Safety Fast! July 2019

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

July 2019 Volume 63 Number 07 £3.95

THE

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WELCOME JULY HIGHLIGHTS

POWDERHAM HISTORIC VEHICLE GATHERING On July 13 come and join the Devon and Cornwall Centre at Powderham Castle, near Exeter, for an event which attracts vehicles from all ages. Please visit https://historic-vehicle-gathering.info/

W

hy do people join Car Clubs? The simple answer is because they love their car, and like to use and enjoy their car. This month we’ve got a diverse selection of event reports for you to enjoy. From the Jacobite Jaunt, that took place in the Highlands of Scotland to the Devon and Cornwall Centre’s Spring Break where they ventured ‘North’ to Oxfordshire to take in some of the scenery and culture close to Abingdon.

The Yorkshire Centre and Abingdon Works Centre held two popular runs which are also reported on in this issue. If you haven’t yet experienced an MGCC-organised event, why not get out and give one a go. Venturing out in an MG you adore on quiet roads or to a country house, surrounded by fellow enthusiasts, what’s not to love? The main feature in this issue concentrates on Scott Biddlecombe’s unique MK2 ZS which features on the front cover (you could hardly miss it!). With our very own ZR/ZS/ZT Register the driving force behind the ‘Save our Zed’ campaign, Scott is a true ambassador for the campaign, having rescued his car. You can read his story starting on page 14. Since the campaign started I’ve been contacted by a number of people who have managed to rescue a Zed car from the jaws of the crusher and are now using it on a regular basis. We’ll bring you more stories on these MGs in Safety Fast! throughout the year, and also do keep an eye on the Register’s microsite www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister/ for all the latest news.

We recently hosted an open weekend at Kimber House, with an iconic selection of cars on display for visitors to see, as well as Kimber House. It was a great weekend, and one we’ll no doubt repeat in the future. Thank you to everyone who came along, and to the volunteers who gave up their time to meet and greet people, and of course the members who kindly displayed their cars for all to see.

Until next month, drive safely.

Andy Knott

Membership Type

Standard Rate Online

Standard Rate Post

Single

£50

£55

£55

Joint

£54

£59

£59

Young Members 16-20

£15

£15

£15

Young Members 21-24

£30

£30

£30

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

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The Cars are the stars at the Silverstone Classic. Held at the home of British Motorsport on July 26-28, the MGCC will have a large presence. More details from www.silverstoneclassic.com

MG SALOON DAY MG Saloon Day takes place at the Shuttleworth Collection, near Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, on July 28. In recent years MG Saloon Day has become a haven for Zeds, MG6s and MG3s, but everyone is welcome. More info from www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister

DONINGTON PARK RACE MEETING Direct Debit Rate

www.mgcc.co.uk

SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

The MG Car Club heads to Donington Park on July 20-21, with Iconic Cars from the 50s battling it out in the popular MG Trophy race series. More details from www.mgcc.co.uk/motorsport/ For many more events during July please visit www.mgcc.co.uk

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

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

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WELCOME INSIDE REGULARS 7

Club Matters and Kimber House News

8

News

10 Products 12 Young Members Branch 65 Race Torque 66 MGs on Track 67 MGCC Speed Championship 69 Centre Updates 81 Register Updates 92 Classifieds 98 Looking Back

NEWSLETTERS 39 MGA Newsletter 45 Magnette Newsletter 50 MGF Newsletter

FEATURES 14 MIGHTY MORPHIN’ Scott Biddlecombe’s unique MG ZS 180

The rare Monogram Biomorphic MG ZS, rescued from the jaws of the crusher by Scott Biddlecombe.

has been transformed into a show-stopper

Photo: Matt Woods

30

but it could have been a different story…

25 FIGHTING FIT AT 40 The story and history of Beech Hill Garage, founded in 1979

30 EVENT REPORTS

25

The Jacobite Jaunt three-day tour, The Daffodil Run 2019, The Old Speckled Hen Run and The Devon and Cornwall Centre Spring Break

57 MG 2018 NATIONAL MEETING Report on the Golden Jubilee Australian Natmeet held in Queensland

62 BTCC ACTION

42 www.mgcc.co.uk

All the action from the Croft Race Circuit

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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CHAIRMANS NEWS

W

ith the disappointing news that MGCC’s premier MGLive! event at Silverstone was cancelled, it was decided to hold an open weekend at The MG Car Club’s headquarters, Kimber House in Abingdon, over the same weekend. Our members came up trumps, not only by supplying some stunning cars for display but also by turning up in their hundreds to take the opportunity of seeing Kimber House. It turned into an international gathering with visitors from as far afield as the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, Scotland and Jersey.

The cars on display were very impressive, with Steve Dixon bringing the famous ex-Fitzwilliam Racing Team’s MGA that he has competed the classic Mille Miglia in several times. Another impressive display car was the MG 6R4, owned by

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_July2019 3-50.indd 7

Dennis Jellett. We were also pleased to have the prototype MGC, owned by James Hall, on display and if that wasn’t enough we also had an iconic MG J3 owned by George and Margarete Morgan who live in Australia, which I’m pictured with above.

Our Young Members Branch group bought along an MGB GT and a Midget, and other cars included a Midget Sprint and Hillclimb car owned by Geoff Clark and an MG ZR170 Trophy race car.

Our visitors took the opportunity to look round the many display cabinets featuring MG memorabilia. Our archive was opened and Peter Neal, our archivist, explained to visitors how items were logged and recorded.

The souvenir booklet produced by the Club for the weekend was put to good use, with many visitors using the information

provided to visit other places of MG interest in the area and to also take to the road to drive the route map provided that included parts of the factory test routes.

I had a wonderful weekend and would like to thank the Kimber House staff for all their help. The feedback from visitors was very positive, with many appreciating what a great asset Kimber House is to the Club. If you were unable to attend, after the success of this open weekend, I’m sure the Kimber House staff and Directors will be looking into holding more open days in the future.

Just as we were going to press I heard the very sad news that John Laurence, friend and former Chairman of the Lincolnshire Centre has passed away. There will be a full tribute to John next month.

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NEWS METRO 6R4 HEADS TO AUCTION

The legend that is Group B rallying, which sadly came to a premature end on December 31, generated some truly remarkable rally cars, one of which was the Metro 6R4, (6 cylinder, Rally 4 wheel-drive).

This particular car is the closest you will probably get to owning a virtually new and unregistered car, being #189 of only 200 made.

Originally bought by an enthusiast, who we believe wasn’t a competitor, direct from the Austin Rover Group Ltd on December

5 1986, the car was transported to his home in Oxfordshire where, rather than compete with it, he kept it tucked away for many years in its delivery state, coated in factory wax.

In 1996 the original owner contacted Kevin Wheatcroft at the Donington Museum where the car was offered on a long-term basis to be exhibited. The 6R4 then spent the next seven years at the museum before it was sold in 2002 to the current vendor when the mileage was just five miles.

The current vendor has cared for the car over the last 17 years and the additional two miles have come about from running the car and drivetrain on stands. He is now offering the car for sale, still presented in its original state with the bolt-on panels, such as the wings, still remaining in their original unpainted GRP state.

Included in the sale is the Assembly Manual, all the purchase correspondence, photographs and letters from the original owner to the Donington Museum.

This Metro 6R4 is effectively an “out-of-the-box”, brand new car and could possibly be prepared for rallies or rallycross, but with this incredible story and such minimal miles, this could be the only one in the world in this condition and therefore who knows where its future value may lie.

The Silverstone Classic Auction takes place on Saturday 27 and Sunday July 28 2019 offering an exclusive selection of classic cars, sports cars and supercars, including automobilia and luxury watches.

BTCC SILVERSTONE Join the MG635 Register at the Silverstone round of the BTCC to be held on September 28-29 2019. Once again the MGCC have been able to secure a deal for the penultimate round of the Championship, two weekend tickets are just £25 plus booking fee. Included with your ticket is – entry on the Saturday and Sunday, free car parking in the centre of the circuit on the 635 Register stand, free paddock access and roving entry to selected grandstands. Children under 15 go free. Tickets available from shop.mgcc.co.uk

MEET THE EX-WORKERS WHO BUILT THE MGB A day is being organised for MGB owners to meet some of the workers who built their cars.

This will take place at Kimber house on August 18 at 10.30am and is an opportunity to discuss the building of your car with the people directly involved.

The MGB Register would like a display of MGBs (10 to 20 cars). If you would like your car to be considered for this please send me details of it, including the year, registration number, and model, etc.

Everybody is welcome to attend.

Please contact Clive Wilday on 01406 821588, 07943 306977 or cfwilday@aol.com

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EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Be the First known MGs to drive (close) to Base Camp, Mt Everest! There is still limited space for an MGA or MGB to join us in April 2020 to drive from Thailand to Base Camp Mt Everest and on to Kathmandu.

Applicants from Australia are especially sort to economise on shipping costs.

This will be a Trip of a Lifetime for us all and people with an adventurist spirit, easy going attitude and a well-prepared classic MG will be most welcome.

Dave Godwin murphgod@hotmail.com

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/06/2019 16:02

NEWS CLIVE WILLIAMS 1945-2019 It is with much sadness that we advise that Clive Williams from the South West Centre passed peacefully away at his home in Lyme Regis on May 11 2019.

Clive joined the MGCC in the early seventies when he owned an MG TF. This was the first of many MGs, and although Clive changed his cars (and houses) very frequently he was always loyal to MGs. He raced an MG TD in the late 1990s painted in the distinctive blue and yellow colours of the Williams Grand Prix team! Clive then purchased an MGA special which he entered in speed events. More recently he owned a beautiful 18/80 for a few years until finally using an MGA. This was a road car which he used frequently until the start of his illness.

Whilst Clive moved house frequently, until his relatively recent move to the Dorset coast, he always lived south of Bristol in Somerset and was a regular and popular attendee at MGCC meetings and Natters. His jovial character will be much missed and he is survived by his wife Marie and son Steve, to whom we extend our condolences.

MG MOTOR UK SELLS LANDMARK MG3 MG Motor UK is celebrating the sale of its 15,000th MG3. The landmark sale took place at WH Brand MG in Spalding, Lincolnshire, with Bethany Mason receiving the keys of her brand new MG3.

This milestone delivery comes off the back of a tremendous period of sustained growth for MG in the UK, driven in large part by the popularity of MG3, which saw the brand achieve its best-ever sales quarter in Q1 2019 along with new sales records in every month so far this year.

First launched in 2013 and facelifted in September 2018, the number of new MG3s hitting the road has steadily increased as the brand has built recognition in the UK. Now backed by MG’s famous 7-year warranty, MG3 is having its best year ever, thanks in part to the brand’s commitment to providing the best value-for-money cars in the UK. Since the popular hatchback was comprehensively updated last year, Arctic White has become the most popular colour with 29% of sales, with Ruby Red taking second place. Laser Blue is now the third most popular colour with 24% of sales.

PERSONALISED TOURS & EVENTS

Ever wanted to arrange a road trip for some friends?

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Or are you in charge of car club tours or events?

Let us help you With over 30 years’ experience, we are confident we can help arrange your next group tour or event for your car club, or group of friends. We will work with you with as few as 4 or 5 cars on a tour, or as many as 500+ Cars, so give us a call. What do you have to lose?

‘Scenic & Continental Car Tours are very helpful and certainly make life easier for the busy leader of a car club! The hotels have been excellent and the impressive Road Books not only contained routes and maps, but also details of the places we were to visit’.

BRITISH & IRISH TOURS

EUROPEAN TOURS

MOTORSPORT & WORLDWIDE TOURS

Preferred Tour Operator

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

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

or see: www.sceniccartours.com/clubgroup-tours www.mgcc.co.uk

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

JULY 2019 SAFETY 07/05/2019 FAST! 910:01:50

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PRODUCTS

This page is a free service so if you have a product that would be of interest to our members contact Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk

MG MAGNETTE

BY PAUL BATHO

YEMA MG WATCH

MG LE

Written by MG Magnette Chairman, Paul Batho, this book covers the development of the Magnette and examines the constraints, compromises and badge engineering under the ownership of BMC. He details the model’s development over the years and how it managed to encompass speed, comfort, handling, style and practicality for its owners.

There are chapters on owning and restoring a Magnette and how to cope with typical faults and failings. Modifications and upgrades to the engine and gearbox are covered, together with special versions such as a semi-automatic transmission, a V8 version, convertible and racers are also described.

The book finishes off with some useful appendixes covering production numbers, model identification and colours. Overall a very enjoyable book, being an ideal read for the Magnette and general MG enthusiast alike.

MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS OF GREAT BRITAIN 1963-1974

BY JONATHON DEL MAR

As a boy in the 1950s I used to occasionally sit by the roadside and write down car number plates. Then on my return home I would look up, in my Father’s AA Members Handbook, the area where the cars were registered. This was done by using the last two letters of the number plate. So I was somewhat interested when this book came to review as it brought back some memories of that time.

This book, a sequel to Les Newall’s publication which detailed every registration mark and series up to 1963, is a complete compendium of all the original registration numbers used in the years 1963 to 1974. Also listed in full are all re-registrations (age related numbers) issued to pre-1975 vehicles up to the present day, thus marking clearly the distinction between those original numbers that were issued when the vehicle was new, and the more recent replacement series issued to those vehicles in subsequent years up to the present.

The numbers are catalogued county by county, city by city, burgh by burgh and accompanied by over 400 pictures. Members researching the origins and authenticity of their MG registration number will find this book an essential reference.

MG TB AND TC OIL DIPSTICK FROM NTG

Gearbox oil dipstick for MGTB and TC. This part has been unavailable for many years and is now superbly reproduced with flexible section as original.

Part number E200. Priced at £98.40. For more information telephone 0044 (0)1473 406031/32 or visit their website at www.mgbits.com

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Dev the gas buz

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MG

Ge sum

Last month we revealed that the MGCC were delighted to announce launch of a Limited Edition MG watch, created by fine French Watchmaker, Yema especially for the MG Car Club.

The watch is a Limited Edition version of Yema’s famous Rallygraf watch. The chronograph uses a Quartz movement and consists of a main dial and two sub-dials with beige aluminium insert, reminiscent of a dashboard, finished with an MG logo.

The perforated British Racing Green leather bracelet is finished with beige top stitching, reminiscent of a colour scheme found on many classic MGs. The Rallygraf watch was first launched in 1966 and was designed for motor racing and drivers of classic cars with a tachometer and chronograph protected by an ultra-solid stainless steel case and mineral glass.

The MG Car Club have opened order books for this watch at the price of £215 for MG Car Club Members or £250 for non-members, plus postage and packaging.

Pre orders are going well, and as soon as the 200 Limited Run is reached, the batch of watches will be handmade at Yema’s workshop in Motreau, France.

Email Ineke ineke@mgcc.co.uk or phone 01235 859737 to express your interest.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Fax: 01462 896167 sales@ukmgparts.com 18 High Street, Baldock, Herts, SG7 6AS

Visitors welcome

OPENING HOURS: Mon-Fri 8.15am - 5.30pm Sat 9.00am - 1.00pm All prices are correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change.

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For up-to-date listings on our cars for sale visit www.ukmgparts.com

STOCKISTS OF:

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YOUNG MEMBERS

Shaun Nelson shaunnelly@hotmail.com

A ROAD OF FUN IN A

MGB GT I

t’s 1.00am on the morning of the trip. I’m due to meet the group in seven hours, but at that moment in time I’m sitting on my concrete driveway, dismembered door handle in one hand, with the other flailing in the air in an attempt to set the motion sensors off so that the corresponding lights will allow me to piece together the door of my 1971 MGB GT. The deadline is made and the journey begins.

The aim was to visit some of the famous motoring attractions of North Wales; namely Horseshoe Pass of Llangollen, the Evo Triangle of Pentrefoelas, and the beautiful stretch of A5 that passes through the Snowdonia National Park. They are all well worth a visit; the scenery is astonishing and the roads are a smooth ribbon of asphalt, long and sweeping, broken up on occasion by brilliant, intricate, technical little turns. We saw so much over a weekend; 600 miles flew by.

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Negating the door handle incident, the B performed faultlessly. It’s a tired old thing, with 19 owners from new and a mystery mileage in excess of 100k; but underneath its well-worn exterior the engine hums sweetly and the gearbox operates with a satisfying click-click. On some of the more remote mountain roads the slim and rugged MGB even outshone its thoroughly modern companions, in areas where rubbery tyres and a decent ground clearance allow you to set a pace unobtainable in something built for a racetrack – MG territory through and through. Also, quick shout out to fellow member Rodney, whom we met in Porthmadog with his supercharged MGB GT!

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/06/2019 16:02

MERCHANDISE

New products available from

KIMBER STORES Bespoke Car mats. From £103

Clock £32.50

Ctek battery conditioner.

From £63

MG travel wallets £16.50

MGB Cuff links £18

Heritage Hats £12.50

MGs Abingdon Factory Book £15.99

Multi Tool£12.50 Ruck Sack £25

All prices exclude P&P

To order please visit shop.mgcc.co.uk email ineke@mgcc.co.uk or Phone 01235 849737 www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

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www.mgcc.co.uk

21/06/2019 16:02

FEATURE

MIGHTY MORPHIN’ Scott Biddlecombe’s unique MG ZS 180 has been transformed into a show-stopper with the driveability to match. But it could’ve been a very different story…

By Jeff Ruggles. Photos Matt Woods

C

olourful, alluring and satisfying, but disappearing fast – no, not a posh bag of sweets on an office desk at Kimber House, but MG’s ZR, ZS and ZT range. Launched amid a postMillennial period of turmoil for MG Rover but ultimately impressing even the cynical motoring media, the revered ‘Zed’ range has always been one for upsetting the odds. But with more than three-quarters now having disappeared from the UK’s roads, it faces having to repeat the trick all over again.

Earlier this year, the Club launched its ‘Save Our Zeds’ campaign to prevent an important part of the marque’s heritage being decimated any further. Overall, a staggering 78 per cent of the cars have been lost since 2006, and an astonishing 84 per cent of ZRs. Not a day seemingly goes by without another Zed being broken for parts, but there’s plenty of reward for those who put their head above the parapet and buck the trend – as Scott Biddlecombe has proved by saving a rare 2005 Monogram ZS 180 from what looked like a certain death. As the sole Biomorphic Green Mk2 ZS produced, this car should never have been on the brink, but through determination, hard work and

www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE support from fellow MG fans, Scott has managed to bring it back from the jaws of death and make it better than ever.

This isn’t Scott’s first Zed. He previously owned a Mk2 ZS 120 hatch in Starlight Silver, having purchased it at the age of 21.

Before that he was a Vauxhall man, but then had something of an epiphany. “My brother had a ZR 120,” Scott recalls. “I was very snobbish about it, but then I drove it, and realised he had a much better deal than me.

He paid less for his car, but it was faster than mine, better looking than mine, and there was so much more character to it.”

Scott would own his ZS 120 for two years, with the car covering around 30,000 miles as a daily driver. He lavished it with plenty of attention, too, upgrading to TF 135 camshafts among other tweaks. But

then a decision had to be made. “It was absolutely perfect – a great car, but I got to a point when I had to decide if I wanted to go further with it, or look for a 180.

Specifically, a Monogram if one came up.

I decided at this point that I go for the first one that came up, as there were only 28 Mk2 Monogram 180s made out of all the colours, and you can’t really be that picky.”

Did it have to be a Mk2? “I know Mk1s are generally better built, and they’re more plentiful, so you’re likely to get a better car, but I prefer the styling of the Mk2,” adds Scott. “Peter Stephens did an extremely good job, particularly with the ZS, and going forward, I think it will be the Mk2 that’s remembered with its wide arch kit and slats in the wings.”

A Mk2 it was then, but even Scott

couldn’t have predicted what he’d stumble upon. The monogram range of paints was launched in 2002 before being extended in 2004, and was optional on all the model ranges. A little over 100 cars were painted in Biomorphic Green – and just six of them were ZSs. Of these, there were five Mk1s and just a sole Mk2 – this one. So Scott’s car really is one of a kind. Not only that, but it’s among the last 250 ZS 180s to roll off the Longbridge line.

Scott bought the car in March 2015 from an MG breakers in Pelsall, near Birmingham. The breaker had intended to put it back on the road, but after seven months of inactivity, it was deemed too far gone and listed on eBay for parts only. Eight or nine people put in offers for it, but they were refused. However, Scott had more joy.

SCOTT’S CAR REALLY IS ONE OF A KIND. NOT ONLY THAT, BUT IT’S AMONG THE LAST 250 ZS 180S TO ROLL OFF THE LONGBRIDGE LINE.

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www.mgcc.co.uk

21/06/2019 16:02

FEATURE “It owed them £1,200, so they said if I gave them that, I could have it. To be honest, it was worth a fraction of that, but I just wanted it that much. It was a unique colour and had no previous attachment with other people, so I could make it my own and it be identified as my car.”

Scott had a friend, Lee Stott, view the ZS on his behalf as he lived about two and a half hours away. He described the car as tatty and in need of TLC, but salvageable.

There was quite a lot of it missing, though, as Scott discovered on collection. The middle and rear section of the exhaust was absent, as was the back bumper, several interior bits and the air filter assembly. It was also on four different types of wheel, and had been written off by the previous owner due to a small amount of damage

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_July2019 3-50.indd 17

to the bootlid and bumper.

Undeterred, Scott called on David Allkins at MG Rover Mobile Mechanics, who had previously worked on his ZS 120.

“I asked him to do just enough to get the car running and MoT-worthy inside the next eight weeks,” says Scott. “He arrived within the hour, loaded it up and took it back to base, where he began working on the car with input from Retro Sportscar Ltd. During that time I acquired all missing parts that were necessary to get it back on the road and within six weeks I was able to collect the car in time for MGLive! 2015.

“Over the next few months I had extensive paint repairs done on the car, a duplex exhaust made and fitted the correct 11-spoke alloy wheels,” says Scott.

“I also replaced the clutch hydraulics when

the slave cylinder burst on the way home from picking it up, fitted a new steering wheel and switch gear and completed several services in a bid to try to rescue the neglected engine.”

Scott feared the engine wasn’t long for the world when he performed an oil change and the old lubricant came out as two parts. “I’m the fourth owner,” Scott explains. “The first was an ex-MG Rover guy who cherished it, and the second owner was also a lovely chap who adored it. However, with the third owner it was basically a first car that his rich mum had bought for him. So he was 17 years old, ran it on £8-worth of fuel at a time, and I don’t think he ever had it serviced.”

Unfortunately, the big bang came a week after attending MGLive!. “The engine

JULY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 17

21/06/2019 16:02

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FEATURE

suffered a catastrophic bottom end engine failure,” says Scott. “This was due to sludge from the old oil getting into the crank oil gallery and blocking the oilway on cylinder one. The engine detonated, creating four holes in the crank case and leaving a rather large trail of oil on the A35 coming out of Southampton.”

A good replacement engine was duly sourced, and Scott wasted no time getting it fitted. Within three weeks the car was up and running again, with all three cambelts, the water pump, inlet manifold and thermostat all replaced, plus a full routine service for good measure.

Over the following months and years, Scott reinstated the car’s missing exterior badges and changed the seats no fewer than three times. Now, in place of the original Grey Axis trim is a set of rare heated Monaco seats in full black leather. To complement these, Scott has also added a Black Oak centre console and trim, a brand new gear knob, replacement doorcards and chrome instrument dials.

The lined glovebox and padded arm rest, meanwhile, are from an earlier model.

These were produced before MG Rover’s cost-cutting Project Drive measures came into place, and are of a noticeably better quality. “I’m very lucky, as although the

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Safety Fast_July2019 3-50.indd 19

mileage is quite high these days, the car doesn’t have any rattles,” says Scott.

By early 2016, the car had done about 110,000 miles, and by Scott’s own admission, the front end was looking

AT THAT POINT I WAS WONDERING IF I HAD A CURSED CAR, BECAUSE I’D HAD THE CLUTCH HYDRAULIC FAILURE, I’D HAD THE ENGINE FAILURE AND NOW THE PAINT

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FEATURE

quite bad. “I had some paintwork done by a local paint shop but unfortunately I was left with a poor finish and a very poor colour match. Biomorphic is a lot more forgiving than most Monogram colours as it’s effectively a normal paint, but to get the colour you need to lay down an awful lot of basecoat. I did tell the painter this, but he just ignored me...

“This led to the car obtaining the nickname of ‘50 shades of green’ on the forums, due to the appalling colour

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match,” Scott continues. “The painter took it back and had another go, but messed it up again. Being unable to get my money back for the work, I rarely drove the car as I was ashamed of the poor work and the way it looked. At that point I was wondering if I had a cursed car, because I’d had the clutch hydraulic failure, I’d had the engine failure and now the paint. For a long time, I hated it.”

Nevertheless, Scott carried on with the car, comprehensively poly bushing

the underside and generally making improvements. Best of all, though, he began to regain his love for it. “At the end of 2016 I took the car on a 500-mile round trip to have an extensive respray on the front end

by Cleckheaton Body Repair,” Scott recalls.

“The quality of finish and colour match was excellent and it made the car look many years younger. It was back on fine form and once again attending shows with pride.”

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FEATURE

Scott has made his ZS even more unique with some further subtle exterior changes, including a gunmetal finish for the 11-spoke wheels, a change to black for the lower front valance, custom projector headlights and an MG ZS saloon boot lip spoiler. The biggest modifications, however, are largely performance upgrades, and in many cases were XPower options. Examples include the Eibach 20mm lowering springs, which Scott describes as one of the best upgrades you

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_July2019 3-50.indd 21

can make, and a rare Janspeed duplex exhaust to replace the custom one Scott had previously fitted but wasn’t overly happy with.

Upgraded VIS Motors and a Green cotton panel filter have also been fitted, with more recent changes including a desirable set of Bilstein dampers and Janspeed exhaust manifolds to complement the exhaust. The brakes have also been upgraded with MTEC dimpled and grooved discs with EBC Redstuff pads

all round, while Dark Ice Designs Strut Braces front and rear help to keep things taut. Before the manifolds were fitted, the car produced 189bhp – around 14bhp on the factory figure.

As the car is unique, critics may argue that Scott should’ve kept the car stock, but he has a twofold response to such a viewpoint. “Firstly, I’ve kept the original bits, so I can return it back to standard really easily,” he says. “But four years in I still have absolutely no intention of selling it. This is all for me, and the driveability of the car is now far superior.”

Indeed, the modifications Scott has made are generally accepted as desirable upgrades. “They’ve taken years to acquire,” adds Scott. “I only put the Janspeed manifolds on about three months ago, having been after a set for ages. A lot of people seem to come to me if they’ve got something rare or interesting to sell – people like the idea that the parts are going to a good home, on a car that’s genuinely loved.”

Scott’s passion for his ZS seems to be widely shared. He had a lot of people really buy into the project and help him get it on the road, and he’s certainly covered the miles since – 46,000 of them, no less. It’s taken him to shows all around the country, notably three appearances at MGLive! and four at the Pride of Longbridge, and has even made a trip to

JULY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 21

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FEATURE

TECH SPEC

SAVE OUR ZEDS The Club’s ZR/ZS/ZT Register launched its ‘Save Our Zeds’ campaign at the beginning of the year, in an effort to reverse the trend of these models being scrapped or lost.

“With swappage/scrappage schemes around from car dealerships and with the price of scrap now around £200 a car, it is tempting for some at least to cash in and make the most of these deals,” says John Thompson, chairman of the ZR/ZS/ZT Register.

“For others, like Scott, their car is worth more to them than a figure on a piece of paper.

the Nürburgring in 2017. Unfortunately, age and mileage caught up on several components, so the car has also been treated to a gearbox rebuild, a new clutch and multiple wheel bearings.

Scott’s not planning on hanging up his spanners any time soon, however.

“I’ve got another spare engine and I have sourced everything brand new to rebuild it. I will also be looking to get the car fully resprayed to remove all blemishes, scratches and dents, as well as undertaking a restoration of the underside of the car, as it will need some attention soon in certain areas. I want the car to convince people, not only in the MG scene but also those outside, that

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These cars are now becoming classics in their own right. The campaign aims to keep as many of the remaining cars on the road as possible, with the help of companies like XPart remanufacturing parts no longer available and suppling genuine MG Rover products, and by encouraging owners to share the locations of ‘hard to get’ spare parts with other owners and recommend workshops where repairs can be carried out.”

John Thompson, Chairman ZR/ZS/ZT Register, MG Car Club

BODY: 2005 MG ZS 180 Mk2 saloon, standard body styling, black lower front valance, custom projector headlights, MG ZS saloon boot lip spoiler. Paint: Monogram Biomorphic Green (code IAF).

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION: 2497cc KV6 engine with Janspeed exhaust manifolds, intermediate section and duplex rear section (XPower), upgraded VIS motors, Green cotton panel air filter, rebuilt gearbox, new clutch, Dark Ice Designs upgraded clutch hydraulics. Power: 189bhp.

SUSPENSION: Bilstein (Vehicle Handling Solutions Ltd) shock absorbers, Eibach 20mm lowering (XPower) springs, Strongflex/Powerflex poly bushes (almost all round), Dark Ice Designs strut braces.

BRAKES: MTEC dimpled and grooved brake discs EBC Redstuff brake pads all round, new calipers all round.

WHEELS AND TYRES: Original 11-spoke wheel in gunmetal with 205/45R17 Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2 K120 tyres.

INTERIOR PPH: ‘Monaco’ full heated black leather sports seats, Rover 45 steering wheel with hand controls, Rover 45 air vents, Black Oak dash trim, chrome dial trim, pre-Project Drive glovebox and arm rest, Alpine stereo.

IT WAS DEEMED TOO FAR GONE AND LISTED ON EBAY FOR PARTS ONLY they should really consider these cars.

There’s something about them that’s just endearing and characterful. You don’t see them about and it’s a conversation piece – you can’t say the same with a Focus ST or a Civic Type-R.” We’re certainly convinced. Scott’s Biomorphic beast is proof that you can go from a scrapyard find end up with something very special or even unique.

As a poster boy for our ‘Save Our Zeds’ campaign, it’s just about perfect.

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TRADER FEATURE SPOTLIGHT

B

eech Hill Garage is a wonderful old family-run business based in the picturesque village of Beech Hill, in the south east of West Berkshire, not that far from Reading and the M4 motorway. It was established 40 years ago in 1979 by Ted and Sally de la Rivière after Ted spent the late 1950s, 60s and 70s working in a variety of jobs.

Ted worked for Downton Engineering in the 1960s who were, and still are, well respected for providing tuning services, preparing race cars and building special limited edition runs of high-performance road cars, particularly with regard to BMC and MG cars. He then went out to Canada to work for a BMC dealership for a year, before coming back to the UK to work for Andrea Pallet, the Belgian racing driver, as a mechanic on one of his cars. From here he started working as a Grand Prix and sports racing car mechanic working with notable names such as Chris Amon, Mike Hailwood and Paul Hawkins. In this period, he worked on many interesting cars including the ERA R4D, Lotus 25, Ferrari 250LM and Lola T70s.

