THE NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER The MCB Driver is the official publication of the North American blGB Register, a non-profit oryonization dedicated lo maintoining and expanding interest in Britain's most populur spans car-the IdGB. The opinions expressed within ore those of the individual authors and readers are warned that they attempt any mechanical or olher modifications described herein, enlirely at their own risk. w! Big thanks go out to blembership in the North American MGB Register is open to all, with no restrictions. Marcham Rhoade, Richard Ownership of an MC is not a condition of membership. NAMCBR Regional Chopters wjll be Liddick, and Rick Ingram for pleased to welcome you to theirevents. Membership dues are 525.00 per year. the coverage and photos of "MG '99" For membership details or further information write to: contained in this issue. What a con- NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER vention! Hats off to Joe Carroll and P.O. Box MGB the membership of the Canadian Akin, IL 62805 Classic MG Club for organizing an Or call the toll-free holline: 800.NAMGBR-1 outstanding convention in a beauri- Or visit our wcbsitc at: http:/lwww.namybr.org/namgbr/ ful corner of the continent. OFFICERS OF THE NAMGBR CONVENTION/ lake 8 Ann Snyder In British MG news, we have a I AGM 505 E. North Avenue report from David Knowles on his namely that the successor to the MGF CHAIRMAN: Robin Wealherall COORDINATORS: Lake Bluff. IL 60044 first drive in the newest version of the model will indeed be sold in North 1326 Woldron Avenue I (847) 293-2753 St. Louis, MO 63130 MGF, the Steptronic. The updated America. So we rechecked. With all (3 14) 725-2892 TECHNICAL Rob Moson MGF now utilizes a continuously due respect to Mr. Robson, it still e-mail: [email protected] ADVISORS: 5 Leslie Courl variable transmission (stepped into appears that we will see MGs sold (When writing Fairhope, AL 36532 VICE-CHAIRMAN: Ron Tugwell lo o trciiniml (334) 928-5366 specific ratios by the engine man- here again. In the next few years. Of P.O. Box 2406 advisor, pleosr agement systems) with control pad- course this is subject to decisions 3 Oe Amarol Road be cerlorn to Bob Daniels (engines, etc.) include a (518) 372-4566 dles on the steering wheel tala F1 rac- made by BMW's leadership in Cormel Valley, CA 93924 stomped. self- (831) 659-2449 addressed ers! Hard to imagine from the per- Germany and Rover's at Longbridge. envelope for Glen Towery e-mail: tugwellQix.netcorn.com (302) 734-1243 spective of one who has a 20-year- Stay tuned. lhcir reply.) old manual box with two bad syn- Safety Fast! a SECRETARY: D Zirnmennan Norman Nock (209) 948-8767 chros as in my Midget. 811 S. DePeyster Street Those who attended Twist's last Kent, OH 44240 SERVICE Jerome Rosenberger (330) 678-9394 RECOMMENDATLON 306 E. Plum Street Summer Party were surprised to hear e-moil: enmy rCsZnet.com COOROINATOR: Renton, 11 62812-2315 from the special guest speaker, British TREASURER: Eric Kent (618) 439-6464 (phone/lau) automotive author Graham Robson, 2552 YZ Avenue Pleas fax 9am to 9 pm anly at the banquet that MGs will never Schoolcraft, MI 49087 MEMBERSHIP Oavid Deotsch again come to North America. A sur- (616) 679-5997 COOROINATOR: 81 Menick Avenue prising statement in that it contra- East Meadow, NY 11554 (800) NAMGBR-1 dicts rhe information we have previ- COORDINATORS OF THE NAMGBR ously been given by Rover sources- REGALIA Bill Hayes EDITOR Kim Tonry COORDINATOR: Quarten 0-2, Anhim DTLve MCtl Driver: 4904 Puffer Road Mechanicsbnrg, PA 17055 Downers Grove, IL 60515 (717) 591-9894 (630) 968-4347 ELECTRONtC Tom Biehl e-mail: NAMCBR [email protected] BILLBOARD: P.O.Box 681 Blue Bell, PA 19422 ADVERTISING Ian Pender NAMGBR [email protected] 177 Paxson Avenue Hamilton Square, NI 08690 WEBSITE Wayne Kube Page 10 Driving the MG:SCCA ProRally (609) 890-2959 COORDlNATOR: 3105 Glory [.one Phil Smith Fax (609) 890-9261 Plono, TX 75025 e-mail: [email protected] (972) 618-1984 e-mail: [email protected] Page 12 MG Discovers the Slush Box PUBI.ICJTY Richard Liddick David Knowles COOKDIh'ATOR: 5237 Glen Arm Rood CONCOURS Rick Ingram Glen Arm, MD 21057 COORDINATOR: P.O. Box 588 (410) 81 7-6862 St. joseph, IL 61873 Page 1 8 MG '%?-Topless in Vancower (21 7) 469-2007 e-mail: Mowogldaol.com Report on Our Annual Convention FOR REGISTRAR INFORMATION, PLEASE SEE PAGE 49 Plus: Letters, Technical Talk, Where to 'B and much more! The North American MGB Register is ahiliared to the MG Car Club of England. me MC Car Club was founded in 1930 and is the 0t-i inal, factory supported, and approved or anization for all M3. with the Club Headquarters sinatel in Abingdan-on-Tharnes close by the bii\place of 011 MGs. MGB DRIVER-September/October '99 3 rrom the vlce hairm man -rom the secretor y
This summer has been an excep- ell ...I don't know about you, 1 tionally great driving season for but this has been a very busy I me. Although one of our larger driving season for me. But jf local events, Moss Motors' annual you're from the northern U.S. or summer meet at the 'Flag Is Up Farms' Canada you take advantage of every horse ranch in the Buellton/Solvang, one of the top-down driving days you California, had to be canceled this can, occasionally even pushing the year, it was offset by the fantastic envelope a bit. My last drive of the NAMGBR convention in Vancouver, season is ALWAYS top-down. Our lit- "MG '99-For the Drive of Your Life". tle cars seem to be put away almost as The trip my wife, Niki, and X took fast as they get out. So far this season for this event lasted for a complete an hour to tell me what they found. Bob and 1 have seen Champaign, We are always downing the Post month dr~ving around in the No thanks! Illinois for the Prairie Octagon Club Office and refer to anything sent that provinces of British Columbia and As you will see in this issue, I am annual blow out, Vancouver, British way as snail mail, but X have to re11 Alberta, back down to Vancouver standing for the office of Chairman Columbia for the 8th Annual NAMG- you obout something good. Seems Island, and then back to the U.S. in the next election at the Annual BR International Convention, Grand that a gentleman named Stuart through the San luan Islands of General Meeting to be held in St. Rapids, Michigan for John Twist's last Farmer had joined the register a cou- Washington State. As stated earlier, 1 Paul, Minnesota. party, and England to catch the MG ple years ago. He lives on Florida will be doing an article about the trip, ' In past issues of the MGB Driver International Carnival and some Street in Longview, Washington. as the experience was too good not to my articles, and also my cover letters sightseeing, and we will soon be off to When the membership listing came share with you. to the Affiliated Chapters when ( send St. Paul for the Annual General out for the second time and he was The LE ran superbly all through out their copy of the MGB Driver, have Meeting in October, to which you are not in it, he e-mailed askjng why. Ar the trip until the last two days, which requested that the membership look invited. What a busy year. BUT it beats the end of the e-mail he added a P.S. caused us to be towed home the last 99 within their respective club's rnember- being glued to the house. that his wife had just found him-list- miles due to excessive oil consump- ship and provide candidates for the As fall and winter start to creep in ed under Florida. Seems that when we tion I finally was able to find the time elections of future Executive we tend to find things inside to do. entered him, somehow the state to get the cylinder head off and dis- Committee officers. This year it is my goal to get the data- ended up being Florida. But for all covered that the intake valve seat for Hopefully, I hope you are doing base up to date. But I need your help. that time the Post Office was getting the No. 2 cylinder was recessed this or have considered this request As you receive your renewal cards, him his mail because of his zip code. approximately ,030'-,040'deeper into for future elections. As an organiza- please check your mailing label and The moral of the story is to check your the head than the rest causing the tion, we need fresh ideas and con- make any corrections that are needed. mailing label and send in your correc- intake valve not to seat at all. cepts to make ours a successful oper- Check your e-mail address, your 9- tions. Hey, and when you send me Next, the pistons get removed to ation. As one of our members has digit zip, and telephone number if those cor~ections,send along a note see if any damage has been done to stated recently, we do not wunl to be they have changed. It will be time letting me know what kind of MG the pistons, rings, or cylinder walls. perceived as 'a good 01' boys' club, before long to put out the member- type activities you've been up to. I'll Although this is an inconvenience, ['d but it's hard to not to project that ship listing again and we would like share the good ones in the Driver. Got still rather drive my MG than any of image if new and different people will to have all the information as current any tickets? Strange breakdowns? the newer cars as, at least, 1 can work not step up and volunteer for the as possible. Grand MG trips? on it myself and know what the cause positions available. Pleose give this Now a story I wouldn't believe it if I'm waiting ... a of the problem is instead of taking it your serious consideration. I didn't see it. -O Zirnrnerman to a rnechanic/technician at 575.00 (please turn to page 501
On Our Front Cover - Three cross country MGs Letter of Intent - Eric Kent continuity in our record keeping sys- tem. However, I still have a ways to go on the road to Vancouver. Left to right ore Dane This my letter of intent to stand for election for a second term as and I really would like to document Lay of Springfield, Il's MGC, Rick lngrarn of St. Treasurer of the North American MGB procedures to be followed so the task Joseph, Il's MGC,and newlyweds Torn and ~ebbie Register. 1 have made some progress is easier to pass along. Another two 5 Je BeH, ?A's MGB. (Photo - Rick Ingram) toward setting up an accounting sys- years in office will enable me to make tem which can be passed from it easier for my successors to pick up Treasurer to Treasurer to maintain when I leave. 4 -Eric Kent
