Inside: • The Pilgrimage • Final • MG 2011 - RENO • Basic B • Rally Photos • BMTA • The Future is in Your Hands Vol. 21, No. 3 May / June 2011

Drive Drive Drive! THE NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER MGB Driver is the official publication of the North American MGB Register, a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and expanding interest in Britain’s most popular sports car—the MGB. The opinions expressed within are those of the individual authors and readers are warned that they attempt any mechanical or other modifi- cations described herein, entirely at their own risk. Membership in the North American MGB Register is open to all, with no restrictions. Ownership of an MG is not a condition of membership. NAMGBR Regional Chapters will be pleased to welcome you to their events. Membership dues are $30 per year. For membership details or further information write to: NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER P.O. Box 55 Whittington, IL 62897-0055 Toll-free hotline: 800-NAMGBR-1 • www.namgbr.org OFFICERS OF THE NAMGBR 6 2 6-4 2 7 1

CHAIRMAN: Richard Liddick PUBLICITY Jeff Taylor 5237 Glen Arm Road COORDINATOR: 1645 NW 23rd St. Glen Arm, MD 21057 Corvallis, OR 97330-1956 (410) 817-6862 541-753-0777 [email protected] [email protected]

VICE-CHAIRMAN: Kim de Bourbon CONVENTION/AGM Tony & Lynne Burgess PO Box 293 COORDINATOR: 318 Hampton Park Del. Water Gap, PA 18327 Westerville, OH 43081 (570) 994-5748 (614) 899-2394 [email protected] (614) 899-2493 fax [email protected] SECRETARY: Denny Elimon 103 Woodcreek Court TECHNICAL John H Twist Mahomet, Ill. 61853 COORDINATOR: 6490 Fulton Street East (217) 649-6925 Ada, MI 49503 (708) 221-6435 - Fax (616) 682 0800 [email protected] johntwist @universitymotorsltd.com TREASURER: Alan Magnuson 7754 South Waco Street REGALIA Connie Wyckoff Centennial, CO 80016 COORDINATOR: 10975 Aspen Trl. (303) 400-8076 Zeeland, MI 49464 [email protected] (616) 748-0580 [email protected] COORDINATORS OF THE NAMGBR WEBSITE Rick Brown EDITOR: Robert Rushing COORDINATOR: 7146 Snowberry Loop MGB Driver 5444 Sutherland Ave. Brooksville, FL 34602 St. Louis, MO 63109 (352) 650-5135 (314) 614-4671 [email protected] [email protected] CONCOURS Bob Gloyd COORDINATOR: 19692 East Garden Drive ADVERTISING Charles E. de Bourbon Centennial, Colorado 80015 & PRODUCTION PO Box 293 Phone - (303) 263-8189 COORDINATOR Del. Water Gap, PA 18327 [email protected] ART DIRECTOR (570) 460-6370 [email protected] SERVICE Bruce Wyckoff RECOMMENDATION 10975 Aspen Trl. EDITORS EMERITUS: Ken Smith COORDINATOR: Zeeland, Mi 49464 Kim Tonry (616) 748-0580 [email protected] FOR REGISTRAR INFORMATION, PLEASE SEE PAGE 60. The North American MGB Register is affiliated with the MG Car Club of England. The MG Car Club was founded in 1930 and is the original, factory supported, and approved organization for all MGs, with the club headquarters situated in Abingdon-on-Thames close by the birthplace of all MGs. The North American MGB Register is a 501(c)7 Not-For- Profit Corporation. MGB Driver Magazine ©2011 All rights reserved. Any part of this publication may be reproduced by members and member clubs only, with the expressed credit given to “MGB Driver Magazine” — Editor Robert Rushing. All images in this MGB Driver ©2011-BGA Studios.com/Charles de Bourbon, unless otherwise noted. Editor’s View Chairman’s Chat G 2011 will be taking place decided to spare everyone another very soon in Reno, Nevada. I travelogue scribbled by me and hope you have signed up for instead let Simon Dix write the final Robert Rushing M Richard Liddick I this once every five years All Register article on our MG Pilgrimage. This Editor event sponsored by the MG Council. Chairman time the focus is on the British Motor MGB Driver There are lots of fun events planned, to NAMGBR Heritage Trust Museum in Gaydon. It check them out go to www.MG2011. Register and have and questions about is truly an amazing collection of cars of megabytes to be a good enough com. Join us at NAMGBR’s Register what is involved, please contact either and I can only imagine how much bet- resolution for the cover. Charles and Night outing at Circus-Circus and Alan or me and we would be glad to ter it could be if there was more room. I will come up with the top ten picks enjoy a taste of the West at the Bar-B-Q discuss it with you. We will also need I can’t begin to tell you how exciting and then let the executive board make buffet. you to submit a letter of intent to Rob- it was for me to stand next to Old the final choice. After that, we’ll run Expect a Special Edition “All Reg- ert Rushing for publication in the MGB Number One after reading about it all it on the cover and the runners-up in ister” Mutual Aid Directory in the mail Driver and executive board so that we these years. the same issue. Deadline for entries is in the near future. This year NAMGBR can place your name on the ballot that Speaking of looking at amazing September 1. Send one, send ten – all is teaming up with the people from is mailed to all of the North American cars, this is the final issue before MG will be considered. NAMGAR, AMGCR, the Triple MMM MGB Register Chapters in September. 2011 in Reno. As each of these All Hope to see you on the road! Register, GOF West, and NEMGTR, In closing, I would like to point Register events have shown, you’ll see Robert to produce the first All Register MAD out that NAMGBR is the only member- many of the very best MGs in North publication. The project is being run National MGB, MG Midget and America there. Everything from the handled by Bruce Wyckoff and Tony 1100/1300 organization. We cannot M-Type Midget to the MGB LE. Sounds Burgess and will enable those making continue to be the best without the perfect to me – hopefully I’ll see you On the Covers the drive to Reno a little less worrisome support and dedication of the vol- there! Front: It’s the ride in the Pennsyl- by knowing that help may only over unteers that step up to the plate and Staying on the theme of great cars vania sunshine, and those of us in the next hill and a phone call away. donate their time to make us number the north are really ready. – it’s time to have another Cover Girl Position available: I hate to say it one. A big THANK YOU goes out to contest. I’d like to run a great photo of but NAMGBR will be losing the service each and every one of you. Looking your car on the cover of the Novem- Back: MGs on the Shannon Race- track in Ontario. It was one of the of one of our longest serving treasur- forward to seeing you at MG 2011 “A ber/December issue. All I need is your events for MG 2010. ers, Alan Magnuson this fall. Alan has Western Experience” June 13 - 17. photos. Send me your highest resolu- served as Treasurer since 2007, finish- tion photo (or mail me the actual pho- In Reno, The Reno Friendly ing out the term of Sue Deagan and Safety Fast! Richard to). It will have to be at least a couple Raceway awaits you! being elected to two terms of his own. In my opinion, the Treasurer’s position is the second most impor- tant officer position in NAMGBR (the Page 21 MG 2011 • Update Secretary being first). Besides handling By Rick Ingram, executive director N.A. Council of MG Registers the income and paying the bills, the Page 29 British Motor Trade Association Treasurer provides the executive board By Robert Rushing, Editor, MGB Driver with income projections that allows us to plan what if any new benefits we Page 31 The Future is in Your Hands can offer the members. The Treasurer By Don Lavoie British Cars of New Hampshire gives the annual financial report that is printed in the MGB Driver for all of Page 34 The Pilgrimage • Final Installment the members to see. The Treasurer By Simon Dix, MG Club of St Louis works with our accounting firm to make sure that we remain in compli- Page 41 Rally Photos ance with both the Federal and State All Rally Photos by Tony Large • Submitted by Ken Smith governments and our 501C7 not-for-

The Inside Line profit corporation status remains in Page 48 Basic B • MG Wheel Balancing and Care effect. By Dave Braun, Minnesota MG Group If you are interested in serving the Silver Legacy host hotel, front view. 4 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 5 Secretary’s Report Vice Chairman s you read this edition MG 2011 will be only a few weeks away, if ’m not saying a word about MG you have not signed up to join 2011. If you haven’t heard about the A us, do so today! Do not forget to check all-MG convention in Reno/Tahoe I Kim de Bourbon out the “Rallye to Reno” trip across Denny Elimon this June … well, there’s no excuse for country on Route 50 with many in- you! Vice Chairman Secretary NAMGBR teresting points of interest. Go online NAMGBR Driving season is upon is in most to check out these events. Make sure parts of the continent. After the winter as nice as they could be. Before you you mark your schedule to attend our Three dues reminders are sent: one many of us have had, it will be a deli- know it, you are lusting after that first Register Night event as we continue to month prior to membership lapse, cious moment when you get your MG trophy. celebrate our twentieth anniversary. then again on the month they lapse, out into the sunshine again and take If you are like me, over the course If you are not currently an active and then a final reminder. When your off down the road for that first spin of of a couple years you collect some NAMGBR member and planning to dues are paid, the system removes you the year. second- and third-place trophies, and participate in MG 2011, we encour- from the reminder list. Recently, we It’s also show season, so I thought maybe even a first. Your car is pretty age you to become a member to take have had numerous e-mails bounce. I’d share some reflections of what car nice, but you drive it all the time, so advantage of the membership benefits. These e-mails could not be delivered shows mean to me, and how enjoy- it’s hard to maintain it in first-class Feel free to check with any of our and result in your e-mail address be- ment of them seems to go through condition. current members about membership. ing deleted from our files. We prefer stages. At some point, you stop putting We will offer membership online for announcements by e-mail and due First off, as a new MG owner, you as much effort into prepping the car registration until the event starts. payment electronically. Your account are most likely hesitant about entering for shows … and before you know it, I recently attended the Auto information is always secure and never a show. What, my car? It’s not a show you’re entering your car without even Jumble Swap Meet held in Wheaton, made available to other companies. car! It may take some persuasion to get bothering to wash it, because you’re Illinois, and enjoyed selling and shop- If you are utilizing PayPal to a newbie owner to turn out to a show, there for the camaraderie, to hang out ping for parts. It was great to meet all make your due payments, take time to because the uninitiated think they are with friends old and new, and to enjoy the NAMGBR members in attendance. include your membership number. We only for top-notch, original cars. the day. This event continues to grow and continue to receive PayPal payments Then, once you attend your first The great thing is that the MG provide everyone with a great oppor- from individuals that we are unable show, you discover the thrill of seeing world accommodates ALL types of car tunity to buy and sell parts. It always to locate in our records. Payments many different types of cars, in all owners, and you can feel comfortable marks the beginning of my car events received on behalf of members by stages of existence and restoration. In- no matter what stage of ownership season. After the long winter we expe- business PayPal accounts, significant evitably, you start comparing your car you’re in. There’s always someone to rienced, it was good to get out for the others, etc, are difficult to credit with- to others. (Well, it’s better than this hang out with who feels just the same swap meet. The Chicagoland MG Club out membership numbers. We strive to one! Or, not quite as nice as that one.) way about their car. did a great job hosting the event. make sure members get proper credit. This often leads to the thrill of So … Get out there and enjoy your In this electronic age, members I look forward to meeting every- competition – What can you do to car! are encouraged to take a few minutes one at MG 2011, take time to stop by your car to turn it into a vote-getter? You can reach me at vicechair- to update their e-mail address when it our registration booth and say Hello! The more shows you attend, the more [email protected], or phone me at is changed. We send due reminders for Feel free to contact me if you need as- you discover bits and pieces on your 570-994-5748, any time. Kim due payment to members by e-mail. sistance. Denny car that may not be quite right, or not

Giant mining rig inside the Silver Legacy hotel.

