Vol. 26, No. 5 September / October 2016

THE NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER MG 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 MG. 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 876 Downers Grove, Illinois 60515-0876 Toll-free hotline: 800-NAMGBR-1 • www.namgbr.org OFFICERS OF THE NAMGBR 6 2 6-4 2 7 1

CHAIRMAN: R. Alan Magnuson PUBLICITY Jeff Taylor 7754 S. Waco Street COORDINATOR: 1645 NW 23rd St. Centennial, CO 80016 Corvallis, OR 97330-1956 303-437-0527 541-753-0777 [email protected] [email protected]

VICE-CHAIRMAN: Jeff Taylor 1645 NW 23rd St. CONVENTION/AGM Tony & Lynne Burgess Corvallis, OR 97330-1956 COORDINATOR: 318 Hampton Park 541-753-0777 Westerville, OH 43081 [email protected] (614) 899-2394 (614) 899-2493 fax [email protected] SECRETARY: Bruce Wyckoff 10975 Aspen Trl. Zeeland, MI 49464 TECHNICAL John H. Twist (616) 748-0580 COORDINATOR: 4571 Patterson Avenue SE [email protected] Grand Rapids, MI 49512 (616) 301-2888 [email protected] TREASURER: Simon Dix 27 Coach Line Dr, O Fallon, MO 63368 REGALIA Connie Wyckoff (636) 486-6556 COORDINATOR: 10975 Aspen Trl. [email protected] Zeeland, MI 49464 (616) 748-0580 COORDINATORS OF THE NAMGBR [email protected] EDITOR: Robert Rushing THE MG DRIVER 2530 Clifton Ave WEBSITE Simon Dix St. Louis, MO 63139 COORDINATOR: (636) 486-6556 (314) 614-4671 [email protected] [email protected] CONCOURS Bob Gloyd ADVERTISING Charles E. de Bourbon COORDINATOR: 19692 East Garden Drive & PRODUCTION PO Box 293 Centennial, Colorado 80015 COORDINATOR Del. Water Gap, PA 18327 Phone - (303) 263-8189 ART DIRECTOR (570) 460-6370 [email protected] [email protected]

SERVICE Bruce Wyckoff EDITORS EMERITUS: Ken Smith RECOMMENDATION 10975 Aspen Trl. Kim Tonry COORDINATOR: Zeeland, Mi 49464 (616) 748-0580 [email protected] FOR REGISTRAR INFORMATION, PLEASE SEE PAGE 64. 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. MG Driver Magazine ©2015 All rights reserved. Any part of this publication may be reproduced by members and member clubs only, with the expressed credit given to “The MG Driver Magazine” — Editor Robert Rushing. All images in this MG Driver ©2016-BGA Studios.com/Charles de Bourbon, unless otherwise noted. Robert Rushing Simon Dix Page 5 • Editor’s View Page 10 • From the Treasurer Alan Magnuson John Twist Page 7 • Chairman’s Chat Page 53 • Tech Talk Classifieds & Where to B Bruce Wyckoff Page 65, 66

Reports Page 9 • Secretary Report

Drivers Report LETTERS of INTENT Andrew Hardy Vice Chairman Page 26 L Page 12

MGB Registrar Jack Long MG 2016 Report Page 13 Robert Rushing Page 30

MGC Registrar John Roger MG 2016 PHOTO ESSAY Page 14 Robert Rushing & Chaz de Bourbon Page 33 Early Midget & Sprite Register Bruce Hamper Page 15 Concours Bob Gloyd Page 43 Post-Abingdon Register Mark Jones Page17 Thornley Award Alan Magnuson Ken’s Korner Page 48 Ken Smith Page 19 Special Thanks Michael Gavin Letters to the Editor Members Page 49 Page 21

NAMGBR ~ AGM The MG SV Tony Burgess Page 48 Page 24 The Four Horsemen: MG 2017 MGs at the Bay Factory MGB GT V8 Steve Kirby and Scott Davidson at MG 2016 Page 25 Robert Rushing Page 50 Editor’s View

Robert Rushing Editor The MG Driver

MG 2016 showfield on the Ohio river. A paddle-wheel boat drifts by in the background. s always, this issue features the tos and stories in this issue will inspire annual convention highlights. you to start planning on attending A We’re doing something a bit dif- MG 2017 in San Diego! Not only is San ferent this year and devoting almost Diego one of the most beautiful cities the entire issue to the convention. in the US with almost perfect weather You’ll see a lot more pictures than all year long, there are amazing driv- in the past which will give you a real ing roads just outside of town and sense of all the fun that took place. Un- great attractions like the famous San fortunately, these All Register events Diego Zoo, the USS Midway Aviation only come around every five years and Museum, the great beaches, and Sea with the aging of our membership, it World. We’re also exploring putting might time to think about reducing together a route that follows along that time line. Route 66 for the drive out – which I Whether you were able to make know is on a lot of people’s bucket lists MG 2016 or not, hopefully all the pho- (including mine)! Robert

On the Covers

Front: MG 2016 in Louisville over the show field.

Back: EX186 the LeMans twin cam race car.