4 MGB DRIVER-Seprember/October '99 MGB DR[VER-September/October '99 5 From the Midget Register
A Shocking Tale n 73-year-old Jack Gretta Chester, Connecticut flips "Keep'em On The Road"" e fan switch in his 1974
I ~~!!ZE!!k MG Midqet, GAN6UF155980G, an 1 @I electric motor begins to hum. Nothing unusual about that you say, unless the Prince of Darkness himself, Joseph Lucas, is in a particularly playful mood. Well it just so happens that the humming is coming from a big roo far to make it home, Sara brings General Electric SBT1344AlO 88 amp the pickup truck with a tow bar and motor that powers the car! Oh, and gets him back to his favorite wall that fan switch-it's just a decoy that socket. The white Midget with red doubles as an anti-theft device. seats and black carpet takes about 8- To control the speed of the motor 10 hours to recharge off a standard a Curtis 1221C controller is used. Sort three prong, 120V house line and of like a speed control on an electric draws 13. amps. lack has about $8000 drill. The Midget gets its 7.2 horse- invested in the car. power charge from 13 Midstate 6 volt, Jack was a pilot for 54 years until TI05 batteries. There is also a 12 volt health problems grounded him accessory battery. In all there axe a about two years ago. He believes that total of 15 batteries on board. Seven his cars keep him going, His humor- under the bonnet and eight in the ous nature and spirit of adventure boot which boosts the weight of the must also play into the equation. An a car from 2229 pounds to 2450. Water avid electric car enthusiast, he also MGA MGB MGC Midget I a owns two electric Renault I must be added once month. To han- Get your MG out of garage and back on the road. We stock a dle the extra weight, jack added three Dauphines. The cars were designed the leaves to the rear springs and l/2' to by The Henney Coachworks and wide variety of OEM and reproduction parts plus accessories at the Front springs. Fifty pounds of air manufactured by the Eureka great prices. Call for your free catalog today! ,/ \, helps the tires cope. Vacuum Cleaner Company in 1959. I I The original Midget transmis- Only 40 were built and only a dozen Call Toll Free - All USA & Canada sion is used-Third gear to go slow, or so survive. lack has been driving fourth to go fast, fast being a relative the Renaults since 1972, Top speed term. Jack says, "It goes fast short on the French autos is 65 MPH with a 1-800-255-0088 and slow long". Top speed is about range of 50 miles. 60 MPH. When cruising with the Jack can frequently be seen trav- Request a Catalog Online at locai club he can keep up for about eling with his 9-year-old retriever, I 40 miles. When the gauges drop Keesha. He rescued the dog from below 50V and 100 amps, he'd better being put to sleep awhile back and D1rnUIY)R be homeward bound. When com- they've been fost friends ever since. pleted, the car had to be inspected by In our conversation Jack mentioned Worldwide Orders 91 3-541-8500 the Motor Vehicles Department. Five that he knew of another nearly iden- 24 Hour Worldwide Fax 91 3-599-3299 inspectors had no clue what to do. tical electric Midget in Palo Alto, They all just stood around and said, California, owned by a Stanford pro- "It's electric!" fessor--A black car with red uphol- Has he ever run out of juice? Oh, stery. His claim to fame-he took VICTORIA BRITISH LTD." sure. Tied into his accessory battery is one of his students, Chelsea Clinton, PO Box 14991, Lenexa, Kansas 66285-4991 o CB radio that his wife of 51 years, for a ride. Sara, monitors. When Jack strays a bit -Bob & D Zimmermafl
6 MGB DRIVER-Septembex/October '99 MGB DRlVER-September/October '99 7 An tnalish ~dventure
stop in the birthplace of MGs, Pratt who brought their recently pur- Abjngdon-on-Thames. We dropped chased 1100 and ler my father ride into the MGCC Headquarters in the around in it in the funkhana. There Kirnber House where we were wel- were 25 Zs and 1 Farina there, plus comed. While there we bumped into the 1100 and 2 MGBs. We were treat- a family from Massachusetts who ed to lunch where we met the own a TD. We saw the original office President of the MGCC, Bill Wallis. building at the factory which is no My father and Bill struck up a conver- longer there, it's now just rubble. sarion with some other Magnette Afterwords we stopped into the Magic owners from the Portsmouth area. Midget pub and once again met up Colin and Lis were very happy to see with rhe family from Massachusetts us but said their Magnette wasn't and had a nice conversation with working so they had to bring their them. They mentioned attending an seventh MG, the 1100, which is a very MGA day at Duxford Airfield on Iuly cute looking car. The meeting was sit- 4 and said it was nice to see the MGs uated in a farmer's field and if it and aircraft together. So it was back weren't for my father's sharp eyes to t'o London with a stop at the RAF spot a tiny orange sign, we would Museum in Hendon. have turned around and probably The following Sunday, we were never found it. Well, that just about on our way to the annual Z and sums up our MG experiences on our -. -. Farina Magnette meeting in a trip to England, I hope you enjoyed Jeremy at MG Car Club Headquarters, Kimber House. farmer's field in Wootton Rivers, this article. Wiltshire where we met up with our Safety Fast! Q Jeremy Holdsworth, friends from England, Colin and Lis about every MG you can imagine MG Car Club of Toronto including prototypes that never got the go ahead like the AD034 Mini MG Cor Club Z Magnets Register Meeting ot Totberidge Farm, Wootton Rivers, y father Keith and 1 arrived in MG, the MG EXE supercar, and the Marlborough, Wilts, England. England on June 29 and imme- PR3 prororype that lead to the MGF. M.diately were seeing MGFs all We also saw the MC speed record over the place, not to mention a large cars-EX135, 179, 181, and 255, the amount of Midgets and MGBs used as latter being an offspring of the everyday cars. We were driving all MGF. We saw a 6R4 Metro rally car; over England visiting family and the last built examples of the friends in our Vauxhall rental car. Midget, MGB Roadster and MGB GT Our first MG experience was the stop (the GT was the very last MGB built we made at Bromsgrove, and the last car to come out of Worcestershjre to drop into the MCC Abingdon); Old No. 1; an 18/80; a specialists at the Bromsgrove MG 12; a PA chassis used to teuch Centre. In quite an impressive garage policemen about the car in the they have, we saw several 'Bs and 'Cs 1930s; a PB; a TC; a TF; an MGA; a having work done an them. They ZB klagnette; an MGB Mkl; the '8 were quite nice in showjng us around GT Safety car; a 'B CT split in half; the shop where we saw restorations in an RV8 and an MGF-quite an progress, cars built to order and just impressive collection. On our way the regular MOT checkup. After spend- out we saw the Mini used in the ing about a half hour there we were television show Mr. Bean complete off to the British Motor Heritage with padlocked door. Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire. At lunch time we were on our This place is an MG enthusiast's way back to the London area but our dream come true. They had just. trip wouldn't be complete without a 8 MGB DRIVER-!%plember/Oclober '99 MGB DRIVER-Seplernbor/October '99 9 br~v~ngthe MGB: Vintage ProRaI Iy
A Newcomer's Look perennial participant in rallies like "Oh my. All day?" British car fan club woqing about the Shell 4000) and Eric Jones (who "No. lust part of the day and part whether we hove enough ground By Phil Smith successfully rallied a Datsun 510 in of the night. We got in around 3 a.m." clearance and whether our ProRally, and who currently TSD ral- "Oh. How fast do you go?" ignition/electrical system will survive hy do some drivers like to lies a replica of 7 DBL). "As fast as you can." the watersplash. At Susquehannock push their car to the limits? After wrapping up an eight year "It sounds dangerous." Trails, one particular group of Finish .. I Looking at the history of restoration on a 1949 MG TC and "Well, only if you hit a rock or Control workers were obviously MG MG, the factory directors and work- wrapping our "driver" 1966 MGB GT tree or roll over." fans, exhorting us to do well, finish, ers, as well as those later possessed around a rock on the 1996 Press On "Gosh. I bet everyone drives big and uphold the Octagon. by MGs, seem to have a greater pro- Regardless (currently a "brisk" TSD cars with four-wheel-drive and the The course workers, many of portion of these kinds of drivers rally), we decided to build a rally car. most modem brakes and suspension. them seasoned veterans, were gen- than elsewhere. The MG history is In fact, it was Eric who suggested, as What car did you take?" uinely glad to see the old metal turn rich with record breaking, racing, we were repairing the rock damage to "A 1968 MGB GT." up at the Finish Controls. (I like to and rallying. It wasn't all that long the GT, that we build a ProRally car "Oh. Did you win?" think that it wasn't just because they ago that the MGB was a mainstay and go try our hand at performnnce "Are you nuts? The only way we didn't have to go looking for us.) of SCCA racing. But what about ral- rallying. It probably doesn't make could have won is if about 70 other None of these car guys questjoned lying? I mean real rallying, driving much sense to build a rally car out of cars had crashed or suffered mechan- why someone would want to run a "real cars on real roads, real fast?" a 31-year-old piece of tin. There's no ical failure." non-competitive car in a system that Yes, MG had the Monte Carlo, the hope of winning--especially without "Does that happen a lot? t mean doesn't have a recognized vintage RAC, the Spa-Sofia-Liege entries a real vintage class. But our experi- the crashing and mechanical failure?" dass. A vintage class will exist as long (and others) in the mid-'60s. ence with the MGB GT, as well as an "Nearly 50% of the cars at this as car guys fall in love with a marque Modern performance