ISSUE NO. 246 JULY 2004 the WHO, the WHAT & the WHERE of the MIDGET & SPRITE CLUB

MASCOTMASCOT THE MAGAZINE OF THE MIDGET AND SPRITE CLUB

Frogeye Coupe (well almost)©CBanton.Moreinside, page 24!

ISSUE NO. 246 JULY 2004 www.mgcars.org.uk/midgetspriteclub THE WHO, THE WHAT & THE WHERE of THE MIDGET & SPRITE CLUB

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON John Ruderman, 24 High Street, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 4AR. Tel: 0117 967 8351 email: [email protected] GENERAL SECRETARY Terry Horler, 63 Littledean, Yate, Bristol, BS37 8UQ. Tel: 01454 881770 TREASURER Pauline Walters, 18 Lodway Road, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 2NR. Tel: 0117 971 3092 DEPUTY TREASURER Brendan Joyce, 18 Lodway Road, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 2NR. Tel: 0117 971 3092 MEMBERSHIP Nigel Williams, 7 Kings Ave., Hanham, Bristol, BS15 3JN. Tel: 0117 961 2175 email: [email protected] MAGAZINE EDITOR Mike North, 123 Devonshire Road, London, NW7 1EA. Tel: 020 8343 2817 email: [email protected] REGALIA Christine Barton, 10 Wrens Park Ave., Walmley, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B76 8LP Tel: 0121 351 2513 GENERAL COMMITTEE Alan Barton, 10 Wrens Park Ave., Walmley, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B76 8LP Tel: 0121 351 2513 OFFICERS CLUB ARCHIVIST Terry Horler, 63 Littledean, Yate, Bristol, BS37 8UQ. Tel: 01454 881770 TECHNICAL ADVISER David Smith, Doric Lodge, 10 Mansfield Terrace, Budleigh Salterton, Devon, EX9 6EN. Tel: 01395 446353 email: [email protected] WEBMASTER Chris Nevard, Tel: 01932 847933, Mobile 07798 743922 email: [email protected] Website: http://www.mgcars.org.uk/midgetspriteclub EVENTS CO-ORDINATOR Alan Barton, 10 Wrens Park Avenue, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B76 8LP. Tel: 0121 351 2513 MEMBERS ADVERTISING David & Jenny Smith, Doric Lodge, 10 Mansfield Terrace, Budleigh Salterton, Devon, EX9 6EN. Tel: 01395 446353 email: [email protected] MUTUAL ASSISTANCE David C. Hill, Penrallt-Y-Cordde, Glynarthen, Llandysul, Dyfed. SA44 6PE. CO-ORDINATOR Tel: 01239 811423 email: [email protected] DATA HANDLING Dave Symes, email:[email protected] TRADE ADVERTISING Ian Rider, Tel: 01793 685351. Email: [email protected]

Trade Advertising Rates Full page one issue £30. Half page one issue £15. Full page whole year £300. Half page whole year £150. AREA REPRESENTATIVES BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Simon Jennings, Tel: 01296 482573 CAMBRIDGESHIRE David Dixon, Tel: 01733 222810 email: [email protected] DEVON David & Jenny Smith, Tel: 01395 446353 email: [email protected] DORSET Pete Downton, Tel: 01202 515544 email: [email protected] Ian Swinden, Tel: 01202 623002 email: [email protected] HAMPSHIRE Terry Langridge, Tel: 01252 626063 SOUTH STAFFS & Bill Mohan, Tel: 0121 353 7211 or mobile: 0798 461 6371 email: [email protected] NORTH BIRMINGHAM CENTRAL SCOTLAND Carson Thomson, Tel: 0141 245 6327 day or 013606 22334 evening NORTH WEST Les & Diane Robinson, Tel: 01772 432138 email: [email protected] SOMERSET Dave Bearne, Tel: 01823 412004 email: [email protected] SURREY David Wright, Tel: 0208 642 4789 email: [email protected] WARWICKSHIRE Alan Couch, Tel: 01564 773302 email: [email protected] Chris Yates, Tel: 01608 665066 email: [email protected] WILTSHIRE Ian Rider, Tel: 01793 695351 email: [email protected]

Also see the Club Nights section on page 2 for new areas and contacts. Club Mileage Competition Contact and Co-ordinator is David Southcott, 29 Skylark View, Horsham, RH12 5EA. Email: [email protected]

Compiled by David Hill. Please advise me of any changes, errors etc.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL: IF YOU EXPERIENCE ‘MASCOT’ PROBLEMS UPON RENEWAL, PLEASE CONTACT THE MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY OR THE TREASURER STRAIGHT AWAY. The Committee

Printed by Quorum Technical Services, Unit 3, Lansdown Industrial Estate, Cheltenham, Glos GL51 8PL. Tel: 01242 584984 Fax: 01242 527634 E-mail: [email protected] ISDN: 01242 250756 Modem: 01242 528185 Editorial uly already, where does it go? This time last month (as I write this) I was wallowing in the hospitality of the Surrey Area and enjoying our annual tour. This time our travels took us to JSomerset and Avon. Yours truly in charge of the Video as our resident camera man, Chris (mega Pixels) Nevard of Webmonster fame was busy playing with his new digital camera! The upshot of this is a steady trade in DVD’s, CD-R’s and, for the technically challenged, VHS tapes as they all clamour for their own few minutes of fame prior the Surrey Groups annual film night later in the year. All in all a great event, full details inside the Surrey report complete with ‘Spot the Ed’ photos! Talking of which, full copyright credit to Chris Nevard for the new Ed photo at the bottom of this page (Yes: I know I have a pint in my hand, again, Chris just caught me a low ebb!J) Well that’s enough of that, what have you lot been up to? Lots I hope, there was enough going on last month to sink a car club. Four pages of the stuff in Mascot events which started with the Windwhistle Run on the 6th of June through to the AH club event at Wyboston on the 26th. Eleven events planned or advised in the calendar for July so LOADS to do and its SO EASY. No computers, no log on, no passwords, no I-Pods, no palm pilots just a nice printed list ... So go do something!! Alternatively you could just work on the car (no really, you could!) I once got accused of not publishing any technical features in Mascot (he’d only read on issue!)...BUT in the last three issues, assuming you haven’t thrown them away, you now know how to: lube the gear knob, put a Kawasaki engine into your Midget, pull a WPC (Reggie: the 80’s), gain a working knowledge of the trade tools, fit twin spares, rebuild a Phoenix (!), fix the boot light and test your brakes and that was only in APRIL’s issue. May? Build a Dragonfly! June? Even more excuses to spend time in the garage with Doors, Hardtops and Dynamos. Too much? Not enough? YOU tell me and I’ll do it. Also note the members’ section of the website now has a NEW user name and password. Have a look. Le Mans: Well the private entry MG ran quite high during the night, matching the lead LM-P1 cars for pace a few times but ultimately retired Sunday morning. Will it return? We hope so! Well done MG for trying and Morgan and TVR for finishing. Well I’m off to the classic Le Mans on the 22nd which promises to be great fun (except I’ll miss the Surrey Area BBQ). Some of you will be there in France with me and some are just back from the ‘real’ one, 12th /13th June. So somebody somewhere must have a story for me? Come on now, it’s not that difficult!! Meanwhile, best wishes for a very Spritely month. Regards to all. Ed at Large Mike North

All articles and photographs for the magazine must be received by the first of the month preceding publication. Articles submitted for publication should be e-mailed to the editor if possible or on disc accompanied by hard copy. Members should be advised that pictures will be returned the month after inclusion in Mascot. Photos will only be returned if supplied with a SAE. The statements and opinions expressed in each and every issue of the Mascot are not necessarily the considered views of the Midget and Sprite Club. The views expressed by the editorial contributors, letter writers and advertisers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Club. The Midget and Sprite Club accepts no responsibility for the results of following contributor’s advice, nor does it necessarily endorse the services or products offered by advertisers.

1 Call for a free copy of our MGB catalogue or download from our website!

Robsfrogs

Austin Healey Mk1 Frogeye Sprites fully restored to Original specification

Servicing, welding to MOT standard, re-sprays All work undertaken on all Sprites & Midgets Contact Rob Tel: 01264 790744 or 07778 667458 Email: [email protected] Visit my web site @ www.robsfrogs.org.uk

2 CLUB NIGHTS 1st Tuesday Wiltshire – Meet at The Forresters, Leigh, near Cricklade 1st Wednesday South Staffs and Birmingham – Meet at the The Green Man, Middleton Village, 8.30-8.45pm 1st Thursday Lincolnshire Area – Meet at Heneage Arms, Hainton, nr. Wragby. 8pm. Contact Brian Sumner on 01507 328128 1st Thursday Notts/Derby border Area (note change of day) at the Sitwell Arms near Horsley Woodhouse from approx. 8.30. Just a mile north-west of the A608/A609 crossroads. Ian Cooke 0115 938 3838 [email protected] 1st Thursday NEW! Yorkshire Area – Meeting at The Bayhorse Inn, Goldsborough, near Knaresborough HG5 8NW from 7.30pm. August venue to be decided. Contact Anita Campbell 01423 862738 or 07720 725429 [email protected] . 2nd Tuesday Surrey – Meet at The Blue Ball, Walton-on-the-Hill, 7.45pm. 2nd Wednesday Warwickshire – Meet at The Green Dragon, The Green, Sambourne, Reddich, B96 6NU, at 8.30pm as usual. 2nd Wednesday North West Area meet at The Kilten, turn off M6 at Jct 20 onto A50 towards Macclesfield. Pub 4 miles on left. Please note new venue. 2nd Thursday Cambridgeshire – Meet at The Mad Cat pub in Pidley Village, midway between Huntingdon and Chatteris, 8pm 3rd Monday Dorset – Meet at St. Peter’s Finger, Lytchett Minster, Poole 7.30pm 3rd Tuesday Central Scotland Meet at The Wheatsheaf, Torrance, East Dunbartonshire. 7:30pm in the Lounge. Check first with Carson on 0141-245-6327 day or 013606-22334 evening. 4th Thursday Hampshire – Meet at The Lord Derby, North Warnborough. Please ring Terry or Harriet Langridge on 01252 626063 for details. Last Thursday Somerset – Meet at The Lord Nelson, Norton-sub- Hamdon. 8.00pm Club Website Members Only pages for July, User name: real Password: beer EVENTS From David Hill and Webmaster Chris Nevard Events organised so far for 2004 July Saturday 3rd Why not join the North West Area at the Symphony at Hoghton Tower. Details from Les or Diane Robinson, Tel: 01772 432138 Sunday 4th Cambridgeshire Area Norfolk Run (Dumpling Drive III). Meet at Safeway Car Park in Swaffham at 10:00. Details from David Dixon Tel: 01733 222810 Saturday 10th Ardingly County Show and Classic Car show. Surrey Area will be present & Sunday 11th with Club Stand.