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 5

Chairman’s Chat

Alan Magnuson Chairman NAMGBR hank you to the North American our 2016 Annual General Meeting in Council of MG Registers and San Diego on October 22. NAMGBR T the British Sports Car Club of is a club run by its volunteer members Louisville for hosting the wonderful who work diligently to support Club MG 2016 convention, “Maintaining members and local Chapters. Your vol- the Breed.” John Thornley’s 1950 book unteer efforts are appreciated and the on the history of MG titled Maintaining executive team asks you to reach out the Breed also applies to the attendees to us if you are interested in joining who keep the Spirit of MG alive in our leadership team. Each individual North America. brings new talents and fresh energy The attendees’ enthusiasm, smiles, into the life of our organization. I and laughter filled the event as we encourage you to join our 2016 Annual celebrated our NAMGBR Silver Jubilee General Meeting at the Paradise Point 25th Anniversary. Your executive Resort on Mission Bay which will be team has heard from many of you how our location for MG 2017. To see the much you enjoyed MG 2016 activi- AGM schedule and make hotel reserva- ties including: the Churchill Downs tions look at namgbr.org/event/namg- museum and track/paddock, the Cor- br-2016-agm. MG 2017 will be Sunday vette Museum, Wednesday’s Talking to Wednesday, June 25-28, 2017. History Tour of 12 MG’s, Tech sessions, Additional information on MG 2017 is Car show location, touring and tast- available on mg2017.namgbr.org. ing on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, In this issue you will see John Horse country drives, and Kentucky Rogers has submitted a Letter of Intent hospitality. All Register events require for the office of Vice Chairman. John increased coordination between Burrows has respectfully requested to Registers and for the many activities withdraw his Letter of Intent for the which often overlap. As an organiza- office of Vice Chairman due to per- tion NAMGBR strives to provide, and sonal reasons. Jeff Taylor, Vice Chair- fine tunes based on your comments, man, and Bruce Wyckoff, Secretary, conventions you like to attend. will be stepping down as each are term Thank you to the many volunteers limited after serving two terms. who assisted in Registration, Regalia, As summer winds down, I hope Banquets, Talking Tour, and the Car you have participated in many MG Show. I especially thank Jai, Kathleen, activities and you have plans to attend and the team who counted Car Show upcoming events. Events are listed ballots. NAMGBR had the most classes, inside the back cover of The MG Driver. including Other British, as well as the Happy Labor Day on September most cars on the field. MG 2016 had 5th for the USA and Happy Thanksgiv- 829 registrations and 715 cars on the ing Day on October 10th for Canada! Show field, of which NAMGBR repre- sented 406. Safety Fast! Elections for two positions, Vice Chairman and Secretary, will occur at Alan

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 7 8 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 Secretary’s Report

Bruce Wyckoff Secretary NAMGBR

ell, MG 2016 is in the bright autumn colors painting rearview mirror and the background. W we are moving forward We had a number of with MG driving season here MG owners joining us in the Northern part of the while attending MG 2016 in country. There are still a number Louisville. Thanks for all the of events that take place in the new and renewing members that late summer / early fall, and I stopped by our table during the would encourage everyone to convention. And, welcome the support these events. You just following new members to the can’t beat driving your MG on NAMGBR community. a beautiful sunny day with the

Mark Zippert Gardena CA Tyler Hicks-Wright Denver CO Stefan Wettlaufer Kansas City MO Kevin Kelly Lebanon TN Elizabeth Bearden Cottondale AL Danny Osbourne Columbus OH Brian Bailey Tulsa OK Phil Burke Tequesta FL Tom & Teri Holzman Elgin IL Kenneth Nicks Jonesville NC Chip Hanback Franklin TN Michael Simpson Beverly MA Thomas Scott Malvern OH Douglas Rothwell Orange City FL Gene Gillenwater Washington Court House OH Jim Purdin Oregon WI Hollis Hendrickson Sugar Land TX Peter Blanshard Ann Arbor MI John Wesely San Diego CA Albert Ross Cordova TN Dave Parker Seabrook TX Fred Whitla Magnolia TX

Bruce

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 9 From the Treasurer

Simon Dix Treasurer NAMGBR

ell, we are at the 3/4 of the rewards other income. The member- financial year mark as of June ship renewals are much slower in the W 30, 2016, and things continue summer months and of course we as expected on the finances front. don’t have income from the MG 2016 Hopefully everyone that was at MG event yet. As already mentioned rega- 2016 in Louisville enjoyed the superb lia sales at MG 2016 were strong at over event. It’s too early to know what $6,000.00 the financials are for the show, but Expenses: As mentioned we did NAMGBR did invest in regalia for the purchase regalia in the run up to MG event and sales were very strong and 2016, and we have also other MG 2016 higher over the multi day event that expenses for dash plaques and other have been seen before. Thank you to items. The annual Mutual Aid Direc- everyone that took advantage of easy tory (MAD) was printed and mailed in access to the items and being able to the run up to MG 2016 and of course see and collect things in person. the printing and mailing costs of the Staying with the Regalia theme, May-June MG Driver magazine have and drifting into my Webmaster role been paid. for a second, there have been lots of We will be preparing for the end updates/additions to the online shop of the NAMGBR financial year at the on the website at namgbr.org/shop. So, end of September and that will then if you couldn’t get to Louisville, you lead into the AGM in San Diego, the still have some opportunities to pick location of MG 2017 as we announced up some of the special 25th NAMGBR at MG 2016 and hopefully you’ve read anniversary items (embroidered anni- about in the last edition of The MG versary logo polos and baseball shirts Driver. I hope you will consider joining with all 25 of the convention logos on us for the AGM and that you will be the back). In addition, there are lots making plans to have a great adven- of new NAMGBR and Register regalia ture out west, by getting to/from and items and now items that are specifi- joining us for MG 2017 in San Diego. cally for the ladies in cut and style. For all things MG 2017 please see So, please take a look if you haven’t the dedicated event website mg2017. checked out the online store recently. namgbr.org and on Facebook give the Income: We have received the event page a “like” at facebook.com/ majority of the MAD Advertising NAMGBRMG2017 so that you can get revenues and as our regalia purchases all the information as we announce were purchased on the club credit updates and finalize the schedule of card, this has increased our cash back the 3-day MG celebration. Simon