rallying (dri- attic full of various MG bits, told us event failed to finish for one of and gradually build a collection of ving against the clock on closed that building another MGB GT was those reasons." cars and spares. roads) didn't really come to the our ticket into this sport. A junkyard "Let me get this straight. You Do we rally for the same reasons U.S.A. until the 1968 'Press On bodyshell, a donor rustbucket, many spent countless hours and buckets of as the top finishers? In part, but obvi- Regardless'. While Abingdon still hours in the shop engineering a race money to build an ancient car that ously not with an expectation of was sponsoring road racing cars, car, and a slimmer wallet later, and has no chance of winning so that you wearing a single digit number on the there were no more rally cars by we had us a Rally Car. could endanger your lives racing car. Performance rallying places then. There were "privateers" run- So why do we (or anybody for through the forest taking a 50% exceptionally high demands on car ning their MGs in performance ral- that matter) do ProRally? The conver- chance of breaking either mechani- preparation, team organization, dri- lying, but advances in car design sations with friends and family go cally or physically?" ving and co-driving skills. A love of have resulted in no MGs in the sport somerhing like ... "Well, that's putting it a bit harsh- exercising those skills is not limited to for many years. But should that ly. We look at it a bit differently." those with the latest machinery. stand in the way of the MG enthusi- "I hear you went to a car evenl in Besides, every "new" car behind you ast? After all, road racing has its Pennsylvania, was it nice?" There's something magical about in the final scoring is that much more vintage racing aspect. "Nice? It was about the most fun old sports cars. Everybody had one- of a "conquest!" 1$ OK, OK, 1 know there's not a rec- you can have in public with your or wanted one. Even people who ognized vintage class in SCCA's clothes on." aren't old enough to be nostalgic ProRally, but jt's going to exist de "How was the weather?" about the old cars are excited to facto. It will, because of people like us "Hot and dry-especially after the see them in competition. who fall in love with a marque, collect Nomex suits and helmets go on." There's not the roar of and restore a few cars (ending up with "Well, I bet it's a pretty area. 400hn comina from an a garage full of used parts and What did you see?" old ~hab,but &ey have a spares), and then get tired of going to "Dust and trees and dust and fan club with "GO car shows. We've done our share of rocks and dust and the occasional SAAB!" signs. There's chrome polishing, tours, and gimmick spectator looming out of the dust." always a crowd around rallies, and now we want to play. "What exactly did this event an old VW Beetle com- Whether old car guys play in vintage entail?" petition car-fans love racing or rallying probably depends "The organizers arrange to close them. British cars, such on the kismet that determines who a few unpaved forest roads, line us up, as our MGB GT and a they meet. We were guided by men- and we go tearing off through the for- TR7, have their own tors like Lou Balori (Mr. MG 1000 and est at one minute intervals." MGB DRIVER-September/Octobet '99 MGB DRIVER-September/October '99 MG Discovers the Slush Box
David A. Knowles mistically christened America was ill equipped to deal with the vast dis- or many years, one of the things tances, high temperatures and low- l= which- marked out the British servicing mentality that pervaded its sports car owner from his or her intended market. domestic sedan wield~ng peers was The MGB was another, more can- the manual "shifi stick"; here was a troversial, prospect for an automatic car which needed special skill in the gearbox, but strangely enough black art of clutch control (even dou- although [he Mark [I facelift of ble dedutch control prior to 1968!) October 1967 saw an automatic rather than o simple case of point and option (the ubiquitous 80rg Warner The Emerald Necklace MG Register extends an invitation to all MG squirt. The MG driver would smile BW35) this version never crossed the enthusiasts as we celebrate our 20th year by hosting MG2000 - The 9th that knowing smile whenever a friend pond. Sales elsewhere were modest Amnwal International Convention of The North American MGB asked reverently about the intricacies but hardly earth-shattering, and per- of manual gear selection. sisted until 1973, around the time Register in Cleveland, Ohio, June 15 - 18,2000. Enjoy the splendor of the Even dear old BMC realized that that the MCB GT V8 arrived on the North Coast as well as one of America's finest metroparks systems. there could be a fortune to be earned scene. Although the MGB Automatic More information is available on our website at www. if their U.S. market models gajned on was denied a Green Card, the MCC automatic gearbox, but strangely did come over in small numbers so mgclevel~rrdcomor contact Lynne Burgess at 6 141899-2394. enough all its efforts to satisfy this equipped, and makes for a rare motor We highly suggest booking your hotel rooms now at the Holiday Inn latent demand failed to make the car (around 500 were sold). Therc is located at 1-77 and Rockside Road, Independence by calling 11800- grade. The Austin America was BMC's no doubt that the automatic trans- HOLIDAY or direct at 216/524-8050. Please be sure to mention MG2000 artempr: to supplant the MG Sports mission made quite a sensible match Sedan (which had some appeal to the for the big six, and on MCC to get the event rate of $99.00 per night. British car enthusiast) with an auto- Automatic was quite a smooth tourer matic transmission version (which in MG terms-Don Hayter, MG's ENMGR PO Box 81152 Cleveland, OH 44181 had virtually no such appeal), but in time honored BMC fashion, the opti- (please turn to page 14)
The MGF's new walnut interior with optional wolnut/parchment leather seat pock, wood effect center console and wood door cosing inserts. of the NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER Plan now to attend the 1 eneral Meeting and see the venue of "MG 2001"! Saturday, October 23, 1 999 12 Noon to 5 P.M. The meetin and accommodations will be within walking distance of the Ma1 $ of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, five minutes from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, and ten miles from downtown Minnea lis/St. ~aul For details see the NAMGBR Web Page or pr' one (847) 265-2753.
12 MGB DRIVER-Septe~mber/October '99 MGB DRNER-Seplember/October '99 13 MG Discovers the Slush Box - Continued from Page 12 Chief Engineer, had one as a person- 1992, there could quite easily have al car for a while and remembers it been an automatic version, had sales quite fondly. justified it, but as only 2,000 were to The MGB GT V8 was the car that be built, the options list understand- should have come to America but did- ably stayed short. n't, more is the pity, for this was with- The big MG OR2lPR5 would with- out doubt one of the best post-war MG out question have spawned an auto- sports cars, with a lightweight alu- matic version, but the collapse of minum V8 weighing about the same Sterling in 1991 killed that project, as the humble cast iron B-series four allowing the diminutive mid-engined (and a shed load Less than the cast PR3 to take its place in the limelight. iron MGC six). Recent research for my In the meantime, in the European forthcoming book MGB in the Bay market, there had been growing inter- View Books "Landmarques" series est in the Van Doorne Constanrly showed that the BW3S1s beefier Variable Transmjssion (CVT), pio- younger sibling the BW65 was pen- neered in the eccentric DAF "Dafodil" ciled in for an automatic version of back in the 1960s and more recently in the MCB CT V8, but although some certain smaller Volvos (not seen in the drawing work was carried out no cars USA). Rover was among those compa- were built, work being killed off when nies which took an active interest in plans for a U.S. version of the V8 were this new lighter weight automatic killed in April 1973. transmission (which did not require Of course a lot of the proverbial an energy-sapping torque converter) water has passed under the bridge and soon offered a CVT version of its since then, but even when the only 1990 facelifted K-series engined Rover MGs on sale were the Metro, Maestro MetrotRover 100 small hatchback. and Montego sedans, they all When the MGF was launched in remained resolutely manual in their 1995, it did not take a rocket scientist gearbox department (Europeans to work out that with the similar have always been less enamored of engineldrivetrain configuration of the the slush box than their cousins in transverse front wheel drive Metro the USA). When the RV8 arrived in and the transverse mid-engine MGF,