3 Saturday 10th Dorset Area are attending the 31st Historic Vehicle Gathering at & Sunday 11th Powderham Castle. Details from Ian Swinden, Tel: 01202 623002 Email: [email protected] Saturday 17th Warwickshire Area’s weekend in Wales. Details from Alan Barton on & Sunday 18th 0121 351 2513 Saturday 17th The Great Western Rally at Bowood House, Wiltshire. Road Run and & Sunday 18th ending with BBQ on Saturday at the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum. Includes free entry to museum. On Sunday, rally in front of Bowood House with a full day’s programme of events. Details and prebooking contact Andy Littler on 01249 813934 or Terry Horler on 01454 881770 Sunday 18th Kimbolton Castle Country Fair. Cambridgeshire Area is attending with Club stand. Events start 10am. Contact David Dixon on 01733 222810 Sunday 18th Hoghton Tower Classic Car Show. North West Area are attending. Details from Les or Diane Robinson, Tel: 01772 432138 Saturday 24th Warwickshire Area’s Malvern Drive and Skittles. Details from Roger Orgill, Tel: 01684 833379 Sunday 25th Surrey Area’s annual BBQ – chez Laura and Chris at Pagefield Cottage, Outwood. More details from Laura and Chris or David Wright Tel: 0208 642 4789. Sunday 25th Cambridgeshire Area Treasure Hunt (Dave’s Deliberation). CANCELLED. Sunday 25th North West Area are joing the MGCC Pendle Run. Details from Les or Diane Robinson, Tel: 01772 432138 August Sunday 1st Warwickshire Area Group visit to Prescott Hill Climb. Details from Dave Parker on 01564 784766 Sunday 1st BMC Annual Rally and Spares Day at Ferry Meadows, Peterborough. Club Stand. Details from David Dixon Tel: 01733 222810 Sunday 1st Prescott Hill Climb. North West Area are attending this event. Details from Les or Diane Robinson, Tel: 01772 432138 Sunday, 8th Dorset MGOC Picnic at Athelhampton. Dorset MASC attending the event which includes Teddy Bears Picnic, Huge Raffle, Sewards BBQ, all proceeds to Dorset Scope. Details from Ian Swinden, Tel: 01202 623002 Email: [email protected] Sunday 15th The Annual Furzewood Autojumble and Frolic, chez Chris and Jacqui. Surrey Area attending. Details from David Wright, Tel: 0208 642 4789 email: [email protected] Saturday 21st Warwickshire Area’s Mystery Tour including visit to Hook Norton Brewery. Details from John Platt on 01789 488321 Sunday 22nd Surrey Area Cliveden run. Details from David Wright, Tel: 0208 642 4789 email: [email protected] Sunday 29th Gransden Flying Day (a stunning event with classic cars and aircraft, stalls and displays all in aid of children in need (places must be pre-booked). Note change of date. Cambridgeshire Area. David Dixon Tel: 01733 222810 September Fri/Sat/Sun Goodwood Revival Meeting. Warwickshire Area are planning a group visit. 3rd/4th/5th Details from Chris Yates on 01608 665066

4 Sunday 5th MASC stand at Himley Hall Show. Details from Alan Barton on 0121 351 2513 Sunday 5th North West Area are joining the MGCC in their West Lancs Run. Details from Les or Diane Robinson, Tel: 01772 432138 Saturday 11th Classic Car Action Day at Castle Combe Circuit, Wiltshire. Club stand and free entry for members if prebooked. Details from Terry Horler on 01454 881770 Saturday 11th Warwickshire Area planning a visit to Shelsey Walsh Hill Climb for 60s Or Sunday 12th vehicles. Details from Stuart Watson on 01562 883076 Sunday 12th Surrey Area Southdowns Run – Petersfield to Eastbourne. Please note change of date. Details from David Wright, Tel: 0208 642 4789 email: [email protected] Saturday 18th North West Area’s Yorkshire Dales Weekend. Details from Les or Diane & Sunday 19th Robinson, Tel: 01772 432138 October Sunday 10th Warwickshire Area AH Spares Auction at Nether Whittaker Hall. Details from Dave Parker on 01564 784766 Sunday 10th Exmoor Rut Tour for classic cars organised by the MG Car Club. Whole day tour of Exmoor area. Details from, and entries to, Colin Lennox-Jones on 01752 892434 or email: [email protected] Friday 15th North West Area visit to a Brewery. Details from Les or Diane Robinson, Tel: 01772 432138 Friday 22nd MASC stand at the Classic Car Show at the NEC. Details from Alan Barton to Sunday 24th on 0121 351 2513 November Monday 29th Ace Café, North Circular Road, London. 6pm BMC Cars Meet Up. Details from www.ace-café-london.com Every 2nd Tuesday, Classic Cars December Sunday 5th North West Area are going on the MG Christmas Cracker Run. Details from Les or Diane Robinson, Tel: 01772 432138 Wednesday 8th Warwickshire Area’s Christmas Dinner. Details from Chris Yates on 01608 665066 Sunday 12th North West Area’s Christmas Meal. Details from Les or Diane Robinson, Tel: 01772 432138 Tuesday 14th Surrey Area Christmas Dinner. Details from David Wright, Tel: 0208 642 4789 email: [email protected] Saturday 18th Warwickshire Area are having a Christmas Party at Mo and Phil’s. Details from Mo and Phil Wood on 01905 456303

Area Reps please let David Hill have confirmed dates for new events Asap. Remember there are Club Night Natters throughout the year and that area events are also open to members from other areas! Please also note that the above lists only M&SC events or events where we have a presence or an interest. General classic events are listed in the classic press.

5 Mutual Assistance Directory ell, the good weather continues. I waving at other MGs that even when I am have just found a reasonable garage driving my everyday car, a Peugeot, I often Wselling leaded four star. I say find myself waving at MGs. They probably reasonable, referring to the price! The garage think I am a crazy guy or just appreciate good that I passed on a regular basis in cars! Marlborough, was just plain profiteering on Don’t forget, if you need a copy of the latest leaded petrol and I would not buy there, so MAD you can download it from the members the discovery of a garage in Sherfield English only section of our website but if you do not in Hampshire selling four star at £1.05 a litre have access to the web or don’t know was great. Now my Midget is back on what it someone who does, I will print off a copy and likes best. send it to you. The season is now in full swing so hopefully David Hill everyone is out and about. I get so used to

Webmonster

Auto site of the month: 2nd in the current series of featured sites that help members link to the world of motorcars, motorsport and motor enjoyment! This month is... http://www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk/ Castle Combe, venue for our own track day (free tickets last month!!) great circuit for every level of motorsport and club member. Track days, club events and tuition. Have a look: Ed

6 7 Book Review: Members’ Offers Sprites and Midgets – The Complete Story Author: Anders Ditlev Clausager Published by Crowood Julie Sankey, Crowoods Sales Office Manager recently let me have a chance to review this new book, its excellent! Now in paperback and running to over 220 pages this book is a real treat to any fan of the breed. Rich in colour photos and period monochrome plates it covers every model and has all the technical stuff covered from production numbers to Vin ranges. It even has an original list price section! The text is very good and includes useful sections on history, prototypes, restoration, competition success, period rivals and brings the story bang up to date with final car to carry the Healey name, the Isle of Wight Healey Frogeye. So for those of you unable to obtain Terry Horler’s book Original Sprite and Midget (before the re-print) this is a useful alternative/ addition to the library. Mascot has negotiated a members 20% discount off the retail price of the book (£14.99) which can be obtained by quoting MASCOT magazine when you telephone Crowood on 01672 520320. Alternatively you can order via their website and receive 20% @ www.crowood.com. There will be postage at £3.09 in either case. This postage would apply if there were no discounted price. Ed (Standing in for ‘Bookworm’) Bodger’s Corner The Anonymous Bodger’s Tip of the Month ow do you find the cause of a constantly blowing fuse? If, with everything switched off, the fuse blows immediately the battery is reconnected how can you start to trace the Hfault? The simplest way to do this is to substitute an inspection lamp for the offending fuse. If the fuse holder is easily accessible, remove the fuse and clip the leads of the inspection lamp to the fuse connections in the fuse holder. If access is difficult, solder wires to each end of a blown fuse and refit the fuse. The inspection lamp can then be connected to the other ends of the wires. Now reconnect the battery and, assuming the short circuit is still present, the inspection lamp will light. No damage will be done to the wiring as the current flow will be limited by the resistance of the bulb. You can now search away for the elusive fault. Once the fault has been cured the lamp will go out. The inspection lamp and modified fuse can be removed and a new fuse can safely be fitted. Problem solved! After last months electrical bodge, another!! Ed says: Thanks to David Southcott for another real life bodge. Any more out there, anyone?