10 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 11 Vice Chairman ~ Letter of Intent

To the Members of the North American MGB Register:

I would like to announce my intent to seek the office of Vice Chairman of the North American MGB Register. My wife Karla and I have been members of NAMGBR since 2005. We were recruited by Ken Smith at a spring meet in Palo Alto California. Ken told us about NAMGBR and the upcoming MG 2005 in Olympia Wash- ington, which we attended. We have owned MGs for over forty six years buying our first new MGB in 1975, a wedding present to ourselves. At the present time we own both MGBs and MGCs. We are current members of the Sacramento Valley MG Car Club. The last four years I have been the MGC Registrar for NAMGBR. During this time of work- ing with the Executive Board and Coordinators, I have learned the internal operations and proce- dures of NAMGBR. Communicating the needs of the membership to the Executive Board has been my biggest asset as the MGC Registrar. Enthu- siastically I have volunteered to arrange many successful activities at the last four conventions ranging from technical seminars, talking tours, and group social events. Friendship with like-minded people is the core of any club. The experience of meeting oth- er MG owners creates lifelong relationships as we share a common passion. Karla and I now have friends across the United States, Canada, and England. With the support from these friend- ships it has deepened my desire and enthusiasm to enhance everyone’s membership in NAMGBR. MG is truly “The Marque of Friendship”. The Vice Chairman position serves as a liai- son with all of NAMGBR affiliated Clubs; primar- ily updating these records of officers, certifying memberships to meet affiliate qualifications, and arranging liability insurance coverage for events and officers of the affiliate clubs. With your sup- port I look forward to serving as the next Vice Chairman with its new challenges and future friendships.

Sincerely, John Rogers

12 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 MGB Registrar

Jack Long MGB Registrar NAMGBR hat can I say about MG 2016 miss in posting. To date we have that hasn’t already been said? received well over 100 new automated W I need to add my thanks to registrations and they keep on pour- the North American Council of MG ing in. The sheer volume precludes me Registers, the NAMGBR Board, the from listing everyone here, as I had in British Sports Car Club of Louisville, the past. Even though the registration the corporate sponsors, and the count- process is now automated, posting the less individuals who made our trip to data to the database is still a manual Louisville enjoyable and memorable. It and time consuming task. was a pleasure to get to meet so many Allow me to close with a special of you there. recognition of my predecessor as MGB The week went by in a whirlwind, Registrar, Ken Smith, and congratulate with Churchill Downs, the trip to the him on his appointment as a Kentucky Corvette factory, the fantastic band, Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky. the great tech sessions, the car show It was well-earned, Colonel, and we on the Great Lawn next to the river wish you could have been with us! (I have never been inside a blast furnace, but I have a feeling that it might have been cooler), the banquet, the parking lot socials, and the great venue all contributed to a fantastic week. Getting to see all the early MGs, especially the Triple M cars and all the T-Series, really was a great way to better understand the history of our beloved marque and the thoroughbred lineage that produced the MGB. By the way, the NAMGBR cars had by far the largest turnout of the event, with 406 cars on the show field – wow! Thanks to all who have used the automated registra- tion feature on the NAMGBR website. This has greatly reduced the amount of hard copy paper flow but has also produce an overwhelming backlog of entries for the Register, which I have been re- Jack The MG Driver • September / October 2016 13 MGC Registrar

John Rogers MGC Registrar NAMGBR

ouisville turned out to be an answered questions from the audience. incredibly good location for MG The afternoon MGC driving tour to L 2016. There were so many activi- French Lick had to be cancelled due ties scheduled and local attractions to Tornado warnings and lightning close by to visit that it would have been storms in the area. impossible to do or see everything Thursday, show day, started early that was available. The MGC Register at Louisville’s Waterfront Park. The was well represented within all the MGC Roadster and GT classes where MG models being present at this every located in a central location amongst five-year get together. Overall the the other models. NAMGBR members entries from the MMM, MGT, MGA had a specific entrance along the north and MGB Registers numbered over 700 side of the park where I was their first with many MG enthusiast driving in contact. It was a great way to meet from the East and West coasts, as well many of NAMGBR members although as Canada. rather short and only with instructions Monday’s registration was located where their class would be parked. close to the NAMGBR reception booth. Dennis Gage of “My Classic Car” came Officers of NAMGBR as well as Regis- by to meet me and get his picture taken trar’s were on hand to greet members with me. I exchanged greetings and and help them with any questions gave him a NAMGCR sticker. He seems about the convention. All of the new, like a great guy. as well as, older Regalia items were on A special thanks to all the MGC display and sales were brisk for the owners who attended MG 2016: Ben NAMGCR items. I gave out NAMGCR & Marsha Andrews, Allen Bachelder, stickers to all NAMGCR members I met Gary Brown, Matt & Kerry Carden, and even a few to others as they really Doug Clark, Phill & Melody Col- liked the looks of the Logo. lins, Michael Crews, Craig & Joyce Tuesday morning our MGC Cummings, Jim Danielson, Kelvin seminar was well attended with over Dodd, Bruce Fehlman, Jack Feldman, 30 enthusiasts. The seminar was more Tim Gallagher, Brian & Edith Hajek, of a social discussion about the various Andrew Hardie, Rick & Jean Ingram, technical systems and components Dan & Mary Kerkman, David & Carol unique to the MGC. Participation was Kalp, Bob & Sandy Kristof, Terry Looft, encouraged and provided some inter- Pete Mantell, Ron & Louis Neal, Paul & esting and usable information. Every- Rosemary Morrissette, Robert & Dana one who attended made a contribution Reisse, Dana & Kathie Rindge, Karla and enjoyed this type of format, as it Rogers, Tony & Janet Shoviak, Gordon ran a half hour over schedule! Smith, Roger Sykes, Jim & Rhonda Tin- Wednesday was the day for the kham, Bruce & Connie Wyckoff. You “MG Talking Tour”. The MGC was are all winners! invited to participate by Tom Metcalf Contact me with your ideas, sug- of the MG Council. This would be a gestions, and what you expect or want presentation featuring 12 MGs starting from your North American MGC Reg- with the earliest model to the later ister. Articles and pictures for The MG years. Owners of each MG exhibited Driver are always welcome about you in the Crowne Ballroom explained the and your MGC or MGC events at evolution of their particular car and [email protected]. John 14 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 Early Midget/Sprite Registrar