there could be the possibility of an ionable image of the sequential gear- automatic MGF, should anyone want boxes in the top flight Formula One one. At the launch, a Rover engineer race cars, it was perhaps inevitable quietly confided that he was already that the MGF automatic would even- starting work on such a car. tually see the light of day. Of course the MGF was a great This summer, the MGF success, and MG was kept busy selling "Steptronic" finally appeared, and I all the cars it could make, and while was invited to try it down some wind- the opposition stayed resolutely man- ing Sussex country lanes (and some ual only, there seemed little need to open dual carriageway too!) to see accelerate the automatic option. how the new car measured up. MC However, with the growing popularity has taken the opportunity to answer of the automatic option on sports cars one or two criticisms hom previous MGF 1.8 (e.g. Porsche's Boxster) and the fash- (please turn to page Id) 14 MGB DRIVER-Septernber/October '99 MG Discovers the Slush BoIX - Continued from Page IS customers, and the interior trim has Starting off from rest, the MGF come in for a mild makeover (new Steptronic is as docile as a puppy, the dash colors, better quality materials, lack of a clutch seeming at first rather adjustable steering wheel, electric mir- strange in an MG but something rors, optional power hood, "neutral" which would be second nature to colored front indicator lenses, new tnany drivers. Pushing the pedal hard trim and paint colors), but MG has to the floor, however, produces a resisted the temptation to meddle sig- slightly strange reaction, for while the nificantly with the basic structure of car is quick off the mark, the engine the car, despite the Super Sports pro- noise does rise slightly in the typically totypes paraded at Geneva in 1998 CWstyle- sound curiously reminis- and 1999. cent of a slipping clutch. [n many a The first thing that grabs the eye CVT equipped car, acceleration is inside the MGF Steptronic is the pair accompanied by a curiously flat of gear switches which resemble silver engine note (as the ratios constanrly golf balls, mounted atop the steering adjust to match the opening throttle), wheel spokes. These work when the and MC was undoubtedly right to central gear selector is in sport mode avoid this in the automatic MGF. (engaged by sliding over to the left), Before long, however, 1 found and indeed the driver has the choice myself enjoying the transmission of moving up or down the gear range immensely, blipping up and down by using either the steering wheel ratios swiftly at the flick of either the switches or the central lever--almost steering wheel knobs or the floor an embarrassment of choice. mounted selector lever (forward The CVT transmission is an infi- being 'up' and backward being nitely variable system, using pulleys 'down'). I found that my co-driver and a sophisricated steel drive belt, and I tended to drive the car in dif- and so the idea of a six speed infinite- ferent ways; he used the floor lever, ly variable transmission may seem while I used the steering wheel con- like something of an impossibility. trols, showing perhaps that MC was The reality is, however, that the six wise to offer the choice. speeds in the MGF Steptronic have At the end of the day, of course, been artificially created with the aid comes the $64,000 question-would i of the sophisticated engine manage- buy one? The answer for me personal- ment electronics (which on the ly has to be no-I would rather put Steptronic are fully integrared with the extra money that the Steptronic the transmission), thereby retaining costs towards either the manual WC some degree of driver choice in terms or some tasty options from the freshly of gear ratios. lengthened list. However, I would As mentioned previously, the have no hesitation in recommending Steptronic's CVT transmission started it as a sensible car for use around life bolted onto a 1.4 litre version of town which comes alive on the open the K-series in the Rover 100/Metro, road. The sad fact remains, however, and it took a fair amount of work to that for the vast rnaiority of those of ensure that the transmission coutd you who read this, the issue is acade- cope sensibly with a 1.8 litre unit in mic in any case, for the MGF a sports car; as it is, there has had to Steptronjc is no more U.S.-bound rhan be a great deal of attention paid to the Reliant three-wheeler. And that is extra cooling. As a consequence, a crying shame. Q therefore, the Steptronic is only offered with the standard 1.8 MGF engine and not the higher perfor- mance WC engine. 17 16 MGB DRIVER-September/October '99 MGB DRIVER-Sepiember/October '99 MG '99-lopleb ncou - people were able to drive their MGs demonstrated what the "Marque of over the next three days! Friendship" ib all about. Initial check-in and registration Eurly the next morning the sun proceeded smoothly thanks to the broke through and we departed for the wonderful team effort put on by the spectacular 'Sea to Sky' trip to Whistler Canadian Clussic MG Club members Mountain. Prior to this, a visit was paid who went out of thcir way to ensure to the private MG museum of Peter that everyone had a great time. The Welch in West Vancouver which, for event got into full swing on this writer, was a prelude to a wonder- Wednesday with the opening of regis- ful octagonal day. Peter, a most gra- tration at 8:00 a.m., followed by a cious host, proudly displayed his collec- silent auction at 10:O a.m. and a tion which included a 1933 K3 "first timer" reception at 1:00 p.m. Magnette, a P8 Airline Coupe, a Stiles- This was followed by a funkhana at bodied 1932 F1 Magna, a TA, a TB, a 2:00 p.m. on the roof of a multi-story TC, two TDs, one of 'Wacky' Amolt's car park on the beautiful University '54 Bertone TQs, and an MGA Twin campus, and a tech session at 500 Cam, all of which were in prime #l p.m. given by Ron Gammons of condition! A 1973 MGB GT built for the Brown & Gammons, U.K. on prepar- Swiss market amcted particular atten- ing your MG for rallying. The evening tion due to the subtle direrences from U.S. Columbia Convention Cent-re. The host was capped off with a West Coast the market cars! AII this wonderful (The sequel to Sleepless in salmon barbecue hosted by Joe and machinery was surrounded by every Seatfle!) facility, known as the Gage Towers and kind of MG artifact imaginable- Apartments, offered accommodations, Marjorie Carroll at the Totem Park by Marcham Rhoade, MGB nearby dining, and a meeting site at Ballroom. Joe Carroll was the Posrers, models, badges, trophies, books Driver Founding Editor and the Fireplace Lounge. Chairman of "MG '99" and I'll say it and much more immaculately dis- right now, Joe and all of the volun- played to complement this wonderful Richard Liddick, NAMGBR Drivers came long distances for teers did a terrific job of making the collection of Abingdon craftsmanship. Publicity Coordinator this far west gathering of the Register - Florida, Mississippi, Maryland, New participants feel welcome. They truly (please turn to page 20) K! OK! lgnore the title! You'll York, Alaska and together with the nsee where I'm going later in 'locals' who'd only traveled a thou- 'wthis feature-suffice it to say sand miles or so-made up a final that once again the North American count of some 250 cars, with license MGB Register lucked out with the plates from over 23 states and weather and enjoyed days of top- provinces and nearly 50 different down MGing while in beautiful chapters represented! A truly magnifi- British Columbia. If the meet had cent turnout! been scheduled the week before, we Greetings by Glen Clark, the would have been washed away, as Premier of British Columbia; Philip Vancouver received the whole of its Owen, the Mayor of Vancouver; The normal July rainfall total in one British Consul General; and the Mayor day-luly 2! of Whistler, placed in the comprehcn- But the sun shines on the righteous sive program were read by attendees (and the fortunate!) and a slight down- who arrived with travel-stained tales pour and thunderstorm coming during of joy, despair, danger and a "we the night preceding the start of the made it" attitude. Failed alternators meet did not dampen spirits one iota. seemed to have been a bane, Early arrivals were there several days (although your scribe, Marcham's, before the event began, having taken problem was a failed fuel pump) how- the opportuniry to explore the exquisite ever, Colin Fitzgerald of the Octagon scenery around the convention head- Motor Group in Vancouver provided quarters-the University of British excellent service and spares and most
MGB DRIVER-September/October '99 MGB DRIVER-September/October '99 19 Hen and other brews being consumed suffering burnt pistons. A goodly rep- in a convivial atmosphere before the resentation of the big MGCs was com- arms of Morpheus called us to bed plemented by a fine display of MGAs, after a terrific day. This was why MGs while a magnificent YT Tourer took were made-and why God made pride of place by the main entrance. roads like the one leading to Whistler, The concours judges worked hard to drive them on! and diligently at their unenviable It was 530 u.m. and the sound of task while the popular votes were running water was coming through being tallied. The awards were made the open bedroom window! Don't tell at the show site und the results are me it's raining? It's Cur Show Day for listed here in the Driver. The exception heavens sake! Rut it was just the was the Best of Show and Concours, sound of the early birds using the which were to be presented later at super car wash provided for show the Awards Banquet. All in all, a great entrants! A couple of miles from the show attracting a lot of attention from University, at Spanish Banks Beach, the public and the media! the pampered and the polished, the Back at the ranch (the magnificent and the mundane, began University!) another Tech Session was to gather for a car show par excel- held wherein guru Mike Ash answered lence well up to the standards of many MG-related technical questions NAMGBR's past conventions. Of submitted by a capacity audience. course MGBs predominated but a Then it was everyone onto a couple of goodly array of other types also took British Bristol double-decker buses for the field in this s~ectaculursettinu. a tour of Vancouver citv before arriv- Concours entries 'were well up ?o ing at the Floata destaurant in MG ' 99 - Continued from Page 19 scratch, while Ron Tugwell was Chinatown for the "MC '99" banquet. All too soon it was time to leave, warm sunshine. We did remember the delighted with the turn out of a dozen Upon entering the banquet room we after having partaken of a continen- views long after we returned home- prime Limited Edirion MGBs! Colin were greeted by an MG Midget+r tal breakfast compliments of Peter, as we had been told! Fitzgerald brought the very first MG should I say a 1930 M-Type Midget. who we must thank for giving us the It was then we made our first TA #251 while Ralph Zbarsky dis- Oh, don't forget the Liquid opportunity to visit his private MG 'bare' sighting! We had reluctantly played an lndy Liquid Suspension Suspension MG Racer (and this was collection. So with the cooperation of come down off the mountain and my Special MG, from 1964 that achieved on the third floor!) and behind the the Royal Canadian Mounred Police, ftiend Richard Maxon from Ventura 156.42 mph and finished 19th despite (please turn fo page 221 we