FIGHTING FIT AT 40

By Andy Knott Photos by Andy Knott and Colin Grant

Beech Hill Garage in 1993 www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

Will de la Rivière outside Beech Hill Garage

It was during this time as a racing mechanic that Ted had the parental pressure bearing down on him, saying he should get a proper job. He gave up the job he enjoyed and started working as a rep for a bearing company. But Ted was an engineer and wasn’t cut out to be a suited and booted salesman, so he decided to go back to what he loved and start specialising in a marque of car. His initial thought was to specialise in Scimitar GTEs, but a change of plan meant he went down the MG route, much to the relief of his family. How many Scimitars do you see on the roads today? After working from home, in 1979 Ted and Sally made the decision to purchase a small

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unit on their current ‘Beech Hill Garage’ premises, which gave them extra storage, counter space and more formality to their now-growing business. By 1983 they’d expanded again to occupy the current garage and units, that is Beech Hill garage we know today. During the 80s and early 90s Ted and Sally continued to build their business on good old-fashioned service.

Colin Grant, our Deputy Editor, remembers calling on them for parts for his MGB in the mid-80s. “You were always greeted with a cheery smile and Sally and Ted were always interested in what you were doing with your car. I was lucky, as part of my job was visiting a customer at Aldermaston, which took me by their premises, so very

often I would call in just for a chat. Their service was excellent. I remember taking my MGB exhaust manifold in as I had broken the studs trying to get it off. They did an exchange service but didn’t have one in stock. I needed it desperately as I was booked in for a show a few days later.

They did no more than take one off a sales car for me that was being worked on in their workshop; service indeed.”

In 1995 Ted and Sally decided to embrace the newest MG Roadster that had just launched, the MGF. They soon built up an excellent reputation as one of the specialists in Berkshire to turn to if you had an issue or needed a service on this popular mid-engineered two-seater. Ted

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FEATURE

never forgot his motorsport roots, and in 2000 his son Will won the MGCC Drayton Manor Park MG Metro Cup in an MG Metro 1340cc car prepared by Ted and the workshop team.

Ted and Sally retired in 2002 and the company is now run by their son, Will, and his wife Louise from the same premises just south of Reading.

Will graduated from the Oxford School of Architecture and practised in the corporate sector until the opportunity arose to join the family business in 2001.

It was a scary time for Will as he had a

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Safety Fast_July2019 3-50.indd 27

three-month-old daughter, and gave up his well-paid job to join Beech Hill Garage. Ted did question why Will would want to give up the job which he’d worked towards for nine years whilst doing a degree to take over the garage. But as Will says: “You’ve got to be happy in your work,” and 18 years since setting foot through the doors of Beech Hill to start work there, Will is still enjoying what he does. Not one to rest on his laurels, over the years Will has moved with the times and continually

improved Beech Hill Garage to the extent that they now offer a complete range of services for the Classic Car owner with any age of vehicle from the Vintage era to the modern MG Rover cars.

The workshops are staffed by five guys with a combined experience of over 125 years. With John working on the spanners with the BMC cars for 40 years, he knows the MGB inside out and Andy is MG Rover through and through, so is able to

JULY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 27

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FEATURE

Will in his MG Metro 1340cc Class B Drayton Manor Cup car.

deal with the range of Zeds and Fs/TFs. Although there is no bodyshop on site, Will and his team have a tie-up with one the other side of Beech Hill village whose work is up there with the best of them.

The parts department is now stocked with £10,000-worth of parts, both Classic and MG Rover X-Part products. The cars offered for sale are of a truly high quality, from T-types to late low-mileage MG Rover cars, and stored securely under cover offsite. There’s also a facility close by that means Beech Hill can now offer storage for your cherished classic car.

Their reputation as one of the country’s leading and longest-established MG specialists is one they are extremely proud of,

and rightly so, but they are always looking to the future. One of the possible additions could be an MoT bay which would be located at the bottom of the premises where Ted and Sally kicked it all off. Will was very impressed when he recently tried an MG Motor automatic 1.0 ZS, and he’s got a guy looking into adapting the T5 software that’s used for the MG Rover cars so they can electronically troubleshoot the latest MGs, from the MG3 to the MG ZS. Although Will has no plans to become an official MG Motor dealer, Beech Hill would like to look after their cars, with many of their loyal customers with classics having a modern MG as well. We’ll leave the last few words to Will ‘It’s not only the cars that make this a great job but it is the wonderful people too.

My Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s five years ago. What I find really warming as Dad’s health continues to fail is the number of people who Dad knew that still ask after him. It is a testament to his popularity and warmth of character, and while Dad now has very little memory he is still the same smiling warm man they knew twenty plus years ago.

Ted and Sally de la Rivière with their MGC, which has been in their possession for 35 years

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CELEBRATIONS AT BEECH HILL GARAGE In September this year, Beech Hill Garage, will be celebrating 40 years of supplying parts and services to the MG community.

Commenting on this significant milestone William de la Rivere, Managing Director of Beech Hill Garage said: “We are grateful for the support our customers and suppliers have given us since my father, Ted, started the business back in 1979. The classic car world has moved on enormously since he started selling parts from home, making the big step of securing the premises from which we continue to trade. These days we are happy to work on anything from Austin A35s through to the occasional Jensen Interceptor as well as the entire range of MG models from the thirties through to modern TFs. We have prided ourselves on offering owners sound advice as to how to get the best out of their pride and joy.

With over 150 man years’ experience, over the past four decades we have amassed a vast knowledge of most British makes and are happy to share our experience with fellow enthusiasts. We always welcome owners with something interesting; the kettle is always on.”

To mark the occasion, the Beech Hill team will be welcoming enthusiasts to a special charity event on Saturday September 21 2019 to be held at the garage from where a ‘scatter rally’ will start and finish, along with a raffle, car show and other activities. All customers, past, present and future, will be welcome.

Beech Hill Garage continues to support the Alzheimer’s Society so all profits from these events will be donated to this charity.

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21/06/2019 16:03

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19/11/2018 13:46 21/06/2019 16:03

EVENT

THE JACOBITE JAUNT THREE-DAY TOUR

by Noel Lindford

Coffee Stop in Kenmore with Noel Lindford’s TF 85th Anniversary at the rear.

………from the eyes of an organiser Some say that the Caledonian Centre knows how to put on a good tour… and certainly those who have been on some of our past three-day, five-day and also our 2013 European event would agree. But we do have some of possibly the best driving roads and scenery in the world at our disposal... if not the weather.

John McLLhagger’s MGB Roadster and just one of the many open roads near Loch Tay. 30 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2019

Safety Fast_July2019 3-50.indd 30

www.mgcc.co.uk

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EVENT

Cars are starting to line up at The Highland Gate hotel for the start

One of the lunch stops at the new Kings House Hotel. Glen Coe with Buachaille Etive Mor in the distance

Our recent three-day tour was called the ‘Jacobite Jaunt’ because we wanted to take our tour further into the Highlands of Scotland, just a wee bit further than the 2013 EEOTY in Aviemore. This was unknown territory, and a few thought it might be too far for people to travel. This was not the case, for when the tour went live on December 1, it was full within a few weeks.

All those who have organised tours of this nature know that they don’t just happen by magic and they take many months of planning.

This year’s planning started with an 8-page booklet presentation to the committee back in 2017, having visited a few venues that ticked all our boxes – enough rooms, spa, car parking, good routes and a hotel that has to meet our entrants’ standards.

Once the Jacobite Jaunt had the committee’s backing, the small team of four went to work with confirming the venue.

Contracts had to be entered into as well as entertainment sourced, menus checked, routes run, plotted and checked, and tulip route books designed and printed.

It’s always best to have action plans and allocate people to their tasks so that nothing goes to chance from the very start to the final car leaving on the last day.

You need to keep your eye on the ball at all times and make sure that everyone is happy, and if there are issues sort them straight away.

Several team meetings throughout the early stages got our great team off to a flying start, and all had their allotted tasks.

I was very lucky to have an excellent team behind me.

With costs for the event, entertainment and other auxiliary items, there had to be a tight budget once the booking price had been agreed with the committee. Of course, this is always under the close watch of our treasurer.

Sponsorship takes a very important role with all our tours and we are truly fortunate that we have such wonderful support from many national and local companies, both financially and with goodwill.

With this year’s tour, aptly named the Jacobite Jaunt, we wanted to give a flavour of the Highlands for both our southern visitors and some of our Scottish members, who had not often ventured that far north. So, the routes had to be based around history, motors and monsters. With trips to Culloden, Moray Motor Museum and Loch Ness, even the Kingsmills Hotel had a link to the Jacobite uprising with a local clansman hiding in the grounds back in 1746.

Two Bs take in the stunning scenery

With any tour you need a start and a finish that can cater for all the cars.

Breakfast rolls and coffee at the sign-on and briefing, and a buffet at the finish to send people on their way home replete.

The Highland Gate at Stirling and the Hunting Tower near Perth fitted the bill.

The fruition of 21 months of work is complete until next year’s tour which will return to North Berwick. Watch this space for further details.

Lorraine Noble-Thompson Jacobite Jaunt Team (Caledonian Centre) ………from the eyes of a participant The magnificent scenery and superb driving roads in the Highlands of Scotland were the main attraction for this Caledonian Centre three-day Tour. Having been on a previous Caledonian event in the Borders, I knew Kay and I would have an enjoyable weekend in prospect.

We arrived in Stirling on the Friday evening meeting up with many of the entrants for dinner, where we found a good number of MGCC friends from across the UK. Saturday morning dawned bright, if cold. Following sign-on at the Highland Gate Hotel, and receipt of our goodie bag, we enjoyed hot bacon rolls and coffee, before the indomitable Lorraine Noble-

Lunch stop - with Buachaille Etive Mor in all her Majesty in the distance.

Caledonian Centre’s Chairman Paul Snee flags Peter Jung’s RV8 off www.mgcc.co.uk

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EVENT Members enjoying a charity flutter on the casino table, just for fun!

A small selection of cars at the Moray Motor Museum on one of the routes.

Sunday Evenings entertainment- Highland Themed Gala

Thompson introduced herself, Tony Smith and Gordon Thomson (The Jacobite Team) and gave us the drivers’ briefing.

An eclectic mix of 64 MG cars started the event, the earliest being the MG TD of MGCC Vice-President Bill Silcock. Bill and Sally were flagged off first, by Caledonian Centre Chairman Paul Snee, waving a suitably large Saltire flag. The rest set off at regular intervals with the route taking us north to Inverness, some 158 miles away.

The excellent route book guided us into the Loch Lomond National Park, to Callander, Crianlarich and our chosen lunch stop at the King House Hotel, situated at the gateway to Glencoe, amidst suitably stunning scenery. We then drove on through Fort William, past Ben Nevis, to Fort Augustus. A right turn brought us onto an amazing single track road called the Corkscrew, which was a brilliant drive that took us to Foyers, and a welcome coffee stop at Foyers Café. From there we drove past the foot of Loch Ness and on to the splendid Kingsmill Hotel in Inverness.

Following an excellent dinner at our hotel, a charity Casino was on offer where one could partake of roulette, blackjack or the ‘Wheel of Fortune’. Having never been to a casino before, watching the croupier manage the table was as entertaining as placing our bets.

On Sunday, cool and dry, we had a choice of three routes; the one we opted for took us to the Moray Motor Museum, which houses an amazing collection of cars, and a chance to visit the workshops where many more cars, including Aston Martins and Jaguars, were on display.

From there we headed for Grantown-onSpey and a lunch halt. The finale of this 115-mile route was a visit to the dramatic Culloden Battlefield Experience, before heading back to Inverness.

Another route took people in search of Nessie, along the banks of Loch Ness to Fort Augustus and aboard a boat from the fleet of the Cruise the Loch Ness tour.

During the 40 minute cruise they were entertained by one of the tour guides who was a font of knowledge on the loch and produced many sonar readings of large contacts that have been picked up in the loch.

Some are the size of a great white shark, so they cannot disprove

Lorraine presents Jim Andrews with his award for car of the show.

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Tony Smith, Gordon Thomson and Lorraine Noble Thompson (The Jacobite Team).

that there isn’t a monster. From here they travelled to the Culloden battlefield and the Clava Cairns before heading back to Inverness – a total run of 78 miles.

The third route was a circular tour of the Black Isle, a short run of 50 miles.

Sunday evening was a Scottish-themed gala dinner. We were entertained by the Ceilidh band “Tweed”, who guided us in the art of Scottish dancing, and the dancefloor was soon alive to the “Dashing White Sergeant”, and an incredibly complicated dance called “Strip the Willow”, amongst others.

Monday dawned bright and sunny, encouraging top-down motoring for the final route taking us south to Perth, roughly tracking the A9 towards Aviemore.

It started to snow as we climbed the Drumochter summit on the A9, so a hurried stop to erect the hood! A coffee and retail therapy stop at the House of Bruar was a welcome break before the final 30-mile drive that took us via a steep, challenging and enjoyable single track road near Loch Tay. We finally arrived at the delightful Huntingtower Hotel at Perth for a nice buffet lunch, and after thanking the organisers for a truly splendid and very well-organised weekend tour, we all said our goodbyes.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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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. £1,250 deposit contribution applies to 4 year 5.0% APR . Representative on Personal Contract Purchase and is available at participating dealers until 31st March 2019. Finance by MG Financial Services CF15 7YT. Subject to satus, availability and terms and conditions. Applicants must be 19 or over.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_July2019 3-50.indd 33

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EVENT

Off enjoying the scenery during the 2019 Daffodil Run

T

he MGCC Yorkshire Centre Daffodil Run 2019 was organised by the South Yorkshire Natter and had a new start point at the Fox Valley Centre, Stocksbridge. This new shopping centre is built on the old Samuel Fox Cold Rolled steel site which was closed and demolished so that new modern buildings could be designed and built to replicate the Steel Mill workshops and storage sheds. A large area of the car park was allocated to the event with ample space for the 63 starters. The 17th running of the Daffodil Run, which was originally organised by Brian and Val Lewis to coincide with the millennium, had a majority of MG models ranging from a 1950 MG TD to a brand new 2019 MG3, as well as other non-

THE DAFFODIL RUN 2019

By Mike Breedon

MG models such as Austin Healey, Jaguar, Lotus Cortina, Vauxhall Velox, Rover P5B and Morris Marina.

Arrangements had been made for the very smartly turned-out, funky Citroen “Crème Fresh” Tea/Coffee Wagon to open early, which most entrants welcomed as it was a very cold but dry morning and the hot drinks were quickly held between both hands to get the benefit from the heat of the cup.

Drivers started setting off at 10.30am for the 86.3-mile run in accordance with a very clear and well put-together route book with tulip rally-style instructions and words to guide the navigator.

The first part of the route was through very gentle country lanes, passing familiar places like Bank View Cafe which is close to Langsett Reservoir and has been a start point on many occasions for MG runs as well as being a famous cyclists ‘watering hole’ for many years. I live quite close to

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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EVENT

Getting ready for the start of the 17th Daffodil Run The newest MG on the run

this early part of the route, so it seemed strange having to ‘obey’ the navigator when going through very familiar villages and roads in order to be sure that we kept to the planned route. The long climb up to Holme Moss view point car park was a good test for the older MGs and many people stopped to take in the fantastic view at the top. As I stopped to take a few photographs of other drivers, it was funny to watch others stop, get out to take in the view but get back in the car almost immediately as it was bitter cold high up there.

The route continued on through beautiful scenery in the Peak District National Park for quite a few miles along

Two X-Power Grey ZRs make the climb up to Holme Moss

Woodhead, through Glossop, Hayfield, Whaley Bridge, on to Buxton, Bakewell, Baslow before heading back through more built-up areas around Sheffield to the finish at the Red Lion Coach Inn, Todwick.

Everyone recounted their journey and experiences, as well as enthusiastically

chatting about their cars over a hot drink and food.

Thanks must go to Steve and Marie Dobson for putting the event together and to Cliff and Janice Hobbs for the administration and documentation support for another great day out.

Modern MGs with an interloper getting ready to head off. www.mgcc.co.uk

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EVENT

Pete Neal flags off a TD

MGs line the drive of Yarnton Manor

Arriving at the lunchtime stop

OLD SPECKLED HEN RUN

By Roger Boys. Photos by Malcolm Bailey and Richard Smith

E

ven before we arrived at this, the 27th run of this iconic event, we were in discussion wondering how many we had taken part in. The Old Speckled Hen Run was the very first event that Nicky and I along with the Boneshaker ever took part in, way back in 1998. Back then we had never heard of a tulip route, let alone

used one. Now look at us, capable and reasonably competent having completed 200 events!

This year we set off from home in Newbury with eager expectation, arriving along with approximately 100 other MGs ready for the day’s adventure. Tea and coffee consumed in the pavilion next to

the magnificent cricket field belonging to Radley College, why can’t our lawn look like this? We then joined the short queue to exit under the imposing arch and careful to avoid the bollards. As we leave I ask: “left or right?” “Wait, I haven’t opened the route book yet,” came the reply. Quickly this was sorted and we were

A varied selection of MGs at Radley College for the start of the 2019 Old Speckled Hen Run

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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EVENT

Signing on for the Old Speckled Hen Run

on our way. Following the twists and turns taking us through the lanes for 41 miles, passing through iconic Cotswold villages with mellow stone buildings adorned with thatch. We found our way to the lunch stop at Yarnton Manor. What a surprise was in store here. It’s a magnificent 17th century manor house set in fantastic gardens, opened specially for us; impressive or what! All of our cars were parked up with the help of the enthusiastic marshals in nooks and crannies around the estate. We then wandered on to the sweeping lawns to have our picnics, and explore the grounds, followed by a short conducted tour of the house. Full marks to whoever found this jewel for us to enjoy. Interestingly, having explored the Cotswolds a lot during the last 30 years, we have never heard of Yarnton Manor, and more surprisingly nobody who we spoke to had ever come across it before, a true hidden gem.

Nicky and I were almost the last to set off on the return journey, which was 28 miles back to Radley College taking us via Forest Hill, Wheatley and Stadhampton to the town centre of Abingdon, then it is just a couple of miles on to Radley College.

We saw a few MGs setting off for home

The imposing Yarnton Manor www.mgcc.co.uk

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George and Marguerite Morgan arrive in their MG J3

The Old Speckled Hen MGB

as we entered the grounds and there was a moment of concern whether there would be any cream teas left for us. This was totally unfounded as the welcoming spread was still available and we tucked in, joining friends to reflect on a brilliant day.

It was light-heartedly agreed that perhaps the route should be renamed, as we all had an opportunity to check out the Oxfordshire road-calming humps. Did we encounter a hundred during the drive – well possibly!

It’s important to express our thanks to all who worked so hard to put this event on. Everyone in the organising team was welcoming, cheerful and friendly, and deserving of our congratulations and thanks for all their hard work. The Old Speckled Hen run has become an institution. Shall we do it again next year?

Yes, please.

Guess who was the last to leave Radley College – yes, it was the Boneshaker!

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EVENT Shillingford Bridge built in 1827 as the third crossing here.

6106 Mixed Traffic Tank Engine on shed at Didcot

DEVON AND CORNWALL CENTRE

SPRING BREAK B

By Wendy Keeling. Photos by Bob Slatter

efore you think “I’m not bothering to continue to read an article about MGs on holiday from a Centre I know nothing about;” wait, as several important messages are held within the report, helping people to work smarter and not harder and enforcing the idea of the Marque of Friendship by being inclusive.

Devon and Cornwall Centre has a history of organising holiday events. For many years there was International Week, a week-long event before Silverstone with fun, friendship and challenge. This was followed by Janner Week (a Janner being someone who was born in Devon, especially Plymouth). The events were for any member, from anywhere.

They, like all events, took up many months of organisation, often by the same people. Hotel bookings, campsites, road routes and MSA permits, places to eat and drink, the list was endless and time consuming – and then someone complains! Those who organise such within the MG Car Club need to be

congratulated for their effort, often endurance. For some the honour of organising such happens every year.

But we all tire and often become disillusioned and events disappear. But Devon and Cornwall came upon the system where a hotel is found for a long weekend and members book it themselves and during the day find their own runs and activities. Night times to gather together full of chatter, mainly about MGs, much banter and the odd drink or two.

But you don’t have to have an MG to join in. I’ll say it again; you don’t need an MG, just be a member of MGCC. This helps those with older cars to travel to distant places and those without MGs, either temporarily or permanently, to experience the Marque of Friendship.

Of course, a link person is needed.

We have Peter Heath who liaises with a Devon self-drive holiday company to find hotels in interesting places. The link person just liaises, nothing else. Peter, through the holiday company, found a hotel in

Oxfordshire with three nights D B&B for the price of one night in an Oxfordshire three-star hotel. Bargain. Members just book through the holiday company and tell Peter they’re turning up. No worry about numbers.

We seldom leave Devon and Cornwall; there are only two main routes out and we have such lovely places to explore in our own counties. The benefit of leaving Devon and Cornwall on a May Bank Holiday weekend is that the rest of the country is trying to get in via the M5 and the A303, so exits can be trouble free.

There were eight MGs, ranging from a GS to MG3s (including a very pretty red MG3) and MGF/TFs (one with an electric hood), eight non-MGs including a Ford ST and even a Range Rover.

We were warned that the hotel was having a rebirth, with many rooms okay but some were still going through the pains of labour. It was cheap and clean, we were not going to be in our rooms a lot, and as long as they fed us well we’d be happy – and that they did.

The location on the Thames was idyllic.

With terraced gardens and a super lido – well, it will be when they put water into it! We could watch the boats go by, a different world.

Three days to fill without the challenge of following planned routes, but there were challenges. Devon and Cornwall had arrived in the modern world. I live in a town with one roundabout and one single-phase traffic light. Most of my driving is in the lanes, beautifully narrow, full of flowers and tractors. Now, suddenly faced with

Participants cars line up by the Thames outside the Shillingford Bridge Hotel. www.mgcc.co.uk

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EVENT

MGs parked up with Shillingford Bridge Hotel in the background.

roundabouts that make no sense; constant traffic cameras of different speeds, road humps and traffic queues, I wondered where there was the freedom to drive, not follow. There was also the challenge of the multi-storey car park where a member was told that the lower the level the cheaper the tariff was, but we wanted level 2.

Yes, he started at ground level and then explored level 1 before getting the joke to arrive at level 2.

So what did we do with ourselves? On the Saturday some people car-shared and went to local places of interest. Nuffield Place was popular. Brooklands, it was Italian Day, Oxford and Henley-on-Thames, walks along the Thames and even a Donkey Sanctuary. I’m told to mention Wendy the donkey, apparently a very pretty donkey!

I went to Windsor Castle with a few MG friends. On arriving at Windsor the crowds lined our route, the police were out with guns and the press focused cameras. Hey, they knew we were coming! Curious, the blackened windows were opened and a finger beckoned a policewoman across the road. “Just the changing of the Guard,

This year’s Spring Break participants.

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Outside Pendon Museum, with large scale model of the Vale of the White Horse in the 20’s and 30’s.

Madam”; disappointment. For those who have never flown, the security at the castle was a baffling experience and yes, the metal detectors did go off, twice. But with our tour audio set we walked with the crowds to discover the castle and meet more MGCC friends.

On Sunday a group decided to go to the Didcot Steam Railway on a Diesel Day! It was an excellent guided tour, I’m told, but I discovered I’m not into rusty boilers.

Others were off again doing what they found interesting. Of course, the MGF/

TFs had to speed off in a line together and then at the first route decision all go in different directions. Nothing has changed in 20 years!

The Bank Holiday arrived with the compulsory MG photo call, rather strange as MG attendance wasn’t the focus of the weekend. But an expected habit, hard to break.

I was off home via the Avebury stone circle; others visited places such as Pendon Museum. Traffic was light going home but at a standstill for all the weekend visitors trying to get out of Devon and Cornwall to the modern world they love.

It was a weekend about friendship – the Marque of Friendship.

An actual model inside the Pendon Museum.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWSLETTER

Edward Vandyk 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk

WELCOME TO THE

S

MGA NEWSLETTER

ome reminders of the dates of upcoming MGA Register events for those who find websites challenging, a number of whom have been in touch. Sunday July 14 South West MGA Day, Saturday July 27 Scottish MGA Day, Sunday August 11 MGA

Day at the Shuttleworth Collection, Sunday August 18 Stockfest Car Show and September 27-30 “Castles and Gardens” Tour. Full details are available, as ever, at www.mgcc.co.uk/mga-register/ events-in-2019/

MGA SPRING TOUR NORTH WALES

Cars on the Green at Beaumaris

The afternoon of Friday May 17 and MGAs from north, south, east and west of the country started to roll into the Royal Victoria Hotel car park in Llanberis.

A beautiful spot overlooked by that spectacular mountain, S. A friendly welcome by both the hotel staff and Alan and Diane Sheridan who organised the weekend. They were on hand to

sign everyone in and hand out the route book which included a guide on Welsh pronunciations. This included the meaning of place names and road signs. All very educational, but I struggled to remember

Doug Wallis’s car in the Portmeirion village

The organisers Alan and Diana Sheridan

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even the basic ones other than ARAF meaning slow, which in fact was probably the most important!

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/06/2019 16:04

NEWSLETTER Day one was a tour of Anglesey, passing over the Telford suspension bridge and a stop on the green at Beaumaris for a photo opportunity of the 66 cars on the event.

There was also an option whilst on the island to visit the RSPB reserve on Holy Island where puffins and fulmars nest on the steep cliffs.

The day concluded with the traditional Gala Dinner, at which Peter Morgan was presented with the Ogborn Trophy – see later. Alan had also arranged entertainment for everyone after the meal with a splendid rendition of sixties hits by a solo guitarist.

Day two was a tour of the mountains with fantastic views along the Llanberis Pass and the pretty Welsh villages. There was also an organised tour of Portmeirion, built in the style of an Italian village and where the 1960s TV show ‘The Prisoner’ was filmed.

A stop at Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

A big thank you to Alan and Diane for organising a splendid weekend and the fantastic tours exploring Anglesey and Snowdonia. Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrnd robwllllantysiliogogogoch, or in simple words: The church of St Mary by the pool with the white hazel near the fierce whirlpool by St Tysilio’s church and the red cave.

PETER MORGAN AWARDED THE OGBORN TROPHY It was a fitting award when our new chairman, Ian Wilson, chose Peter Morgan to receive the Ogborn Trophy during the Spring Tour in Wales this year. The Ogborn Trophy is the chairman’s nomination for notable services to the MGA Register and in recognition of the first and founding Chairman, Dennis Ogborn. Peter has served for 15 years on the MGA Register Committee in several roles and the last five years as chairman. He now has the opportunity to relax and enjoy his MGA with no presidential pressures. We look forward to seeing Peter and Hilary at our Register events in the future.

Left to right: Ian Wilson, Peter Morgan, his wife Hillary and Graham Eke

GOLDEN MGA OWNERS! In response to my request in last month’s Safety Fast! I received the letter below (précis by your Scribe) from Dr John Warren illustrating 50 years of unbroken, same MGA ownership, which makes me wonder just how many Golden MGA Owners and their MGAs are out there and what stories they have to tell. Please let me know; we hope to include you all in the Anniversary book!

John bought the car when he was 23 and treated himself to the MGA, having got his BSc the previous year, on the basis that it would be more fun than the Morris Minor. He joined the MGCC in 1974, the year he married.

“I have owned my 1956 MGA 1500 since 1969, when I bought it from a lady in Wood Green, North London, for the sum of £165, after seeing it advertised in Exchange & Mart. The reaction then was “couldn’t you afford an MGB!” but anyway I preferred the shape of the A and the fact that it had a chassis

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_July2019 3-50.indd 43

and wooden floor boards. I was not too fussed about the lower amount of power and preferred drum brakes as being easier to work on. This was my second car and replaced my Morris Minor, so I was used to BMC mechanicals. Keeping the car on the road at a time when spares were getting scarce, meant using local BMC dealers, as well as emerging MG specialists such as Toulmin’s in Isleworth and University Motors who sold me a Gold Seal recon engine for £32/10/6d in 1972 – the Computer had told them to sell off old stock in excess of 10 years. I picked it up from Epsom and drove home to north London with a friend who sat astride the engine in the passenger compartment! MGAs were being broken up then and Richardson’s in Staines used to advertise in Exchange & Mart. Moto-Build came along later in the 70s and NTG at Ipswich. Peter Woods, the twin cam man at Steeple Claydon, near Buckingham, also supplied me with some second

JULY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 43

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NEWSLETTER hand stuff including front hubs and bearings. Electrics came from Lucas dealers and SU spares were available. Brake linings were available and could be riveted on. Recon Shock absorbers came from Young’s Motor Stores near Tooting tube station and cost about £3. I still have many original bills from the 70s.

“Waxoyl had not been invented but I mixed clean engine oil with boiled linseed oil and injected pints of it into the chassis members and Bondaprimer was the paint to use for rust protection of panels. I met Vic Ellis, of MGA racing fame, in 1971 at Brands Hatch, as my girlfriend (now wife) asked me to take her to see some Clubman racing. I parked on a grassed area and when we returned later, two MGAs were parked alongside me.

One was Vic Ellis who told me about the MGCC and how they had just set up the MGA Register against the aggro from Gordon Cobban – these T types don’t like modern stream lined MG’s!

“Vic Ellis was doing work on MGAs and the odd MGB and Midgets from under the railway arches at 234 Trussley Road, Hammersmith, and he won many races. He was involved with the MGCC and Register in West London. I think the Natter and Noggin was at the old Watney’s Brewery site at Mortlake. I have bills from Vic Ellis when he charged £4 an hour! He rebuilt my front suspension and got my radiator recored. Also, I had a valve guide come loose in the cylinder head whilst driving and I got two oversized valve guides made up from phosphor bronze with two different O.D.s. I took the Head and guides down to Vic by public transport, using the tube, and my wife helped me carry the Head in an old holdall bag. Vic knew what the resistance should be when pressing in a new valve guide and fitted the larger of the two. I put the head back on and never had any further trouble.

I re-ringed the engine in 1980, as it was beginning to burn oil at 40,000 miles, and replaced the big end bearings as well. The crankshaft showed no wear as I measured it with a micrometer.

The rings were Heppolite Apex as recommended by Vic and I got everything from Gosnay’s, near Romford – I think they still exist

The MGA in 2013

(They do! – Scribe). I did the job one weekend on car ramps outside my then house in Ilford, not far from Gordon Cobban’s building firm.