6 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 7 Anniversary with the printing and income of $5,800.89. The Financial shipping of the special edition of the Profit & Loss Statement, October 1, MGB Driver and key fob. As a result, 2010 - March 14, 2011, accompanies From the Treasurer NAMGBR experienced a negative net this article. Alan pring is in the air! MG 2011 will soon be upon us. Have you made Syour reservations for the premier MG event of the summer? The North Alan Magnuson American Council of MG Registers Treasurer North American MGB Register is eager to welcome to you to Reno, NAMGBR Nevada, this June 13-17, 2011! Profit & Loss On your way to Reno, consider making a pilgrimage to the Bonnev- manager, for these 1950s speed record October 1, 2010 - March 14, 2011 ille Salt Flats, site of many MG speed attempts. record attempts. The Bonneville Salt Flats are north of Interstate 80 between 1954 - Captain George Eyston & Ken Miles, Salt Lake City, Utah and Wendover, EX 179, 1500 c.c. 153.69 mph (10 miles), Total Income Nevada. 120.74 mph for 12 hours MG can trace its land speed record CCard Fee 624.00 attempts to its racing roots of the early 1956 - Ken Miles & Johnny Lockett, EX 179, D&O Chapter 4.54 1930s. In spite of the formal Morris 1500 c.c. 170.15 mph (10 miles), 141.71 mph Dues 27,427.00 Motors Ltd company racing ban, a for 12 hours Miscellaneous Income 3.52 series of experimental cars were made Regalia Sales 627.57 allowing MG to set several world speed 1957 - Stirling Moss, EX 181, 1500 c.c. 245.64 Shipping 72.70 records. mph (1 kilometer) Sponsorship 4,192.47 Captain George Eyston, in 1931, Total Income $32,951.80 drove EX120, 743cc, 100 mph (for one 1959 - Phil Hill, EX 181, 1506 c.c. 254.53 mph hour) in Montlhery, France. He was (1 mile) Gross Profit $32,951.80 also involved in EX127 and EX135 (“The Humbug”) record attempts. In Rover sponsored attempts at the Expenses 1934, he drove EX135 to 128.7 mph Bonneville Salt Flats: (over a one mile course) before he sold Advertising & promotion 2,815.00 the car. Captain Eyston held the world 1990 - Andy Green, EX225 (MGF) V8 4,797 Bank Credit Card Fees 703.18 land speed record in 1938 driving c.c., desired speed of 255 mph+ not attained Insurance 90.00 Thunderbolt (not an MG) to 357 mph MGB Driver 22,965.09 at Bonneville. 2003 MG ZT-T V8 Estate wagon, X-15 225.6 Miscellaneous 242.29 Major Goldie Gardner was the mph (1 mile) Mutual Aid Directory 791.97 next driver of the re-skinned EX135, Office 2,218.16 1100cc, which covered one mile at the In addition to MG 2011, we look PayPal Fees 63.15 speed of 203.9 mph on the German forward to your participation at MG/ Postage and Delivery 5,639.47 Autobahn in 1939. British events in North America. Please Printing and Reproduction 762.01 MG came to Bonneville in 1951 check out the 2011 Event Schedule Professional Fees 600.00 with Lt Col Goldie Gardner in EX135 inside the back cover. The NAMGBR Regalia - Purchases 75.84 now powered by a supercharged Executive appreciates your enthusiasm Taxes Paid 15.00 production 1250cc MG TD engine. for MGs and your continued member- Telephone 866.35 Goldie obtained six international and ship in your local club and NAMGBR. Travel 905.18 ten American records in the 1100cc We have NAMGBR regalia including to 1500cc engine class. In 1952, he re- 20th Anniversary key fobs and shirts Total Expenses $38,752.69 turned to Bonneville with MG EX135 available for sale. and set 21 speed records in the same On the business side, for the first Net Operating Income $ -5,800.89 engine class as the previous year. half of our fiscal 2010-11 year, income Net Income $ -5,800.89 Captain George Eyston returned from dues renewals and sponsorships to the MG team at the Bonneville Salt have been similar to 2009-10. Expens- Flats, first as a driver and then as team es increased as we celebrated our 20th

8 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 9 Limited Edition Registrar ello again, and by now you should be well on the way with Hyour preparations to attend MG 2011, in Reno, Nevada during June! It promises to be the “Mother of all MG meets” so we hope to see you there. Ken Smith Another of the “big ‘uns” has MGB Registrar joined our Register – an- other genuine 1974 Factory MGB/GT V8 owned and imported by Reid Trummel up there in Oregon. This car, GD2D1 1164G , is the same color, Damask Red, as the V8 that I owned for several years in England before we finally ended up here in the States. What a car! I just wish I had it now….A brief word of explanation on the chassis numbers for the 1996 MGB of Jim Proia V8’s. The “G” denotes the marque MG – the first “D” tions for the MGB in England. ” MGB denotes a V8 engine-the the body code 50” as it is titled, is scheduled to be “2D” which signified that the car was a held at Blenheim Palace in Oxford- two door, and the “1” signified the first shire, where a lot of the publicity shots series. All V8s had the suffix “G” after for the MGB were staged. The date is the body number of the model denot- September 26, 2012, which date is ing the car was built at Abingdon. just two days after the MGB was first Also at the suggestion of Randy launched in 1962. Watch this space, Fritz in Colorado, I will now put the but also you might care to visit the web States where the owner lives, after each site being set up for this momentous new registration we print in the MGB event: www.mgb50.com. Driver. The thought occurs to me that I have also received early news someone, somewhere, (not me!!) might of the Fiftieth Anniversary celebra- just organize a trip to ”MGB 50” for the many MGB owners who might wish to celebrate the oc- casion. By then, airfares might be cheaper and travel restric- tions eased. Just a thought! I myself would love to at- tend this great meeting where many examples of Britain’s Favorite Sportscar will be on show – from first to last! I also heard from our Ex- Leyland member Paul Lewis who gave me the story on how his beloved MG Midget Sabrina bumpered MGB of Ian Wood broke down due to an intake

10 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 11 his engine number plate under the two middle spark plugs, which reads: ivor Letters to the Editor Searle.ref. RS55467. Robert, Antique and Classic Cars – from Rolls- Type 1072. Now, Ivor Enough is Enough is Enough! On Royce to the most simple example made Searle is the UK’s Saturday, January 22, 2011, I was invited – and they also have timed rallies where it largest supplier of to a restoration seminar that was held at a is a challenge to win. remanufactured en- shop in Connecticut. We went in a group Of course, Americans have a gines and gearboxes of five and the shop foreman gave us a different view of the Old Car movement, for a wide range of tour of the shop. The business was very than that of Europe or Britain. cars so obviously the impressive, but in my estimation, the work For me, I enjoy driving my 1950 original MGB engine was overkill. There were over 100 cars in MG TD and my 1967 MGB roadster, the process of getting done. There were which are in outstanding condition; but Paul Lewis’ broken down MG Midget in Chema’s car has been replaced with a reconditioned cars that were owned by well-known ce- I don’t think I would like to eat off the one. lebs. There were cars that were being done, engines, which are cleaner than clean. guide stuck open after an engine such as Bentleys, Corvettes, Cadillac, I will trailer if an event is a long rebuild. However, this was not Paul’s Finally, a Registration that warmed my old heart! Thomas Mar- MGs, Volkswagens, etc. There were one- distance away, not harassing high-speed fault as having rebuilt the engine of-a-kind autos and more. There was one traffic on the highways, where some inter- himself, he had sent the head out to chese registered his 1980 MGB and added a note on his registration form: split rear window Corvette that the owner states have 75-80 mph speed limits with have new valve guides fitted at a local said that it was not done to his liking, so my old car. machine shop. Number seven intake “I’m glad to have a sportscar again. I am 73 years young and driving the the shop was refinishing the exterior. This Sincerely, —B. McLaren valve had stuck open so he took the car in my estimation was as perfect in all head back and the shop gave him his MGB makes me feel young again!” That’s the spirit Thomas – right on! ways to me. We asked what they get mon- I recently read something that money back! Now in case any of you eywise for an interior. He replied that they gave me pause as far as trailering are thinking that Paul is an amateur Our latest registrations to the cars go – “Anyone who doesn’t like MGB database, which now totals 3302 start at $7000 and up. So enough said for at engine rebuilds let me tell you his a complete restoration. someone using a trailer for a con- background. MGBs, are detailed below. Thank you cours car, has never restored a car all, for sending information on your There were cars being sold in the to concours level. It is hard work!” I He first arrived in the USA in show room and one of them was a 1967 March of 1976, and started work as a cars and if you’ve not already done so – have to admit I can see the point of please register your car with me today! GTO convertible (no air and the motor that statement… mechanic for an MG dealer called Bob was not correct) selling for $67,000. I Bell Imports in Salem, Virginia. As a Dick Czeikowitz - 78 MGB (TN) stopped there. I didn’t want to ask about new immigrant, one of the first things other cars that he had for sale in the he had to do was take a US driving test. John Lester - 80 MGB (FL) shop. Cars were designed to be used (and The company gave him a brand new Trey & Carol Schreiber - 79 MGB (AZ) maybe eventually restored back to original MGB to take the test in – Tahiti Blue in Craig Wolfgang. 71 MGB (NJ) condition) and to be enjoyed by the owner, color – and on the test the driving ex- Chris Venning - 73 MGB (BC Canada) and to be driven to events. Unfortunately, aminer was fascinated with the MGB Paul Simeone - 74 MGB/GT (CT) when a person owns a car of that caliber, and how it handled and all the way Reid Trummel - 74 MGB/GT V8 (OR) they lose some of the fun. While it is through the test was asking Paul ques- nice to have the monies to do this type of tions about the car they were in. At the Thomas Dunn - 77 MGB (IN) Lee & Janet Schook - 80 MGB (OR) rebuild, in my estimation it is way over end of the test, Paul asked, “How did being overkill. Cars were not designed to I do?” The examiner said you passed, Bernard Schaller - 74 MGB (France!) be done in this manner. Enjoy the cars you Hi Robert, no problem, but where do I buy one of Steve Loeding - 79 MGB (AZ) own, and drive them the way they were Interesting article about the Jubilee these cars?! Geirge Hussey - 67 MGB/GT Special designed to be. MGB-GT in the MGB Driver. I would like Do you own GHN5UL324460G? If Thomas Marchese - 80 MGB (FL) Enjoy what you have, not wish it was to add my little account with the car. In so then member John Harte may have Robert Vanesse - 69 MGB (CT) better. —James Gelbman the early 1990s while visiting the Auburn something of interest to you! Due to Thomas Wade - 79 MGB (FL) Cord Duesenberg Museum in Auburn an administrative error, John received Jim Pallace - 70 MGB (MD) Robert, Indiana, I was happily surprised to find a a Heritage Certificate for this MGB, Neil Kalee - 79 MGB (MI) I have read your comments with re- 1975 Jubilee MGB/GT in the collection. As which he will gladly send to whoever gard to trailered cars to events and shows. I was new to the MG hobby, it was inter- owns the car mentioned above! Richard Eisele - 63 MGB (MI) No that IS NOT MY IDEA, but that of the esting to me that this was a left hand drive And speaking of numbers, I had Edward Zwier - 1980 MGB LE (Holland!) British Antique car movement (Vintage car as I had read that the Jubilees were all a note via Rick Brown, from Chema Dewey Davis - 74 1/2 MGB/GT (OH) and Veteran Car Clubs) where they are right hand drive. I figured I had stumbled Basco who owns a 1974 MGB. GN- Ron Korzeniewski - 72 MGB (TN) setting a standard with F.I.V.A. head- onto a special one-off model from the H5336066G. He was inquiring about Ted Beckwith - 67 MGB (TN) quarters in France and the Word Body for factory. 12 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 13 The following February while attend- but since it was taken over by Ford, they thing lined up. We had backing from the that I was wondering if there is anything ing a tech seminar at University Motors, have disposed of a lot of the cars and English Tourist Board and two possible that can be done to protect our issues of I mentioned this car to John Twist who parts. These include the cars made in our sites. One at the old USAF base in Alcon- the Driver. I have received several with pointed out that all the Jubilees were right show shop, that were sectioned in half, bury a few miles away from Syd’s collec- damaged covers and pages, the latest hand drive and were not imported to the and painted by Geoff Jinks, who spent all tion, where he had sold many MGBs to included, I will gladly pay for some kind United States. So much for my one-off the- his days with a tiny brush painting all the American Service personnel stationed at of cover for mailing. The mailing tabs are ory... That September while attending the engine parts, and all the edges of the cars, the base. The other location was at Milton torn open, pages damaged also. I don’t Kruuse International Auction in Auburn, after they were sprayed in cellulose for bet- Keynes – a new town outside London. know if any one else is having this prob- I came across the car again. It was up for ter polishing. Cars were normally painted Here the council was very interested in the lem or not, I look for ward to every issue auction. There was a card on it explaining in synthetic material. possibility of an MG Museum to attract and read it cover to cover and I keep them that it had been in the ACD Museum, but visitors to an area, which had little or no ,so it would help if they got here in good it was a replica not an original model. I With best wishes, features of note. condition. Thank you to all involved for never did find out what the car went for or —Adrian Goodenough Sadly, Syd never proceeded with the doing such a good job on the Driver. to where. So this article brought back some museum concept, and passed away before —Bob Stahlman good memories for me.—Tony Shoviak It’s always good to hear from any further plans could be made. What you, Adrian. If you have any more happened to the cars I cannot say but they Bob, I’ll bring this up to the Exec Thanks for that info Tony – that’s memories to share, I’d love to print were at that time stored in a huge barn of board and explore some options. one more piece of the puzzle! them! a place. I guess some have been sold now and the others have probably rusted away Hi Robert, Dear NAMGBR, Hi Robert! somewhere! In Volume 6, #3 there was an article Many thanks for the latest issue of I have just this morning received my So an MG Museum deserving of the titled “The First Heritage MGB Bodyshell the MGB Driver, and while I found it very member’s copy of the Mar/April MGB name may never come to pass and in Rebuild” by Alfred Lane. This was part interesting, I also found that Robert’s visit Driver (better late than never) – although the current economic climate, it would one of a multiple part article. Was part to Abingdon brought back a few memories in the state it arrived it would seem that be difficult to raise the money for such a two ever published? Also, several years ago some good-others not so good! After the everyone who works for the Post Office project. I think fondly of the MG Museum my wife purchased for me two CDs con- factory closed a large group of ex-employ- had read it! It had been opened and was of Gerry Goguen up in Vermont, which, taining the first ten years of MG Driver. ees had a meeting to see whether it was rather dog-eared!! while containing some lovely cars and Unfortunately there is a problem with the possible to rent or buy the office block in However, I must say your article on memorabilia, was just too far from a second disk which doesn’t allow most of Cemetery Road which was the building Abingdon brought back a lot of memories major conurbation to make it worthwhile. the MG Driver issues to be opened. I now where John Thornley’s office was located. and your plea for a “proper” MG Museum The Welsh Museum up north was another see that the past 14 years is not available A couple of the lads came up with somewhere is timely. The one they have fascinating place to visit when we had our on one CD. Who can I email concerning the idea of “Adopt a Brick” which we at the moment (even if it was open) is pa- 1999 Convention. acquiring this latest CD? thought was a brilliant idea. So everyone thetic! And while Brian Moylan has done I am not sure whether the British Thanks for your help, —Mark Jones interested, and there were hundreds at the his best since 2007 it’s just not happening. deserve an MG museum at all! If they time, agreed to pay £10 each and then Let me take you back to the mid- haven’t got their act into gear 30 years Mark, you’ll need to contact the they would receive a certificate acknowl- eighties when I was running a successful after the factory closed then they probably Secretary for a replacement CD, but I’m sure that won’t be a problem. edging their contribution. This scheme P.R. company called MG World, specializ- never will, but it seems that each succes- went on for a period of over a year with ing in MG advertising and projects for sev- As far as the article, I talked to Ken sive generation thinks someone else will Smith and Kim Tonry yesterday. The two men involved in collecting the £10 eral of the larger companies in England. undertake the task of Maintaining The At one time, I was approached by Syd Beer reason why the second article was from each contributor. One guy was an Breed! never published was because it was ex-MG employee, and the other individual to transfer film of his trip to China in an A final note – if ever a proper MG never written. I will tell you that I’m came from Oxford, but after a year he left MG Y-Type on to video tape. I knew Syd museum opened in this country, I would working with Lloyd Faust to have him the committee, and also moved house-no quite well and while he could be a bit of willingly donate all my MG stuff to go write up his experiences with the one was able to contact him! The ex-MG a curmudgeon and did not suffer fools on display. Books, artifacts, models, building of the first new bodyshell employee also moved from Abingdon to gladly he always had the best interests of memorabilia the lot ...and I’m sure we and see if he can maybe pick up where that other article left off. Spain, again out of touch! There were a the marque at heart. The video transfer could get owners to loan their cars for lot of people in Abingdon upset and very completed, Syd then asked me to under- display. That’s my two cents!! Hi Robert, angry at this outcome and the old office take a feasibility study for locating an MG —Ken Smith block remained empty for many years. Museum somewhere in the Home Coun- I would like to thank you for all your Abingdon has very little space for an ties and preferably close to Abingdon. Syd Ken, maybe it’s time to bring the efforts to make the MGB Driver an infor- MG Museum in County Hall, just a small had a large collection of over 30 MGs he subject up again – on an internation- mative and well rounded journal. As you room at the top of the building which is had accumulated over the years including al level this time! can see from the picture, I am not the only currently closed. Most of the MG pieces are a 18/80, a couple of R-Types, and many one who appreciates and enjoys a good kept out at Standlake, in a large ware- other cars of significant interest. Hi Robert, technical article. Keep ‘em coming! house. All the big stuff went to Gaydon, Several months later we had every- The reason I am contacting you is Best wishes, —Sunny Sonnenrein