headed up Highway 99 towards asked if I still had my binoculars the high mountains and Whistler. handy-we had used them on the What a road-what a drive! Each mountain peak. I handed them to turn revealed spectacular views of the him and he focused on a patch of snow-capped peaks and heavily ground adjacent to the covered bridge forested lakeside valleys. Past we were crossing on our way back to Shannon Falls, 1100 feet in height, the MGs. "Have you spotted a bear?" Brandywine Falls and the 2000 foot I inquired. "Well l've spotted a bare Stawamus Chief rock face we traveled, something" he replied and taking the until some 80 miles later we arrived at glasses from him was astonished to the bortom of 7500 foot Blackcomb see a female beauty on the lawn, sun- Mountain in Whistler village. Tickets bathing with just nature's wardrobe were issued for the ride to the summit adorning her brown frame. "Topless in of the mountain and we entered the Vancouver" indeed-now you know cable car gondolas which were to what I meant! carry us to new heights! As we slowly We headed 'topless' in our MGB climbed over the snow, incredible down the mountain to return to UBC views unfolded before and below us and a very informative tech session and after three slops at mid-stations on camshafts by Barry Rutherford of (where you were asked to report on Shodbolt Cams tirled "Hot Cams for any bear sightings!) we reached the MGs". Thursday evening was 'English top where lunch was taken in the Pub Night' with lots of Old Speckled 20 MG8 DRIVER-September/October '99 MGB DRIVER-September/October '99 21 MG '99 - Conlinued from Page 21
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podium was a full-size original MG won the North American Nuffield billboard for a 1973 MGB wirh a TC Trophy for 1999-2000. Alan Riches, silhouetted in the background. President of the Canadian Classic MG The Master of Ceremonies Grant Club, presented the Speakers Awards Bunker entertained the crowd with his and announced the Best of Show win- unique sense of humor while the ner. Other awards were presented for gathering enjoyed drinks. Door prizes Longest Distance, Most Club Members were handed out and photos from the Attending and the Hard Luck Award. car show were on display for pickup. I Before the banquet adjourned, D lost counr of the number of courses of Zimmerman announced that Tom Enthusiasts Who Love British Cars Chinese food that were brought to the Boscarino was the recipient of this Technical Information tables. Once dinner was finished the year's NAMGBR "John Thornley MG awards presentation began, complete Spirit" Award. She then invited every- Classic Profiles with a reul Canadian Mounted Police one present to "MG 2000" next year officer (a.k.a. Mountie) assisting with in Cleveland, Ohio with the reminder Club Events the process and posing for photo ops that "Cleveland Rocks-MGs Roll". with the winners. Joe Carroll thanked Acknowledgments and thanks, Historical Arli~las everyone for coming, Rick Ingram, given and taken all round, plus words % Restoration Advice NAMGBR's Concours Coordinator, from Ron Gammons, Nick Cox of the gave out the concours awards and MG Car Club and other dignitaries Photo Features explained how the winners are cho- brought the proceedings to a close, To Subscribe: Call Mention This Ad - Gel an 1-800-520~8292~ sen. Nick Cox, the MG Car Club's and it was back on the buses to return Etim Bonus /sue Fme North American Liaison, presented a to the University and the English Pub Fax 1-650-949-9685 'Canada 1650-949-9680 30th Anniversary commemorative which had developed its own atmos- plaque to the Canadian Classic MG phere over the previous four days! Club, and announced that the (please turn lo page 24) Houston, Texas MG Car Club had 22 MGB DRIVER-Sep(ember/October '99 MGB DRWER-September/October '99 23 MG '99 - Continued from Page 22
Line Services
Saturday brought farewells with a promise to meet in Cleveland for "MG Your scribe, Marcham 3, 1962 MCB 2000". We can't say enough about the now fitfed with overdrive, mode the tremendous organization put into this round [rip of2800 miles topless with vir- magnificent convention-all the corn- tually no problems apart from a fuel mittee under the Chairmanship of Joe pump (made in the good 01' USA!) failing Carroll deseme our heartfelt thanks some 30 miles north of Seattle on the 1ecrlrlica- - eminars and congratulations for a superb job way home! 4 well done! We shall return!
Events, And More!
Call, write, or EMail for our all new Services Catalogue 6490 East Fulton Street Ada, MI 49301-9006 Phone (616) 652-080; Fax (616) 632-OSc'l EMail: w~~~w.~~niversity~n~~or~I~d~~~~m
24 MGB DRNER-September/October '99 MGB DRLVER-September/October '99 25 ~ettersTO the Register
The value of belonging to NAMG- explained our situarion to Cecil, the BR was brought home to me forceful- owner, he said that he had a used bon- ly this July. While cruising along hap- net in good condjtion that I could pily on US12 in Western Washington have. We arrived at the shop courtesy Expert ~b~airs on our way home from the Vancouver of AAA Plus about 2 p.m., and by 5 meeting, both bonnet latches failed p.m. we were on our way in our now ANY MAKE a M~DELYEAR on our 'B. It happened in a split sec- two-tone Teal Blue and primer gray 'B. ond with no warning. Fortunately, we Having the NAMGBR directory FOREIGN-DOMESTIC were on o two-lane road with wide available was a godsend. This inci- '3 shoulders and I managed to bring the dent more than justified the cost of Classic Q Collector Br'tiah car to a safe stop on the shoulder. The belonging to the Register over the Marques Our specialty' bonnet was bent over the windshield years. Why more MGB owners don't but rhe glass did not break. belong is a mystery to me. I immediately got out the NAMG- -Bill Groham, Bradenton, Florida BR Service Recommendations and Membership Directory. I located a Bill was the winner of the Longest shop named British Sports and Spares Distance Award at the MG '99 NRMGBR in Tacoma and called. When I Convenlion-Ed. 4
90 Center Avel,ue, Wes wood. WJ 07675 Tcl: (201) 358-0200 * Fi 1: (201) 358-0442
26 MGB DRIVER-Septernbr/October '99 MGB DRIVER-September/October '99 27 MG '99 Show Fiesu~rs
MGB Roadsters 1962 to 1967 1st Place: Rod Ptak 1967 Comax, BC 2nd Place: Bill Jacobson 1967 Burlington, WA 3rd Place: Brian Guenard 1965 Gig Harbour, WA MGB Roadsters 1968 to 1969 1st Place: Betty Manning 1969 Bryan, OH 2nd Place: Grant Ross 1969 Mission, BC MGB Roadsters 1970 to 1972 1st Place: Alan Kelsey 1970 Apple Valley, MN 2nd Place: Patricia McCormack 1971 Be1 tingharn, WA 3rd Place: Larry Englund 1972 Florence, OR MGB Roadsters 1973 to 1974 1st Place: Simon Austin 1974 Vancouver, BC 2nd Place: Bob Sherman 1974 Hillsboro, OR 3rd Place: Ron Gammons 1973 Letchworth, England MGB Roadsters 1 974'/2 to 1976 1st Place: john Taylor 1975 Tacoma, WA 2nd Place: Ken Hedges 1975 Fruitvale, BC 3rd Place: Charles Diehl 1975 Ocean Park, WA MGB Limited Edition Roadsters 1979 to 1980 MGB Roadsters 1977 to 1978 1st Place: Dawna Hart 1979 Lakewood, WA 1st Place: Don Handley 1978 San Dimas, CA 2nd Place: Todd Wyatt 1980 St. Cloud, MN 2nd Place: Kurt Beidler 1977 Olympia, WA 3rd Place: Don Peery 1980 Edmond, OK 3rd Place: Lou Majta 1978 Richmond, BC MGB GT 1965 to 1975 MGB Roadsters 1979 to 1980 1st Place: Lany Henle 1969 Marshall, MN 1st Place: Frank Oglesby 1979 Reno, NV 2nd Place: Robert Milner 1967 Brentwood, CA 2nd Place: Wayne Kube 1979 Plano, TX 3rd Place: Doug Madson 1967 Sauk Rapids, MN 3rd Place: Randy Byboth 1979 Minnetonka, MN MG Midget 1961 to 1979 1st Place- Rose Bryant 1972 Calgary, AT3 2nd Place: Steve Olson 1976 Kansas City, MO 3rd Place: Grant Bunker 1975 Vancouver, BC Other MGs 1st Place: Terry O'Brien 1949 MG YT Vancouver, BC 2nd Place: Larry Eckersley 1952 MG TD London, ON 3rd Place: Colin Fitzgerald 1936 MG TA Vancouver, BC MGA 1955 to 1962 1st Place: Lyle lacobson 1958 Sedro Wooley, WA 2nd Place: Rob Otero 1959 Olympia, WA 3rd Place: Steve Kaufman 1957 Richmond, BC MGC 1 968 to 1969 1st Place: lim Holody 1969 London, ON 2nd Place: Mark Spangrod 1969 Redmond, WA 3rd Place: Dane Lay 1968 Springfield, IL Other British Cars and Motorcycles 1st Place: Leon Pond 1965 jaguar XKE Vancouver, BC 2nd Place: Mike Powley 1972 Morgan Vancouver, BC (please turn MGB DRWER-Septe:nbcr/October '99 30 MGB DRIVER-Seprernber/October '99 MGB DRWER-September/October '99 M'G '99 Show Results - Continued from Page 29 Best of show Terry O'Brien 1949 MG YT Vancouver,,BC Concours (Judged) Top Point-916.25 points Brian Diehm 1973 MGB GT Yakima, WA Award of Excellence John Miharja 1971 MGB Bumaby, BC Award of Excellence Bill Ludwig 1967 MGB Lakewood, WA Award of Excellence Harry Sharp 1969 MGB Blaine, WA Highland Funkhama 1st Place: T'erry Hart 1979 MGB LE Lakewood, WA 1:25.58mins. 2nd Place: Brian Ross 1979 Midget Salem, OR 1:26.02 mins. 3rd Place: Mark Cook 197.0 MGB Mount Vernon, WA 1:28.42 mins. Sea to Sky Run I 1st Place: J.Cathcart/M.Catbcart 1980 MGB St. Paul, MN 17 points 2nd Place: M.Randle/G.Hughes 1980 MGB LE Victoria, BC 17 points 3rd Place: i.Petersen/R.Petersen Brand X West Hill, ON 16 points Photography Con tesr 1st Place: Bill Graham Bradenton, FL Model Contest 1st Place: Mary Attwell Stittsville, ON Crab Co~ntest 1 st Place: Mrs. Bruce Stevenson Kelowna, BC 1 Longest Distance FL Bill Graham Bradenton, (please turn to page 34) 1 -- BRITISH CAR FILMS PRESENTS MGa ACROSS AMERICA THE FIRST 50 YEARS KEEP THE, MEMORY FOREVFR The only visual record of MG's illustrious US history Two revealing documentary videos celebrating 50 years of MG shows, racing, archive films, rare cars, passion and advertising. Together (100 minutes) ONLY $34.95 (+%4.95S&H) "FASCINATING VIEWING" MC WORLD (UK) "TWO EXCELLENT FILMS" MG MAGAZINE (USA)
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Most Club Members SUBSCRIBE NOW... MG Car ClubINorthwest Center Seattle, WA 14 Registrations Honorable Mentions: Emerald Necklace MG Register Cleveland, OH 8 Registrations Minnesota MG Group Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN 8 Registrations Hard Luck Award Dave & Pam Handley Mentor, OH FOTtornado damage to their MG enroure to "MG '99". fi * Add $16 for Europcan ordea.