8 Warwickshire Report heard to advise another, that one should never come between a husband and wife and their hood, good advice! We found that the French were well prepared for the D-Day Celebration with flags and bunting in all the towns. As usual, we were also warmly welcomed with toots and waves, and with people stopping to talk to us and admire the cars. On arrival in Mortain we found that the Hotel de la Poste had a garage big enough for all the cars, so they were very safe and dry. Hotel de la Poste We could not have been made more welcome by the owners, Ernst and Anki Blomjous. He -Day for Warwickshire’s Normandy was Dutch, she was Swedish, and they spoke Invasion was Friday, 28 May, with the an amazing range of languages, which Drendezvous at Westcroft, where the included perfect English as they had spent troops gathered prior to the drive to our some time in this country. The rooms were disembarkation port of Portsmouth. The basic, but dinner each evening was an event advanced party arrived early on Saturday that lingered and delighted everyone. Ernst, morning and set off to reconnoitre the coastal who was our chef, would precede each meal town of Grandcamp- Maisy and find canteen with a description of the menu and it’s facilities for the main party or breakfast for preparation. On the Sunday we visited everyone. The town has an active fishing fleet Domfront and explored the Normande – and an undercover market where you could Suisse Area of Normandy, finding ourselves buy their catch, plus the produce from the in a beautiful area reminiscent of the Wye local farms, food doesn’t come any fresher. Valley and Simon’s Yat. There were With the troops refreshed, we travelled along paragliders in the air, canoeists on the river, the Omaha Beach to Bayeux to note the walkers and picnickers everywhere and I politicised version of the 1066 invasion; there don’t think I have ever seen a rock face with were spin-doctors even then! Unfortunately, quite so many climbers on it. Dr. Dave led we had our first taste of bad weather and had the way and, to ensure he did not have to to discover how hoods are assembled, not an listen to the helpful advice offered, turned his easy task with a Frogeye. One member was radio off. He said it was an accident!

At the war memorial in Fougères

9 While Monday was damp on Tuesday it poured, the rain was torrential at times and the hoods were again in place, with the notable exception of Roger, who deserves a prize for his determination. Throughout the deluge his car remained topless and Roger’s only protection from the elements was his hat and raincoat. We journeyed to Dinan, where we had lunch and a brief look around before returning to our hotel, where we fell into the routine, which had developed, on our return. Park the cars, collect in the bar for refreshments, return to rooms to change, back to the bar for aperitifs, and then into the dining room for dinner, which was taken at a leisurely pace, finishing back in the bar for nightcaps. On our final evening, Jim and On the open road Rosemary treated us to champagne to celebrate 25 years in his own business. As dinner was late, we were also given an extra On Monday, we travelled to Fougères, which free aperitif, so we were just a little louder is an old town build on a hill with a walled than usual. castle, churches, and a shoe museum. The streets are all on a slope, so walking is not as easy as it could be, but it is a very interesting town. In the centre is a pedestrian precinct with a war memorial in the middle. Someone, who shall remain nameless, decided that a photograph of the cars in front of the memorial would make an interesting picture for the magazine, perhaps even the front cover to celebrate the Anniversary of the Normandy landings. The fact that we could just squeeze the cars through the solid metal bollards protecting the area with some very skilful driving and had to keep a look out for the local gendarmerie who would certainly Pont de Normandie not have been amused, did not deter us. In our favour, as it was a bank holiday, there Our last day focussed on a visit to Honfleur were very few pedestrians about and the for lunch and then on to Le Havre for our resultant picture was worth it. return to Portsmouth. The cars all behaved themselves, apart from a few minor adjustments along the way. The company as always was brilliant and, regardless of the weather, we had a marvellous time and are already discussing next year’s journey. We are all very grateful to Alan Couch and Dave Parker for their efforts, on our behalf, and organising such a successful event. This month’s meeting began with a sharing of photographs and tales of the trip, followed by the usual agenda, planning for future events. Car park – French style With the first of these being our annual trip to

10 Chester’s Festival of Transport. Held on the racecourse, it is a delightful little show and close enough to the town for sightseeing and shopping, so a little of something for everyone. We returned, as last year via Telford, so that we could stop at The Hundred House Hotel for dinner and a look round their wonderful garden. This year Jim and Rosemary made sure that they were expecting us, so that we wouldn’t be quite such a shock for them. Dave led the way home, but had been worried by some noise and oil from a rear wheel and eventually came to a sudden halt, without any drive. The cause has yet to be discovered, but for Ernst explaining the menu once, even Dr Dave could not perform immediate surgery and an ambulance, in the then in July, there is the weekend in Wales form of his brother- in-law, had to be sent for. organised by Alan Barton. Hotel rooms This made an unhappy ending to an should have been booked by now, so if you otherwise enjoyable day, with plenty of have not done this yet, make it your next sunshine. task. This month we have the visit to The Vulcan Sheila Fast Taxi and Car Show in Wellesbourne, South Staffs and Birmingham at Rest On a very pleasant evening, I arrived first at (working again...), I sounded out everyone for the Green Man and stood patiently whilst the a possible day of the week that would be staff chatted amiably amongst themselves, suitable for a meet-up with the Notts/Derby occasionally pausing to serve someone at Border mob, as they had suggested meeting their own speed. One by one the others somewhere halfway. We are proposing 3rd or arrived, Bill3, Trevor, Steve and Babs, Vince, 4th Wednesday as a good one, which Bill2, Ian and Gavin, each being treated to a hopefully they will agree to. Maybe Warks lengthy wait at the bar, as well as Gavin can swell the numbers as well. We will keep being treated as an irritation when he pointed everyone informed. Our party of 5 cars is off out that he had proffered a £20 note and not to – next week, so no doubt a report will a £10. Our events organiser Steve made a follow. Ed says: See page 21! commercial decision, and suggested we moved on elsewhere, so we leapt (or Geoff Mears struggled, depending on whom we are talking Ps Thanks to Geoff for helping me out. I wish about) into our cars, and made our way to I’d been at the mass ride out! the Dog and Doublet at Bodymoor Heath, where the beer was good, and the service But this is being written two hours before the fast. This is now being considered as an convoy representing SS&B, MASC head south alternative, and a decision was made that for Le Mans. We promise an article hopefully next month we will go to the Green Man as with input from each of us (I’m tekkin’ me usual, but leave at 2100hrs and go back to note book!) on our return. Lots of Photos too. the Dog and Doublet again. (Everyone, please Mike will have to edit the lot when he gets it. note) We spent some time admiring Ian’s Told you before Mike I send it, you use what Frogeye – we have not had a Frog in our you want. gang since Bob and Mickey had theirs-so Bill plenty to talk about there. In Bill1’s absence

11 Dorset Report Midget Boys Do the New Forest! ll the forecasts appeared to be true as I headed off towards Christchurch and Apoints beyond to the start of this year’s New Forest Run – the first I’ve made since 2001. On arrival at Milford on Sea the Car Spridgets out to graze Park was packed with the irrepressible Nigel Hedges flagging cars away with a huge Union Jack. I was ‘solo’ for the day – my erstwhile holes the area has to offer! We chose the ‘Rising Sun’ just before the lunch stop of Sammy Miller’s Motorcycle Museum. As we approached the pub, Ian and Chris Beaver bowled up in their neat Mk III Midget. At the pub, this ‘rent a crowd’ ruined Dave and Caroline Cornell’s day by joining them at their table in the garden before moving off to the Museum for our picnic. Now 5 strong we had a pleasant meal serenaded by WWII music (in keeping with the D- Day Anniversary that day) from Bryan’s portable CD. By this time Disabled? Us? we had completed 50 miles of the run – but no rest! We were soon off again in the navigator, Adam being lured away by the direction of Fordingbridge for the afternoon filthy lucre of his weekend job – Bryan Fox section. It was a further 36 miles before we was in the same boat as Sue was under the arrived at our destination – The Quomps at weather. We met up with Alan and Audrey Christchurch. Fellow Spridgeteers Colin and Mousley and a Midget convoy was in the Vi Morris and Pete Downton were on hand to making! The route was as scenic and varied welcome us. Our thanks go to the S’oton and as ever with plenty of opportunities to turn off New Forest MGOC for another superb day. It for a breather to appreciate the beauty of the had all the elements of a ‘Classic’ MG Run. Forest. not to mention the numerous watering Ian Swinden

Rural Comfort Stop

12 Cambridgeshire Report s I write this it is actually the 1st of June, I was faced with the choice of Abeing 2 weeks early (yes Mascot has a deadline) or one week late, due to my impending Sprite adventure in Sunny France. All this means there will be no mention of the Pub meeting at the Mad Cat (although I will down a few glasses of red on the appropriate night), however the main event on our MASC far) however it could have easily been much calendar this month was the East Anglian bigger. I know from the club records that gathering. there are 100 or more members within a reasonable distance of this event and most of them have no local group to bring them together. I had hoped the event might have tempted a few more of them out and maybe helped spawn a few new local groups and that these in turn could combine for regional events at different locations around the region, we have some great locations between us. The gathering itself was brilliant with perfect weather and one of the most interesting and In truth the Gathering took place on the last pleasant venues in Norfolk, Philip Foti of day of May (Spring bank holiday Monday) at collectors World and his staff could not have Downham Market and although Gary, Terry, been more helpful and welcoming. The other Quentin, Bob (who was washing his hair) attractions (besides the cars and sunshine) and the Guy from Lowestoft all failed to make included an amazing labyrinth of Dickens it a good few of you did (thanks guys). We period streets with many fascinating exhibits actually managed to collect together an but all tinged with a little humour but never almost complete set of Spridgets including a the less very convincingly done. The Nelson stunning blue frog, Dave’s newly rebuilt room was also fascinating with many original Osselli engined red frog, a racing green documents and factual displays, apparently I.O.W. frog, a K series powered Sebring, a MKI Midget, 2 MKIII Sprites, a 66 blown Arkley, multiple MK IVs including Hubie’s Ital engined hybrid, a round arched car, a Datsun five speed (with a few other tasty mods), a great looking Austin Sprite (with non-original wire wheels, but since it looks so nice we forgive you Rob) a very nice rubber bumpered car and a great bunch of people. In all sixteen great little English sports cars all with the tops down and gleaming in the glorious Bank holiday sunshine. Now those who attended definitely gave the event the thumbs up and voted it a success and I think it was the largest turn out we have ever had at one of our own events (so

