the lack of exhaust note, to which they replied: “That’s easy; we can fix that with an audio system fitted to the car!”

Merchandise sales were also very strong at the show with lots of new items selling well. Whilst on the subject of merchandise, don’t forget as we head into the Christmas period that we also sell a great range of items that are perfect as gifts in the MG Car Club web shop via the main Club website mgcc. co.uk or direct via shop.mgcc.co.uk.

All that remains is for me to wish you all a merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

CHRISTMAS CARDS AVAILABLE FROM THE MG CAR CLUB The MG Car Club Christmas card A beautiful Martha Mitchell Design folded Christmas Card, printed on luxury paper, incl. envelope. A bespoke design for the MG Car Club featuring iconic Abingdon on Thames MG images. £2.00 each plus post and packaging

Catching the Post Christmas Card A R Wheatland design Christmas card measuring 12.5cm x 17.5cm featuring an MG PA Airline Coupe £2.00 each plus post and packaging

Christmas Dinner at the Bell Christmas Card A Kevin Walsh design Christmas card measuring 12.5cm x 17.5cm featuring an MG TD £2.00 each plus post and packaging

Monte Carlo Rally6R4 Christmas Card measuring 21cm x 15cm, commissioned by the MGCC and featuring Tony Pond and Rob Arthur piloting their MG Metro 6R4 in the 1986 Monte Carlo Rally. £1.50 each plus post and packaging

The Railway Crossing Christmas Card A single Kevin Walsh design Christmas card measuring 17.5cm x 12.5cm featuring an MGA £2.00 each plus post and packaging

To order any of the cards please visit https://shop.mgcc.co.uk or phone Ineke on 01235 849737

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_December18_3-46.indd 7

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NEWS

2019 British Touring Car Championship Entry Excelr8 Motorsport will step up to the BTCC in 2019 after securing a deal to take over the running of the MG6 GTs. The Norfolk-based squad has purchased the MGs from the AMD Tuning team, together with the TOCA BTCC Licences (TBLs) required to run them in the full 2019 championship. Excelr8 has one driver confirmed for next season with an announcement to come in due course, while candidates are being assessed for the second MG. The deal marks a new venture for Excelr8 Motorsport, which has been a leading power within the MINI CHALLENGE during recent years. As well as constructing over 75 of the high-powered CHALLENGE JCW race cars for both the UK and overseas markets, Excelr8 also fields multiple drivers across the three classes of the championship.

Team manager Oliver Shepherd says the deal to expand into the pinnacle of British saloon car racing is an exciting opportunity for the team.

“We’ve been looking towards the BTCC for a few years now and when we got the chance to get hold of the MG GTs it was an opportunity that we couldn’t pass up, especially as it fits with our ‘Great British’ theme.

“The BTCC is the highest-profile championship in the country, with some incredible drivers and very high-calibre teams, so we know we will have our work cut out to learn about the racing and the new cars. However, we have no doubt that we can compete at this level, and we’re currently working hard to finalise an exciting driver line-up for 2019.

“This is a sizeable investment for Excelr8, and we’re acquiring all-new specialist equipment to make sure we have everything we need to hit the ground running next season and deliver the professionalism and presentation that we are known for in the MINI CHALLENGE.” The deal marks the start of a multi-year touring car programme for Excelr8, which will use the MGs to understand the Next Generation Touring Car (NGTC) platform, while also assessing potential opportunities with other suitable automotive brands for the future, with a focus on British marques.

Fabio Filipello Memorial Run Fabio Filipello, who was the President of the MG Car Club d’Italia for many years, died on February 12 2017, and a memorial event was run to celebrate his life.

Il Sette Colli – La Sabina, took place on October 5-7 2018 in the Sabine mountains, some 35 miles north-east of Rome. This is where Fabio had his country retreat and he loved the hills, valleys and lakes, the winding MG roads, hill-top towns and castles of this area.

40 MGs, from MMMs to Moderns, took part in this three-day event, driving the local mountain roads and visiting monasteries and castles.

80 people from around Europe sat down to the Gala dinner held at Castello Orsini, where many reminiscences and tributes were made to Fabio.

A great time was had by all.

8 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2018

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Colour the skies with MG! MG Motor UK is delighted to announce that it has renewed its longstanding, four-year relationship with Birmingham Airport, meaning that the iconic British brand will continue to greet visitors to one of the UK’s largest regional airports.

The deal will see MG take pride of place outside the Airport until at least August 2021, after agreeing a three-year extension to the existing advertising partnership. The displays will be refreshed every quarter, showcasing the best the MG brand has to offer.

MG has long been associated with Birmingham, with its Longbridge site remaining extremely important, host to the marque’s Institute of the Motor Industry-accredited Cecil Kimber College. Longbridge also continues to be one of MG’s main global design and engineering centres where over 250 staff work on new MG cars for the global market. Over the past 12 months, MG has invested more than half a million pounds in its Longbridge site, and the advertising at Birmingham Airport highlights a further commitment to the area.

Commenting on the new deal, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG, Daniel Gregorious, said: “We’re proud to be part of the Birmingham area, and with the Airport located just a short distance from Longbridge, it made even more sense to ensure that the iconic MG badge is one of the first things visitors see when arriving in the city.”

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2018 13:06

NEWS

Richard Ladds 1950-2018

One of life’s repeated statements is that you can choose your friends but not your family, and in this respect you can have greater connection with good friends than some family members. This is something that really shows when you lose a very close friend and this most certainly applies to my very dear friend and colleague, Richard Ladds, whose four-year battle with cancer was finally lost on October 2, at home. Richard will be known to most as the Editor of the MG Owners Club’s ‘Enjoying MG’ magazine, producing it since 1996, and in fact he was still contributing until only a few days before his passing.

One of Richard’s many of attributes was being a lifelong MG enthusiast, along with being the owner of his pride and joy, a 1971 MGB GT, which he had owned and enjoyed since the 1970s.

It had been undergoing a slow but deliberate restoration for many years until Richard’s condition prevented him from continuing, so colleagues at MGOC HQ took on the car and finished it in order that Richard could enjoy the car again, which I am pleased to say he did, and even though his condition had worsened he was able to enjoy a last drive on a private road only a few weeks ago.

In one of our many conversations Richard did tell me his enthusiasm for MG was stretched to the limit during the 1970s, with poor BL quality and awful dealer service in respect to a 1500 Midget he had, but the trauma was eased by his reliable MGB GT. Indeed, many of our conversations reflected his sharp wit and MG knowledge and this is already something I sorely miss. To his wife, Anna, and their three children, Kasia, Adam and Zosia, we extend our deepest sympathies.

Roger Parker

www.mgcc.co.uk

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PERSONALISED TOURS & EVENTS

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

or see: www.sceniccartours.com/clubgroup-tours DECEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 9

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NEWS

A Tribute to Edward Reeve 1943-2018 Long-standing Midget competitor, Edward Reeve, started racing in a Lotus Cortina during 1966. He moved to MG in 1968. when he was the first driver to race the new MGC. However, Modsports were attracting healthy grids and Ted decided that this was the route to follow to get the most out of his racing. In 1969 he purchased Mike Bundy’s Midget, which marked the start of a remarkable 48-year run of competing in Midgets.

For a while he was noted for his supercharged car, with the carburettor protruding through the bonnet. He later owned and raced several other Midgets, including Steve Everitt’s former car.

He joined the MGCC Midget Challenge in its inaugural year and competed every season until 2017, becoming the longest-standing MG

Midget racing competitor of all time and winning the championship in 2004 and 2006.

Along the way, Ted became chairman of the Cemian Motor Club and when Larry Quinn stepped down from running the Midget Challenge was as a spectator and most of the Midgets unanimously elected chairman of the had already gone through the Tunnel, Midget Competition Group. a position but Ted was undecided on his tyre he held from 2012 to 2017. choice. Suddenly a voice boomed across Away from racing, Ted, a Chartered the paddock. “John, help me change Surveyor, had an extremely successful the wheels.” l, of course, obliged. I did career in property, a field in which not see him again that day but next he was held in high regard. A former morning he telephoned to thank me for chairman of the Pimlico Residents Puncture Prevention & helping out, ever the gentleman.

Association, his other great hobby was Ted, we will miss you. shooting. He was a committed family Puncture Our thoughts are with his wife, man and always had a great sense of Repair Specialists Fiona, and their children, Christopher, duty in whatever he did. move... and Louisa at this this very On a personal note, I recallSafety a Steveon the Victoria sad time.

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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

BRAND NEW ROLL CAGE FOR THE MG3 FROM BROWN & GAMMONS

After development with one of the world leaders in roll cage manufacture, Safety Devices, Brown & Gammons are pleased to announce that the roll cage for the MG3 is now available.

Brown & Gammons have been involved in MG racing for many, many years and during that time the company has always embraced the new models as they have gone into various race series.

Managing Director, Malcolm Gammons, commented: “Having raced and rallied many models of MG, and being the supplier of the Safety Devices roll cages for the MG ZR, it seemed a natural progression to work with Safety Devices on the cage for the MG3. As you would expect from Safety Devices, the cage is designed to full FIA specification to the highest standard and I can’t wait to see them out on the racetrack!”

The cages are in production at the moment but if you would like some more details of the cage please call Malcolm at Brown & Gammons MG on 01462 490049 or look on the website at www.ukmgparts. com and search for part number BG30010.

12 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2018

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RELAUNCH OF RP251 MGB FRONT END BODYKIT

RPS has put its RP251 body kit back into production. This is a complete one-piece front end and bonnet that is available for the MGB Roadster and GT. The bonnet is now double-skinned, with all fixings in place for hinges and bonnet catch. The price for the kit is £845, with no VAT chargeable at present. RPS can also offer two rear bumper options to go with this front end; either a bond on version (as shown in the photograph), or a bolt on bumper. These are available from £118.

Contact RPS via email at enquiries@rps-ltd.info or call them on 07900 431244 for full details.

NEW FROM NTG

New item, not available since factory stocks ran out! Upper splined steering column adjustable extension for TD, TF and Y-type. Part No: S794. £94.20.

For more information telephone 01473 406031/32 or visit their website at www.mgbits.com.

THE WORKS MGS (SECOND EDITION)

BY MIKE ALLISON AND PETER BROWNING It’s hard to believe that it’s 10 years since the original publication of this book. Now reproduced as part of the Veloce Classic Reprint Series, it comes in a redesigned and betterillustrated second edition. It covers the full story of all MGs prepared for international competition events that had the support of the MG Car Company. This covers the classic trials in the mid-1920s, pre-war racing and record breaking, and the post-war achievements of the works race and rally cars entered by the BMC Competitions Department. Written by well-known MG Car Club members, Mike Allison who wrote the pre-war section and worked at MG as a technical specialist under Reg Jackson, and Peter Browning who also worked at MG and enjoyed a 50-year career in motorsport and was the last Competitions Manager of BMC. For anyone interested in the competition history of MG this is a must-have book.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2018 13:06

THE MG CAR CLUB PRESENTS

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MGLIVE!

SET FOR 2019 SILVERSTONE SUMMER FESTIVAL The world’s largest MG show, MGLive!, is currently set to return to Silverstone, the home of British motorsport, on June 15-16 2019.

In 2019, there are a number of notable anniversaries we will be celebrating during the event.

It is MG’s 95th birthday in 2019, which will be commemorated across the event.

90 years ago, the M-type Midget entered production and The Autocar predicted: “The MG Midget will make small sports car history.” The Triple M Register will be focusing on this notable anniversary in the Car Club Village.

2019 also marks the 60th birthday of the California Cup Autotest which is

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awarded to the fastest three-MG team representing their local Club Centre.

On track, the MG Car Club and guest Championships will be battling it out on Silverstone’s famous Grand Prix layout.

On the infield, there are displays of everything the MG brand has to offer; the Club’s 17 different model Registers will be showcasing over 3,000 cars to the general public.

A lifestyle marquee showcasing products from local craftspeople will feature, with a free, family-friendly funfair also on site, making sure even the smallest classic car fans are catered for.

A selection of food and drink vendors will be available across the site

offering everything from noodles to pizza to traditional race-track fayre, so there is sure to be something for everyone.

The Live Arena will be making a welcome return, showcasing masterclass workshops and even a stunt show.

Lots of music and entertainment will take place at the Village Green stage late into the evening and will provide a great place to unwind after a busy day of racing and enjoying all the attractions.

Adam Sloman, General Manager of MG Car Club, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be back at Silverstone for MGLive! next year.

We’re planning on it being the biggest MGLive! we’ve ever put on, and look forward to having a great weekend of racing and fun!”

Tickets for MGLive! will be available very soon. Keep up to date with the latest news and ticket information by registering on our website www.mglive.co.uk

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2018 13:06

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THE FAIRLADY Words and photos by Colin Grant and Andy Knott

The Datsun Sports car of the 1960s strikes more than a passing resemblance to the MG favourite, the MGB of the same era. Although never imported into Britain we were lucky enough to sample the delights of a Datsun Fairlady and pitch it against the MGB The History…

Datsun first started building cars in 1914 and were known as D.A.T., being the initials of the three founder members of the company. Interestingly the name Datson, (note the spelling, in Japanese means son of DAT) was first used as a model name for one of their cars in 1931. In 1934 the DAT Motor Car Company and Jitsuyo Automobile Co merged and created Nissan. But instead of using the name Nissan they chose to brand their cars Datsun.

During the War car production ceased

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as the factories were instructed to build trucks and military vehicles. After the War the company struggled to establish themselves, but were helped by the Americans and, among others, Austin, who granted them a licence to produce the A50 saloons. This helped pave the way forward for them to build their own cars again, and in August 1959 they launched the Datsun P310 Bluebird.

The P310 Bluebird was not very exciting, having a rather flabby appearance with an underpowered

1189cc engine. In 1959 Datsun launched their first sports car, titled the S211 which sadly didn’t catch the imagination of the eager public and only 20 examples of the S211 were built, making it the rarest of all Datsun models produced. This was mainly due to unusual styling and the use of glass fibre for its body panels.

In 1960 the SPL212 was introduced. This was the first Datsun sports car imported to the US. The letter L in its product name stands for ‘left hand drive’. Now with steel

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bodywork, it was built in slightly higher volumes than the S211, with 288 produced through to the end 1961.

The SPL212 was the first car to be named Fairlady. The name was thought up by the President of Nissan, who was visiting the USA at the time and saw the Broadway musical My Fair Lady. He thought the name Fairlady suited the car, but the name was only used on cars sold on the home and Australian markets. Later in 1961 a slightly improved twin carburettor version of the car was produced, called the SPL213. These were sold only on the export market.

Datsun’s first true sports car was launched in1963 with the introduction of the SP310 Datsun Fairlady 1500,

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Safety Fast_December18_3-46.indd 17

known as the Datsun Sports 1500 in America, which was similar in looks to our 1600 test car. The cars steel body sat on a box sectioned chassis and looked streets ahead of its forerunner, with improved styling, engine performance, handling, and unusually a cross-facing rear seat. In fact, it was light years better in every way. The Fairlady 1600 was launched in 1964/65 with an engine capacity of 1596cc. It had an all-synchro gearbox, front disc brakes, fold down top, padded shelf at the rear in place of the cross facing seat, and minor styling changes. It was then joined in March 1967 by a 2-litre overhead camshaft engine version with a five-speed gearbox. The 2-litre version outperformed the B, having

a top speed of around 115mph, or 125mph with the optional dealer fitted competition kit fitted, and went down well in America with its improved performance and cruising speeds.

Production on both models ran until 1970 when the 240Z was launched.

As a comparison, the MG Car Company had been making cars in Oxfordshire since the early 1920s and was renowned for their affordable sports cars. In 1962 the MGB Roadster was launched to almost universal acclaim, although at the time no one realised how successful this sports car built in the then Berkshire town of Abingdon would be, with over 500,000 built over an 18-year run.

The MGB was the first MG to use a

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FEATURE

monocoque chassis with its predecessor, the MGA, having a separate chassis to the body; it also took a different styling cue from the MGA, with the A’s stunning curvy lines being replaced by the equally handsome assembly of straight lines and angles. The power plant used in the MGB was the tried and tested B series engine. Originally designed in the 1940s and used through the BMC/ BL range in various models and cubic capacities, the MGB was to be the most powerful, with the B series bore being increased to 80.26mm, giving a capacity of 1798cc, this engine size being used initially only on the next generation of sports cars, the MGB. Various other detail modifications were introduced at the same time, and just two years later a completely revised block and fivebearing crankshaft were introduced for the same car, which made the engine

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much more robust. Another major development occurred in 1967 when the MGB was given a facelift and a new gearbox was introduced, at the same time introducing synchromesh on first gear. There was also the option of having an automatic transmission from 1967. By 1970 the British Motor Corporation had merged with Leyland, the MGB had been altered due to the merger and now sported plastic seats instead of leather, Rostyle wheels and a recessed grille, which wasn’t to everyone’s taste! Even with these alterations, sales of the MGB were never higher than they were in the early 70s. By 1974 the MGB had undergone a radical change to meet the ever-tightening American safety standards, and large, black impact bumpers had been fitted. The rubber bumper MGB and rubber bumper

Midget were to be the last two models of MGs to come out of the Abingdon factory before its untimely closure in 1980.

The Cars…

We are fortunate in having one of our members who had shipped an American market Datsun back from Canada. This is owned by John Fry, a stalwart of the Midland Centre, and owner, with his wife Judith, of numerous MGs. He bought it as it was something different and appealed to him. It’s a 1970 1600cc model in Cherry Red and is in a very original unrestored condition. The MGB is kindly loaned by Nigel Guild, of MG specialist Former Glory, and is a 1973 Heritage bodyshell restored car.

Putting the two cars side by side you can really appreciate the lines of

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23/11/2018 13:06

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the B which all flow together, pleasing the eye from any angle that you care to look at it. This is in stark contrast to the Fairlady with its combination of curves and straight lines, not helped by the boxiness of the bonnet, boot and grille. The rear end styling looks a little like it has been cut off with a guillotine, with an array of lights which look like they have come straight off a 1950s Buick. Suspension is identical, with both cars having front coil and wishbone, with anti-roll bar, the rear being semielliptics, with live axle. Now, strange as it may seem, the quirky design of the Datsun did appeal; the more you look at it the more you appreciate it. Looking

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under the bonnet, it has a distinct feeling of Britishness about it due to the standard alloy rocker cover and the Hitachi, made under licence, copies of SU twin carburettors.

Colin’s thoughts‌ Once in the cabin you notice that the car is narrower than the MGB and to combat this the door panels are made concave to offer more room and the pull handles are at the bottom of the door. The seats are well padded and give you plenty of support. The padded steering wheel is well positioned and the headroom is much better than the B due to the tall windscreen.

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Looking down in the footwell there is a foot rest to the left of the pedals, the cars optional radio is in a vertical position, and the instruments and dash, reminiscent of an Americanmarket MGB, include what you would expect in a sports car: a rev counter, speedo and the auxiliary gauges.

The gear lever falls readily to hand, although feels very sloppy due possibly to a worn bush in the linkage. The car starts immediately with a twist of the key and burbles into life. Although I find it strange driving a left-hand drive car, I soon get the hang of it and make quick progress along the Oxfordshire roads. The steering, being a cam and lever arrangement, seems

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_December18_3-46.indd 21

vague compared to the MGB’s rack and pinion steering. The engine pulls energetically with a very Alfa Romeolike sounding induction noise, which is quite intoxicating. The performance of the two cars is similar with around 104mph top speed and both have the same 0-60mph times of 12secs. The Datsun’s brakes don’t give the same feel as the MGB, although they both have discs at the front and drums rear.

The handling of the Fairlady does not seem as precise as the B, but after driving for half an hour I got the hang of it and found I could put the car into a bend with confidence.

A detailed look round the cars finds them very similar, with boot

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FEATURE

sizes about the same, both having their spare wheels taking up luggage space. The bonnet on the Datsun lifts forward allowing easy access to all the necessary items. I have to say the Datsun is well finished and has standard items that would be accessories on the B. They include twin reversing lamps, a driver’s door mirror, plus a centre console over the transmission tunnel with a lockable map box that acts as an arm rest.

To my surprise the Datsun Fairlady held up well when compared to the B. The B of course scored better on most aspects when comparing handling, comfort, looks, but there is something about the Fairlady that appeals. It has a laid-back feel about it which is addictive. The Fairlady was never a major competitor for the B. Sales figures alone show this, with 40,000 Datsun’s built compared to over half a million MGBs. But we have to remember that the Fairlady was the forerunner of the Datsun 240Z and that was another story…

Andy’s thoughts…

As I slid myself into the driver’s seat of the Datsun, the first noticeable thing was how cosy the driver’s compartment felt. There was a real art to folding my six-foot frame into the seat and getting my knees under the steering wheel and into a comfortable position. Once seated, the front cabin was noticeably narrower

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John Fry with his Datsun Fairlady 1600

than the MGB, but very modern for a car designed in the 1960s, with the plastic dials and switches reminiscent of the hot hatches that dominated the 1980s. A turn of the key and the perky 1600cc engine burst into life with a satisfying burble. Pushing the clutch down and slipping it into first, the fourspeed gearbox felt very slick. I did find the accelerator and brake pedals close together and as the revs rose to pull away I had to be careful not to catch the brake with my right foot. Out on the leafy Oxfordshire roads the Fairlady got a lot of quizzical looks, I had never seen one in the metal before now, but then they are a rarity in the UK. As I buzzed along the Oxfordshire lanes the induction noise of the frisky 94bhp

1600 engine was infectious, and made you want for more, putting your foot down whenever it was safe to do so and using the slick four-speed box to its full advantage. Like most Japanese cars I’ve driven over the years, I found the gearbox excellent, with the change being slick and precise, although there was a bit of movement which I’m sure could be rectified with new bushes.

Cornering was good, but I felt not as taut as the MGB which was probably down to the Datsun having a separate chassis as opposed to the monocoque of the MGB, and the Datsun’s tyres, which looked oversized on the steel wheels. The steering would also have an effect on the handling, being a cam

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MG3 fuel consumption: URBAN 38.9 mpg | 7.3 l/100km, EXTRA URBAN 53.8 mpg | 5.3 l/100km, COMBINED 47.1 mpg | 6.0 l/100km, CO2 Emissions: 140 g/km.

All MPG and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU regulated laboratory test results. These vehicles are WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure) type approved vehicles. However, in-line with Government guidance, to facilitate direct comparison between different models from different manufacturers and to accommodate the full transition to this new testing regime, we have displayed the NEDC figures. These NEDC figures are the values for this vehicle used in all registration and taxation until further notice from the UK authorities. Fuel consumption and efficiency figures are provided for comparative purposes only and may not reflect “real world” driving results.

Model shown: MG3 Exclusive with Hello Yellow paint at £12,795 on the road (OTR). OTR prices include VAT where applicable, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and 12 months’ Vehicle Excise Duty. “From” price is based on OTR price of £9,495 for MG3 Explore. Prices are correct at time of being published and are subject to change without notice. Please see your local dealer or visit MG.CO.UK for details. * Not available on Explore.

Safety Fast_December18_3-46.indd 23

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FEATURE

and lever arrangement as opposed to the more traditional rack and pinion fitted to the MGB. Having driven numerous MGBs over the years, a very relaxing and enjoyable 60s sportscar to drive, I found the Datsun a bit more demanding but just as fun to drive, with the switches and controls falling to hand easily. As we pushed on, having only the four-speed box I did miss the overdrive that’s fitted to the MGB, and I felt the brakes weren’t as sharp as the B’s even though they both had the similar arrangement. The quirky exterior styling of the Fairlady really appealed to me, with the round rear lights almost an afterthought by the designers and the mixture of angular curves and straight lines used on all conceivable panels, as opposed to the uncluttered, timeless design of the MGB. I thoroughly enjoyed my time behind the wheel of the Fairlady.

It was a fun, quirky 60s sportscar, but my heart lies with the MGB – I just felt more comfortable and at home in the MG.

Nigel Guild, owner of MG specialist, Former Glory, was asked to give his views on the Datsun.