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hhil To: PO. Box 85020, Fort IVaynr, IN 46885-5020 Phone: 6 16-375-2070, 888-870-4993 Fax: 2 19-IS5-0845 www.me;-rnagazine.com Concours ar MG '99
Bob Sherrnon (kneel~n~]and Dane Lay judge the 1971 MGB of John Mihariio. Top Point MG - 1973 MGB GT owned by Brian Diehm. Chuck Maddox 1976 MGB Tourer 1 Rick Ingram, NAMGBR Honorable Mention All of these MGs were of the ration of the cars halted, and the Bill Heather 1979 MGB LE hi hest standard. (Harry Sharp is Concours Coordinator judging began on the six examples Honorable Mention thed original owner of his 1969 of MG whose owners were brave John Miharija 1971 MGB T0ure.r To rer!) I congratulate ail partici- uly 9 was show day at "MG '99", 1 enough to have their cars scruti- Award of Excellence pak ts and encourage other NAMG- I ; and many fine examples of MG nized by the judges and put out on Bill Ludwig 1967 MGB Tourer w. and other British marques could display in the middle of the show- Award of Excellence el "MG 1 be found within the boundaries of field for all to see and compare. (My Harry Sharp 1969 MGB Tourer the showfield at the University of thanks to Brian Diehm, Bill Award of Exceller~ce in St. Paui! Q British Columbia. I never really Heather, Bill Ludwig. Chuck Brian Diehrn 1973 MGB GT know what to expect in terms of Maddox, john Miharija, and Harry Top Point h.lG number of participants in NAklGBR Sharp for entering Concours.) It took concours judging, but was prepared nearly three hours for the judges to for a busy day for myself and six finish their jobs and turn in the judges as a rumored two dozen MG judging sheets to the Coordinator owners had expressed interest in for tabulation. While a majority of partidpating! First item of business the Car Show awards were given out was to line up the judges for the at the showfield that afternoon, the day. My thanks to Joe Carroll, Jai presentation of the awards for Deagan, Dane Lay, Tim Pugh, Bob Concours had been reserved for rhe Sherman, and Bob Zimmerman for banquet on Friday evening. NAMG- donating their time to the Register BR does not award a "First-Second- to judge the cars on condition and Third" in Concours, but rather originality (as well as a technical "Awards of Excellence" and "Top inspection of each). Final call for Point MG". Winners at "MG '99" I cont:ours participants was made Vancouver, the Spectacular Drive of 1ncouT Juc before the field was "closed*', prepa- Your Life were: 36 MGB DR1VER-Sepletnber/0ctober '99 MGB DRNER-Ssplember/October '99 37 I I Frank Churchill, NEMGTR Shrine of North America and Shriners' Hospitals. In the fall of 1997, Frank's Co-Founder Killed tireless contribution to the Shriners' Frank Churchill of Middlebury, Hospitals was recognized and he was Vermont, co-founder of the New chosen to become a member of the Halogen Bulbs www. LBCa England MGT Register, was killed on twnr bc m the dark my Vis:it us on tl Royal Order of Jesters, an honor that lwqoc' Ge? up to lOO%more Tuesday, August 24 when his 1953 New Secure Server for ,rr~&L",L=u?xuvs=.mtv,>G Frank deeply cherished. I~qhtfrom the% bulbs. Bz ~IITIM. Psplasss wurpnts EvlG TO was struck in an intersection seen betrerdurtng doyilght or Quick Online Ordering d condenser. gives better The Officers and Coordinators of darkness. by a minivan. fuel amnorny. mow poaRr9. the North American MGB Rcgister smmhor running, longer plug Frank was co-founder and Vice extend their most heartfelt sympa- life, Frm $72 40 Chairman of the New England MGT thies on behalf of our membership to hless Pain1t Touchup Kit Register. The Register was formed in Frank Churchill's family and his fel- 1964 when Richard Knudson saw a Match chtps end s~:rotchcs like en low members of the NEMGTR. NAMG- )a?.Includes photograph of Mr. Churchill's TD in erlpaint, cleurcoat. customblender m~xedarid BK has made a charitable donation in Tr~pod.f og/dr~vmg,turn, Safety Fast, the publication of the MG Frank's memory ro the Shriners' prb mg. shp/to~lImps, occessones Only $39.95 Car Club of England to which they Hospitals for Children. ewn inst~mentbubs both belonged. Mr. Knudson wrote to Jeff Zsrn Mr. Churchill and proposed forming 29311- - Araml MG Sa$ety Warnings FeminjCn Hills, MI 48334 an MG Register closer to home, which Qdivat aOesic bas~mabla *idah Prica. Cat k* 248.4U9.0022 / 80e.637.9640 became the first in North America. Founding Editor Marcham Authrlrmd hbss Distribmr Fax: 248.489.9665 @I \=-*I Their original aim was to cover the Rhoade sends a reminder to members, hr6nedey MG. Jaw Trunph Email : [email protected] ?]a northeastern U.S. but enthusiasm for particularly those with late model their endeavors brought them mem- MGBs, to insped your car regularly. bers throughout the continent and Marcham reports there was a car fire they continue today some 4000 mem- this summer on a San Diego freeway bers strong. The following are Frank's in which an MGB burned. Post-1977 words, and they best describe his emo- MG8s used a hard plastic fuel line tion for MGs and their owners. that after 20+ years is prone to break- "It goes without saying that the ing. These lines split lengthwise result- Register and my participation in its ing in large amounts of fuel dumping growth and success has been one of on hot manifolds and catalytic con- the most rewarding facets of my life. verters. If this type of fuel line is still To know there were so many other on your car, they should be retired enthusiasts throughout the free world and replaced with fuel rated hoses. who held these special little motor The other warning applies to post- cars in such high esteem as I have has 1975 Zenith-Stromberg carburetor been most pleasing. And to know that equipped MGBs and Midgets--Make so many of them would have been my sure the three capper-colored screws friends anyway, even if we had not holding the choke mechanism to the been mutually involved with such a carb body are tight. If these screws are simple, personable littlc motor car has loose, a fuel Leak will result, once been one of life's dearest rewards." again over the hot manifold and con- In addition to his many MG verter. It is a prudent idea to inspect friends throughout the world, Frank is your fuel lines on a regular basis survived by one brother and his fami- regardless of what vintage your MG is. ty who reside in Middlebury. Frank was a self-employed businessman MGF Designer Gaes to Ford until his retirement about ten years The Ford Motor Company ago. That is when he immersed hirn- announced in late August that they self in yet another volunteer role. have hired Gerry McGovern, the Head Frank was an active Freemason and Shriner and devoted himself to the (please turn lo page 401 I 38 MGB DRIVER-September/October '99 I MGB DRWER-Septmber/October 99 39 MG News - Continued from Page . of Design for Land Rover, to take over British cars. Eirher way, it's sfill the date listed within your club's newslet- SPORTS CAR SERVICES os the new Design Director for its same week. ter calendar, post it on your internet Lincoln Division. McGovern had been As many of you may ulready web page, or simply get your car out For the past 12 years we have the principal designer on the PR3 pro- know, next spring marks the Fourth and drive it more often in your home- provided meticulous servic~ngand ject that became the MGT inrroduced Annual British Car Drivers Week. This town during the week. The most careful arcention lo detail co owners in 1995. He has alsc~been in charge of is a world-wide event for all British important objective is to have some the new generation Land Rover prod- marques with the intent that it will fun, spend some quality time with of kiG's and Austin Healeys and ucts such as the Freelander (which continue to grow in popularity as the your car, and in turn, hope to attract also to Morgan, Jaguar and Triumph shares the engine used in the MGF), years go by. This idea was prompted some new enthusiasts. owners as well. We are just off the Range Rover, Discovery and by a column written by fellow Brirish If you're interested in helping to 1-9 I 1 !42 hours north of Defender. McGovern will hold the car enthusiast and Road & Track promote this week among the people I-{arcford, Connecticut. newly created post of Design Director Cuitor-at-Large, Peter Egan, in the and clubs that support your favorite for the Lincoln Mercury Division and March 1997 issue of Road 8 Track. marque, please contact me at: will divide his time between the sepa- Peter's article lamented the fact that [email protected]>. This would not rate, us of a year ago, Lincoln head- one does not see old classic sports cars take up a lot of your time, but simply quarters in [rvine, California and around today, and how much he require that you contact the leaders of Ford's headquarters in Dearborn, misses seeing some of his favorite the clubs that are