14 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 15 a one-track mind. It would have been then enter “Who Killed The British Car And, don’t apologize for the ‘Pilgrim- good to get better acquainted with you. I Industry”, you will get a half hour video age’ articles, I found them very enjoyable do read the MGB Driver every issue. I’m narrated by Jeremy Clarkson. He goes as I love England (my Mum was from member 12-4878. back to the 1950’s when Morris and Manchester) and really like to read first The attached copy of a letter is from Austin merged to form BMC. He then goes hand accounts like yours. The history the fellow who bought all the drinks at to the British Leyland years to where all of and background of MG is more what I’m our table. He sent it and the money to the major British car manufactures were interested in, I’m not a mechanic and have me thinking that Joe wasn’t going to at- brought together and then killed off one by never raced any kind of car--but, I love tend. Since Joe was there, I gave all the one till nothing was left. reading about where the cars came from, money to him to do with as he and Tucker Hope you are very well,—Paul Lewis who made them, and the slow-motion wished. Originally, Tucker wanted to buy tragedy of BMC/BL/MG-Rover. a round in a bar, but there were no bars to Great video Paul! Keep up the good work! be had. So, Joe made do at the dinner. If —Randy Thomas you’d like to print an acknowledgement to Tucker and Ericka, I’m sure it would be Randy, I really appreciate what appreciated. you said! You may not have a club Don’t know if you had the steak at close by, but you have some abso- that gathering, but my wife and I did. lutely amazing country to drive your car through. I competed in an endur- Worst piece of tree bark I’ve ever tried ance rally through eastern Kentucky/ to eat! Keep up the good work with the western West Virginia four or five NAMGBR newsletter. It’s a superior years ago and was amazed by the product. It’s good that the NAMGBR is a great roads and scenery. Now speak- That’s a smart cat – obviously member now. ing of driving long distances, here is pointing out a better way for Simon And don’t hesitate to bring up a little suggestion for MGers travel- to remove his spring shackle nuts! anything you’d like before the board in the ing to Reno: BMTA. I’m here to serve and advance the Robert, cause. As MG owners, Jerri and I find that Great article of significant impor- Cheers, —Skip Harris we are always looking for something in tance on page 52 - IRS Compliance What our emergency pack to occupy the least Every Board Member Should Know. As Here is the Letter from Tucker: amount of space when we travel. You a non-profit association executive, I can Fellow BMTA’rs: Robert, know the routine... “This would be great tell you that this a growing concern and It is with great pleasure that I buy you One of my local club members found to have but will it take up too much one that EVERY member of EVERY Board this drink. I’m really missing being there, this at a Baltimore area junk yard. Be nice space?” Well, we have stumbled across should be concerned about. Regulatory so I thought the least I could do is to buy to know if there’s any real history here. that proverbial piece of cake that we compliance isn’t something you want to you this round as a gesture of my devo- —Richard Liddick wanted and found out that we can have it overlook or worse yet ignore. Members of tion to the BMATA. My only stipulation too! Since the MGs seem to run hot when Boards have a fiduciary responsibility and is no light beers, no Shirley Temples, real Very interesting – does anyone least expected, wouldn’t it would be great are legally accountable. Volunteer Board beer, real drinks only, for real people who have any information or pictures of to have a container to gather water, but members give their time and energy freely work on real cars. And if Skip is the only this car that we could publish? not take up too much space when empty? but still can be held accountable in the one there, you will find him passed out Enter the boxed packaged wines. event of an audit.and the consequences for in his room the next morning, courtesy of Robert, We have all seen these boxed wines, noncompliance can be substantial Autosport, Inc. I am Randy Thomas member #6- but have you realized the potential? Not Thanks, —Guy Snyder It’s too bad that Joe won’t be there as 2824 (1997) and just wanted to drop you only do the contents taste good, and after he was the reason I started this idea in the a line to say how much I enjoy the Driver, you have impressed you husband, wife, I agree Guy – in fact, my local first place. So now I pass the torch onto and how it keeps me connected to the gal, or significant other by your terrific club had a big discussion on that hobby – there aren’t many Little British wine choice, once the wine is gone, there recently to see how we can make sure him, so will have to buy the round next Car enthusiasts in Eastern Kentucky! remains a perfectly good, reusable and col- we’re in compliance. year! Sort of, kind of, missing you all, I belong to a NAMGBR affiliated club, lapsible MG-friendly bladder. Wines are the Appalachian British Car Society in packaged in various sizes, but we prefer Robert, —Tucker, Erika, and Bentley Kingsport, TN, but they are a hundred the three (3) liter Oak Leaf brand since First, my apologies for not know- miles south of here--great club, but I can’t it has a turn nozzle as opposed to others ing who you were and then not doing You can read more about the BMTA Conference later in this issue. participate as much as I would like to with that have a push button nozzle. They are something about it at the BMTA Confer- my ‘78 B. easily folded when empty and can even ence... My wife and I were sitting at the Hello, Thanks so much for the Anniversary be stored underneath the seats taking up same table with you, but at the opposite If you go to www.Streetfire.net and Issue, and the key fob, a very nice touch. minimal space. So if you need some extra end across from Joe Curto. I seem to have

16 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 17 water during your trip, no problem. Just titled: “MG Vintage Racers, current and stop by the nearest water source and fill past officers, from left: Roger Taylor.... “I up. Afterwards, the engine will be run- have no idea who those people are! They ning cooler and it might even smell like are definitely not MG Vintage Rac- a Chardonnay, Merlot or a Cabernet. No ers. Something got mixed up here. Just problem, just consider this an extra ambi- thought I’d let you know. Oh well, stuff ance during your MG driving experience. happens. Maybe we can convert them to Safety Fast! MG vintage racers! —Jerri & Ron Jarosz #0-168 In a few days you will receive a postal mailing from me on updates of MGVR’s Great idea Jerri & Ron – and 30th anniversary celebration at Lime Rock thanks for being such long-time in September. Just mailing it out now, members! to get the ball rolling on it. Thankfully, spring is arriving! Robert, —Greg Prehodka, MG Vintage Racers The MGB Driver arrived in today’s mail. Always a pleasure to receive – it Thanks for the kind words Greg! makes my day! Thank you and all in- You’re right – another example of volved for such a fine publication! I know one of my famous mistakes. The it takes a lot of work and dedication. And picture was of the fine officers of the thank you for running the MG Vintage Emerald Necklace MG Club receiving Racers’ press release on our 30th anni- their much deserved recognition as versary this year on page 55. Oh, how the the winners of the Nuffield Trophy for 2011. Sorry guys! years have flown by! But the photo on the top of the page is

18 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 19 MG 2011 Update

“C”, or Midget!) There have been some All Roads Lead to Reno in June! updates to the MG 2011 website (www. By Rick Ingram – Executive Director, North mg2011.com). If you’ve already regis- American council of M.G. Registers tered for the event, you may still want to go back into the website. Clarifica- s I write this update, MG 2011 tions have been made to the Register is only three months away! It nights; information on the MG 2011 seems as though I was still in Night at the ballpark is available; we’ve A added vegetarian meals to the box Gatlinburg helping out with MG 2006! By the time you read this issue, the lunches at the show field, and addi- event will only be a few short weeks tional vegetarian choices to the Thurs- away! day night awards banquet. Also, don’t The MG Council had its final site forget to order your MG 2011 regalia! visit to Reno in March; everyone in We have hats, t-shirts, polo shirts, Reno is looking forward to their own dress shirts, tote bags, sweatshirts… “British invasion”. All three hotel t-shirts and totes are screen printed; properties (the Silver Legacy, the Eldo- all other items are embroidery. Order rado, and Circus-Circus) are bending pre-event and pick up your regalia over backwards to accommodate al- items at the event. (Orders placed after most every need and desire that we’ve the third week of May will be sent via presented to them. The Reno-Sparks USPS as there will not be time to make Visitors and Convention Authority has these items before the event.) also been a great asset for us during the Registrations have been coming planning of this mega-event. in nicely; about 20% of the total have The Rallye-To-Reno has been a placed items into their “shopping very successful event, with Moss Mo- cart”. If the latter is something that tors and Victoria British both making you have done, please remember to nice contributions to the activity. go back into the website and finalize (Moss is even providing a support your choices. Also, remember that you vehicle stocked with commonly used can go back into your registration and parts for the M.G., be it a “T”, “A”, “B”, add items such as meals and regalia at