“The MGA Register produced an excellent regular journal called MG Activities written by, I think, Peter Slip. I subscribed to these and still have them. They were first class and contained much practical information about repair and rebuilding and quoted part numbers, etc. The front and rear brake wheel cylinders were the same as the Morris Minor and some engine parts were the same as the MGB. This was all useful info when seeking spare parts. LockHeed numbers were also given for hydraulics. The Register also produced technical manuals on rebuilding an MGA. This all helped practical owners like me to keep these ‘old bangers’ on the road long before they became collectable, with MGAs being reimported back from the USA and Moss being able to offer many parts on demand. I also attended a couple of the MGA Rebuild Seminars organised by the Register and Geoff Barron played a vital role.

“In 1982 my son was born and the MGA went off the road under my car port until I took early retirement in 1997, when I then started to get it going again and through to passing the MOT. In 2001 I enrolled on a Classic Car Restoration Course at the College of North West London, near Willesden. Eventually, I was allowed to work on the restoration of the MGA as long as I took it home at holiday periods and so I worked on a corner at a time and continued to get it MOT’d every year. Vic Ellis had given me this advice many years earlier: Don’t take it all apart at once as that’s how you end up with a Basket Case!

“My lecturer at College, Andy Kelly, asked me for some of the photos (I have many) I had taken of the

John and his son, 2008

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWSLETTER rebuild when I met him at Enfield Pageant of Motoring a few years ago and he put it all together to make a YouTube video showing the rebuild and the MGA before and after. This can be viewed: YouTube MGA Restoration at Willesden College of Technology https://youtu. be/4h3-d0QExBE

“I hope this helps and please email me if I can be of any use in any way in the contents of your planned 50th Anniversary book.

Kind Regards John Warren MG Car Club Member No.40303, 1956 MGA 1500, reg. WNK 865”

THE MGA’S BEST-KEPT SECRET A précised extract from an article by Nigel Squatt, CARmudgeon “What is the MGA’s best-kept secret?”

There is one item that separates it from all other MGs past and present. That one thing is the unique positioning of the chrome over-riders, applied to both front and back bumpers. Ever since MG began to wrap sheet-metal fully around the front fenders with the SA saloon, bumpers appeared as a means of providing something to contact or nudge that wasn’t sheet-metal. In the days before this, it was the front tyre that could be used to feel your way forward without risking much in the way of damage. Fully enclosed bodywork changed all that and the bumper was born for MG. With the start of the Y-series cars, bumper over-riders were also included at roughly quarter distances from the ends of the bumpers. Ostensibly intended to provide additional protection from impact above the bumper line, they added little other than weight, thanks to their inexpensive/flimsy stamped steel construction. Although the exact shape of the chrome over-rider changed somewhat from subsequent model to model, all were

MGMidget 1966

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_July2019 3-50.indd 45

generally narrower on one end and more bulbous on the other. From Y-type through the remainder of the T-series, these overriders were all installed with the narrow end up and the fatter, more rounded end downward. Austin-Healey and Triumph, the stalwart competitors of MG, followed suit with the same orientation of their bumper over-riders. For reasons we may guess at but probably never know, this practice was suddenly reversed for both the MGA roadsters and coupes throughout their production. Their over-riders were installed seemingly upside down. However, for all MGs subsequent to the MGA, the pattern was returned to prior practice. Why was this done solely to the MGA? Although Syd Enever, as the newly appointed chief designer for MG, did an outstanding job of transferring the lines of EX.175 into a production shape for the MGA, the bumper and its over-riders original to the experimental model never made it to the assembly line. The bumper and over-riders original to EX.175 were more robust than found on the production version. The over-rider of EX.175 was much more rectilinear and much wider than anything that preceded it on an MG. It certainly did a much better job protecting the svelte bodywork of EX.175 than did that which was fitted to the production MGA. A much thinner, lighter, and frankly less attractive bumper, with more plump over-riders than had been seen on the TD and TF cars, was attached to each MGA by the time it rolled off the end of the production line. What happened? Value engineering? The curse of the bean-counters?

Some sort of influence or a decision by someone within M.G. upper-management had to have led to the directive to install these plump over-riders on the MGA bumper with the fat end up and the narrow

MGA 1600 MkII

end down. Why else would this have been done consistently throughout the MGA’s entire 7-year production period? Did they look more aerodynamic and sensitive to the smooth body line of the MGA when placed in this position? Could this have been a “b****r off” to the bean-counters and to the top management at BMC who had critically denied the first proposal for the car that, in 1953, could have put MG back on top of the sports car world for design, handling and price?

Some say: “Yes, it’s the former.” Others say: “No, it’s the latter.” I say we may never know unless history comes forward to let its voice be heard. But, if I had my preference, I would vote for the latter. I like the idea that someone in MG management had the pluck and resolve to let history forever know, through this simple act of defiance, that the MGA could have been the car to turn the sports car world upside down had it been born into production for 1953. A bumper over-rider may be a simple thing, but sometimes it’s the simple thing that says a lot.

JULY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 45

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Safety Fast_July2019 3-50.indd 46

21/06/2019 16:05

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

NEWSLETTER

WELCOME TO THE

I

MAGNETTE NEWSLETTER

n this newsletter there’s a look at how Ken Belton put an early ZA back on the road, completing a restoration started

by Peter Martin nearly 20 years ago. Focusing more on mechanical matters is an article by Malcolm Bates, who might well be familiar if you’re a long-standing enthusiast – he’s been interested in Magnettes since the 1960s, served on the committee in the early years of the Register, and edited the first Magnette newsletter ‘36000’. But don’t mention brakes to Malcolm… his Varitone recently suffered a minor brake problem that resulted in a major engine rebuild, some flashbacks and

MAGNETTES AND STEAM Moving from a traditional Easter season-opener to the May Bank Holiday on May 6, our annual steam railway visit nevertheless attracted a good turnout of Magnettes at Norchard station on the Dean Forest Railway in Gloucestershire. Part of the former Severn and Wye Valley route, the line runs for about four miles from Lydney to Parkend through some beautiful forest scenery.

I made an early start from Surrey to reach the station about 10.30am, but a number of owners had arrived on the Sunday (enjoying an evening pub meal arranged by David and Sandra Griffiths) and were already assembled in the station yard. Along with our usual display around the Register gazebo, John and Cynthia’s granddaughter was proudly displaying her own battery-powered ride-on MG built by dad Ian. As usual, there was a good mix of Magnette ‘regulars’ and recent recruits, including John Gill and his wife making the short journey from Newport. It was also nice to see Ian Williams and his

Good turnout at the Dean Forest Railway www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_July2019 3-50.indd 47

some difficult decisions – a cautionary tale indeed. But as he explains, thanks to some professional support, it’s a story that has a happy ending.

Lastly, a reminder that the Register AGM will be held during our weekend at Pateley Bridge showground (August 3-4) courtesy of David Griffiths and the Harrogate MG Club. We expect to have the meeting about 5.30pm on Saturday, before the evening barbecue. As usual, anyone interested in joining the committee will be very welcome, and any matters for discussion should be submitted to secretary, Clive Webb, beforehand.

car, at only its second Register outing since he completed a painstaking restoration of his maroon Varitone over several years, all in a small garage at home. Most of us took a round trip on the train to Lyndey and Battery-powered MG on display Parkend, visited the museum and sampled the excellent cakes in the station cafe. The weather turned out better than forecast, being fairly cool but dry, and thanks to David and Sandra the whole day was a great success, as well as introducing us to yet another preserved railway which has much to recommend it.

Steam train at Norchard JULY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 47

21/06/2019 16:05

NEWSLETTER PUTTING MOY877 BACK TOGETHER

Janet with repainted shell

Peter and Ken with MOY877 in primer

Amongst a number of excellent Magnette restorations completed recently, I’ve been fortunate to see at several stages the progress of the ZA now owned by Ken Belton, who lives just down the road from me. MOY 877 had been rescued in fairly poor condition by Register historian and Magnette spares supplier, Peter Martin, in 2000, as he realised it was an interesting and original early ZA (chassis no. 1058) that needed to be preserved. Peter had the engine rebuilt and did most of the required body repairs himself to the same high standard as other Magnettes he’s restored. But since he already had a running Magnette (and has since acquired another) and plenty to keep him busy, the car then stayed in the garage in a partly finished state.

Spraying in progress 48 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2019

Safety Fast_July2019 3-50.indd 48

As Ken relates, when he bought the car from Peter in September 2017 as a project, the job was ‘bodyshop and refit’, to paint it and put everything back together. Having found that to have this done professionally the cost would be astronomical, he decided to do all the bodywork tidying, painting, reassembly and trimming himself – he already owns an MGB and had some experience with this type of work but nothing like on this scale so it was a bit of a gamble. However, as he says rather modestly, “it turned out ok for my liking.”

Remarkably, Ken took less than a year to complete his part of the restoration, from a sound rolling shell to a complete running car, but he emphasises that he had considerable help and advice along the way from Peter himself, and probably a great deal of patience from his wife Janet !

On a point of interest, Ken’s choice of primer was Rustbusters ‘Custom Epoxy 421’ of which one coat was applied to all panels soon after starting on the car,

BRG matches green interior

as it doesn’t absorb moisture and can be left without applying the top coat straight away. A second coat was then applied to the whole car around March 2018 before the seven coats of cellulose BRG (code GN29). When he embarked on the work Ken had to decide whether to keep the original dark green metallic paint, which was unique to the earliest cars and never offered on later production. Having seen the results I think he was right to choose Racing Green instead, which still combines perfectly with the upholstery. I’ve had a ride with Ken and can confirm that the car drives as well as it looks, with Peter’s engine rebuild notably smooth and responsive.

Back on the road at last

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/06/2019 16:05

NEWSLETTER

‘NO MORE FLASHBACKS’ – MAGNETTE MUSINGS Engine and car at C&F Motors

In a way, this story starts back in the late Sixties during a particularly boring Maths lesson. I’d already decided that a career in car design, or architecture was more up my street than anything involving squaring things with Pythagoras. So my most complex task during that lesson was to decide which car I would buy, when I was finally old enough to drive.

An Aston Martin DB MkIII was ruled out on cost grounds – £850 was way over my budget. But so was an MG TC because my Dad insisted that the £200 I was hoping to save up would only buy one that would involve him having to fix it on a regular basis. By the time the endof-lesson bell rang, I’d narrowed it down to a Riley 1.5, a Sunbeam Rapier, or an MG Magnette ZB, all of which could be purchased for under £200. With copies of The Motor and the Autocar Road Tests safely folded into my school bag, it was time for ‘Double Art’, where I could examine the performance figures in more detail...

They say you get flashbacks in moments of crisis, don’t they? If that’s the case, I should be able to recall the process by which I arrived at my decision all those years ago, any minute now. Because

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Safety Fast_July2019 3-50.indd 49

this is increasingly looking like a crisis. I was on my way back from one of those wonderful midweek Classic Car events at Harpenden Common. Or was it Croxley Green? Anyway, I’d decided to take the Magnette, as it wasn’t getting enough use.

It ran perfectly on the way there.

And was much admired. On the way back? I’d checked the vital fluids. Coolant temperature? Check. Fuel level? Check.

Brake fluid level? Check. It was running well, but were the brakes binding a bit? Heading out onto the A1M things seemed to be getting worse rather than better, as might have been expected.

Perhaps a short, sharp, jab on the pedal would free things off? If you were just thinking “yeah, that usually works,” then I have to tell you that there are times when it doesn’t. And as I entered the Hatfield Tunnel slip road, this was looking like one of those times. To cut a long and agonising story short, to overcome the binding brakes, I tried changing down a gear. But by the end of the Tunnel I was down to second, before finally grinding to a halt, with the stink of smouldering brake linings and a very hot engine confirming that I was in serious trouble.

Time for a flashback?

Yeah, I remember now. I’d decided on the ZB Magnette because while the Riley was faster through the gears and the Sunbeam Rapier had that wonderful thing called an overdrive, the Magnette looked sleeker on the outside and was much more classy on the inside. Crisis flashback over, reality kicked in as a truck passed by within inches. Clearly, the fact that I’m still here confirms that I did manage to get the car out of Hatfield Tunnel with both of us in one piece. But at a cost.

Driving with binding brakes did for the big ends. But after the stop-gap measure of popping in a new set of shells stopped the rattle for a few hundred miles, it was clear that a full rebuild was required.

This was doubly frustrating because (a) I’m only the third owner of ‘WNG 404’ and it was still what those pretentious Auction Houses call... “A Matching Numbers Car”.

Or at least they would call it that if it was an Aston Martin. And (b)? On stripping down the brakes, we discovered that the trouble was caused by an inch-long U-shaped bracket on one of the rear brakes that had broken in two, jamming the brake shoes onto the drum. A new one only cost a couple of quid, but nobody had ever heard of one failing before.

JULY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 49

21/06/2019 16:05

NEWSLETTER

Regency Autos tuning

The big question was, what to do next?

Now at 129,000, the original engine had been treated to a rebore and reground crank once before, at 97,000. This time? Well, I wanted to save the original engine at all costs, but in the meantime, it seemed like a good idea to find a suitable 1622cc B-Series engine and rebuild it to MGA specification to provide a bit more power. I found one in Classic Car Weekly Classifieds and it and the new parts were assembled and shippedoff to my local Motor Trade engine rebuild specialists, C&F Engineering of Letchworth, Herts. (www.candfeng.co.uk). Alas, that would then lead to the more complex – and expensive – follow-on ‘ethical question’.

Should I also undertake a five-speed gearbox conversion, or as some have suggested, an MGA differential? Or both?

While I did the research for that – and pondered why a simple gearbox swap of a Ford or Mazda unit and a box of bits cost

more than C&F’s quote for a full engine rebuild – I could at least still enjoy driving the car. The plan was to run-in the 1622cc unit before getting it set up on the rolling road by ace Mini racer Peter Baldwin at Regency Autos in Cambridge.

In the meantime, with ‘WNG’ back on the road, C&F Engineering would rebuild the original 1489cc engine. This would then be mated back-up to the original gearbox, when the five-speed decision had been made, and kept in storage, so the next ‘guardian’ of the car will have the option of putting it back to ‘factory spec’ to preserve its originality.

That’s the story so far, then. With an MGA cam and high compression pistons sourced, C&F Engineering has done a cracking job on the 1622cc engine and while it’s still being run in, I’m looking forward to Peter Baldwin working his magic on the power output front. True,

Final adjustments by Peter Baldwin

there were problems with the oil pump pick-up and welding-up a special sump – you need a 1622cc top flange mated to 1489cc pressing as the ‘bump’ is at the back on a 1622 unit. The ZB air cleaner is a tight fit under the bonnet as the 1622cc block is taller. It also made sense to have the radiator reconditioned by Motor Trade supplier Kempston Radiators of Bedford, to help keep things cool when running on nasty modern petrol.

Was it worth the cost? Well, put it this way: by using Motor Trade reconditioning specialists like C&F Engineering, a full B-Series engine rebuild cost significantly less than £2,000 – even with the modifications. That left some funds to spend on a proper Rolling Road session.

How much does that cost? As an example, Peter Baldwin recently set up a newly rebuilt 1275cc A-Series engine for me. It cost £300, but as Peter and his assistant worked for three hours on that and got the power up to a healthy 81bhp at the wheels (in contrast, BMC quoted 76bhp at the flywheel in 1966) I’d say it was money well spent. So I’m really looking forward to seeing what he can get out of the 1622cc unit in the Magnette. In fact, I must go now – I’ve still got to put another 500 miles on the clock before I book it in for the next session. * Note that although they are Motor Trade specialists, C&F Engineering Limited, Kempston Radiators and Regency Autos will all undertake work on behalf of private individual owners.

Malcolm Bates

On the rolling road 50 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2019

Safety Fast_July2019 3-50.indd 50

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

QTY REQ. QTY REQ. QTY REQ. No.

DESCRIPTION

PART No.

No.

DESCRIPTION

PART No.

No.

& GAUGES

& Clock

Engine 4 Cylinder

20 26

Engine V8

15

Oil Cooler

19 16

Oil Pressure Pipes

Engine V8

INSTRUMENTS

PART No.

DESCRIPTION

s & Gauges

New Instrument

most applications available again for and gauges are now units.

Brand new instruments less than the cost of reconditioned . often at modern technologies original units using to match exactly the Sympathetically re-tooled

Engine 4 Cylinder

Clutch

1

ES

204 PAG Engine & Gearbox Mountings

& Hoses

4 CYLINDER MODELS

Cooling

AHH6554

Gauges Auxiliary new, outright:

DUAL GAUGES

19 DUAL GAUGE, models Clutch Jaeger, 3 synchro (externally lit gauge).

OUT NOW!

PART No.

QTY REQ.

1 14 NO. DESCRIPTION PART No. gauge QTY REQ. 32 HOSE, oil pressure 11G15 oil pressure gauge Heater & NO. DESCRIPTION 1 33 ADAPTOR, engine PART No. 12 QTY REQ. 6K638 Engine Controls hose to 1 22 adaptor 4 Cylinder NO. DESCRIPTION PART No. 34 WASHER, sealingpressure gauge QTY REQ. 17H298 18G/GA engines oil 1 AAA628 for further details.

4 BARREL CARB 1 35 CONNECTOR, See panel opposite Fuel No. DESCRIPTION 17H298 °F CONVERSION KIT PART No. hose to pipe RA1337 Engine V8 Engine & 5 QTY REQ. System 1 17 21 EDELBROCK PERFORMER Smiths no. GD1501/01. securing: 1 BHA4296 GHF101 1 Gearbox 36 SCREW, connector DUAL PLANE No. DESCRIPTION performance. °C PART No. RB7314 GHF117 STRIKER PLATE,High profile, maximum 1 QTY REQ. up to Sept. 1976 Mountings & GHD4/5, 1 Smiths no. GD1501/04.

DUAL PLANE 'B' POST, RH MODELS GHN4/5 Exhaust Oil Cooler models GHF331 24 OFFENHAUSER 360 from Sept. 1976 on No. DESCRIPTION 1 CZA3310 Smiths, 3 synchro ROADSTER & GT lit gauge).

RB7314B Medium profile.

1 AHH6247 18GB engines (externally 1 BHA4586 heads 1 37 WASHER, spring DOOR HANDLE ALL V8 MODELS Cooling manifold to headed bolts & washers.

ON, PUSH BUTTON 18 BOLT KIT, inlet °F 8 12 point or GD1501/14A. 38 SPACER, connector 4 SYNCHRO, 1968 interior: Gearbox Clutch ARP stainless, flanged, Smiths no. GD1501/14 alloy 1 BHA4587 Up to Sept. 1976.

CZK3792 pipe: 1 RB7322A 44 DOOR HANDLE, 1 25 THERMOSTAT HOUSING, oil pressure gauge °C CZK3793 or GD1501/15A. RH 39 GROMMET, 1 9 Heater & drive (inc. by-pass outlet) GTG116 models 2-wheel 1 Smiths no. GD1501/15 AAA643 & BHH901 GHN3/4, GHD3/4 housing Propshaft 10 Controls LH 140 1 Engine 2 BHA4586 models 603440 Engine 1 GASKET, thermostat hose up to GHN4/GHD4-152 TO GHN3-57985 Smiths, 4 synchro 83 (internally lit gauge). door handle Gearbox 141 on, PMZ308 4 Cylinder BHA4296 6 45 DUST SEAL, GHN4/GHD4-152 DOOR HANDLE. ROADSTER MODELS Up to GHN4/GHD4-1560 SHIM, 23 1 BHA4737 CONNECTOR, heater 14A7033 handle, machine thread 6 WL105001 13 GHN4/GHD4 from Sept. ‘76 1 1964, PULL TYPE 1 ERR4935P Mountings Rear of manifold.

STRIKER PLATE 46 SCREW, door Fuel °F 3 SYNCHRO, UP TO exterior: Rear Axle connector or GD1301/04.

AHH6678 GHN5/GHD5 up to WP5 hose spring 1 GD1301/19 heater BHH341 no.

6 AHH6661 WASHER, Smiths GASKET, 1 47 System 1 BHA4764 gauge Engine V8 1 DOOR HANDLE, all engines: 7 YM506 ERC3990 Cooling 40 PIPE, oil pressure 2 1 AHH6662 °C GASKET, inlet manifold, 48 WASHER, plain 1 or GD1301/00.

54902 RH handle, self tapping 1 6 1 LKJ500020 Smiths no. GD1301/20 2 WF702101 KX4505 41 WASHER, sealing, tin Front gauge LH 49 SCREW, door 2 gasket was first pipe to oil pressure shakeproof CZA2259 Exhaust handle as composite composite inlet manifold but Suspension BHA4900 Oil Cooler PCR307 4 AAA835 door used pipe WASHER, Smiths, C-N-H, 1 often 50 is gauge 2 SCREW, 2 models pressure onwards, handle 1 27 37H3539 Note: The improved the tin item. Heater & 42 'P' CLIP, oil from 1992 approx.

2 4 synchro 4 cylinder 4 through GHN5/GHD5 ADA1764 51 BEZEL, door handle to link rod 2 originally fitted with with 3 WASHER, cup door handle PMZ308 introduced on engines to bulkhead 1 on earlier enginesERR7283 may in fact be used they Controls From GHN4/GHD4-15608 2 AHH6673 42 case Smiths no. GD 1301/21 52 CONNECTOR, operating a sensible upgrade clip to bulkhead 4 BUFFER, exterior Gearbox gasket type end seals up to Sept. 1976.

WL105001 but whichever the Rear BHA4737 1 Clutch AHH8818 43 SCREW, pipe lock The compositecomposite 1 manifold gasket, clamps (the different types AHH6674 GLZ118 53 LINK ROD, latch 2 2 a tin or 5 BARREL, door spring ERR7282 Suspension BHA4587 either Smiths, C-N-H, 60PSI, 1 BHA5227 matching WASHER, matched).

AHH8819 their and 44 RH 1 ASSEMBLY AHH6672 Fuel 2 must be used withclamps should not be mixed 6 SPRING, centreing 84 DOOR PULLmodels (3 synchro, up to 1967).

V8 models up to GD2D1-1824 for further details.

LH of end seals and CZA2364 Engine & 7 HOUSING, door lock RB7254 2 See panel opposite GHN3/GHD3 Propshaft gasket: 1 Smiths no. GD1301/45.

AJM645 System operating: 2 00 (1968-71).

AHH8816 END SEAL, manifold pair, incl. barrels, 1GearboxBHH1281 ONLY, 390cfm 1 V8 MODELS Road Wheels 1 AHH6672CPR 54 LINK ROD, lock 85 DOOR PULL CARBURETTOR gauge to hose cleaner (K&N at extra ERR7283 NI LOCK ASS'YS., Smiths, C-N-H, 80PSI, models up to GHN5/GHD5-2580 see above.

2 CHA600 on 1 BHA5331 for tin gasket Vacuum secondary.

14" chromed air AHH8817 5° carb & housings PIPE, oil pressure pipe to pipe Mountings 1 AHH6249 choke. and RH 1 GHN4/5 & GHD4/5by 3 synchro type door pull GLZ118, 45 manifold, GD2D1-1825 kits, springs 2 Manual inlet from cable gasket oil 3.5 litre.

V8 models above.

CZA2365 Kits include; carb,housing, accelerator and choke for composite Exhaust 2 May be replaced AHH8834 door Rear Axle Supplied jetted for seals and clamps LH 2 53.

46 HOSE, connecting 4x4 applications.

2 AHH6675P rod Smiths no. GD1301/53.

See note on end 8 CLIP, lock to cost), thermostat 00 (1968-71).

88G308 cable adaptor for filters to allow clearance for pull, RH type Brakes Primary jet 51, secondary 3" length required. lock operating link 2 GHF1180 2" 86 END, door AHH6676 4 be 602076A RFR503 models up to GHN5/GHD5-2580 see above. levelling plate/accelerator 2 55 RETAINER, supplied as a pair: 2 9 LINK, lock, replacement 1 CLAMP, end seal:end seal is included with the Cooling14A7033 pump which may GHN4/5 & GHD4/5by 3 synchro type door pull GLZ118, 20 GROMMET, gauge capillary to lock engines.

JETS, replacement, barrel 47 CLIP, hose Note: a 1/2" spacer ‘Optional Parts’ such as fuel pipe 1 ERR7282 Gearbox 2 capacity/modified CZA2366 56 CLIP, link rod for tin gasket temperature up to Sept. 1976, all V8 models.

Front 2 10 CLIP, link to May be replaced oil pressure gauge kit.

For tuning larger end seal 29 linkages. See also to 1 RB7254JET48 914696 1G9529 48 GROMMET, 00 (1968-71).

1 AHH6668 4 cylinder models pull, RH above. for composite gasket 1 57 LOCK MECHANISM: 1/2 Brake & the conversion BHA4900 Suspension 3 11 LOCK MECHANISM: hose required in addition 87 END, door seals and clamps 48 jets (qty. 2). gauge capillary models up to GHN5/GHD5-2580 see above.

1Heater &BHH1285 602236 914695 1 RB7254JET51 RH See note on end 2 49 PIPE, connecting 1 AHH6669 (qty. 1), all V8 models Clutch housing RH GHN4/5 & GHD4/5by 3 synchro type door pull GLZ118, 1 BHA4764 28 21 CLIP, temperature MGB GT: up to Sept. 1976 clamp to remote oil filter MGB &Hydraulics 51 jets BHA4081K 1 RB7254JET53 May be replaced 4 cylinder models Propshaft LH 6 SF604081 Controls 1/2 plane inlet manifold SCREW, end seal LH 2 AHH6669K 36 clip 2WD (qty. 2).

Up to GD2D1-1148. pull to door: RB7722 with Edelbrock dual mechanism to door RMP308 53 jets Rear 22 RETAINER KIT, capillary (qty. 1), all V8 models 4 Engine W 1 RB7254JET55 KIT, lock mechanism 11 hose 88 SCREW, door BHH1345 58 SCREW, lock up to Sept. 1976 NI REPAIRone 1 'B' post: including 3" air cleaner 50 PIPE, connecting hose mechanism.

4 cylinder models RB77222WDLO CZA3310 55 jets Suspension chrome 4 Cylinder Repairs 1 4 RMP308SS 1 RB7254JET56 59 STRIKER PLATE, PART No. to connecting on.

Fuel Axle REQ. Steering2" air cleaner plane inlet manifold QTYMECHANISM: including AHH6666 37 CZA3311 23 'P' CLIP:models up to Sept. 1976, all V8 models.

1 RH 56 jets stainless steel 1 RB7259 Rear From GD2D1-1149 12 REMOTE CONTROL 1 48360 dual DESCRIPTION 4 cylinder Offenhauser KIT, PUMP KIT4 barrel No. System RB72622WD AHH6667 35 1 QJ12990S ACA5420 RH gauge carb to oil pump 40 01 LH 1 TOP’ FUEL suitable PART No. pipeREQ. 1 52 with ADAPTOR PLATE for PCR311 89 DOOR PULL: FACET ‘REDelectric 51 HOSE,QTY Engine V8W 3" to 'B' post, Road Wheels 1 pump capillary to oil pressure models from GHN5/GHD5-2580 plate 39 in engine bay.

46 air cleaner including (1971-72). secondary jetsecondary jet mounting plate. 53 jet.

GHN5/GHD541 RB72622WDLO LH 2 SF604121 base union pipe on.

High capacity 51 Electrical 60 SCREW, striker unions. Mount remotely & GHD5-296000 PCR307 pipe connector No. DESCRIPTION RB7259B Front 1 2 BFP1469PA PMZ306 to GHN5-294250 30 1 mechanism to remote 4 Replaces existing on the Holley 390 has a single conversions. Includes including 2" air cleaner From GD2D1-1149 PART No. 40 long 2Exhaust 88G308 Suspension 13 SCREW, lock QTY REQ. FUEL PUMP ONLY 1 45 2 PMZ308 capillary to bulkhead The standard plate fitting of a pair of jets to increase RB7259A 1 Black plate to 'B' post, FACET ‘RED TOP’ control mechanism 4 WF702101 39 2 RGK6476 Brakes BHA5331 4 SF604061 ONLY Oil Cooler 52 CLIP, hose to bulkhead No. DESCRIPTION 1 61 SCREW, striker This kit allows the sold separately. on.

Leaf WL105001 AHA6392 RGN6476 ‘RED TOP’ UNIONS shakeproof 1 PMZ308 Autumn Jets From GD2D1-1149 2 24 SCREW, capillary 1 FACET BHA5227 Bodyshell RB7254H 14 WASHER, short performance.

1 14 door 45 to 44 Pair. oil pump base union RGT6476 Gearbox lock & remote control plate: GROMMET, Rear Navy 2 25 WASHER, spring 619076 & Panels 14 WL105001 53 A/R Synchro on.

15 OVERHAUL KIT 38 WP5 - SCREW, 62 SHIM, striker - 4PIPE, PCR307 From GD2D1-1149 Brake & 26 FUEL GAUGE: MOUNTING KIT: BHA4214R Suspension 4/5GEAR LEVER Clutch 1 Ochre BHH341 2 RGX6476 14 RB7254S 0.032 A/R 16 WASHER, spring 43 1 BHH2049 STUD, NUT & WASHERcarb kit pressure gauge149pipe 50 Clutch 'strap-on' fuel tank. on.

Jaeger, recon., exchange plain PMZ308 41 54 'P' CLIP, oil from GD2D1-1 32 Beige 47 4 2 JPC8387PA models with early 0.064 RB7181 4 Synchro supplied with 2WD 22H1055 1 Body Propshaft 17 WASHER, FRONT COVER, gearbox Qty. increases door Hydraulics 1 3 synchro roadster to interior 6 pull 01 31 90 SCREW, door manifold FUEL 18 DOOR HANDLE, to remote 48 Engineat&extra Road Wheels PMZ308 Fittings Smiths no. FG 2530/63.Engine from GHN5/GHD5-2580 GASKET, carb to 4 cylinder models 55 SCREW, 1pipe clip: 22B684 2 QJ130465 4 54K205 (K&N non-overdrive, recond: (1971-72).

GHN5/GHD5 models 2 & GHD5-296000 chromed air cleanerGearbox 19 SCREW, handle GEARBOX ASS’Y, PX506 GHF201 Smiths, recon., exchange 37 4 Cylinder to bulkhead V8 models GAUGE SECONDARY DIAPHRAGM 1 QJ123140 to GHN5-294250 1 8 inlet manifold, 14" accelerator and choke 42 WL105001 models1with early control mechanism Steering KIT: Rear Axle 47 Kits include; carb,housing, fuel feed banjo and bolt, cable adaptor cleaner, complete 712837 for 4x4 Mountings 22H1053R BHA4381R 520999A2 3 synchro roadstertank 2 1 1 4 cylinder AIR CLEANER to inner ‘pancake’ type air NUT, front cover Trim CARB FLOAT DOOR PULL: 1 QJ123050 spring 1 8 wing GHF332 models carbs.

AHH6547 thermostat 7 chromed 91 GHN5-294251 on.