related to your Michigan. McGovern follows former classic morques of the past driving on favorite marque, and make sure they BMW ?lumber Two man Wolfgang the roods of his town. The British car are aware of British Car Week and Reitzle who went to Ford in March community responded quickly to his what it's all about, and hope they will after resigning from BMW when his plea, and shortly alter that articlc was help us promote it. If interested, I bid to succeed former Chairman published, the first annual British Car would add your name and e-mail Bernd Pischelsrieder was unsuccessful. Week was initiated. This "awareness" address to a list, and would provide Reitzle had been the BMW exec with week is intended for all British car you with updates of any information responsibiliry for Rover and is now in owners to get their can out on the regarding British Car Week that you charge of Ford's Premier Automotive roads in their locality, to have some could pass along. If you would like to Group consisting of Lincoln, Jaguar, fun with them, and promote them for post your own British car related event volvo and Aston Martin. McGovern is all to see and appreciale. While doing that will take place during British Car o 42-year-old British native who stud- do Week, feel free to let me know, und I so, we'll what we can to recreate Adjltstirq mm iim~ngm an 18V engine ied automotive design at Coventry the days when these cars were a much will post it on the British Cor Week College and the Royal College of Art. more common sight on the byways of web page for others in your area to We maintain extensive stocks He worked for Chrysler and Peugeot North America and beyond. Of course learn about. of new and used replacement before joining Rover. we'll never be able to populate the This past May, I noticed an parts available to you overnighr roads with rhcse cars like they once upsurge of British cars driving around throughour Eastern New York 'British Car Drivers were, but we can make a difference my hometown during British Car and New England. Week' Dates Set for for one week per year. By getting our Week as well as some classic German cars out an the roadsat the same time and [talian models that I hadn't seen ROUTINE SERVICING, May 20-28,2000 during this week, wc can create an before the week started, and haven't HEAVY REPAJR & OVERHAUL of Hi British Car Fans, awareness in our own part of the seen since the week ended. Maybe MG, AUSTIN HEALEY AND OTHER 1 thought ['d get the word out we've got some competition! world that these unique, charming, BRlTlSH CARS early about British Car Week 2000 to fun cars are still around and doing Thanks for your time, and hope to enable early postings for next year's well, thus hope to create some new or see you on the road. Wscrninster, Vr. 802-387-4540 calendar of events listings. You will renewed interests in them to help Scott Helms, South Bend, Indiana notice that both opposing weekends keep our hobby and related clubs and Visit the web page at
MGB DRIVER-Sep~emhcr/Oc~ot~er'99 available. I had electronic ignition Bob Sherman, Hillsboro, installed and a set of headers to the Oregon, GHDSUE361296G exhaust. The transmission and over- Noting that you maintain the drive unit are also both original, no Register for 1974h MGBs, I thought it overhauls, alrhough she is on her was time I provided you up-to-date fourth clutch. All minor maintenance information on GHD5UE361296G. I perform myself--engine oil and filter This GT was previously owned by are changed every 1500 miles, and Greg Hawley, of Muscatine, Iowa. I rhe spark plugs every six months. purchased it from him in November Since returning to the U.S. in mid- of 1995. It was the subject of an arti- '85 we've been in Upstate New York-- cle I wrote that was published in the Snow Country. Even during a mild MGB Driver (Sept./Oct. 1996). winter the average snowfall is well It is still Glacier White with over 100 inches. Because of that factor Autumn Leaf interior. Eventually this alone "Miss Ebony" is only on the will be changed, since I am not par- road between May and September. ticularly concerned with originality. During those five short months I still This past May I completely over- enjoy driving my MGB CT as much as hauled the motor and, after a short I did when she was brand new, over break-in period, drove the car on a 23 years ago. 5,400 mile vacation trip. The MG first 'Miss Ebony' John Edmead's 1974'h MGB GT. (please turn to page 48)
Steve Harding, Registrar John Edmead, Durhamville, New York-GHDSUE36 10766 For those unfamiliar with the I purchased my 19741/2 MGB CT, '74'/2 Registry, it is a sub-registry with- 'Miss Ebony' in late December 1974. in the North American MGB Register. while serving in the USAF. 1 was sta- The '74%~are the MGB Roadsters and tioned at RAF Bentwaters, a base out- GTs built between September and side of Ipswich, Suffolk, U.K. We December of 1974. They are unique in (Ebony and I), returned to the States that they have both rubber bumpers in June 1975. Between that date and and twin SU carbs. The 1974s have the present we have turned the chrome bumpers and SU carbs, while speedometer past 100,000 miles six rhe 1975s have rubber bumpers and a times. After a short stay on the East single Zenith carb. Coast we drove to Texas, and then on There were only 5273 Roadsters to California in January 1976. Three and 1248 GTs exported from England and a half years later I was reassigned to North America, making the '74l/zs back to the U.K. one of the rarest MGBs in the long his- The exterior paint job and interi- tory of the MGB. or are original, although there have Recently two '74'/2 owners sent been two minor accidents. The first me stories and pictures of their cars required the right fender and rubber which are reproduced below for your bumper be replaced. The second was enjoyment. Anyone who has a '74'/2 mostly cosmetic on the right side--we that is not in the Registry please con- were forced up against a guardrail by tact me (see page 51 of this issue) by a British tractor-trailer. mail, by phone (weeknights after 8 The engine has never been over- p.m. En, or via e-mail at (appropri- hauled, but some modifications have ately)
MGB DRIVER-Septernber/October '99 IGB DRWER-Septen~bc.r/October '99 Technical Talk - Continued from Page 47 when the key is turned to the while the key is held to the 'START' Reg~strarsot the NAMGBR 'START' position. position, and if the starter then If this checks out OK, position engages this indicates you have a MGB Registrar MGB Limited Edition Reqistrar your 12 volt test lamp to the solenoid problem within the solenoid itself, a Drew Hastings Ron Tugwell contact which carries the push-on not uncommon occurrence. Although 56 Chestnut Drive, Wallaceburg, 3 De Amaral Road, P.O.Box 2406, whitelbrown wire which goes directly it is possible for the do-it-yourselfer to Ontario, N8A 3M4, Canada Camlel Vulley, CA 93924, to the starter relay. The test lamp open the solenoid to attempt to (519)627-7734 (831)659-2449 should not illuminate when the key is cleanlrepair the unit, it is far simpler in the 'ON' position, bur should illu- to remove the starter and take it to Midqet Reqistrars MG 1 100/ 1 300 Reqistrar minate when the key is rumed to the your local electrical rebuilder for a D and Bob Zimmerman Thomas K. Gaylord 'START' position. If the test lamp illu- thorough check and replacement of 811 S. DePeyster Street, Kent, OH 3180 Verdun Drive, N.W.,Atlanta, minates as described, and the starter any needed parts. ui 44240, (330)678-9394 GA 30305, (404)261-5083 does not engage, tap the solenoid 1967 MGB GT Special Reqistrar Pull Handle MGB Resisttar Ron Tugwell Bill Barge 3 De Arnaral Road, P.O.Box 2406, 930 N. 350 E., Angola, rhl 46703, Continued from Page 44 Basic 'B - Carrnel Valley, CA 93924, (219)6654476,e-mail: brgmgM2aol.com unused examples. The listings of pro- John Twist's Technical Seminar Book. (831)659-2449 100,000 Mile Reqistrar duction changes are very detailed and This is the book Iohn gives to those taken From the factory records. The T- who enroll in his February University 1 974'/2 MGB Reqistrar Philip Morgan P.O. Box 374, 705 6th Street Series and MCB volumes were written Motors Technical Seminars. It's a Steve-- - Hardina by Heritage Trust Archivist Anders wealth of information on many var- 191343 arb; Road, Havertown, PA Howe, IN 46746 Ditlev Clausager. Our own D and Bob ied aspects of MGs. It's a great compi- Oriqinal Owner Reqistrar Zimmerman contributed to the lation of many of the articles John has MGB V8 Reqistrar Peter Cosmides Midget volume. Available from large written over the years for magazines Kurt Schlev 219 Pleasant Valley Avenue, chain bookstores, major MG mail- like Sports & GT, Abingdon Classics, MG P.O. Box f61156 Moorestow-n, N] 08057, (609)778-3695, order parts suppliers and BritBooks. Magazine and others. Words