20 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 21 day. The autocross ball game” await those who choose be a limited number of box lunches for experience is certain this activity. Just save me some beer sale at the field the day of the event. to make you a better and Cracker Jack (you can keep the I highly advise that you reserve your driver (as well as a peanuts), okay?! lunch through MG2011.com today! better competitor in Our auction of donated items The awards banquet, held at the your local autocross (for example, George Herschell has Reno Ballroom across the street from competition); the donated several of his MG prints) the Silver Legacy, will be a fun evening performance driving will be held at the Silver Legacy on with a lot of surprises. You will want to module will also in- Wednesday night as well. We will also attend the pre-banquet happy hours crease your driving be entertained Wednesday evening by of your Register as some awards will be skills. Note that the the Morris Garage Band. Don’t miss given out at that time. We have a nice performance driv- these activities! buffet selected that should please the ing session is NOT a Keith Sanders and Mark Saylor palates of all attending. Our keynote competitive session, of the MGC Register have already speaker, Tim Suddard of Classic Mo- but is a learning tool determined how the MGs and vendors torsports Magazine, is certain provide available to you to at the show field at Rancho San Rafael an entertaining outlook of our hobby. better learn how will be displayed. We have a tremen- Don’t miss this activity! any time. Should you wish to decrease your car handles and performs (with dous amount of grass available to us As I’ve mentioned before, it is or eliminate an item, you will need to the added bonus of possibly making for our car show. Did you know that important that you advise us if you contact BlueSkyz to do so. you more competitive at a future track Rancho San Rafael is only one and half have elected to bring your MG to Reno Be sure to arrive by Monday after- event). Both modules include class- miles away from the hotel properties?! on a trailer. Offsite parking has been noon if possible, as you will not want room time (instructed by professional As you saw on the website, we have arranged; no trailers will be permitted to miss our opening activity at the drivers) and Behind-The-Wheel ses- box lunches available for pre-event in the hotel parking garages. I’ll either National Automobile Museum. You sions (also being conducted by profes- purchase. There will be no other food see you “on the road” or in Reno on must pre-register for this event. sional drivers). The fees of $75/driver vendors on the show field. There will June 17th! Our tech sessions will be held on (autocross) and $225/driver (perfor- Tuesday and Wednesday at the hotel mance driving) are quite a bargain. properties. We have a very knowledge- We’ve been making arrangements able group of enthusiasts (among them for an “MG 2011 Night” at the Reno being Ken Smith, John Twist, Lloyd Aces ballpark (located a short five- Faust, Brian McCullough, Bill Guz- minute walk from the hotel proper- man, and Pete Mantell) who are eager ties). Low ticket prices, special pre- to share their expertise with you. game events for our registrants and Tuesday night is “Register Night” their cars, and a fun night at the “old and each of the five MG registers has made some special arrangements with the hotels in order for their members to have a memorable night of camarade- rie. These “Register nights” are an activ- ity not to be missed. If you’ve not signed up for a Register Night, go back into the MG 2011 website and do it now! There are a few spots left for the Reno-Fernley driving events being held on Wednes- The lobby in one of the host hotels, Silver Legacy, the MG Council pose.

22 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 23 MG Midget Register By Bob Swetzer Car Register. Since my last report we have had G 2011 is fast approaching. some new Midget registrations. I ex- What I would like to see hap- pect to see more registrations now that Mpen this year is a very good spring is here. Hopefully there will be turnout of Midgets in Reno. If you several of us from the club making the do plan to drive your car to Nevada’s drive together to Reno. As the weather Biggest Little City for this event, please improves, drive safety fast! contact me at one of the e-mail or snail mail addresses furnished elsewhere Dwayne Olson - 1979 1500 in the magazine. We’ll work out a Jack Minch - 1979 1500 get together somewhere in the pro- Saul Klein - 1979 1500 gram. Meanwhile, after my Midget’s Jeffery Sigrest - 1976 (model modified with a engine work and front end repair, it is ready for the trip. I will be doing 1275cc engine) some more test-driving at the monthly Tony Godfrey - 1970 Mk. III events put on by the Tucson British

24 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 25 Readers Rides

One of the best places to test your MG, “Tail of the Dragon” stretches across Tennessee and North Carolina with 318 curves in 11 miles.

etc. I took the opportunity to have the into me in a parking lot. Can’t imagine transmission rebuilt as well. why she didn’t see me. To make a lon- Also during this time minor ger story shorter, this resulted in a tear MG overhaul to make this MG perfect. cosmetic work was going on. I found down of the car to rolling status a new By Larry Norton using his GI bill to go out I had two passenger seats so had paint job, new dash, etc. etc. Peachtree MG Register back to law school. to source a drivers side. New seat I got the car back just after learn- E-mail correspondence followed coverings, new interior panels. When ing we were transferring back to work have owned a number of different with pictures, etc. I didn’t see any ap- complete, my first outing was to one headquarters in Atlanta in November MGs over the years starting with a parent rust on the car and we negoti- of our Natter & Noggins on Saturday. 2004. I had six weeks to put him all 66B around 1972. I got hooked in I ated a price and a deal pending my Needless to say I was very happy to back together and then Gayle followed high school when a friend got an MGA personal inspection upon arrival. Plan make the trip and back, about 40 miles me on the drive to our new home in Coupe. We would trade cars from time was to fly to Denver, have the owner with no issues. Dacula, Georgia. As is always the case to time and each enjoyed the change pick me up to go test/review the car. If From that point in time the car with our hobby, you can always find of pace. I’d still like to have a MGA I was satisfied then the deal would be has had constant upgrades and chang- something to improve or enhance Coupe but that’s a different story. done. We lived in Plano, Texas, at the es. The biggest occurred when a lady your car and that continues to this day. Years later and I have two MGBs in time and I was to drive the car back – in a large SUV on a cell phone backed the garage. Both 1973s, one a roadster, roughly 850 miles. and the newest acquisition, a GT. I’m Everything was going fine until now good for any kind of weather. about 70 miles east of Denver when oil The 73 roadster was acquired after pressure quickly went south. Oops! I Gayle and I repatriated to the US back called the PO and he agreed to come in 2001 after an overseas assignment and meet me and take me back to Den- with my company. ver for the night. He would pick me I was looking for a B that had lived up and deliver me to a U-Haul facility its life in a southern environment and where I could rent a truck and trailer that was “rust free”. Now, being origi- for the rest of the trip back to Texas. nally from a northern state this is a This part of the trip worked as sometimes-futile effort and the search planned and I arrived back in Texas took some time. I wanted a good body exhausted but happy I had my rust and something that could be driven free car. Now here is where you might while I did a rolling restoration. Funny think that I discovered holes, hidden how quickly things can change. rust, etc. in the car, but no, there was I found car in Aurora, Colorado, none. The basis for what I had wanted. that was described as a New Mexico The issue now was that I was going to and Southern California car. The have to rebuild the motor much sooner couple who owned it had just returned than anticipated. As many of you from a tour of duty in Germany and know once you start down that path the car had been in storage for just over opportunities appear. Machine work, two years. The car was being driven decked, hard valve seats, upgraded daily as the gentleman in question was rocker assembly, fast cam, headers etc.

26 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 27 Book Review: “Making My Marque” By Connie Ness and Paul Linney the western fronts on the war with Ja- ISBN: 978-0-615-42730-0 pan. He had many adventures during Self-Published that period and his service helped the RAF keep the Japanese out of India. had seen a lot of talk about Making After the war, Paul became a My Marque in several newsletters professional mechanic at the very shop Iand was very interested in reading he used to work part-time as a teen. it. As luck would have it, Connie Ness, It was also during The event was well run. The image above shows most attendees, their heads may be a bit small. the author, con- this period that he tacted me about owned his first MG reviewing it for and participated in a British Motor Trade Association Conference the MGB Driver. number of races and I had a vacation motorsports events. BMTA • Conference New Products at the BMTA coming up so I Always looking for a decided to save challenge, it wasn’t the book to read long before he pur- while lying on a sued some career he 2011 British Motor Trade As- balmy beach. It opportunities sociation annual conference took didn’t make it that that allowed him Tplace next door to the famous far. I started to read to spend many Daytona Beach racetrack in sunny it on the plane and years traveling the Florida on February 4-6. The beautiful it was so riveting, I world in various weather was welcomed by most of the was finished before jobs. I can only attendees who came from snowbound we landed just three areas. In fact, several members were imagine how ex- HS carburetor floats from Joe Curto. short hours later. citing those times unable to attend this year due to flight The book fol- were and all the cancellations. There were several new products lows the life of Paul fun he must have Focusing on fostering better on display during the conference. Joe Linney. It begins had. communications with customers and Curto (joecurto.com) demonstrated with his growing up It was dur- supporters, most of the discussions his new floats made from Nitrophyl, in a very conservative ing a stint in and presentations during the week- a non-fuel absorbing foam (closed post-World War I Eng- Chicago when end concerned the latest tools to help cell elastomer). These are the kinds of land. His early child- he met the love businesses promote the industry. Talks materials used if you bought a modern hood was marked by of his life, his wife covered such topics as emerging trends American carburetor. According to the a separation in his Maxine. Married in 1959, they spent in media, effective websites, social net- Manufacturer, it “…has a superior resis- family, but it didn’t seem to have to many more years traveling and head- working, serving as a spokesperson for tance to chemicals especially new fuel a negative impact on him. As a teen, ing up some amazing work projects the industry, the importance of used mixtures.” The HS float is Joe’s own he developed an early love of cars and while Max pursued her love of art. parts, sharing technical knowledge, item as well as the Zenith float for the worked part-time in a local shop where The last third of book covers Paul’s and e-newsletters. TR4 CD carb The H and HD floats were he first encountered the MG marque. second love – MGs. Covered are num- One of the highlights of the con- a joint venture with XKs Unlimited Paul wanted to pursue his interest in ber of the cars he restored during his ference was a tour and barbeque held in California, they also did the float cars and engineering, but was “encour- retirement, including several pre-war at the offices of Classic Motorsports/ for the Emissions Zenith as found on aged” by his family to become a chef, MGs, as well as his founding of the Grassroots Motorsports Magazine. The MGB, XKE, and TR6. The costs are rea- resulting in him apprenticing in the North Carolina MG Car Club – which next morning, Tim Suddard and his sonable. The HS float is $18.50 each, best restaurant in London until the he is still very active with today. staff held a cars and coffee event for the H/HD is $22.50, the CDSE Zenith start of the war. As the subtitle of the book says, attendees with many local enthusiasts float is $18.50, and the CD float is $30. The story continues by following it’s “The Remarkable Life of a Straight- showing up with some very beautiful Dry weights were cast into the floats so him through his service during the talking Limey”. I think that sums it up cars to display. if you suspect something is a-miss you war. Being a patriotic young lad, he nicely. To order a copy, go to the North The next BMTA conference will can weigh them on a gram scale and volunteered for the RAF and went to Carolina MG Car Club website – www. be held in the February-March 2012 see if they have gone porous mechanic school. He spent most of the ncmgcarclub.org and click the link for timeframe in Denver, Colorado. war years in India, keeping up the mo- instructions. tor fleets for the air wings in support of 28 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 29 The Future Is In Your Hands