“It immediately struck me how similar it is to the MGB, although once behind the wheel the differences become apparent. The steering and handling are not on a par with the B, although not that far behind. The car I feel is so laid back and has such a lazy feel about it that it would be more at home cruising along an American boulevard than the B roads of Oxfordshire. I was only going to take it round the block, but once under way I felt I had to go farther and I really enjoyed the experience. To be honest, I would love to own one and I never thought I would hear myself saying that about a car that’s not an MG!!”

The MGB kindly loaned by Former Glory is for sale at £16,000. For more information contact Nigel Guild on 01844 281700.

Specifications: Engine Bore/Stroke Capacity Max Power Max Torque Suspension Brakes Length Width Height Max Speed 0-60mph Price (1965)

MGB Roadster 4-cyl, in-line ohv 80.26 x 88.9mm 1798cc 95bhp @ 5400rpm 110lb ft @ 3000rpm Front: ind, coil and wishbone, Anti-roll bar Rear: semi-elliptics, live axle Front disc, rear drum 12ft 9.2in 4ft 11.9in 4ft 1.4in 104mph 12sec £855.00 (UK)

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Datsun Fairlady 1600 4-cyl, in-line ohv 87.4 x 76.8mm 1596cc 96bhp @ 6000rpm 103lb ft @ 4000rpm Front: coil and wishbone, Anti-roll bar Rear: semi-elliptics, live axle Front disc, rear drum 12ft 7.6in 4ft 3.4in 4ft 3.4in 106mph 12sec £1345.00 (Australia)

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2018 13:06

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FEATURE

SUPPORTED BY

PROJECT MGA THE FINAL ASSEMBLY

By Colin Grant

With the body painted, the chassis ready and engine and gearbox fitted, it’s now time for the final assembly. I spoke to Ben Harris of RPS who took me through the stages he has covered so far

I

t was decided by public vote at the November 2016 Classic Car Show that Mike Brewer’s MGA would be restored, but encompass sensible mods to improve the car and make it more suitable for today’s modern traffic, particularly as now the car is complete it will be regularly used, attending shows up and down the country, many in the aid of charities.

One of the improvements was the fitting of a Revotec electric cooling fan which will be used in addition to the standard fan. This will be operated by a switch as and when needed. An oil cooler has also been fitted, and this was

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placed on top of the intake panel, MGB style, as opposed to the optional cooler for the ‘A’ that was placed underneath the panel. The oil filter was converted to a canister type and accessed from above the engine, making it easier to replace during an oil change. A heater box has also been fitted to the car, to help make the long winter journeys more comfortable.

The brakes, although standard discs at the front and drums at the rear, now have a brake servo fitted to help take the effort out of braking. Knock on Minilite style wheels are fitted and shod in Blockley period treaded tyres. The

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SUPPORTED BY

standard diff is retained although the suspension has been upgraded by the fitting of telescopic shock absorbers.

Whilst the car was stripped down to the bare chassis, it was decided to uprate the electrics to negative earth and fit an alternator and a single 12V battery. This meant doing away with one of the six-volt battery carriers and enlarging the other to take the slightly bigger 12V battery. Ben had to make up a spacer for the alternator to get the pulleys to line up. A high torque

FEATURE

starter motor was also specified and fitted. The wiring loom is generally standard, using the original fuse box and indicator relay. The wiper motor is original but has been stripped, cleaned and painted. Standard fuel pump is used but converted to negative earth.

The instruments have all been stripped and cleaned with new bezels fitted, and the rev counter converted to negative earth. New gauges will be fitted when available, as the originals are looking a little tired after 59 years.

An original-style steel petrol tank is used with a later fuel tank sender. The exhaust is stainless with new mounts and all rubber fittings replaced. The steering wheel is a wood-rimmed aftermarket item. The interior carpeting will either be in tan or black, both of which will work well with the Pewter metallic silver of the body colour.

The car debuted at the NEC November Classic Car Show, on the Discovery stand, and was unveiled to a very pleased Mike Brewer who commented: “It’s absolutely stunning”.

With a large crowd gathered around, Mike spoke to Simon Ayris (Founder) and Ben Harris (Project leader) from RPS about the scale of the restoration project. He then sat in the car and posed for the vast array of photographers present.

With the car complete and unveiled, a shake down is due and then Mike’s MGA takes to the road. Look out for a road test in a future issue of Safety Fast!.

Mike Brewer in his MGA with (l-r) Adam Sloman, Simon Ayris, Ben Harris and Matt Kavanagh www.mgcc.co.uk

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DECEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 27

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Winter Warmers

Kimber Stores, your one stop Christmas Shop This is a selec�on of merchandise available from The MG Car Club.

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07/11/2018 15:54:25 23/11/2018 13:07

15:54:25

EVENT

T

his year our Autumn Leaves Run, held on Sunday October 14, was planned to be something rather special, in part to celebrate the fact that 88 years ago the MG Car Club came into being (October 12 1930 was a Sunday), and 55 years ago TyneTees Sub-Centre of the then North East Centre was created. So, the route this year was set to cover 88km or 55 miles! Our 2018 event incorporated the suitably grand start venue of the Linden Hall Hotel at Longhorsley in Northumberland, and the most stunning finish to a run we have used yet, the magnificent Alnwick Castle.

Built in Norman times and owned by the Percy family since the 13th century, from the 1760s it has been home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, and featured in Harry

Potter films and the Downton Abbey TV series.

The run attracted the maximum entry of 80 cars and many entrants elected to stay at Linden Hall and join us for a “Marque of Friendship Dinner� on the Saturday evening, the idea of Tyne-Tees Committee member Andrew Kelly, who planned and organised the entire weekend. 92 people enjoyed an informal dinner, including entrants staying or living nearby.

You can plan any event to the finest detail, except the weather. On the Saturday afternoon the weather was atrocious, but that did not stop myself and three other MGCC stalwarts staking out 80 numbered parking places in the display Timelines I had created, on areas of the Castle kindly assigned to us by the Northumberland Estates Executive.

Fortunately our prayers were answered and Sunday dawned dry, if not yet bright. Those not already staying at the hotel were asked to arrive by 9.00am for breakfast and registration, and to get their entry packs which included a souvenir route-book, map of the route and numbered rally plate.

Following separate briefings for the marshals and entrants, the first car was flagged away just after the scheduled 10.30am start time. One of our guest starters was Paul Plummer, the MGCC Director who looks after Tyne-Tees Centre. The run attracted MGs ranging from the 1932 MG F Type Magna of Bob Walker to current MG models.

Cars went off at suitable intervals, generally in age order, and this worked well, despite cars being parked in various locations in the hotel car parks.

Mayhem did not ensue!

TYNE-TEES AUTUMN LEAVES RUN 2018

By Noel Lindford

The timeline at Alnwick Castle.

Photo: Noel Lindford www.mgcc.co.uk

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EVENT

A few of the MGs outside Linden Hall at the start. Photo: Noel Lindford

The route took the cars out west, following the valley of the River Coquet, passing through Rothbury (known as the Capital of Coquetdale) then on to the wilder moorlands of the Cheviot Hills, lands dominated for 300 years by the Border Reivers.

Our intrepid photographer, Trevor Grugan, got shots of many cars on the road above Alwinton, looking west up the Coquet valley. Cars then headed north via Netherton and Whittingham, passing through the Northumberland National Park to Glanton. About 35 miles into the

run, local folk saw MGs travelling up the A697 to Powburn, where Hedgeley Services offered a welcome comfort and fuel stop.

The route then turned east to the charming village of Eglingham, then on to South Charlton and its parish church of St. James, built for the 4th Duke of Northumberland in 1862.

Finally the run headed south, with the North Sea a distant background, as cars headed for the county town of Alnwick, crossing the River Aln onto Canongate and Bailiffgate, where the cars were briefly held

Paul Plummer flags off Maurice Standish’s WA Coupe. Photo: Noel Lindford

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opposite the imposing Barbican entrance to majestic Alnwick Castle.

I have to say a big thank you to all the Tyne-Tees marshals who carefully and safely steered 80 cars into their allotted slots within the Castle grounds without causing harm to the members of the public! They had all driven the full route, but managed to get there ahead of the pack, having been sneaked into the earliest group of cars that left. We thought we had lost one entrant, but Alan Dakeyne, who was driving his 1939 VA Tourer, was reported as “failing to proceed” but in fact with the kind help of one or two others on the run who stopped, he changed the fuel pump for one that worked, and did make it to the finish, still smiling!

With all cars safely parked up, about 160 of us headed into the Guest Hall for a traditional three-course Sunday lunch, which was served with military precision by the excellent Castle staff.

After the main course had been served, event organiser Andrew Kelly took the opportunity to announce some of the awards, which we traditionally present at the end of every road run.

I had escorted David Hawke, General

www.mgcc.co.uk

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EVENT

Bob Walker MG F Type Magna on the run.

Photo: Trevor Grugan

Owen & Pam Frankland’s MG3. Photo: Trevor Grugan

Manager Alnwick Castle Ventures, on a tour of all the cars and he chose the MG he would most like to take home. This was the 1960 blue MGA Roadster belonging to Simon and Carole Weightman, who received the Autumn Leaves Trophy. The Spirit of the Event Award, presented by Paul Plummer, was to the unanimous and popular choice of Alan Dakeyne, who although senior in years is still young at heart and drove his MG VA Tourer in his usual spirited manner.

Paul then took the opportunity to make a farewell speech, as he is stepping down from the Board and as our Director, having looked after the interests of Tyne-Tees Centre these past nine years. Andrew and I were delighted to be able to present Paul with a book on the history of Alnwick Castle, which he much appreciated.

Following lunch there was still time to visit the State Rooms and other attractions, which stayed open until

Alan Dakeyne with VA Tourer at Alnwick Castle.

Photo: Simon Weightman

5.30pm especially for us, and those who did so found them truly stunning.

The sun was shining in clear blue skies at this point, and the Castle and grounds looked amazing. After an enjoyable day, people made their way home from about 5.00pm. We received a lot of complimentary emails and messages, suggesting that the event was very successful. Finally, thanks to Andrew for the huge effort put in to make it happen.

Simon and Carole Weightman the Autumn Leaves Trophy winners with their MGA. Photo: Noel Lindford www.mgcc.co.uk

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DECEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 31

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23/11/2018 13:07

EVENT

Over 71,000 attendees headed for Birmingham’s NEC over the weekend for the world’s biggest gathering of classic motoring clubs

T

he main Club stand in hall three had a wonderful selection of machinery on display and embraced the theme of the show “Built to Last’’. As well as the beautiful cars, such as the late prototype MGB GT V8 owned by Dave Saunders, the stunning K Series MGB owned by Former Glory and the Mulberry MGF 75 limited edition car owned by Mervyn Gillespie, all of which attracted a lot of attention, we also had a highly modified Class A Midget Racer which was the 2018 MG Car Club Lackford Engineering Sprite/

Midget Challenge Championshipwinning car. MGCC member Paul Wisbey’s 1946 TC Midget also drew the crowds and fitted in with the show theme. This TC was one of the first cars produced (274th to be exact) and was supplied by the factory to works race and land speed record holder Lt Col Alfred Thomas “Goldie” Gardner.

After this, the car ended up in the hands of Ken Cheeseman who raced in MGCC events, then Alf Hodkins who competed in hill climbs. The TC still sports fibreglass panels, 16-inch wheels and Brooklands screen from its

THE 2018 CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW

www.mgcc.co.uk

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racing past. Not rebuilt or restored, it truly has been built to last. From one end of the MG spectrum to the other, we also had a 2018 MG3 signifying the last MG built.

The final car we had on display was the stunning, crowd-pulling, all-electric, zero-emission, fully independent suspension 1959 MGA e-Roadster produced by Retro-EV, and featured in a previous Safety Fast!. Michael M. Richardson, CEO and Retro-EV founder, said: “Our vision has always been the respectful transformation of these vintage icons into zero-emission, timeless e-Classics that can be driven daily and enjoyed for decades, thanks to our patentpending Modular Electric Vehicle (EV) Architecture. The fact that the MGCC has recognised the value of our vision and applauded our engineering focus is a sincere compliment which we deeply appreciate.” Michael and his team were kept busy all three days, talking to the hordes of show-goers keen to see the MGA.

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On entering hall three, people were greeted by Paul Clappison’s 1972 immaculate white MGB GT, an indication that there were to be plenty of MGs and MG-related paraphernalia throughout the seven large halls the show covered. With MGs on Track attending again and sharing space with the new MGCC Young Members Branch, and the MGF Register having a trio of cars, all three stands were kept busy over all three days. The MGB Register’s Jean Denton MGB took to the road under its own power and was driven to the show and displayed alongside other rally cars that participated in the London to Sydney rallies in the 1960s, as part of the Historic Rally Car Registers

stand. It was great to see such a selection of MGs dotted throughout the show, and especially so many of the 80s MG hot hatches and a couple of the Group B Rally MG 6R4s from the same era. There were plenty of the MGCC Trade members and Safety Fast! advertisers selling their wares and MGs as well, ensuring the MG Enthusiast was well catered for.

The Meguiar’s showcase looked spectacular in hall one. It was pleasing to see the BRG MGF of Helen and Nigel Scutt holding its own in the Meguiar’s showcase, which is the best of the best cars picked from various 2018 Club events and shows. Also located in hall one was the Discovery Stage, which was hosted by Wheeler Dealers Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead.

One of the highlights on the stage over the weekend was the unveiling of ‘Project MGA’, Mike’s 1959 MGA, which you can read all about elsewhere in this issue.

The show was a great success for the Club and as always it was wonderful to meet so many enthusiastic members, old and new.

We’re ready to do it all again on November 8-10 2019.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2018 13:07

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23/11/2018 13:07

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 I am writing this at the beginning of November, a few days before the Classic Car Show at the NEC where hopefully I may have caught up with some of you. It is season’s greetings time, so to all Y owners and followers a very happy Christmas and New Year.

This Newsletter has two principal articles with some photos of the restoration of a couple of Ys. Neil Cairn’s

well-known YB was badly damaged earlier this year and he finally picked up the repaired car on the first Friday of November.

The second is indeed a restoration of a YB that Peter Sharp, our Secretary, acquired in 2006. Peter’s tale is both informative and encouraging, especially for anyone about to commence a rebuild.

THE IMPOSSIBLE WE DO TODAY, MIRACLES TAKE LONGER It was a nice clear morning on Sunday April 29 2018, an ideal day to go for a run in our 1952 MG YB. But it was to prove a devastating day for the poor car because as we negotiated a mini roundabout only a mile from our home, a young lad in a silver Corsa failed to slow for the junction and ‘straight-lined’ the roundabout.

He ended up going across the front of me, on the wrong side aiming for a decreasing gap. It all happened in less than two seconds but his car took the front off my YB, the Corsa riding up the off-side wheel and becoming airborne. At a guess he was doing

The car immediately after the accident.

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_December18_3-46.indd 37

30mph and I was doing about 5-8mph.

The photo says it all. The day out had come to an abrupt halt. Details were exchanged and my car was totally unmoveable. The suspension was all smashed and the wheel at a drunken angle, the wing ripped off and the whole front end pushed sideways. I used the insurance recovery to get my car home as it was a Sunday and no garages were open. I was adamant the car would go to Brown and Gammons of Baldock, as they had restored the body in 2009.

Then the hassle with the insurance company began. They told me to put

the car in my garage; I told them it was IMMOVEABLE. It ended up outside my house, on the road, for two days whilst I argued with them over getting it to B&G. They wanted it to go to one of their ‘repairers’ and simply did not understand that you do not just get a new wing off the shelf for a car that they only made 1,301 of 65 years ago!

I reminded them of their clause that whilst my car was at home it needed to be in a locked garage overnight.

They relented and B&G collected the YB on the Tuesday. Then I was told that as we had not worn seat belts, this could affect our claim. I saw red and demanded to know if they knew what year the Construction and Use Regulations required seat mounting points to be built into a car, and what year the law came out about wearing them. There was silence at the other end. I pointed out that a car designed in the late 1930s with a wooden floor did not have seat belts. The last straw was when the forms arrived for my claim of injury (my left had was badly bruised where the steering wheel had hit it when the car was thrown sideways, as I changed gear). I had told them of the hand injury, but THEY had added “back and neck pain”. I am an honest chap and refused to get

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Y T YPE NEWSLET TER

Heading off to Brown and Gammons

involved in such chicanery. The car was in storage as B&G simply could not drop everything to do my car. It would have to await its turn. Explaining this to the insurers bought the comment that they would only pay the storage for one month. Another argument ensued when they again wanted to move the car to one of their approved restorers. When the lad checked their list of ‘approved restorers’, guess whose name was on it. Yes, B&G.

The week after the damage, I used the MGCC Y Register Facebook page to obtain the items needed to repair the car that were peculiar to the YB. Most of the mechanicals are straight TD/TF/MGA but bodywork items are non-existent. By the end of the week I had a new damper, a serviceable steering rack, offers of three wings and a wheel. Chrome items like bumpers, etc, are available from NTG of Ipswich. The biggest problem was finding a wing that was not rusted away at its edges, and that did not require extensive repair before it could be used. A friend of the Y Register spotted a pair on eBay a month later and B&G bought them. I inspected the one used on my car and it was in excellent condition. It is well worth

Bent and broken suspension and steering components

belonging to a club as the contacts you have are gold dust; without them one would be really stumped. B&G carried out their inspection for the repairs and found the chassis was perfectly straight. The quote for the work required was mostly man-hours and the cost eye-watering; thank the stars for agreed-value cover.

After a nail-biting period of time the phone call eventually came that the car was ready for collection. It

On the mend

Neil being handed the keys by Ron Gammons

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Back, as good as new

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2018 13:08

Y T YPE NEWSLET TER

has virtually a complete new front suspension, as both kingpins were found to be bent (one possibly by a pot hole some months before the crash).

A huge bill went to the insurance company and I had to pay the excess plus some extra work I got them to do.

There is a before-and-after photo for

you to study. Having not driven it for six months and got used to my wife’s Fiat Panda with its power steering, it was a bit of a surprise to find the YB’s direct rack and pinion system quite heavy at first. Modern drivers are spoilt with their servos and steering power.

The car is once again stunning and my

wife followed me home in her car and commented on just how many people stopped to watch me pass. B&G have pulled a miracle from the bag and resurrected my ‘Pride and Joy’. Ron Gammons handed the keys over to me on condition I avoid silver Corsas.

Neil Cairns

THE RESTORATION OF LDA 506/YB1127 In 2006 I bought two MG Y Types: our wonderful GBX 166/ Y6041 who is now a full member of the family and LFG 662/YB1100 which was a chassis and body and bits with a V5. The latter was bought with the intention of restoration, something to keep me occupied. I set about collecting all the parts I needed to complete it, with all the best intentions one has for getting a classic back on the road. While getting parts, I visited Dave Gibson in Newton Longville to look at a boot lid. Among the spares he had was a whole YB with everything necessary to make a whole car. He wanted the engine for his TD but he had a spare engine in parts (bits in a box, actually). I bought it from him and sold YB1100. I don’t know what state it is in now. I haven’t heard from the buyer, although I did ask for progress reports. In retrospect I should have kept it – the panels were better than anything I have acquired since; ah, well.

The new YB LDA 506/YB1127 came with the engine of YB 1093 (SC2/17960) which came off the line at Abingdon two weeks earlier. I don’t know what became of that car.

The engine went to T&L Engineering for a rebuild. The crankshaft of SC2/17960 was unusable, but luckily I got a spare one when I bought Y6041. This went into the rebuild and the engine waited patiently, with all its bearings graphited, to be put into YB 1127.

Stuff from eBay, from the MGCC Y register and from friends was stockpiled. There was an almost complete kit of parts with the car when I bought it but you have to keep buying stuff, don’t you…don’t you?

YB 1127 was first registered to John William Lloyd on May 15 1953 in Wednesfield, Staffordshire, and spent

Dragged out of the lock up in 1993

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Safety Fast_December18_3-46.indd 39

the next 20 years around what’s now called the West Midlands. It passed through eight hands before being sold to Geoff Lebbon in August 1972 for £38.00. Geoff owns LB Restoration Services, then based in Walsall, now still going strong in Cornwall. He did not, however, restore YB1127 although he still remembers it fondly and still has a YT that has to be ‘got around to’. He sold it to an antiques dealer who put it in a shed and left it there, for about 15 years I think. During that time the shed roof leaked water onto the car. It was sold in 1988 to Alfred Chow and his brother in Islington. They also bought two 1970 MGBs and built them into one racing MGB and did some of what Alfred calls ‘unofficial racing’. YB1127 was sold on in June 1993 in sad circumstances. It had started and run while Alfred had it, but not on the road. “The engine ran and it drove, but there were no brakes,” Alfred told me. The tax disc was still on the windscreen, dated September 1973.

It was bought by Tony Hewlett, from London Colney, who gave it the first attention it had had since, well, since the 1970s. Tony spent a lot of money restoring the chassis, brakes, suspension, Jackall and steering. The engine was rebuilt and the engine compartment and front valance were sprayed.

Tony sold the car to Dave and Dorinda Gibson in 1999. I bought it from them in March 2008.

I stored it while I planned a rebuild and, as I said, collected parts for it. What amazed me at the time was that, wherever I went to collect parts I’d won on eBay or bought from classified advertisements, I found garages, sheds and barns full of other cars. Some were in temperature-controlled

Chassis rebuilt and painted in the 90s

As collected in 2008

DECEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 39

23/11/2018 13:08

VENDOR RECEIVED £36,955

VENDOR RECEIVED £17,100

facilities, some were in lock-ups or domestic garages, some were in dilapidated sheds. Some were pristine, some were concours. (While looking for the company that was going to re-core the radiator I went to the wrong farm by mistake and walked into a barn full of concours condition classic cars, all cocooned in transparent temperature-controlled tents.

The owner told me they were for his pleasure; he never showed them or drove them.) There were many more, er… projects, shall we say. Crumbling wrecks that were becoming crumblier every year while the owners waited for the ‘right price’ to be offered. Piles of bits were very common too, the owners confident that “if I could get a good two days to work on them, it’d get through an MOT”. It’s amazing what’s out there.

The reason I was looking for more bits was that when I had the wings and other panels blasted, I found that they weren’t as good as I thought. It is a shock when what you think is pressed steel turns out to be finely crafted lacework!

I also found that part of the rear wheel arch consisted of a tack welded refrigerator door and that one rear wing had been repaired using a number plate. I thought that the restoration would be a matter of stripping the paint on the body and having it resprayed. Stripping and blasting showed that almost every panel was rotten or had been poorly repaired, all apart from the usually worst body section, the lower rear wheel compartment; this had been replaced. After a few false starts with unsuitable workshops, the car ended up at P.J Smith Classic & Modern Paint & Bodywork Ltd in Bedford in October 2010. Phil took the body off (the chassis

MGA Twin Cam SOLD FOR £38,900

1967 MGB Roadster SOLD FOR £18,000

Y T YPE NEWSLET TER

Undergoing restoration

was in the same good condition as when it was rebuilt in the 1990s) and separated it into its components.

The car has been with Phil since. He is a painstaking perfectionist but even he hasn’t spent all that time on the car. He agreed that he would work upon it as funds permitted; he had a lot of other work to do as well as mine.

In the past few months the body has been painted and reunited with the chassis and engine. The engine was started in August for the first time since its rebuild, which was the first time the car had been fired up for over 45 years. As it was less than 20 years old when it was taken off the road, that’s two thirds of its life. It is almost finished now, apart from trimming. How much have I spent? I don’t know and I’m scared to tot it all up. Will I get my money back? Not a chance. But if I’ve been responsible for bringing a neglected, crumbling Y Type back to life, I’m happy.

Online Classic Car Au VENDOR RECEIVED £17,100

MGC Roadster SOLD FOR £17,500

DEREK MOORE’S YB MEETS UP WITH PADDY HOPKIRK’S BMC 1800

Reg Dixie has kindly forwarded me a photo taken in Abingdon earlier this year, following the MGB Register Lecture ‘The Story of the 1968 London to Sydney Marathon’. Derek Moore’s much-travelled YB meets up with the BMC 1800 that finished second in the famous long-distance rally.