Interior cost), plate/accelerator 1 Brakes from exterior WASHER, bumper KIT Edelbrock diameter & levelling 20 14" 'strap-on' fuel2530/70. models chrome REPAIR overdrive WL105001 BHM5020R for Holley From GD2D1-1149 5° carb GHN5/GHD5 1 All V8 models.

49 63 DOOR HANDLE, GHN3/GHD3 462/3SWITCH, cable kits, and door lock knob cut-out WASHER, spring 1 GUG705707GM FLOAT ADJUSTER AHH6513 43 1 QJ130610 overdrive models. on (1973 on). 38 with element, suitable 8 BHA4736 clearance for & Fittings Smiths no. FG Engine V8 roadster withrubber early bumper models FINISHER, 1976 assys.

21 on, 520999AS1 spring 88G545 Roadster & GT modelspush button door handle).

2 X2A1500 & GHD5-296001 RB7438 2" filters to allowwhich may be 46 September cover 2 5 cams) applications.

1 See also K&N filter except Front AHC735 switch lock, interior recond: Electrical is included with the GD2D1-1 149 on.

RMP212 1 pump Cooling 2 712837FK CAM KIT (includes 36 9 GASKET, front cover56 WASHER, (3 synchro, 1965-67, A/R QJ140865 KNOB, door 3 synchro models, BHA4470R 1537261 22 overdrive Black ASS’Y, overdrive, Note: a 1/2" spacer ‘Optional Parts’ such as fuel Qty. increases from 22B309 2 X2K1500 1 SCREW ONLY, RB7439 Brake & FITTING KIT standard (3" deep) 1 NISuspension tank 2 1 GEARBOX 33 also knob to lock1 mechanism AFH1684 1 clip overdrive unit.

10 OIL SEAL, front SCREW - BUTTERFLY 2 linkages. SeeHood 1 QJ130880S 'strap-on' fuel2300/02.

SCREW,switch NI DOOR HANDLE deep) GHN3/GHD3 &to37 23 overdrive Autumn Leaf the conversion kit.

Does not include post 2 X2N1500 Clutch gearbox57 SPACER, low-profile (2"clearance.

47 LINK WIRES, on.22B319 Roadster & GT models overdrive models. button door handle). door latching, 'B' required in addition 5 4 AHH8885 Smiths no. BFOil Cooler RB7184 1 1976 11 SIDE COVER, A/R 14A4673 From GD2D1-1149 STRIKER, ELECTRIC CHOKE 1 SeptemberHN2005 1 GHF431 22H1052R 42(3 synchro, 1965-67, push 24 on, For extra bonnet Hardtops 4 cylinder Navy35 Hydraulics 2 4 1 Bodyshell Heater & wing cover air cleaner: to 'B' post 3 HU857 CONVERSION 44 1976, bumper models exterior & GHD4/5 pipe 10clip to inner MGB & MGB GT: 360 dual plane inlet manifold Smiths, new, outright models up to Sept.chrome 12 GASKET, side Rear 25 SPACER, striker 1 post34AAU8099A4 SF604061 door pull to door MANUAL CHOKE BHM5019R Controls REPLACEMENT ELEMENT, & Panels 48 CAP: 24 on.GHF332 1 64 DOOR HANDLE, GHN4/5 cover NI NUT, 92 SCREW,34 to 'B' from GHN5-294251 knob strikermodels.

AHH6273 From GD2D1-1149 handle), all V8 models.

RA13232WD Excludes cable. with Offenhauser BHA4736 4 synchro 4 cylinder 10 bumper modelsCLOCK 4 1 RB7438EL 13 SCREW, side 38 Roadster & GT models V8 models.

Clutch standard element switch &26gearSCREW, Suspension GHN5/GHD5 models 1 48G780R rubber KIT: on, push button door 1 HN2005 on (1973 on). All Chassis 1976 on, overdrive to 'B' post 2" air cleaner 4 13H2494 RB7278 (4 synchro, 1968 BHH19004 GD910161 all V8 models2226/00.

1 RB7439EL Steering September & GHD5-296001 manifold 3" deep including ACCELERATOR CABLE4 barrel carb 1 1 254 14 WASHER, spring 27 27 BUFFER, door securing & V8 models 15 to door handles.

JWR dual port inlet Fuel Plates gearbox W Body Smiths no. BF buffer models.

RB7278B 2" deep Offenhauser 36 65 NUT, handle gear knob 1159609SMITHS button' exterior door Holley & Edelbrock, withDecals 1 to engine: SCREW, 56 93 NUT, plasticmodels from GHN5-294251 RA13232WDLO 15 MAIN CASE, 281976 55 50 4 WL105001 - on, non-overdrive 1 All models with 'push Wheels Engine & 3 BOLT, gearbox Fittings 34including BHH2049 System V8 models. 57 GAUGE September GHN5/GHD5 1 RB7438ELKN 2" air cleaner 22H1054HOSE, Road K&N element (re-useable) RB7278A 4 cylinder models 1 Universal, Holley OIL PRESSURE on (1973 27 CLOCK 4 cylinder models from Sept. 1976 on.4 cylinder models 1 23 on). All 7 66 WASHER, spring button' exterior door handles.

BH605221 159609SMITHS & GHD5-296001 gear lever AAU3030 ADAPTOR 4 Gearbox 1 RB7439ELKN Electrical 3" deep 4 synchro 1 chrome bumperhole and oval clutch release with 'push 49 GROMMET, AHH6554 8 All models 49 WP5 4 ACCELERATORto CABLE 56 32 BH605261 6 RB7654 pedal.

MountingsSept. 1976 on. 2 3/4� long 21/4" deep 2 gear lever: Features dipstick 1 TEMPERATURE GAUGE 01 (Oct 1971) onwards, Paints plain 9 Adapts ball end 1 RTC117HOLLEY 50 GAITER, Brakes Exhaust GHN5/GHD5-2580 exterior door handles.

Interior Trim 28 4 synchro 4 cylinder models from 67 WASHER, 3 1/4� long 22H1463 K&N RECESSED arm gaiter hole.

BH605241 breather pipe trap/breather.

25 - Holley 390 1 16 1 4 cylinder models 617402 10 with 'push button' ADAPTOR, 2 TYPE All models base to engine flame KICKDOWN KITauto.

Bodyshell & Fittings clutch Smiths no. BT 2231/01. all V8 models.

Connects air cleaner 3� long rubber bumper models. handle, small 54 RB7290 gauge: hole and rectangular SD1 Borg Warner 1 AIR CLEANER exterior door handles.

Cooling fitted to all 4 synchro 33 21 & Panels 68 GASKET, door Can be & 1976 on. V8 models Features filler plug hole.

EXTERIOR 617403 with 'push button' KIT AIR CLEANER SPACER: 29 SENDER,4 temperature BH506181 when using 2" filter. BY9340 RA1397 HANDLE, Accessories models 2 models from Sept.

All KIT CABLE 30 gaiter VA 4 DOOR linkages Brake K arm cylinder Gearbox over 52 CHOKE 31 22B682 release AHH8885 1 4 synchro vinyl 1YCB000101E 1 handle, large Allows clearance handles.

1 BHH2072BLAC INTERIOR - E 2 1/4� long Hood & BH506241 Clutch AP 4 BY9341 28 57 69 GASKET, door button' exterior door DOOR HANDLE, 1 OEM 1/2" spacer Black V8 models plug hole and round clutch release 1YCB000101EV 20 18 22 JPC8387PA BHH2072BEIG All models with 'push 1 Hardtops long Body 3�

Hydraulics Heater & Features filler 26 pair, AAU3032 1" spacer 60 aftermarket Beige 2 14G2792S 51 Index BHH2072NAVY Fittings Propshaft spring: 1 22B549 70 GASKET SET, Controls 4 1 WASHER, GHF333 arm gaiter hole.

1 29 handle new, outright 7 door on. door handles. one 1976 GAUGE, for exterior Navy Sept.

FUEL BHH2072RED from button' 30 models 1 GHF333 4 cylinder models All models with 'push Chassis 8 16 DIPSTICKmodels, chrome bumper. handles 4 synchro 4 cylinder EAF Steering Red 53 GHN3/GHD3 BHH2072AUTL car set, for two door 4 cylinder AAU3033 54 GHF201 1 14G2791K 63 Smiths no. BF 2239/00.

Plates & & GT1 MODELS 112 Interior Trim 7 Fuel outright 1V8 models Leaf HANDLE NI GASKET SET, new, Rear Axle & filler Autumn ROADSTER handle engine on. door handles. for further details.

Decals 31 OIL PRESSURE GAUGE, 55 PUSH BUTTON DOOR & boot lid with 17 PLUG, drain for 4 cylinder rubber bumper models, System from Sept.51976NUT, gearbox to & Fittings 'push button' exterior RA1335 models KL See panel opposite mmerbros.com AHH7450 1 Qty. increases leather 3 SYNCHRO, 1965-67, All models 1 4 synchro 4 cylinder MECHANISM: 1 BHH2072BLAC 4 cylinder models.

Electrical ONLY, 500cfm3.5/3.9 litre.

2K5830 AHH7484 / E-MAIL: sales@ri L1 plus all V8 models.

1/2 PMZ308 Smiths no. PL 2324/00.

CARBURETTOR gearbox to engine: 1 Black29 REMOTE CONTROL 4 RP1651 14 LATCH, boot lid/tailgatelid/tailgate jetted for Front 1 BHH2072NAVY 1 merbros.com NI FITTING KIT, AHH748513 71 RH to boot standard Manual choke. Supplied Paints 62 1/2 2K5830M 65 Hood & Navy 4 WL105001 53 secondary 0.095, Exhaust BHH2072REDL Suspension 72 SCREW, latch/ ON LINE: www.rim 4 cylinder models 1 Primary jet 0.086, x 0.052 jet.

PMZ308 GHF201 4, 5.

LH WP5 Magnetic 6 3 Hardtops RP1652 LOCK SET, 3 PIECE Bodyshell 4 0152273 568000 Red Contains items 3, SENDER, WASHER, spring RA1335C to door EAFL 1 metering rods 0.065 1 control PHONE: BHH2072AUTL main case 64 carbs: 1 to GAUGE BY remote barrel case WL105001 4 KIT rear BH505101 AHH6179S 6 plain SCREW, TEMPERATURE 5 AHH7596 30 Leaf & Panels 18 NUT, 1 17 Autumn V8 models 3, 4. rods Holley & Edelbrock 74 WASHER, on to carb.

TUNING/CALIBRATION 20 WP5 to main case Accessories K&N FILTER,filter YCB000101EVA jets and 5 metering GHF332 (GT models) Gearbox PJZ602 WASHER, spring assembly, bolts directly TYPE Contains items 19 8 lever: top (lid).

19 BOLT, rear case engines.

AHC1876 s.com K&N FLATRear gear31 Includes 4 assorted 61 75 COVER, latch to tailgate (GT models) 1 Pancake (14") 51 RING, capacity/modified KIT with ‘X-stream’ filter plain 1 mmerbro RA1397 Chassis& Suspension 22B522 RA1335B 12 1 2 JPC8387PA ZKC6132 AIR CLEANER for tuning larger 1 1 May also be fitted sales@ri 59 1 SCREW, cover 20 WASHER, spring /control Plates chrome32 WASHER, Body 67 76 1976.HANDLE, interior com type (assembly) RA1398 remote E-MAIL: 22B372 boot lid/tailgate latch GHF117 FEED BANJO & BOLT DOOR RA1335D recessed extra bonnet clearance.

BHH1986 33 1 FUEL for HOUSING, Index 1 Up to September 2 Decals merbros.

STRIKER, carb 21 1 on 77 Fittings 11 low 54K205 68 Propshaft www.rim 22 GASKET, remote control 58 handle to remote 3" deep. Sits 2 to body GHF331 GHF163 manual choke only.

RA1398 2 4 black 34 SCREW, GASKET KIT 71 78 SCREW, striker Road Wheels 66 N.B. for use with 1 568000 / ON LINE: mechanism on.

MOUNTING KIT: 2 WL105001 housing to rear case 2 BH505181 GHF300 September 1976 control choke.

RB7254S 2 type (assembly) 1

BY PHONE: 01522 STUD, NUT & WASHERcarb kit flat 79 WASHER, spring 23 SCREW, short, manual or automatic Paints 70 Trim ring: 111 housing to rear case 35 WASHER, spring AHH6179 21/4" deep, fits either GHF332 Interior SCREW, RB7181 1 Rear Axle supplied with 2WD 52 6 1 80 WASHER, plainlid/tailgate only) console 24 BOLT, long, (lid centre AHH7451 flow MECHANISM; air pancake 1 without LOCK & Fittings AHH6180 SG604053 Brakes ‘X-stream’ air flow. Replaces standard models 36 22B295 carb to manifold 69 81 HANDLE, boot 1 RB7278 1 1 GASKET, 1 25 WASHER, spring AHH7452 For maximum PART No. lid/tailgate handle KIT selector lever in black, red or polished. short (front) RH SG6040831 QTY REQ. 21H6060 3 or flat type) must 1 RB7278A Accessories 82 GASKET, boot 72 K&N lid. Available 26 BUSH, remote ACCELERATOR CABLE ADAPTOR 1 Front ALH1879 door: assembly (recessed LH 2 1 handles. gearbox N.B. K&N filter separately. & No. DESCRIPTION Hood long 83 LOCK ASSEMBLY, 1 BAU1074A RB7290 button' exterior door 73 27 BREATHER, PART No. Brake & anti-rattle ACCELERATOR CABLE 1 BHH972 Suspension 4 be purchased RA1399BLACK centre console WASHER, lights 1 QTY REQ. All models with 'push with 1 74 37 SG604083 reversing models 502146 link KIT 86 Hardtops 1 2 1 Clutch 13H2023 28 SWITCH, BHH973 CHOKE CABLE 1 RA1323ACH 7 RA1399RED ‘X-stream’, black RH CIRCLIP, remote control SG6041032 1 (front) No. DESCRIPTION 1 Index 87 75 short38 22A84 Hydraulics PART No. 3 1 ED 85 SF604081 29 WASHER, switch to lock mechanism ‘X-stream’, red AUTO CHOKE ASSEMBLY LH 1 BHH973PR QTY REQ. 76 77 78 79 1 RA1399POLISH 22B4046 Rear long AEG3123 to door1 lockcase 80 81 1 89 30 PLUNGER, anti-rattle Chassis 39 case SCREW, No. DESCRIPTION ‘X-stream’, polished9 to rear pair 1 631773DL DOOR PULL ASSEMBLY Suspension GLZ118 AEG3122 locks, pair & main STRIKER PLATE, 'B' post: GASKET, AHH7758 3 53 Plates 1 security 42 631773 1 31 SPRING, plunger cap Steering deadlock 40 1 gearboxes.

22B589 82 Overdrive 1 pair 22A85 AHH7759 88 Decals 1 1 RH 32 WASHER, springspring K&N X-STREAMgearbox standard clip fix type, 1 631773NF 83 84 mmerbros.com 12 54 REAR CASE, 22H15 LH AIR FLOW LID 1 BHH972G 37H1901 33 CAP, anti-rattle Road Wheels 90 nut fix type, pair 2 Overdrive gearboxes. com / E-MAIL: sales@ri 91 RA1399RED caseplate1 to 'B' post lever striker 2 SF604121 22B419 to rear merbros.

93 1 GOODRIDGEElectrical door lock 41 SCREW, 34 BUSH, gear 92 lock): Paints overdrive GASKET, GASKET, boot www.rim & NI 55 locks long HOSE KIT BAU1074A 3 piece (2 doorexterior post Engine Overdrive gearboxes. door handles.

35 GEAR LEVER 1976.

568000 / ON LINE: 13 CLASSIC BRAIDEDRP1144GRC 8 NI LOCK SET, striker plate1 to 'B' Brakes inhibitor 4 SF604061 with 'push button' 1 DAM2576 94 Up to September overdrive 42 SCREW, 5

BY PHONE: 01522 100All models 1 AHH6179S 4 Cylinder 101 56 SWITCH,gearboxes.

Bodyshell Engine lever retaining 99 22B525 502146 short fixing door locks 3 KIT: 95 106 Overdrive 98 with clip102 36 PLATE, gear 1 AHH6179SN Accessories CONVERSION plate: 1 locks BRAKE CALIPER & Panels 4 Cylinder to remote housing 619076 door s.com striker plate switch fixing WS600051 A/R SHIM, nut 3 SCREW, 96 43 WASHER, with 37 UPRATED mmerbro 57 Brake & of striker) discs. to shape coil sales@ri Performance for107 97 BHH341 Engine V8 103 to existing Overdrive gearboxes. 0.032" (cutcase 22A1613 1 GUG705705GM A/R E-MAIL: 1 4 Pot Alloy - BCC Clutch only108/fitment 38 WASHER, doublelocking com to rear 105Pads & Uprated Index main case0.064" (cut to shape of striker) RP1757 merbros.

4 Pot Calipers 1 Body Engine V8 58 GASKET, 104 Hydraulics www.rim 39 NUT, gear knob1976.

22B368 / ON LINE: 1B3736 Non-overdrive gearboxes.

TO HELP 11 1 RP1758 4 Cylinder Models 1 Up to September Fittings 1 568000 contact Cooler type Oil car, gearbox 01522 WE’RE HERE 3: your CASE, original right part for

BY PHONE: HOSE KIT OF 59 REAR to GHN5-294250 V8 Models advice.

40 GEAR KNOB, gearboxes.

109 Not sure of the GHN4/GHD4, up 115 110 BRAIDED BRAKE 141 Non-overdrive team for help and Steering Oil Cooler 4 cylinder models, Conversions.

KIT: GOODRIDGE CLASSIC our technical sales 112 BHH788 111 all Uprated Brake UPRATED BRAKE 1 Interior Trim 1 RP1144GRC and GHD5-296000.

60 PINION, speedometer Recommended for Clutch 116 22B654 original type and RP1803 Non-overdrive gearboxes.

4 Pot Alloy 1 & Fittings Discs) 1 Models All 41 GEAR KNOB, Solid / models (Inc. GHN5-294251 Slotted models.

TRW 114 117 DAM687 chrome bumper 4 cylinder models, 1972) to Sept 1976. All V8 4 Cylinder models Electrical Clutch 113 uprated pads: 1 Uprated Pads and 6 ONLY - Replacement GHD5-296001 (Oct Inc. 4 Pot BCC Calipers,Discs.

NKC105A 1 2161312ULT rubber bumper models BRAKE PADS Engine & 1 118 KIT - RP1757 120 RP1804 & Drilled Uprated (Solid) pinion 10 1 & RP1804.

119 Hood CALIPER CONVERSION EBC Ultimatefor RP1757, NI GEAR KNOB: Discs) Gearbox RP1758, RP1803 Sept. 1976.

61 SEAL, speedometer UPRATED BRAKE Engine & Hardtops 1 RP1426WMG All models up to V8 models (Inc. Solid Pads and EBC 22H29 Bodyshell Replacement 1 2161312GS Non-overdrive gearboxes.

Mountings 123 Inc. 4 Pot BCC Calipers, Uprated speedometer 1 Gearbox wood, ‘MG’ logo (Solid) Discs.

1 RP1426LMG & Panels RP1803 & RP1804.

EBC Green Stuff 62 PINION HOUSING, Turbo Groove Uprated RP1757, RP1758, Mountings RP1100 Replacement for 22H903B leather, ‘MG’ logo 1 RP1415PAD 1 Non-overdrive gearboxes.

1 Chassis RP1415 4 Pot Vented Alloy 1 housing Cooling EBC Green Stuff Discs) alloy, ‘MG’ logo 42 1 DAM3079 124 63 GASKET, pinion RP1415. Plates & Body 270mm Vented All models (Inc. Vented 122 GHF117 Replacement for Uprated Pads and Non-overdrive gearboxes.

2 Decals 125 42 GEAR LEVER Cooling Fittings Inc. 4 Pot Calipers, on. housing 131 15� wheels required.

126 September 1976 64 SCREW, pinion Discs. Minimum 132 121 GHF321 29 Heater & Non-overdrive gearboxes.

2 43 43 CONE NUT:1976 on.

31 Controls 39 C30505A Paints 1 September 65 WASHER, shakeproof Heater & Interior Trim 41 40 120694 133 127 Non-overdrive gearboxes.

1 30 chrome 1 C30505SS Controls & Fittings 135 angle (‘angle drive’) stainless steel 66 ADAPTOR, right 1 DAM2174

Oil Cooler

& V8 - Inlet Manifold Barrel Carb Components - 4

Door Latches & Mechanisms

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

Interior Door Pulls

Exterior Handles

V8 - Fuel Pump

500cfm V8 - Edelbrock 4 Barrel Carb Conversion Kits

& Locks

V8 - 4 Barrel Carb Air Cleaners

V8 - Edelbrock & Components

500 Carb

V8 - K&N 4 Barrel Air Cleaners

ORDER

ORDER

Carb

HANDBRAKE

14

ORDER

44 GEAR KNOB on.

September 1976 45 NUT, knob retaining

Hood & Hardtops

September 1976

1

C30623

on.

Fuel System

Non-overdrive gearboxes.

Exhaust

GEAR KNOB, WOOD RP1426WMG

Chassis Plates & Decals

Gearbox GEAR KNOB, ALLOY RP1100

Paints GEAR KNOB, LEATHER RP1426LMG

Accessories Index

57

ORDER

BY

568000 / ON LINE: PHONE: 01522

mmerbros.com

com / E-MAIL: sales@ri

www.rimmerbros.

Clutch Engine & Gearbox Mountings

134

Fuel System

136

130 129

BY PHONE:

Rear Axle

Index

Exhaust

01522 568000

merbros.com

/ ON LINE: www.rim

UPRATED BRAKE

UPRATED BRAKE

Gearbox / E-MAIL: Pr

s.com

sales@rimmerbro

UPRATED BRAKE

58

ORDER

15

16

20

19

Heater & Controls Fuel System Exhaust

25

21

Gearbox Propshaft

26

Rear Axle

46 36

28

BY

568000 / ON PHONE: 01522

Front Suspension

27

38 45

Rear Suspension

35

32

44

22

33 23

24

34

75

72 66

84

74 63

85

Brake & Clutch Hydraulics 80

85

Steering 79 Electrical

73

69

82

86

64

68

77

78

71

Road Wheels Brakes

37

Handbrake

81

Cooling

KIT, VENTED - RP1415

KIT, V8 - RP1804

KIT, 4 CYL - RP1803

WA600071 2 GHD5-412300.

85 WASHER,upplain GHN5-415000 & GHF201 AWZ107 All models to 1 1 cable front securing GHF332 GHD5-412300.

1 59 NUT, handbrake 86 WASHER,upwavy GHN5-415000 & CLZ513 All models to 2 Rear AHH6236 60 WASHER, spring cable securing 1 cable to rear brake PC34 LEVER ASSEMBLY: 2 251345 Suspension 47 HANDBRAKE 87 CLEVIS PIN, 1 61 CLAMP, handbrake to rear brake BHH2136 BHH538 chrome bumper models 1 1 88 SPLIT PIN, cableaxle rear cover AHH6237 1 62 NUT, cable clamp box on. to BHH538R new & GHD5-412301 to battery 1 89 STRAP, cable 63 CLIP, cable SH605071 Road Wheels All models from GHN5-415001 cover 1 models. reconditioned unit required for reconditioning.

ACH8529 Chrome bumper 1 to axle rear & GHD5-412301 on.

BHH2503 Customers own 1 90 SCREW, strap clip new AWZ107 64 FERRULE, All models from GHN5-415001 1 models.

AHH6232 PCR809 rubber bumper models, 1 Chrome bumper 1 Brakes wavy GHD5-412301 on.

91 WASHER,from GHF300 to battery box GHN5-415001 & 1 24A1356 48 PAWL, handbrake 65 CLIP, cable All models cover 1 SH604051 88G295 Rubber bumper models.

1 3 strap to axle rear & GHD5-412301 on.

49 WASHER, pawl box SPACER, securing 92 lever battery to & GHN5-415001 clip GHF200 Brake AAU2492 HBS1001 1 1 All models from 66 SCREW, 1 50 SCREW, handbrake warning battery box Clutch on. to axle GHF331 1 & GHD5-412301 67 NUT, clip to 51 SWITCH, handbrake 93 STRAP, cable on.

GHF117 Hydraulics GHF300 September 1976 All models from GHN5-415001 2 1 68 WASHER, spring cable adjuster, on. to axle ACH5104 1 plain & GHD5-412301 SCREW, strap GHN5-415001 UHN105 52 NUT, handbrake 94 WASHER, 1 69 GHF200 All models from 2 lever end handbrake cable GHD5-412300.

Steering 70 GREASE NIPPLE, to axle AHH5322 handbrake cable GHN5-415000 & GHD5-412301 on.

1 AHH5295 95 NUT, strapfrom 53 TRUNNION, All models up to GHN5-415001 & 1 GHF331 All models 2 ACH8508 adjuster axle 1 spring 71 CLIP, cableuptoto GHN5-415000 & GHD5-412300.

GHD5-412301 on.

WP167 handbrake cable adjuster 2 96 WASHER,from GHN5-415001 & All models PMZ306 GHF300 Electrical 54 SPRING, 1 All models 4 spring, front GHF300 to axle 1 55 WASHER, adjuster spring, rear plain GHD5-412300.

GHD5-412301 on.

72 SCREW, clip 97 WASHER,from GHN5-415000 & GHN5-415001 & HN2005 GHF120 All models up to 56 WASHER, adjuster 1 All models 1 on. to cable axle Bodyshell 57 HANDBRAKE CABLE ASSEMBLY: GHD5-412300. & GHD5-412301 73 NUT, clip to 98 SCREW, strap bumper GHN5-415000 & GHF201 WL105001 & Panels All models up to All models from GHN5-415001 steel wheels, chrome 1 1 AHH5227 to cable early 3 synchro roadsters 1 GHD5-412301 on.

GHD5-412300.

99 NUT, strapfrom 74 WASHER,upspring GHN5-415001 & GHN5-415000 & GHF332 AHH5203 All models with banjo axle 1 All models to 1 Body G LEVER, inner spring AHH7391 GHD5-412301 on.

3 synchro roadsters/GTs 1 GHD5-412300.

100 WASHER,from 75 COMPENSATIN GHN5-415001 & Fittings GHN5-415000 & GHF301 AHH5225 All models 2 with tube axle All models up to 1 roadsters/GTs. lever plain GVC1004 GHD5-412301 on.

4 synchro 4 cylinder 1 GHD5-412300.

101 WASHER,from 76 BUSH, compensating GHN5-415001 & GHN5-415000 & All models ACH5101 V8s All models up to 1 Interior Trim bumper LEVER, outer G rubber wheels, GHD5-412300. steel 77 COMPENSATIN to GHN5-415000 & Fittings GHN5-415000 & All models up to GVC1016 4 cylinder roadsters/GTs 1 lever V8s SH604051 1 & GHD5-412300.

78 SCREW, compensating bumper assembly to GHN5-415000 & GHD5-412300.

Hood & wire wheels, chrome up GHF200 models All Hardtops AHH5228 early 3 synchro roadsters lever assembly 1 1 GHD5-412300.

79 NUT, compensating with banjo axle GHN5-415000 & GHF331 ASSEMBLY All models up to 1 AHH7392 HANDBRAKE CABLE 3 synchro roadsters/ 1 Chassis & GHD5-412300. tube axle 80 WASHER,upspring GVC1004 with GTs GHN5-415000 to & AHH5025 Plates All models lever 1 GVC1005 compensatingGHD5-412300.

4 synchro 4 cylinder 1 Decals 81 FULCRUMupPIN, GHN5-415000 & roadsters/GTs GHF222 All models to 1 bumper fulcrum pin wire wheels, rubber to GHN5-415000 82 NUT, leveruptoto GHN5-415000 & GHD5-412300. PWZ205 roadsters/GTs Paints BHH1471 4 cylinder All models 1 1 & GHD5-412300 GHD5-412300.

83 WASHER,upplain GHN5-415000 & GHF223 ASSEMBLY:from All models to 1 HANDBRAKE CABLE pin to axle & GHD5-412300.

Accessories 58 4 cylinder rubber bumper roadsters/GTs 84 NUT, fulcrum on.

GHN5-415000 GVC1014 All models up to mmerbros.com GHN5-415001 & GHD5-412301 1 GVC1015 / E-MAIL: sales@ri steel wheels 1 Index merbros.com wire wheels LINE: www.rim

Front Suspension

17

Accessories

128

Propshaft

ORDER

Engine V8 Oil Cooler

ORDER

0

Engine 4 Cylinder

18

Kits - 4 Pot

Uprated Brake

01522 56800

DS)

RO (1967 ONWAR

OX - 4 SYNCH

MANUAL GEARB

External Gearbox Components

ly

Gearbox Assemb & Fixings

Carb

81

76

57

67

Bodyshell & Panels

83

70

Body Fittings

87 88

62

Interior Trim & Fittings

58

61 66

Hood & Hardtops

65 51

69 59 60

68

99

67 56

48

92

49

59

55

47

100

Chassis Plates & Decals

101

93

54

60

90 91

95

96

98

89 94

97

Paints Accessories

53 52

50

ORDER

STRAP, CABLE TO HBS1001

BY PHONE:

01522 568000

/ ON LINE:

com www.rimmerbros.

Index

AXLE -

mmerbros.com

/ E-MAIL: sales@ri

82

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

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Sa e y Fas _Ju y2019 51 98 ndd 51

JULY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 51

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NEWSLETTER

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

WELCOME TO THE

I

MGF NEWSLETTER

t is hard to think that the MGF is rapidly approaching its silver jubilee and, along with that, so is the MGF Register. Where have all those years gone? In 1995 the MGF was the spearhead of a revival of the MG marque which had effectively closed its doors 15 years before. Yes, there were sporty versions of the Metro, Maestro and Montego bearing the MG badge in those interim years and a big toe dipped into a V8 updated version of the MGB. But it was not until the MGF that MG’s fortunes rose from the ashes. It went on to become the best-selling roadster in the UK and one of the most successful models in MG’s history.

MG has always had badged versions of saloon cars; the very first MGs were indeed such vehicles and bore both the Morris and MG name together. There has generally been a two-seat roadster of some description to run alongside the saloon range and it is these that the casual observer remembers and identifies the MG marque with. Today MG Motor produces a range of excellent, affordable cars for the family but there is no new roadster. That means that the MG TF still fulfils that role as the modern two-seater in the MG range – albeit approaching 25 years old. Will we see a new

MGF25

roadster? There have been hints and rumours over the years but nothing has hit production….yet. So MGF/TF owners are upholding that roadster tradition, MG Motor still display the Golden Jubilee TF in their London showroom, a car made 16 years ago, in 2003.

There is no doubt that the MGF/TF represents the modern face of MG heritage and as we move into the electric age it is quite likely that any new roadster could be battery powered. Will that make a difference to the sleek lines of sportiness of any roadster? Gone will be the exhaust noise as you change up through the gear range, much enhanced by owners with after-market exhaust systems, to be replaced by a less than throaty whoosh. Will the excitement be excised by placing batteries where an engine should be?