13 Nelson went to school in Downham Market and is reputed to have learned to sail on the river. Several of us spent most of the day with the cars in the sunshine and so will need another visit to do the venue justice. Just a couple of things to note – 1) The Treasure hunt Scheduled for July 25th has been postponed due to too many other things going on at the same time, and 2) We have booked a stand at Kimbolton Castle country fair and classic car day on the 18th of July (contact the sporting bears through their web Dave Dixon site or me for free tickets). Yorkshire Report t’s been a busy few weeks since the last After an excellent buffet lunch Mark and I report. Nick and Jo with their Midget and collected our route book and this time took IMark and I with our Sprite drove across the opportunity to plot half of the route before the border to Waddington in Lancashire early setting off. This seemed to work as we only on Saturday 22nd May for the Fellsman stopped once, to plot the remaining section. 2004 run. Simon and Trevor had the same idea and spent a good 45 minutes plotting (see On arrival we discovered that Simon was picture) which, Simon said, necessitated there with his Sprite as a very late entry. some tidy driving to finish within the time Navigators were Jo, Mark and Simon’s friend scale. They particularly enjoyed testing how Trevor, who lives in Edinburgh. One driver well the Porsche 356 following them really told us it was his third time on the Fellsman did corner! and he was hoping to find more than half the control boards this time! It wasn’t long before Back to the Waddington Arms for a welcome we found out he wasn’t kidding. After bacon beer and to find out how many control boards and egg butties and the navigator’s briefing, we had missed during the day. We all got at which we were given a few tips, we more than half and spent some time received our route book 10 minutes before discussing which bits we had found tricky. All our allotted start times and began plotting. agreed the event was challenging and that we Then we were off! Navigation used various had a great time out and about on a glorious methods; some familiar, some not. Tulips, May day. map references, spot heights, grid lines, passing map features and passing through June Natter road junctions in sequence. The Beehive Inn, Ripponden was our venue The morning run took us North through some this time and was to be found up a very steep fantastic countryside up into Cumbria. The hill, very narrow in places. Shawn and his route even included a gated road, the trick wife Dawn were there first with their two being to make sure you were not first or last young lads. They live close by. Me next, of a group arriving at one of the three gates giving my Midget a run out. Then Jenny and together. We all experienced meeting other Steve and the Alfa-engined Sprite. New faces participants travelling in the opposite Mick and friend John arrived about the same direction and Simon had a near miss with a time. Then Nick and Jo. They couldn’t come fixed head E-Type. One of the highlights for in the Midget as Nick’s taken the passenger me was a hare running down the road just a seat out to refurbish it and match the good few feet in front of us. job he did on the driver’s. Later arrivals were Arthur, who had to move a skip to get his

14 Frogeye out of the garage, Phil with his is starting a new job soon based in Bradford. Midget and Barry with the Innocenti. Currently she’s commuting to Norwich! Mick has a 1972 Midget. It’s non-standard as it Shawn explained why he couldn’t bring his has a Rover K-series engine. He’s had the car Midget. A tourist decided to use his rented for 20 years but it’s been resting for a long car to add some unsightly curves to Shawn’s while awaiting the restoration he’s recently car a couple of weeks ago. Repairs are started. John lives a few doors away from underway and hopefully the Midget will be Mick and a few weeks ago bought a 1974 out and about soon. He nearly brought a Midget for restoration. Looking forward to friend’s Frogeye but as it doesn’t have a hood regular updates on progress. Hopefully the yet decided not to chance the weather. Jenny group will be able to provide lots of encouragement, advice and maybe spare parts. Stephen and Linda couldn’t make it as Stephen got in very late. Linda told me their Midget is just about to go for painting. So with 5 Spridgets and a lighter evening I forgot to bring my camera! Since then Mark and I have been busy touring the local area looking for a suitable venue for the next meeting. It’s a hard life! If you are interested in joining us at one of our meetings you can contact me on 01423 862738 or 07720 725429 or email Simon and Trevor plotting [email protected] Anita

Wiltshire in June! e arrived as usual but for once I dug only my engine? We also touched, as usual, out the Midget, despite the on steam engines and their construction and Wthreatening clouds, and having maintenance, and again discussed the issue forgotten to buy the new tax disc, which was of Barry’s gearbox and the difficulty of due, and remembering after my arrival at the confidently obtaining a good quality Foresters. (I have it now, in case any member replacement. of the constabulary is reading this). A couple of weeks later I found time to visit Fortunately the night passed without incident. the vintage gathering at ‘The Trout’ Inn at I found Malcolm and Barry sitting at a bench Lechlade. I took the Midget to show off but outside (brave, considering it wasn’t as warm more people were interested in the Raleigh as expected) and joined them for the usual Chopper, which I took to fill idle time, natter. I had an enquiry for them regarding cleaning and polishing, but at least one visitor the valve timing on my Midget, which has stopped to look at my restoration pictures and already been found incorrect once and to have a natter about Midgets. A very warm following confusion during reassembly of my day helped along with a shandy and some pick-up’s ‘B’ series engine I’m wondering if soft drinks (and a Free Barbeque!). the same issue arises with ‘A’ series ones. The problem is that when the timing marks Next show is Strawberries and Steam at the on the crankshaft and camshaft pulleys line end of the Month – a report perhaps next up, the piston is not at T.D.C., and vice month. versa, and the issue is: which position is Ian Rider correct and is this peculiar to the ‘B’ series or

15 Scotland Report hree years ago the Central Scotland section was Tformed at Torrance. I had sat alone for two months in the ‘Wheatsheaf’. Then the reinforcements arrived. Alan and Fiona Plumtree with Eric Flack and his phantom Mk 1, to be followed by the enthusiastic-in-rebuild Alex Taggart and the inestimable Bob Miller. These are the founding chums. There’s a Jim and Bob (lost?) great foto [vol. 215] with Eric, a freak [me] and Alan standing, via that medium. Meanwhile, we linked with symbolically, between a Midget and Sprite: Les and Diane and the NW mob in ties which it’s a great favourite of mine. In vol. 214, continue to strengthen. Then there’s young Dave Dixon wrote ‘Hang in there Carson, six David Baldwin in the North and his will to months down the line it’s a different story.’ pronounce a de facto area and magnetise and I thot ‘Yeh sure. You’re south of the Spridgets by that means. Excellent. Whilst, in border, down Cambridgeshire way’. [If you’re the South, we have met Stewart and Christine old enuff, you can sing those words along Campbell with the nicest and lowest R/B I’ve with Carmen Miranda – ‘Zee Zee Zee I love ever seen. It’s all rite Stewart, you don’t have you very much. You You You are so divine’.] to create a de facto anything! Amongst all this Jeepers -creepers, there it is – our open air friendship, we have just had our Club Anthem! We ambled along, never mini-international with the Rieksen’s stuttering- except when I spoke – it was all travelling over from Holland in their Harvest classically pleasantine [a Carsonism!]. Gold RWA to join the ‘Scotland 2004’ Alan put on our first Scottish event, the 2-dayer with Les and Co. from the NW. Lamplight Run then another to the Lakes to The NW mob are going to Ireland next year which Dave Dixon came along. In between, but we are pathfinding for them in Oct by Jim McGuiness gave us superb Scottish going to the North. Ok. Les, what does it outings. Then, suddenly last summer, Bob matter if you are going to the South! In the and I went to Holland and met and stayed Irish context, I’ve had a call from Barry with Richard and Anke Rieksen and met their Stanage of Belfast offering to help us in our Spridget friends Spikey and Tom. As a jaunt. So, from all this, a truth shines thru: conceited non-traveller, one of my best Dave Dixon’s enthusiasm and belief in people memories is eating at a German castle which was one thing and one thing only; rite. Now didn’t have any German sausages and that we move on, forward. I will see you again. had to be the reason why the Germans never smiled! It was fascinating to look across, Carson and chums deep into the former tanklands of turbulation Ps Thanks to Bill Mohan for the invite to and think, if the Soviets once held ambitions Donnington; but, somehow – sigh. of ‘3 days to the Channel’, with me as bully-boy in-chief, I knew I could have made Ed says: I only got about 25% of this, can it in 2!! Central Scotland modestly built up. anybody else make it out? J Excellent stuff John and Betty came along, started a (I’m told!) Spridget business extending our membership