Robert Clark, right, and Glen Lenhard creators By Don Lavoie I picked him up at his house, and and producers of the more convenient pocket British Cars of New Hampshire proceeded to the High School. He was map for the MGB. fifteen and been driving before with year or two ago, somebody in Robert Clark, of Clark and Clark his stepfather. I pulled over and told BCNH was talking about the (clarkandclarkinc.com), highlighted him it was his turn to drive. His eyes future of the Club and who was his new MGB Map Pocket, made from A opened wide, and then a serious look going to take our places as we passed tough, black ABS plastic. Unlike the came over his face as he told me he had into the British Hall of Fame in the Sky. factory map pocket that suffers from never driven a standard before. I told Are we going to pass on our beloved being narrow and deep, this new Stuart Arbeit of Custom Spares him now was as good a time as ever. cars to our sons, daughters, nieces or design, while being similar to the Ltd (customsparesltd.com), in their We switched seats and after a brief nephews? Do they even share our original, is so much more usable. The continuing goal of supplying top qual- shifting lesson, he pulled away. By the love for these special cars or do they front is cut down enabling the user ity aftermarket parts for older British time we headed back to his house, he consider them just something that’s to see what is inside, and to much and European automobiles, brought a had mastered up to third gear. At the going to leave those awful oil stains in more easily reach it. There are left and variety of new products – new engine beginning of his street, we pulled over. the driveway? Will they just sell it to right hand designs, allowing for use mounts, distributor caps, and repro- I got out and said, “take it home”. His some stranger? in either footwell – or if you want to duction Lucas tri-pod headlights. parents had been waiting outside and How many times have you been remain more traditional, there is a full The new headlights look to be of an were quite startled when they saw him to a cruise night and seen youngsters non-cut version available. outstanding quality. driving up to their house. They had a spending more time looking at your camera ready, never expecting to be British car as opposed to the “muscle taking pictures of their son actually cars”? Ever see the gleam in their eyes? driving. I later heard that he was on How many of you asked them if they the phone all night telling his friends would like to sit in your car? I have he had driven a 1972 MGB (and had done this many times, and after the pictures to prove it). initial shock of being asked, a smile Last year, my sister mentioned would come to their face and they that her friend had asked if I would would carefully open the door and take her son for a ride. She was re- slide behind the wheel. They would luctant to ask me as she really didn’t reluctantly leave, but not without their know me. I think she had planned on minds racing, a smile on their face and following us! As it turned out, I had a very sincere, “Thank you”. another sister living in California who I have taken this approach on became terminally ill and my summer many occasions, always with the was pretty much taken up with mul- Reproduction Lucas tri-pod headlights, and new engine mounts are offered by Custom Spares Ltd. same result. Two years ago, a friend tiple trips to San Francisco, so his ride asked if her son could go for a ride. 30 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 31 was put on hold. We were able to bring my sister back home in September and I got to know Jonathan Connors, along with his parents, as they were always there whenever we needed help or just moral support. Jonathan is fifteen and his parents should be very proud of him. Not only is he mature for his age, but he shows respect and polite- ness not normally associated with a teenager. I had not forgotten the promised ride and in July I called to see if Jona- than was available. I needed to pick up a few items at the junkyard. As it turned out, besides being his first ride in a British car, it was also his first trip to a junkyard. I’m sure most of you can 1932 “MG Girl” targets young drivers . remember your first time scrounging clude him at a BCNH event, either around, not only looking for a specific the monthly dinner drive or the Fall part, but also being in awe at all the foliage run as my co-pilot. I can only little “goodies” that a junkyard has to imagine the feeling he’ll have being offer. part of a British entourage. The ride took about half an hour I’m sure you’re wondering what to get there and we spent a good hour was going through my mind as I let searching for her parts. He was enjoy- strangers sit and drive my pride and ing every moment. The temperature joy. I won’t deny that I had those was in the nineties and the sweat was nervous butterflies, but the looks on drenching us. We were both relieved these kid’s faces more than made up when we were able to get back on the for them as the picture of Jonathan tree-lined roads with the breeze in our attests. faces. We took the long way back to his So don’t be afraid to give a child a house, stopping on the way for a Coke. chance sit in your car, or better still, to When I dropped him off, I gave let them feel the wind in their face as him two promises: that I would take you’re driving down a country road. him to an empty parking lot and let Who knows, they just may become him drive the MG, and that I would in- future members!

32 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 33 centerfold

The famous MG record breaking cars. The Pilgrimage

if you wish to learn more. One other Final Installment attraction on site was the Land Rover By Simon Dix Test Area that allows customers to MG Club of St Louis drive through some rugged terrain and All provided by Simon Dix get an idea of what kind of abuse their new Land Rovers can take. 1896 Wolseley - the first one lthough I have been to Beaulieu Although we wondered around by The beautiful MG 18/80. in the distant past, going back ourselves for a while when we arrived, Ato before I even moved to the there was an organized tour that we USA, I had not previously been to, linked up with and a great guy named or even heard of the Heritage Mo- Bill Lacey gave us the tour. Bill’s ap- tor Centre (HMC) at Gaydon. Robert proach was to not go car by car and Rushing was up on all things MG talk about the car’s specifications, and as Gaydon was in relatively close but more on the overall history of the proximity to everything else we had automobile and the British motor in- planned, this became part of the vaca- dustry. He started us off at the very be- tion as well. ginning of motorized vehicles, which The museum is located on the seemed to be bicycles with engines! grounds of the Land Rover/Jaguar/ This period lasted for some years and Britain was relatively backward com- MG SA; Introduced in the 1935 Motor Show. It Aston Martin factories. Why this came to be is pretty convoluted, but a search pared to France and Italy as examples; created controversy due to the design depar- in those countries cars were moving The well known elegant MG Magnette ture MG made, away from sports car style. on Wikipedia can explain it in detail

34 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 35 ADO70 - Mini-based Midget replacement 1966 MG Midget concept - ADO34 - based prototype. on the Mini

1989 MG DR2 Prototype based on a TVR. An early MG prototype model. around at 60+ miles an hour while in Britain we had motorized vehicles at around 20 miles an hour top speed. Bill continued to take us through the early 1900s and we learned that originally there was no standard for the positioning of the clutch, brake, accelerator pedals, and other controls. This made it difficult for the driv- ers to switch vehicles. If that wasn’t tough enough, many vehicles ran on different fuels so you couldn’t just pull in somewhere to fill up. In fact, if Cecil Kimber sat here. you wanted to travel from Gaydon to London in those days, you would need to order your particular fuel and have 2004 MG SV X-Power it shipped to a druggist (since most chemicals were only sold through pharmacies in those days) several days in advance. This would allow you to fill up on the way down and then you would have to do the same again for the return trip. It wasn’t until the start of the First World War that things started to get standardized. The founder of what was to become the British School of Motor- ing (BSM), made an offer to the Army ¾ view of “Old Number One.” Morris factory fire truck. (Not a clown car.) 36 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 37 to train drivers on Austin vehicles that out, as Bill put it, “as paid spies!” Their had the Accelerator, Brake, Clutch beginnings were to go out and find arrangement that we now know as the speed traps, which were very popular standard. Hmmm… A, B, C – I’d never in the early days of motoring. Appar- thought of it that simply before. As we ently, the Police were not in favor of went along the time wall, we also dis- cars from the very beginning and be- cussed and viewed the changing of the cause of the dust kicked up and other road surface. What started out as cart dangers to the broader non-driving tracks became better with loose rocks, population, the majority of people then packed rocks, then tarmac, etc. were also not in favor. Cars were not Some great classics line up in the museum. It seemed that everything led to the norm for ordinary folk so there A wide variety of cars on display. the mid-1930s when things changed was a class element involved as well. and became the basis of what we know Obviously, the AA and RAC evolved today. Everything from the concept from being paid to find speed traps of the engines, through to the road but an interesting start for sure. surfaces and even the road signs and From just looking around at the speed limited are still, in Britain, based cars, there’s a great selection to see. on those defined in the 1930s. Sure, We also learned that the total collec- the signs have been modernized, but tion is about twice as big as what the the concept of a warning red triangle facility can display. That gets handled and a symbol of the warning being by simply rotating the cars so you may given, for example, remain unchanged not always see the same thing each to this day. time. Not surprisingly my interests Another interesting fact was the were focused on MGs; but they had Automobile Association (AA) and Aston Martins from the latest Bond The only MGB on display Royal Automobile Club (RAC) started movies, three-wheeler Post Office cars Display of Prototypes.

Special display case from the MG Car Club. The display of car badges and pins. More historic regalia of signs, clocks, and cups. The MG clock from the factory offices.

1985 MG Metro 6R4 Group B Rally Car. The winning Monte Carlo Rally Minis. Jackie Stewrt’s F1 car. The last MG Midget built.

38 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 39 Cut away of an MGB-GT. Below is the engine. Sidebar By Robert Rushing

Besides the car collection, the BMHT museum also houses all the production records for BMC and British Leyland. One of the things I wanted to do while visiting the Malcolm Gammons and Glenn Jarvis - International Rally Britannia 1993. museum was to see the actual build entries for my 1971 MGB. I made my way to the back office and talked to Rally Photos the staff. I guess they get stammering All Rally Photos by Tony Large • Submitted by Ken Smith people with starry looks in their eyes often, because they gently guided me (Dell boy and Rodney: Only Fools and ony began photographing rally car events in the UK during the mid-1970s to the counter and had me fill out the Horses anyone?), the last Classic Mini, and has continued on to this day. These are just a few of his early photos. To info card before calling the historian. and a Land Rover with caterpillar see more of Tony’s work, go to www.tonylarge.net. After reading my card, he went to T tracks – quite a variety. the shelves and brought out this huge On the purely MG front there was metal case and opened it up. Inside a surprising number cars in the centre. were large sheets of lined paper. He It’s hard to pick a highlight from all flipped through them until he came to of these so I’ll perhaps pick three! my production record. It was in about First choice would probably be seeing the middle of a long list of car num- Old Number One for the very first bers. There before me was my car num- time; second was seeing the relatively ber stamped in black ink in large block famous MGB/GT that has been cut in number, next to that was its stamped half, and thirdly I would choose seeing build date (by one of those old style all three of the record-breaking cars. date stamps), hand-written notes There was a lot to see at the centre about the color and interior, options, and I would have liked to have spent etc, and all the relevant information a little more time there. However, this such as body and engine numbers. wasn’t quite as interesting of a car It was very neat to see that bit of thing for our spouses and the absence history and I wish I could have taken of somewhere on site that could some pictures, but the selling of the produce a full English cream tea was certificates is one of the ways they another factor. As such we decided keep the lights on and the car collec- we’d better be on our way and go to tion together. To help towards that Warwick for said Cream Tea; and very end, I ordered a copy of my certificate tasty it was too! The Heritage Motor while I was there. You can order yours Centre is well worth a visit so if you’re as well by going to www.heritage-mo- over in the UK take some time if you tor-centre.co.uk. Malcolm Gammons and Glenn Jarvis coming in Malcolm Gammons and Glenn Jarvis - The can to go and look for yourself. for a landing. Charrinetons Historic Rally of Great Britian. 1993 40 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 41 Brian Field and D Jones - Virgo Galaxy Rally 12-1978. Southern Happy Eater Rally September 1978

J Brierley and Diane Jones Michael Pearson-Kirk and James Lawrence Southern Happy Eater Rally September 1978 Southern Happy Eater Rally - September 1978 Summer Sort Out Stages Rally 1978 1978 RAC

Paul Gutteridge and David Poulson Paul Gutteridge and David Poulson 1978 RAC Tony McIntyre Ritchie Dakin and Alastair Cowe Dovey Forest Rally - 1978 Hermit Rally 1978

42 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 43 4 7 Water Control Valve Replacement By Don Gatheman MG Club of St Louis 1 All photos provided by Don Gatheman

his isn’t a new idea – getting rid of the inefficient, leaky control Tvalve with something that would turn all the way off in the summer and all the way on in the winter. When I bought my B/GT a few years ago, Robert Rushing told me to buy a new valve. “You haven’t even seen the car,” Here’s the part you’ll need. Drill the hole with Put the parts together as shown. I protested. “Just believe me, it’s bad”. the bit. I use a drill press to make it easier. Be He was right. sure the valve is secure before you start drilling. After two years the new one was leaking like a sieve. I wanted some- Here is just about everything you’ll need. thing more reliable. Robert told me Look in the left column of text for the list. about an idea on the MGB Experience. 5 8 I took the general idea, went to the 2 local hardware store, and for about $10 put one together. Below you will find what you need. 1/2-inch drill bit 1/2-inch tap (fine thread) 1/4-inch 90-degree elbow 1/4-inch ball valve 1/4-inch hose connector 1/4-inch male/male connector Teflon plumbing tape Plus your old water control valve and hack saw Here’s the old valve. You’ll be cutting off the First, cut off the base of your old Carefully tap the threads in the base. Again, Bolt to the engine just like the old one. Cut your base so your new valve will connect to the water control valve so your new valve this is pretty easy in the aluminum. Just keep hose to the appropriate length, and connect. will connect to the engine. Go slowly engine things straight and take your time. – it’s aluminum, so it will cut easily. Drill the hole with the bit. I use a drill press to make it easier. Be sure the 3 valve is secure before you start drill- 6 9 ing. Carefully tap the threads in the base. Again, this is pretty easy in the aluminum. Just keep things straight and take your time. Use Teflon tape at all joints and put the parts together as shown. Bolt the new valve to the engine just like the old one. Cut your hose to the appropriate length and connect. The only drawback is you have to pop the bonnet to open or close the valve- I’m used to that on my Midget, and I’ll Cut where shown. Go slowly- it’s aluminum, so trade the extra trouble any day for a it will cut easily. more secure valve! Use Teflon tape at all joints. The finished installation. 44 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 45 All photos provided by Don Gotheman

3 6

Laying out the parts Compressing the leafs to put them back — the third one down in the broken one. together. 4 7 Illustration Moss Motors

Marking the cutoff points. Fitting the spring back into place.