It is certainly looking like electric cars are the future and it was as long ago as 2010 that we took a look at the first electric MGF and featured it in the pages of our Register magazine, FasTForward. We took another look at electric cars in the latest edition and no sooner had that gone to press than we heard of a recent electric TF conversion. We’ll take a look back and forward in this four-pager.

The Register is planning a major celebration of the MGF/TF at the British Motor Museum on August 1-2 2020 and work is already underway to bring

a great show to you. Clear the diaries that weekend and look out for further announcements towards the end of the year – let’s make it the greatest F/ TF celebration to mark a very special anniversary. One of the highlights will be an “MGF Panel” and Roger Parker and Ian

Ian Pogson and Roger Parker with the Golden Jubilee MGTF at MGF15 in 2010. They will both be back for MGF25 in 2020

RTC 24hr Express Delivery Metro van at Gaydon showing the K series engine in the rear, now on permanent display at the British Motor Museum

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Pogson have already agreed to take part in that with more guests to come. We’ll be looking at the technical side of the F, too, with Mike Stafford of MJS Auto and Marine doing a live demonstration Head Gasket change. The location is ideal as the majority of the MGF birthday parties

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21/06/2019 16:51

NEWSLETTER have been held here and the Museum has MGF and MG Rover-related exhibits. One of our favourite exhibits is the Rover Pizza Van which was used as a development mule for the mid-engine K series and it is great to see that it is now on permanent display in the Museum’s new extension which holds a treasure trove of MGR exhibits. Naturally, there will be lots more at MGF25, including a birthday party, and if you would like to help in organising the event there is, of course, a committee to join – just contact Nigel May at chair@mgfregister.org

The Golden Jubilee TF on display in London

OUT AND ABOUT One of the backbones of the MGF Register is its Regions and as summer has arrived they are all really busy. Pub Meets form the core of most of their activities with shows, drive outs, holidays, etc, virtually every week. Some of those events have received wider coverage and recently both our Central group and South East group received coverage in MG Enthusiast magazine at the Pride of Longbridge Rally and Brooklands MG Era, respectively.

Vice Chairman, Keith Williams, also appeared in Practical Classics giving his opinion on his MGF in a Wise Buyer feature which also happened to feature photos of MGCC Chairman Dave Tynan’s former Trophy 160. We generally reckon there to be around 150 MGF Register events around the country, mostly

organised by the Regions themselves. Don’t forget the national and multi-regional events, though, as they are a great way for everyone to get together and meet up. This cross-fertilisation is good to see and helps promote the Register as a welcome to all Club members. A recent example was the South East’s trip to Wales; although not promoted as multi-regional, it still featured crews from Somerset, Dorset and Lancashire, as well as the South East. Look out for events on our Internet forum or Facebook page or website – there are still some places for our national event in Durham in September if you would like to join us. Contact Ian at events@mgfregister.org for details of all national/multi-regional events.

MGF Register stand at Brooklands MG Era. We had an example of each colour 85th Anniversary TF to mark their tenth anniversary and featured cars from multiple regions

www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWSLETTER

Neil Hutchinson with the electric MGF

GOING ELECTRIC As the first production electric MG nears release we looked back to the history of electric cars in the summer issue of FasTForward. At the dawn of the motor car there were three options available as a power source – Steam, Battery or internal Combustion. Production of all went hand-inhand at the turn of the 19th century and for a while electric was looking like the preferred option, the first six World Land Speed

records were all electric vehicles, speeds rapidly rising to around 60mph. Electric power was often marketed to potential lady drivers as clean and efficient and quiet, unlike those oily, noisy and dirty combustion engines that needed cranking, or steam that needed stoking and water boiling. However, with the advent of mass production techniques, cheaper costs and ease of refuelling, the world finally took the noisy

and oily route and electric vehicles were left wallowing in niche uses – think milk floats!

How things change. Over a century later, batteries are back and are now the fastestgrowing sector of the auto market. A market that MG will join in the autumn.

The MGF was not designed as an electric vehicle but that doesn’t mean it can’t be converted. In recent years we have seen a handful of electric conversions in the classic world – E Types, Aston Martins and MGBs commercially and there have been other one-off and home-made efforts. It’s not a big market and it’s hard to see it will be unless governmental forces apply. It is also hard to replicate the roar of a big V8 engine and the shivers that noise evokes – and impossible with a whoosh and rumble of electric motors.

In 2010 Neil Hutchinson converted his MGF to battery power. It was an extensive job, removing the engine and replacing it with batteries, plus installing the electric motors and all the associated wiring. The Hydragas suspension remained intact and that has been one of the few problems he has experienced since then, a burst displacer.

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWSLETTER

The Jet Power MGF’s Gas Turbine

Batteries in the engine compartment

Not uncommon in an F over 20 years old.

The range was around 80 miles and he drove out of Bournemouth to meet me at the Royal Oak in Fritham in a damp New Forest. Having driven an “ordinary” F for 10 years at that point it was strange to slip into the driving seat of an electric version. It was the first electric car I had driven as well, but from the cockpit it was simply an F. To make it go you flicked a switch and pressed the accelerator. Before you knew it the car was silently moving away with bemused walkers looking on as we slid by onto the forest roads. Acceleration was good but it was strange not to hear the engine behind your head. To all intents and purposes, it was a great little car and I understand that Neil still uses it regularly in the Bournemouth area.

Range anxiety is one of the biggest issues preventing people from going electric but the new MG is reported to have one of around 250 miles and an 80% charge in under half an hour – more than adequate for over 90% of all journeys. Neil had problems getting from Bournemouth to Brighton and then to London and back to Bournemouth for the 2010 Future Car Challenge and had to charge up twice on the way and once on the way back.

However, he used that as an opportunity to rest and visit relatives! Today there are a lot more public charging points and their number is growing all the time, and the new MG range would get me from London to Birmingham and back without charging.

Another option we saw a few years after Neil’s car was the Jet Power MGF.

Ostensibly it was an electric car and was registered as such for road use but the big difference was that it has a gas turbine engine in the boot. It may seem a little crazy and the turbine was used as a range extender to charge the batteries, but it was probably not too practical. The noise was spectacular as it drove along the road sounding a little like a VC10 at close quarters. It was certainly a head-turner and I’m not sure how it would pass a noise emission MOT these days! There is an option to just turn it off, though, and run on battery power alone – in which case you can hear the birds sing. Re-ignite it and the birds fly away, terrified. We

showed the car at MGLive! 2014 and sadly it only managed to run once over the weekend, retiring with some electrical issues.

Member, Paul Sharpe, spotted the latest conversion, this time an MG TF carried out this year by Indra Renewable Technologies in Malvern. Rather than a ground-up conversion like the previous MGFs, this one took a powertrain from a Nissan Leaf including the 40kwH battery pack and 110kw motor. Not an easy conversion, however, and we hope to have some more information on that in a future edition of FasTForward.

Is this the way forward for commercial retrograde conversions of our favourite roadster? Will it be the only way we will keep these on the road in 20 years’ time?

Who knows what the future holds but it is certainly electric at the moment. In the meantime I am looking forward to a first test drive of the new MG eZS.

Under the bonnet of the electric TF. Photo: Paul Sharpe www.mgcc.co.uk

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OVERSEAS

MG 2019

NATIONAL MEETING

By Peter Cook

T

his year’s National Meeting (Natmeet) was the Australian Clubs’ Golden Jubilee and was again held over the Easter break. It was Queensland’s turn to host this year and the operational base and venue for the Awards dinner was the Alexandra Hills Hotel and Conference Centre. As this was the 50th Natmeet there were two displays in the hotel which charted the event’s history.

The first was a display of posters which were used over the years. It needs to be

COM

OP

borne in mind that in Australia it is all volunteers, so designing a poster falls to the organising committee who may need to find someone outside the Club with the requisite skills. The second large display was of photographs of the previous 49 events, some showing this year’s attendees who were at the first event in 1970.

The journey for most to this Natmeet was pretty straightforward compared to last year’s event in Tasmania. However, this is Australia, and the distances involved can be considerable and need to be undertaken over two or three days.

One-way Brisbane to Melbourne is 850 miles, Adelaide to Brisbane is 995, and for those who travelled from Perth it was 2,250 miles.

Easter Friday was taken up with

registration at the Alexandra Hill Hotel and scrutineering for those cars entering the more competitive events. The Noggin ‘n Natter at the same venue in the evening was a chance to exchange stories from the intervening 12 months, and to watch or participate in the Rocker Box Racing.

This also involved some scrutineering and involved much vocal support from the audience. Rocker Box Racing seems to be popular in many MG communities across the globe – except the UK, and in spite of it being a cheap and weather-proof activity generating a healthy competitive spirit.

With the first evening of fun out of the way, the more serious business of Concours was under way on Easter Saturday at the local G.J. Walter Park.

While most of the rest of Australia is faced with what now seems to be permanent and terrible drought, this is not so with much of Queensland. Concours day therefore was accompanied by irregular

Regalia on sale at the Registration

The Natmeet Concours www.mgcc.co.uk

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OVERSEAS

MG 1300 concours entry

Polished Magnette in the concours lineup

showers, so the decision was taken that the undersides of cars were not to be inspected. While probably disappointing to some of the more enthusiastic concours entrants, this was a blessing for some of the judges, especially those of us who had come to Australia with the expectation that rain would be the least of our concerns. Many of the Natmeet participants were accompanying wives

or partners, and the organisers were aware – sensibly – that spending five or so hours in a wet field looking at cars and under their bonnets is not everybody’s idea of a fun time. With this in mind a ‘Ladies Luncheon’ was laid on at the local Grand View Hotel. Apart from the lunch and the opportunity to get away from MG chat, the ladies were given a talk by two Australian authors about ‘interesting

Triple M MGs and T Types to the fore, line up for the Natmeet Concours

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OVERSEAS historical deaths from around Australia’.

Reports back indicated that the talk did indeed go down well, and that the fine lunch was not spoiled by the somewhat gruesome subject matter.

While there were individual category winners, there were three overall winners.

The Pre-MGA Trophy was won again by Jason Edwards from South Australia with his TD; the Post-MG TF Trophy was won again by Alan Fabry from Victoria with his red MGC Roadster. Some readers may remember Alan from his visits to MGLive!.

The third overall Trophy – post 1980 – was won by Fran Hodgson from Newcastle with her MG ZR. The various trophies were presented to the winners at that evening’s event. The theme for the evening buffet dinner and awards presentations was ‘time travellers’ and many dressed in the spirit of the occasion. There were numerous Harry Potter and Dr. Who lookalikes.

Easter Sunday offered two quite different activities for participants. For the more competitive-minded there was the Speed Event at the Mt Cotton Hillclimb.

The venue – a 946-metre bitumen-sealed twisting and hilly track – is actually owned by the Queensland Club.

For the more competitive

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Previous Natmeet posters

minded, each driver was permitted four timed runs as well as a familiarisation lap.

This is an event with risks, and both cars and drivers have to conform to CAMS regulations. The alternative event for those who prefer their cars to return home in the same condition that they left was the Observation Run. A familiar test of navigation and observation skills, the 110km route consisted of a country leg and a

coastal leg. All answers to questions were visible on the nearside of the car and groups of questions corresponded with route stages.

After the Observation, the Sunday evening was a ‘free’ evening. Even so, many of the participants got together for an evening barbeque outside the motel cabins at the rear of the Alexandra Hill Hotel.

The final day of the Natmeet again offered starkly different activities to

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OVERSEAS accommodate everyone’s abilities and interests. The Motorkhana took place at the Sleeman Sports Complex in Chandler. As with the Speed event there is risk associated with Motorkhana, so scrutineering and compulsory drivers’ briefing took place before there was any motoring activity. As with all similar events the CAMS Motorkhana Code was applied.

Points were deducted for test marker displacement, incomplete method, and for finish procedure. The best time of two runs was counted, the runs consisting three tests. Clearly, these were feats of memory as well as speed. The alternative event for Easter Monday, the Kimber Run, was a non-competitive drive of 142km which enabled relaxed driving in the picturesque Brisbane hinterland. The prime objective was Tamborine Mountain and the spectacular views offered there. The run was entirely on sealed roads.

Later, on the final evening, the dress code was formal/semi-formal for the Jubilee Dinner and trophy presentations.

At intervals during the three-course meal, class medals for the Hillclimb, the Motorkhana, Observation event and Perpetual Trophies were awarded. Tables were organised in the main around Clubs, so that cheering and applause tended to be focussed as each winner was announced. The Nuffield Oceania Trophy

was instigated by Lord Nuffield from his own pocket, as were the other three Nuffields across the globe. The Australian Clubs have devised a formula which takes into account membership numbers and participation in Natmeet. The 2019/20 winner is the host Queensland Club. The Nuffield was last year awarded to the Tasmanian Club and noticing that there was diminishing space for engraving on the trophy base, the Tasmanians have manufactured a new, larger base made out of Tasmanian Huon pine. My thanks to Don Fraser of the Tasmanian Club for suggesting this and seeing it through.

The second major perpetual trophy is the John Wratten Memorial Trophy.

Awarded for 2019/20 to the Victoria Club, the Trophy is awarded on the basis of the Club obtaining the most points over all four competitive events, taking into account the somewhat misnamed ‘fudge factor’ which pays due regard to the distance travelled to the Natmeet among other factors. The trophy dates back to the first Natmeet in 1970 when it was donated by Sydney MG dealers, but at the 1971 event the very popular John Wratten of the Victoria Club sustained fatal injuries in his P-Type in the speed event. It was decided to name the trophy after him.

The following morning was for the final breakfast, farewells, and promises

Whaaat, it’s a new MG ZS

to keep in touch. It was good to see former Overseas Director, John Hale, and Sue Munns – both from the UK – in attendance throughout the weekend.

After breakfast a delegates’ meeting was held to decide on the responsibilities and any rule changes needed for subsequent Natmeets. Next year’s is hosted by the Victoria Club and is to be held in the Albury/Wodonga area. I am sure that all participants would agree with me that Don Webster and his organising committee have earned all our thanks for organising a splendid Jubilee event. My personal thanks to Matt and Colleen Spoljarevic who loaned me their RV8 to use on the runs, and a special thanks to Flavio and Sue Paggiaro for being such good hosts to me in Redlands.

MGs assemble for the Natmeet Kimber Run

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BTCC

TOUGH TEST AT CROFT Photos: Dickon Siddall

E

XCELR8 Motorsport will take the positives out of an otherwise difficult British Touring Car Championship weekend at Croft, during which the team learned valuable lessons and showed impressive resilience.

The trip north to Croft was always going to be a difficult one for the team, which had no previous on-track experience of the Darlington circuit prior to the start of running on Saturday, with both drivers, Rob Smith and Sam Osborne, up against it to hone their MG6 GTs to suit the challenging 2.1-mile track.

Qualifying was heavily disrupted by several stoppages, which limited the team’s programme. A combination of five red flags punctuated the session and prevented Smith and Osborne from putting in many meaningful laps. Osborne would start race one on Sunday from 23rd, with Smith a disappointed 25th, despite both drivers bettering the car’s best time from last year by over a second.

Things didn’t get any easier in the first race. Smith survived a rallycross moment out of the hairpin early on, while Osborne was sent spinning out at the chicane when he tried to catch a huge slide while getting on the power for the back straight. Rob Collard stranded his Vauxhall at Sunny Out which

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summoned a safety car and, with damage and flailing bodywork being an issue of many others, Smith’s MG was elevated to 22nd at the flag. Osborne would have followed him home, but was forced out with an alternator issue.

The team worked hard to rectify Osborne’s car ahead of race two, but an unforeseen battery issue caused his car to grind to a halt on the green flag lap, preventing him from taking the start.

Smith battled on to 24th in the day’s only fully dry session.

Both Smith and Osborne – his car now fully repaired – made strong early progress on their wets in the third race, as the slickshod cars struggled for grip early on. Smith

climbed to 18th and was well in the fight for what could have been the team’s first pointspaying finish. But, with the circuit drying toward the end, he suffered an off at Tower while battling with championship frontrunner Tom Ingram’s Toyota and dropped back. He followed Osborne to the flag as the MGs took 21st and 22nd places respectively.

The weekend was dominated by Andrew Jordan who was in commanding form as the BMW Pirtek Racing man claimed his fourth and fifth Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship victories of the season. Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Gallagher’s Tom Chilton triumphed in the final race with a faultless performance in his Ford Focus.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/06/2019 16:51

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

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RACE TORQUE

John and Sharon Mills in their MG ZR

RACE TORQUE

E

by Mark Baulch

ven though we may not have had any Club circuit racing in June, that does not mean that MGs have not been out competing. A growing area of motorsport is Autosolo and two MG ZRs were out competing on June 8, appropriately enough just outside of Abingdon, at the CAR-nival event.

John and Harry Nicholls were sharing their MG ZR and ended up finishing the event sixth and seventh in class, as well as Harry repeating his feat from a couple of weeks beforehand at the Kempton Park Autosolo of being first Young Driver. Richard and Emma Olsen were also sharing an MG ZR, with Richard finishing 12th overall, third in class, whilst Emma ended up 15th in class.

I have to point out their accolade of neither one of them hitting any cones at all!

The following day, the venue was changed over to a multi-stage rally event, with John and Sharon Mills in a brand new car to them, this being their first outing in an MG ZR. “It is only a 1400cc, so this may not have been the best event to bring it to,” said John after the first stage, plus it seemed to be running a little oily. After the next stage, still leaking oil, it looked like he was going to retire rather than take the chance of continuing. However, after a heroic effort from his crew, he and Sharon actually managed to get back out for the last two stages and finish the event!

Nigel and Jenny Brain finished 54th overall and 19th in class, having fun in something a bit different as they competed for the first time in their recently altered MGB, which

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has previously been raced and still sports Equipe stickers on the beautifully restored bodywork. This was a great achievement, having started in 99th place.

The Lackford Engineering Midget & Sprite Challenge also took to the track at Mallory Park on May 27, which leads me neatly on to introducing another member of the race sub-committee, Gil Duffy.

1. Been a Car Club member since? 1984.

2. Favourite motorsport moment in history? The last two laps of the 1979 French Grand Prix. Villeneuve and Arnoux swapping places like a Moto GP race.

3. If you could invite three motorsport drivers to a dinner party, who would you invite? Mika Hakkinen and Nico Rosberg, because they won the world Championship by sheer effort, as opposed to the raw talent of their more lauded opponents. And Jackie Stewart for all the amazing things he achieved apart from driving.

4. What would be your dream circuit to drive around and in which car? Monaco in a Lotus 25 (or Brabham F3).

5. What is your driving pet hate?

Unrealistic speed limits (ie most of them, except in towns)!

Gil with the Lurani Trophy

6. Your proudest moment in motorsport?

I have two. First, daughter Pippa Cow winning the Class E Championship in the Midget & Sprite Challenge in 2013 (and 2016). More selfishly, attending the FIA Historic Prizegiving in Paris after winning the Lurani Trophy European Formula Junior Championship 1000cc class, also in 2013.

7. Year and specification of your race car? Currently I have a 1960 Formula Junior Kieft, and a 1968 Brabham Formula 3 BT21b ‘screamer’, plus Pippa’s 1965 Class E Midget.

Previously, a whole range of Midgets in various specs.

8. Other MGs in your ownership? A couple more Midgets. One is a Lenham Modsport, the other more standard. But both in ‘kit’ form awaiting rebuilds.

9. Assisting MGCC Championship since?

Assisted Larry Quinn since 2000, Secretary since 2011.

10. Favourite music to drive to? West Coast Rock.

We now look forward to our next fixture, Donington Park on Saturday 20 and Sunday July 21. As always, we look forward to seeing you there and do come along to the MG Welcome Centre.

Nigel and Jenny Brain in their MGB

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MGs ON TRACK

MG on track

Duncan Wood duncanw@mgs-on-track.co.uk

A SPECIAL AT SNETTERTON

Andrew Cox with his Devin-bodied 1953 MG TD

I

n early June we made our annual visit to Blyton Park in Lincolnshire.

The weather was dry all day so we were able to enjoy the narrow circuit to the full, although this was at some detriment to tyre wear! The off-track atmosphere at this venue is always relaxed and very welcoming and, as in previous years, our instructor for the day was Mark Hales who dispensed insight, entertainment and occasional scorn in equal measure. As Mark had started his racing career in Midgets, I was happy when he offered to take me round for a few passenger laps in my own Midget, both to show me the lines and perhaps suggest a few improvements. Judging by the speed with which Mark tackled the corners, it is clearly my driving abilities that need improvement rather than any shortcomings with the car. I probably spent much of the time laughing and, although nothing actually fell off the car, I think a few things were loosened!

The early rain that affected the first two sessions at MGs on Track’s Snetterton event in May did catch out one or two of our members, and there were several spins before most came to terms with the conditions. However, by mid-morning the rain had stopped and, helped by a steady breeze, the track surface became much grippier. The Snetterton 300 blends some long straights with highly technical corners and heavy braking zones, so plenty to test 66 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2019

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cars of all power outputs and drivers of whatever level of experience.

We were joined at Snetterton by Andrew Cox with his Devin-bodied 1953 MG TD. Devin were based in California from the mid 50s to the mid 60s and, as well as producing some complete cars, designed and manufactured a variety of fibreglass bodies for fitment to a wide range of base vehicles, both domestic and foreign.

Andrew imported his car from the States in 2016 and enjoyed returning the car to running condition over the subsequent year. He had previously rebuilt both a 1939 AC and a Vauxhall DX; the AC’s body was sound but ugly, so this was transformed into a ‘pseudo-racer’ with a pointed tail as fitted to the MG K3 and Q Types. The Vauxhall was similarly transformed as time had not been kind to the saloon bodywork, but an abundance of leaking oil had at least preserved the chassis in preparedness for a fresh incarnation.

As purchased, the Devin was fitted with a Chevrolet V8 but, as this proved to be frost damaged, the decision was taken to reinstate an MG engine. Returning the car to a slightly purer specification would also make it easier if Andrew decides to race in the future, as in its Chevrolet engine form it represented something of a mongrel with no obvious competition opportunities.

The car now has a full race 1350cc XPAG motor, with the compression ratio lowered to 8:1 to better suit the fitted supercharger

and drives through a TC gearbox which is thought to be more robust than a later TD type. The rear axle originates from a C1 Corvette and is located by a Watts linkage with rose joints that was carefully engineered back in the 1950s. A former life on the drag strips is hinted at, as the massive half-shafts have a pronounced twist, and the differential has either been welded solid or removed entirely; this latter feature no doubt assisted a fast getaway for the quarter mile but makes manoeuvring the car by pushing all but impossible!

Andrew enjoys our MGoT events as he feels they offer the perfect halfway house between full-on racing and some of the gentler pursuits that appeal to many Car Club members. A track day also gives the chance to test a car much harder than is safe or legal on the road, which is particularly pertinent if the car has been subject to comprehensive rebuilding.

In Andrew’s case Snetterton revealed a weakness in the pipework from the radiator, which made itself known by spraying hot water over the minimalist windscreen!

At the event we had a mix of complete novices and very experienced drivers, with cars ranging from low-powered standard vehicles to the completely outlandish but, as we have strict rules governing the where and when of overtaking and on-track etiquette, everyone had an enjoyable and safe day which is always the main aim of MGoT. Come and try us soon! www.mgcc.co.uk

21/06/2019 16:51

MGS ON TRACK – 2019 CALENDAR Please visit www.mgs-on-track.com to register, check availability, or to book a

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

track day.

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

North Weald – July 5 An introductory activity day for those who have not yet tried a full track-day.

A chance to explore the capabilities of driver and car in complete safety.

Croft – July 12 Experience one of the hidden gems of British Motorsport on a day shared with Lotus on Track.

Andy Walker in his 4.6 litre V8 MGB

Brands Hatch GP – August 1 A rare chance to experience the full GP Circuit with fellow MG drivers.

Anglesey – August 12 Experience this challenging circuit on a day shared with the Lotus 7 Club.

Overlooking the Irish Sea and with views to Snowdonia this track offers something for all.

Castle Combe – September 9 A second opportunity to enjoy the thrills of this ever-popular track which includes a couple of chicanes and high-speed, technical corners!

Donington Park – October 7 A flowing, historic circuit in the Midlands, featuring the fantastic Craner Curves and Old Hairpin sequence.

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

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

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Chris Pamplin recently attended the “La Vie en Bleu” event held at Prescott on Sunday May 25-26, with May 25 being an official round of the MGCC Speed Championship. Many of the MG stalwarts decided to stay on to see if they could better their times on the Sunday, nonofficially, of course.

The weather was a mixed bag on Sunday. There was mild precipitation during the middle of the day, which mucked up the second Practice and the first Competitive run of the afternoon.

The track then dried out leaving just a few light damp patches under the trees at the Esses, so we got a fairly good crack at the second run.

I knew Andy Walker in the 4.6 litre V8 MGB was quick and had taken his class win on Saturday, but I didn’t take much notice of his Sunday exploits, except to note that after his first run after lunch, he returned to the paddock with steam coming from under the bonnet, the result of a split hose. Most people would have given it up as a bad job and packed up for the long drive home. Not Andy, apparently, as he took half the cooling system to pieces and wrapped up the offending hose with special self-amalgamating tape in the hope that it would keep the water in for one last run. Last it did, and he sprinted up

the hill in a time of 48.07secs to take the class win. For him this was not his quickest of the weekend, as the day before he was even quicker on a dry track at 46.74sec, again the class winner.

After the meeting had finished I met him whilst enjoying a well-deserved pint in the Prescott clubhouse. “See you later,” he said, as we parted company, “I’m just going to collect my award.” Cut to twenty minutes later. I am almost the last man in the trailer park, hooking up for the journey home. Just when I was about to leave the paddock Andy turned up to collect his trailer. His face was an absolute picture.

Surprise, Amazement. Grinning from ear to ear, he announced he had not only won his class, but had made FTD as well.

He couldn’t really believe it. He received a trophy, a watch and a case of wine and had to make a speech!

“This just doesn’t happen to us MG lads,” he said. “They must have got it wrong.”

No, they hadn’t, it was true. He beat all the Single Seaters, Motor Cycles, the whole lot. What a result. 48.07sec was indeed FTD. Having fixed his water leak, which took longer than expected, he must have really flown up on that last run. A happy MG ending for a change. It just shows persistence pays off.

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Engines and Cylinder heads are sold on an exchange basis. If no exchange unit is available please add £750 to the price of a Midget engine £350 MGB. If you are looking to rebuild your own engine we also stock the full range of parts you will require from pistons to bearings, reconditioned rocker assemblies to genuine Payen Gasket Sets.

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CENTRES ABINGDON WORKS Pete Davies sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk We English, we all talk about it. The Weather.

We start and end conversations with it – “Good morning, fine day today isn’t it?” “Sorry, got to go before it chucks it down.” Now penning this indoors as I have had to postpone trying to rectify a problem on the ‘A’ because 30 minutes ago it was possible to ‘douche al fresco’ and now, you need UV400 lenses to wander back outside. Weather is no problem in the old rag top, bombing along at 40-plus with the top down you don’t get wet and the breeze cools you down.

MGs outnumbering the others at Notcutts 2018

ANGLIA Rob Muir 01206 862619 scribe@mgccanglia.com www.mgccanglia.com MG 101 Group Club Meet Following on from the notes last month championing the successful Club Meet structure that we have within the Club; the Central Bedfordshire MG 101 group organised a great day out and I am indebted to Jim Williams for providing the report.

Members of the Bedford 101 Club Meet enjoyed an excellent visit to the W&H Peacock Auction Centre. The visit started with a talk by one of their auctioneers and valuers on the history of the company, from its inception in 1901 through

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It can’t fail unless you succumb to that dreaded temporary red light which happened to one or two in a relatively heavy shower whilst travelling along on the AWC showpiece annual event, our 27th Old Speckled Hen Tour, about which there’s a report elsewhere in this issue, plus there’s plenty of photos on our website.

It seems so early in the year, yet we have already had two successful events and, as you read this, July is entering stage left and it’s time for some of our Natters to hold their annual Pride of Ownership meetings. This month there is The Shoulder of Mutton, Calverton, (July 11), The Chesham Natter (July 23) – their PoO is at the Chesham & Ley Hill Golf Club – The Black Horse, Gozzards Ford (July 25), adjacent to the old RAF Abingdon Airfield, who will be attracting owners of this famous Marque to gather. These, of course, are just some of the Natters scattered around the AWC and a full list can be found on our website.

Another event which is gathering momentum is the annual Notcutts Classic Car Show in Nuneham Courtenay (OX44 9PY). The fourth is being held on Sunday July 7, where they hope to attract over 300 cars of all makes and age. This with the Gin and Cider tasting should make a grand day out.

to the move to their new site, which is one of the largest auction centres in the country. We then toured the sale rooms and were given a detailed insight into each category of auction, including an Antiques Roadshow-style quiz to value various antiques. The visit concluded with lunch in the centre’s Gallery Café, overlooking the sale rooms.

Reserved parking was arranged for the good array of our members MGs, as can be seen in the accompanying photo taken on what was a wonderful day.

Jim Williams Photographic Competition When visiting various Club Meets and MG events, members always seem to have some very interesting photographs they have taken depicting

Flying the flag on the A’s first outing for a while

Again, our fantastic website has all the details of events past and planned. Why not have a gander.

There will be something that will interest you.

Welcome to all our new members whom we look forward to meeting during the coming months.

MGs they have. It was decided at the recent meeting of the committee that we should hold a photographic competition, with an award given to the best judged photograph submitted.

The photograph should be one taken by yourself during the current year and be submitted to Kelvin, our webmaster, at webmaster@mgccanglia.com for publication on the Anglia website.

The competition is open to all members, excluding Anglia committee members, and must be MG related.

Events Planning Sunday July 7 sees Queen Vic Classic and Sports Car Show Billericay Summer Fest on The Common, Billericay CM12 9LD. The show, which includes Concours and Pride of Ownership competitions, is free to attend and is a fantastic day out with events going on ‘in the display ring’ all day, along with food, stalls and music.

More information can be found on the Anglia website or from Tony Batson 07958 381470.

Helmingham Hall Festival of Classic and Sports Cars, Sunday August 4. Let John Cumming know by July 29 if you wish to show your MG on our stand. See website for details.

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CENTRES CALEDONIAN Bob MacGillivray 07870 407111 mgcarsscotland@gmail.com www.mgcaledonian.com We had a good show at Thirlestane Castle where, despite the poor weather predictions, it was a pretty dry day. Our next show is this month at Glamis Castle and if you contact me now we should be able to fit you in. These two shows rival each other in terms of number of entries, but personally I prefer Glamis as the trade and autojumble stands are more interesting… just my opinion, of course!