Derek’s YB left the Abingdon factory in September 1952 – 16 years before the BMC 1800 left the Competitions Department to be driven by Paddy Hopkirk, Tony Nash and Alex Poole over 9,000 miles to Sydney in November/ December 1968.

40 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2018

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… AND FINALLY!

Our YT gets ready to roll off the CaenPortsmouth ferry at the beginning of October this year, on return from an excellent break in Normandy, organised by the MGOC.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2018 13:08

Online Classic Car Auctions

MGC Roadster SOLD FOR £17,500

MGC Roadster SOLD FOR £17,500

VENDOR RECEIVED £17,100

Auctions VENDOR RECEIVED £17,100

Safety Fast_December18_3-46.indd 41

MGA Twin Cam SOLD FOR £38,900

MGA Twin Cam SOLD FOR £38,900

VENDOR RECEIVED £36,955

VENDOR RECEIVED £36,955

1967 MGB Roadster SOLD FOR £18,000

1967 MGB Roadster SOLD FOR £18,000

VENDOR RECEIVED £17,100

VENDOR RECEIVED £17,100

23/11/2018 13:17

TWIN CAM NEWSLET TER Colin Manley mgatcgscribe@gmail.com

WELCOME TO THE TWIN CAM NEWSLETTER First, some admin: Please note a change of email contact, above, for all matters to do with sending me material for inclusion in either these newsletters or the “Twin-CaMGazette” that goes out on email: mgatcgscribe@gmail.com The “Twin-CaMGazette” is currently circulated to over 200 people worldwide. If you would like to be added to the email

circulation for this, just drop a line to mgatcg@outlook.com Wow, what a year we’ve had! Our Chobham Test Track 60th Anniversary ‘Press Launch’ event was a great day and unlikely ever to be bettered – a World Record gathering of 53 Twin Cams. Also, the prolonged dry spell gave us all many opportunities to get out and about through the year.

BROOKLANDS Sadly, we didn’t have such good weather for MG Era at Brooklands. For the Twin Cam’s 60th Anniversary; we had pride of place parking as an MG Octagon in front of the clubhouse and some of your Committee were dressed in period white mechanics overalls. A few brave souls kept afloat in the rain and were featured in the local newspaper. A group of Twin Cams had the chance of a few laps on the Mercedes-Benz World track in the pouring rain, whilst resident saxophonist, Bob Webb, played “On Days Like These”!

Local Era Day press coverage

Twin Cams form an Octagon at MG Era Day

CHOBHAM – 1958 PRESS LAUNCH RE-ENACTMENT

Twin Cams lined up ready to go

42 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2018

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There was a full feature of this event in the September 2018 copy of Safety Fast! and the event forms quite a few pages in the “60th Anniversary Yearbook”. The event also provided seven pages of copy in the October edition of Classic and Sportscar magazine. We had fantastic weather on July 14 and everyone made such an effort and went to some expense to be at this major event. Participants came

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2018 13:09

TWIN CAM NEWSLET TER

MGAs fill the car park of the Half Moon

from all points of the compass including Australia, Germany, Norway and Wigan!

Four groups of Twin Cams took turns in doing highspeed laps of the circuit until, at 11.00am, MG author David Knowles gave an introductory speech and then introduced the man that organised the original Press Day Launch exactly 60 years ago to the day – Geoffrey Iley, who gave a very informative and enlightening speech. After the speeches, the cars completed their final session of laps, after which most cars headed off to the Classic Car-friendly Half Moon Free House in Windlesham for a super lunch, concluding the day with an AGM (see later in this newsletter).

STOCKFEST This year was our fifth year of attendance at this lovely event. Cars took part in the ‘Thoroughbred Tour’ in the morning, then joined the other Classic Cars on display in the main field, enjoying the music and atmosphere.

YD1/2497 – THE DAVIS ALZHEIMER’S MGA TWIN CAM James Davis has sent in this touching story.

The Twin Cam’s first owner was an Italian called Renato Fratini. He was 27 when he bought his new car, registered XLW 198, in October 1959.

Between July 1963 and May 1964, the car was registered as JJJ 888 to Mike Ellman-Brown, a close friend of my dad, Robert Davis. Dad bought his beloved Twin Cam from Mike in 1964 aged just 24. He went on to own it for more than half a century, The Twin Cam was driven enthusiastically, both on and off track; racing in MGCC events throughout the late 60s and early 70s. In 1980 the car relocated (with his new wife and life) to Barbados, moving onward to Canada in 2010 when dad finally retired. We still worked together on the Twin Cam; I helped restore it in the early 80s.

Dad’s plan was that the MG would eventually come down to me.

Fast forward to 2016. The Twin Cam was sold to support dad’s Alzheimers

www.mgcc.co.uk

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healthcare. It was bought by a US enthusiast, Ricky May. I therefore decided to sell off my collection of Twin Cam and MGA-related memorabilia.

This led me to meet many Twin Cam enthusiasts and owners. The very last item I sold was an MGCC limited edition print of the infamous Dick Jacobs Twin Cams – MTW 1 and 2.

I agreed to deliver the print, hoping I would enjoy another great MG interaction. I had no idea!

It turned out that the buyer wanted the print for his workshop wall, a workshop that contained MTW 1 and MTW 2! Growing up, I had adored these cars and followed them on and off the circuit. I shared the back story of dad’s MG with Mark Daniell and his father, Roger. They were in no doubt that I should track down and buy back dad’s car. I was touched by their passion, sincerity and support. Over and above seeing the MTW cars in the flesh, I haven’t even mentioned their amazing

Q Type project, another indirect link to dad’s MG past, a story for another day.

It’s such a small MG world!

I had mixed emotions on the drive home. Happiness at what I had seen, who I’d just met, the metal I’d touched and the fantastic stories we’d shared.

Dad would have been in absolute heaven. Alzheimers is so hard on family members as well as the sufferer. There is a massive hole in my life, as well as that of my family. My father has been robbed of his memories by this terrible disease; he no longer knows my name or recognises my face. I couldn’t ring dad and share this amazing experience.

I couldn’t ask him some of the questions Mark and Roger had posed. All that said, a new friendship with Mark and Roger was born; little did I know how quickly it would develop. So many coincidences, all about to be crowned with a massive dose of fate and destiny.

I don’t know what led me to type ‘classic cars’ into eBay the next day. I

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TWIN CAM NEWSLET TER

remember it unfolding in slow motion.

The moment of realisation that the familiar shape had a familiar colour and a familiar registration. Not only was this dad’s car, it was now back in the UK, on a timed auction, with active bids! I messaged the dealer, Peter of Classic Cars of the Wirral. We agreed to meet the next day and spent a couple of hours talking all about cars and this MGA Twin Cam. Happily, we structured a deal and the auction was ended early.

I had bought dad’s MG; now I just needed to gather the monies! In another coincidence, on the drive back home, the Alzheimers Society called me to confirm and thank me for my commitment to the upcoming Birmingham Memory Walk.

After I put the phone down it suddenly fell into place. This next chapter

of the MG’s ownership had to mean something. It had to be a legacy to my dad. I decided that when I could no longer drive the MG it would be auctioned off and every penny donated to the Alzheimers Society. A week later and the MG was paid for and being delivered. I can’t describe the maelstrom of emotions and feelings that washed over me. Family and friends have been amazing in showing their support. As part of the subsequent shakedown, a programme of servicing and tinkering has addressed minor issues and the Twin Cam is back as dad would remember it. Only he doesn’t.

I am going to use the car and its back story to raise awareness and funds for this cruel disease. Dementia is set to become the biggest killer and will affect one in every three people.

I reflect on the last two months. A series of coincidences

and instances of fate and destiny. I’ve decided to codename my special mission @MGAlzheimers. I’ve set up Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts under this title as well as www.MGAlzheimers. co.uk I plan to upload our photos, stories and memories, as well as add new ones that I uncover. These will record old and new memories of the MG and be my lasting legacy to a very special car and a very special man. A special man that nurtured my passion for cars. A special man who was highly creative, charming, funny and full of charisma. A man today who has been robbed of his driving licence, his skillsets, his personality, his memories and his dignity. The MG will be driven and used as dad would have wanted. You’ll no doubt see me at events. Please do come and say hi, get involved in any way you can, share your memories and let’s make some new ones. Can’t wait. Octagonally Yours, James Davis

James seeing the car in the Wirral for the first time since it had left the family

NEW MGA BOOK

MGA: A Revolutionary MG by David Knowles.

To be published by Crowood, this is a completely new book. The book covers the whole story, from the first postwar thoughts of all-new sports cars, the export imperative and the impact of various factors such as the BMC merger, right through the various prototypes and production, covering all variants from the EX prototypes to the end of the 1600 Mark II. There will be chapters on each of the production types including, of course, the MGA 1500, the Coupe, Twin Cam, 1600 and 1600 Mark II, as well as

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coverage of the special projects such as the Frua-bodied MGA. A major chapter will cover the major European and North American Sebring escapades, with details on many of the cars gleaned in many cases from their present owners.

Throughout the book the author has aimed to include brief portfolios of many of the people involved – and much of the material will hopefully be new to the majority, if not all, who read it. The author has benefited from an enormous amount of help from many quarters. Publication is due in early 2019.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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TWIN CAM NEWSLET TER

COMMITTEE LINE-UP

JUST IDLE CHATTER …

We had our AGM at The Half Moon, Windlesham, in July (after the 60th Anniversary lunch). After many years of passionate service to the Twin Cam Group, Mark Hester announced that he was stepping down as Chairman. The Committee is now formed as follows: Chairman (and Scribe) Colin Manley Secretary Edward Vandyk Treasurer Mike Maze Technical Edward Vandyk Registrar Stuart Mumby MGA Liaison Barry Davies Deluxe Co-Ordinator John Barrett Without Portfolio; Adrian Malthouse, Ian Warner, Dave Pearce, Derek Edwards.

One thing that comes to mind is that, having been so focused on organising the 60th event for the last couple of years, and now having held it, what do we now want to do as a Group? There are a few factors to consider: We have nothing of relevance on the horizon other than the 60th Anniversary of the forming of the Twin Cam Group in 2026.

MGs on Track provides the outlet for those who want to experience a Track Day and the MGA Register, and other Registers or Centres, provide ample opportunity to join in a day, or weekend, run.

So, what do you think? Let your Committee have your ideas. Because we cannot run to the cost of having dedicated club email addresses, please initially contact me on MGATCG@ outlook.com and I will pass your message on to the relevant Committee member.

I recently had one owner commenting on their erratic engine idling. There was much talk of worn jets and disconnecting the throttle bars between the carbs to The frayed inner cable balance the carbs (by all sorts of means) and then reconnecting the link. A follow up chat revealed that despite the fitting of new jets and needles, followed by a fairly accurate ‘balancing’ of the carbs, the tick over was still somewhat ‘random’. I popped round to take a look and, sure enough, it was erratic; the revs were also sometimes slow in dropping back down when lifting off the pedal. No obvious signs of manifold leaks and, according my old Gunson’s ‘Carbalancer’ the carbs seemed to be balanced quite well. Operating the throttle at the carb end produced a consistent idle, so I took a close look at the throttle cable and pedal. All seemed OK at the pedal end. There was no evidence of anything amiss as the Bowden cable emerged from the outer cable but, inside the outer cable, where it passes though the alloy bulkhead guide, a strand of the inner cable had ’parted’ and was slowly coiling itself up inside the outer cable, providing resistance to the throttle return. £3 and one visit later to a local cycle shop for a new inner cable and the idle speed was smooth and consistent and the revs drop when the throttle is released.

OWNERS’ MODS Dick Gough has sent in a nice cockpit mod. He has changed the steering column clamp nut for a wing nut from a Healey.

The wing nut part number, from AH Spares (Tel 01926 817181) is SID 117.

Dick says to “make sure they are 5/16” UNF when ordering, just to be sure, as I have found some funny thread types from different companies.”

The wing nuts are brass and can be filed flat on the bottom to match up with the steering clamp. It looks smart and buffing the wing nut and bolt head with a polishing mop gives it a nice sheen.

Dick says that the MG Y type might have had something similar to his idea.

It had a one-sided wing nut on the

MERCHANDISE The Twin Cam Group doesn’t sell a lot of merchandise and we get no income or revenue from any of your MG Car Club membership fees, so every item purchased does help defray some of the costs that the Group incurs. Christmas is just around the corner, so please go to https://www.mgcc.co.uk/mga-twin-cam-group/ merchandise/ to view some of the merchandise available, and then contact me at MGATCG@outlook.com to obtain an up-to-date list of products available and obtain final pricing and shipping, etc, as it will vary wildly depending on what you buy and the destination.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Steering column clamp Steering column clamp with nut with wing nut

adjuster – like a wing nut with one ear missing and that ear is larger for extra purchase. One larger ear might not work on the ‘A’ as it might tangle up with the dashboard and the Healey wing nut gives clearance.

Do please send in details of your own mods for all to share. Please do use the new ‘Scribe’ email of mgatcgscribe@gmail.com

2018 “60TH ANNIVERSARY YEARBOOK” The “60th Anniversary Yearbook” was a fantastic success.

This will certainly be a book to treasure and thank you to all who contributed to it being a ‘pictorial celebration’ of our cars. Copies have gone to all parts of the UK and countries including France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada – a truly global reach for this great little sports car.

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FOR SALE

NOTE: RIGHTS RESERVED 1935 MG TA,PLEASE Partly restored with allALL mechanicals rebuilt including engine, gearbox, back axle, suspension and brakes. Many new parts including four new wings refurbished radiator and chrome shell, stainless petrol tank, wheels and tyres.

THIS ARTWORK IS THE PROPERTY OF CLASSIC CARS FOR SALE MAGAZINE. NO PART OF THIS ARTWORK MAY BE REPRODUCED, STORED OR OTHERWISE USED BY ANY OTHER PUBLICATION UNLESS PRIOR PERMISSION IS GIVEN BY THE PUBLISHERS - © MS Publications (2001) Ltd.

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£19,995.00

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Unit 9, Broadfields Farm, Dunmow Road, Rayne, Braintree, Essex. CM77 6SA Safety Fast_December18_3-46.indd 46

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V8 NEWSLET TER Victor Smith Tel: 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net • www.v8register.net

WELCOME TO THE V8 NEWSLETTER

Robert and Stella Crowson at Tissington Ford

V8 DERBYSHIRE TOUR 2018 The four-day tour, organised by Ken Clayton and Carol Fletcher, was based at The New Bath Hotel and Spa at Matlock Bath and included routes through Derbyshire and the Staffordshire Moorlands, with visits to Haddon Hall, Crich Tramway Village, Denby Pottery Village and Renishaw Hall. There were 40 members who attended the V8 Derbyshire Tour with 14 RV8s, 4 MGB GT V8s, 1 MGB and an MG TF. Here Ken and Carol recall an enjoyable tour.

Sunday September 2 saw the hotel car park gradually fill up with V8s as members arrived. The furthest travelled were Victor and Evelyne Rodrigues, from Switzerland. Tour Handbooks and goodie bags were distributed, followed by dinner.

Monday September 3 revealed a sunny morning and an eager group of V8s itching to start the tour. The morning route took us through the pretty Derbyshire White Peak villages, before taking in views at Monsal Head

and the Headstone viaduct with the River Wye, 228 metres below. We then travelled to Bretton to admire the view over Eyam edge across the White Peak, before descending into the village of Eyam.

The village is noted for the outbreak of bubonic plague in 1665 as a local village tailor, who had ordered a bale of cloth from London to make clothes for the villagers, unwittingly triggered a chain of events that led to 260 Eyam villagers dying from bubonic plague. This was more than double the mortality rate suffered by the citizens of London in the Great Plague. Under the direction of the vicar, the villagers chose to isolate themselves from the surrounding areas rather than letting the infection spread. An extraordinary and enduring example of personal selfsacrifice to prevent further suffering.

Arriving at Haddon Hall we had an escorted tour of this Jacobean mansion house, home to the Manners Family.

The afternoon tour took us over to the Staffordshire Moorlands and to some great scenery of Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill, looking like a ‘sleeping dinosaur’. The tour then descended to Ilam (NT) to enjoy a “room with a view” – the Tea Room has a stunning view of Bunker Hill and Thorpe Cloud.

RV8s at Eyam Edge at Bretton

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Crich Tramway Village

An unexpected problem for Ron Warr arose on Monday when the gear lever on his MGB GT V8 Conversion snapped. Fortunately the tour organiser, Ken Clayton, had identified several “recovery/mechanic” specialists in the area, so Ron was able to remove the base section of the lever and take both parts to a specialist and have them welded together. He returned and refitted the lever and continued with the tour route.

Tissington Ford was then tackled by all the tour participants, some more vigorously than others. Robert and Stella Crowson were awarded the prize for creating the largest ‘bow wave’ as they passed through.

The evening entertainment was provided by William Ruff who gave an excellent illustrated talk on “A day in the life of the English Language”; which provided interesting facts about such words as (MG) Midget, etc. This

was followed by a 40th Anniversary cake for the V8 Register.

Tuesday September 4, after a leisurely start, we travelled to Crich Tramway Village. Members travelled on trams and were given an interesting guided tour of some of the village, including a timely exit by John Bradney from the Pissoir, to the delight of the V8 Tour members!

The rain started which dampened the potential for views on the remainder of this day as we travelled to the Dark Peak of Derbyshire. Several members went to Castleton and Ladybower Reservoir, the weather getting better as the day unfolded.

Evening entertainment was provided by Robin Massey who showed members the art of paper folding, origami, the finale being members producing their own hats!

Wednesday September 5 we toured further into the White Peak, passing through the picturesque

Dovedale. We then visited Denby Pottery Village for a factory tour.

Several members made frogs and the more ambitious had a go at decorating a plate.

Evening entertainment was a quiz followed by an Awards Evening.

Thursday September 6 took the tour over moorland above Chatsworth House to Renishaw Hall and Gardens.

The Hall has been the family home of the Sitwells for over 400 years.

Members had an entertaining guided tour of the Hall.

We would like to thank all tour members for their company over the five days, a V8 Tour enjoyed by all who took part.

Next year’s V8 Tour will be organised by Richard and Victoria Withington and will be based in Lincolnshire.

Francine Selwyn decorates a plate as Evelyne Rodrigues looks on

CLASSIC CAR THEFT IS RISING “One classic car a day is stolen” was the headline for the lead article in the popular Classic Car Weekly a few weeks ago.

It’s clear classic car owners need to be both vigilant and prepared. One of the best ways of protecting your classic car is to get a tracker fitted which will give you a prompt alert on your mobile phone of interference with your car, with mapping information as to where the car is. With that

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prompt information, and better still a professional tracking package with your tracker, the chances of a successful recovery of a stolen classic car are far greater. Also, the likelihood of the police assisting when the location of the stolen car is known is greater. So now is the time to think hard about investing in a tracker. See our full article on trackers via our ‘More’ web page.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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V8 NEWSLET TER

Replacement Vitesse gearbox installed

REPLACEMENT VITESSE GEARBOX After 118,000 miles the original gearbox in Peter Berry’s early Factory V8 started making ominous sounds. All the gears would still engage without difficulty but a sound similar to a bunch of knitting needles rattling was clearly audible, coming up through the gear lever. Of course, nothing can be fully diagnosed without the removal of the gearbox and a partial dismantle; however the experts who drove the car agreed that the end of the gearbox’s life time was fast approaching. Here Peter relates his experience with Vitesse Global, the installation of their 5-speed Mazda gearbox, the aftersales service he received and his overall impressions with the new gearbox.

So what to do?

The gearbox on the Factory V8 is a notoriously weak link as it received very little upgrade from the standard 1800 unit at the time the V8 went into production. Briefly, my thought process went along these lines: do I want to remove the ‘box, dismantle it, find the problem, rebuild it (with no guarantee of sourcing all necessary parts, as they become increasingly difficult to find), reinstall it and replace the whole lot again, just to reinstate the weak link once more? Yes, it would be faithfully original still, warts and all!

Or should I throw caution to the wind and investigate the fitting of the highly acclaimed Vitesse Mazda 5-speed gearbox, which is a direct replacement without any modifications, assuming you discount recalibration of the speedometer.

Contacting Vitesse I called Vitesse and was immediately impressed with their attitude and

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willingness to explain everything in detail. It seems they really have thought of everything in their research and development into making the Mazda ‘box highly compatible with the MGB – both the 1800 and V8powered models. They indicated they could do the job in two weeks’ time, so I booked it in.

The 130-mile drive to Hinckley, near Leicester, was completed without incident and Vitesse were very welcoming. They supply Caterham and Morgan with gearboxes at an industrial level. I was also offered a drive in their 4.0 litre MGB V8 demonstrator, and although I’d already committed to the conversion at this stage, I was convinced before I was into third gear!

It really is that good.

What was the car like on collection?

Two weeks later the car was ready for collection. The outsourced speedo recalibration took the time, not the basic work of replacing the gearbox.

So, I collected the car and set off back down the M1 with the nicest gear change I had experienced in a long time. All went extremely well until the lower reaches of the M1 and the M25, when queues of traffic meant that progress was stop/ start for several miles – typical M25 conditions. A knock was developing with the engine at idle. It sounded like part of the exhaust was fouling with the bodywork. I arrived home without incident, but still with the ‘knock’ when at rest and I called Vitesse the next day. They reassured me they would find the problem and fix it, so I sent them a short video with the bonnet up and the engine at

idle. The noise was self-evident but not easily traceable, as all potential problem areas showed plenty of clearance between the exhaust and the bodywork.

Vitesse decided to send their engineer to my home to identify the cause and either fix it on the spot, or trailer the car back up to Hinckley, for further diagnosis. Now, many years ago, I fitted an engine stabiliser bar between the nearside inner wing and the engine. This was to prevent the common problem of the offside cast iron exhaust manifold knocking against the steering column under acceleration. This had been known to crack manifolds in some cases, so the fitting of the bar eliminated the problem. Some years later I fitted tubular manifolds for improved breathing, thus increasing the clearance issue considerably but the stabiliser bar remained. Chris from Vitesse felt the problem was here and on removal of the bar, the knock was gone. The cause was friction between a small collar on the bar which passed through a hole on the inner wing.

It was ‘squeaking’ back and forth as the engine rocked slightly at idle.

Amplification from the body panels resulted in the man with a thousand hammers! So, problem solved and all was once again well. Vitesse even came along with a shorter gear lever and fitted it, as the original Mazda item was around 40mm too long. I cannot fault the after-sales service, it was exemplary.

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So what is it like to drive?

I can only say it has transformed the car.

The ratios are very similar to the original gearbox but with slightly improved spacing between second and third. The addition of a fifth gear (as opposed to overdrive on third and fourth, which is gone forever, which is a shame) is a joy

and frankly, is far more intuitive with today’s motoring. Some will decry this remark but personally I think it adds to, rather than detracts from, the character of the car.

The gear change is positive, without being clunky and the clutch feels very similar to the original item, so no change

there. One nice touch is that the bleed nipple is at the end of a long hydraulic hose, which terminates in the engine bay, adjacent to the master cylinder. So no more grovelling under the car to bleed the clutch – not that I’m expecting to do that any time soon. Oil type is SAE 75W-90 and the capacity is 2.0L. The shift control case, which houses the gear lever and has its own separate oil bath, holds a further 290-330ml. And here’s the best bit though: the service interval is five years or 62,500 miles (100,000 km) so it really is a case of fit and forget.

Apart from the significant cost (the kit at £2,525 and installation at a reasonable £450, both plus VAT), the decision to fit this gearbox was a no-brainer. These cars are for driving and I’ve just futureproofed that experience by some margin.

Further information and fitting instructions are available on the Vitesse website at: www.vitesse-ltd.com/

V8 EVENTS IN 2019

AUTUMN BUDGET

For 2019 the year will start with the traditional V8 Curry Night at the Lloyds Indian Restaurant in Knowle, near Solihull, on Saturday February 9, the evening before the MG-Triumph Show at Stoneleigh, only a few miles to the east of Knowle.