Bruce Hamper Midget Registrar NAMGBR

came from Colorado and received an Honorable Mention Award. We had 17 entries in the popular vote. It was hard to pick the winning ex- amples as any of these Midgets could easily place at a regional or annual MG car show. I cannot remember a show with so many excel- lent examples of our mark. Interest in the Early Midgets and Sprites is growing. If you missed MG 2016, be sure to include MG 2017 in San Diego, G 2016 in Louisville was California on your calendar. M absolutely amazing with well How about a drive report from over 700 MGs! It was the first time I adventures in your Midget or Sprite? attended the once every five years, all- Here’s my MG 2016 drive report: I MG national event. Seeing examples did not have nearly as far to travel to from the 1930’s up to the present gives get to Louisville from St. Louis, Mis- you a better sense of the history and souri. I covered about 620 miles in development through the years. the course of the week counting both We had a wonderful display of travel to and from the show and driv- 19 Spridgets, including 18 MG Midg- ing around Louisville. I got 34.5 mpg ets and an AH Sprite in the chrome averaged over three fill-ups and used bumper 1961-74 category. What a two quarts of oil (Oops!). The 69 Sprite great display of Midgets! The level appears to have developed an oil leak of restoration and maintenance was at the front engine seal. I’ll feed it the phenomenal, with many of the entries rest of the summer and fix it this win- travelling long distances to attend. ter. Only other problem was a failed We had owner driven Midgets from as flasher unit which occurred on the far west as Alberta, Canada, from New return trip. The lights all worked, but Jersey to the east, and Ontario, Canada were on continually when using the to the north. stalk turn signal. That’s not much of Two MG Midgets from our catego- a problem; however, flipping the stalk ry were included in Concourse judg- switch on and off to mimic a flasher ing. Dennis Cestra’s 1964 MG Midget gets annoying! is black with red interior and took Once I got back home, I ordered Concourse first place for MG 2016. up a new, correct flasher unit. I was This MG Midget gets better with each surprised to find that it also did not viewing and is an amazing work of flash the lights – constant on when art. Congratulations, Dennis! Robert using the stalk switch. The old unit Unfug’s black tulip 1972 MG Midget was revived briefly by putting it back

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 15 in the car and tapping the side of the As always, thanks for the respons- metal can. Works just like a broken es to the Spridget Register. I always fuel pump! Turns out the new square look forward to receiving emails, unit would not flash, even after tap- letters, and web responses. Why not ping, hitting, dropping on floor, etc. sent a picture or two of your Spridget The new unit is only rated (as noted during the driving season? I’ll try to on the metal can) to 47W max. Two include as many pictures of member’s old style tungsten lamps (original cars as possible in The MG Driver. If style 1156 bulbs; 27W each) would you have not already registered your draw 54W at 13V. As expected the Spridget, be sure to visit the online new square flasher got very hot while registration on the NAMGBR web- engaged in the circuit. I don’t see how site (www.namgbr.org) or send your these new units can possibly work un- information directly to me at the new less you have lower amperage lamps. I register email: midget-sprite@namgbr. switched to a generic flasher unit from net. a local supplier; a DOT 522 round can Enjoy the rest of the 2016 driving flasher. It’s not original, but it works season! great! And speaking of growing enthusiasm for MG Midgets and AH Sprites, we have a number of new members to the Spridget Register since the last MG Driver listing: Sergio Zarbin Glen Arm, Md 69 MG Midget British Racing Green Michael Murphy Kernersville, NC 66 MG Midget Red Jay Cohen West Hills, CA 74 MG Midget Red with hardtop Bob Crow Alvin, TX 72 MG Midget Green/White Bob Crow Alvin, TX 72 MG Midget White Bruce

16 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 Post-Abingdon Register

Mark Jones Post-Abingdon Registrar NAMGBR G 2016 was my first All Register event and what a great meet it was! The North M American Council of MG Registers did a great job – congratulations to all involved in organizing this wonderful event. We had a fabulous turn out of in terms of number and variety of Post Abingdon cars: two RV8s, eight MGFs, and an MG SV-S, as well as a special guest at the show field: an MG Metro 6R4 from the Lane Museum. The Post Abingdon class winners were: first place Dino Perez (a 1995 red RV8), second place Bob Riddell (1995 oxford blue RV8), and third place Keith Holdsworth (1995 volcano MGF). For the second time (first time at an all register event) there was an MGF entered in the NAMG- BR’s concours event, a very early 1995 flame red MGF (#59), owned by Judy Jones, which was awarded Honourable Mention. Most significant of all, was that the Chairman’s Choice for MG 2016 went to Ron Neal with his stunning 2004 MG SV-S. Congratulations to all the winners. The high-light of the week for me was be- ing asked to be one of the presenters at Wednes- day morning’s talking tour. There was a great selection of MGs on display and I really enjoyed listening to the people talk about their particu- lar car; very interesting histories and stories. Mark

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 17 18 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 Ken’s Korner