And I need to push some of you to get your Bo’ness entry in… we would like a good selection of MGs, especially older ones, at this now wellestablished event. It is actually unique in Scotland with its mix of motorsport, road runs and classic show, so please don’t delay!

This month we have a one day trip on the 28th based around Ayrshire. Should be a good day, book through the website.

I should also say that there are one-day runs in August, September, October and November in various areas. Keep an eye on the website for

DEVON & CORNWALL Young Janner II bobslatter@hotmail.com www.mgcc.co.uk/devon-cornwall-centre As I write these notes I am putting together the list of members’ cars to be exhibited on our Centre stand at the Crash Box Club’s Powderham Castle Classic Vehicle Gathering. We have a good selection covering all ages up to and including a new-style MG ZS, especially to encourage people to join us with the modern MGs as well the older models.

We also have a similar range of vehicles for the Torbay Old Wheels Paignton Green Classic.

The last couple of months have seen me concentrate on individual Natters and I will continue with this theme now, but unfortunately on a different note. John Harvey has run the West Cornwall Natter at the Punch Bowl and Ladle at Penelewey, near Feock, for over a year, but due to time constraints, etc, has tendered his resignation as Natter leader as of July. We are therefore looking for a volunteer to take over this Natter and move it further along, maybe even a new venue, if you have any ideas. It is imperative

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information and please book early as this helps the organisers with planning.

The August 5 Day Tour based in the Lake District is filling up well but there are still places available. Tony Smith has put a lot of work into this trip, in an area he knows well, so I’m sure it will be enjoyable. Check the website for more details.

One event under discussion by your committee is the long-established Chilly Willy on January 1. For a variety of reasons this event has, over recent years, declined in numbers and we are questioning whether or not it should continue.

Based recently in Stirling we have considered moving it to south Lanarkshire, but before doing so would like members’ views on the event.

Should it run or should we abandon it? Let’s have your views please.

Some of you may be aware that Jim Clark was a member of the Scottish Centre of the MG Car Club and competed in many events, although never in an MG! Do any of you have any photos of Jim competing on MGCC events or programmes for such events? I have all the Jim Clark books available, so I know what they contain but does anyone have anything else? This is needed for a project, more details of which will emerge in due course.

that we keep members in touch with each other at local level, on a personal basis as well as by Safety Fast! and the Centre Newsletter. If anyone is willing to stand in for John in the very near future, could they let me know, and I will get relevant information on the website and Facebook pages, etc, to keep everybody up to date. In the meantime, may I take this opportunity to thank John for running the Natter until now.

As a large number of Centre members already know, we will have an informal Summer Gathering at the Frog and Bucket at South Petherwin, Launceston, PL15 7LP on Sunday August 18. This is the venue for our Committee Meetings at the moment and the Landlord is very much a Petrol Head, being the owner of a couple of TVRs and would love to see a collection of MGs at his premises.

It is hoped that the Natters may organise a scenic drive to the venue in the morning, similar to Drive It Day, and then gather at the Inn from 2.00pm-6.00pm. Food will be available from the pub kitchen but we would ask that no outside food be brought onto the premises. The pub has recently changed hands and been fully

We need a new regalia salesperson!

And would anyone (or ones) like to take responsibility for looking after our Regalia sales?

Contact me if you would like more details.

The Frog and Bucket at South Petherwin

redecorated in the “Steam Punk” style, with a lot of engineering and childhood memorabilia.

There will be various prizes awarded on the day, including the member who travels the furthest to the venue and not necessarily in an MG, the newest member, the best Classic MG and the best Modern MG. Both these last categories will be judged by the attendees themselves.

Please note a change of date for the Exmoor Rut which we are organising this year. It is now on Sunday October 13, not the week previously as published earlier in the year. More details next month.

JULY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 71

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July Natters: Wolds Wednesday 3; Abbey Lodge Monday 8; Wishing Well Wednesday 10; Three Horseshoes Thursday 18; Ferryboat Tuesday 23; White Hart Thursday 25 (Landlords Choice).

Luncheon Club: Wednesday 17.

July Events: On the Green Car Show, Allington Sunday 7; Rover Day & MG Display, East Kirkby Saturday 13; Sandtoft Trolleybus Museum Sunday 28.

It is with great sadness that I have to report the passing of John Laurence, whilst on holiday in Scotland. John, a stalwart of the Club, had endured a short illness, but his untimely passing at this time was unexpected. Having known John as a good friend and confidant for well over 30 years, it is very difficult to express our feelings of loss. To Sheila, we offer our heartfelt condolences.

A sport very close to John and Sheila’s hearts was autotesting, and our event in May attracted 14 entries. Results-wise, Mark Peters pipped son Duncan in the long-wheelbase sportscars, Michael Denton took the short-wheelbase sportscar award,

MIDLANDS Paul Hollingworth paul_irene@btinternet.com First of all, news from the Centre’s premier social event, the Welsh Rallye, which took place on the weekend May 17-19. I’d like to thank my fellow members of the organising team, Brian Osborn, and Roger and Jennie King, for another successful event, not forgetting the marshals at the lunch and tea stops. 88 people assembled on Friday afternoon at the Hand Hotel in Llangollen and sat down to a three-course dinner in the evening.

On Saturday 44 cars set off on a rather dull but fine morning on the 160-mile touring run which took in the North Wales coast and parts of Snowdonia, returning via Bala Lake. Simon Morris was on duty on the Great Orme to take photos. These are available on the Centre’s Facebook page (you don’t need an account to view) www.facebook.com/MG-Car-Club-MidlandCentre-18635360863/ On Saturday evening prizes were awarded for the most outrageous shirt/tie/dickie and earrings at dinner.

Winners were Terry Heighway and Anita Dorney.

John (right) and Sheila Laurence with Steve Hall at a Lincolnshire Annual Dinner

Dan Williams in his MG ZS the saloons, and Malcolm Clark the Specials class. The flying Kiwi, Matt Walbran, took fastest time overall, and also had time to give his wife her first driving lesson during the lunch break! Well done, everyone.

Don’t forget the On the Green Car Show at Allington on July 7. Contact Richard Withington on: 01949 844066 or r.withington@btinternet.com for details.

Also, the Rover Day and MG Display at Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby on July 13. Details can be found on the Centre’s website, or contact our organiser, Kevin Pateman, on 01529 460169.

An interesting visit is in store on Sunday July 28 at Sandtoft, to the north of the county, to the Trolleybus Museum. Contact Andy Rake on 01526 320226, or andyrake@aol.com for more details.

On Sunday August 4, we are again organising a display of cars at Revesby Country Fair. Please contact David Stonehouse on 01790 754774 or email davidstonehouse1@btinternet.com for details.

Looking further ahead, the Centre’s Poacher Concours Show takes place on Sunday August 18 at Doddington Hall, near Lincoln. For entry details, please see the website, or contact Geoff and Vicki Edge on 01205 871973 or email geoffjedge@aol.com

Matt Walbran the flying Kiwi at our May Autotest

On Sunday morning the organised excursion, which was taken up by 50+ people, was a two-hour canal boat trip which culminated in a crossing of the Pontcysyllte aqueduct. A carvery lunch was taken back at the Hand. After lunch, car of the weekend was awarded to Roger King for his very unusual TF160 in monogram aurora.

Runner-up was Roger Bolton for his MGB. The PJ Evans trophy was awarded to Tony Lake for outstanding contribution by a committee member.

When lunch was over most went their separate ways and headed for home, but a few opted to stay an extra night to take in more of the delights of Llangollen. Preparations for the 2020 Rallye are already underway.

A fuller report is available on the Centre website www.mgccmidlandcentre.co.uk/ eventreport.htm Now for future events, the first of which is the joint Natter on the evening of July 24 which is where Midlands and South West Centre folk meet.

This year it is again being held at the Rose and Crown in Severn Stoke.

Next up is our Summer Sprint, held at Curborough on August 4. Entries are still open.

It’s free to spectate and many do, but why not volunteer to marshal, all necessary training will be given. Contact Simon on 07788 168488 or simonmorrisbmmcmgcc@gmail.com Finally, we are planning to hold our Autumn Production Car Trial at East Lodge Farm, Bromsgrove, on September 29. The overheads on the site are thankfully low, so it’s more a case of when the entry numbers become worth the effort required by the organisers. The course is completely non-damaging and suitable for beginners, so come on and give it a go.

Entry forms and regulations for our sporting events are available on the Centre’s website.

The Monogram Aurora TF 160 of Roger King www.mgcc.co.uk

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CENTRES NORTH WEST Paul Goodman 01625 876300 Racing, speed events and social gatherings are all on the agenda in July. Only one outing for the Speed Championship this month, which is to the short, but challenging, Barbon venue on Saturday July 6. The hill is located near Kirby Lonsdale so is a good day out from much of the North West. Then, after a long gap, the Cockshoot Cup drivers will be racing twice over the weekend of July 21 and 22 at the stunning Donington Park Circuit. The whole weekend will be an amazing feast of racing with many MG races backed up by the Equipe Three Hour Relay on Saturday for pre-65 sportscars. The new owners of Donington Park, MSV, have spent a huge amount of money improving the circuit and the spectator facilities – new toilets, catering, parking and improved viewpoints. There will be lunchtime parades each day, which you can take part in.

Our social events start with the Shrewsbury Arms on Tuesday July 9. The next day, Wednesday 10, we are trying something new. We are inviting members to assemble for an informal gathering

SOUTH EAST Ray Ruffels raywillmg@gmail.com www.mgccse.co.uk William Opie and Ray Ruffels are your new joint scribes providing expertise, cover and continuity to members.

We run the North Downs Natter with years of experience in the SE Centre, MG cars and its annual events. We would be very interested to hear from other Natter leaders and members with your local events and rallies by email to raywillmg@gmail.com July kicks-off with the second round of the Alternative PoO held at the Surrey Oaks, Newdigate RH5 5DZ on July 7, and the third at the Three

MG Line-Up at the Anglesey Sprint in May. Photo: Tim Kirkham

from 11.00am at The Courtyard, Church Road, Tarleton, nr Preston, PR4 6UP. There are several pubs and restaurants and interesting retail opportunities close to the car park. An area for us will be marked by our flags. We hope that members from Lancashire will join us. The Plough and Flail pub will be filled with MGs on Tuesday July 16 with our members able to offer advice to newcomers about the MGCC and their cars.

The final social event in a packed calendar is the lunchtime gathering on July 31 at The White Lion, Manley Road, Alvanley, Frodsham, WA6 9DD. Looking further ahead, we will once again be staging a display at the Oulton Park Gold Cup on Sunday August 25 and Monday August 26. There

will be free tickets available for drivers of MGs. If you wish to attend, then email your details to paul. goodman7@ntlworld.com The deadline is July 31.

There were two fast and furious Cockshoot races at Croft in mid-May with a wet race won by Paul Clackett driving his V6 MG ZS and the second on a dry track by Phil Standish at the wheel of the orange MG TF LE500. Championship leader after Croft is Colin Stubbs whose Class B MG ZR 170 is a point ahead of the Class C Midget of Keith Egar.

Also in May, the Scammonden Dam Hillclimb ran on a dry track with six runs for each competitor.

Fastest North West Centre member was, once again, Andy Walker in his very powerful modified MGB V8.

Horseshoes, Buckland (RH3 7BG) on July 16. Contact John Morgan on 07802 770025 for further details.

The Summer Gathering will be at Michelham Priory (BN27 3QS) on July 21 where Concours and Pride of Ownership competitions will be held.

Michelham Priory House and gardens has 800 years of history to be explored, from its foundation by Augustinian monks through to the wonderful country House of today. Details and entry forms can be downloaded from www.mgccse.co.uk/calendar-2019/ or contact Philip Bayne-Powell on 01483 811428.

The Tour of the South East on August 11 is centered on West Sussex. The start is at the Dukes Head, Turners Hill Road, Copthorne, RH10 4HH, with the finish and lunch at the Copthorne Hotel,

Copthorne RH10 3PG. Full details and booking are on the SE website or contact Roy Baker on 07768 314226.

The SE centre spring lunch with Pauline Reynolds and her daughter, Lorna, on the left of their MGC as special guests of honour for the contribution made by her husband, Colin, to the Centre. More photos on the SE website. Photo: John Morgan www.mgcc.co.uk

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Events round-up The Spring Run on April 28 between Halstead and the Medway Yacht Club was a great success with 24 cars taking part. Members enjoyed an excellent run in the Kent countryside followed by lunch at the Club and a river trip!

The same weekend also saw exciting MG racing at Brands Hatch, with cars spanning MMM, Midgets, As and Bs through to modern TFs and Z series machines.

A successful Belgium Rally took place in early May and the SE Centre Spring lunch was held on May 19 at Hartsfield Manor Hotel. The hotel’s classical façade provided a wonderful backdrop for members’ cars. Following lunch, a presentation was made to Pauline Reynolds and her daughter, Lorna, of a plaque recording Colin Reynolds’ support and contribution to the Club.

Entertainment on the day was provided by Ian Quarrington, former MGCC Chairman; see: www. mgccse.co.uk/2019/05/26/spring-lunch-report/

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CENTRES SOUTH WEST Andrew Owst 01761 221893 andrewowst@hotmail.com www.mgccsw.com www.facebook.com/MGCCSW The Wye Valley Run took place on Sunday May 12 and what glorious weather it was. Several members from the English side of the Bristol Channel met at Aust Services to make their way along a route planned by Simon Lott to Llanthony Priory, near Hay on Wye. Last-minute road closures are a rally organiser’s worst nightmare and the original Severn Bridge was closed that Sunday for maintenance, and a landslide in the Wye Valley closed the road. Despite this and the extra mileage which resulted, all who

entered enjoyed the drive through superb Welsh scenery. A good selection of MGs from the Welsh side took part, organised by Terry and Freda Davies. The setting was very peaceful and tranquil with the priory ruins against the backdrop of the hills of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Even the run home was not without road closure problems as a light aircraft had to make an emergency landing on the A40 near Raglan. Happily, there were no accidents to road users and the three people on the plane escaped with only minor injuries.

Still on a Welsh theme, Terry Davies has advised that there is a change of venue for the Wye Valley Natter which is held on the second Tuesday of each month. The venue is now Weston Cross Inn, Westonunder-Penyard, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7NU.

As regards future events, the next event will be MGs on Grass 2 which once again will be held at Claverham Court Farm, Yatton, on Sunday July 28. This is a mixture of gymkhana and autotests and includes a good romp round a level field. It is non-damaging and last year there was large entry of Midgets which are really suited to this event. I will be entering in my Midget again, as it is really good fun. Details and entry forms are available at mgccsw.com/events In September there is the Centre’s Premier Meeting, Wiscombe Hill Climb, near Honiton, Devon. For anyone who has not attended this meeting it is a glorious venue and an excellent day’s motorsport. One of the best ways to see this event is to marshal. Details are on the Centre website.

MGs and their owners resting at Llanthony Priory, near Hay on Wye. Photo: Jim Lott

TYNE-TEES Tony Wood anthony@scrutonvillage.co.uk June opened with another superb Prince Bishops/ St Cuthbert’s runs, our popular dual event with starts at Newbiggin and Lordstones, northern route devised by David Alexander and southern one by Noel, which coalesced at Wolsingham leading to the finish on Palace Green in front of the newly uncovered Durham Cathedral. An entry of 56 cars enjoyed the fine scenery and

the sometimes less-than-fine weather but as is traditional, the sun shone on Palace Green. The wide range of MGs entered ranged from a Keller WA to an MG3 with even a Farina Magnette in the mix, causing much head scratching amongst the judges whose deliberations led to the award of the Prince Bishops Trophy (pre-1981 cars) to John Grant for his Downton MG MGC GT and the Prebends Trophy (post-1981) to Helen Waddington’s pretty MG TF 135. Spirit of the Event award was won by John Mitchell who overcame a range of personal and mechanical

issues to be with us in his MGB GT, a worthy and popular winner. Photos taken, cream teas scoffed, tourists bemused, the walls of Owengate echoed with MG exhausts to bring the fun to an end for another year.

The Fish and Chip Supper run on Friday July 19 starts at Bowburn Services and finishes to dine in fine style at sunny Seaton Carew, with a mystery route between. Contact Dennis on 07970 115202 or email denhope@hotmail.co.uk for details.

Entries for both Newby Hall on July 21 and Croft Nostalgia weekend will have both closed by the time you read this (you were warned!) but if you missed the cut, still come along and see us, we will be out in force at both events.

Why not try your hand at our Southern Treasure Hunt and Supper run on August 17? Another lighthearted event where hopefully all participants end up at the pub for a meal, Jennifer Nixon organises, so expect a good route and devious clues, Email jennifer.nixon@btinternet.com Finally, a quick reminder that we will again be supporting Hamsterley Hoppings on August 25, a lovely little village gala and car show, well worth a visit! Dennis coordinates on this, details above.

Mayor of Durham’s Guard on Palace Green at the end of the Prince Bishops/St Cuthbert’s run surrounded by MGs www.mgcc.co.uk

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CENTRES YORKSHIRE David Copeman 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk North – Nick Mann North Yorkshire’s May meeting was organised by yours truly, ably assisted by our chairman and took the form of our annual slot car championship.

Everyone entered into the spirit of the occasion and a thoroughly good evening was had by all.

Bill Poole came out victorious once again, with the fastest lap time going to Paul Croft. My thanks to our chairman, Colin, who once again was most helpful in helping me run the evening. Next month is our annual Pride of Ownership, so I suspect much cleaning and polishing will be the order of the day for members over the next few weeks.

South – Mike Breedon Malcolm Perry brought out his recently restored MG TD to join several others members on a Drive it Day event organised by Geoff Norcliffe, starting with breakfast at Canon Hall Garden Centre, Cawthorne, followed by a 25-mile run to the South Yorkshire Transport Museum, Rotherham,

ULSTER Carol Willis 07831 345560 www.mgcculstercentre.co.uk carol.mgulster@hotmail.co.uk Our bi-monthly Nosh lunches continue to attract good numbers with 19 turning up at The Poacher’s Pocket on Wednesday May 8. Two weeks later we ran the first of our midweek autotests at Carlisle Fuels, just outside Crossgar, and it attracted an entry of 25 competitors. The evening was very pleasant and Stephen worked hard to make sure the event ran smoothly. Robin Lyons in his Mini Special took the honours in 355.1 secs, with Ulster Centre member Andrew Earney in his new lightweight Mini saloon hot on his heels in second place with 368.8 secs.

On Saturday June 8 the Thoroughbred Sports Car Club NI had invited members of the Ulster Centre, together with other clubs, to display their cars at their summer event at Kirkistown. Terry Ingles organised a gathering of seven cars to meet at Cloud 9 at Newtownards Airport for brunch and they then travelled down the peninsula to join in the festivities. They had been selected to do

what a great venue. Several Natter members made a weekend of the Caledonian Run which seemed to have gone well.

East – Brian Rylance The Wolds Way run was once again a great success. Turnout and weather were good, as was the route by Ray, Superb organisation and postrun meal at Cave Castle by the team. Hopefully the Natter should be meeting back at The Duke of Cumberland in Cottingham. There is a group visit to The Bunker at RAF Holmpton, HU19 2FG, on Saturday August 31 2019. The discounted entry fee is £7 per person. Contact Chris Moore at mailto:camoctagon@gmail.com West – David Copeman A good selection of MGs for the June Pride of Ownership and all worth voting for. Ray Clarke’s Midget was voted Best Car and Andrew Crow’s TF was awarded the President’s Choice, both worthy winners. Thanks’ to James Crow for checking all the voting slips, a job he may inherit?

James Johnson was congratulated on his racing achievements to-date and for bringing along five members of his racing fraternity for the evening.

a parade lap of the circuit and, in fact, when the rest of Co Down was suffering tropical rainstorms they were fortunate to be able to enjoy the microclimate outside Kircubbin and stay dry.

The last of our midweek autotests took place on June 13 at Dundrod Pits. Carol had arrived earlier in the afternoon to discover she had left the test drawings on the photocopier at home – oh, what to do next? Not enough time to go there and back again before the competitors would arrive. She locked up The Pits, contacted our friend Martin Hutchinson of TTS who agreed she could plug in her computer and printed them off there.

Phew, what a start to the evening! It was windy and bitterly cold and, with the venue being so exposed, the time-keepers felt as though it was February, not June. As customary, we ran three tests three times each and Andrew Earney won the event in 434.7 secs, followed by Gordon in his Midget with 496.6 secs. Congratulations to Andrew and all the class

Tiger – Pete Welbourn We had a change to the published venue for this month’s luncheon run, the original venue being closed for re-invention, so I made an executive decision (like being back at work, except nobody says “you can’t do that”) and we revisited the Hope and Anchor at Blacktoft on the river Derwent. We used the original route – I can’t remember who did it, but it is a good one, with varied roads and scenery, the sun was out and so were the MGs. Vale of York – Ken Cothliff Another fine day at the May Natter, and another new member welcoming, Peter Ogden and his wife from Ripon. While Rod Moreton took the members’ money for a raffle, we all sorted out the Heartbeat Run, which will have been run by the time this is read. We’ll have to make a decision whether this is an annual event, afterwards.

We are so lucky to have such wonderful countryside to drive our classics through, and to star on TVs “Bangers and Cash” on the Yesterday channel, especially popular with classic car drivers up here.

winners. Stephen kept the event moving and most people got away early when it was still daylight.

Except Stephen, that is. His battery in the Insignia ran flat and he had to phone for assistance to give it a boost and finally got away about 10.45pm.

So one way or another we had a memorable start and finish to the event but as they say: “It was all right on the night”.

Dates for your Diary: Wednesday July 10 Nosh ’n’ Natter – 12.45pm Poacher’s Pocket, Lisbane Thursday August 22 Visit to Ferguson Linen Banbridge, Run and Meal Friday August 30 Ulster Classic Trial (start venue tba)

Gordon Buckley in his Midget www.mgcc.co.uk

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REGISTERS VINTAGE Ian Quarrington IanQuarrington999@BTInternet.com Looking forward and backwards. I like doing this, makes these notes even more enjoyable to write.

There will be loads of reflections on the recent VR tour to Norfolk in the July Bulletin, so do look out for those, but suffice for me to say it was a great week, great hotel and food, wonderful company from both Vintage Register and Early MG Society members plus two current Board Directors and guests from Anglia Centre on three of the days. Highlight for me was the impromptu organ recital at Cromer Church (thank you, Geoff Radford) and the newly formed VR Choir. It’s ok, Gareth Malone has agreed to do his best with us!

Looking forward: wasn’t that kind of Peter Green to invite the Register to join in the annual Triple M gathering at his home on July 7. If you haven’t booked yet be quick, as even though Peter has a slightly larger garden than most of us there has to be a cut-off point for him and his wonderful volunteers. I wonder which car Philip and Rosemary B-P will bring. Last time I saw them at an MG event they came in a gorgeous Jaguar! Next is Vintage

TRIPLE M CATHELIJNE SPOELSTRA +31 (0)6 41216600 cathelijnespoelstra@outlook.com www.triple-mregister.org Events and Such Not much of the official stuff to report on this month; the AGM has come and gone, officers have been re-elected, things are in fine fettle, all good!

Entries for the grand Summer Gathering on July 7 will have closed by the time you read this, but, being the well-organised people that you are, you have of course entered well in advance. Just like you have for Pre-War Prescott on July 20 and for the Dutch Triple-M do in August and so I shall see you there. Right? Lovely!

Car of the Month It’s the K-type’s turn this month! Again, a model with several sub-models or types or whatever you want to call them. There’s the K1 for starters, available as either a four-seater tourer or as a saloon, and the K2, a two-seater sports. But then! The K3! The one everybody seems to want, causing some 300 to have

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Motors at Prescott on July 20 or MGCC racing the same day at Donington, Classics on the Common at Harpenden on Wednesday July 24 (look up the website classicsonthecommon.com and you can still get tickets), then our friends from the EMGS are off to France in September. And next year TED is hoping to run an event based on the Midlands area and Wroxall Abbey for late April/early May. I like the small events, too: there is one in a village near to home on the first Sunday of each month where anyone in any sort of classic or vintage car or bike can turn up, give a fiver to the organisers in exchange for a bacon butty and a cup of tea and the proceeds go to help restore the local Church. I met with lots of Club members today

(June 2) including one I hadn’t seen in about ten years ( V8 man Barrie Franklin) plus Keith Herkes from the EMGS. It isn’t all about the big events!

Final point: May Bulletin. No, it didn’t go out on time, no, it wasn’t for the lack of trying, and yes, please remember the on-time delivery of this important part of our VR lives depends very largely on just two people, yes just two: one is your VR Secretary and the other is our SF! Editor, Andy Knott. What do they have in common, other than a love of the MG marque? They are both in fulltime employment, unlike most of the rest of us, so while it’s disappointing the Bulletin can sometimes be late, do be patient and don’t be too quick to complain. Thanks.

‘survived’ when only 33 were made … Not my personal favourite, though; the radiator shell is too bulky for my taste and the whole thing just seems to be a bit out of proportion.

Without wanting to offend anyone, I do keep asking myself “why do people so desperately want their own lookalikes of these machines?” Of course, everyone is entitled to do with their cars as they see fit and chop up perfectly good examples of N and K-types in the process. The thing that does bother me is that when you go to a meeting, you’re no longer able to tell what you’re looking at. Is it an actual piece of history or a mere rewrite of it? And it’s like Friedensreich Hundertwasser said: “If we do not honour our past, we lose our future. If we destroy our roots, we cannot grow.” Something to mull over for a bit, perhaps …

Anyway, in relation to the above babbles, I’ve obviously opted for a standard K1 to feature here: K0311 is Walter Kallenberg’s well-known and well-used K1 whose past actually merits a full write-up for our Bulletin if you ask me. However, being restricted to only half a page this month, I’m going to have to leave you with just this one photograph as a teaser and a prod to visit our website and read up on all the various K-types under Model Profiles.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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REGISTERS SVW Paul Campbell svw.safety.fast@gmail.com www.svwregister.co.uk The SVW Review Issue 28 has now been collected from the printers and they’re due to be delivered to Kimber House for mailing in the next few weeks. This does take time as we have to confirm the membership list from Main Club, create labels, then Kimber House takes it from there, charging postage back to the Register. Postage is a major cost, of course, so we hand-deliver locally when we can and take copies to SVW events (sadly not MGLive! this year). With that in mind, some of the first to receive it will be those attending the SVW event in Holland at the end of June. Members get it free but they’re also available for purchase at £10. We had a fairly good response via the Facebook group from non-members who were offered the prepayment price of £8, so they’re added to the mailing list and receive it at the same time as members.

Last month I wrote about an SVW newsletter called SVW Review, published in the USA in the 1970s, the editor of which was Judith Bertoglio-

T TYPE PAUL PLUMMER 01926 854574 scribe@tregister.org I’ll start this month’s piece with a couple of apologies.

At the rebuild seminar back in March where my TF was the display car, several participants pointed out that I had no rear reflectors and as that was a legal requirement, perhaps I should do something about it!

I have now fitted reflectors, see adjacent photo.

Following the four-page spread in the May edition, Trevor Vertigan called me to say that I had incorrectly identified the T Type shown in the cigarette card album as a TC, when it was actually a TA. Whoops, sorry!

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Giffin. With an unusual name like that I managed to track her down in Tombstone, Arizona! She said: “Unfortunately my chief mechanic and husband passed away 18 years ago and all the MGs were sold, as was the restoration business.

We had a WA, SA and VA as well as miscellaneous other MGs, and I both edited and published the newsletter for a group of USA SVW folk. I wish I could have continued on in the MG world but alas I’m no mechanic and you are well aware of

the skills needed to keep any of them running. My personal car at the moment is a 2011 Mini Cooper S Clubman and I currently play with beadwork instead of cars these days.”

Next month I’ll just have time to write a little of what happened in Holland at the end of June when I return. In the meantime, I leave you with a photo of my VA Tourer at the Slindon College Fete near me at the end of May, where we had a rather good classic car show.

Stowe Public School in Buckinghamshire hosted a Classic Car show on Saturday May 25, with an eclectic mix of cars, from a 1902 Oldsmobile up to supercars of the 1980s. Just short of 100 cars basked in the sunshine, of which 10 were MGs including three T types and pictured here is Tim Whitlock’s 1939 TA Tickford.

Keith Benningfield writes to tell us about his experiences of Hill Climbing in his TC. The article is far too long to publish here, so we have uploaded

it to our website, where you can read about Keith’s exploits.

Go to www.mgcc.co.uk/t-register/t-registercompetition/hill-climbing-2019/ With no MGLive! this year, our next formal event is the T Party, which takes place at the Shuttleworth Museum, Old Warden Aerodrome, near Biggleswade, on Sunday August 4. Bookings are now being taken, and tickets can be obtained from the website.

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REGISTERS Y TYPE Jerry Birkbeck 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325 birkbeckjerry@gmail.com www.mgccyregister.co.uk Welcome to the Summer!

Our weather is as unpredictable as ever, from temperatures in the high twenties through to cold, damp and windy days. However, I am sure that many of you are taking the opportunity to get out and about in your Ys. Alan Chick fits very much into this category and he uses his YB on any occasion, attending a plethora of events across South Wales and to his local pub and ice cream outlet. Alan is an expert on the quality of ice creams and is the go-to person should anyone need clarification on this!

Many of you attend local events and shows, and with the huge interest in classic cars there are a number of evening meets. If you are attending any then please do forward me a few photos and a short line on their success or not!

The opportunity to promote the Y is one that needs to be taken, particularly in the challenging

MGB David Broadhurst 01209 614704 newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org www.mgb-register.org As promised, we have a winner for the number of Easter eggs in the back of my MGB GT. There were 25 in the back out of the 580 we bought for the Lions Club of Camborne Redruth Great Easter Egg Hunt staged on Portreath Beach on Easter Sunday. The winner is James Wylie from Hertfordshire and Ellie Macbain-Williams, our Regalia organiser, is sorting him out with one of the new Register Polo shirts. Enjoy, James.

Good estimate. Of course, you can get many more things into the back of a GT (I’m sure you all have interesting examples). My previous LE made an excellent bar one year at Silverstone, with a barrel of Ringwood Bitter set up and the polyurethane bumper proving ideal as a rest for beer mugs.

Petrolicious Drivers Meeting May 12 The Marathon MGB featured in a select display as part of the ‘Collective’ within the Petrolicious

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environment that we now live in. So, to use a rugby analogy: “use it or lose it!”

Petwood Concours d’Elegance It is quite obvious that many Y owners will focus on events close to where they live, which is understandable. The Register has been invited to attend the Petwood Hotel Concours d’Elegance on Sunday August 11 2019.

This looks like being a really good day out.

Petwood Hotel is in Woodhall Spa, LN10 6QG, an ideal location for any Y owners in Lincolnshire and surrounding counties. Further details and an entrance form can be found online at orchardlodge2003@yahoo.co.uk I have been reliably informed that it is a very worthwhile event.