5 8

New Springs? We don’t need no stinkin’ new springs! By Don Gatheman picked it up from his shop, he men- Cutting off the ends. Things are looking very level! MG Club of St Louis tioned I had a broken leaf in one of my rear springs. I figured I’d get around attack. The first was to just buy new (OK, is the plural leafs or leaves? I’ll let ell, a few years ago, like about to it sometime – this past December I springs, but I keep reading about the the editor figure that out. – Ed: Beats seven, I replaced the clutch finally did! poor fit of after market leaf springs for me, I’m sticking with “leafs”.). The next Won my 1970 Midget. When I So, I had several possible plans of Midgets and Bs; usually resulting in problem was what to do for the needed All photos provided by Don Gotheman the rear end of the car sitting up way replacement leaf. I had two options: 1 2 too high. I thought a pair of originals take apart the “good” spare spring and might be better, and as luck would use the appropriate leaf, or use a longer have it, three years ago I purchased a leaf and cut it down. Curiosity made parts car and kept the springs from it. me choose the second option. I figured I’d replace the pair to keep The next decision of course was them as a matched set. When I finally getting it on the car. Since the spare got around to pulling them from the came apart easily, I figured the one on garage shelf, I noticed one of those the car would too. In this case, it was springs had a broken leaf – the exact actually true – I jacked up the car, took leaf that was broken on my car! A new off the wheel, disconnected the shock, plan formed in my brain… and things came apart easily. I took I took the broken replacement out the affected leaf, cut the donor leaf spring to my workbench. I thought I’d to size, and put everything back. The see how hard it would be to take the biggest problem was to ensure lining leaves apart. It was actually very easy! up the bolts and putting the leaf brack- After soaking the middle bolt holding ets back on. Rather than describe in the leaves together in WD-40 and oil, detail, I’ll let the pictures do the rest. Taking off the brackets. Taking the leafs apart. the bolt came out, and so did the leaves

46 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 47 still have one rim that is more out of round Rostyle wheel can be powdercoated than the others and it creates my 55-60 or painted. A variety of paint schemes mph shake.” have been applied to the wheels over the years, and there are custom center Oh well, one problem at a time! caps for the hubs. You can buy masks The point that Andy is making is that to create your scheme, or simply use there is a shop here in the Twin Cities masking tape and an exacto blade to that is attempting to cater to our wheel refinish your wheel. balancing issues (most wheels are machined with a perfectly centered Jim Gevay Writes hub, but not our Rostyles!). If you go about Wire Wheel Balance to a shop for balance, or purchase your tires at one, make sure to check if they “Originally I brought my new tires have the proper equipment to get the and wheels to my local tire shop in March. balance right. Balancing the Rostyles I brought the wheels over in my regular car off the center circle will often make as my MG was still on jacks with brakes the balance worse than if they were and bearings work. I had those new tires never balanced at all. Incidentally, mounted and spin balanced, and they the name Rostyles is from the maker set the alignment later when I drove it to of the steel disk wheels that give the them in the spring. I first noticed some Wayne Kivells 63 MGB on lift. impression of having four spokes. In shimmies and vibrations on the highway the 1960s and 1970s, Rubery Owen during the spring club drive. Obviously, I supplied many components and parts thought it might be me not setting the end Basic B: MG Wheel Balancing and Care to the British motor industry but the float correctly on the bearings or some- By Dave Braun Andy Anderson Tells His Story most recognised is the Rostyle wheel thing else I had worked on this spring. Minnesota MG Group (the word ‘Rostyle’ being a contraction Alll photos provided by Dave Braun Last year, I had a very slight shimmy in “I go to my local tire store (a national of RO-Style). the steering wheel, but everything else was chain) to have my Rostyle wheels bal- After stripping the old finish, a good. f you’ve ever been at a loss about the anced. I had purchased my tires there smoothness of the ride of your MG, some time ago, and had difficulty with Pulling tire off WW 01. Iyou’ve probably heard everything anyone having the appropriate equipment from “out of balance drive shaft and near my home to do the balancing. bad U-joints” to “worn front suspen- “I found out through the MGB En- sion”. While it is true that those things thusiast bulletin board that the problem can affect steering wheel shimmy was that most tire shops were balancing and vibration at speed, my money is the wheels “hub centrically” and Rostyle always first on wheel balance. Why? wheels are not necessarily true by hub, Because wheel balance can drift over but are suppose to be true by lug, so “lug time and most shops don’t do a good centric” balancing is what is required. I job of balancing our original equip- contacted the corporate headquarters and ment MG wheels. MG offered disk explained to them the business opportu- and wire wheels on almost every car nity of maintaining the proper adapters they have built since the TF. For years, to do MG wheels, and that there were a the MG Car Company thought that lot of MGs in Minnesota. The local store wires would become passé because of contacted me in return, to explain they the added maintenance needed and had ordered the adapters (they have a wall the comparative strength of the disk of them now) and would call me when wheels. Each year discerning owners the adapters would be in. I’ve since had would ask for wires anyway, and so wheels balanced there, and I’ve sent other they kept offering them to the end. MG owners there. Of course, Bob has wire Two of my MG friends have wheels so he is still out of luck, something recently dealt with balancing their to do with the degrees of angle for his wheels. “Andy” Anderson was working wheel. with disc wheels and Jim Gevay with “It has made a marked difference/ wire wheels. Here are the recaps of our improvement in my drive. Unfortunately I discussions: 48 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 49 the car that makes the balance feel hub and inside rim as the sand will different, when in reality; it is simply bounce off the grease, and the grease the balance of a tire or two that has will foul the sand. You can use your changed. You need special hub adap- home sand blaster, but it is tedious. A tors to fit the wire wheel’s hub angle, professional shop will sand blast for so going to the right shop as Jim did is about $35 a wheel and do a more com- important. plete job. Inspect each spoke for tight- Wire wheels are more mainte- ness and replace any that appear weak, nance intensive then disk wheels. bent or worn. It is possible to re-lace Besides the need to have a spoke brush an entire wire wheel at home but you for proper cleaning, and the time it need the correct spokes for the pattern takes to really make them look nice, that your wheel came with, and an the hub and wheel splines that mate eye for detail. The hole locations and together have a finite life. A good angle will help you in determining the coating of grease on the splines and pattern, but digital pictures are better! keeping the center wheel spinner tight True the wheel with a dial indicator (but not excessively so) can minimize using your car’s axle. Resolve any bent wear. Spokes do break and need to be rim areas. Powder coating wires is not attended to, as the stress of a bro- advised because the powder will not ken spoke will quickly lead to more flow into the nipple areas (due to eddy breaking. Of course, this often means current and other factors) and rust dismounting the tire if corrosion is streaks will appear on the spokes, so present. The ‘handedness’ of the wheel paint is better in this case. Many MG hub threads is important, as anyone owners favor chromed wire wheels. who has ever installed them on the The spokes used with chrome are pol- Balance provides an exact read out. wrong side during a brake job can at- ished stainless steel. Jim brings up a couple of valuable test to. The natural unwinding of the A rubber protection band around points, along with his impeccable eye “I thought about bringing it down to wheel hub if the LH hub is on the RH the spoke nipples will protect the for detail. He and I had discussed at side or vice versa has resulted in more inner tube from the spoke heads. In a Quality Coaches in Minneapolis because length the possible reasons why his they specialize in MG service, and have than one wheel departing from the pinch, a couple of layers of duct tape car seemed more stable last year than hub and advancing down the highway can be used. I know some have sealed them do a spin balance. When I called this year. I still went back to the tires the owner, Mark Brandow, he suggested ahead of the car. the wheel spokes with silicone on the because a small vibration in a tire can Early wire wheel spinners had inside of the rim to avoid the inner I bring it to a company he uses instead to quickly cause the wear that increases his shop. I called and made the appoint- ‘ears’ on them that were tightened tube, but it is an uncertain process, so vibration in a kind of a feed back loop with a whack from a soft copper faced I recommend inner tubes, sized and ment for the next morning. Rick was the situation. I’m glad he mentions that technician who worked on my car and he or lead hammer. However, it was constructed (radial or bias ply) to fit one tire was rotated 180-degrees on thought the ears represented a danger your tire. The wheel diameter of the let me watch him in the shop while he was the wheel. Most tires and wheels have doing the work. He changed some weights to pedestrians and they were changed MGB is 14-inch and the MGA and a heavy side, and inner tubes needed over to octagons that require a special MGC are 15-inch, so be careful about and moved one wheel’s tire 180-degrees. for most wire wheel installations have We ended up putting the front wheels on wheel wrench to whack against to which wires or wheels you may be marks to indicate the heavy side as tighten them. In the early days of wire looking for. Typical wires come in 48 the left side and the rears on the right side. well. Proper coordination of the heavy Thanks to him, I learned a little some- wheel balance, a worm of lead was spoke (T-Series and MGA), 60 spoke sides will minimize the weight needed coiled around a spoke that was closest (MGB), and 72 spoke (MGC). You can thing about balancing tires. to balance the wheel. Also, he notes “That morning I drove home on the to the needed balance point. Now go to wheel with a greater number of that some tires are better in different most wires have weights that clip on spokes, but not the other way as the freeway at 70 and 75 mph and it was rock locations on the car for maximum solid and smooth, a real joy to drive. The the rim or adhere to the wheel. I still number of spokes contributes to the smoothness, so if you rotate your tires favor the clip on weights because they strength of the wheel. cost was only $40.00, half of the cost at at home or have a shop do it and you my local shop, reasonable and well worth seem to stay on the best. However, I If you are considering a wire wheel notice a change, ask the shop to take know many people have had success conversion you need to know that the it. a good look at the balance. This was “Thanks to Mark Brandow at Qual- with the adhesive weights. Rostyle wheel axles were wider than more prevalent on bias ply tires years When wire wheels are tired look- the wire wheel axles, so sometimes ity Coaches for an excellent reference, and ago after they were worn a bit, but it Rick at Paul Williams Tire.” ing, you can have them sand blasted. wire wheels will rub on MGB wheel is just as applicable on any difficult Clean off all the grease in the center arches if installed on the wider axle. to balance set up. It is easy to blame something that was recently done on

50 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 51 beautiful, day driving west through the heart of the Rocky Mountains from the Denver suburb of Arvada to MG News the scenic resort town of Glenwood Springs (conveniently located on I-70 for your trip west to Reno). Additional information and reg- istration forms are available on the MG Car Club, Rocky Mountain Cen- tre website at http://mgcc.org/. You can also contact Glenwood Chair- man Wade Tucker at 303-915-3070, e-mail: [email protected] or Public- ity Chairman Steve Hart at 303-985- 2763 or E-mail: stephen_hart45@ msn.com for information.