A V8 Technical Day with an interesting selection of presentations is provisionally set for Saturday June 1 and located at the study centre on fellow member Charles Peers’ farm at Great Milton, near Watlington in Oxfordshire, conveniently just a few miles west of Junctions 7 and 8 on the M40. It was the location for the first, well-attended V8 Technical Day in 2013. The date will be confirmed once the Club’s dates for MGLive! at Silverstone are settled and then further details and the booking arrangements will follow promptly. Several events are planned during the week running up to MGLive! and details will follow in the New Year. The next V8 Tour in the popular series will be in September 2019, based in Lincolnshire and arranged by Richard and Victoria Withington. Later in September another Rolling Road Session is planned by Steve Newton at Aldon Automotive in the West Midlands.

Following the Chancellor’s Budget statement, our usual prompt online report on the few measures announced of interest to the classic motoring enthusiast covered: Fuel Duty frozen – as announced by the Prime Minister at the Conservative Party conference, fuel duty will be frozen for a ninth consecutive year.

VED rates and bands – no change to the VED rates other than RPI increases are to be made. VED rates have increased in line with inflation since 2010.

VED rates for cars registered before April 2018 will increase in line with RPI from April 1 2019 for cars, vans and motor cycles. The Budget documents make no mention of vehicles registered prior to 2001, but it seems likely that rates will increase by £5 or £10 in line with other rates.

VED classic car exemption – no change to the rolling 40-year VED exemption announced at the Budget 2014.

Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) – the rate of IPT will remain unchanged.

Pothole repairs – £420m is to be allocated to local councils to repair potholes but it does not sound enough, given the state of the roads in the UK. Apprenticeships – many classic car enthusiasts are concerned that the traditional skills needed to maintain their vehicles are passing with an older generation, so it is good news that further support will be given to apprenticeships.

Further details are available on our ‘More’ web page at: www.v8register.net/more.htm

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2018 14:04

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

New Replacement MG RV8 Heatshield Fits above catalysts on the underside of the car.

Stops heat ingress and paint burning on underside of car £119.50 NEW All Alloy 15 inch Replacement Wheels for the GTV8 With an alloy centre and a highly polished alloy rim.

Weighs approx 2kg lighter.

No further rusting. £430.80

RV8 Main header rail and filler. £59.95

Tel: +44 (0)1746 710810 Fax: 01746 710999 HERITAGE APPROVED email: sales@mgv8parts.com

Callers by appointment only at

Highgrosvenor, Worfield, WV15 5PG (between Bridgnorth & Wolverhampton)

OVERSEAS MAIL ORDER AVAILABLE • Servicing, repairs, MoT and prep.

• RV8 wood refurbishment • Worldwide mail order services .

Catering for all MGB, V8, V8 conversions & RV8 vehicles.

RV8 cars available for sale - please call RV8 Expansion tank £79.95

RV8 Petrol Tank Sender with Seal & Locking Ring. £59.95

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE

www.mgv8parts.com

RV8 New Polyurethane rear anti-roll bar bushes. £16.70 for the pair

V8 Engine Steady Bar This is the best you can buy for the money! £59.60

BRAND NEW high torque starter motor.

British made £252

ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT

RV8 boot stays. £30.20 each

RV8 Spax Krypton filled dampers

Adjustable on car through 28 different stages £135.50 each (front) £150.65 each (rear) full set £552 - save £20.50

CM11.18/H1/p

RV8 front radiator cover Black £209.50 Part Carbon Fibre £239.80

Genuine RV8 heater valve (ZKC 5119 - the correct one) £54.95

genuine & conversion parts

New, better quality, harder wearing replacement overmats. Original patterns, colour & embroidered with MG logo. Pair RV8 mats £99.50

URGENT PROOF Please check this proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout.

Although every care is exercised in preparing your advert, we cannot hold ourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook.

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Motor Wheel Service

Renowned worldwide for the manufacture and restoration of wire wheels.

Speak to one of our specialists or visit our website to learn more about our range of wire wheels, tyres and accessories for vintage and classic MGs

www.mwsint.com +44 (0)1753 549 360

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info@mwsint.com

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23/11/2018 14:04

ZRZSZT NEWSLET TER John Thompson Tel: 07854 275541 • johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister • www.facebook.com/zrzsztregister

WELCOME TO THE ZRZSZT NEWSLETTER As I write our second newsletter of the year our events season is drawing to a close. Also drawing to a close is the 15th anniversary of the launch of the ZT 260. We’ve had a running celebration throughout the year, culminating in a stunning display of V8s at MG Saloon Day in July. We also took our relationship with Classic Car Weekly a step further and arranged a ZT 260 road test with them. Overall, it’s been a terrific year for the Register.

Here are some of the highlights: In February we returned to the MG and Triumph Spares Day at Stoneleigh after a gap of three years. We were conscious that a number of local MG Rover enthusiast groups and forums had been attending in previous years and we felt the show was something we needed to become involved with again to promote ourselves and the Club. Of the three cars we had on display, two had recently received major restoration work and we made a splash of colour in the exhibition hall.

We return to Stoneleigh next year on February 10.

The Register stand at Stoneleigh, with a pair of ZRs and an MG ZS.

The following month we returned to the NEC for our second year at the Classic Car and Restoration Show. This year we wanted to raise the bar higher with our stand and display. We also wanted to use the show to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the launch of the ZT 260. Ultimately everything paid off and we had a stand that

looked colourful and professional with all three variants of Zed models on display, including a ZT V8. Our stand created a huge amount of interest over the weekend. We return to the NEC again next year over the weekend of March 22-24.

Moving forward into May, our theme of regional Zed events continued

A ZR, ZS 180 and ZT 260 take pride of place on the stand at the Practical Classics Restoration Show in March 2018

www.mgcc.co.uk

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ZRZSZT NEWSLET TER

with ‘Zeds in the City’ taking place at the Coventry Motor Museum. The day itself was dry and bright, and around 30 Zeds of a complete range of colours arrived to take their place on Millennium Place.

It was a strange sensation parked in a pedestrian area in the city centre, but the public seemed to enjoy the cars and the participants certainly did. Our regional theme continues next year when ‘Zeds in the West’ takes us to the Haynes Motor Museum in Somerset.

Many new members have joined us during year, so welcome to you all.

Some will have seen us at a show or have been interested in the Register and what we do. We’ve also seen a steady increase of members joining our Facebook group, which is very gratifying to see. Our Zeds are now classic cars in their own right but are sadly diminishing in number. It’s great to see such enthusiasm amongst our members at events and shows. Next year will see the launch of our ‘Save the Zeds’ campaign.

A variety of Zeds congregate by the Coventry Transport Museum for the Zeds in the City event

Our events calendar for next year is taking shape very nicely. We are just waiting to confirm the final few dates. Once completed, the list will be published in an upcoming Register update, so keep those diaries close by. Always willing to try something new, we aim to take the Register out to the members

again next year with some exciting events and locations. For any upto-the-minute information check out our Facebook page or website.

Finally, we’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And to thank ALL of you for your continued support and enthusiasm throughout the past year.

MG ZS VS MG ZS With the number of ZR, ZS and ZT models on our roads declining, Register Registrar Paul Money makes the case for the original MG ZS and why you should consider buying one instead of the MG ZS Compact SUV The new MG ZS Compact SUV was launched in showrooms just over a year ago, and judging by the low starting price, incredible sevenyear warranty and sales to date, it’s a package that’s very tempting.

However, spare a thought for the SUV’s namesake, the original MG ZS saloon and hatchback; launched in July 2001. The car was much more than ‘badge engineering’ of a Rover 45, and was given a complete makeover from the styling, handling, and performance.

This is my 2002 ZS 1.8 120ps in Trophy Blue; it is my daily drive and I

54 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2018

Safety Fast_December18_47-98.indd 54

The 2018 MG ZS SUV

cover around 20,000 miles a year. The car also acts as the workhorse for the ZED Register, carrying the equipment we take to events and exhibitions, so it has to be reliable, comfortable on long journeys with reasonable running costs. And it’s definitely all of those things and more!

For a 16-year-old car, it handles brilliantly, the steering is sharp and positive, the brakes give a reassuring feel through the pedal and the 120ps version of the K-series engine has plenty of power and torque to keep up with its modern-day equivalent. It was, and is, still considered an ideal

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23/11/2018 14:04

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23/11/2018 14:04

ZRZSZT NEWSLET TER

The ZS acting as a workhorse for the ZRZSZT Register

Paul and his MK1 MG ZS 120

engine for the size of car. Once you have replaced the gaskets with uprated parts, the engine absorbs high mileage and delivers smooth power across the rev range. In terms of styling, the ZS

has stood the test of time and looks great on the road. The driving position is comfortable with plenty of legroom for front and backseat passengers.

There is adequate load space in the

boot which turns into an estate car feel when the back seats are folded down.

You can still find good examples of both saloon and hatchback versions, and with extensive availability of new and second-hand parts, together with a range of performance and styling upgrades, why would you not want to buy one?

So, before you dash to the showrooms and buy an MG ZS Compact SUV, consider the alternative: the original MG ZS which is now a classic car! You won’t be disappointed, and if you really can’t make a decision, then buy both!

LIVING WITH AN MG ZT 260 As the ZT V8 15th Anniversary draws to a close, ZED Register Member, Colin Cartwright, gives a personal account of life with a ZT 260 “I used to own a ZT 1.8 for a few years, which I really enjoyed, but I had seen the ZT V8 260 and the idea of owning one really started to appeal. It took a while to locate a good example, but eventually in March 2012 I became the proud owner of KM04. Built on December 5 2003 and registered in May 2004, the car had only covered 33,000 miles. Since then, I have only added another 6,000 miles during the summer months, and it’s taken quite a lot of time and resources to keep it in the condition you see in the photo.

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Colin Cartwright’s MG ZT 260

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2018 14:04

ZRZSZT NEWSLET TER

The car is completely original and looks and drives like new, and every time I take it for a spin, enjoy the power, torque and superb comfort and listen to that lovely V8 burble, I have no

regrets about buying it and it looks great on the drive at home!

“I really enjoyed the ZEDS in the City event held earlier this year at the Coventry Transport Museum,

and talking to like-minded members and admiring their cars. I’m looking forward to attending Car Club events in 2019.”

Anthony and Kermit arriving at Silverstone for MGLive!

KERMIT THE ZED ZED Register member, Anthony Kerr, gives his views on his one-owner MG ZR that he first saw at the 2002 Motor Show in the rare monogram colour, Biomorphic, known in the family as ‘Kermit’!

A car at the 2002 NEC Motor Show really caught my eye, as well as the attention of crowds of people. It was the first time I had seen an MG ZR in a stunning, bright green metallic paint, which I fell for. I later discovered that it was a Monogram colour called Biomorphic. It was at that point I decided that I would like to own one. I purchased my MG ZR from new in 2003, which my mum affectionately named Kermit.

In the 15 years I have owned my MG ZR the driving

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_December18_47-98.indd 57

experience has been very enjoyable; the way it handles on the road still puts a smile on my face. I have also enjoyed maintaining and improving the performance of my MG ZR and have upgraded the brakes to EBC standard front and rear with braided flexible pipes. A sports air filter and sports exhaust system have been fitted. The road handling has been improved by fitting lower springs, all of which have played a part in making the car so much fun to drive.

I really enjoy being a member of the MG Car Club ZED Register, and was delighted to be one of the show winners at this year’s MG Saloon Day at Donington in July. I’m looking forward to attending more events next year.

DECEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 57

23/11/2018 14:04

OUT & ABOUT

OUT & ABOUT

John Foley spotted this sign whilst out in his MGA on his home Island of Guernsey. Photo: John Foley

A group of 16 members who took their eight MGs from North Yorkshire to the Isle of Man in September for an event kindly organised by Mike Payne (far right in picture) through ‘Scenic & Continental Car Tours’. Photo: Colin Brear

Jonathan Ostle with his three-year-old granddaughter and trainee mechanic Ellie. Ellie seems to have a natural interest in older cars and racing and has been to several MGCC and Equipe GTS events. The car behind is Jonathan’s 1963 FIA MGB, AEW 610A, affectionately known as Grumps, which is regularly raced in MGCC and Equipe GTS. Since buying the car from former MG Works Driver, Warwick Banks, Jonathan adds that it has proved incredibly reliable and has now completed nearly 40 circuit races as well as a few hill climbs, other events – and a few trips to the local pubs.

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Andrew Napier recently carried out a six country tour of Europe in his MG ZS 180, which included a drive down and up the Stelvio Pass. The Stelvio Pass was voted the best road in the world by Top Gear many years ago and it has been the only item on Andrew’s bucket list since then.

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23/11/2018 14:04

OUT & ABOUT

Thames Valley Region display at Chearsley Classic & Vintage show. Photo: Ian Wright

Some of the South East/Thames Valley MGFs pictured at Hayling Island during an event earlier in the year. Photo: Tim Morris

Matt Haines with his Dad’s MGF. As a treat for doing so well in his A levels and getting into Cardiff University to study a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Matt had a day at an MGs on track session at Castle Combe. He found that he needed to adapt his driving style after being used to kart racing, but soon got the hang of it. Photo: Steve Haines

Paul Money’s MGB GT enjoying the September weather pictured at the Coastguard station at Birling Gap, Eastbourne. Photo: Paul Money

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_December18_47-98.indd 59

The Hale collection. TF 160 Fun Day, ZS 180 Family Day and SA 1936 Folly Day. All MG days are great days! Photo: John Hale

Graham Perry with his Y-Type (YB). He had owned the car for just two weeks when he made the trip up from Penzance just to join the MG Car Club. The cake he is holding was made by a friend and is modelled on his car. Photo: Colin Grant

DECEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 59

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23/11/2018 14:04

RACE TORQUE

RACE TORQUE

M

ost of the MG Car Club Championships have been celebrating at their end of season award ceremonies over the past few weeks after a fantastic year of racing, so our congratulations to all of the winners and to the new Champions, some of whom I shall introduce you to in future months.

This month, I promised to introduce you to James Wheeler, a competitor with the MG Car Club BCV8 Championship, which he has also been assisting Pam McCarthy in the organising of, and the newest member of the Race Sub-committee. In order for you to get to know him better, I asked him a series of questions: 1. How long have you been a Car Club member?

Since 2002, I believe, but I have been a family member with my parents since I was born in 1986.

2. Which is your favourite motorsport moment in history?

In history, watching Lewis Hamilton win his first championship. In my own motorsport, racing against Rob Huff, World Touring Car Championship driver for first in B class BCV8 at Silverstone at MGLive! In 2011. It was the moment when I managed to get in front of him after a race-long battle, on the second from last lap. He did retire the car on the last lap, but I got in front of him and had a race-long battle when the car was working, it was awesome!!

3. If you could invite three motorsport drivers to a dinner party, who would you invite?

Lewis Hamilton, Ayrton Senna and Jonnie Wheeler (The Old Man) #Legend.

4. What would be your dream circuit to drive around and in which car?

Bathurst, or take my car back to Laguna

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by Mark Baulch

James Wheeler and Pam McCarthy

Seca (because my MGB has been there, but I have not; it went there before I owned it).

5. What is your driving pet hate?

Making mistakes during a lap.

6. Your proudest moment in motorsport?

Winning the BCV8 Championship In 2003 and being the youngest person ever to do this.

7. Year and specification of your race car?

1974 Full Race D Class 3.9 V8 MGB GT. 8. Other MGs in your ownership?

MGB Roadster B Class 1950cc B series engine, full race specification.

9. You have been assisting MGCC BCV8 Championship since when?

For a long time, as I have been part of it for many years. But officially the last three years and taken over more roles and been really promoting it for the last year.

10. Favourite music to drive to?

It has got to be the last 45 seconds of Fleetwood Mac ‘The Chain’.

The race calendar for 2019 continues to be worked on and we hope to share this with you in the next edition.

Essentially, there will be six rounds, starting with the Silverstone National slightly earlier than last year, with a provisional date of Saturday March 30.

It looks increasingly likely that we will see MG3s racing in 2019 and I am delighted to confirm that the regulations for several of the Championships have been written to include these cars. It is our hope that this will encourage more competitors to consider MG as a marque to race, as we have not had a new model on our grids for too many years.

It is also very encouraging to read of the continued participation of the MG6 in the British Touring Car Championship and we wish the new team well for the 2019 season.

We would like to wish you all a fantastic holiday season and look forward to seeing you at an event in 2019.

James leads his dad Jonnie during the BCV8 Race at Brands Hatch this year. Photo: Dickon Siddall DECEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 61

23/11/2018 14:04

DUNCAN WOOD DUNCANW@MGS-ON-TRACK.COM WWW.MGS-ON-TRACK.COM

MG on track

A NORTH WEALD GRADUATE

M

Gs on Track’s annual Experience Day held at North Weald is intended to give members the chance to explore both their car’s and their own potential in a safe and entertaining way, and feedback suggests that this ambition is invariably met or exceeded.

However, we clearly have an ulterior motive for holding this event as we hope that at least some of those who attend are inspired to progress onto our regular track days. John Holt was at North Weald this year and has subsequently taken part in one track day and intends to do one more before the year’s end; something of a success story for MGoT, although his family may take a contrary view! John kindly gave me the following thoughts about his experiences thus far: “I had long wanted to participate in a track day, but the thought of potentially sharing a track with drivers showing the same indiscipline as often seen on public roads had put me off.

However, when I learnt of MGs on Track’s North Weald Experience Day it was time to take the plunge and give

my ZS180 a proper outing! I had a great time at North Weald and it was a very relaxed and enjoyable day. When not actually driving there was plenty of time to talk to the other members, including some experienced track day drivers who were happy to give advice and readily answered my questions. If you’re unsure about track days I would definitely recommend North Weald.

As for me, I was hooked, so it was ‘Donington here we come!’

“On October 1 I made my way to Donington in convoy with track day stalwarts Clive Freeman and Andy Watson in their TF160. I met up with them at North Weald (for dramatic continuity!) and this made a very pleasant start to the track day ahead.

The morning session was to see how myself and the car performed, and we both did ok; the ZS really went well and my confidence grew, especially as the discipline and the respect shown by the other drivers was very good.

There were some wonderfully prepared and highly tuned MGs that were a joy to see and hear, but they also obeyed the rules like everyone else, so no intimidation was felt.

“In the afternoon session I had coaching from professional driver, Mark Woodhead, and I felt that I benefited a lot from his calm and easyto-follow instructions. These instruction sessions are great value for money and I would highly recommend them.

“I was pleased to see such a variety of MGs spanning the decades at Donington, as well as parents and children sharing the car and the fun of the day. So, if you own an MG old or new don’t think ‘Am I competitive or is my car competitive?’ because it is emphatically not a competition. I found it to be an enjoyable day to test myself and my car in a respectful and safe environment, so now it’s ‘Brands Hatch here we come!!’ “ If you would like to emulate John, I’m afraid that you’re probably already too late.... but only for this year! As I write this some of the fine detail of the 2019 Calendar printed here has still to be thrashed out, but in general terms it shows that, yet again, MGs on Track will be giving a lot of pleasure to a lot of (MG) people in the coming year, and you could so easily be one of them.

John Holt in his ZS at North Weald

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2018 14:04

MG CAR CLUB SPEED CHAMPIONSHIP MGS ON TRACK – 2019 CALENDAR MGs on Track – 2019 Calendar Please visit www.mgs-on-track.com to register, check availability, or to book a track day.

Registered members will receive regular newsletters and notification of event opening dates.

Bedford Autodrome – January 26 Suitable for more experienced members, this is a day shared with Lotus on Track.

Goodwood – February 23 Take a step back in time with the first of two visits to this atmospheric venue.

Silverstone – March (to be confirmed) Home to the British GP, this event is currently under negotiation.

Cadwell Park – April 15 A twisty and hugely scenic circuit in the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Snetterton – May 20 A fast and open track; long straights combined with a challenging infield section.

Castle Combe – June (date to be confirmed) The first of two annual visits to this very friendly circuit in Wiltshire.

North Weald – June (date to be confirmed) 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.

Blyton Park – July (date to be confirmed) Not a traditional racing circuit, but very popular with all who’ve tried it.

Brands Hatch GP – August 1 A rare chance to experience the full GP Circuit on a day shared with Lotus on Track.

Anglesey – August 12 Experience this challenging circuit on a day shared with the Lotus 7 Club. Overlooking the Irish Sea and with views to Snowdonia this track offers something for all.

Castle Combe – September (date to be confirmed) A second opportunity to enjoy the thrills of this everpopular track which includes a couple of chicanes and technical corners!

Donington – October (to be confirmed) An undulating historic circuit, this event is currently under negotiation.

Goodwood – October 28 A second visit in case you missed the first due to popularity!

Brands Hatch ‘Indy’ – December 2 Our last event of 2019. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this undulating circuit including Paddock Hill Bend!

JOHN WILMAN, BEECHFIELD, FERN BANK, CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH, HIGH PEAK. SK23 0JJ T E L : 07778 165186 W W W . M G S P E E D . N E T

With the sprint at Castle Combe we ended another successful season of speed eventing. We had excellent attendance this season, covering the country from Cumbria to Cornwall. We must be doing something right as all the organisers have already been in touch with invitations for 2019.

After a very close contest at the top, the overall MG Champion was Ian Howlett driving his MGF Trophy. Ian’s car runs in group one unmodified and illustrates the fact that, with our scoring system, you don’t have to go to extreme lengths of modification to do well.

Second and third in the National Championship were Nick Walker MGB V8 and Paul Rigg MG TF 135.

The Southern Regional Championship was won by Iain Reynolds in his MGF VVC and will carry away the prestigious Windmill & Lewis trophy.

Second and third in the South were Rob Bell MGF and Ben Rolls A/H Sprite.

The Northern Regional Championship was won by Nick Walker in his MGB V8 and he will become the recipient of the magnificent Norwester trophy. It is always nice to see a long-term and loyal competitor achieving a good result.

Second in the North was Paul Rigg MGF135 and third was Christopher England MGF 160. Chris is usually in the money somewhere and a competitor with more years of experience than most.

Down at the other end of the scale are the Novice awards. It is fitting that these awards receive a mention as winners are the future of our Championship.

In the North we have Jake Wolf in his very pretty Midget and in the South we have Neil Lock in his MG ZR 160.

Al the individual class and special award winners are available on the Championship website www.mgspeed.net Reading through the entire list it is gratifying to see the spread of eras represented in the awards. Although, due to their availability, the more ‘modern’ models have come to the fore, there is still a good representative spread of cars through the years. Long may it remain so.

The MGF of Ian Howlett at this year’s MGLive! sprint. Photo: Chris Phillips

www.mgcc.co.uk

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DECEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 63

23/11/2018 14:04

FEATURE

MG ITALY ODYSSEY PART II

by Robb Metcalfe

Ex RAF pilot, Robb Metcalfe, decides to hang up his flying goggles and take to the roads in his MGTF and travel to Italy.

S

orrento and Amalfi were two of Barbara’s bucket list places and coincidentally some very old friends were holidaying in Sorrento at the same time that we were planning to be there. We didn’t tell them we were even on holiday and they had kept ringing us, telling us what a fine time they were having and how they wished we were there. So we booked in to the Hotel Ele Terrazze, an inexpensive hostelry, some seven kilometres outside Sorrento with wonderful views over the Bay towards Vesuvius and the north. After unpacking, as we were planning a four-night stay, we caught the bus to our friends’ hotel. A word of advice: the buses in Sorrento do not work to a timetable or necessarily display the correct destination, so it can be traumatic and expensive. We entered the lobby, wandered into the bar and then we tested real friendship and telephoned their room. “Where are you?” they said. “Downstairs in the bar waiting for that drink you said you wanted to buy us,” we replied. True friendship was proven and we spent a great three days with them.

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Barbara and I went to Capri on our own, the friends had already been. We visited Heracleum by train and found it, as I said in the previous part, better than Pompeii and had a pleasant wander around Sorrento with lunch at an excellent local fishing co-operative on the sea front in the old town.

Then it was the Amalfi Coast drive. The top was down and the weather excellent and, listening to our hotelier’s advice, we set off early to miss the coaches even though it was late September.

There is no doubt that it is a spectacular road with outstanding views of a magnificent coast and its beautiful villages. Equally, it’s not the safest road I’ve travelled on, but far from the worst, and it was wise to use one’s horn at each bend. We did see one serious accident where a motorcyclist, without a crash helmet, had hit an oncoming car head-on.