Article and images provided by Ken Smith (Barbie & Ken) irst, a big thank you to those who the show. When I received the award, responded to my request for info brought back from the Convention by F on Limited Editions in the last David Stuursma, of Moss, I was, to use issue of this magazine. I am now up to the English vernacular – Gobsmacked! date following info from Jay Cohen, (i.e. - speechless!) I never even antici- Suzanne Snyder, Lionel Leathers, and pated such an honor and I thank you Arden Wrisley. Also a couple of names all for your efforts and support. were transposed in our last issue-they It’s been nearly a year since I sold should have read Herman Ralph who my own personal MGB LE and I still hails from Kentucky. I hope you got miss it very much despite the fact that the chance to attend MG 2016 while I was finding it more difficult to get in it was in your state Herman! I under- and out and almost impossible to work stand that there was a good turnout on myself, however I am content that of Limited Edition MGBs at Louisville it went to a good home where it’s one among the MGs at the show and the of a cherished collection of MGs. evening banquet was standing room Maybe we can make it to San only. Diego next year, but it will not be in Also, I’d like to thank through an MG however, it would be nice to see these pages all the members who were you all again! Who knows?? instrumental in gaining me the award Take care all the best! of “Kentucky Colonel” presented at Ken

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 19 20 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 Letters to the Editor Bruce, We were all pleasantly surprised to see the picture of our 1948 MG TC/ exu/7409 at the top of Geoff Wheatley’s article in The MG Driver. My daugh- ter Alison and I think we must have been looking at another MG on our way by during the GoF West in Reno a few years ago. Laura, our other daughter, has a 1967 MGB GT right hand drive with OD and Rostyle wheels plus her first car she’s had for 27 years and a 70 GT with wires and OD. I have the TC, a 53 TD, and a 54 1964 Ad of Wilson McComb the great TF1250. My wife Susan says we have MG Car Club archivist. enough MGs. Please let Geoff know we all enjoyed seeing the picture in The MG Hi Robert, Driver. —Jon Hermance Reading latest mag, as always, I noted advert on page 63 which shows Le Thanks Jon! Mans 1964 with lap recorder that I think may be Wilson McComb or just perhaps Robert! John Thornley. Do you or anyone know? I was very pleased to see the article Thanks for the copies and to Ken Smith on the MG Metro 6R4 in the July/August for sending them. I missed MG Live at 2016 edition of The MG Driver. I have Silverstone this year for the first time in 35 had the opportunity to see two of these years, anno domini 90 now! rallye cars before in the collection of the Regards to all of you! Imperial Palace in Las Vegas. Both of Sincerely, —Don Hayter these cars were white. These cars were both for sale and had asking prices of Mr Hayter, between USD $150k and $250k. I hope you are doing well. To The Driver article was equally me, it looks like John Thornley, but it timely in that those in attendance at could be McComb. We found the ad Waterfront Park in Louisville on showday on the Internet. I ran a search again of MG 2016 were treated to the display of and it is listed as “Wilson McComb Le Mans ad 1964”. I don’t know if that one of these cars, courtesy of Jeff Lane of means he was in the picture (with Lane Motor Museum. Hopkirk and Hedges in the back- I didn’t know of the existence of ground), or if he took the picture Lane’s 6R4 until we saw it in the base- that was used for the ad. Maybe one ment of his museum during the British of the new MGCC club archivists can Motor Trade Association annual meeting help. Take very good care of yourself earlier this year. Jeff graciously agreed to sir! have one of his employees, James Green, trailer the 6R4 to Louisville the day of the HI Robert, show – at no charge to the event. Only a Agreed that the picture is of Wilson. handful of people outside of myself knew Some notes I had when I helped him write that this car was going to make an appear- the book confirm he was there in 1964. ance that day. Regards, —Don H. James gave me a ride in the 6R4 from its position on the showfield to its trailer Mystery Solved! on the wharf. What a GREAT experi-

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 21 ence.....and LOUD! I can only imagine showing as well! what it would be like to participate in Dear NAMGBR, a rallye in one of these cars. Maybe Jeff June 1, 2016, after leaving Tianjin, will loan it to me for next year’s Missouri China in May 2010, RIP, Red Car and Endurance Run! < grin> Navy At the awards banquet on Thursday Car have done it! They have success- evening of MG 2016, I asked for a show fully circumnavigated the globe... of hands of those in the audience (about What a wonderful, and sometimes 1000 people) of who was aware of the exhausting, time the occupants have existence of the MG Metro 6R4. I’m will- had too! From China to the ‘Stan’s and ing to bet that less than 100 enthusiasts Iran and Turkey; also South, Central, raised their hand. and North Africa; and, last year, South, Keep up the great work with The MG Central, and North America, and now Driver. You are doing an awesome job! Canada, our trusty Classic MGs have car- —Rick Ingram ried us, our luggage, our tools, and spare Executive Director, The North American parts over every road-condition possible, MG Council of Registers with relatively few major breakdowns or incidents! Who says Classic MGs aren’t Thanks Rick!