Working with other Registers Our Register is a small group and it is sensible to consider ways in which we can work closely with similar groups. We have been approached by the Magnette Register on ways in which we might undertake joint events. Maggie Grafham is our cocoordinator on this, so if you have any thoughts or ideas then please contact her (grafham. margaret@gmail.com)

Malcolm Hardy We have been informed that Malcolm Hardy, a well-known Y owner in Lancashire, has sadly died.

For many years he was the Y Register Northern Representative. He attended a number of events, particularly the annual Harrogate summer show.

He restored his two-tone Y to a very high standard, and I especially remember him at the first ‘Ys for Yorkshire’ tour that Andrew and Arlene Coulson organised in 2004. He was a lot of fun and very enjoyable company. We extend our sympathies to his wife, Pat, and family on their loss.

The Register Shop – New Organiser needed Mike and Sue Silk have been running the Register Shop for over a decade and through their committed work they have introduced a range of parts that have only been available second hand. They raised the wish to both retire from this role. At the AGM in May they announced that a future organiser(s) was still needed and that their continuing involvement was only temporary until a suitable replacement could be found.

This is a key role and our only source of income, so if you feel that you might be prepared to take this on then please contact them on: mikesue4304@gmail.com

event staged at Bicester. The display was of eight cars by invitation – each one submitted by a car club. This was organised by Next Step Heritage in partnership with Petrolicious.

The Marathon MGB was featured in the magazine produced for the display. There was a detailed story of its discovery and restoration, compiled by Andrew Coles. We have added the content of “Marathon in the Dust” to the website. www.mgb-register.org It is well worth a read (too big an article to include in these notes).

Club members and staff from Next Step Heritage were on hand to discuss the cars with visitors throughout the day.

For the rest of the event, members and owners brought a wide range of historic vehicles which featured around the site and parked on the grass area adjacent to the airfield. There were further displays and an archive film showing within one of the hangars.

Some dates to add to your 2019 Calendar Sunday August 4 Classic Car and MG Picnic – Millets Farm, Abingdon

Sunday August 18 Meet Ex-Workers who Built the MGB – Kimber House Friday 13-Monday September 16 MGB Register Weekend details on the events page on the MGB website.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/06/2019 16:52

Classic Car Summer Picnic Sunday August 4th 2019

10am – 4pm Millets Farm Centre Frilford nr Abingdon OX13 5HB The MGB Register invite all Classic Cars to this event

Millets Farm Centre and Frosts Garden Centre offer various attractions and restaurants, something for everyone.

For more information visit www.milletsfarmcentre.com

To help us plan the space required please email john.watson@mgb-register.org with your car type and registration, or text or call John Watson on 07770 575 236 We collect you personal details to enable us to administer the event. We do not pass your details to any third party other than where required to facilitate entry as part of the event.

Names may be published as part of a program or list of entrants. Pictures will be taken & used to promote future & past events.

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REGISTERS MIDGET Mike Parker mikeparker78@btinternet.com www.midgetregister.com/ This month I’ve got something a bit different for the Midget notes for you, all the way from Japan.

Meet the MG 2019 “Meet the MG”, organised by the Kobe MGCC of Japan, was held in May this year at Nishinomiya Yacht Harbour. This was the 30th anniversary of this annual event and this report and photos

MGC Mike Haughton mgc_mike@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/mgc-register/ It’s been a rather successful month for the Register during May. First off, we were awarded the ‘Club of the Show’ trophy for the impressive presence of 11 Cs at the Downton Engineering Show.

From there several of us moved on to Poole, taking the ferry to Jersey for the Weekender occasion.

Due to disruptions in the ferry schedule some cars were delayed but eventually we were able to muster nine Cs for the event, with a local car joining us on the Thursday.

Club of the Show – Downton Engineering 84 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2019

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were kindly sent in by Kobe Centre member Koichi Morikawa who has attended all thirty!

This year there were 36 MGs attending: ten Midgets, four Pre-war, eight T-Series, one saloon, one MGA, seven MGBs and five MGFs. Of the Midgets, there were three Mk1s, one Mk2, one Mk3, two Mk4s and three 1500s. All

the cars were presented in top-class condition and made a colourful display for all to enjoy!

Koichi’s car is the Tartan Red Mk1 Midget.

Finally this month, if you haven’t yet booked your place on the Midget Register Roadrun now’s the time to book. All details are on the advert opposite these notes.

Over the weekend Tom Pugsley did particularly well, scooping the prize for the furthest travelled (it was no contest, really!) and for the best MGC GT in show. Brian McCorquodale was awarded best MGC and the Register’s superheroes, Ginny and Barrie, were awarded best newcomers!

For those interested, we post photographs from the events onto the C Register micro-site.

Finally, for those who missed it there is a great article on the sage green Cs of Mark Britton and Jon Glover in MG Enthusiast, June edition.

Happy C motoring Colin Howes

Barrie and Ginny – Yes, they really are superheroes

Tom Pugsley collecting his award for the furthest travelled – over 3,000 miles probably qualifies!

www.mgcc.co.uk

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

RV8 escapes to the chateau Robert Jackson’s RV8 parked in front of the Chateau de la Motte Husson where his youngest daughter and partner got married in May earlier this year. Robert adds: “We travelled down in the RV8 and it performed well on the 700-mile round trip, despite an increasingly noisy water pump on the return leg. The chateau may be of interest to some as it is the one featured in the Channel 4 series ‘Escape to the chateau’ with Dick Strawbridge and his wife Angel. Needless to say, a great weekend was had by all.”

FWD Ben Hatton ben2692@hotmail.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk/fwd-register/ Recently the FWD Register was contacted by MGCC member Colin Murrell who stumbled across an MG Metro at the Donington Historic festival. Here’s what he had to say about the car at the event: “The ninth Donington Historic Festival was held on May 3-5 at the historic Donington Circuit. To quote Historic promotions: ‘a stellar line-up of historic races ranging from the sports cars of the 1920s and 1930s all the way through to the historic touring cars of the 1980s.’

“Personally, when viewing the races from the areas of the Craner Curves, Old Hairpin, Starkey’s Bridge and Schwantz Curve, the event was very reminiscent of the AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix at the Nürburgring (which is a personal favourite of mine that I have attended several times) with a mix of races and cars just as interesting and entertaining to watch.

“There was something for any MG enthusiast competing, from John Gillett, in his 1934 ex-Prince

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RV8 starter problem solved Jamie Colville found that for “50% of the time my RV8 starts first time, the starter motor spins the engine with strength and away she goes, but for the other 50% everything primes, turn the key and just a single click from the solenoid. It may do this once or up to six times, then just as you despair it fires up with a healthy start. Any thoughts?”

Martin Cridford responded, referring to his earlier post when he was having starting problems with his RV8, saying “having cleaned and remade every possible starter-related electrical connection I decided it must be the starter itself. Various online searches revealed that the starter solenoid was the likely candidate for contact failure as a dull click is heard when the key is turned, but the starter failed to spin every time.

“Some research on the internet revealed that this particular starter, using the MGR part number, was said to be obsolete or if available, very expensive. I did find the Land Rover part number for the solenoid only, but an order from a Land Rover specialist failed to deliver the solenoid with the comment that it was unlikely to be made again! Some more searching revealed the solenoid was still available, albeit probably a pattern part

Bira K3, two 50s Magnettes, MGA Twin Cam, five MGBs and an MG Metro Turbo in the Historic Touring Car Challenge (HTCC) with Tony Dron Trophy. This, I believe, is an Ex-Tony Pond 1984 MG Metro Turbo, and was driven

by Patrick Watts “Friday was qualifying day, and quite wet at times; this can be a great leveller of performance.

The Metro was up against some mighty V8 Rovers, Cosworth Sierras, M3 BMWs, rapid Capris, Chevrolet Camaro, as well as a Dolomite Sprint and a 1275 GT Mini. The Metro qualified well up the field.

“Sunday, raceday, dry and sunny. How would the little Metro fare? It looked to be a real David and Goliath battle, but the little fire-breathing Metro more than held its own, finishing a very credible eighth out of a field of 28 or so, ahead of the three big V8s.

“The chequered flag went to an RS500 Sierra Cosworth, second a 3-litre Capri (Adam

from an international supplier. So I ordered one and it arrived quickly and it has now been fitted with great success.

“It is easy to fit a new solenoid but it does require the end mounting flange-cap to be removed, but being careful not to disturb the commutator-brush set at the other end, unless you want to clean and lubricate it as I did. Getting the starter motor off and on is not difficult, but in true V8 fashion it was difficult to reach!

“The solenoid was made in Brazil, sold by an Italian parts supplier, bought via eBay France and shipped from Italy to the UK by a German based courier in five days! I had waited three weeks to be told (only when pressed) it was no longer available in the UK.” For part numbers see our ‘More’ web page at: www.v8register.net/more.htm V8 Lincolnshire Tour 2019 The V8 Tour from Thursday 12 to Monday September 16 2019 will be in Lincolnshire, providing a taste of some of the attractions in this often-underrated county. The tour organisers are Richard and Victoria Withington. Full information and booking details are available via our ‘More’ web page at: www.v8register.net/more.htm

Morgan being one of the drivers), third BMW M3, fourth Capri 3.4 Litre, fifth Capri RS2600, sixth BMW M3 (with Colin Turkington one of the drivers) seventh BMW 3.0 CSL, then the mighty Metro with its 1293cc.

“Next year will see the 10th Donington Historic Festival and also the 90th anniversary of the MG Car Club. With prominent positions for Car Clubs with special anniversaries, the possibility of a special lunch time parade, and such a great race schedule, this really should be an event to put in 2020’s calendar once the dates are announced. A possible parade of 90 MGs, on such an iconic circuit – now that would be something quite special!!”

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/06/2019 16:52

REGISTERS ZR/ZS/ZT JOHN THOMPSON 01702 298866 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister Events Picking up from last month’s four-page newsletter, ‘Zeds in the West’ took place on May 12. Around 30 Zeds headed to the Haynes Motor Museum in Somerset, including a lovely Rover 75 and an immaculate Tomcat. We chose a location in front of the museum in our own little piece of the main car park, enabling the public to circulate among our colourful display before heading in to the reception. Fortunately, we were also blessed with one of the warmest days of the year so far which brought the visitors out. It was great to see so many Zeds together and to see their owners chatting enthusiastically about their cars. With so many cars to see in the museum, a number of attendees took the opportunity to take the guided tour, while others went around at a more leisurely pace. Overall, we had a successful day and our third annual regional event; we hope you had an enjoyable day. Where are we off to for next year’s

MG6.3.5 Steve Haines Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register twitter.com/635register Unfortunately no MGLive! to report upon this month, but we are hoping that members have managed to fill the gap with some local shows in their regions, or attended the recent Kimber House open weekend.

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_July2019 51-98.indd 87

event? Plans are already in motion. Look out for ‘Zeds in the………’!

UPCOMING EVENTS After taking a breather during June, we now enter the busy month of July. The 2019 racing championships continue over the weekend of July 20-21 at Donington Park. We will be in the thick of it for both days by having our gazebo in the paddock area surrounded by the Trophy racers. Come and visit us for the latest news and information, together with our merchandise which we will have on sale. The requested ‘inside’ ‘Save Our Zeds’ campaign stickers are now in stock priced at only £3.00. Also visit Geoff upstairs in the Welcome Suite to sign on for the parade laps. We aim to have them on both days, but they can be subject to alteration due to the racing timetable. The parade laps are free to Club members and a perk of your annual membership, so make the most of the opportunity.

The following weekend MG Saloon Day takes place on Sunday July 28. We are returning to the Shuttleworth Museum at Old Walden; we were last here in 2012. The museum collection contains some very rare vintage aircraft from around the

We are looking forward to Saloon day, which will be held at the Shuttleworth Collection on Sunday July 28 in collaboration with the ZR/ZS/ ZT and FWD Registers. There will be Register parking and Pride of Ownership competitions for all models.

The BTCC event at Silverstone is on Sunday September 29, where you can take advantage of the infield parking. We will have the gazebo set up and are looking forward to catching up with everyone at this great event.

world. Although not a flying day when we are there, there is still plenty for the whole family to see and do. Adjacent to the collection are the Swiss Gardens which are a classic example of Regency fashion in creating landscapes in an alpine style. Also close by are the children’s play area, restaurant and gift shop. Admission into our event is free – no need to book, just arrive on the day. We have arranged a discounted entry rate into the collection and Swiss Gardens. We have also arranged a voucher for use in the restaurant.

MG Saloon Day in recent times has become a haven for Zeds, MG6s and MG3s, but everyone is welcome. We would like to extend the welcome to the owners of the older MG saloon cars and try to capture the spirit of the event from years past. The owners of the latest SUV models are very welcome, too, of course.

Zeds in the West

Please keep updated on the Facebook page if you can for all of the events coming this summer.

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PLEASE NOTE: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED THIS ARTWORK IS THE PROPERTY OF CLASSIC CARS FOR SALE MAGAZINE. Fixed price servicing

NO PART OF THIS ARTWORK MAY BE REPRODUCED, STORED OR OTHERWISE All restoration work USED BY ANY OTHER PUBLICATION UNLESS PRIOR PERMISSION IS GIVEN BY undertaken THE PUBLISHERS - © MS Publications (2001) Ltd. Engine refurbishment including lead-free conversions

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

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Although every care is exercised in preparing your advert, we cannot hold

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on Servicing, Sales Restoration, SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF PLEASE Insurance repair work Modifi cation and bespoke approved TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT NO. _ _ _ _ _ refinishing work to a wide range of UK & Europe collection classic MG’s and delivery service

Telephone 01206 Fax 01206 500180 Unit 9, Broadfields Farm, Dunmow Road, Essex. CM77 6SA We reserve the right to charge for anyRayne, alterationBraintree, to this proof which is a departure from the original copy

01376 569355 | info@classicandsportscarsessex.com | www.classicandsportscarsessex.com Safety Fast_July2019 51-98.indd 88

21/06/2019 16:52

1969 MG Midget Chrome Bumper 1275cc

Here we have a Stunning 1275 chrome bumper MG Midget which underwent a complete bare shell restoration and was completed in 2014.

The car has the luxury of a 5 speed gearbox to ensure that you get the ultimate drive and pleasure from the little Midget so keeping up with the modern day traffic certainly isn’t a problem.

Same owner for over 38 years. Spec includes: Original steel wheels, Chrome bumper, Bucket seats, 5 Speed gearbox, Stainless steel exhaust.

Much Much More!!

£13,995.00

Classic and Sports Cars are extremely proud to have for sale this newly completed MG TA Special.

This MG TA Special recreation has just been finished to the highest standard and the rebuild and restoration quality is “probably” the best you will ever see. No expense has been spared and the eye for detail is second to none.

SPEC All aluminium ‘Boat-Tail’ design bodywork.

Small boot space for overnight bag.

Side foot plates to aid entry to the interior.

Fully overhauled XPAG Engine bored to 1300cc.

Ported cylinder head and fully unleaded.

New Sports Camshaft and matched distributor.

Engine Fully Balanced.

Stainless Steel fish-tail side exhaust.

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

£7,495

£80,000.00

View all cars at www.classicandsportscarsessex.com Safety Fast_July2019 51-98.indd 89

21/06/2019 16:52

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

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

1963 MGB Roadster

Pull handles, 3 bearing engine, BRG. Heritage certificate. Restored by Murray Scott Nelson with engine, gearbox and clutch rebuilt.

Regularly maintained and Waxoyled.

Mileage; 10733. Speedo replaced 1993 during restoration reading 49286 at the time. Owned 7 years.

Full history from 1992/3+ some earlier info. Very good condition, reliable and highly original spec. Just completed Wolds Way and Yorvik runs with no problems. Price; £14,500 ono. Contact; Tony on 07814169891(East Yorkshire)

1960 MGA 1600

Only 14,500 miles since 2011 nut & bolt restoration & complete mechanical replacement. 500+ photos. Original reg number. Headturning car with stunning paintwork. Uprated B 1800 engine producing 107 bhp, unleaded, alternator, negative earth, electronic ignition (Novatech tuned), 5-speed box, 3:9:1 diff, assisted brakes & larger wheels enable FUN DRIVING, with extractor exhaust distinctive sound! Hi-end security devices, extensive tool & travel kits.

Owned for 50 years, now time for someone else to enjoy. £34,000 reflects an exceptional car.

Email: mga1600sale@gmail.com

2006 MG TF 115

In Black Pearl with Black Sebring cloth trim and black hood.

2005MY – softer suspension, glass rear window, etc – registered 2006.

Cambelt replaced, recent ECU, exhaust mounting, 2 rear tyres, wheel alignment, full service at 62,000 miles, MOT to February 2020. Mechanically A1, bodywork very presentable.

Reluctant sale, £2,850 or near offer. Steve on 07973 669204 (West Midlands)

2003 MGTF 135

84548 miles, MOT to 11/11/19.

Royal Blue (JFM) with Alpaca/Tan Leather interior.1st reg 27/3/2003 built 30/1/2003 - Factory records from MGF Register. All MOTs since 2007. Many bills totalling £8k + over its life. Head gasket done at 40724 by Specialist MG/TVR/Noble dealer/cambelt at 73,064. £1,650.

Tel: 07542 755599.

(Warrington Cheshire)

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71,000 miles, generally good condition: bodywork is solid; hood good, carpet fair (both non-original), original seats (good), tonneau & hood cover. 1-2-3 distributor, long centre branch exhaust, small diameter steering wheel; otherwise pretty standard. Garaged when not in use: I'm selling it simply because I'm not driving it - it would like someone who will use and cherish it.

Insurance agreed value £5000, offers based on £2,750 welcomed.

Contact Dave 01453 872 760, or Email: dave@dji.me.uk (Stroud, Gloucestershire).

1973 MGB Roadster.

1960 MGA 1600 Coupe Stunning looking in Iris Blue.

Previously restored and rustproofed. Interior like new. More photos available. New starter and water pump. Nothing needs doing.

Lovely to drive. Genuine reason for sale. £19,750 ono. Email: ericpeacock@yahoo.co.uk or phone: 01621 869412 (Essex)

British Racing Green, Chr. Wire Wheels, O/D, D/D Hood (Black), Leather seats (Black), Rebuilt onto Heritage Shell 2000. 10,000km since. Always garaged - winters in air pod. Recently converted to 12v battery. Very, very nice condition and drives extremely well. 2 owners (I bought the car 1979)Registered and located SW France. Car is RHD. £19,500 email: paul@wyattworldwide.org Tel : +33 6 8181 1352

1967 MGB Roadster

Tartan Red. Fully restored 1997 (Californian bodyshell). Last owner 16 years. MOTs available since then plus stacks of bills etc. Currently 12 months MOT. Genuine 105,000 miles. under 20,000 last 16 years. 4 new tyres. Very good condition.

Runs beautifully. Locally serviced by MGCC enthusiast/representative. £11,000.Tel Bedale (01677 425 688) or e-mail: jehowe50@gmail.com

1970 MG Midget 1275cc

MGB Roadster 1972

22,744 miles, well looked after.

Finished in black, black leather trim, black carpets, black soft top. Alloy wheels, enhanced brakes, good condition, no rust, solid frame. Tax exempt. Lovely to drive. £9,400ono.

Tel: 07503488743.

1999 MGF VVC

1973 MGB Roadster.

An older restoration remaining in very good condition as a very good running car perfectly capable of being used reliably, and be a good basis to work on and improve. The engine runs and pulls well with no issues experienced. Working Overdrive, tubular exhaust manifold and electronic ignition fitted.

Recent full Automec brake pipe change, flexibles, rear cylinders, front discs, pads/shoes and a Servo rebuild. Mazda MX5 seats and original steering wheel. Lowered all round with excellent tyres on the alloy wheels. £7,100 ono.

Tel: 07753267746, or Email: paul@pauly45.plus.com (Colchester, Essex)

MGTA

0481 built 26/8/1936, reappeared as a barn find in 1977 & professionally restored 1984. Sold to current owner in 2009. The alloy skinned ash frame was in excellent condition and a prolonged period of mechanical restoration included rebuild of the TC gearbox & XPAW engine. It has a VW steering box conversion, so is delightfully light & precise. Extensive maintenance & restoration records and spares include bare TD XPAG engine & TC gearbox, original steering column & box plus many spares, all free to new owner. New hood & tonneau fitted. Offers around £35,000.

Tel: 0146062563 or Mob.07775 59090. jandsmansell@outlook.com

63,000m MOT Dec 2019. New head gasket, cambelt, headlamps, clutch, cooling pipes, 2016/17. 3 Owners. Red with cream leather. £2,250. Tel: 01432 761374 (Hereford)

MGBGTV8

Factory produced. Glacier White.

Bare metal respray and engine rebuild in 1997. S/S exhaust.

Uprated suspension. Garaged.

History. Current owner 8 years.

Excellant condition. £19,995.

Mobile 07785734310 Email: rgtysoe@hotmail.co.uk

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/06/2019 16:52

BARRY WALKER

Estd.1968

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

British Motor Heritage approved

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

1934 PA 2-SEAT SPORTS WITH FULL HISTORY. This magnificent MG P-type with counter balanced crank is currently being prepared with a sidemounted supercharger and will be ready for sale in early July........£55,000

1953 MG TD2. Not a car that we often offer but at this standard we could not refuse it. A stunning rebuild of an all matching numbers original car, that can hold its own in today’s traffic. Fully rebuilt engine, restored original body, all original panels and one owner for over 40 years. A complete photographic record and history file accompanies the car which is finished in factory Emgee Red with Collingburn beige interior and all new, never used, weather equipment.

On the button, ready for summer..............................................................................................................£28,950

SOLD

1930 MG ‘M TYPE’ to Racing spec.

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

WILL HAVE A STAND AT MMM SUMMER * WEGATHERING ON 7TH JULY, PRE-WAR PRESCOTT ON 20TH JULY & OUR USUAL STAND AT BEAULIEU AUTOJUMBLE

*

FROM EARLY JULY WE WILL BE OFFERING A LIMITED SPARES SERVICE OF PREWAR & EARLY T-SERIES SPARES. Call for details.

WHY NOT FIT A SIDEMOUNTED OR NOSE-MOUNTED SUPERCHARGER TO YOUR PRE-WAR MG? All in stock now *WHY NOT COMPLETE YOUR PRE-WAR MG, OR TA/B/C with a geniune tool-kit (no repro tools) as per factory parts list?

* FIT A PERIOD LUGGAGE RACK, LEFT-HAND MIRROR, BONNET BELTS, QUICK RELEASE FILLER CAPS OR PR. AEROSCREENS? * WHY NOT SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR THE MANY AFTER-MARKET EXTRAS FOR THE CARS WE SELL

COMMISSION SALES: Our highly regarded service is always available to you.

Tel: 01789 400181. Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com

enquiries@mgsforsale.com

01707 876089

www.mgsforsale.com

07831 556666

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

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

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

MGB GT 1973 Comprehensive Rebuild (UNN880L) chrome bumpers, overdrive, wire wheels, mot & tax exempt, last owner 15 years, comprehensive restoration over a 7 year period between 97-04, delightful Red coachwork with a reupholstered navy interior trim, Ivor Searle unleaded engine with little miles since, rebuilt suspension etc. etc., nicely detailed engine compartment, all supported by a heavy history file with photo and invoice evidence. Vehicle will have new service & voluntary mot prior to sale for peace of mind, just arrived £10,950.00

URGENTLY WANTED

ANY MG

ANY YEAR

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

www.mgsforsale.com

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

Barry Walker July 19.indd 1

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_July2019 51-98.indd 91

2003 (53 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Lemans Green/ Black This MG TF135 is as near new as you could get.

Just two owners the last since 2005. Having covered just 6,925 miles. Dry stored since 2008. Finished in very rare Lemans Green. Fitted with a passenger airbag, Abs braking, spare wheel, wind deflector. Just fitted with a new headgasket/water pump/ cambelt and 12 months mot with no advisories. Totally immaculate. £7,495

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

MG TF 85TH ANNIVERSARY. Just 50 made

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

2010 (10 Reg) 29,000 Miles Manual Petrol Finished in: Ice White/Aubergine leather sport seats FSH (9 services) cambelt and water pump replaced at 26,262 miles Original 85th handbook set etc Set of new Falken tyres. Unmarked Aubergine leather, Air con, soft ride suspension with the 85ths suspension set up. Reluctant sale, immaculate. £8,795

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 05/06/2019 10:09

JULY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 91

21/06/2019 16:52

1968 MGC GT

59,000 miles. Overdrive. Chrome wire wheels (5). Electronic ignition.

Stainless steel exhaust. Koni adjustable rear shock absorbers.

Heritage certificate. Full engine rebuild in 2013 including re-bore, new pistons, 6 branch manifold, lightened and balanced flywheel, new camshaft, new clutch etc. Full body re-build and glass out full respray in 2016 with many photographs.

Owned by me for over 10 years.

Recent MOT plus previous MOTs going back to 1991. £25,000.

Tel: 1292 849909 or 07989 319737.

(Ayr. Scotland)

1969 MGB

Tartan red with black vinyl seats.

Minator alloy wheels and five new tyres. Serviced last month. Engine rebuild two years ago all receipted.

Electronic ignition. Some minor rust appearing at the bottom of the doors. Waxoyled chassis. History and invoices of work to date. £12,000. Glen Macklin 01952 727207 or macklin.glen@gmail.com

1967 Mk1 MG

The car is in ex having been cared other owners o British Racing G leather interior, w condition. Walnut and paintwork are no rust and the sound. Engine b Restored in the la has electronic ignit fan fitted other tha A truly stunning e Call 07930491027 Email: alkermr20@ (Sevenoaks)

1960 MGA 1600

1954 MGTF 1500

Red with tan leather trim. vinyl weather equipment, excellent condition. Originally LHD, returned to UK a year later and converted to RHD. Lead Free head by Peter Edney, 5 Speed Gearbox and recalibrated speedo, Runyon style luggage rack, 6 vane water pump, electric fan, oil cooler available. Lots of documentation. Current owner 15 years, used regularly but selling for 4 seat MG driving. £29,750. Tel 01483 421853 or ian@oxness.com

Recent complete rebuild, body off bare metal repaint. Recon engine, 5 speed gearbox conversion suspension and brake overhaul/replace, stainless exhaust, new fuel tank/trim/carpets/rewired, 5 new tyres. Sebring front valance. £27,750 Email laceypaulb@madasafish.com or 01691 622874 (Shropshire)

1973 MG Midget

1275, RWA, Chrome, 95% complete but part dismantled for restoration.

V5 present. Midgets for restoration are getting scarce! £1,550ono Call Bob on 07870 407111 or email mgcarsscotland@gmail.com

1947 MG TC

MG red with beige matching number original logbook, in and restoration exhaust. Correct tyres. Double duck mohair full tonne and engine profes in mid-80’s, since w 2,000 miles have Further fettling ca 2 years ago, includ unleaded conversi on the button an with good oil pres superb condition a lovely car to driv Contact 07796 3 david_gray1@btin

MGB Mk11

Roadster in red with black interior.

The car has undergone hours of bodywork restoration which is holding up extremely well and has had over £10,000 spent on it over the past few years. No rust or rot in the car.The engine has been recently rebuilt allowing unleaded to be used in the car.The interior refreshed with a new dashboard and doorcards lifting the whole feel of the car. The car has a sports exhaust which sounds amazing and she goes very well. Please call on 01732 887265 or 07930491027 email walkermr20@gmail.com Price: £10,999.00 Or near offer

92 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2019

Safety Fast_July2019 51-98.indd 92

1963 MGB Ro

1957 MGA Coupe

Bob West import 2010. Full rebuild with 1800 'B' engine, 5spd gbox,disc brakes.Green with O.E.white roof.

Absolutely mint throughout,drives beautifully. £24,950o.n.o. Worth much more. Tel.07712184028 (W.Yorks)

excellent condition on the clock mot t has been refurbis handle model with tyres. Engine bay Paintwork on car i ish brake servo an ted and comes Certificate. £18,25 call Manfred o (Warwickshire)

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/06/2019 16:52

TRADE MEMBER

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

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

TRADE MEMBER

MIKE ROLLS SERVICES FOR MGs Specialising in all MG’s

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-1pm MGB ROADSTER -1970

1967 Mk1 MGB

The car is in excellent condition having been cared for by myself and other owners over the years.

British Racing Green with black leather interior, which is in superb condition. Walnut dashboard. Body and paintwork are very strong with no rust and the underneath is sound. Engine bay immaculate.

Restored in the late 1990s. The car has electronic ignition and a Kenlow fan fitted other than that an original.

A truly stunning example. £12,995 Call 07930491027 or 01732887265 Email: alkermr20@gmail.com (Sevenoaks)

1974 MGBGTV8

Damask Red, 12 months MOT, FSH 1974 to 1984 and 1993 to current history, 5 owners, leather seats and Mota Lita wheel, Restoration works 2009 and 2017, Competition front anti-roll bar, rear fast road springs and Koni’s, front suspension rebuild 2017, S/S Copper pipes, Wosp Starter, Rolling Road Tune 2018, 35 year history, £21,000, Tel: 07775 582083.

rebuild, body off . Recon engine, 5 nversion suspenoverhaul/replace, st, new fuel rewired, 5 new t valance. £27,750 @madasafish.com (Shropshire)

get

me, 95% complete d for restoration. ts for restoration £1,550ono Call 407111 or email gmail.com

1947 MG TC

MG red with beige trim. All original matching numbers and including original logbook, instruction manual and restoration invoices. S/S exhaust. Correct wire wheels and tyres. Double duck beige hood and mohair full tonneau. Chassis, body and engine professionally restored in mid-80’s, since when only around 2,000 miles have been covered.

Further fettling carried out around 2 years ago, including steering and unleaded conversions. Engine starts on the button and runs smoothly, with good oil pressure. This car is in superb condition all round and is a lovely car to drive. £35,000 ovno.

Contact 07796 302638 or email david_gray1@btinternet.com.

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

Documented older full restoration

by Halls Garage in Lincolnshire in 2003 on Californian imported body shell. Painted in original Mineral Blue, 16,000 miles since restoration.

Owned 25 years and selling due to little use. New black leather interior with blue piping, re-built unleaded engine, 3 synchro gearbox with overdrive, new carbs, electronic ignition conversion, alternator conversion, kenlowe fan, knock-on minilite alloy wheels, stainless steel exhaust. £12,495, contact Andy, email jabisby161@aol.com or tel.

07788 754832 (West Yorkshire)

MGB ROADSTER, 1973,

Blaze in colour with black interior.The car comes with overdrive, chrome wire wheels, bootrack, Motolita steering wheel, electronic ignition, full and half tonneaus, interesting number plate and is MOT and Tax exempt.

This is a good solid car in excellent condition. £10,995.