As we progressed the traffic increased, and by the time we approached Amalfi there were cars and coaches parked along both sides of the road for some four miles before and after the town. The town’s streets

This sort of view is what makes the Amalfi drive worth while.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Minori sea front

www.mgcc.co.uk

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DECEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 65

23/11/2018 14:05

FEATURE

Sassi di Matera-Houses carved from rock.

were jammed with pedestrians so we didn’t stop. The drive continued in spectacular fashion at a somewhat slower pace than before because of the increasing traffic. Indeed, the slowness was at times an advantage as we were able to take photos from the car without causing a hold-up.

Eventually we left the hillside and went down towards the coast at the southern end of the coastal road. Here we found, to quote the bar owner whose establishment we stopped at for a break, a haven of peace and tranquillity after the hell of Amalfi, Minori. This is a wonderful small town with beautiful, narrow streets winding up a not-sosteep hill, full of quiet corners, fabulous vistas and super cafes and bars. Even the hotels are less expensive by far than on the Amalfi Coast. It’s an undiscovered gem of a place to stay, giving access to everywhere you would wish to see in the area with none of the stress. Please don’t tell your friends, let’s keep it our secret.

After a coffee for me and a citronella for Barbara and a couple of hours wandering we left and continued our journey to Matera via Salerno and more Second World War memories.

Matera is a World Heritage Site because of the Sassi di Matera or Stones of Matera. This is a prehistoric troglodyte settlement of dwellings carved out of the rock. The dwellings

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Trullis are a traditional Apulian dry stone hut with a conical roof. Their style of construction is specific to the Itria Valley

were occupied until the late 1950s when the residents were forced out and moved into the new city on serious health grounds. However, of late, tourism has led to the re-inhabitation of a lot of the dwellings, together with restaurants and bars as well as homes and guest accommodation. Matera is another of the do-not-miss sights in the world, but in this case you can tell your friends because it’s already world famous. However, it wasn’t very busy in late September.

Following our usual formula we found a hotel, the Albergo Italia, right on the edge of the Sassi area and were offered secure parking by the hotel porter, Luigi. Parking is often a problem in Italian towns and cities as, like much of the UK’s, their buildings were erected in the pre-car age. Luigi’s price of 20 Euros per night was reasonable, so Barbara climbed out to stay at the hotel and he climbed into the MG with me and directed me around the new town to a garage under a block of flats. It was secure parking and the car was locked therein and I kept the key. So far so good, but now for the return journey, Luigi got out a motor scooter and one crash helmet and motioned me to the rear seat. I was never a Mod but have ridden pillion on a motorbike so I climbed on. I have never been as

scared in my life as we roared around the streets on the return journey. Luigi became ‘Mad Luigi’ in our husband and wife chat from then on and I needed more than a single beer to restore my equilibrium.

After two nights and a wonderful day marvelling at the homes carved out of solid rock, we left for our next booked stop, Alberobello, the town of the Trullis, conical dry stone built houses that are only found in the area of Puglia, where we had booked a three-night stay in a Trulli, where else?

We now continued south, having decided it would be the heel rather than the toe of Italy we would explore, towards Taranto and Gallipoli. I had always thought of Gallipoli as being in Turkey from the failed invasion in the First World War. However, I now found that there are numerous Gallipolis around the Mediterranean, as it means ‘Beautiful City’ in Greek. Gallipoli in Apulia lives up to its name and is a gem of a coastal city with ancient walls, narrow streets to wander and excellent seafood. Typically, in a manner that really annoys Barbara, I refused to stop at the out of city car parks and drove around the ring road that follows the outside of the city walls.

After a kilometre I found a parking slot, immediately opposite a seafood restaurant and stopped. You can see

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FEATURE

why Barbara gets annoyed, as to quote her: “You (I) have the luck of the devil.”

After an excellent lunch and a wander, we pressed on to Otranto on the opposite side of the heel where we planned to spend another couple of nights.

Old Otranto is delightful, again a walled city with narrow alleys and great views from the walls. We found a hotel on the seafront just outside the walls after an interesting drive around the new town. As I have said before, when in a country drive like the locals.

In Otranto this meant going the wrong way down one-way streets as it was impossible to do otherwise. When I saw the police following my example and not stopping me I realised that there was no other way!

The old town is fascinating and requires a day to see it all. The church houses the skulls of the 800 Martyrs of Otranto who refused to convert to Islam and were beheaded by the Ottoman Turks after they sacked the city in 1480. Contemporary accounts by both Turkish and Italian chroniclers fail to make any mention of the martyrdom and the story is doubted by modern historians. Nevertheless, the Pope canonised the Martyrs in 2013.

And it’s a good story.

The Tourist Information Office is in the Citadel, but please don’t do what we did. We followed the signs for the Tourist Office into the Citadel and then, not noticing the huge sign saying ‘tourist office’ immediately behind us, we asked a quizzical local where the tourist office was! He looked somewhat amazed as he showed us.

All in all, a great place to stay; the people are friendly, as they are throughout Italy, and the food is excellent. The drive through Italy to get there is fabulous, with constantly changing, wonderful scenery, even if the non-autostrada roads are frequently badly potholed and the streets in towns often very narrow with cars parked haphazardly on both

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sides. But you do get used to Italian driving, honest.

It was now my turn to be annoyed as Barbara decided she wanted to set off north again and to spend some time in Germany. After a final swim in the Mediterranean, we dined well, slept badly because there was a very noisy pink wine festival with very loud music outside our hotel, breakfasted well and departed Otranto.

We set off up the east coast road as far as Bari and then took the autostrada to Fano. Another lovely coastal town with a great beach and a lovely promenade, not to mention its citadel and shopping centre. In different circumstances we would have stayed longer but Germany beckoned, so after a good promenade and another excellent meal we left the next morning.

The MG and Alberobello Trullis

DECEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 67

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The “MGA Day 2016” organised by the Club’s MGA Register

NORWEGIAN

CENTRE OF THE MGCC

T

he Norwegian Centre of the MGCC started life as an MG Register (Norsk MG Register – NMGR) in 1970 and soon became acknowledged by the MGCC as the official Centre of Norway. With less than five million inhabitants, a national economy on idle and a governmental

Norsk MG Register AGM summer of 1971

policy of heavy taxation on the import of cars, all this may explain why the Register peaked at only 40 members.

In the early 1970s, MGA, MGB, Zand Farina-Magnette, etc. were all regarded as modern cars so the NMGR statutes excluded these modern MGs. Applications by owner of modern MG models were politely denied!

In 1978 a number of NMGR members refused MGA owners, so the A owners established an MGA Register which in 1979 was becoming the cornerstones for a club for modern MG models. Facing a split in the Norwegian MG community, and with pressure from the MGCC, at the NMGR AGM in the

summer of 1979 the Club decided to cater for all MG models – and so the Club became the Norsk MG Klubb – as of January 1 1980.

With increasing revenues from the oil and gas industry on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, the general affluence amongst the Norwegians increased remarkably during the 80s. With more NOK in the wallets, there was an increasing interest The Club’s magaz ine

MG Magasinet

A selection of MGs owned by members, parked during the 2017 rally 68 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2018

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OVERSEAS NEWS

Perfect driving roads during the MGCC 2009 European Event of the Year

Enjoying the Norwegian roads during the 2016 rally

in classic cars, and early in the 80s the Government finally opened up for the import of 30+ year old classic cars on generous terms. As a natural consequence, a large number of MGs have been imported over the years and the Club has had a tremendous increase in membership – currently close to 1,000.

Being a national MG Club also has its challenges in Norway. If you rotate Norway around its southernmost point, the members in Lapland in the north of Norway would be closer to Piazza di Spagna in Rome! So distance is an important consideration for the Club. To attract new members and to maintain contact with existing members, the Club is split into 11 autonomous Centres. Similar to the Club’s board members being elected at the yearly AGM, the local Centres elect

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their board members at a local AGM. This ensures a democratic leadership of the Club.

Again, due to the wide spread of members, the most important communication tool for the Club is the Club magazine. The Club has a paid editor to ensure four issues of MG Magasinet reach members annually.

To assist members on technical issues, the Club has five Registers, each with a co-ordinator.

Every year since 1971 there have been rallies and social events organised by the Club, the local Centres and the Registers.

In 2012 the Club won the MGCC Nuffield Trophy for the organisation and running of the 2009 European Event of the Year, held in spectacular Geiranger fjord on the west coast.

With this summer’s fantastic

Stunning scenery of the Geiranger fjord

weather shared with other European MG friends, the prospect of further growth and prosperity within the Club looks promising. If I were to present a second wish for the future, it would be – a ferry connection between Scandinavia and UK! On behalf of the Norwegian Centre of the MGCC, I would like to wish you all a peaceful Christmas holiday and a happy New Year!

Halvor Asland (Hon. member)

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

This month, I thought I’d focus more on the photos which appeared in the magazines. Not because the text was too dull, and I will attempt to illustrate that, but because there were some splendid photos from around the world.

Vintage Racing TF owned by Marina Goudrin

What can you get in an F boot?

The Florida Parade

Wheel Spin Reflections

The first of these is from Wheel Spin with the Australian club devoting seven pages to action photos from its events around Victoria. The same magazine is asking for expressions of interest from those considering going to the 2021 National Meeting in Alice Springs. (The 2019 Meeting, the 50th, is in Queensland with 2020 in Wodonga, Victoria.) Following on from that, The Time Machine, from the Gold Coast MG Club, reports on John and Marian Crighton’s BGT experiences on an 8,000km rally through central Australia, which included a week of competition in Alice Springs.

Maintaining the Breed, from South Africa’s Kwa-Zulu Natal club, is also mentioning future national gatherings, with the country’s next biennial Indaba, in 2020, being hosted by the Cape Town

Centre in Kleinplaas in Oudtshoorn.

Anyone interested is pointed towards the Cape Town Centre website where you can register that interest.

On a technical front, Mike Allison’s excellent article on the B Series engine is reprinted in New Zealand’s Canterbury MaG. Loosely continuing the technical theme MG Motoring, from South Australia, reports on a member who was “lent a spare axle for their TF trip to the National Meet in Tasmania by a good Samaritan.” It wasn’t needed and he’d like to return it, but can’t remember who the lender was!

From America, MG Driver has a photo of what can be packed into the boot of an MGF and a report of a member’s Key West trip which included

BGT in Alice Springs

ished in the A selection of event photos publ Sacred Octagon

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taking part in “The World’s Longest Parade”, so called because it runs shore to shore from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Also from America, Sacred Octagon has a glorious selection of photos taken from various gatherings, some of which are also covered in the Newsletter from the North American MMM Register.

Antwerp’s MG Nieuws has on its front cover the Vintage Racing TF of Marina Goudrin who says in the accompanying article ‘Me and my MG’ that she’s always wanted to own an MG. I wonder why?

Bearing that in mind, I thought I’d take this quote from an Australian MG magazine on MG ownership: “My take on this phenomenon isn’t that the MG is a superior engineering marvel that one must have, or that the ownership of such a vehicle is governed by the hip pocket. No, ownership of an MG has more to do with how it makes us feel. Is it the fulfilment of youthful dreams? Or perhaps it’s the sheer joy of being a part of a convoy of classic cars on the open road. Can it be purely social or the desire to be different that triggers this MG love affair? I suspect all that and more.”

Which do you associate with?

Finally, with the festive season fast approaching, here’s wishing a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our overseas clubs and their members from all of us here in the UK.

On the road in MG Canberra style

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decorating the car with both the poppy and the silent soldiers. It was a cold morning but certainly a worthwhile one, with over £2,000 raised for the British Legion.

Next year will see us holding more events so look out for these advertised. I for one will be looking forward to finally seeing our MGA out and about again … I can’t even remember how long it’s been under renovation for, but finally the light is at the end of the tunnel!

Well I hope so, as the electrics have now been done but not tested! Our TC was out this year but now the oil pressure gauge needs looking at – I did get told many years ago life with

square for a festive chit chat and to blow off the cobwebs, a run finishing off at the Black Horse Pub at Gozzards Ford. Where, I am told, a buffet is being laid on for a small cost. For more information please call Richard Martin on 01235 529331.

So, folks, see you next year and from all at the Abingdon Works Centre we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Pictured with the Magnette. Jeremy Carrington and the Mayor, Margaret Crick.

ANGLIA

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

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Another year gone by in the MG world, full of events and runs.

For the AWC committee, we may not have had as many organised events, but we certainly have been busy elsewhere enjoying our cars. The last Saturday in October saw Pete and I along with seven other red cars helping promote the launch of the Poppy Appeal at the market square in Abingdon.

The owners of the Magnette, Jeremy and Judith Carrington,

old cars wasn’t easy. Hmmm, not wrong there, but looking on the bright side (well hopefully, if those electrics work) I walk into the garage and with a quick change of heart and exclaiming: “Oh but they do look stunning!” all thoughts of replacing the TC with a Morris Minor Traveller go out of the window.

Now, moving on, don’t forget the Boxing Day run. Again, seeing us start off in the Market

MG Car Club Chairman You may well have read in the November issue of Safety Fast! that Dave Tynan has been elected as the new MG Car Club Chairman.

Many of you will know Dave from his many roles within the Anglia Centre, of which he was our own Chairman for many a year.

The annual Concours and Pride of Ownership at MGLive! each year has been organised by Dave, he is still one of the Club Meet Hosts at The Red Lion, Margaretting, on the second Thursday of each month, is a leading light within the MGF Register, was instrumental as one of the organisers of the Bridges and Tunnels Runs which were so successful. The list goes on.

You will not find a more approachable or helpful person

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Safety Fast_December18_47-98.indd 73

and we wish him all the success in his new position.

MGCC BCV8 Championship The last of the MGCC race championships to be decided was run on the Snetterton 300 circuit in very wet conditions and went right down to the last race of the day, still with five drivers in with a theoretical chance of becoming overall champion.

Wow, what a race it was, with an impressive 34 cars on the grid in the atrociously wet conditions. Jorden Spencer was first past the chequered flag but drive of the day could easily have gone to James Wheeler, who made his way from last on the grid at the start to finish in fourth place.

A happy Simon Tinkler and his partner Trudy after the final BCV8 race of the season, when Simon had just won Class A/B

The overall championship went to Russell McCarthy in the end by just one point from Simon Tinkler, who scooped up the prize of Class A/B Champion as consolation.

Final championship positions are as follows: Overall BCV8 Champion 2018 – Russell McCarthy, and Class Champions as follows: Class A/B Simon Tinkler, Class B Benjamin Tovey, Class C Ollie Neaves, Class D Neil Fowler.

Norfolk Riviera Run With Christmas just around the corner we have the 16th running of The Norfolk Riviera Run on Thursday December 27.

This year the start will be from the Running Horse Restaurant in Fakenham.

This traditional postChristmas tour usually fills up pretty quickly. To enter see page 70 of November Safety Fast! magazine or log on to the Anglia website.

DECEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 73

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Stay at the superior Kingsmill Hotel and Spa in the heart of Inverness and from there we explore the true Highlands of Scotland, from Loch Ness to Culloden and the Moray Motor Museum at Elgin with the Clava Cairns along the way.

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CENTRES

CALEDONIAN

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

December is a quiet month, the lull before the new 2019 Programme!

You can still book for the Chilly Willy lunch in Stirling on January 1. It’s a good way to start the year, so please book through the website.

Also in January we have our Film Night at Kirkintilloch Golf Club on the 24th. With a wide variety of films and alternative entertainment (!) for the ladies this is a popular evening. There is no charge for this but the Golf Club will serve us with a light supper at a cost of £6.50. More details are on the website.

At the time of writing this it seems likely that in February

we will again hold a Technical Day at Dreadnought Garage, Callander. Check the website for details and if there is a general topic you would like to have covered then let me know.

Further ahead, details of the Jacobite Jaunt, our annual Three-Day Tour, are shown on a half-page ad in this issue and on our website. Based this time in Inverness, this is always a popular event so book soon!

You may know that the dates for MGLive! at Silverstone are provisionally June 15 and 16 2019. At the moment this does not clash with any other Caledonian event so it would be good if a

DEVON & CORNWALL YOUNG JANNER II bobslatter@hotmail.com www.mgcc.co.uk/devon-cornwall-centre/ As I write these notes at the beginning of November, I would like to start with a little moan.

I have just sent out the latest excellent Centre newsletter produced by Ted Lawrence to all the email addresses supplied by Main Club and those that I hold for Centre members and nearly 10 per cent of them bounced back due to incorrect or out of date email addresses. I know the newsletter is available online to any Member, but it seems a shame that you cannot receive it straight to your own mailbox due to errors in addresses. Can I please ask, yet again, if you have not received the latest newsletter sent out on November 2 by email and would like to receive it in

www.mgcc.co.uk

that form, that you let me know a correct email address. Moan over.

Obviously the beginning of December is early enough to mention Christmas and the usual flurry of Christmas meals arranged at Natter level. If you have not yet booked for your local Natter, or even any of the others, you may still have time to contact the organisers and join in, but you need to be quick. Details for the relevant Natters are on the Centre website or Facebook pages.

We are going to attempt to bring back some of the fun, non-stressful (on car or driver) competitive events that were held in previous years, partly so we can award a few more of the wonderful trophies that we hold

MGLive! 2016

group of Caledonian cars and people could make the trip.

It’s a full weekend and if you have never been then give it a go! Anyone for the Autosolo or California Cup? If you intend going please let me know.

The annual Newsletter with full details of next year’s events will be posted to all members later this month. If you don’t receive a copy let me know and, again, if you are not receiving update emails from me then also get in touch.

There are a lot of members

we can’t communicate with through email as we do not have your approval to do so… the pains of GDPR! As always, if there is a show or event which you would like the Centre to support then get in touch. We are keen to support members in areas we do not usually cover.

And since Christmas is not far away, don’t forget to order your last-minute presents from the Regalia team. And may I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

and also to add some variety to the Calendar. It would be nice to see some new and old faces taking part. Details will be published well in advance in the newsletter or on the website. Of course, if you have any ideas for an event you would like to see organised, let the Committee know and we will see what we can do.

One event that I will publicise well in advance is the Centre Annual General Meeting to be held once again at the Callington Bowling Club, Liskeard Road, Callington, on Saturday March 23 2019. This is your chance to see how the Centre is run by all the volunteers. One reason for this early notification is that we are desperately in need of some new blood on the Committee as the majority of us have been there for many years now, some

too many to mention. Also, the average age of the Committee is into the retirement bracket. We are struggling to organise events successfully and if this happens, there will be no more future events to attend. The choice is yours. It may sound serious, but it is getting near that situation.

I hope that I am not being too controversial with these notes, but we are the best MG Car Club in the world and let’s keep it that way. Merry Christmas.

Make sure your email is up to date to keep receiving all the latest news from the D&C Centre

DECEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 75

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CENTRES

LINCOLNSHIRE

IAN MACKENZIE 01529 497849 MaccaV8@aol.com www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk

December Natters: Wolds Wednesday 5 (Christmas Meal): Abbey Lodge Monday 10 (Christmas Meal); Wishing Well Wednesday 12 (Christmas Meal); Three Horseshoes Thursday 20 (Christmas Meal).

Luncheon Club: Wednesday 19.

January Event: New Year’s Day Run and Landlord’s Choice 1 (Abbey Lodge).

Sitting around a cosy log fire, your Centre committee reflected on the year’s events to date. For both performance and polish, it’s been a busy and successful year.

Our final competitive event of the year was the Jubilee Trophy Naviscat Rally organised by Paul and Margaret Smith. Starting from Wymondham Windmill, we

chose varying cross-county routes to converge on the impressive International Bomber Command Centre on Canwick Hill, overlooking the City of Lincoln.

The crew of David Stonehouse and Malcolm Clark in an MG TF proudly took away the trophy.

Throughout the year, the Centre has been fortunate to be able to support our good friends, the East Kirkby Aviation Heritage Centre. The living museum, which has hosted both air and car shows, had an event season finale on November 3 featuring a night taxi run of Avro Lancaster NX611 “Just Jane” followed by a spectacular fireworks display, enjoyed by several of our number.

Where else in the world could

MIDLANDS

SIMON MORRIS simonmorrisbmmcmgcc@gmail.com www.mgccmidlandcentre.co.uk

It’s that time of year again, the motorsport calendar has come to a close, most pub runs have been completed, and some of you will already have your cars tucked away for the winter. In last month’s notes Brian has already provided a review of our 2018 events so that leaves me to look forward.

On Sunday December 16 MGCC joins with the Morgan Three Wheeler Club for their annual Holly Run. Anyone wishing to join in contact Dave, 01384 372307.

Various local Natters will be organising Christmas dinners; contact your local organiser for dates and venue details.

The Midlands Centre will be arranging a winter walk on December 28. Keep an eye on the

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website for details.

Moving into 2019, the first event will be the Chilly Willy Run on Tuesday January 1. Contact your local Natter for details.

On Sunday January 20 the MGCC will be helping MAC by running a section of the Clee Hill Trial. Our sections will most likely be on Wenlock Edge. If you wish to help marshal this event please contact Simon Morris, simonmorrisbmmcmgcc@gmail.com The MGCC Midland Centre AGM will be on Monday January 21, as usual at the Somers Sports and Social Club in Halesowen. All members welcome.

We plan to run our Spring and Summer Sprints at Curborough, with provisional dates of Sunday

you experience that? Definitely a diary date for 2019, although the museum remains open throughout the year.

Recruitment of new members continues to be successful, with new friends joining us at the Revesby Country Fair and Boston Steam Fair. Going forward, the new Club initiative to attract younger members can only help, and Andy Rake’s gentle steering of the Centre to attend fresh events, such as the local county steam fairs, has proved very popular.

Not all of our events are organised by the Committee, as active Natters, such as the Wolds Natter, led by Keith Robinson, David Moir and David Stonehouse, have also been busy. Their Gordon Smith Memorial Run to Whitby proved very popular. Keep in touch with your local Natter to find out what’s going on.

Please don’t forget to book your places at our annual Dinner and Awards Presentation, to be held on Saturday February 2 2019 at the Bentley Hotel, Lincoln. The application form can be downloaded from our website calendar entry, or contact Andy Rake on andyrake@aol.com From your Centre Committee, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and look forward to seeing you on the New Year’s Day Run.

April 7 and Sunday August 4.

If you wish to help marshal please contact Simon Morris on simonmorrisbmmcmgcc@gmail. com If you are interested in entering please keep an eye on the website for details to be released soon.

The MGCC Midlands Welsh Touring Rallye is currently being planned for May 17-19, based around Llangollen with a route including the North Wales coast and Snowdonia. Entry form to be available on our website soon, or contact Roger King with queries on 0121 476 6649 or rogerking43@ gmail.com Following the initial success this year, we also aim to run Trials at our new Bromsgrove venue; East Lodge Farm. Dates and details tbc.

We will also be on hand to help at MGLive! in the form of campsite marshals and marshals

for the Stowe sprint. Dates and details tbc.

Lastly, we continue to search for a suitable cost-effective location to run an Autosolo.

If you are aware of a suitable venue please contact any committee member.

Keeping all the above events on the calendar requires committee members and additional volunteers to plan and run the events safely, ensuring all details are in place so the participants enjoy their day. We already have an experienced small team in place but we could do with more help. Therefore, if you can spare even just one day to assist with any of these events your help would be appreciated.

So on behalf of the MGCC Midland Centre I hope you all enjoy the festive season and have a prosperous 2019.

Our BMC Trophy-winning team at MGLive! 2018 during sunnier times

DECEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 77

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CENTRES

NORTH WEST PAUL GOODMAN 01625 876300

Another year of MG motoring is nearly over so it must be time to wish all of you a Merry Christmas.

There are just a couple of social events to go before the curtain comes down on 2018. These are the meeting at The Shrewsbury Arms on December 11 and the Plough and Flail Christmas meal on Tuesday December 18. There is no lunch time meeting in December,

The Centre Stand at EventCity in September. Photo: Paul Goodman

these will resume in January.