Dear NAMGBR MGC Register, It’s Time to Book! It is with great pleasure we announce the MGC 50th Anniversary Event 2017 is now open for on-line booking. The MGC Register would like to invite you to go to the MG Car Club web-site www.mgcc.co.uk and click on the MGC Register micro-site. There you will find our on-line booking form and all the detail you need to book the event. If you are not a member of the MG Car Club, don’t worry you will have full access to book. We will be welcoming all classic cars and hopefully have a representation of all models of the MG. We hope you will be able to navigate the site easily and have a smooth entry process. In the event of any problems, please do not hesitate in contacting me and I will do my best to rectify the situation. Good luck and we look forward to re- ceiving your entry. Once your booking has been accepted, you will be e-mailed with the booking code for Chateau-Impney. Please do not attempt to book your ac- commodation, until your entry has been accepted. Kind regards . . . Barrie & Ginny Cartmell MGC Register, MG Car Club Limited Telephone 01208 821552 e-mail: [email protected] The MGB 50th Anniversary celebra- tion in the UK was a huge success and I’m sure the MGCs will get a big

22 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 through rain, hail, snow, and heat and allowing me to enjoy the elements without a hood! I would also like to thank the Aus- sie Adventurers (also the UK and South African Adventurers) for the help they have offered and for the good times had in all sorts of circumstances. I would also like to thank Mark at Classic Car Clinic for helping prepare RIP for her adventures. reliable? As a group, we have proved it! Lastly, I would like to thank the many, These three MGs have travelled a many people we have met along the way total of approximately 210,000km in the who have welcomed us, assisted us and past five years. Add to that the distances laughed with us. It has truly been a won- the other MG Adventurers have clocked up derful 12 years since acquiring RIP! and it approximates around 550,000km. Very impressive, in my book! Long may the MG Marque bring hap- I would like to thank my long-suf- piness to the masses around the world! fering wife, Laurel, for sitting beside me Dave Godwin – proud member of the International MG Family!

Cliff Schuenaman from Parma Hts., Ohio brought his 1965 MGB Mk I to MG 2016.

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 23 NAMGBR Annual General Meeting Article By Tony Burgess NAMGBR Convention Coordinator.

San Diego bay with skyline in the background. Saturday, October 22, 2016 The weekend’s schedule is as follows: his year’s NAMGBR Annual Gen- eral Meeting (AGM) will be held Friday night (October 21st) T the weekend of October 21-23, • 5:00 pm– Meet in the host hotel 2016 in San Diego, California, site of lobby our 2017 annual convention. Our 2017 • 5:00-6:00 pm – Tour of the hotel convention in San Diego will be held 7:00 pm - Dinner at the hotel (on your from June 25-28, 2017. own). Rooms have been blocked for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Saturday (October 22nd) nights, October 20, 21 and 22, 2016 • 8:30 am – 10:30 am – Tour of the at Paradise Point Island Resort in San car show site. Diego at the rate is $184/night (plus • 11:00 am – 12:30 pm – Lunch (on tax). The hotel’s daily resort and park- your own) ing fees have been waived for this • 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm - Setup for meeting. You can book your room by AGM either using the link below, or phone • 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm – Annual Gen- 800-344-2626 and use the Group Code eral Meeting of the North Ameri- “MGB2016”. Unsold rooms will be can MGB Register at the hotel released on September 20. 7:00pm - Dinner (offsite location) Namgbr.org/agm2016mtg • This meeting is open to all Please contact me on MGOHIO@ NAMGBR members and their guests AOL.COM or 614-899-2394 if you have and are you encouraged to attend all or questions about this year’s AGM. part of the weekend’s activities. —Hope to see you there.

24 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 MG 2017 ~ MGs at the Bay Paradise Point, San Diego • June 25-28, 2017 Article By Steve Kirby and Scott Davidson

he San Diego MG Club is very ex- is Seaport Village with its incredible cited to welcome you to Ameri- views of beautiful San Diego Bay, the T ca’s Finest City. The resort, Para- Coronado Bridge and Coronado Island dise Point, is one of the most desirable (and ferry rides to the Island). Not to locations in the entire area. You’ll be mention the “Hotel Del”, the Silver surrounded by water and the wonder- Strand, Balboa Park (home of the 1915 ful, relaxing vibe of San Diego. Just of a Pan American Exhibit, and now home few of the offerings include nearby Sea to 15 museums), serene back country World, Mission Bay Park (swimming, drives, The Stephen Birch Aquarium sailing, paddle boarding, hanging out and…on and on! at the beach), Old Town and the Presi- Ohh h h . . . the weather: You will dio (where California started), Cabrillo be coming to San Diego during some National Park and Fort Rosecrans, the of the best weather of the year. The USS Midway, the Embarcadero and its forecast for this time of year is: “Always many maritime attractions – Star of In- beautiful to partly spectacular.” dia, The “Sailor Kissing Nurse” WWII Dress Code: Shorts, T-Shirt and statue, a Russian submarine, Maritime sandals. For formal attire: We don’t Museum, the historic San Salvador, do formal very much. A new T-Shirt? the HMS Surprise, the 1898 steam- Don’t forget to bring a sweater or light powered ferry Berkeley, the California, jacket with you – the evening breeze and others. from the ocean can be cool. Did we The incredible beaches of the area, mention the great weather? from Oceanside to Imperial Beach The MG 2017 website (mg2017. with Del Mar and La Jolla very nearby. namgbr.org) will give you a few details The Gaslamp District – which is the of the event, and will be open for old downtown historic district – very registration before the end of the year. much the heartbeat of nightlife. There Stay tuned.

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 25 Driver’s Report - Adventures in a 1972 MG Midget Article and images provided By Andrew Hardie, Calgary MG Car Club