New MG6 Sedan. Losses It comes with great sadness to Visitors from the MGCC-UK favourable so far and it is hoped to be a hear of the passing of Sharolyn Brill- at MG 2011 sales success. We hope to have more on hart, the former long-serving news- Paul Plummer and Brian Wood- this new MG soon. letter editor of the British Car Club of hams, current and past Overseas Di- Wichita. Her and her husband Hank rectors of the MG Car Club-UK will be MGB 50 attended many NAMGBR conven- attending the All Register gathering at It has been confirmed that the tions over the years and contributed Reno in June. Paul and Brian will be on main celebration being arranged for several great articles to the Driver. hand to describe to US members about the MGB 50th Birthday will be a one She was truly one of the sweetest the activities of the Car Club in the far day party at Blenheim Palace just people around. flung corners of the world and the MG North of Oxford and 15 miles from Also as we go to press, we are sad- scene in Europe and the UK. Abingdon. The date will be Sunday, dened to hear of the deaths of Billy They will be supported by a vari- September 23, 2012. The website www. Thompson of White Post Restora- ety of literature, photographs, elec- mgb50.com will have more informa- tions, known for his exceptional tronic media, and the North American tion. John Watson, Chairman MGB restorations, and Paul Asgeirsson Nuffield Silver Cup. This prestigious Register of the MG Car Club-UK, will of Morriservice in Portland, Or- trophy, presented to the club by Lord provide more information in the com- egon, known in Midget circles for Nuffield in 1954, is awarded on an ing months. five-speed conversions for A-series annual basis to the affiliated club that engined cars. has run events and activities, and pro- 59th Annual Rallye Glenwood moted the ‘Marque of Friendship’ to Springs - June 10-12, 2011 the greatest effect during the past year. Do you live east of the Rocky We are grateful to the present Mountains? Are you planning to holders, the Emerald Necklace MG Car attend MG 2011 in Reno, Nevada? Club of Cleveland Ohio, to allow us Would you like to add a 200-mile to use the Cup as a centre piece of our time-speed-distance rally to your presentation. trip west? The MG Car Club-Rocky All members of all registers are Mountain Centre invites you to join most welcome to come and talk to Paul us for the 59th Annual Rallye Glen- and Brian and swap notes, whilst they wood Springs, the oldest continually- are in Reno. held time-speed-distance rally in the United States, on Friday, Saturday, and New MG6 Sunday, June 10, 11 & 12, 2011. The new MG6 sedan is currently If your schedule won’t allow you making its way to dealerships across to spend the entire three days with us, the UK and should soon be on sale. please feel free to register for the rally Press and public reaction has been only and spend a challenging, but

52 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 53 Tech Talk Hello John, I have been watching some of your “How To Do..” vids on YouTube and they are so helpful. Hope the new Renos at the John Twist shop are going well. I have just bought a Technical 73 roadster as a running project and I am Coordinator curious to know if I can just use unleaded MGB Driver gas in the car. I am an English guy just moved to Canada and back 1997. In the UK, my last MG, a GT, ran on 2* or 3* leaded petrol. In England, unleaded gas Could you suggest where to purchase was only just coming in then. The USA these items? I also need install instruc- had unleaded gas well before we did. So tions for the distributor. Could you suggest my question is – will I need a lead substi- where this information could be found? tute in my gas tank or will the car be fine Sincerely, —Stephen Dolson just using regular unleaded gas? Thanks for your help, —Derek Alltree Stephen, There are probably a dozen Derek, sources for MGB parts. My preference You can use 89 octane gasoline is Moss. Find them at MossMotors. with no danger. At some point in the com. Most likely, you don’t need a future one of the exhaust valves will new distributor (unless the old one is burn. Will that be next week or in ten actually broken). You can have your years? Would adding a lead substi- old dist fitted with electronic igni- tute to the gasoline delay that burn? tion by Jeff Schlemmer at Advanced I am not convinced it does. Once the Distributor in Minnesota. valve does burn and you’re forced to I want to tell you the same about do a valve job, you’ll have hardened the carb. Although you can repair seats installed with will take care of this at home, it might be better to the problem. It is the seat that fails use a professional (University Mo- first, not the valve, so factory valves tors or Joe Curto, for instance). If are just fine. I base all this on field you want to do this work, watch my experience. We have MGBs and even YouTube videos – find them under MGAs still running on their original in the YouTube engines. search function.

Dear Mr. Twist, Mr. Twist, I am restoring a 1976 MGB. I have I don’t know if you are still taking just purchased a replacement fuel tank for questions via the email method or not, the car and wanted to paint to the correct but I decided to try anyway. I had my OD factory color. I was wondering if you knew on my ‘70 roadster repaired a little over a the correct paint code to properly paint my year ago as it wouldn’t hold any oil and new tank. would not engage following a lengthy fall Sincerely, —Jeff Louis foliage trip thru New England. The OD now works but it takes a long time for it to Jeff, engage on the first ride of the day. Maybe The tank was a black semi- ten to fifteen miles of driving. After which, gloss. It wasn’t high gloss; it wasn’t it seems to work fine for the rest of the day. flat. Fortunately, black is black, so I’m using 30 wt ND oil and don’t seem color is not the issue. to be losing any. Your suggestions will be Mr. Twist, greatly appreciated. I need a new muffler, distributor, and Thanks in advance, carburetor rebuild kit for my 1980 MGB. —Dennis L. Rainey

54 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 55 under the hood. The process worked the hoses to the float bowl cracked upon is a Lucas 45D4 41610D 3595 these Dennis, fine. I started the engine for maybe ten reinstall. This started my problem with were the numbers on the side. The car # is Gosh, the usual problem is that seconds, pulled the jumper wire off, purchasing parts for this car. I purchased GHN4U/153284G. once engaged, it won’t drop out. I and when I went to start the car with new jets from Moss although the num- I live in Florida in the Clearwater/ would suspect a problem with the the key, everything was dead. I’m as- ber on the tag (AUD 325) did not seem St Pete area. If you know of any good solenoid. You don’t need a new one, but the old one might need a proper suming I bumped something loose as to match the year of the car. The jets I mechanics you can refer to me in this area sized ball bearing (3/16”). There are there was no sign of an electrical short purchased fit ok and I proceeded to set the I would appreciate it. Or if you can help two ball bearings in the system (one or anything, just dead. You guys may carbs as informed by one of your videos me out with some technical advise. Kind on the oil pump valve and one in the have had this car in your shop before I as they were not nearly in sync. I got them Regards, solenoid). It’s very easy for them to bought it last fall from West Olive not balanced ok but when it came to setting —Rick Laitenberger be switched. Or, it might be that the far from you. —Bob Goeckel the mixture, holy cow! solenoid ball needs to be “seated” The biggest problem I’m having now Rick, in its housing. That’s accomplished Bob, is the engine has a pretty severe hesita- You have a 1972 USA Federal with a punch and hammer – just give I figure there must have been tion at about 2500 rpm even when not spec MGB engine originally fitted the ball a crack into its housing. something amiss to begin with to an MGB with overdrive. You’ve under load. You can go through the gears misread the second digit – it’s really since you were starting the car from at easy acceleration but the engine will under the bonnet? The most com- an eight. So, the prefix is 18V 585Z L not accept even moderate acceleration Dear John, mon cause of a complete electrical .... To achieve a proper tune there are and even hesitates when in fourth gear at First of all, just wanted to say how disconnect – a failure of EVERYTHING four links in the chain: emissions, as lower rpm’s. When adjusting the mixture, great or as little as there are on the much I’ve admired and enjoyed your web to work – is loose/dirty battery I test it by raising the piston 1/16” and the car; engine, to include the valve lash, videos and tech advice. Sorry to hear of the clamps. I’d start there. engine will flutter like it’s lean, but I can’t camshaft condition, compression, hard times you have found yourself in, but seem to adjust it far enough to get it to not thermostat setting, &c; ignition, to have no doubt you will bounce back. I’m Dear John, flutter. Here’s the confusing part, I know include the dwell, the mechanical sure you get this one all the time, another Welcome back! I got to know you and vacuum advance, and the tim- it’s running rich because my eyes start to valve clearance question. I understand the from your technical videos on YouTube ing; and FINALLY the carburetion to water after idling in the garage for a little rule of 9 and how to turn the engine over when I was searching for info on SU carbs. include the float heights, cleanliness while. I’ve checked the throttle shafts for fully, just seem to hear different answers Anyway, I was hoping you could help me and condition of the needles, idle leaks and can find no other vacuum leaks. regarding the gap. Manual and others say out with some advise. I recently purchased and mixture. Ok, from everything I’ve read and The first thing that comes to my 0.015 cold, some say 0.013? a 1968 MGB, not as an investment or heard, check the ignition and fuel supply mind is the timing. The LAST mark I only ask as I did mine recently on a show car but just a cool old car to tool before messing with the carbs. According in a clockwise direction, the topmost my ‘74 GT (chrome) and found the gaps around on weekends. The car has been to the owners manual the timing marks mark, is ZERO. Each mark is five were smaller then 0.015, I set them to restored with almost all brand new parts. are supposed to be on the bottom of the degrees before for a total of twenty 0.015 and she seems a lot more nosier The person I purchased it from bought indicated degrees. You must set chain cover but on this engine they are now. Also on the same note, what gap it at an estate auction and did not have the timing at 32-degrees before top on a tab mounted to the cover above the would you set for the spark plugs? I have much documentation. I knew this was not dead center, vacuum disconnected, crankshaft pully. There are five raised NGKs at the moment and a previous a numbers-matching car when I pur- maximum advance – which is usually points on the tab but I don’t know what owner has installed electronic ignition in chased it. around 3000-4000 rpm. If you have they indicate. access to a dial back timing light the dizzy. Regards, —Andrew Stone I test drove the car and noticed that it started a little hard and ran rough until I checked the points and they do you’re in luck – if you have a stan- dard light then you must make a new Andrew, warm up although after warm up it did look a little worn. I would like to check run ok. I took it to a mechanic who looked the timing and replace the points before mark on the pulley twelve degrees It matters more that the valve before the mark that’s there now. lash is consistent than the actual it over, changed the oil and adjusted the I dive more into the carbs. I’m hoping if I dimension. For a 1974 MGB engine, valves because I thought there was just give you the numbers off the engine and I would select the factory setting a little too much tappet noise and I was distributor you can tell me what engine Mr. Twist, of 0.013” AND I set them HOT! You driving the car sixty miles to get home. this is and the timing spec and what My high school 1976 MGB has want a maximum timing of 32-de- He informed me the engine was virtu- points to get. I’ve searched the numbers on finally been pulled from storage after my grees before top dead center at ally brand new and that I should stay he internet with no luck. It looks like this about 4000 rpm, vacuum discon- 20-plus years in the military. And I must off the interstate because the engine was engine was remanufactured and probably nected. The plugs should be Champi- say that it looks like it. As I expected, I’m still breaking in and to stay away from wasn’t even in an MG originally. There on N9Y (or the more modern RN9YC) basically going through every electrical sustained speeds. is a sticker on the expansion plug directly gapped at 0.035”. connection and rubber in the vehicle. My After investigating the cold start below the ID tag that says “Hadley Eng question ... The head was installed on issue, I discovered both jets were seized void if removed” John, my car 25 years ago and I can’t seem to in the carb body and was able to remove Anyway, the engine # is: 16V585Z- I’m writing about my 77 MGB determine what the extensions are by the them with some careful coaxing. I cleaned L326 which tells this is a 1600cc low with electronic ignition, desmogged. spark plugs. I assumed they were from the the jet shafts with light emery paper and compression engine. I don’t know what I watched your video about starting smog system that may have been removed and turning over the engine from reinstalled them but of course, one of the 585Z means. The distributor I believe

56 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 57 before I purchased the car. air injection into the exhaust ports to I searched the internet (with no luck) satisfy emission requirements. It’s not trying to locate a head that looked like something that would be done today. mine. Have you ever seen a head that I sure would love to have a couple of looks like this one? I’m leaking water from pictures of this! the base of these 1” extensions where If there was some rusting on the they touch the block and there is some front side of the center stud on the rust. I tried to slightly tighten the nuts right side of the block, this is indicative but they won’t move. I’m not sure if I can of an external crack. But – before you weld them, or what to do. Someone told get excited – get the car running, drive me that if water was leaking from them it for a hundred miles or so and then that I most likely would have water in determine if the leak is real or of great the pistons or block. There is no water in concern. If the head is cracked on the the pistons, plugs look dry (not rusty), no outside, it will stain, weep, and some- white smoke or water from the exhaust. I times drip. This crack can extent into also drained the case and no water. Any the valve area (under the valve cover). suggestion would be appreciated. If the coolant leaks into the oil, the oil Thank You, —Roger Toney eventually turns a tan color. After such a period of storage, the compression Roger, figures will be very low in at least two The extensions were probably of the cylinders. Don’t fret. Just take it added after the cylinder head was out on that long run. Nearly all MGBs manufactured. I’ve never seen this weep just a little bit between the head before - but can imagine that, perhaps, and block on the right side. someone added them to allow for the Reminder: John Twist will be pleased to answer your technical query; you can e-mail him at [email protected] or call during his technical hour of 1-2pm Eastern, Monday-Friday.