16 La Carrera Caledonia At the bottom of “The Rest and Jim McGuiness looks like a cherub who has Be Thankful” just started to shave. However, as he publicly (old road) says, he is not allowed out to play very often; so that the pleasurable demands of heaven on him, may be many and mysterious. But, La Carrera is his big freedom of the year and he sure does enjoy it-the planning, then doing it and his biggest kick is from the fun hairpin and not too badly at all for me. Here’s that others have in enjoying his tortuous the point. Jim is laying on a 1 day run for us routes. in August to include another bash at ‘The Bob Miller and I set off from Torrance one Rest’. Interested? Interested even to come Saturday in June at 5.30am to drive in along and watch a MK1 a Midget and a ‘Hulot’ to get to the start at Gretna for Sprite [Alan Plumtree] and Bob in his GTV6 8.30am.For those who like detailed 2.5 -the sound from that should be good and factuality-the where we went- was to Bob will be trying, that’s for sure. In the bar Inverrary on the Saturday, Aviemore on the at Inverrary Adrian Hall- Carpenter from Sunday and back to Torrance 2.30pm, Norfolk and his Ferrari co- driver Colin Monday for a total of 725 miles best Jaggard got on quite splendidly with us. described as 3 days of having that snake off Obviously bored with the common place, next the neck [neckties, pardners] as the late year they are going to compete in a Prince Claus of the Netherlands once said .By split-screen Morris Minor! However, Colin is a the time we came back, I thot I was very subversive guy. ‘You haven’t seen my developing arthritis in the hands; but it was collection of ropes have you? ‘Now, what only strain from gripping the wheel so tightly would you have said/asked of that one? Me?-I or from holding my trousers when Bob was asked ‘Where do you get them from?’ And in driving! La Carrera is open to any pre 1980 all the gin joints in all the world the reply was car or modern classic. There was a Lancia a fluke bigger than Ingrid Bergman walking Fulvia, 911 Carrera SC, Cortina GT, Rover into Rick’s place in Casablanca! ‘Tiree’. 95, NSX, SAAB V4,308GTB, and Frog-Eyes ‘What!’ I exclaimed ‘Are you one of those etc. The crews were as interesting as their tiresome green welly pests I pray I will never cars and to credit Bob with observed see again when they get off the MacBrayne’s minutiae: ‘The Clan Crusader was held boat?’ This is serious stuff to me.’It so together with spit and bubble gum and every happens, Colin, I have my favorite piece of ‘S’ car matched, but differed in the scenery, and ‘Z’ woven piece of Gourock Ropework’s climbing thru towering gorges, scudding finest sinking into the machair on Tiree. I’ve along wind blasted moors and sliding past even filmed it’. ‘Where is it located?’Colin the sides of long dank lochs made still by the asked innocently. Can you imagine such rain’. Let’s cut out this poetic- crappy-stuff, impertinence!! So I’ve gone to Tiree to check Bob; that’s supposed to be my department. that it’s still there while Linda’s gone to China Before ‘Outraged in Tunbridge Wells’ writes to for 4 weeks and I guess this is getting all a bit Mike again about why this non-Spriteley stuff crazed for ‘Outraged in Tunbridge Wells. is appearing in Mascot, here’s the why Whatcha mean about green wellies. At least because. The old road up ‘The Rest And Be we change our socks twice a day!’ There’s Thankful’ [Argyll] has been closed to the more of course- how we triumphed over the public for years. For a time it was latterly Cork Screw near Ben Nevis. The blaster of a open for sprints and hill climbs. That’s all a run in the NSX-yeah-Johnnies got the power! long time ago. But not for Jim and his My singing of my asylum song-ok here’s Mike heavenly intercessions for he has the key to and the word count and the guys in the white the heart of the landowner who stood like coats; it’s all so unfair: at least remember, somebody a-bearded out of the Old August. The Rest and Be Thankful. Central Testament atop The Rest. Yes. We went up it Scotland. in the rain ‘Watch it here, thru the narrow Carson and Bob bridge’ Bob shouted as I spurted on round the Ed says: Sounds like fun!

17 Surrey Report hat a great family day out Beaulieu and the evening rounded off by presentations is! Linda and David, Chris and I to the winners, and to the organizers, this Wwent to the Spring Autojumble, and year Sue and Jim Judd, and Ashley and picked up a few bargains – a hood cover for Denise Hinton. We all owe them for making my Sprite for a fiver, and countless bits for the whole trip flow so well. David’s Austin Seven! The Palace, museum June 8th the MG Car Club (they’re the older and gardens all provided attractions for the types) invited Surrey Area to join them in a ladies, and we will definitely be back. I for clubs evening at Brooklands. Concorde had one want to see my grandson driving the just arrived in sections, to be re-assembled by miniature Land Rovers over rough terrain! their army of volunteers. I’m pleased to say Saturday 29th launched Surrey Area towards that 8 Surrey Area cars were there together Somerset, and the main contingent with Esteemed Editor North, and we were assembled on the Hogsback for an early start. pleased to enroll Guy and Sue Hancomb with their black 40,000 mile from new 1500 A step back in time at Laycock for pre-booked Midget into the fold. Chris Edgerley popped lunch preceded a visit to the Peto Gardens at over from Slough in his Frog, and we also Iford. Literature told of the creator’s love of met up with regular Brooklands volunteer Wisteria, and surely this lovely bush was Doug Hollingsworth, also with K-reg RWA everywhere! Our hotel had reserved exclusive Midget. use of their lounge for our party, so after good food and wine, and even a swim for some, it Some beautiful cars there, ancient was very easy to unwind in the comfort of Sunbeams, pre-war MGs, Lotus Elans, and these surroundings. Sir Jack Brabham signing autographs in his latest book! BBQ fed us all, (Well almost – Sunday’s highlight was our convoy of 18 cars we’re all growing people after all!) and all in to Cheddar Gorge, my, did we turn a few all, a wonderful evening – we’ll do it again heads! Surrey’s mandatory steam train ride next year! Forthcoming events include – followed on the East Dorset Railway. However, organiser Sue became so engrossed 10th July Ardingly Classic Car show – we in the payment for the group’s tickets that she have a Surrey Area stand missed the train! Compensation came in the 25th July – Surrey Area BBQ, chez Laura and form of becoming the driver for another loco Chris at Pagefield Cottage, Outwood – be in the yard, so honour was restored. Reggie there! chose to take alternative routes a couple of times which puzzled us all, but we still managed to assemble at the hotel each evening. Highlight for some was a coach trip to the George at Norton St. Philip, where the convivial atmosphere is illustrated in the pic overleaf far right. Monday was Bath visit day, together with the flying of gliders in the garden of the hotel. Some spectacular flights and crashes were witnessed,

18 Keep in touch regarding other local runs, as level that we had in mind – this area was, I we’ve had to move the Victory due to the think, the most expensive that we had busy diaries of the Surrey Area, so it will explored for one of the Surrey area Whit re-appear shortly! More news from David breaks. Next, we needed to find places that Southcott very soon. we thought would be interesting to those on the trip, and with scenic routes to travel Most of our 2004 activities are now available along. Final challenge was making sure that in the events listing, and in the meantime, we had documented the routes well enough you can catch me on – to ensure that we wouldn’t lose anyone along [email protected] the way! Judging by the comments we David received at the end, I think we succeeded in Ed says: Photos © Chris Nevard meeting all these criteria. Along the way, we met some great characters and had some Surrey Tour Supplement great drives. From my perspective, the two Just a few words from an organiser’s point of highlights would be the drive through the view... Well, I have to say Ashley and I gorge at Cheddar, with the noise of all those thoroughly enjoyed organising the trip. It was Spridget exhausts reverberating off the rocks quite hard work, sandwiched in between our and the surprise of the garden at Iford Manor busy working lives. The initial challenge was (which we hadn’t explored in advance). to find a hotel that would provide good Sue Judd (and Ashley!) accommodation and edible food at the price NW Area Report bumper report this month. On 22nd spend more time in Llangollen but as usual May we had our run to Wales. This was Diane and I were rushing off somewhere else. Aorganised by Chris who on this Now for an interesting fact, have you noticed occasion was accompanied by his Mum that a lot of Welsh place names begin with acting as navigator. We met at the Little Chef Llan and have you ever wondered what it near Queensferry then headed for Llangollen means, well wonder no more – it means ‘holy via Mold and Ruthin. On route we stopped at settlement’- now isn’t that interesting. the Ponderosa Cafe for a drink and toilet stop. When my cars not being used it’s kept tucked No sign of Little Joe or Hoss though – up nice and warm in the garage. Just to one remember Bonanza? Anyway, moving on, we side and slightly overhanging the passenger then headed through Horseshoe pass (no side is a cupboard where I keep my screws sign of any Indians!) and onto Llangollen. and nails etc. Also in here was a tin of paint Once there we stopped for lunch at the stripper that I’ve had for years. You can guess Ponsenby Arms. Here Ian Blain in his what’s coming next can’t you, well, the other Frogeye and his son Simon in his Mk IV day I went into the garage for some screws Sprite joined us. Unfortunately this was only (I actually only wanted one but didn’t want to a short visit but hopefully we can meet again say I went into the garage for a screw!), as in the future. It would have been nice to