of wis- Rocky River, OH 441 16-7156 e-mail: [email protected] Catalogs-Many of the major TvlG dom from the master. I mail-order parrs suppliers show Practical Classics on MGB/MGB A On OIrr Back C:over - hhbers show off their pride and joys at detailed line drawings and exploded G7,Midget Restoration-From the Friday's b Car Showwith o bac :kdrop of mountains and downtown Vancower. views to illustrate the parts offered for Practical Classics magazine series sale in their catalogs. Especially com- chronicling complete restorations of - prehensive are Moss Motors (T- an MGB, a Midget and the newest of Series/MGA/MGB/Midget); Victoria the three volumes is one documenting POB 321 Otego, NY 13825 British (MGAIMGBlMidget); the restoration of an MGB GT. The GT Roadster Factory (MCB); Ctarke book is the best of the three because BritBooks Tel&Fax 607 988-7956 Spares (MCA). the photographs are in color and much clearer than the black and Other Great Books-Other essential white pics used in the MGB roadster We have over 300 MG titles in stock technical books include: and Midget books. Great photographs plus a major inventory of books on and tons of practical tips. Triumph, Lotus, Jaguar, A-H, Morgan. The 1974'/2 Registry Report - Continued from Page 43 went to Kelowna, British Columbia, were various questions about the MG. BritBooks is the largest supplier of current and for the "Rally in the Valley" British I note that a New Hampshire MGB car weekend. The next part of the GT was featured in The Driver, May/Tune out-of-print books on sports cars in America journey was to Chicago. The trip 1999 issue. The number plate of that through Montana was a lot of fun, as MG was MGB GT. That is also the Call for a Catalog today, 1-800-732-3646 the MG cruised legally at 90-95 mph Oregon number plate of my GT, as you across the state. After leaving will note on the enclosed photo. For Ron Embling - e-mail: britbooksG3 britbooks.com Chicago, the southern route home comparative purposes, the production was selected to stop near Denver to number of the New Hampshire MG is Homepage: http://www.britbooks.com visir a friend. All along the way, there 361065. Mine is 361296. a MGB DRIVER-September/Oclober '99 49 From the Vice Chairman - Continued from Page 4 ued Supporrers On behalf of our Editor, Kim Deutsch, and it is a good one. When Tonry, if you have any experiences your club is asked to provide an arti- about your MC you would care to cle and possible photographs to Ifyorl're considering cor~veningyour MGB to V8 pourer orjust rhinking share with us-trips you have taken, accompany the write up, please I aboul re-rri~nmingyour car. our "On a sh~c~ri~ig"videos will save you h racing experiences, rallies, events respond. We cannot do it without Inany timcs their roa! such as the NAMGBR conventions or your help. "MCB V8 Power" is crammed full ofmoney John Twist's Summer Party, etc.-- I hope to see some of you at the s;n.illg rips and aicks for {he blG owner who is conx~deringa VS convcrsion. please provide a write up and, if AGM in October. Although, this is our "Interior Re-Trim" is for thc budger minded possible, some accompanying pho- annual 'business meeting', we also rc-frirnrner and slio!vs how you c;ln use tos for inclusion into future issues of have a lot of fun at these events also. eve.ryday irerns lo rc-(rim or cusrolnizc your -*_ -- the MCB Driver. Please remember This year, we will be reviewing cars lntcrlor that this is YOUR club and you have the site for MG 2001, the venue of the MCD V8 F'oswr flTCE13202 519.95 to make it work as well as the next joint North American MG Lnterior Re-trim #TCE13203 515.95 $$zzs Executive Committee, Coordinators, Council all MG Marque Registers con- Trr le C Mufor Accessories and Registrars. vention as was done for "MG '96" in . Local & Int.: 1-717-8W1 We are embarking on a new fea- Indianapolis, Indiana. This time it is 1-&?8=8544M1. Fax- 1 -717-R54-6706 ture in future issues of the MGB to be held at the St. Paul Fairarounds. Driver, which will highlight the histo- Make plans for that one, jt's toing to ry of the various Affiliated Chapters be great! of the NAMGBR. Safety Fast, This is the idea of our Membership Coordinator, David Gator Enterprises Introduces The Coolant Cap for 1977 - 1980 MGB !em- of Intent - Rvi1 TuuweII Wallace Shifflett P.O. Box 151 Yosemite, CA 95389 I Thereason for decision to stand my officers, Coordinators and Registrars 379-2986 for the position of Chairman at of the NAMGBR. (209) gatominreach.corn this time is based upon quite a few I know I am able to bring a strong factors, not the least of which is my responsive and positive attitude recent semi-retirement, which allows toward the needs of the general mem- me to put forth more dedicated time bership, Executive Committee, toward this position. Coordinators, and Registrars. I feel I As you may be aware, I have held will be capable in representing our the office of Vice Chairman now for organization within the North one and a baIf terms (three years), American MC Council with a high and have been the MGB Limited degree of respect for, and from, the Edirion Registrar since 1993. I have other council representatives. Advertise YOUR business also recently taken over the responsi- Over the years, I have very much bility for the 1967 MGB GT Special enjoyed being a member and support- in the MGB Driver sub-registry from Gregg Purvis. I have ing the membership of the North been a member of the North American MGB Register. for less than $10.00 American MCB Register since 1991. Respectively submitted, As a member of the Executive, I have, Ron Tugwell, NAMGBR Vice Chairman a month. Call us at and have had in the past, a very good (Member No. 1-467) 4 working relationship with the other (609)890-2959 to find out how!
50 MGB DRIVER-September/Occ'ober '99 I MG8 DRNER-Sepiember/October '99 51 Rob Medynski 20 yrr Experience m Repalrs & Restordons d Classk MG'r horn 1945 New & Used Parts Available Phone (973)728-3096 Relail - 'Nhokale Fax (973)728-7871 Aulhotized Moss Moton 1577 Macopin Rd. $40.00 Pans D~slribulor West Millord. NJ 07480 per hr. - -
MG ERIC JONE8 ALrTOSPORT b M hi British Car Repair Tucker J. Madawick %Y Restoration. Recycling ! Owner/British Car & MG Specialist htin Morris by appointment only (812) 334-1 700 21 10 Vernal Pike Triumph 1271 Pollock Road FAX (81 2) 334-1 71 2 Bloomington, IN 47404 kleley Delamare. Oh0 43015 i www.autosportinc.com email: [email protected] h~8thHd~y 740/%3-2203
Tech Talk by Norman Nork I lluve been writing hchnical articles for British car clubs for over 15 years, and after nurnerous requesk I have gathered them togefher arorrg with factory tcchniral remire bukhr,rrcnll nrnpoipi bulletins and some never before prrblbhed arlicles relnted to M.G. and had fhcm spiral bound in book form. British Repair Specialists Send 129.00 plus 54.00 Shipping IUS. Funds) ALBERT DON ST AMOUR DOELATIP Bncis~h@rJpecidisfi 1413 Stewarf Ave., Levittown. PA 19057 (215)547-8779 Erl.b'3MM ,as7 2060 N. Wilson Way. Depl. MOB, Stockton, CA 95205- 209 1948-8767 -
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56 MGB DRIVER-Seplember/October '99 I MGB DRIVER-Seflmhw/October '99 57 'the Marketplace of the North American MGB Register ~orthcomingEvents of lnte!rest to MGB Drivers ds in this section are FREE to individual MGB Register members in good ""DqIease check for up to date information before depalting to thc meet. Thp standing-please no business or commercial ads. Send ad copy with Register encourugcs local groups and clubs to submit their MG events to A, ame, address, phone number and membership number to 4904 Puffer MGB Driver. Informution must include, dute, locat~on,and contact phone Road, Downer's Grove, 1L 60515. Ads only accepted in writing. Business or number. Please sul.rmit events at leust three months in advance to the Editor. other ads by arrangement with Ian Pender, Advertising Coordinator (see inside 4904 Puffer Road, Downer's Grove, I1 60515. front cover). All ads must be received by the 1st of the month prior to publica- tion for inclusion. (i.e. NovemberIDecember issue deadline is October 1.)Ads will be run for two (2) issues, space allowing. The Register retains the right to MklOR US MG EVENTS FOR 1999 Sept. 3-5, Portlurld All British Field Meet, Porilund, OR, (503)504-2236 refuse any ad it deems unacceptable. The originating state is shown at the end Sept. 10-12. Abingdon Intl. Carnival, Abingdon, UK. 0044-1235-522023 of each ad. Sept. 12, British Car Festival, Des Plaines, IL. (630)469-7031 Sept. 12, Battle of the Brits, Sterling Heights, MI, (810)979-4875 MGs FOR SALE Sept. 16-19, MGT Register Full GoF, tliawussee, GA, (770)457-4561 Project' MGBs-1972 Roadster complete; 1972 GT complete; 1980 LE-no Sept. 18, Moss Motors Fallfest '99, Dovcr, NJ, (908)879-6466 engineltrans. All 3 for 52000. Ernie Lindsay (815)478-5290, e-mail