G 2016 has been on my bucket “Life” saw the refresh turning list since the last all register into a bare tub restoration after over M convention in Reno back in 20 years in boxes, and my now grown 2011, so I was really looking forward kids think it’s “great” that the old man to this one. I have never attempted so has a nice toy to play with once again. long a trip in a vintage car, though I Since its restoration in 2006, the car did attend MG 2013 in Corvallis, with has been to Oregon a couple of times, my son driving my Midget while I was and countless times to Canada’s west in my 1969 MGC GT, so the promise coast including Vancouver Island on at of another fun road trip was an added least four occasions as well as out onto draw, though I had originally planned the Saskatchewan prairies. to drive the MGC rather than the In preparation for this trip, a Midget. The C engine rebuild is still thorough “pre-trip inspection” of incomplete though, so my trusty little every major component on the car red car got the nod for this trip. was performed, and all electrical and I have owned my red 1972 Midget mechanical systems given a going from new, so am intimately familiar over. The oil and filter were changed, with the car and was completely at tappet, plug and points gaps checked ease with taking it the planned 2200 along with the timing, and a compres- miles to Kentucky, and back. The car sion check done. Though never needed has performed flawlessly throughout in the past, a few key parts (like points, its life with me, and has been used on rotors, and other ignition parts) were many touring holidays. salted away into some of the smaller In its time, it has been to Califor- crevices of the car “ just in case”, leav- nia (in the early seventies), was my ing nearly all of the tiny trunk space four season daily driver for five years for luggage. I also found room for a from new, and logged nearly 100,000 spare fuel pump, a coil, and half a case miles before being taken off the road of oil. when it was 14 years old for a “refresh”. The luggage rack was fitted with

26 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 my ATV bag and filled with chairs we reached our hotel for the second and some “bling” I don’t leave on the night of the trip. car for road use as well as detailing Day three was to be another supplies to prepare for the show. The sightseeing day with Mount Rushmore cockpit was jamb packed too, with and Crazy Horse Monuments on our stuff to help combat the forecast hot agenda. There are some wonderful weather, as well as light coats “just in MG roads to be enjoyed in this part of case”, a brolly or two, and other “ dross South Dakota and we made a point of “. In brief, the car was packed to the driving a few of these as we took in our point of overload. planned stops. After stops in the inter- My wife Donna and I started our esting towns of Lead and Deadwood, journey from Calgary with fellow Cal- we finally arrived at Mt. Rushmore gary MG Car Club members Henri and where we spent a couple of hours visit- Nicole Lefebvre in their 1971 MGB/GT ing the Monument and having lunch early on the morning of June 8th, giv- before moving on to view the Crazy ing us five days to cover the planned Horse Monument about a half hour route to Louisville via Sweetgrass south. From there it was on south into Montana, where we entered the USA. Nebraska, but not before another brief Following 500 miles of driving and stop in Hot Springs, Dakota Territory, several stops for fuel, our first night where I took some more pictures and stop came in Billings, after a trouble gained some more points for my par- free day, but the top had to go up in ticipation in the Moss Motoring Chal- Great Falls as the sun was becoming lenge. This trip was to be a bonanza of unbearably hot already. It was to stay points for The Challenge which I have up with the rear window zipped out, had a lot of fun with over the past few for almost all the rest of the trip, as years. Moss are to be commended for the heat increased day-by-day and we creating this incentive to get out in the needed shelter from the sun. car and have some fun. Little Big Horn Battlefield near After a night stop in Ogallalla Ne- Crow Agency, Montana, opened day braska, and scarcely 600 miles covered two, and then it was on down through in the past two days, it was now time the Northeast corner of Wyoming to get down to business and put some to see Devils Tower. Our travelling miles behind us. Even an early start companions in their GT elected to go didn’t spare us much relief from the directly to Spearfish, South Dakota, intense heat, and with frequent rest without seeing Devils Tower, and we stops to cool off and fuel the cars and would meet up for our second night ourselves, progress was not as fast as stop there. The Midget was purring like a kitten despite being overloaded in excessive heat, and we had another fantastic day of driving in beauti- ful surroundings and little traffic. Spearfish logged an all-time record tem- perature for June 9th at 99F-degrees and the heat of the day had taken a toll on us by the time

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 27 we’d hoped. Interstate travel isn’t very enjoy- able in a 44-year-old MG, hour after hour, but this is the price we must pay for all the wonderful places and things we have seen over the past couple of days. The Datsun 5-speed transmission I installed back in ‘08 makes high speed cruis- ing as relaxed as it can be in a street legal go kart and we gobbled up real estate at the rate of 75 miles per hour at 3400 rpm. We were sticking to our plan of arriving in ways. Avoiding St Louis was high on Louisville on Sunday the 12th, and so the agenda, so we opted for state roads far things are looking good. and county roads as we go in search of Our constantly changing route US 50 and 150 for the final push to our plan is modified again after the rapid destination in Louisville. trip on I-80 across Nebraska towards The weather becomes more un- Lincoln, and we dropped down onto settled as the day draws on, and the Nebraska 2 and head for Nebraska City threat of severe weather is in the fore- and into Iowa briefly so I can pick up cast. As we get close to our goal, a big another state for the Moss Challenge. storm cell settles over us, and we head Then we dropped down to St Joseph, for shelter under a gas station canopy Missouri, before picking up US 36 to as visibility on the highway is near cross Missouri. Hannibal was planned, zero in sheets of rain. Added to that, but hot and tired, we could only man- the torrent of water coming in through age Macon for our penultimate night the zipped out rear window needs to stop, the run into Louisville being be stopped. After a half hour delay, but relatively easy from there. with rain still falling, we make our way Another early start to try to beat gingerly back up onto US 150 for the fi- the heat as best we can on day five. nal run to our destination. Before long, More Moss Challenge photo ops along the rain stops, the windows can be the way, we enter Illinois and quickly lowered again, and though the inside retire to the relative peace of “The of the car is a little damp, we make our Great River Road.” Slightly cooler way safely to our hotel and get settled temperatures and more shade than we for the week ahead, and MG 2016. have seen since leaving South Dakota It’s a little after 6pm as we arrive, were greatly enjoyed along with the and already there were some amaz- lush countryside and quaint towns ing cars in the tightly grouped event and villages along the way. It was not hotel parking lots, this was going to be long before we are caught by a con- a stellar event. Our friends Henri and voy of 7 MGs from Colorado (two of Nicole peel off and head for their hotel them Midgets...... yeah!) also headed and we continued onto ours just down for Louisville. We traveled with them the street, where air conditioning and for a while, before choosing different a refreshing shower were waiting. stops for fuel and going our separate We’ve covered 2250 miles in five