From “The Pilgramage”, on page 34, a cut away of an Austin 3 liter engine on display at the BMHT.

58 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 MGB Driver • May / June 2011 59 Registrars of the NAMGBR MGB, MGB LE, & 1967 MGB/GT Hammer & Tongs Registrar Special Registrar Phil Smith Ken Smith 5 Willow Lane P.O. Box 8645, Goleta, CA 93117 Farmington, CT 06032 (805) 683-2906 • [email protected] (860) 674 1179

Midget Registrar New Generation Registrar Col. Robert Swetzer James Woolf P.O. Box 1145 [email protected] Red Rock, AZ 85245 (520) 904-3768 [email protected] • Our Valued Supporters • Valued• Our Supporters 1974½ MGB Registrar Scott Perry 538 Hooper Ave Simi Valley, CA 93065 [email protected]

MGB V8 Registrar Modified Registrar Mike Grieco 2402 Sylvan Ave. Wilmington, Delaware, 19805 Phone: 302-998-4514 E-mail: [email protected]

Pull-Handle MGB Registrar Bill Barge 930 N. 350 E., Angola, IN 46703 (260) 665-6476 [email protected]

MG 1100/1300 Registrar Llyod Faust 998 Northwestern Ave Fairview Heights, IL 62208 [email protected]

100,000 Mile Registrar Jai Deagan 11825 Columbia Highway Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 [email protected]

Original Owner Registrar Bill Hawkins 2301 Kendricks Court Raleigh, NC 27613 (919) 676-8888 [email protected]

60 MGB Driver • May / June 2011

• Our Valued Supporters • • Our Valued Supporters • Supporters Valued Our • • Our Valued Supporters • Sell • Seek • Swap! • Seek Sell mcloudteleco.com OK OK mcloudteleco.com Lively, Jim $3800; (405) 391-5544 j_alively@ or dash. on spot bad has but shape, fair in is interior The top. ahard and covers, tonneau three top, New engine. rebuild complete on 20k condition; or [email protected] MN MN or [email protected] it! Jon Massey, $7500; drive (651)– just 335-2372 nothing needs car This seals. new valves and ished, - ported/pol head hardtop; factory and Overdrive around. 1” lowered all been has Car distributor. te - Uni-Li adjustable Mallory and control, cruise top, soft rack, luggage interior, cooler, oil mirrors, tires, NC 837-3571 (828) Shepherd, John $6500; exhaust. Ansa SUs and Dual maintained. well and garaged Always years. 28 last owner Same well. drives (415) 472-1493 CA Automotive) (DBA British Jackson Doug $7000. sale: for quick Reduced for overvehicle years. 20 my personal been has This www.mgbmga.com. my on website information necessary all find can buyers Prospective list. to Too goodies many refuse any ad it deems unacceptable. The originating state is shown at the end of each ad. each of end the at isshown state originating The unacceptable. deems it ad any refuse to right the retains Register The allowing. space issues, two cover.) for run front Ads inside (see Coordinator ing Advertis Bourbon, de Charles with by arrangement ads other or Business 63109. writing. in accepted only Ads Ave., MO Louis, St. Sutherland 5444 to number membership and number phone address, name, with copy ad Send ads. commercial or business no —please, standing good in members NAMGBR to FREE are here Ads 7612 MI [email protected] or $11,500 Boyer, obo; Ed cylinder; (269) 668- master belts, New seat maintained. UML winner; award multiple bag, storage winter tonneau, covers, tires, Dunlop 15” Panasports, CD/Changer, documented. Extensive $15k condition. exceptional restoration 1979 – MGB 1977 MGB 1971 MGB/GT 1979 - MGB 1979 - LE MGB 1974 – MGB 1973 – MGB 1980 – LE MGB or [email protected] (717) Becker, Neal $16,000 332-8708 it looks. than even better drives and out and inside Show quality of Show. Best MG 2008 Rocks, the MG on cluding in show awards, Numerous 1.5,” more. many and lowered 15” Minilites, exhaust, SS distributor, Pertronix including upgrades overdrive; many top, (915) or NM 526-8883 824-4878 Wolf, Bob obo. (575) $5500 Asking parts. of spare lots rust, no for over years, two storage inside in Been kits. panel side and Have carpet deluxe liner. head and covers seat Needs well; very runs clutch, MN cast.net (651) at Masley 335-2372 mgsafetyfast@com or -Jon $7500 nothing! needs car This details. full for me more! Contact much so and control cruise interior, top, rack, luggage cooler, oil mirrors, tires, A great way to find or sell that hard-to-find part hard-to-find that sell or find to way A great on our website: www.NAMGBR.org/classified Selling or Buying an MG? an Buying or Selling Take advantage of NAMGBR’s of Take advantage – Sandglow/autumn leaf; factory hard factory leaf; – Sandglow/autumn Red/black, chrome bumpers, bumpers, chrome Red/black, Buy/Sell/Trade Classifieds Buy/Sell/Trade Mechanically the car is in excellent excellent in is car the Mechanically very nice, clean car; new windshield, new windshield, car; clean nice, very With overdrive, new windshield, new windshield, overdrive, With CARS FOR SALE CARS FOR – Weber carb, rebuilt engine, new engine, rebuilt – Weber carb, very nice condition; runs and and runs condition; nice very Black with 111K Black with mileage. genuine or that next project. next that or 091010

050611 010211 010211 030411 030411 050611 050611 -

- - - Carolina. of a example A nice [email protected] location South South location [email protected] to please information and Pictures tion. [email protected] or (707) 942 0546 CA 942 0546 (707) or [email protected] nia. Califor in young. Iam Iwas when 1960s for the nostalgic Iam as possible as spec original as is that acar I’d find to condition. like preserved or tion, Pre-1968 roadster MGB MI [email protected] or 761-1877 (734) Eisele, –Rick $3000 for it. don’t and time LBCs have the other Ihave three because Selling restoration. rolling or for rebuild candidate Great legs. dog and fenders front in Rust re-cored. be to need will but car, the with goes radiator Original fan. cooling electric switch; cut-off battery top; soft and carpet new Includes car. nice it areally make to needed IN [email protected] Tom (317) contact Kail info, 557-5526more or For completed. all painting and work, body motor, Lively– Jim (405) 391-5544 OK $6500 dash. on spot bad has shape, fair in is terior in The ahardtop. and covers, tonneau three top, New engine. rebuilt complete on 20k condition; (913) 294-3174 KS Kohler, Dean $5200. great. drives good, looks car the and condition great in is top The end. front the repairing in over invested $1000 and good very is 1973 MGB 1973 MGB 1973 1974 MGB 1980 MGB MGB 1980 MI comcast.net (734) 761-1877 Eisele, – Rick HAN5L778@ or (firm) $3500 projects. many Ihave too because sell to Need over by hand. turn does but started, been not has Engine leg included). legdog (replacement one in rust has but Undercoated, driven. or started being new. for 14 without sat since years Car paperwork the all has and 10,171 miles original MG Magazines MG space! Dennis Dutton: [email protected] Dutton: Dennis space! the –Ineed MG World. offer Best and Magazine, MG MG, MG Enthusiast, Enjoying Classics, CO (970) 485-9734 Holmes lower Bill in 48. shipping includes $700 MGB; model of alate dash under Fits unit. installed dealer –complete Conditioning Air

– partially restored. Transmission, Transmission, restored. –partially excellent in is car the –Mechanically – Good condition, but some work some but condition, – Good – Red; Early chrome bumper, interior interior bumper, chrome Early – Red; – Factory hardtop and overdrive; has overdrive; has and hardtop – Factory PARTS SALE FOR MGB Driver –MGB WANTED MGB GT MGB - Restored, older restora in equally nice condi nice equally in , MG Abingdon Abingdon MG , 111210 111210 010211 010211 010211 030411 070810 020310 - - - - - Where 2 ‘B • June 24-26...... IBCC Summer Tour, Boise, ID • www.idahobritishcars.com • June 25...... Brits by the Bay, Westminster, MD • www.tracltd.org Please check for up-to-date information before departing to the meet. The Register encourages • June 26...... British Car Show, • local groups and clubs to submit their MG events to MGB Driver. Information must include date, Notre Dame, IN www.michianabrits.com location, and contact phone number. Please submit events at least 3 months in advance to the • July 24...... Tea at the Vicarage, Howe, IN • www.michianabrits.com MGB Driver Editor, 5444 Sutherland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109 or e-mail [email protected] • July 28-30...... GOF Central, Kalamazoo, MI • www.michiganmgt.com MAJOR NORTH AMERICAN MG EVENTS FOR 2011 • Aug 6...... British Car Day, Dayton, OH • www.mgcars.org.uk/mgccswoc • Aug 6...... British Car Show • • April 25-28...... Parrots in Paradise, Key West, FL • [email protected] , Schwenksville, PA www.dvcmg.com • Aug 6-7...... Show of Dreams • • April 28-May 1. The Mitty Challenge, Atlanta, GA • www.themitty.com , Wolfeboro, NH www.bcnh.org • Aug 26-28...... British Marque Triathlon, • • April 29...... May 1 – British Car Days, Las Cruces, NM • www.zianet.com Northport, ME www.britishmarque.com • Aug 27...... British Car Show, • • May 1...... British Car Show, Cleveland, OH • www.neoahc.com Long Island, NY www.liscots.org • Aug 28...... Taste of Britain • • May 1...... British Autojumble, Portland, OR • www.clubtmg.org , Rothsville, PA www.lancomgclub.com • Sept 2-5...... MG Vintage Racers Focus Event • • May 7...... Britfest ’11, Morris County, NJ • www.mgccnj.org , Lime Rock, CT www.MGVR.org • Sept 11...... British Car Festival • • May 13-15...... Springtime in the Smokies, Townsend, TN • www.blountbritishcars.org , Des Plains, IL www.britishcarunion.com • Sept 17-18...... English Motoring Conclave • • May 14...... British Car Show, Raleigh, NC • www.ncmgcc.org , Arvada, CO www.thecoloradoconclave.com • Sept 17...... British Car Show, • • May 14...... British Car Meet, Dayton, OH • www.britishcarmuseum.org St Louis, MO www.stlouismgclub.com • Sept 18 ...... All MG Car Show •

• May 15...... British Car Day, Columbus, OH • www.buckeyetriumphs.org , El Segundo, CA www.socalmgclub.org vv • Sept 24...... MGs on the Rocks, • • May 21...... British Car Show, Columbia, SC • www.bccmc.com Bel Air, MD www.mgsofbaltimore.com • Sept 24...... Autumn in the Mountains • • June 4...... Cars of England, Westtown, PA • www.dvtr.org , Hendersonville, NC www.bccnc.org • Sept 24-25...... British Car Show, •

• June 4-5...... British Car Festival, Bloomington, IL • www.champagnebritishcarfestival.com Round Rock, TX www.txabcd.org v • Sept 29-Oct 2.... MG Fall Festival, • • June 5...... British Car Day, Clinton, NJ • [email protected] Petaluma, CA www.mgoc.org • Oct 1...... Fall Out 2011 • • June 5 ...... British Return to Ft Meigs, Perrysburg, OH • www.lebcc.org , Winona Lake, IN ww.nilbmc.org • Oct 2...... British Car Day • • June 10-12...... Glenwood Springs Rallye, Glenwood Springs, CO • http://mgcc.org , San Diego, CA www.sandiegobritishcardday.org

• June 11...... A Touch of England, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ • www.njtriumphs.org • Oct 9...... Fallfest 2011, Bridgewater Township, NJ • [email protected] • June 12...... British Motorcar Gathering, Hellertown, PA • www.keystoneMG.com • Oct 14-16...... Fall GOF, Athens, GA • www.semgtr.org

• Jun 13-17, 2011...... MG 2011, Reno, NV; www.mg2011.com • Oct 21-22...... British Car Day, Mt Pleasant, SC • www.britishcarclubcharleston.com • Nov 5...... Brits at the Plantation, Wilmington, NC • www.bmccf.org • June 19 ...... EuroCar 2011, Cazenovia, NY • www.mgcarclub.com • Nov 5...... NAMGBR Annual General Meeting, Dillard, GA • www.namgbr.org • June 19...... British Car Field Day, Sussex, WI • [email protected]

Back hills of Virginia City. The road is scenic and the people friendly. There are great roads around Reno. It really is a “Western Experience”. NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER PRST STD P.O. BOX 55 U.S. POSTAGE Whittington, IL 62897-0055 Address Service Requested PAID PADUCAH, KY PERMIT #154