19 I opened the cupboard door to my horror I yes Saints won) – sorry if this seemed found that the tin of paint stripper had rotted. unsociable Carson but this was a game not to It had leaked down and out of the bottom of be missed. To make amends we did go to the the cupboard and onto the floor, it could only temple on Sunday. On the evening we have missed the passenger door by about and enjoyed a rather nice meal at the hotel before inch or so, phew! retiring to the bar. Sunday we were up bright and early, sun shining and rearing to go. After On May Bank holiday we joined the Scottish breakfast we were off on another run which crew for a weekend in Scotland organised by took us again through some glorious Carson. There was myself and Diane plus countryside, along the B6357 where we Peter and Dorothy and Chris and his dad stopped at Newcastleton, you guessed it for from the NW area then Carson and his crew the toilet again. Here there was a craft fair from Scotland. To make the event a truly which we had a look at and spent a fortune. European affair we were also joined by Diane bought some homemade Ginger wine Richard and Anke Reiksen who came all the which will make very good paint stripper! way from Holland in their Midget. The base Anyway we then set of to Denholm where we for the weekend was the Somerton House stopped for a nice relaxing lunch. This is Hotel at Lockerbie. This former doctor’s house where our weekend finished and we said our was a very nice hotel and we were made very goodbyes. Everyone went on their way home welcome. We arrived late Saturday morning except for me and Diane. We liked the place and were later joined by Alan from Nantwich. so much that we stayed another night at the He was on holiday somewhere near Dumfries Somerton House. On the way back there we but came along for the afternoon in his stopped at the side of Alemoor Loch, there Frogeye. This was his first big excursion in was no noise, just complete silence other his car, so obviously nervous about driving than the birds, absolute tranquillity. To my such a long way on the motorway so decided mind there was just the right blend of driving to travel along the A6 through Preston and and socialising which resulted in a very Lancaster. After a 7 hour journey he finally pleasant and relaxing weekend. Tremendous arrived at Lockerbie safe and sound – I bet he roads, beautiful countryside, good food and goes home on the motorway! Also meeting us most importantly very nice people, in fact just at the hotel were Stewart and Christine from perfect. Well that was the Scottish weekend Montrose. This is the first time they had met and a huge thank you must go to Carson for anyone from the club and it was very nice to organising this, it was excellent. see them. Following lunch we set off on a drive planned by Carson. This took us to At our June club night there was only four of Moffat and then on the A708 to Tibbie Shiels us. Where were you all? it was a lovely night Inn and back along the B709 via ideal for Sridgeting. I went in my Sprite, Chris Eskdalemuir then onto the B723 back to in his Frogeye, Andrew in his Golf – Frogeye Lockerbie. I’ve not been to this part of the not ready yet. Peter, however, left his Frogeye country before and was taken aback by how at home and went in his other classic, a lovely it was. If you have a Midget or Sprite Lamborghini Miura – yes I know, I mean a then you must go to the Scottish Borders as Lamborghini of all things. Was I jealous? the roads are fabulous and the countryside don’t be stupid of course I was, it was stunning. Just before we got to Tibbie Shiels absolutely beautiful. It’s V12, quad-cam, we stopped at Glens café for a drink (and 380 bhp engine makes my 948cc, 4 toilet of course). This was an internet café cylinder, 43 bhp look a bit feeble. stuck in the middle of nowhere at the side of Our visit to Oulton Park on 12th June was the Loch of the Lowes, very bizarre but very cancelled due to people’s other commitments. nice. On the route back there was a stop at the Tibetan Centre which is Buddhist temple, Well that, you will be glad to hear, is it for just what you’d expect to find in Scotland. this months report. See you in July. Everyone pulled in here except for me and Les Diane, we wanted to get back to the hotel to watch rugby on Sky (Saints v Bradford and

20 Fame – Or How We All Got on the Telly! Geoff adds: Thursday 10th sees Bill 1 + Nick, Stuart + Sean, Rob + Craigh and Bill2+me meet at MacDonalds for our drive down to Dover. So off we set – 2 Midgets, 1 Westfield and Audi estate. A few weeks previous I had blown a head gasket, and had put it down mainly to overheating, although this could not be proven, as when fitting a new radiator and heater matrix, I also changed the oil/temp gauge. Bill 1 puts me down as a worrier (me? worry?). Things were going well for the first hope you all saw us on Speed Sunday. 12 miles, when I started to experience power We were amazed to have been visited on a loss. I struggled on to the Northampton fuel Iwarm Saturday evening by a television stop where we re-grouped. “Too lean” says crew, who asked if they could film our Stuart. Ah, the joys of 3 AA men in our group. campsite. I was away down the dusty track at A turn of the screws on my carbs and the time and when I came home, there they problem solved. were. I was a little bemused and one of our We were held up in traffic, (well OK not “posse” who will NOT be named by me, said traffic, just a car park on the M1 at the Luton as I came back to sit in the armchair “They area) and thus arrived late at Mimms. Luckily tell me it’s Tiff Needell, but I thought it was Gary was there with his red Frogeye, waiting Dale Winton!” (He doesn’t watch much at the petrol station. After a fuel break (my television, tha’ knows!) Tiff was using our gauge is “unreliable” so I topped up and only camping “home” to film his intro to the had to pay £8.90!) we set off merrily. programme’s other section for Sunday, we think they were attracted by my blow up And so, to Dover! The drive down seemed to England armchair. We were on the “Houx last forever and the last few miles stopped Annexe” campsite, the nine of us with two being warm as we drove through a heavy sea Midgets, a Frogeye, our adopted Westfield fog. That soon cleared at Dover and we were and the essential shopping trolley (and the into the Seafrance terminal and away at ten fastest thing on our site) the V6 Audi estate. past ten. The cars were parked around the corner of While Geoff, Bill, Gary, Rob and Craigh two tracks as a fence and attracted many peeled off at Boulogne to overnight at an interested visitors. The cars were covered in hotel. Stuart and I pressed on to the circuit dust within hours of arriving but that didn’t driving down through the night. We’d a stop people talking to us about them and we couple of comfort / fuel breaks and arrived at must be on photographs all around the world. the Annexe at around six in the morning. We left Bassetts Pole, on the A38 north of Geoff said: The rest of us stopped at a Birmingham at two o’clock on Thursday Formule1 at Calais, and had a leisurely drive afternoon and set off in convoy to the M6/ down on the Friday, making many stops, M1 heading for South Mimms services on the losing each other, waving at hundreds of M25, to our rendezvous with Gary Lazarus. other like-minded folk, returning the friendly We were, Geoff and Bill2 in Geoff’s Red with waves of the locals etc. We stopped for a grey trim Midget, Rob and Craigh in the blue bite to eat at a restaurant at 4pm. As we Westfield and Stuart and Sean in the Audi. were about to leave, the owner was turning Oh yes Nick and I were there too, in Lara, my away a French couple who wanted to eat. BRG ex-Arkley Midget, complete with her “Sorry, we are not open” After they had gone, new power blister (too small to be a power he said to me “but we are open at any time bulge but large enough to give the damper of for the Le Mans”. her HIF44 SU room to miss the bonnet!

21 Our friends (from the Club Arnage website) in Oh yes there was also a motor race, which the East Anglia Cobra Replicas club had we watched from various points around the saved us a good-sized piece of the land they circuit. Tertre Rouge for the start, several “annexed” and after a short sleep we went visits to the area at the fairground and the shopping and exploring the circuit. The motto Dunlop Bridge Esses and at night we made “Carrefour will provide!” is used by one team the trek to the Porsche Curves for some on the web-site and I see what they mean it’s spectacular action. a world, that place not a shop. Provisioned All the favourite cars had incidents and I up we went back for late lunch to await the don’t know how they kept going, it was others. amazing. Radio Le Mans kept us up-to-date Geoff’s tale continues: Having arrived and all through. settled in next to the AC replica gang, who Before we knew had saved us 5 slots courtesy of Bill 1, we More from Geoff’s weekend: it, it was over. The Westfield, the Frogeye took in the atmosphere of the place. What and our Midget set off for an overnight stop can I say? Non-stop party, fun – everyone just at Gace, as recommended by Bill 1 from last enjoying themselves. And the cars... you year. Once again, the streets were lined with don’t need to go to car shows any more. cheering, waving locals, taking photos, They are all here. Just walk around, speak to videoing, shaking our hands at traffic lights. the owners etc. Oh, and there is a race to The only down side was the boys in blue, out watch apparently... in force hiding behind bushes, pulling in and fining on the spot for innocuous offences. We had a pleasant evening at Gace relaxing before the long drive back on the Monday. Apart from me letting the side down again with a fuel starvation problem, which we managed to solve without the aid of AA men this time, we had a great drive back to Calais, where we all met up again. Then it was a blast back up the motorways to reality... We didn’t “do” the parade in the town as we My tale ends with: The “hotel dwellers” went were setting to cooking, still, that’s for next off to stay at Gace on Sunday night and we year. Yes, we are going again, how many of others decided to emulate them for the sake the present crew is unsure, but Nick and I of a shower (I had three!) so we went to and Stuart and Sean are confirmed Le Mans Lisieux and stayed in a very comfortable junkies now. hotel. The next day, (Monday) we were All the cars had faults en route, (except the booked in for the three fifteen ferry so had no Audi which just, went!) mostly minor. Lara time to sightsee or shop and had to rush. had an evil oil leak from her gearbox which I Lara showed three figures on her speedo had filled before we left. Geoff had an during the trip home, she was “lovin’ it!” intermittent “sudden loss of power” There is a lovely “pop-pop-pobble” from her syndrome, which we tackled by resetting the exhaust as she slows down on over-run but jet height and opening the points. Rob’s she must be doing about 40 to the gallon Westfield kept throwing petrol away from its even at the gallop. I put this down to the HIF manifold joints which we traced to stripped 44 carb and the tender ministrations of Peter threads on the 40 DCOE ‘s manifold allowing Burgess at Alfreton for his rolling road the carb to jiggle and lose it from an session. About ten miles from home, Lara’s overflowing float chamber through the speedo stopped working! The new gearbox is flexi-joints. Stuart and Rob soon fixed that now imminent! with two large cable ties around the carb Bill Mohan and Geoff Mears flange and the inlet manifold. (My idea, I’ll have you know) and Gary’s Frog was burning Ed says: fame at last. Sounds like a great too much oil. weekend.

22 23 Frogeye Coupe

ell if you haven’t guessed by now I’ll tell you. It’s one of the rarest Spridgets in the Wworld, rarer even than the matt screen surround Sprite Mk4 from the cover of May’s issue. It is of course the super rare coupe version of the Innocenti kindly forwarded to the Mascot editorial office by Chris Banton, ex-Innocenti owner and minor marque expert. The transmission tunnel from the interior shot below should look familiar. Ed Says: The rarest and coolest cars! Fried or Boiled – The Final Chapter?!? irstly, may I place on record my thanks tappet which is annoying and I also need to to all the many members who took the carry out a routine service. Quick evaluation Ftrouble to reply to my overheating saga. of work to be done ‘on the back of a fag With so many differing views and options on packet’ and I reckon on 1 week for the the subject, a process of systematic and service and MOT leaving plenty of time for careful elimination seemed the only logical the overheating solution. option. Booked in for an MOT at 9.00am on But the plot thickens!! Monday; collected new ticket at 10.00am It is mid April and we have reserved a place with smiles all round. Back home and on a tour of Brittany with Continental Car removed rocker cover and adjusted valve gear Tours due 14 May ’04. An MOT is due (no to 000.12, but still noisy. Adjusted again, but problem) but the frog has developed a noisy still noisy – yuk!