Thanks are due to Alan Sheridan who has arranged more than 50 of these in the country pubs of Cheshire.

Looking further ahead, we have the AGM of the Centre on February 14. The past year has been brilliant with loads of professionally organised and well-attended events. All of this takes people power and none of us are getting any younger! We are looking for members who are prepared to get involved in the running of the Centre, either by joining the committee or working with the members. We need several people who can do secretarial and administrative

of May 4-5 and Scammonden Dam on May 19. The Speed Championship and the Cockshoot Cup dates should be available by the time that you get to read this.

Check them out on the relevant websites. The Cockshoot Cup Regulations have been changed for 2019. Class A will now be open to MG ZR160s conforming to the MG Trophy Regulations. These are very standard cars with no major modifications required other than the safety requirements. There are several of these cars on the market at an affordable price. They are a great way of getting a feel for front wheel drive racing.

Finally, if you are having a garage clear out over the holiday and want to sell any cars or parts then we will be happy to help. We fear that many valuable original components are being thrown away.

tasks, a chief marshal for our speed events and some willing helpers. Please get in touch if you are interested.

The Speed Championship Trophy was decided at the final event which was a sprint at Castle Combe. We would like to congratulate Ian Howlett who was overall national champion driving his MGF. The Norwester for the northern-based events was claimed by Nick Walker in his MGB V8, with the best southerner being Iain Reynolds in another MGF. We are looking for a new sponsor for the Speed Championship so please let us know if you are interested.

Plans are firming up for 2019 with a new destination venue for Drive it Day being organised for April 28. Our own speed events are at Anglesey over the weekend

SOUTH EAST JO RUFFELS joruffels@gmail.com www.mgccse.co.uk

What a great year for MG motoring.

The year finished off with a visit to the Roger Dudding Car collection and the Autumn Naviscat.

Studio 434 (Roger Dudding) proved as popular as ever and what a day. Roger now has in excess of 420 cars and bikes spanning many years, for car enthusiasts to leap in

and out of, examining every part whilst hearing many a yarn.

The Autumn Naviscat was also held in October, attracting some seven MGs and three other vintage cars to tour the area around the gorgeous 100-acre wood of Pooh Bear renown (Ashdown Forest) whilst searching for winning clues.

Those who attended the Roger Dudding Collection day. Photo: Jo Ruffels

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Midget, Y Type and TD that attended the Autumn Naviscat.

Photo: Andrew Mitchell

Events planned for 2019 include: March 10 – Spring Naviscat April 14 – Brooklands MG Era Day April 28 – Spring run to Medway Yacht Club April 28-29 – Brands Hatch Race Meeting May 26 – Spring Gathering at Parham House June 15-16 (Provisional) – MGLive! Silverstone August 11 – Tour of the South East

September 22 – Autumn Gathering at Polesden October 6 – Autumn Naviscat Full details are available at www.mgccse.co.uk/ Happy Christmas to all.

A pretty P Type Airline coupe spotted at MGLive! 2018. Photo: Ray Ruffels

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CENTRES

SOUTH WEST

DAVID JACOBS 07989 898348 d.jacobs2006@btinternet.com My last contribution to Safety Fast! in the May issue included my report on the Kimber Classic Trial, in which I mentioned the horrendous weather, causing several sections of the route to be abandoned due to flooding.

This time I’m writing about the Kimber Car Trial, held on October 14, at Pagans Hill Farm, and guess what – more horrendous weather. Continuous rain fell on the Friday and Saturday before the event, making setting out the course a rather slippery and muddy experience. The same site is used each year, and this year it seemed that the hill had got a bit steeper.

It could be blamed on seismic

activity caused by fracking in Lancashire, but is more likely to be due to the gradual effects of old age.

Anyway, four courses of 12 gates were laid out ready for the trial, but we could have saved a lot of effort and strain on the joints as no entrant managed to get even half way up, due to the atrocious conditions on the day.

Due to severe flooding in several parts of the South West, only seven entrants attended the event, and three of those shared one car. One regular competitor phoned from Weymouth to report that he had to turn back due to impassable roads.

TYNE TEES

TONY WOOD anthony@scrutonvillage.co.uk

Hand wringing time: apologies for wrongly crediting last month’s photo. The real lens genius was Trevor Grugan, mea culpa, no offence intended or given, I hope!

I won’t say much about the Autumn Leaves run as it’s covered extensively elsewhere, other than to thank Andrew and Noel for their sterling efforts and to report that the shortcomings in the breakfast resulted in the dismissal of and reprimand for the staff concerned. Overall a great day and a magnificent reception, especially from the staff and volunteers at Alnwick Castle who stayed open for us. A heartfelt thanks to all.

Significant on the day was the presentation of the MGCC Member of the Year award to

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Noel, a thoroughly deserved accolade for all he does for Tyne Tees and the MGCC generally, but even the most willing workhorse requires a rest, and whilst Main Club have granted him a dispensation to remain Chairman for the coming year (subject to reelection) a succession plan needs to be in place. Make sure you come along to the AGM on March 7 at Coulby Manor to have your say and ensure you don’t get the job in your absence.

At the last Committee meeting the 2019 Calendar was finalised which should come with the January edition of Safety Fast! If you don’t receive it let Noel know. It features all the old favourites as well as some new attractions, but the decision

And then, of course, our exertions had to be repeated to dismantle the course markers. To paraphrase a Coen Brothers film, it certainly was “No Country for Old Men”.

I think those who managed to get there found it enjoyable but rather challenging, and the overall winner was Dave Coppock in his MG TC, accompanied by his grandson as passenger. Congrats to them.

The photo, courtesy of Jim Lott, shows Dave and grandson tackling one of the courses.

The Kimber Trial was the final event this year organised by the South West Centre.

To round off the year, our Christmas Dinner will be held at the Ring o Bells, Compton Martin, on Tuesday December 4 2018 at 8.15 pm. Cost is £16 per head.

was made to streamline it to our events only. We will still be supporting other events like Hamsterley Hoppings, etc, and promoting them online in Tyne Tees Tidings as well as at the Natters, but it was felt a simplified Calendar was the way to go.

Our Breakfast/Coffee and Cars meetings go from strength to strength. Recent venues in the South have

included Fishburn Airfield and Locomotion at Shildon, whilst the Northern group took civilisation to Allenheads with a highly successful meeting which featured specially baked octagonal MG biscuits, definitely a first in this neck of the woods.

If you are able come along and join in, there is always a great atmosphere and an excuse for a full English – how can you resist!

Ian Fair’s TA Tickford leaving Allendale Tea Rooms. Photo by David Alexander

DECEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 81

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CENTRES

YORKSHIRE

DAVID COPEMAN 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk North – Colin Brear I look back on what has been my first year as Natter Leader and can say it has been a real pleasure.

We are a very social lot in North Yorkshire. Looking through my Natter Notes for the past year, there have been over 40 events that we have actively run or taken part in.

The most money raised for charity and more miles driven to Centre Events run by us or other Centres, both here and abroad.

Merry Christmas and a very happy MG-ing New Year – Roll on 2019!

South – Geoff Norcliffe SY provided marshals for the MCC’s Edinburgh Trial again this year,

spending a cold, wet day on a hill in Derbyshire. It’s always the same hill but it gets steeper every year.

A few of our members took part in the Autumn Leaves Run, organised by our friends in the Tyne Tees Centre and what a great weekend it was.

The Natter evening was spent doing the inter-Natter quiz, but did we do enough to win against the other Yorkshire Centre Natters?

East – Brian Rylance The October Natter taxed the grey matter as we selected the team to represent us in the Centre Quiz.

Modesty prevents us naming the winners.

Ray’s autumn run battled against some of the worst weather

ULSTER

CAROL WILLIS 07831 345560 www.mgcculstercentre.co.uk carol.mgulster@hotmail.co.uk

We held our final autotest at Delamont, Killyleagh, on October 20. An oversubscribed entry of 36 and a dry day made for excellent competition and much rubber laid down on Delamont’s car parks.

We must thank Elaine Lynn, who stepped in to do the results and all also all the marshals who made the day run like clockwork.

We ran two separate tests three times each, joining them for two runs of a longer third test. A comment was received: “forget the first two tests, can we just have more runs of the third one?!”

Jeremy Tomalin in his Ford Special took first, ahead of David Jenkins.

Will Corry was third, sharing Jay Colville’s Cosworth engined Midget as his own succumbed to clutch

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problems getting to the event. Jay’s poor car lay down on the final run with crown wheel failure.

The Midget and Sprite brigade had their fair share of problems, with Mark Brien’s front suspension beyond repair on his first test. Then Mark Lemon hit a kerb bursting two tyres on his Midget. The MG Marque of Friendship was at hand and he was up and running in no time, presented with a matching set of Minilites from fellow competitors to complete his runs.

Saturday November 3 had the most horrendous forecast, but thankfully the Ulster Centre seems to be eternally blessed with good weather and pulled out all the stops for our last event – the AutoSOLO. Even the wind was warm! We had

for a decade and some of us were washed out before we could get to the start.

West – David Copeman Another MG-ing year nearly gone.

Is your car being tucked up and sorned for the winter, then time to start planning what events to attend in 2019.

This month’s meeting (Natter) on Tuesday December 18 will be our seasonal Faith Supper.

Let’s hope everyone gets what they wish for at Christmas for themselves and their MG’s.

Carol and I thank you for your support throughout 2018 and wish you all a very Happy Christmas.

Tiger – Pete Welbourn Many thanks to all those who have supported the Lunch in the Country runs this year. Looking back through my rose-tinted specs, I don’t think we have had less

than glorious weather to enjoy the scenery both north and south of the Humber.

We already have a couple of suggestions of new venues for next year and with over 20 on file, I am sure we can come up with a few we haven’t visited for a couple of years or more.

Vale of York – Ken Cothliff The sun was shining again for our last run of the season, a morning jaunt around the various historical sites around York, put together by Dave Fletcher. We welcomed a new member, Keith Overton and his wife in their MGB; they joined the run with a friend in a bright green 2CV. Thoughts turned to a new run for 2019, venturing into “Heartbeat Country” for the spring/summer period. Happy Christmas to all from the Vale of York Natter.

a great entry of 39 cars out for our last competitive event. Kevin McNamee had drawn up three good tests which we ran four times each and they flowed very well, with us packing up and leaving by 3.30pm. For the first time, we organised a “chuck wagon”, Barn and Bread, to provide food and hot drinks throughout the day and this worked very well. The canteen at TTS was where everybody congregated to eat and it made the event a great success socially, too. We had father-and-son teams competing and father and daughters there, too, making it a family day out, which is what we at the Ulster Centre love to

see. Matthew Mason won the event outright in his nippy little Micra, with members Jack Brien first in class in his MX5 and in Midgets Gordon Buckley and Simon Brien coming first in their classes. A marvellous end to our competitive year!

Dates for your diary: December 11 Mince Pie Natter from 7.30pm at Shandon Park Golf Club January 1 2019 New Year’s Day Treasure Hunt 2.00pm starting and finishing at The Dunadry January 9 Nosh ‘n Natter in The Poacher’s Pocket from 12.45pm June 15-16 MGLive! (provisional)

David Cochrane at the Delamont Autotest

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REGISTERS

VINTAGE

JOHN VENABLES 01865 862573 johnandtriciav@gmail.com

Oh dear, I made an error with the date of the AGM. It should have read Sunday March 17 (not the 19), so please make the necessary amendment to your diaries. Whilst talking about the AGM, to be held at the Shillingford Bridge Hotel, we hope as many of you as possible will come in your Vintage car.

We provide a prize for the car the speaker likes the best, and we also have a good raffle to help Register funds.

This is the time of year for me to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year from your Chairman and the Vintage Register Committee. It is also the time of year to get the garage warm and to do those little jobs you

put off in the summer, and which you have promised to do, although if possible keep the car going for the odd Boxing Day event or New Year’s Day outings of which there are quite a few about. Check the VSCC calendar if you are a member – they love to see your Vintage MG, of which there are a good variety.

I always used to enjoy a Pre-65 motorcycle trial on my Triumph Tiger Cub on Boxing Day (too old now).

Talking of events next year, the VR and the EMGS have been invited to attend Pre-War Prescott on Saturday July 20, a chance to drive the famous hill, and really now a very good event with like-minded people and super cars. I understand at

TRIPLE M

JEREMY HAWKE +44 (0)1225 863934 mgk3007@btinternet.com www.triple-mregister.org

In the blink of an eye, another year has flown by and the season’s activities (unless you’re a triallist) have pretty much wound up. Probably, like me, most of you will have a list of small, and perhaps not so small, jobs to do over the winter.

Looking back on the year, we will all have our highlights; for myself the outstanding three would have to be (in no particular order) the Summer Gathering, Kimber Classic and MMM race (with added BBQ) at Brands Hatch, but with contenders such as our

Your now ex-Safety Fast! scribe, his brother Marcus and trusty J2 disappearing off up a hill on the Kimber Classic Trial a few years back. Photo: Unknown

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least eight cars are committed already for the day.

Well, this is my swansong.

Thank you all for reading my diatribe and particular thanks to Peter Jones for doing our twice-annual Newsletter. He is a wonderful author and a

mine of information on Vintage MG Cars. I have been doing these notes for several years and it is high time for a fresh look. I am sure you will find my replacement will be very good and I will leave him to introduce himself.

A selection of MGs out and about enjoying a previous Boxing Day Run

annual touring event and other more ‘social’ activities to choose from, we really have a pretty good calendar to make our selection from these days. Incidentally, it would appear that such is the lure of the MMM car, that we’ve seduced a T Type owner across into the fold, having witnessed us all having fun at Wiscombe!

Last month, wearing my ‘new’ hat as chairman, I attended (on your behalf) my first Main Club Council/AGM. I wasn’t the only MMM rep though, as Phil Bayne-Powell was also there as a Centre rep. So, stage one of our plan to take over the Universe: volunteer for your Centre and the rest will be easy! Joking aside, ‘those at the top’ seem pretty pleased with the state of MMM racing, so well done Mark D and Co, hopefully we can keep the momentum going into 2019.

Just a reminder: Those of you who’ve been paying attention will be aware that this is the final time I’ll be giving you my monthly waffle – it appears that I’ve been holding the pen, as it were, for at least six years.

Another six and I’ll be retired, which doesn’t bear thinking about! So, as of now, please forward all your interesting snippets, event reports and tales of mechanical woes to Cat at: cathelijnespoelstra@outlook. com. She can’t be everywhere at once, so please keep her supplied with info.

All that is left, is for me to wish you all a good Christmas and Happy New Year and I hope you see as many of you as possible out and about when it gets a bit lighter (MMM dynamos, etc…).

Till next time…

www.mgcc.co.uk

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REGISTERS

SVW

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

Our Facebook group ‘SVW Register’ membership continues to increase. In the past month there has been a diverse range of posts, but the hot topic has been the reproduction of the Salesman’s Manual issued to MG sales people in 1939. It contains extensive details of the SVW range, plus the TA. This was initiated by Elmar Gailitis in NZ and taken on by the SVW Register using an original copy owned by Gary Perry. Our Chairman, John Dutton, managed things and posted them out in mid-October to everyone who had placed an order. The quality is superb with lots of pull-out pages.

We printed a few more copies than we had orders for, so if you’re

quick you can still get a copy at £20 + p&p using the general email address on our website.

John Bates has been harbouring a couple of rather interesting photos that he was given by Peter Ratcliffe some 30 years ago, on the basis they wouldn’t be published. Peter had forgotten about this and said we can publish away. Many know that several SA chassis were exported to Switzerland to be bodied by Reinbolt and Christe and distributed by Keller, but it turns out that chassis VA1388 was also bodied by them. This fact is correctly recorded on the Register’s database, but as far as I know we had no photos – until now.

T TYPE

JOHN WARD 01621 773606 johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk/t-register The T Register 2019 Autumn Tour to Rutland Just like last year at this time, we seem to be out of luck in firming up the dates for next year’s Autumn Tour. Last month we announced the date for the tour as being September 6 to 9 but now, due to an oversight by the chosen hotel, the dates have moved to Friday September 13 to Monday 16.

The venue has not changed from the Haycock Hotel in Wansford, PE8 6JA, a fine, traditional, stone-built hotel just off the A1 past Stamford. Originally a coaching inn on the Great North Road, and now a splendid venue in the smallest county of England providing a good base to explore

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from, with ample secure car parking for T types.

Rutland is a little-known place to many but it is very picturesque with much to offer including water and lakes, attractive unspoilt villages, the

The Haycock Hotel in Wansford

John is especially interested in chassis exported to Switzerland, as his VA1279 was one of them.

However, in his case it seems it was painted white, shipped for the Geneva Motor Show (March 1939), then returned to the UK to be bodied later. John corresponded with Malcolm Green of The Guild of Motoring Writers, whose research indicates that four VAs were exported to Switzerland – VA0342, 1388, 1643 and 2470.

The photo of the R&C VA strongly resembles the Tickford, with a more steeply raked windscreen, shorter scuttle, rear-mounted spare and different seats with grab handles. The interior was probably very different, much in line with the nine SA cars bodied by R&C. Peter Ratcliffe said: “As far as I remember, this was one of a set of photos of Reinbolt and Christe-bodied cars that I got hold

county town of Oakham and Uppingham have many antique shops and galleries with a range of independent shops and retail outlets.

The hotel has 48 bedrooms and we have the opportunity to book all of them. The cost will be £140 per night for a double/ twin room and £106 per night for a single, both for dinner, bed

of when we were doing the first two Keller replica SAs (1988-1990).

In 1987, I visited the owner of the one surviving original Reinbolt and Christe SA, drove the car and took a set of photos of its details. The construction of the body, seats, trim, etc. is totally different to any British car of the period in the German/ Swiss style. I would expect the VA to have been similar, although to my eyes the overall effect is much less successful, largely because of the shorter wheelbase of the four cylinder car. I believe they only bodied one VA and, from that photo, I can see why!”

Merry Christmas to you all.

and breakfast with a supplement for the traditional gala dinner on the Saturday night. You will need to book directly with the hotel using a T Register Booking Code and pay a 10% deposit. Further details and the tour fee will be announced later. The booking code will be available in early December and to obtain this you will need to contact Sally or Bill Silcock on 01525 750468 or preferably by email treg. sec@virginmedia.com providing your contact details and MGCC membership number.

Finally, do not forget that important person in your life at this festive time and if stuck for a pressie, look no further, go to the MGCC T Register site as above and check out the regalia, dvds and books that can be bought through the MGCC Shop.

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REGISTERS

MAGNETTE

along with LED front indicator/ sidelights. Having not looked at LED bulbs recently, I hadn’t noticed they’re now available in standard BAY15d dual-filament fitting, with the ‘filaments’ being white and amber. This allows the original sidelights to show amber when indicating, without requiring

coloured lenses or filters, or the modification that many have done to move sidelights into the main headlamp unit.

Also worth noting is that the dual-colour bulbs can be obtained in ‘warm white’ – previously I’ve tended to avoid LED myself because ‘cool white’ doesn’t look right, although no doubt good for visibility. Andy does, however, make the point that an LED-compatible flasher unit is required, since the bulbs don’t draw enough current to operate the standard type.

something for Christmas for the MGA owner who has (almost) everything already!

If you went to the recent show at the NEC you may have been as intrigued as your scribe by the MGA ‘ev’ on display on the Club stand. Descriptive narrative and photographs are no substitute for seeing the car in the metal. You can, by definition, only make one first impression and I must confess mine was “Is it really an MGA?” but of course it very much is an MGA, both in and underneath the metal. MGA

chassis, albeit slightly modified, and MGA bodywork. Whether at £150,000, possibly registration on a Q plate (?), a range of c.100 miles and a 0 to 60 time of about 8 seconds, it will be commercially viable is a judgement only time can answer. It is beautifully executed, and with disc brakes all round (with independent rear suspension as well) and an underbonnet in Twin Cam style, I think fitting Dunlop Disc Wheels, instead of wires, would have created an MGA Twin Cam ‘ev’ – maybe an option in future?

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

As we approach 2019, there’ll be more information next month about planned events, and those on John Harris’s mailing list will receive a full list. To give you an early warning, the first event of the season will as usual be on Easter Saturday, April 20, but in a slight break with tradition we’re planning to visit Bletchley Park, home of the

WW2 codebreakers. Magnettes & Steam will then be on the early May Bank Holiday weekend, at the Forest of Dean Railway.

LED sidelights/indicators Andy Dear has contributed a number of useful technical articles, and his latest (now on magnette.org) covers hazard warning flashers for the Magnette,

Dual colour LED sidelight

MGA

EDWARD VANDYK 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk Whilst not yet time for an MGA 2018 Retrospective, which will wait until January’s Safety Fast!, it is time to at least diarise 2019’s attractions, as I pointed out previously. They are all on the 2019 Events page of the Register website – www.mgcc.co.uk/mgaregister/events-in-2019 However, in addition, we now have both the dates for the 2019 Autumn Tour, which will be held from September 27 to 30 and be based around Battle in Sussex, and the Scottish MGA Day which will be held on Saturday July 27, although the

MGA Lubrication chart, buy yours from the Register website

location is still to be confirmed.

63 cars are now registered for the Spring Run to be held from May 17 to 20 2019.

Although the Royal Victoria Hotel at Llanberis is now fully booked, you can still sign up to join the tours on the Saturday and Sunday but you will have to make your own hotel or self-catering arrangements. In addition, the dining room for the Gala Dinner is also full. If you want to participate then Diana and Alan Sheridan, who are the event organisers, would be delighted to assist with advice on accommodation in the area. Their contact details are on the website.

The Register now has a new MGA Lubrication Chart on sale at £12 plus p&p. It measures 18.5” x 22.5” which is the old British Imperial ‘Medium’ paper size. The paper quality is 280 gsm which would be durable to pin up in a garage or workshop. Details on the Register website at the Merchandise page which is well worth a visit when looking for

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2018 14:07

REGISTERS

MGB

DAVID BROADHURST 01209 614704 newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org www.mgb-register.org mgbforum.mgb-register.org Ho, ho, ho, it’s that time of year again, the season to be merry, (goodwill to all, etc) and one’s thoughts can turn to Christmas

past and, possibly, get all maudlin. Instead of that, let’s think of the positive and have a look at the MGB Register

website and see what boxes of delight we could acquire for our loved one, wrapped up warm for the winter in its garage, or for Management who is organising the spuds and sprouts for you to peel. Do have a look at www. mgb-register.org/ You can also view our new MGB e-newsletter

or have a look at the forum for answers to those niggly questions – about MGBs, I hasten to add.

Here is a picture of Thomas Beck’s roadster in a suitably rural and colourful setting. Enjoy your Christmas…

MIDGET

MIKE PARKER mikeparker78@btinternet.com www.midgetregister.com/ Congratulations to Peter Chaundy for being awarded the Register Car of the Year Shield by Dennis Wharf at our November committee meeting. Peter has used his lovely Ice Blue 948cc Midget most weeks, whether attending road runs or Natters during the year. The Midget even had a road test in MG Enthusiast magazine earlier this year. It is in great condition after being off the road as a long term restoration project.

We are changing the rules for the Register Car of the Year award next year, so if you enter your MG Midget road car or competition car in the Register car of the month we will put you in a draw to be drawn at the end

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Safety Fast_December18_47-98.indd 87

of the year when you may win the shield. We will also give a small shield to keep, with your car details on it. So why not visit the Register website for more details and send your photo and car details in over the Christmas holiday.

Talking about Christmas, why not look on the Kimber Stores page www.mgcc.co.uk/shop for your Christmas shopping. There is a great range of gifts to order online or call Ineke on 01235 849737.

The Midget Register is looking for any story about your MG Midget which can be used in Safety Fast! during the coming year, so if you can send them to me at mikeparker78 @btinternet.com that would be great.

Dennis Wharf presenting Peter Chaundy with the Register Car of the Year Shield.

Photo: Iwan Jones

Well, it just remains for me to wish you all a very happy Christmas, a Happy New Year from all the Register

committee, and don’t put off jobs on your car as it will soon be spring and off we go again…

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23/11/2018 14:07

REGISTERS

MGC

MIKE HAUGHTON mgc_mike@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/mgc-register/

Welcome to our December notes – which means we can say Happy C-Christmas to you all from the C Register Committee.