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”

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

1957 MGA 1500 Old English White, red trim, w/w. Absolutely lovely car, restored very well a few years ago. Tonneau cover. Lovely panel fit. Reliable. Lady owner last 15 years.

Used for many tours, loads of history. A superb car. £25,995

1995 MGRV8, Woodcote Green, stone beige trim.

New beige mohair hood, new (original) tonneau, interior in excellent condition, new door cards. Re veneered dash console and door caps. 48,500 mls.

Screen frame (refurbed). Power steering, upgraded to Clive Wheatley Spax shocks. Suspension poly bushed. New clutch and slave cylinder, new boot stayst. £22,995

MIDGET MK1 Almond Green, Shadow Green trim.

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

1972 MGB ROADSTER Teal Blue, Ochre trim. W/W. O/drive. A superbly original car, best example of very rare Ochre trim I’ve ever seen. Genuine 80,000 from new with full history. Excellent body, nice engine bay.

Drives superbly. Nice original patina. Cars like this come available very rarely! £12,995

1951 MGTD 1250cc

1963 MGB Roadster

2010. Full rebuild ne, 5spd gbox,disc h O.E.white roof. throughout,drives 950o.n.o. Worth Tel.07712184028

MG TD - 1953

MG TC, 1947

1967 MK1 MGBGT

00

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

excellent condition 69,500 miles on the clock mot till November car has been refurbished, and is pull handle model with new wheels and tyres. Engine bay been detailed.

Paintwork on car is of excellent finish brake servo and cooling fan fitted and comes with a Heritage Certificate. £18,250 or best offer call Manfred on 07866023657 (Warwickshire)

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_July2019 51-98.indd 93

Ivory with red interior, black hood and side screens and with tan half tonneau. Also a plasticised full waterproof tonneau, useful for summer showers. Rebuilt thirty years ago and maintained in excellent state since. Current owner for 19 years reluctantly selling due to downsizing. Full history, invoices and green log book. Bodywork and mechanics in excellent condition and converted to electronic ignition but easily reversible. Leather seats and interior in very good condition.

Used locally around Cheshire and South Manchester with occasional trips to Silverstone (250 miles return). A real head-turner that is lovely to drive and gets bags of attention. £22,000, email alanzjohnson@btinternet.com

Units 9/10 Fifehead Business Park, Manor Farm, Fifehead Magdalen, near Gil ingham, Dorset SP8 5RR 1976 MGB Roadster. Ermine White (like Old English), black trim, red pipe. Antique Red carpets. Sports leather seats. Moto Lita wheel.

Minilites. All new chrome. Red boot carpets, mohair hood. Genuine 55,000 miles from new.

Superb shell, recent respray. Drives superbly. A super car. £11,995

1974 MIDGET 1275 RWA Blaze, Autumn Leaf trim.

Restored car, totally solid, home restoration. Drives superbly. Weber carb. Great little car. £5,995

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

CM02.13/B32/d

black vinyl seats. eels and five new st month. Engine ago all receipted.

Some minor rust bottom of the chassis. History work to date.

Macklin 01952 .glen@gmail.com

upe

Specialising in all MG’s

JULY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 93

21/06/2019 16:52

STEVE McKIE SPORTSCARS CHESTERFIELD

•

DERBYSHIRE

Specialists in the repair and restoration of MG cars Suppliers of parts for • MGA • MGB • MGC • Midget • T Type • MGF/TF

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

1974 MGB GT V8

The Earls Court Motor Show Car, owned for nearly 30 years, 84k miles, highly original with cast iron manifolds, original steering wheel & trim, not concourse but a good car.

MOT for 12 months. Only reason for sale is lack of use, I also have an RV8! £27000ono. Call Bob on 07870 407111 or email mgcarsscotland@gmail.com

Custom made and standard fit covers for your car from £99

Steve McKie Sports Cars Hi-Res.indd 1

23/06/2010 13:46

1973 MGB Roa

MG Midget

This is a restoration project. The car appears basically sound, no surface rust. Wire wheels, British Racing Green, Chrome bumpers.

Judging by the dust it has been in the garage for at least 10 years.

Tyres low but not flat. Not sure about registration documents but we have Power of Attorney to sell the car. Buyer Collects. Looking for offers. For more details email: david.finn@hotmail.com (Queensbury, North London)

Premium Quality since 2003

1994 MG RV8

• Custom Indoor from £150

• Custom Waterproof Outdoor £295

1995 MGRV8

• Standard fleece-lined breathable from £112

• 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 I-240085.indd 1

TED

er

RM

y r o Gl BY

15/05/2017

Oxford Blue, UK car. Registration N40 MGR, VIN1995. 42150 miles.

Original brochure, Heritage Certificate, owner’s handbook, workshop manual, service history, toolkit, radio/cassette. Sensibly updated with Hoyle IRS, EPAS, WOSP high-torque starter. MGF windstop. Refurbished wheels, low mileage. Continentals. A well-cared for MG, with excellent paintwork, 13:33 hood and interior. MOT March 2020. £23,000. Contact Rob on 07887 522759 (Norfolk).

MGOC Recommended Dealer 40 MGs in Stock

UNBEATABLE QUALITY – UNBEATABLE VALUE!

www.donhoods.com

94 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2019

Safety Fast_July2019 51-98.indd 94

1960 MGA 1600 Mk1

1937 MG TA

Very good condition. Chassis number TA1734. British Racing Green.

Green leather upholstery.

Best Prices paid with friendly advice. Est 1986 Restored in 1989 by previous DONHOODS-SFAug07.QXD:Layout 1 23/9/09 16:22 Page 1 owner. Mileage since restoration Fast payment and collection 4929. Seller owned since 2006 and serviced annually by Classic Car Specialist. Black Tonneau cover and two other covers. MOT'd annually in July despite exemption. Extra photos are available on request by email. Large history file dating back DIRECT FROM THE MAKERS – to 1988, including restoration photos. £32,000 ovno. Tel: 07763459185 WITH OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE Choice of heavy duty •BETTER THAN ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT QUALITY mike_simmonds@btinternet.com PVC, ICI •STITCHED AND WELDED FOR MAXIMUM LIFE Vynide, Everflex, Duck and Mo hai r •WIDEST CHOICE OF COLOURS AVAILABLE •ALL FASTENERS & FITTINGS INCLUDED AL WANTED MAKES & L D PRICE FOR LEAFLET AN incl: MG, MODELS MGB GT Jubilee 1975 by long T AC Tr NT iu CO T m LIS Escort, G ph, standing MGCC member. Must be Ltd olf Don Trimming Co. etc.

B23 7JJ m good original car. Don’t mind some gha min Bir d, Hampton Roa 13 cosmetic work. Please email: Tel: 0121 373 13FICE OF mikecspain@gmx.com SOUTHERN SALES 00 CARPET SETS FOR MOST MOD or call 07860 616625 ELS Tel: 01202 7422

DON HOODS

WANTED

Looking for my old MGB Roadster reg. EAP 270C I owned from 1970 to 1972. Good memories driving it through Yugoslavia and Greece and nearly writing it off. Seen on the M1 in 2002. Please contact Geoff with any news at geoffboyes@yahoo.com

L/H/D. complete body off rebuild. finished in old english white with black leather trim. Thousands spent and must be seen to be appreciated. £34,000. Tel: 07813743576 or grahamallaway@yahoo.co.uk

m 01844 281700 r o nigelguild@hotmail.com F

OU

Y

AN W G

Damask red, condi engine 17K, 123 El exhaust, new tyres hood, full and half Current MOT. heri Tax and MOT exem only, garaged, lots o rent owner 17 yea 01235 529094 (So

1959 MGA Roadster

Much loved car that featured in the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games. Old English white with red interior and chrome wire wheels.

1860cc fast road engine with 5 speed gearbox and HI Gear kit fitted by MG Motorsport. The original engine and gearbox are available.

Fitted with disc front brakes and high torque starter motor. Recent body off respray. Recent new mohair roof and sidescreens. New windscreen and re chromed frame.

New carpets, interior and leather seats.History and bills files. Several spares. £27,950. Please call John on 01494 758878 or 07956123929 or email: john@john-lynch.co.uk

Woodcote Green 2009. Full service records. Garaged a MOT to June 202 only - superb con mileage. Asking pr Tel: 07774 888 144 lilianllewelyn@yaho (South Wales)

1993 MGRV8

Woodcote Green, car for sale at £ newish hood and tonneau cover.

47,143 miles, 52,7 and 16,000 miles i the original speed output starter mo steering rack has b Kiley Clinton, a n lever has been improved "U" Wheatley) securin have recently rene motor resistor an matic bleed system The suspension b been renewed. I w Workshop Manual have spot lights to ditioning was ever ifraserwaite@hotm Tel: 07966210143

SELLING CA

As a member of you can advertise y Fast for free. Just details, max 60 wor a JPEG picture to colingrant@mgcc.c ber fee

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/06/2019 16:52

Robin Lawton

Over 50 years experience

Busy Pre-Spring already - thinking of selling? Talk to us first!!

Vintage & Classic car specialist Fellow Enthusiasts always welcome at our new Premises in the Heart of The Meon Valley Over 50

Robin Lawton

years experience

Busyalready Pre-Spring already - thinking of Talk to us first!! to us first!!

Busy Summer - thinking ofselling? selling?

Talk Enthusiasts always welcome at our new Premises in the Heart of The Meon Valley FellowFellow Enthusiasts always welcome at our new Premises in the Heart of The Meon Valley

1973 MGB Roadster

Damask red, condition 2/3. 2nd engine 17K, 123 Electronic ign, SS exhaust, new tyres, Hard Top, DD hood, full and half tonneau.

Current MOT. heritage Certificate, Tax and MOT exempt. Dry use only, garaged, lots of history, current owner 17 years. £7,500. Tel: 01235 529094 (South Oxfordshire)

Woodcote Green. Owned since 2009. Full service and maintenance records. Garaged and dry use only.

MOT to June 2020. 11,000 miles only - superb condition reflecting mileage. Asking price £20,000.

Tel: 07774 888 144 or Email: lilianllewelyn@yahoo.co.uk (South Wales)

1932 Riley 9 Gamecock

1933 Riley 9 Lynx - Almost Certainly the best in existence £49,500 Riley Alpine 14/6 Fabricborders Saloon 01420 474919 enquiries@robinlawton.com1931 Surrey/Hampshire/Sussex

restoration, exceptional throughout, much history Full details on our WebsiteTotal including other quality MGs

SOLD after just 3 days with us!

body off rebuild. nglish white with m. Thousands spent n to be appreciat07813743576 or yahoo.co.uk

hat featured in the y of the Olympic ish white with red ome wire wheels. ad engine with 5 nd HI Gear kit fitrsport. The original ox are available. front brakes and ter motor. Recent ray. Recent new sidescreens. New re chromed frame. terior and leather d bills files. Several Please call John on r 07956123929 or hn-lynch.co.uk

01420 474919

01420 474919 enquiries@robinlawton.com enquiries@robinlawton.com Surrey/Hampshire/Sussex borders Surrey/Hampshire/Sussex borders

Robin Lawton March 19 Page.indd 1

1993 MGRV8

Woodcote Green, Japanese export car for sale at £19,250. It has a newish hood and comes with its tonneau cover. It has covered 47,143 miles, 52,719 Km in Japan and 16,000 miles in the UK. I have the original speedo. It has a high output starter motor, the manual steering rack has been refurbed by Kiley Clinton, a new hand brake lever has been fitted and new improved "U" bolts (Clive Wheatley) securing the back axle. I have recently renewed the heater motor resistor and fitted an automatic bleed system to the top hose.

The suspension bump stops have been renewed. I would include the Workshop Manual and Parts List. I have spot lights to fit if the air conditioning was ever removed. Email: ifraserwaite@hotmail.com or Tel: 07966210143

SELLING YOUR CAR?

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_July2019 51-98.indd 95

www.robinlawton.com

Please see full information on all of the Motor Cars we are currently offering by visiting our Website 1932 Riley 9 Gamecock

TF LE500

600 Mk1

LD

old MGB Roadster owned from 1970 memories driving it avia and Greece ting it off. Seen 02. Please contact any news at oo.com

Red. Invoices for over £7,200 in parts alone over recent few years. £28,500 unfortunately non negotiable (to include various spares may consider PX a very good MGA). Front shocks/ links very recently professionaly rebuilt, Poly 1950 MG TD 1958 MGA ROADSTER Tourer 1952 Healey Tickford Sports Saloon bushes and pins fitted to springs, 1924 Vauxhall 23/60 OD Kington 1924 Vauxhall 23/60 OD Kington Tourer 1952 Healey Tickford Sports Saloon Restored standard 21 years Imposing and powerful - ideal forlast longer owner distance touring In fastidious ownershipto last show 20 years, extensive history Imposing and powerful - ideal for longer distance touring In fastidious ownership last 20 years, extensive history F&R, VW steering, New thermostat unit/ plastic fan/ uprated water pump, Rebuilt and correct SU carburettors fitted, Paper element air filter and heat shield, Ignitor electronic “pointless” ignition and new coil, cap and HT leads, Spin on/ off oil filter – very recent oil change, In –line petrol filter, Uprated brake drums/ brake hoses/ brake shoes/ new master cylinder. Tonneau covers: ½ and full. Plus much more too 1933 Riley 9 Lynx - Almost Certainly the best in existence £49,500 1931 Riley Alpine 14/6 Fabric Saloon SOLD after just 3 days with us!

Total restoration, exceptional throughout, much history 1954 MG TF many to list. Mobile: 07835858634 1933 MG J2 or jimpearson53@googlemail.com Please see full information on all of the Motor Cars we are currently offering by visiting our Website with many extras – Arriving soon SO

1994 MG RV8

NTED

1946 MG TC

LD SO

ation project. The cally sound, no sure wheels, British Chrome bumpers. ust it has been in at least 10 years. not flat. Not sure on documents but of Attorney to sell ollects. Looking for details email: mail.com orth London)

oadster

Vintage & Classic car specialist

Robin Lawton March 19 Page.indd 1

Scorched Red. Only 6000 miles.

Beautiful car. All LE500 luxury features - aircon, wind stop, rear parking sensors, hood bag and hood protector, leather interior and black alloys, full sized spare wheel, works hard top. Never used in inclement weather. Recent MOT. Private sale.

Sensible offers please tel: 02920563957. (Cardiff)

Wanted: MGBGT 73-74

Chrome Bumper. Auto or o/d honeycombe grille. Must be stunning, very very low mileage, unrestored, original, non leather, factory paperwork and history etc. I have noticed some very low mileage rubber cars lately, but I want last of the chrome cars.

Preferably rust proofed from new, although rustproofing may have started in the late 70’s. Is there such a car out there ? Perhaps in a collection. Even if you’re not selling I would appreciate hearing from you, just in case one day you do. I am prepared to wait for the correct car. Perhaps you know someone who has such a car. The car will be going to a home in Auckland, New Zealand where it will be worshipped. Email: roger@nzgrowers.co.nz

06/02/2019 13:59

www.robinlawton.com

Colne Classics

06/02/2019 13:59

MG Power Steering and restoration specialists

View the website on www.colneclassics.com B1 Seaden Court, Gorse Lane Ind Est, Clacton, Essex.

01255 432693, 07714 675319

MGC

Aluminium Flywheel

www.bighealey.co.uk

For the ultimate... performance and reliability n Made in England to our own design. n These weigh only 4.6 Kg (10 .1 lb) complete. n Very suitable for serious fast road and rally cars which wish to use a 9 ½” clutch.

MCENG636AOG MCENG636OG

£675-00+VAT

Parts Hotline: +44 (0)1543 472244 E-mail: sales@bighealey.co.uk

DENIS WELCH MOTORSPORT, YOXALL, BURTON-ON-TRENT, STAFFS DE13 8NA, UK

JULY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 95

21/06/2019 16:52

Call for a quote today

01376 574000

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern HOW TO ADVERTISE

Members can advertise their spares for sale/wanted free of charge for items up to £250. Over £250, or for non-members to advertise, there is a charge of £20.

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

MGB Parts

BMC MOWOG Crown Wheel and Pinion 10/43 Part No BTB323 88G283 brand new still in box £250 MGB 3 syncro gearbox non overdrive working when removed from 1967 car £100 Contact Colin Goodman 01276 502006 or colin.goodman@ntlworld.com (Camberley)

MG TF (1955)

Pair of front shock absorbers (Armstrong) Happy to discuss repairable items. Can arrange collection. Please contact John on 07979 315075 or Email: mcdougalljs@btinternet.com

MG TA Engine

Number NPJG1815. Good oil pressure and compression, ready to fit. £1800. Phone 01489 892057 for details. (Hampshire)

MGB/PB Spares

N/S door, new. £220.

LE front spoiler £25.

Late MGB metal Dashboard £35 MG PB set of original chassis fuel lines/fittings £50.

Tel: 07711677567 or Email: geoff.radford@btconnect.com

Number Plate MGF

15” wheel 6-spoke road wheel in excellent condition, currently fitted with Dunlop SP Sport 205/50 R15 (5mm). Please note, this has not been used for several years and the tyre may need replacing. £10 ono. Please call Steve on 07788 145514

TD/TF XPAG 1500cc

Engines newly built. Fast road camshaft, lightened and balanced.

Lip sealed. Strage 11 unleaded TC - same specification.

Later build 1350cc either TC or TD/TF. Can be fitted with laystal alloy cylinder head. Contact Ron 01422 823649 or 07790458386.

Email: valerieandron@gmail.com

MGB

Set of genuine leyland microfiche slides covering MGB range and a small size microfiche reader by Bell & Howell model SR-V. The MG mancave accessory for someone that has everything. £75.00. Phone 07973704519.

Can be viewed near Sevenoaks, Kent.

On retention L8 MGF. Offers to Maurice on 07833791854

MG Midget

1500 Midget stainless steel twin box rear silencer as new £45.00 Full tonneau cover good condition £30.00. Tel 07709535235 (Oxfordshire)

XPAG Spares

Adjusting Link Dynamo TC (flatTC) £20. Adjusting Link Dynamo TD (cranked) £20 Bracket rear Dynamo £10.

Timing chain cover £20 Rocker Cover TC £75 Rocker Cover TD £25 Tappet inspection cover £10 Breather pipe £25 Breather lower clamp £10 Breather pipe top clamp £10 Sump TD/F/Y £150 Sprocket timing chain (pair) £10 Timing chain tensioner £10 Thrust plate Camshaft £10 Rocker pedestal £5 Rear crank Oil Thrower upper £10 Flywheel £25.

All original parts off XPA engines Peter Jones 07771901730 or email: Peterjones1880@me.com

MGB

Wire wheels For sale set of five MGB wire wheels, four with matching tyres.

Good condition. £250 ono. Call 01635 36502.

MGB/C GT

New heritage panels for sale.

Front wings, doors, tailgate, and roadster complete rear wings.

MGC Alloy bonnet, steel wheel axle, engine and gearbox, suspension and wire wheels with tyres. Also lots of NOS MGC parts collected over a 25 year period. Offers please. Telephone Ray 07747 301326. (Surrey)

96 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2019

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Midget/Sprite/MGA Parts

Midget/SpriteFront Telescopic Damper conversion kit. Bought from Moss in 2012 but still in its box, unopened. Cost £450 but now £690 plus VAT. Will accept £250 plus postage.

Midget/Sprite 1964-74. Rear Telescopic Damper Conversion Kit. Bought from Moss in 2012 but still in its Spax box, unopened.

Cost £295. Will accept £150 plus postage.

MGA Front Badge Bar. Good condition. £30.

Please phone 01227 637813 or johnbennett698@yahoo.com (Kent).

www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk

WANTED Parts Wanted

Pair of Front Luvax Girling PR6 shock absorbers. Any condition considered.Tel 01926 813689 mocab.brown@btinternet.com

Wanted

Original 3-piece tool box lid for MG TD. 07962 426 863. (. Surrey)

How to Advertise

WANTED WANTED ALL MG MODELS! All conditions wanted, from barn finds to concours. Complete collections purchased.

Cash buyer. Discretion assured.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you are interested in selling your MG and are looking for a prompt hassle-free cash buyer! Please feel free to contact me for a no obligation friendly chat.

I am especially interested in the following models: MG TC, MGA, MGB, MGC, MGB V8, Magnette and Midget.

CALL DIRECT ON: 07787 528131

Members can advertise their cars free of UK Based Buyer 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 Contact the Midget Specialist of your car, around 60 words, together MIKE AUTHERS on Abingdon 2003 MG TF 120 Stepspeed 07703 465 224 CHROME with an attached picture, your contact Starlight Sliver in excellentinconBUMPERED MIDGETS information, price of your car, the area dition with 58,593bought miles on excellent condition up the to where you live, and membership number. £8,000. stock head at clock.

FSHView fromcurrent new with www.mgmidgets.com Cost for non-members to advertise is gasket changed/uprated at £20. All adverts should be submitted by 20,134 miles (12/07). Last cam belt change at 59,060 miles the 10th of the month for the following (06/18).

Original Sales 26/10/09 invoice Kimble-SF_Nov-09.qxd:Kimble MGE 1_8 col 3.3 months issue.

MIDGETS! WANTED

and 2x keys. Extras include bright trim pack, front fog lights, The Great windstop and hard top. Soft top British uprated to later glass rear windemist. £2495. Tel; The BrooklandsdowWe with manufacture the BROOKLANDS 07785 354371 (Somerset).

Steering Wheel from the original BLUEMEL tooling. It is not

Steering Wheel

1945 MGTC

White with black in owner since 198 stored since then. including tonneau, lu various spares. Con and would benefit rust, 13:0chassis sound, perfect. Very early T £22,000ono. Cont 07736350853 or E jdavidskelly@aol.com (North Hertfordshir

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.

BROOKLANDS AEROSCREENS are 2004 MG ZS 180

made using laminated glass to original Now also 4 Ndoor model) Starlight 15½ inch Ww14”(facelift ENo specification to suit all vintage and sports cars. in also wheel NOW EST E BL A Ivo Silver in showroom condition havAILry AV 1969 john@johnkimble.co.uk ing been a collector’s car all it’s life.

Tel: 01803 835757 FSH from new with only 13,116 Fax: 01803 834567 miles on the clock. Fully loaded spec Unit 5, Old Mill Creek, Dartmouth, Devon TQ6 0HN. MGTD 1951 including full black leather interior, Ivory with Green leather trim, 5 electric rear windows and parking speed g/box, Leystall- Lucas aluminisensors. Original Sales invoice and EST’D um head, remote brake servo, new 2x keys. Cam belts changed at 1989 hood and side screens. Imported 10,383 miles (01/16). New Conti from California in 1989 and conContact Sport tyres at 10,716 miles MG GEARBOX DIFFERENTIAL verted to R/H drive. Current owner (01/16). £5995.

Tel: 07785 354371AXLE 29 years. Registration No. 1951 (Somerset). OVERDRIVE SPECIALISTS MG. Good reliable carUNITS with no OVERHAUL – REPAIR – EXCHANGE issues and ready to enjoy. £26000.

FULL WORKSHOP FITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE Email davidtinker@xpag.co.uk.

All work carried out by time-served or telephone 07771735304. (Mid BMC/BL engineers Worldwide Mail Wales) Order Service

K KIMBLE

MGF 1.6i

Tahiti Blue Pearlesce miles. Low coolan Stainless water pipes New tyres and spare HPI clear. Some serv old mot's. On Sorn and due cambelt. Wa wheel arches. Unmo car for younger m regularly. £600 o.n.o 761017 (Wickford

Visit our eBay Shop and Website for products and details

Unit 20c (Rear of 20/22) Hanworth Road, Hounslow Greater London TW3 1UA

1997 MGF VVC

BRG in absolutely pristine condition with 12,823 miles on the clock.

FSH from new with last cam belt change at 11,333 miles (05/17).

Original Sales invoice and 2x keys,

T 020 8577 1505 E heathrowtransmissions@gmail.com w heathrowtransmissions.co.uk

www.mgcc.co.uk

1973 MGB Road

Delightful car in Tea leather interior and 21/06/2019 Full 16:52 body restoratio

Call for a quote today

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

01376 574000

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern

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

Full race head, fast road cam, six branch manifold. Servo.

New exhaust system, new clutch, M/C full cage lowered mini lite reps and much more Drives very well quick, solid, minimal trim, daft cheap. £12,950

www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk

I owned this incredible Alfa/Riley special about 30 odd years ago and marvelled at its fabulous design and hand beaten aluminium body panels and Panache. Built on a shortened Riley chassis it is a true special.

Registered 1952 and with 2 ltr Alfa engine and 5 speed box it encompasses all that is vintage and classic imaging the style of prewar Alfas. It is a sculpture and drives as you would expect. Gorgeous and unique, and a star any where it goes and at fraction of its mentor. £22,950

Austin A40 Somerset, somewhat different, 30 odd years in the same garage owner’s possession, Already a very low mileage and unmolested car, he prepared it for long distance reliability rallies. It still has its Targa and Le Jog plaques. The brakes were uprated to A60, teles, uprated diff, and has a 1500 MGA type 1500 engine and modified it to. You’ll never find a better one. Goes extremely well, as you’d expect. Looks standard though.

It’s lovely. £10,250

Amilcar body with dicky seat, 20s/30s in very good condition. Ready to fit a medium sized chassis. Body, wings, running boards, hood, doors, bonnet, all good and ready to fit. £2,950 CM04.19/B4/pa

k

4Sight Lighting Company...............68 Adrian Flux .....................................76 Autoseal..........................................70 Barrie Carter ..................................97 Barry Walker ..................................91 Beech Hill Garage...........................92 Belt-Up Safety Products .................68 British Motor Heritage....................IFC Brown and Gammons....................11 Bucks Sports and Classic...............97 Car Cover Shop .............................94 Carole Nash Insurance ....................6 Chisbon Restorations......................76 Church Square Autos .....................91 Classic & Sports Cars (Essex)... 88,89 Clive Wheatley ................................63 College Motors Burford ..................64 Colne Classics ................................95 Cotswold Car Storage – Classic Car Hub..........................56 Crown Classic Cars ........................70 David Manners .................................6 Dennis Welch..................................95 Distributor Doctor............................83 Don Trimming .................................94 Duckhams .....................................18 EJW Classic and sports..................97 Fishers Services .............................70 Footman James .............................29 Former Glory...................................94 Fostons ...........................................72 Frontline .........................................24 Halls Garage ...................................70 Heathrow Transmission ..................96 Hoyle Suspension ...........................74 Just Right Autos Ltd........................46 Kimble Engineering Ltd ..................96

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_July2019 51-98.indd 97

Kmaps ............................................23 Longstone Tyres ............................38 Machine Mart .................................23 Manor Garage ................................64 MG Mecca......................................93 MG Motorsport ..............................78 MG Sales Centre ............................33 Midland Classic Restoration .............4 Mike Authurs Classics

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

Any Condition from non runners to rebuilt cars

Please call Edward 01923 840236 or any time on 07774 484497 Mike Satur ......................................61 MG16 - BUCKS SPORTS CLASSICS_BUCKS SPORTS CLASSICS 26/09/2012 Moss Europe Ltd ............................61 Email: ejwhitescars@aol.com Motor Wheel Services ....................63 NTG Services...............................OBC Website: www.mgandporsche.com (MG Midgets)..................................96 Mike Rolls .......................................93

Oselli Ltd ........................................74 Peter Best ......................... 96,97, IIBC

14:24 Page 1

(Northwood, Middlesex)

Peter James Insurance ..................41 Rees Bros .......................................64

URGENT PROOF Bucks Sports & Classic Car Centre

Retro Sports Cars ..........................51 Rimmer Bros Ltd ............................51 RJH Automotive..............................83

RM Car Care...................................41 Please check this proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout.

Robin Lackford 64 in preparing your advert, we cannot hold Although every Motor care Engineering is exercised Robin Lawton .................................95 ourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook.

Specialist in MGA, B, C, V8, RV8, Midgets, and MGF. SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF PLEASE Also specialists in TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT NO. _ _ _ _ _ early Minis Scenic Car Tours ..............................9 Skiptune..........................................68 SMR – Car For Sale .......................91 Steve McKie Sports Cars................94 Stockfest.........................................68 Summit MG....................................41 Sussex Classic Car Parts................76 The Hutson Motor Co Ltd .................4 Torro Sports Cars Ltd......................96

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 10 Rabans Close, Aylesbury. HP19 8RS

18, PARK IND ESTATE, Globalthe Ltd right .........................78 WeVitesse reserve to charge for anyUNIT alteration toSTREET this proof which OSIER WAY, AYLESBURY, BUCKS HP20 1EB is a departure from the original copy

CC10.12/MG16/p

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

www.barriecartermg.com

JULY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 97

21/06/2019 16:53

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

Copyright MG Car Club 2019

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

Chairman: Dave Tynan Vice Chairman: George Wilder Treasurer: Richard Colston

F

eatured in this Brian Osborn photo taken on the 1991 Kimber Trial is a pretty P-Type Midget accompanied by a black J Type (we think). Are these two cars still active within the MG Car Club?

Separated by a little over 70 years, these two MGs in this study by John Watson (right) can be described as ‘Vintage’ in the true sense of the word. Could that be John’s early MGB sneaking into the picture closest to camera?

Find yourself a field and an MG and you’ve got yourself the makings of a Club

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

event. Or at least that’s the way it used to be! Below we see Midlands Centre stalwart, Brian Osborn, concentrating hard during the 1997 Kimber Trial in his MGB.

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!

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

98 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2019

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It should be noted that neither Hine Marketing, the Editor, nor the MG Car Club make any recommendation in respect of any goods and/ or services advertised or featured in this issue. It is the responsibility of readers to satisfy themselves that the goods or services offered or referred to are bona fide and in no instance shall Hine Marketing, the Editor or the MG Car Club be held responsible for the quality or suitability of any such items.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/06/2019 16:53

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PeterBest_SafetyFast_MGCarClub_Advert_297x210.pdf

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07/01/2019

14:28

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.

Approved Insurance Provider

Our ‘Abingdon’ policy covers classic use for MG’s 3 years and older.

Policy benefits may include: • Free agreed valuations • Roadside assistance and recovery within UK/EU • Limited mileage options • Discounts for multiple car ownership • Club member discounts

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ask us today about our classic mg cover

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visit: www.classiccar www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk email: info@classiccarinsurance.co.uk info@classicc

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Peter Best Insurance Services Ltd Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration No. 307045 | Registered in England No. 2210270

Safety Fast_Cover July2019.indd 3

21/06/2019 15:57

Parts for TA to TF 1936-55, YA YB YT, MGA & Magnette.

Secure online shopping at: www.mgbits.com or by phone.

Worldwide shipping.

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

K950

Disc brake kit for most models from £612

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

£296.40

Stainless steel items:

B590TA Breather pipe £28.80 B750Y Water branch pipe Y-Type £49.20

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

Safety Fast_Cover July2019.indd 4

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