24 In Shrewsbury we still have a garage, in the In fact with so much on at home and the final back and beyond, where the proprietor knows preparations for the trip, time did run out on something about the ‘A’ Series engine. He us. A quick look at the weather forecast for has a listen with his mechanic’s stethoscope Brittany gave dry and mild, so off we went, and concludes that the noise is coming from with 5 litres of water just in case. either a worn rocker assembly or timing The trip itself is another story and we had a chain/sprockets. fantastic time. But interestingly we covered With the French trip looming, I chose to trust more than 900 miles in 5 days with his advise and we give Moss an order for the temperatures of up to 30C and the engine lot; the garage agreed to fit the parts, so never overheated once, not even in traffic problem solved. However, two weeks later jams. Admittedly the Kenlow fan kicked-in and the garage ring to say that the alloy inlet many times, but that it what it is designed to manifold to the carb had broke up on do. removal; apparently the pipe work had I only wonder whether the corrosion in the become very corroded and it was beyond inlet manifold waterway had something to do repair. This component was sourced from an with the overheating problems in the past? MG Metro and even in second hand form they are like hen’s teeth to find. Finally one is John Hazzard (Shrewsbury) located (brand new and very expensive) but it [email protected] is another week before it’s delivered and installed; the car is now running as ‘sweet as PS. As a footnote, my frogeye is now for sale. a nut’ but I am £430 worse off and time is Please see ‘Market Place.’ running out. Ed says: Also see follow up letter page 31.

RPM Spring Motorsport Tour 28 March 2004 e left Castle Eaton at 8am in our two chicanes to slow every one down. Again Sprite with some friends who have two runs – excellent fun. Then back to Castle Wand MXS. Miserable morning, low Combe, top down all day, bit chilly but no cloud and a bit of missle – tops down – to the rain as such, very lucky. Our friends had start at Prescot Hill Climb. Signed on then joined us by then, cars start oldest first. So a a11 systems go. This tour was the first to use circuit together was great. A very well the hill in 2004 so we were warned that it organised event and a good bunch of people. was slippery under the trees as well as wet. Barry and Annette Good fun as a lot of opposite lock needed. Wiltshire Area The last long right hander to the finish was like driving on marbles, bit hairy, backed off as all you can see is sky as the road vanishes out of sight. Then off to Castle Combe, lovely run down through the villages, excellent Tulip directions, and no rain. Six laps of the ‘dry’ circuit, limited number of cars per session which was very good. Next Bowood House rally stage. Narrow, very slippery through the woods, certainly a challenge. Two runs. Then Keevil Airfield for flat out run around perimeter road, rather rough in places and

25 Saga of a Sprite – into the Nineties Nuffield,which gave its initials for.M.G.Cars. This was of course before the Pavlova Works, the old Gloves factory was taken over. Later there was an altogether more sophisticated Reggie, the ’90s garage “built in St. Aldates, Oxford.The M Type as I say was very simple; I remember Ed says: The telling a mechanic that I thought the famous Reggie! speedometer was reading very slowly at 30 © Chris Nevard: miles an hour(‘there were speed limits even Surrey Tour in those days) This mechanic took the glass 2004 of the speedo, pulled the needle off, and set it to read 5 m.p.h. when it was stationary: It then read 30 when I was doing 30, well more or lees anyway: Also there was never a trace of rust anywhere; it was aluminium on an ash frame. Cutting back to the nineties he main event for me in the nineties and my Sprite I had to replace the offside rear was that I joined the Midget and Sprite wing on my Sprite as a result of a bash in a TClub. This was in 1995 and was as a car park, the only new panel on the car. result of a card being placed on my Unfortunately this was not of very good windscreen in the local supermarket by a quality and only last a year, had to have a member who had a very nice dark green new quarter panel welded in where the rust Midget.(I wont say a British Racing Green had got at it. My records don’t show any Midget as I always say “There aint no such other major work carried out in the Ninetied. animal”, B.L. had at least three different Haven’t said that, I just remembered that I shades from time to time that they referred to had a go at re-spraying it using several Spray as B.R.G. I had an article somewhere by, I cans. This was not very successful and more believe, Rivers Fletcher who said that the than one person asked if the result was just original B.R.G. was a light green metallic in the undercoat: I will have to have another go; the early thirties used by Aston Martin. either with a spray gun or using my According to Rivers Fletcher the person who hard-earned pennies and have it done by a first used the very dark green some people professional Someone suggested a new referred to as B.R.C was superstitious, bodyshell; well yes I could but practically consider Red and Green unlucky and made it everything else would need replacing apart so dark that you would think it black and not front the wheels and tyres. I could then have clobber it, so to speak! I wish I could find that a Sprite which I could advertise for sale with article; it would be interesting I think for the the cryptic comment “good runner but no club magazine. You never hear White, the wheels”. colour many referred to as German Racing Reggie White, do you? Anyway they (the Germans: Ed) changed their colour to silver, as I P.S. Referring to the St. Aldates garage, remember by polishing the aluminium body. I mentioned above, it was said that they had in was originally in the M.G. Car Club when I stock every conceivable spare for a Wolseley bought my first car, a boat-tailed M type. I 14, which was the vehicle usually driven by liked that car; it was very simple with a front Lord Nuffield, with a van on standby with a fuel tank, gravity fed with a dip stick to mechanic,in case Lord Nuffield’s car broke determine the level. I had it maintained at the down. I don’t whether this was true, but it Morris Garage in Longwall Street, Oxford, was widely believed in oxford at the time. which was the original garage started by Ed says:The original MG Garage. How’s that William Morris, later of course Lord for credibility!!

26 Seen Abroad

ED Says: Remember our short season of SEEN ABROAD? Well, Laura (Surrey group) sent this in. Snapped in Portugal by a work colleague who knows Laura works too hard to holiday herself!! Nice car!

MG ZA Magnette Race car

Ed says Remember the Track day report and editorial in May’s issue. Well I found this in the pages of Retro Car (great magazine and friend of Mascot): Serious engine, serious car!

Photo courtesy of Retro Cars magazine (www.retrocarsmag.com)

27 The Phoenix Project (Part Seven) fter much deliberation I decided that I would have to remove the rest of the Afoot well side panel next, however to brace the scuttle and gain good access I would need to remove the dashboard first. I removed the old radio and securing bracket and the steering wheel, which was surprisingly difficult considering it had been on the car for less than a year, penetrating oil and a good bang with a mallet shifted it though. At this point I noticed that the dashboard was not bolted to the car at all so once the wires had all been tagged and all the switches and dials removed the dash could be lifted away (oops!!) you always grinding it away with the angle grinder. A few miss one but fortunately it was attached to a strategic whiteness pieces being left attached Speedo bulb holder (I left the Speedo in the to the remains of the inner sill to provide a dash so I would have the best possible reference for aligning the new panel. A access to avoid damaging the trip meter complete new (bought) side panel was winder when removing the instrument) which offered up, trimmed and eventually bolted in just pulled out, the only casualty being the position. Once everything lined up correctly bulb. After removing the Speedo I stripped the scuttle was braced with a timber support the dash down to bare metal and welded up and the new inner sill trial fitted and bolted the twelve extra holes for all sorts of extra into place. I bolted these panels in place so switches, dials and warning lights. I think that they can still be removed to provide good one of the previous owners fancied access to other parts of the car however they themselves as an electrician (I may have a lot will have to be welded before I can remove of spaghetti to unravel before I am done). too much more of the heavy angle iron which Having removed the Dash I cut away the the previous owner had used to hold the passenger side ‘A’ post cover (using a new rotting structure together. cover as a cutting template) and cut away the Next I decided to remove the outer section of rest of the ‘A’ post, which was painstakingly the cross member and jacking point, I don’t rescued from it’s rusting remnants and angle like cutting so much of the structure away iron patches over the next week of evenings. before welding in new panels but due to the The remains of the footwall side panel were way the car had been bodged previously I removed by drilling out spot welds or just had no choice. I decided to use the old jacking point as a reference to position the inner sill and then bolted the sill in place I could then cut out the cross member section and line the new repair section jacking point up with the hole in the inner sill. I started hack sawing through the cross member and soon found it hard going so I angle ground a section away and discovered the jacking point tube was surrounded by angle iron. The angle iron had been welded to the tube and pushed into the cross member from the sill end and then presumably the sill had been patched. I unbolted my new outer sill and after a little cutting managed to pull the

28 jacking tube and angle iron assembly out of able to lift the rear end of the car and pivot it the end of the cross member. I cut the on the front wheels like a wheelbarrow. If this remainder of the original cross member back is the case it should be possible to support to sound metal, cleaned it back to bright and brace the different parts of the structure metal and treated it with jenolite and enough to keep everything in place while I rustproof primer before trial fitting the inner cut out and replace the rotten sections. sill and repair section. I made a three sided I supported the car on an elaborate system of box section insert which I trial fitted in the axle stands and pit props and proceeded to end of the old cross member to locate the remove the rear axle and springs, the axle repair section I plan to plug weld this in place assembly is quite heavy and it’s removal took to provide a backing and reinforcement for a lot of weight out of the car. Having ensured when I butt weld the repair section in place. the car was securely propped up I cut away This will allow me to use more power when I the rear spring anchorage point and rear weld without burning a hole and should bulkhead to the centre of the tunnel. This is guarantee good weld penetration. very scary stuff indeed but I comforted myself Before I weld the new cross member in I will with the knowledge that it was impossible to need to fit the new floor so I can weld it from damage this car beyond what the previous both sides beneath the cross member and owner had already done and so I could only before I can fit the new floor I must cut out be improving things. The cutting out process the old one. This is scary stuff with far too is a bit like archaeology painstakingly a bit at much metal coming out before much new a time with a drilled out spot weld here and a metal in going in but I can see no other way bit of angle grinding there. round it. All I can do is remove as much With all that old iron cut out and the scary weight as possible from the car and try to pictures I will have to leave you in suspense brace and support everything in position the until next month. best way I can. I think that with the passenger door, boot lid, interior, fuel tank, Dave Dixon rear axle and springs removed I should be

Letters Member’s cars As a new member I thought I should write in and show you my new purchase, a J reg Sprite. In the 60’s and 70’s I had the normal British Sports Cars, MG’s and Healeys and the leaks, rust and maintenance eventually moved them on. I did however buy a Fibreglass car which I still own today. With my son just 16, I thought a Sprite would be a good car for him to start with. I had forgotten how good these little cars are. We are both very please with it. Dr Barry Job and (son) David, see photo Ed says: thanks for sharing: Edited for length and content.