We now have full details for MGC weekend on July 6-7 2019, and are now taking bookings. Based at De Vere Staverton Hotel, near Daventry, there will be a scenic drive with

a route provided on Saturday for early arrivers, and a day at the magnificent Holdenby House on Sunday – with the added attraction of a falconry display during the afternoon. Booking forms are on the C Register pages of the website.

Also on the Register web page are details of a “Jaunt to

FWD

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

Regular readers of the FWD Register notes will know that this year we have been celebrating 30 years since the MG Maestro Turbo was unveiled to the Motor Show at the NEC in October 1988.

Therefore, it seemed only fitting that the final MG Maestro Turbo celebration of the year should be held at the NEC Classic Motor Show 30 years on from the same venue where it was unveiled.

Sadly, the FWD Register didn’t have a stand at the Classic Motor Show, but the Maestro & Montego Owners Club did and put on a great MG Maestro Turbo display, having four on their stand,

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_December18_47-98.indd 89

one of each colour. There was another black Turbo on the Tickford stand at the show, so as one MG Car Club member noted, 1% of the Turbo production had made it back to the NEC! We have worked with the Maestro & Montego Owners Club throughout the year on these celebrations. One of their committee members, Andrew Stokell, has headed up these celebrations, working tirelessly to get the Turbos together at various events and I have no doubt Car Club members with Turbos will have now come across Andrew. We are very pleased that Andrew’s hard

Jersey” in May – this has been put together by Jon Glover, so many thanks to him. This is a ‘book it yourself’ event, but please let us know if you have booked so we can keep track of the group and link everything up.

A reminder from ‘Head Office’ – if you have recently bought a C, or changed cars, you can update your details in the members area of the main website. This will help keep records up to date.

If you also let Mike know your

car details (registration, chassis number, etc), our Registrars Barrie and Ginny can keep the Register database up to date, too.

The photos show New Zealand C owner Ian Grant with Georgann and MBL at Amelia Island, and L-R, Marc Repp, Chairman Colin, Matt Carden, Ray McCrary when Colin met up on a recent USA tour.

Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you during 2019.

work on these celebrations (and some other work for M&MOC) was recognised at the Car Club Awards at the NEC with an honourable mention. Well done, Andrew, and thank you, as you have made the celebrations successful and fun.

Around the halls at the NEC we also spotted an MG 1100 and an MG Metro which belongs to Car Club member Alan Webb-Moore.

Sadly there were no MG Montegos, which hopefully we will be able to correct next year. The show this year was the largest that it’s ever been and certainly my feet were well and truly telling me that by the end! The range of cars on display was amazing and the marking of Armistice Day with the two minutes silence

was very moving. It is quite something when the hustle and bustle of the car show falls silent. My only complaint about the show was the £16 per day to park. This has increased in the past 10 years from £8 and to my mind is outrageous and unjustified. If you feel the same, please do get in touch with the Classic Motor Show and let them know your feelings.

Tanya Field

Phil Pope, Chris Morris, Andrew Stokell, Mark Horsley and Terry Stone celebrate the Maestro Turbo anniversary at the NEC

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REGISTERS

MGF

TIM MORRIS 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org We are all very excited that Nigel and Helen Scutt were invited to take their immaculate MGF to the NEC to take part in the prestigious Meguiar’s showcase Concours at the Classic Motor Show. They have been showing the F, and previously Helen’s TF, at events over the past few years with a good deal of success, including winning Premier Concours at MGLive! and it does go to prove that hard work really can pay off. They have been recognised by the Register already, having been awarded the MGF/TF of the Year trophy in 2014 and the Brian Griffin Competition Trophy in 2017, and now they have reached the pinnacle of UK shiny car competitions, congratulations

are truly in order. It takes me back to the days when I used to compete in Concours and PoO in the early noughties, so I know from experience how much effort goes into preparing for these competitions and seeing Helen at work with a toothbrush on the wheel arches at MGLive! this year.

I can’t say I miss those days. Now that my own F has got a bit long in the tooth after nearly 130,000 miles, all the poor thing gets is a quick wipe over with a damp leather and regular replacement of the sellotape covering the four splits in the rear screen, which reminds me that I really must get a new hood Our second modern day Christmas ‘Do’ is coming up

and, in the end, there were just a couple of rooms spare at the Cricklade House Hotel so we nearly filled it! We are looking forward to another bout of turkey and tinsel and watching some ‘Dad’ dancing at its very finest.

Thanks to Andy for letting us go over our four-page limit last time so we could get Ian’s account of the French Foray in full. If you didn’t get enough of that then there is another bout of French Frolics in the current edition of FasTForward, along with a good long look at MG’s almost record-breaking EX255. I mentioned it last month and was pleased that Roy Ford, an MGCC member, read it and got in touch. He was one of the original team leaders of the project along with Don Kettlebrough before Dave Kewley took over and we hope to get his view and insights, along with others, into the more technical

aspects of getting an MGF to travel up to 300mph! Meanwhile, you can read all about what happened on the salt flats in the winter FasTForward.

Events are being planned for 2019 and one of them will be a September weekend at a Holiday Park in Durham. It is already booking nicely, so if you want to join us for a nice weekend in the north of England and a couple of day runs around the beautiful hills of the North East then don’t hesitate to check our Internet forum, website and Facebook pages where you’ll find all the details. Also look out for the Chairman’s weekend in March, as well as our usual appearance at Stoneleigh.

Meanwhile, all of us at the MGF Register wish you a Happy Christmas and a great MGF/TF New Year.

MG6.3.5

STEVE HAINES Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register https://twitter.com/635register 2018 has flown by. It’s that time of year again, where we are having our AGM and Christmas meal, this year at HQ in Kimber House, Abingdon, for a change.

All of the details and photos of Christmas revelry will be in next month’s

James Brock on the podium

We’ve had another busy year for the Register with continued excellent sales of the MG3 and the launch of the facelifted model. We have attended several very successful events with huge numbers of vehicles on display and lots of new owners joining the Register, the MG Car Club and our Facebook page from all around the world. After supporting the MG GS and the new ZS, a separate Register and committee has been set up called the SUV Register. We wish them luck and will work very closely with them to share events and gatherings in 2019 and beyond.

Its been great to see the news that a new BTCC team, Excelr8 Motorsport, will be

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Elliot Barbour and Brock Race Engineering MG6 GT on track

running the MG6 GT in the 2019 BTCC season, so lots more events to support next year.

We have also been following closely the Australian production cars race series where James Brock was best in class with his Elliot Barbour and Brock Race Engineering MG6 GT! The Committee will be formulating the events list

for 2019, so if you have any local events that you wish to promote and include on the Register’s list, please get in touch so we can support them.

These will be published on the Facebook page, in and on our web page on the MGCC website.

Have a fantastic Christmas and New Year!

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2018 14:07

ADVERTORIAL

AN MG TC WITH COLONIAL CHARM

T

he MG TC is a truly phenomenal little car. The TC was launched in 1945 after MG’s Abingdon factory no longer had to produce tanks and aeroplane engines to help the war effort, to meet buyers demands for a compact British sports car to shake off the stress of the war. As we know the TC was built very much on the same template as the TA and TB which had both been so popular before the war however some important improvements were made which make the TC the best of the MG T series.

To start with the TC’s body was widened without any chassis alterations making it more spacious and the traditional sliding trunnions were replaced with shackles for the spring mounts to make for a more responsive and better-sprung ride. The TC’s success was instant and MG set about making some 10,000 TCs to satisfy demand with a huge number going to the USA. It is said that the GIs stationed in the UK before D-Day had fond memories of zipping along country lanes in the TBs to visit pubs and girlfriends and so jumped at the chance to have their own, upgraded TC when they returned home.

Every old car comes with a story and this car has a particularly warming history. This TC was in long-term ownership from 1969 to 2013 and was purchased by Mr Nick Ratcliffe soon after

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_December18_47-98.indd 91

he had completed his training as an engineer. He paid the handsome sum of £190 and remarkably the invoice for this sale is still with the car. Mr Ratcliffe diligently cared for his TC, lavishing services on the car and meticulously building the history file which has a record of every hour of labour and every nut and bolt fitted to the car during his ownership.

In 1974 Nick moved to Hong Kong for work and sadly had to leave his beloved MG in his locked garage in London where over time the car gradually deteriorated. Nick’s career blossomed in China, now the head of his own engineering firm specialising in structural engineering for public infrastructure projects, his thoughts returned to his MG and arranged to have the car transported to Hong Kong in 1990. Soon after the car’s arrival, Nick set about a comprehensive restoration.

As predicted Nick kept a meticulous record of the work he undertook and the history file reads like a story of the trials of restoring an old English car from the other side of the world. Letters to suppliers arranging parts to be shipped by airmail prove how challenging the project was and how dedicated Nick was to return his cherished TC to original condition. The last comment in his restoration log reads “excellent to drive (no noises!)”.

Upon completion in 2001, Nick enjoyed the car in several local rallies and won as many compliments on his car as he won prizes in local trials. In 2010 Nick returned to the UK and this time was sure to bring the TC with him. Nick entrusted his car to The Classic Motor Hub for storage but sadly passed away in 2013. His family asked The Hub to assist with the sale of his car and during preparation for sale discovered a minor mechanical fault and so sent the car to marque specialist Bernie Saunders who stripped and rebuilt the engine which now runs perfectly. The car has once again returned to The Classic Motor Hub for sale and awaits its next loving custodian.

If you would like to know more about our MG TC, please visit: www.classicmotorhub.com/ showroom or call 01242 384100

DECEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 91

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CL ASSIFIEDS How to Advertise

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

MG TF 135 Spark ltd ed (just 28,000 miles)

MG TF 135 Sunstorm +H/Top (Just 22,460 miles)

2005 (05 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Xpower Grey/Black leather grey inserts.

Superb very low mileage ltd edition Spark having covered just 28,000 miles. Fully documented service history with all old mots and original bill of sale. Full Spark spec sports pack 2, chrome packs, front fog lights. One of the last made registered £4,995

2005 (05 Reg) ManualPetrolFinished in: Silver/ Black leather grey inserts. Jjust 500 made.

Previously supplied by us. These high spec model, colour coded removable hardtop, Black soft top, sports pack 2, chrome packs, front fog lights, has. Full service history , new headgasket / water pump / cambelt. Very low mileage TF135 ltd edition £4,895.

MG TF 160vvc +H/top (just 6,900miles)

MG 3 STYLE LUX (Just 6,300 miles)

2004 (04 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in Xpower Grey with a Grenadine cockpit, Black leather sport seats with Grenadine alantara inserts, colour coded hard top, black soft top, sports pack 2, soft ride suspension having also been fitted. FSH Outstanding unrepeatable £8,695

2016 (66 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Ruby Red/Grey leather Huge Total spec Top of the range model having covered just 6,300 miles, fitted with Air con, Leather seats, airbags, Cruise control, park sensor, etc MG warranty until 28/9/2019. Immaculate totally as new, huge saving on its new price. Cheap insurance and road tax £6,495

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.churchsquareautos.com

MARTIN MARTIN SMITH SMITH

to Advertise their cars free of can advertise MembersHow of freealso carswill can advertise Members advert Fast. Thetheir in Safety charge advert will Thewebsite Fast.Club in Safety charge due in also on the posted be in due website only.

Clubinsertion theone be posted To is for This on course. only. To insertion one forfor course. insertions additional advertis or an This place insertions an advert or for additional place colingrant@mgcc.co.uk details with email details with together car, around 60 words, yourcolingrant@mgcc.co.uk ofemail 60 words, car, around of your contact your together picture, an attached with contact picture, with an attached area car, the your your price of information, area your car, the price information, number. membership and of you live, where number. membership and live, you where Cost for non-members to advertise is Cost for non-members to advertise is £20. All adverts should be submitted by £20. All adverts should be submitted by the 10th of the month for the following December 4th for the January issue. months issue.

MG PA 1934

A matching nos. car, Red, black upholstery, hood, side screens, tonneau. Owned car for 21years, runs well and looks good, older 70,s restoration, interesting history file.

The car is complete so can be used as is or would make an easy concourse project. Realistically priced £22,000. Tel: 07803 191007 or email: spiresedwin@gmail.com

1999 MGF

MOT to Feb 2019. 72K miles, BRG with cream leather upholstery and 16inch alloys. Used regularly, alot of service history, stainless water pipes and new radiator. Full service 3 months ago with new front brake discs and pads. Good condition but needs some cosmetic attention.

Sale due to impending grandchildren! £950. Phone 01384 375136 (West Midlands).

The MG specialists for MGF-MGTF -MG3

MARTIN SMITH Quality new and used spares.

Car trimmers/upholstery.

MG car sales and MG repair service

www.usedmgtfspares.co.uk

Tel: 07722 175473 Units 1&2, Westlane Farm, Westlane, East Lydford, Somerset TA11 7HD Email: smudgemg@yahoo.co.uk

92 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2018

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MGF

Has been changed to look like a LE500. The car is currently on a Emerald ecu, TF running gear and a 160VVC engine plus AP front brakes. I have a new ecu as this car is currently without an MOT starts and runs well has had a lot of work carried out on the car. Hard top can be purchased separately looking to sell for £800 for more information contact Adam on 07749650903 or email adamld7@googlemail.com (Newton Abbot Devon)

1968 MGC Roadster

Superb UK RHD MGC with rare Downton Stage 2 Sports Tune. Dry stored in South Africa. Hard top.

Price includes shipping. £27,000 ono. Tel: 07789176260. Email: james.thornborough@gmail.com

21 years old wit since new. \owne its original owne every week all y K miles on the c until June 2019 waxoyled and t stainless steal a has its original e needed its hea The timing belt w the radiator at a sale includes a hard top. Good age. £950ono. could deliver it railhead if someo el. Tel: 01470 542

1958 MGA 1500 Roadster Left hand drive American import.

UK registered. Good useable condition. Engine rebuilt with unleaded head. Brakes overhauled. Hood and new alloy sidescreens. £15000 01209 843679 (Cornwall)

1970 MG Mid

www.usedmgtfspares.co.uk www.usedmgtfspares.co.uk

MGF

1995 MGF pre production

Chassis number 93. Believed to have been built as a dealer MGF Cup Race series promotion car but basically unused for most of its life and as a result it is completely rust and corrosion free. Fitted with full cage and fire eater system and comes with many spare wheels and boxes of bits some of which are possibly Cup car parts. 1800cc engine and gearbox supplied but not fitted. Road registered and I have applied for a V5c. Suitable basis for a competition car or could be converted back to road use. More pics available. £1750 or make an offer! For more info call Bob on 07870 407111 or Email: mgcarsscotland@gmail.com

2016 MG3 Style

White, with black roof stripes, excellent condition, top of the range model with only 9000 miles, now reduced to £6,500 ovno.

Email: janner826@gmail.com.

(West Wiltshire)

Track retiremen known MG’s on tuned K series type 9 box. Lsd, cage, alloy foam front suspension sets of Minatou road/wets and tr and tired soft t piece front and Sparco seats an car is strong and pass an mot b Offers around £ Brian James 4 w good nick at a n is under cover tion 4 M25. Co on 07803087463

1959 MGA C

Iris Blue, black mileage. MOT t GT 1800cc eng negative earth. P (photos included tos of current Great winter p some cosmetic work. £18,750.

01386 442758 ) (Worcestershire

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2018 14:08

CL ASSIFIEDS

Barry Walker

Estd.1968

. . . . . for the very best in vintage MGs. . . . .

VISIT OUR WINTER SALE. WHY WAIT FOR SUMMER PRICES SEE THIS ON OUR NEW WEB SITE (for more details)

1933 POST PRODUCTION MG K3 ON CHASSIS K 0302 This former K1 has been rebuilt to the exacting K3 specification by its meticulous owner over the last 10 years with input from leading mechanical & body engineers to put this in a class almost of its own. Totally restored from the chassis up, with a complete engine rebuild by SPB Historic’s coupled to a newly geared Wilson pre-select gearbox and supercharged via a Rootes type s/c fed with a 2 1/4” SU with twin T4 float bowls. The 4.3:1 back axle pulls 21mph per 1000 rpm in top (don’t tell the wife!). The magnificent body is by Dave Cooksey and is presented with a proper Brooklands exhaust, the correct K3 dashboard, aeroscreens and a (rare ) full screen for hood fitting if required. This exhilarating and exciting MG is finished in BR green with K3 piped seating, tonneau cover, full invoice file, VSCC buff form, MGCC MMM registration no. This is the closest you’ll get to an Abingdon built K3, whilst it may not have prewar race history, it offers the same (or better) driving experience, an ever - increasing investment, and for a third of the price of its factory-built cousin. £197,500 or very near offer.

1946 MG TC SPORTS Very rare that I use the word “Concours”, but this magnificent TC is very close to concours. Total chassis-up rebuild to the highest standard; all matching numbers. Very interesting history. All paper work, orig. buff log book, V5c and orig. registration. ..........................................£38,500

1935 MG PB - 2 seat sports. I can only describe this car as “concours”. A total ground-up restoration of the highest quality and originality. One of only two road-going MG’s eligible for the Mille Miglia. Simply amazing condition. Side mounted Super charger optional. ......................................................£57,500

1934 MG N 6 cyl. TOURER. Such a practical car.

Powerful, comfortable. Excelent weather gear and huge luggage space. Ideal for overseas touring, rallies like “the Flying Scotsman” or the many VSCC events.

Beautiful original condition, in black with apple green interior..........................................................£69,500

1934 MG PA Ex. Leics. POLiCE CAR A very original car with full history. Period police photos, factory extras as recorded in the chassis file. In fine driving order with nice patina. Uprated engine and gear box and still finished in its orig. black with green trim. Very good value .... £36,500

We carry a range of side-mounted and nose mounted superchargers’ service accessories, mirrors, luggage racks, genuine tool kits and mascots – see webiste.

FOR OTHER CARS IN STOCK – PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE COMMISSION SALES: Our highly regarded service is always available to you.

Tel: 01789 400 181. Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com

SALES DEPARTMENT

1947 MG TC Single ownership from 1969 to 2013. The subject of a recent 11-year restoration and recent engine rebuild

INFO@CLASSICMOTORHUB.COM : +44 (0)1242 384092 : GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GL7 5NX

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_December18_47-98.indd 93

DECEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 93

23/11/2018 14:08

CL ASSIFIEDS

SPARES FOR SALE

How to Advertise Members can advertise their cars free of charge in Safety Fast. The advert will also be posted on the Club website in due course. This is for one insertion only. To place an advert or for additional insertions email colingrant@mgcc.co.uk with details of your car, around 60 words, together with an attached picture, your contact information, price of your car, the area where you live, and membership number.

Cost for non-members to advertise is £20. All adverts should be submitted by the 10th of the month for the following months issue.

HOW TO ADVERTISE

MG PA 1934

A matching nos. car, Red, black upholstery, hood, side screens, tonneau. Owned car for 21years, runs well and looks good, older 70,s restoration, interesting history file.

The car is complete so can be used as is or would make an easy concourse project. Realistically priced £22,000. Tel: 07803 191007 or email: spiresedwin@gmail.com

1999 MGF

MOT to Feb 2019. 72K miles, BRG with cream leather upholstery and 16inch alloys. Used regularly, alot of service history, stainless water pipes and new radiator. Full service 3 months ago with new front brake discs and pads. Good condition but needs some cosmetic attention.

Sale due to impending grandchildren! £950. Phone 01384 375136 (West Midlands).

MGF

Has been changed to look like a LE500. The car is currently on a Emerald ecu, TF running gear and a 160VVC engine plus AP front brakes. I have a new ecu as this car is currently without an MOT starts and runs well has had a lot of work carried out on the car. Hard top can be purchased separately looking to sell for £800 for more information contact Adam on 07749650903 or email adamld7@googlemail.com (Newton Abbot Devon)

1968 MGC Roadster

Superb UK RHD MGC with rare Downton Stage 2 Sports Tune. Dry stored in South Africa. Hard top.

Price includes shipping. £27,000 ono. Tel: 07789176260. Email: james.thornborough@gmail.com

21 years old with only two owners since new. \owned 10 years + as had its original owner. The car is used every week all year round, has 101 K miles on the clock and is MOT'd until June 2019. The underside is waxoyled and the break pipes are stainless steal as is the exhaust. It has its original engine and has never needed its head gasket replaced.

The timing belt was replaced as was the radiator at about 90k miles. The sale includes a matching colour hard top. Good condition for its age. £950ono. Collection only could deliver it to Kyle of Lochalsh railhead if someone needed to travel. Tel: 01470 542382.

1958 MGA 1500 Roadster Left hand drive American import.

UK registered. Good useable condition. Engine rebuilt with unleaded head. Brakes overhauled. Hood and new alloy sidescreens. £15000 01209 843679 (Cornwall)

1970 MG Midget

1995 MGF pre production

Chassis number 93. Believed to have been built as a dealer MGF Cup Race series promotion car but basically unused for most of its life and as a result it is completely rust and corrosion free. Fitted with full cage and fire eater system and comes with many spare wheels and boxes of bits some of which are possibly Cup car parts. 1800cc engine and gearbox supplied but not fitted. Road registered and I have applied for a V5c. Suitable basis for a competition car or could be converted back to road use. More pics available. £1750 or make an offer! For more info call Bob on 07870 407111 or Email: mgcarsscotland@gmail.com

2016 MG3 Style

White, with black roof stripes, excellent condition, top of the range model with only 9000 miles, now reduced to £6,500 ovno.

Email: janner826@gmail.com.

(West Wiltshire)

94 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2018

Safety Fast_December18_47-98.indd 94

MGF

Track retirement forces sale! Well known MG’s on Track 1600 DVA tuned K series 5 speed 2.8 Capri type 9 box. Lsd, discs all round, full cage, alloy foam filled tank, Frontline front suspension, panhard rod, two sets of Minatour wheels with new road/wets and track slicks. Hard top and tired soft top. Glassfibre one piece front and glassfibre bootlid.

Sparco seats and full harness. The car is strong and sound and would pass an mot but in need of tlc.

Offers around £5000. I also have a Brian James 4 wheel club trailer in good nick at a negotiable price. Car is under cover 10mins from junction 4 M25. Contact Dick Owens on 07803087463

Members can advertise their Members spares for sale/wanted free of spares of charge for for items items up up to to £250. £250. Over charge Over £250, or or for for non-members non-members to £250, to advertise, there there is is a a charge charge of advertise, of £20. £20.

To submit submit your your advertisement advertisement To email Colin Colin Grant Grant at at email colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Please colingrant@mgcc.co.uk.

Please remember to to include include your your remember membership number number in in all all membership correspondence. All All adverts adverts should correspondence. should be submitted submitted by

by December the 10th of the be 4th for month for theissue. following months issue. the January

MG 'M' type

Converted to 12v so bulbs for sale: All tested, some in Lucas boxes. 2 - 36/45 W, 2 - 21W, 2 - 21/5W, 1 - 18W, 2 - 5W, 1- 3W, £20 ono. Post included.

Tel: 0121 748 2415

MGA Parts

Full set of brand new MG 2 ear spinners fine thread 12TPI £60 Jaeger MGA Tachometer in reasonable condition very good dial and needle £50 MGA Heater and accessories fully professionally refurbished £120. Tel: 01243811548 buyer collects or pays postage.

(West Sussex)

Number Plate For Sale

T72 MGS £695.00 OVNO Contact Tony on 07889 217999.

Mirrors and Fans For Sale

Two sports racing mirrors by Tex, s/steel torpedo style suitable for wing fitting, flat glass, boxed/never used: £20/pair.

Two O/E style door mirrors in chrome, suitable for MGB/Midget, vgc: £10/pair.

Cooling Fans: Spal fan "suck/pullthrough" 13" blades, 14" OD, low profile. Part no. VA13-AP9/ C-35A, 12 volt. Used but in good condition. £45 Revotec Comex "blow through" fans x2, 9" OD, 12 volt, ref. F29P12E8001-12B, used/good condition, £40. Tel. 01728 860708 or 07907 590977 (Suffolk)

ZT Alloys and Winter Tyres

1959 MGA COUPE

Iris Blue, black leather trim. Low mileage. MOT to July 2019. MGB GT 1800cc engine. Converted to negative earth. Previously restored (photos included in sale). Extra photos of current condition available.