29 Photo Appeal Enclosed some shots taken, as best as we can remember in 1980. This based on the fact that my eldest daughter is now 24. I could be wrong however but the fashions and the cars give other clues. They are sent by way of thanks for the help you have given me in getting my car registered and back on the road – just cover 400 miles of running-in and yesterday again had a great big grin on my face as the car bounced along in the sunshine. You can spot some drivers names and they may still be racing but I thought you might want to use them to see who remembers racing at Aintree in the summer of 1980. Oh the E-Type was in the set because I had visions of customising the sprite, 3.8, triple SU’s, well ok I’m a little mad. And the mini engine has a cross flow head,would I like to find one of those today. Hope the pictures are of some use, thanks again. Mike Upton Ed says: Thanks Mike, glad to be of some help. It would be nice to have a progress report next year?

Lost and Found? I am wondering if anyone in the club knows of a Sprite registration WAO 447? It was a Mark I Sprite with a MK 2 bonnet, the rear shroud cut out like the MK2 and with the spare wheel mounted on top of the rear boot. The engine had a Downtown tuned cylinder head, swept exhaust and twin 1½ carbs. It had disc brakes. It was last seen around 1968. A friend who was a previous owner (his dad bought it for him as a 21st birthday present) is wondering if it has survived. We suspect it was a Donald Healey Motor Co conversion and was used in car rallies in Scotland in 1966/67. However in these days it eventually became just another “old” rusty car traded in for a TR 4A although my friend’s. Eric Flack [email protected]

30 Chatham Dockyard on 16th May I went to the Anglian MG O.C. meeting. Again I was the only MASC member there (I think). Where are all the Kentish Men and Men of Kent with Spridgets. A beautiful day with the opportunity to go over a submarine, schooner and destroyer. Also visited the RNLI museum and ropemaking halls. Alan Ed says: Thanks for sharing Alan. Obviously enjoying the retirement!!

Fried or Boiled – Overheating(?) Spridgets Follow up/members feedback John, I was catching up on reading my Mascots this morning (don’t ask, its a long story) and I noticed your letter in the November 03 issue about your car loosing water out of the overflow when hot. This reminded me of a similar experience I had after just rebuilding my Sprite (Blue KOW) when I suffered similar problems. I knew that it was not a typical overheating problem as the radiator was new, so was the cap, pipes, rebuilt engine, tuned OK etc etc. The clue lies in the new cap. Although this was rated at the correct pressure (7 psi for early cars, 15 psi for later ones) it turned out to be a modern one with a neck that was too short, so was never seating properly! The easy way to check if yours is seating is to look at the bottom of the rubber seal to see if it has a circular indentation, the witness mark of the seat inside the radiator filler neck. If not like me, a quick trip to buy the right pressure cap, and with the right length, solves the problem. Geri, Trowbridge Ed says: Received by e-mail. Interesting, a small world after all!!

New Member As a new member, I enjoy reading the monthly magazine. I got the bug for Midgets in 1968, flying around Devon lanes in the back of my cousin’s Midget with a big black Lab, and with my two cousins in the front. Still not sure how we survived, but I fell in love with them right then! I now own a 1974 Midget, and am slowly doing restoration work on it: 5-speed synchromesh, full shock conversion, and some engine tweaks which have made it a little easier to deal with American traffic. Hope I haven’t offended any purists out there! Otherwise the car is stock from the factory. Now I am focusing on the interior, which needs help. I am writing to inquire whether any of my fellow members have any information or recommendations on dashboard and other interior fitting equipment. I have discovered a website for Mike Satur products, with wood dashboards, rollover bars, and window winders, etc., available, and wondered if anyone has experience with this outfit or their products, or with other firms. I would feel better ordering overseas if I had a good reference or two. I can be contacted at [email protected] Many thanks for your advice. Safety fast! Roger Courtenay Ed says: Nice to hear from you Roger. I’m sure the members can help with advice and contacts. Come on you lot e-mail Roger with some hello’s and some help!

31 Sebring Sprite Alan Anstead’s Sebring Sprite gets an engine, and a bonnett BUT will it be ready for the Euro Challenge? Almost ready Alan?J Watch this space...Ed

Market Place – July Adverts to be received before 10th each month Tel 01395 446353 Email: [email protected] Or Post to: David Smith, Doric Lodge, 10 Mansfield Terrace, Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 6EN

SALES superb. I genuinely believe that you would be Midget/Sprite 1098 oil-seal conversion. unlikely to find a better Frogeye anywhere. A brand new crankshaft rear oil seal kit to fit Having owned the car for 13 years I will be 1098 engines (type 10CC) as supplied by very sorry to see her go. For further details, Peter May Engineering. The kit includes a history and photos please either ring or email new aluminium housing, lip oil-seal, sealant, me for an immediate response and a socket screws and allen keys. Everything you comprehensive sales pack. £9500. need to replace the original scroll seal and John 01743 362222 or stop that persistant oil leak. Absolute bargain [email protected] (Shrewsbury) at £50. Midget/Sprite 1275 original cast-iron 1959 Frogeye Sprite, O.E.W. with red trim exhaust manifold (12G420) in excellent and tonneau, black hood. MOT until end of condition £35. Midget 1275 late type November. Restored 2001 and hardly used exhaust manifold (with studded flange) £40. since, excellent condition. Standard but with Dave 0121 704 4408/07803 231283 discs and wire wheels. Lots of bills, (W. Midlands) documents, Heritage Certificate etc. Better 1960 Frogeye Sprite. This car was the than Class I. Ex-California car. £6500. subject of a total nut and bolt rebuild and Mel 01354 657645 (Cambs) bare metal respray to concours standard in 1959 Frogeye Sprite O.E.W. with red trim 2000 and is still immaculate having covered and carpets, new hood and tonneau, fully only 5,000 since. It would be ideal for a restored two years ago to original spec. discerning enthusiast who puts quality before 950cc engine, excellent condition, MOT Nov price and who simply wishes to drive and 2004. Baby forces sale. £7250 o.n.o. enjoy this marque. The engine and gearbox Miranda 01329 833998 (Southampton) have been upgraded to 1275 and disc brakes installed. A total of 290 man hours were Pair of Demon Tweeks 3-point safety spent at an Audi/VW paint shop preparing harnesses, black, very good condition. £30. and eventually spraying the bodywork in Plus P&P. modern two-pack silver; the results are David 01395 446353 (Devon)

32 MIDGET & SPRITE CLUB REGALIA

Be recognised as a Midget & Sprite Club Member with any of our exclusive designer range of regalia items.

Sweatshirts- (In Blue, Red, Bottle Green & Black With embroidered Club Logo) - Please state size and colour required. Each @ £17.00 + £1.75 p&p T-Shirts- (In Blue, Black, Green, Red & White with screen printed Club Logo) Please state size and colour required. Each @ £10.50 + £1.25 p&p Grille Badge- £20.00 inc p&p Cloth Badge- £2.75 inc p&p Windscreen sticker with Club Logo, in Black, Red & Silver. £1.00 inc p&p Leather key fob with club logo, in Black, Red & White. £2.25 inc p&p Midget & Sprite Club “Buyers Guide” £4.50 inc p&p Sprite 40th Anniversary windscreen stickers. £1.25 inc p&p Poloshirts (Red, Royal Blue, Bottle Green: Embossed Logo) Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL. Please state size and colour. Each @ £12.00 + £1.25 p&p Fleece Jackets (Black and Bottle Green: Embossed Logo) Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL. Please state size and colour. Each @ £25.00 + £2.25 p&p Baseball Style Caps (Black brushed cotton with a Red Suede Peak, Embossed Logo) Each @ £7.50 inc p&p

PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE Cheques and Postal Orders should be made payable to the Midget & Sprite Club. SEND YOUR ORDERS WITH CHEQUE OR POSTAL ORDER TO:- Christine Barton, Regalia Officer, Midget & Sprite Club 10 Wrens Park Avenue, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B76 8LP Tel 0121 3512513 HARDY ENGINEERING

COMPLETE RANGE OF GEAR BOXES & DIFFERENTIAL UNITS FOR ALL SPRITE & MIDGETS FROM FROGEYE TO RUBBER BUMPER HELD IN STOCK. EXCHANGE OR OVERHAUL YOUR UNIT. NEW AND USED PARTS FROM STOCK.

Working with cars like these since the 60’s actively involved in Club Motorsport at all levels.

SPECIAL SERVICES Competiton gearboxes built. Limited slip differential units. Competition crownwheel & pinion 3.7, 3.9, 4.22, 4.875 HARDY ENGINEERING, 268 Kingston Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7QA Tel: 01372 378927 Fax: 01372 376794 Visit our Website at: www.hardyengineering.com Ask for Bill or Neil, Club discount given