Great winter project – requires some cosmetic chrome and paint work. £18,750. Contact (daytime): 01386 442758 ) to arrange viewing.

(Worcestershire)

4 x 18 inch grid spoke alloys with 225x45x18 winter tyres with approx 5mm tread, the alloys have a few marks but serviceable to save your other wheels from the ravages of winter. £250 Happy to post if you organise courier.

Tel John 07769 993944 or email john.d.miller@btopenworld.com (Dundee)

MG TF Hard Top

Black. Excellent condition. Heated window. £250. Buyer collects. Tel. 01568 709376. (Nr Leominster, Herefordshire)

Registration N

If you are building ca MGB, Mini or H finish it off you ne close to a works o GRX 865D on ret immediate transfe make an offer! Fo Bob on 07870 40 mgcarsscotland@

MGB Roadster

Works style hardt new condition, bla interior, 4 bolt fixin with soft top in pla rear and side win in excellent condi Phone Bob 07849

Rover V8 Fuel

Plenum Chamber one fitted to RV8' MG logo on the to £80 plus postage 01329 661680 or fathom@ianwood photo.

MG YA/YT

Gearbox without t but has new bear fitted and believed working order £25 Anti-roll bar, well fittings manufactu appears to be sta 16" wheel and tyr Telephone Ian 01 Buyer to arrange (Kent)

MG RV8 Sales

All in excellent or nal brochures in c including the lette prospective buyer The Marque has 4441 1992 The shape of thin 1992 Classic Collection Colours and Trim MG Collection Oc 1995 no 4807. £ haggle over indivi Also have lots of spare parts, many Tel 01943 872607 sde@stevedavide

Mk2 MG6

Genuine spare wh kit, which consists new alloy wheel f Goodyear tyre. C looking for £70. P 01406 821588

Registration nu PRX 224 similar

the works twin ca 1958. If you have an age related nu change it for a pro one?On retention transfer. £650 or offer! Call Bob on email mgcarsscotl

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2018 14:08

CL ASSIFIEDS

FOR SALE

ADVERTISE

vertise their anted free of up to £250. Over members to s a charge of £20. dvertisement at .co.uk. Please ude your mber in all All adverts should e 10th of the wing months issue.

v so bulbs for some in Lucas W, 2 - 21W, 8W, 2 - 5W, Post included.

15

new MG 2 ear ead 12TPI £60 hometer in rean very good dial

d accessories ly refurbished 811548 buyer postage.

e For Sale

00 OVNO 07889 217999.

ns For Sale

mirrors by Tex, yle suitable for ass, boxed/never

or mirrors in or MGB/Midget,

al fan "suck/pulles, 14" OD, low A13-AP9/ C-35A, in good condition.

blow through" 2 volt, ref. F29Ped/good condi28 860708 or uffolk)

Winter Tyres

spoke alloys with er tyres with ad, the alloys s but serviceable er wheels from inter. £250 you organise

993944 or email openworld.com

op

condition. Heated uyer collects. Tel. Nr Leominster,

Registration Number

If you are building a works replica MGB, Mini or Healey then to finish it off you need a number close to a works one!. I have GRX 865D on retention for immediate transfer £1250 or make an offer! For more info call Bob on 07870 407111 or email mgcarsscotland@gmail.com

MGB Roadster

Works style hardtop for sale in as new condition, black with grey interior, 4 bolt fixing, can be fitted with soft top in place, Perspex rear and side windows, all seals in excellent condition. £350 ovno.

Phone Bob 07849 578859.

Rover V8 Fuel injection

Plenum Chamber Similar to the one fitted to RV8's with a large MG logo on the top front. £80 plus postage contact Ian on 01329 661680 or Email: fathom@ianwoods.plus.com for a photo.

MG YA/YT

Gearbox without the bell housing but has new bearings and seals fitted and believed to be in good working order £250.

Anti-roll bar, well made with most fittings manufactured from what appears to be stainless steel £75 16" wheel and tyre £20 Telephone Ian 01732362073 Buyer to arrange collection (Kent)

MG RV8 Sales Brochures.

All in excellent order. Set of original brochures in correct envelope including the letter to the prospective buyer Dec 1992.

The Marque has returned No 4441 1992 The shape of things to come 1992 Classic Collection no 4429 Colours and Trims no 4401 1992 MG Collection Oct 1994-Feb 1995 no 4807. £85.00 the lot or haggle over individual brochures.

Also have lots of surplus RV8 spare parts, many new.

Tel 01943 872607 or email sde@stevedavidellams.co.uk

Mk2 MG6

Genuine spare wheel and jack kit, which consists of a brand new alloy wheel fitted with a Goodyear tyre. Cost over £200, looking for £70. Phone Clive on 01406 821588

Registration number PRX 224 similar to a series on

the works twin cam MGAs of 1958. If you have an MGA with an age related number why not change it for a proper Abingdon one?On retention for immediate transfer. £650 or make me an offer! Call Bob on 07870 407111 email mgcarsscotland@gmail.com

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_December18_47-98.indd 95

MGB

Rollover bar, good condition.

With mounting bolts. Came off a 1971 Roadster. £80 Pair of reclining seats (driver and passenger), centre headrest with seat belt holder - material is cloth, black with grey stripe and blue surround. Sides, back and headrest are vinyl. Do not have fixing rails. Can send picture. £50. Tel: 07778 033528 Email: niall.hossack@gmail.com.

(South Essex)

WANTED ALL MG MODELS! B32 - MIKWANTED E ROLLS SERVI CES_MIKE ROLLS SERVIGarage CES 13/12/2012 09:50 Page 1 clear-out, after 50

WANTED WANTED

Radiator support chassis cross member (RHD) for MG TF (1955). Please contact John 07979 315075 or Email: mcdougalljs@btinternet.com

WANTED

Spare wheel spinner for MG TF (1955). Please contact John 07979 315075 or Email: mcdougalljs@btinternet.com

WANTED

Standard air filter box and cleanside pipe for an MG ZS 180 V6.

Contact James Taylor at james.taylor2@ricardo.com or on 07980 65 62 62

WANTED

Derrington Overdrive

Unit for MG ZA Magnette 1956.

Planning to enter the 2020 Monte Carlo Challenge and given the Magnette’s low gearing a period overdrive will be good for car and driver ! Can you help?

Tel. 0141-334-5090. Mo. 07824 793459.

Email: Iainwright3@aol.com

PARTS FOR SALE XPAG 1500cc. Engines.

1) In build. Late block linered and bored 72mm +.030”, pressure tested, late crank .010/010”, crack tested, lip sealed front and back on SpeediSleeve. Steel ‘spider’ flywheel.

Diaphragm clutch, all balanced.

Big sump, 280º fast road cam.

Vernier timing sprocket set.

Cylinder head, stage II, big valve, unleaded.

2) Next build (ex TC race engine.) Late block linered and bored 72mm +.040”. Pressure tested, late crank STD/STD. Crack tested, lip sealed front and back on Speedi-Sleeve.

Steel ‘spider’ flywheel, double diaghragm clutch, all balanced.

Big sump racing oil pick-up. 280º fast road or full race camshaft.

Vernier timing sprocket set.

LAYSTAL aluminium cylinder head.

3) Next build. Late block bored 1350cc., lightened and balanced fast road engine.

For all enquiries, please contact Ron Ward on 01422 823649

All conditions wanted, from barn finds to concours. Complete collections purchased. Cash buyer.

Discretion assured.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you are interested in selling your MG and are looking for a prompt hassle free cash buyer! Please feel free to contact me for a no obligation friendly chat.

I am especially interested in the following models: MG TC, MGA, MGB, MGC, MGB V8, Magnette and Midget.

CALL DIRECT ON:

years in MG’s

I am trying to retire and get rid of all the junk. (Sorry not PC, all the beautiful previously cherished parts!)

A lot of it is competition and ‘fast road’ but ‘normal’ stuff as well.

Please go to my web site www.hewittsracing.co.uk and click on spares. I can also build you a good engine, and have time for just one more rebuild/ renovation.

07787FOR 528131 SALE SPARES

Please ring 07831 104020 for a chat.

HOW TO ADVERTISE

MIDGETS! WANTED

Members can advertise their spares for sale/wanted free of charge for items up to £250. Over £250, or for non-members to advertise, 2016 there is a charge of £20.

To submit your advertisement email Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Please remember to include your membership TRADE MEMBER number in all correspondence. All adverts should be submitted by December 4th for the January issue.

MIKE ROLLS

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

SERVICES FOR MGs Specialising in all MG’s

www.mgmidgets.com

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

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

2016 201 6

SERVICES FOR MGs

TRADE MEMBER

Specialising in all MG’s

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 88am-1pm MG TF RED -1954

MG TF 1954, 1250cc, Red with original red interior and black carpets.

This car was originally exported to Switzerland and was always been right hand drive, in 2001 it was re-imported to this country after having a mechanical restoration over there. It is a very genuine car with a great MG number plate, lovely history with black and white pictures of the family that owned it when new, it has recently had new wire wheels and tyres fitted and comes with good weather gear and heritage certificate. This TF drives beautifully. £26,995

MG TC - 1948

MG TC, 1948, British Racing Green, fitted with a re-con engine and 5 speed gearbox supplied by Andy King and has only done 1,500mls since fitted. The car has black interior, aero screen, telescopic shock absorbers at the front, 16in wheels at the front and 19in wheels at the back, good hood, weather gear, (side screens a little tatty) and history file. The is a very good usable classic which is lovely as is but could be improved if wanted. £24,500

MG TD - 1953

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

DAX 427 COBRA -1973

Dax 427 Cobra, 1973, Built between 1984 - 1988 using number one of a series two chassis, Jaguar series two front suspension and Jaguar S Type rear suspension and Spax shocks all round, it has a Chevy 5.7ltr engine with a Getrag gearbox. Dark blue with grey interior, MOT’d until May 2019 and comes with good history file with invoices etc. This cobra is now a historic vehicle, tax exempt and built to a high standard. £29,995

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year. Over the festive period we will be, CLOSED from Dec 24th - Jan 1st, OPEN again Wed Jan 2nd 2019.

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”

DECEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 95

23/11/2018 14:08

Call for a quote today

01376 574000

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern

Colne Classics

www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk

URGENTLY WANTED

MG Power Steering and restoration specialists

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

Any Condition from non runners to rebuilt cars

Please call Edward or any time on 07774 484497 01923 840236 MG16 - BUCKS SPORTS CLASSICS_BUCKS SPORTS CLASSICS 26/09/2012 Email: ejwhitescars@aol.com Website: www.mgandporsche.com

View the website on www.colneclassics.com B1 Seaden Court, Gorse Lane Ind Est, Clacton, Essex.

01255 432693, 07714 675319

(Northwood, Middlesex)

Bucks Sports & Classic Car Centre

www.bighealey.co.uk

CNC Machined in the UK to our specification

Specialist in MGA, B, C, V8, RV8, Midgets, and MGF. Also specialists in early Minis

Brass 2nd & 3rd/4th £59.95+VAT Steel 4 synchro £49.95+VAT

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

For the ‘best’ in MG high-performance Parts Hotline: +44(0)1543 472244 E-mail: sales@bighealey.co.uk

10STREET Rabans Aylesbury.

HP19 BUCKS 8RS HP20 1EB UNIT 18, PARK IND Close, ESTATE, OSIER WAY, AYLESBURY,

DENIS WELCH MOTORSPORT, YOXALL, BURTON ON TRENT, STAFFS DE13 8NA, UK

STEVE McKIE SPORTSCARS

Tel: 01932 568822

CHESTERFIELD

KEEPING MORRIS & MG ALIVE FOR THE FUTURE

DERBYSHIRE

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

Mechanical repairs and servicing Bodywork/paintwork

www.stevemckiesportscars.co.uk

SAVE MONEY WITH US – NO VAT ON LABOUR! Kimble-SF_Nov-09.qxd:Kimble MGEChertsey, 1_8 col 3.3 Unit 6, Stevens Yard, 113 Fordwater Road, Surrey KT1626/10/09 8HB www.chertseyminors.co.uk

The Great British

•

Specialists in the repair and restoration of MG cars

OPENING HOURS: 08.30am – 5.00pm Mon – Fri Sat am: By appointment only

Welding to MOT standards Vehicle safety checks undertaken

CC10.12/MG16/p

NEW MGB Baulk Rings

14:24 Page 1

Steering Wheel

Tel 01246 454527 • Fax 01246 453681 Albert Street North, Chesterfield, S41 8NP

13:0

Custom made and standard fit covers for your car from £99

Steve McKie Sports Cars Hi-Res.indd 1

23/06/2010 13:46

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

Premium Quality since 2003 • Custom Indoor from £150

• Custom Waterproof Outdoor £295 • Standard fleece-lined breathable from £112

EST 1969

• Soft Indoor Stretch from £99 NEW! (Covers for all other cars too)

Online database for the perfect cover at www.carcovershop.co.uk Tel 01780 749449

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

96 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2018

I-240085.indd 1

15/05/2017 www.mgcc.co.uk

UR

13:33

Please check this Although every ca ourselves respons Safety Fast_December18_47-98.indd 96

SHOULD YOU RE

23/11/2018 14:08

Call for a quote today

01376 574000 CL ASSIFIEDS

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern

k

www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk

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

enquiries@mgsforsale.com

www.mgsforsale.com

01707 876089

1972 MGB ROADSTER, teal blue , ochre trim. W/w, o/drive. A superbly original car, best example of very rare ochre trim i`ve ever seen.

Genuine 80,000 from new with full history.

Excellent body, nice engine bay, drives superbly, nice original patina, cars like this come avaliable very rarely. £12,995

1976 MGB ROADSTER Light BRG, black trim.

Last owner 20 years. Restored car. Regularly maintained and used. Nice engine bay. Excellent structure. Drives well. A super ready to go MGB. Great value @ £6,495

1957 MGA 1500 Old English White, red trim, w/w. Absolutely lovely car, restored very well a few years ago. Tonneau cover. Lovely panel fit. Reliable. Lady owner last 15 years.

Used for many tours, loads of history. A superb car. £24,995

1959 MGA 1600 BRG, black trim. L/H/D. Original European car not USA. Chrome wires, boot rack, 1800cc engine. Tonneau. Drives really well, used for continental touring many times. Great looking car, nice usable condition £19,995

07831 556666

MGB Roadster 1971 Two Former Keepers (WUO402K) Chrome bumpers, nonoverdrive, Rostyle wheels, two former keepers with last owner 18 years, older early 90’s rebuild using new wings, doors, sills, castle rails, lower rear wings etc. etc. Flame Red coachwork now not perfect but very presentable, clean original style Navy vinyl interior trim, original steering wheel, heavy history file with a plethora of documentation including the original ‘Passport to Service’, old mot’s back to the 80’s, photographic album of restoration with associated invoices, vehicle available soon £8,950.00 GB Roadster 1973 Old English White (XTW646L) Chrome bumpers, overdrive, painted wire wheels, Old English White coachwork now requiring improvement, Black leather interior trim, Mota-Lita steering wheel, vehicle purchased in 2013 from Martlet & Crown at a cost of £8500 and invoices for £4k since, Mot July 2019, drives nicely, just arrived £6,950.00

URGENTLY WANTED ANY MG ANY YEAR, ANY CONDITION

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

1972 MGB ROADSTER Old English White, red trim. Totally restored on dry state shell, everything is new/recon. 2L fast road engine. Sports leather seats. Everflex red hood. W/Wheels. Drives like a new car, superb, S/S boot rack, sports wheel, painted dash. Hydraulic bonnet struts, K&N filters.

Would cost in excess of £35k to build. £27,995

1968 MGB GT Tartan Red. W/W. O/drive. Original trim. Black leather, red pipe. Original steering wheel. Chrome wires. Very nice engine bay.

Drives superbly, just like driving a new one in the 60’s! Restored a few years ago, some minor blemishes. Looks fantastic. All the desirable attributes with an MGB £8,995

4Sight Lighting Company....................70

Hewitt Racing ......................................95

Adrian Flux...........................................60

Hoyle Suspension ................................52

Autoseal...............................................10

JLH Morris Minors...............................82

Barry Walker .......................................93

Just Right Autos Ltd.............................80

Beech Hill Garage................................94

Kimble Engineering Ltd .......................96

Belt-Up Safety Products ......................25 British Motor Heritage.........................IFC Brown and Gammons.........................11 Bucks Sports and Classic....................96 Car Cover Shop ..................................96 Carole Nash Insurance .......................10 Chertsey Minors .................................96

Longstone Tyres .................................88 Manor Garage .....................................82 Martin Smith Used MGTF Spares ......92 MG Mecca...........................................97 MG Sales Centre .................................23 Midland Classic Restoration ..................3

Chisbon Restorations...........................60

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

Church Square Autos ..........................92

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

Classic & Sports Cars (Essex)..............46

Mike Satur ...........................................55

Classic Motor Hub .........................91,93

Motor Wheel Services .........................52

Clive Wheatley .....................................51

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

College Motors Burford .......................60

Oselli Ltd ..............................................76

Colne Classics .....................................96

Paul Depper MGs ................................25

Cotswold Accident Repairs..................25

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

Crown Classic Cars .............................74

Peter James Insurance, ......................70

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

Rees Bros ............................................70

Dennis Welch.......................................96

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

Distributor Doctor.................................55 Don Trimming ......................................97 Duckhams ..........................................32 EJW Classic and sports.......................96 Fishers Services ..................................60 Footman James ..................................35

Rimmer Bros Ltd .................................78 Robin Lackford Motor Engineering .....55 Scenic Car Tours ......................9, 15, 19 SMR ....................................................97 Steve McKie Sports Cars.....................96

Former Glory........................................25

Summit MG.........................................74

Foston’s Ash Inn ..................................76

Sussex Classic Car Parts.....................51

Frontline...............................................36

The Hutson Motor Co Ltd ......................3

Get Patina ............................................41

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

Halls Garage ........................................82

Vitesse Global Ltd ................................78

Heathrow Transmission .......................97

Xpag 1500cc. Engines........................96

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_December18_47-98.indd 97

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.

EST’D

1989 MG GEARBOX AXLE DIFFERENTIAL OVERDRIVE SPECIALISTS OVERHAUL – REPAIR – EXCHANGE UNITS

FULL WORKSHOP FITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE

All work carried out by time-served BMC/BL engineers

Worldwide Mail Order Service Visit our eBay Shop and Website for products and details Unit 20c (Rear of 20/22)

T 020 8577 1505

Greater London TW3 1UA

w heathrowtransmissions.co.uk

DONHOODS-SFAug07.QXD:Layout 1 23/9/09 16:22 Page 1 Hanworth Road, Hounslow E heathrowtransmissions@gmail.com

DON HOODS UNBEATABLE QUALITY – UNBEATABLE VALUE! DIRECT FROM THE MAKERS – WITH OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE

•BETTER THAN ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT QUALITY •STITCHED AND WELDED FOR MAXIMUM LIFE •WIDEST CHOICE OF COLOURS AVAILABLE •ALL FASTENERS & FITTINGS INCLUDED D PRICE FOR LEAFLET AN LIST CONTACT Ltd Don Trimming Co.

Choice of heavy duty PVC, ICI Vynide, Everflex, Duc k and Mohair AL MAKES & L incl: MG, MODELS Tr Escort, Giumph, olf etc.

ingham B23 7JJ Hampton Road, Birm

13 Tel: 0121 373 13ICE OFF SOUTHERN SALES

00 Tel: 01202 7422

CARPET SETS FOR MOST MODELS

www.donhoods.com

DECEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 97

23/11/2018 14:09

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 2018 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, Andy Knott, Colin Grant, Adam Sloman PR and Communications: Jade Beckett 01233 849731 Advertising: Hine Marketing 01452 730770 Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770 Distributed by: Air Business. Merlin Centre, 4 The, Acrewood Way, St Albans AL4 0JY Tel: 01727 890600 President: John Day Vice Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best, Bill Silcock.

Chairman: Dave Tynan

T

he photo above, taken nearly 50 years ago, shows David Spencer-Sline drifting his MG TD around Silverstone’s Becketts corner in September 1971. Does the car or driver still survive?

Below, what a perfect setting for a beautiful vintage MG. We think the lines of this superb car illustrate how Cecil Kimber got it right from the very

Vice Chairman: George Wilder Treasurer: Richard Colston

beginning. We hazard a guess that ‘The Waggon and Horses’ is in Somerset, in this picture by C. Williams. Can you tell us more?

The bottom photograph is simply captioned “Final Preparations – James, Tom and Mark”. Can you fill in the details, please, such as what was going on and where and when it was happening?

Directors: Dave Saunders, Peter Opie 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), Lauran Gallacher (Assistant General Manager 01235 849735), Liz Allsworth (Membership Secretary 01235 849734), Colin Grant (01235 849733), Jade Beckett (01233 849731), Cherina Scarrott (Finance Officer 01235 849736) and Ineke Sherman (Merchandise 01235 849737) Honorary Members: Michael Allison, Ron Gammons, Peter Best, Don Hayter, John Quenby, Sir Stirling Moss, Paddy Hopkirk, Norman Ewing, Piers Hubbard, Rob Oldaker, Steve Hanegan, Gerry McGovern, June Wallis, Ann Hawke, John Dutton, John Day, Julian White, Bill Silcock.

Company limited by guarantee The Club, as a corporate body established as the MG Car Club Limited, is a company limited by guarantee. Every member of the Club undertakes to contribute to the assets of the Club in the event of its being wound up while he is a member, or within one year after he ceases to be a member, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the Club contracted before he ceases to be a member, and the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributors among themselves, such amount as may be required, not exceeding one pound.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information at the time of going to press, neither The Publisher (herein referred to as Hine Marketing), the Editor, nor the MG Car Club can accept any responsibility or loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in the publication.

The opinions of authors are their own and Hine Marketing, the Editor and the MG Car Club are not bound to agree with opinions expressed herein. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Safety Fast! and The MG Car Club badge are protected through trademark registration in the UK and in the foreign countries where Safety Fast! circulates. Readers are warned that if they attempt any mechanical or other modifications or methods referred to herein, they do so at their own risk and no liability will attach to the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing. Neither shall the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing have any responsibility for the accuracy of the content of the editorial, neither the content of any advertisement published in Safety Fast!

It should be noted that neither Hine Marketing, the Editor, nor the MG Car Club make any recommendation in respect of any goods and/ or services advertised or featured in this issue. It is the responsibility of readers to satisfy themselves that the goods or services offered or referred to are bona fide and in no instance shall Hine Marketing, the Editor or the MG Car Club be held responsible for the quality or suitability of any such items.

98 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2018

Safety Fast_December18_47-98.indd 98

www.mgcc.co.uk

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classic car insurance PBIS specialises in classic car insurance, as well as insurance for other collectable classic vehicles. We have been supporting the MG Car Club, its Centres & Registers, for over 30 years so we know what is important to you.

Our ‘Abingdon’ policy covers classic use for MG’s 3 years and older. The policy includes free agreed value, roadside assistance and recovery within UK/EU, limited mileage options and discounts for multiple car ownership.

ASK US TODAY ABOUT OUR CLASSIC MG COVER call now for an instant quote

01376 574000 visit: www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk email: info@classiccarinsurance.co.uk

Approved Insurance Provider

Peter Best Insurance Services Ltd Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration No. 307045 Registered in England No. 2210270 | Peter Best Insurance Services Limited, 180 High Street, Kelvedon, Essex CO5 9JD

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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.

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

Spare wheel spinner TA/B/C

Alloy boss spare wheel TA/B/C

Thermostat kit TA/B/C/D/Y

Disc brake conversion TD/F/YB

£92.50

£74.40

£148.50

£697.50

NTG Motor Services Ltd 282-284 Bramford Road Ipswich Tel: +44(0)1473 406031/2 Fax: +44(0)1473 742087 sales@mgbits.com

IP1 4AY

British Motor Heritage Approved - founded 1966

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