28 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 days, gone through three liters of struck up a conversation with the Castrol 20/50 oil (I confess to a leak, lady watching her man wash the road though some is burned), and averaged grime from their beautiful MGA, while something over 32mpg on premium I waited. Turned out her life began in gas. The car was completely trouble rural Alberta, about 2.5 hours north of free, with the only adjustments being Calgary in Rimbey, before her fam- to rich en the SUs a couple of flats and ily moved to the US. It is such a small drop the idle to compensate for the world we live in! much denser low altitude air com- The rest of the week was to be pared to home, as Calgary sits at 3500 filled meeting folks I have only had ex- feet above sea level. changes with on web forums and Face- The car needed a good cleaning book pages such as the Midget/Sprite following the trip down, and a good group, Moss Motoring Challenge, and once over to ensure everything was as MG 2016, cementing friendships made it should be. After all these years, this online with face to face meetings. car never fails to put a smile on my MG IS the Marque of Friendship, face, and although the long trip down and this proved to be never more ap- had been tiring, it was a fantastic trip parent than while in Louisville. If you with Henri and Nicole. have never attended a NAMGBR con- A fun, but totally useless piece vention (or any of the other Register’s of info. At a nearby high-pressure car conventions) do yourself a favor and wash on Monday morning, I encoun- put one on the list! tered a couple from New Mexico and

This showed up at MG 2016!

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 29 MG 2016 Report Article and images provided By Robert Rushing

ust over 700 thorough- breds showed up for J the fifth running of the North American MG Council of Register’s All Register Convention held in the hometown of the Kentucky Derby – Lou- isville! Nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, the town became a major center of commerce in the early 1800’s due to waterfalls on the river that forced boat traffic to have to stop, unload, and then reload to another east coast, Reno hosted over 600 and boat on the other side of the falls. This saw a large number of cars participate was required until a canal was even- in the coast-to-coast Rallye to Reno tually dug bypassing the falls. Since drive on Highway 50. then, Louisville has become famous Activities for MG 2016 kicked off as the home to some of the best horse on Monday with the opening of regis- racing and best bourbon in the world. tration. Hats off to the team of vol- Not to mention the hometown of the unteers who handled the registration Louisville Slugger factory and the late desk – the line was long, but moved great Mohamad Ali (whose funeral quickly. As always, it was great walking took place just a few days before the around and talking to people that I convention started). don’t get to see nearly often enough, The MG 2016 team – Rick In- listening to their travel stories, and gram (Executive Director), Tony finding out what they had planned for Burgess (Treasurer), Richard Liddick the week. (NAMGBR), Hank Rippert (NEMGT), There was a giant room set up for Carol Shamonsky (NAMGAR), and the Registers and vendors to sell parts Tom Metcalf (NAMMMR) put in sever- and regalia. NAMGBR had our tables al years of work to bring this together. set up right in the middle of the room These All Register meets are only held where we had our new t-shirts for the every five years and it has been twenty Early Midget/1500 Midget Register, years since that very first event took the 1974 1/2 MGB Register, and the place in 1996 in Indianapolis where Original Owners Register, not to men- over 1300 MGs attended. The second tion our MGC Register regalia that one took place in St Paul, Minnesota, also proved very popular. Our Regalia in 2001 with just over 800 cars and the Coordinator, Connie Wyckoff, had third took place in Gatlinburg, Tennes- many other new NAMGBR products see, just topping over 1000 MGs on the for sale (which you can order directly field. MG 2011 was in Reno, Nevada, from her). Connie and Bruce both and was the first all register event spent many hours manning the desk to take place west of the Mississippi. throughout the week. Despite the long drive for those on the The main event for Monday

30 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 was the opening ceremony held at Schach speaking on T-Series interiors; Churchill Downs, home of the Ken- Dave Braun on Tuning by the Num- tucky Derby. The whole facility was bers; and then a “tech session” on how reserved for MG 2016 attendees. There to make the famous Derby Pie which were private tours of the grounds and included a big slab of the pie to eat at the museum, and a viewing of a spec- the end of the presentation. tacular surround-film on a derby race The afternoon featured tech that had everyone looking in every sessions by Kelvin Dodd on Why Did direction to see all the action as the They Do That – discussing why certain horses raced around the screens that designs and engineering took place. circled the room. There was plenty of Hagerty Insurance held a session on ice cold mint julips and many of the how valuations are done and how to ladies sported elaborate hats as they properly insure your classic. Lloyd toured the facilities. You have no con- Faust discussed originality and MGB cept of how big the derby grounds are production. Australians Dave Good- until you’re there in person. win and Sue Slater gave a talk on their amazing trip around the world in Tuesday was the first full day of MGs. Larry Sanata of North American the convention and what a day it was! Classic MG Magazine held a newsletter Many attendees were up early to catch editor forum and another fun activity the buses for the Corvette Factory tour that took place was the Fascinator Sta- or for the Bourbon Trail Distillery tour. tion workshop where Nancy Bowman Tech sessions kicked off with John taught attendees how to make their Rogers giving a talk on MGCs; Doug own elaborate hats like the ones worn Pelton on Restoration Tips; Pete Mantell at the derby or by royalty during fancy and Steve Carrick discussed Powder- events. coating & V8 conversions; and in what Tuesday night was Register Night. may be the most elaborate tech session Each register held a dinner to socialize of all time, Bruce Woodson gave a with their members and give a pre- demonstration of a 5-speed conversion sentation on next year’s convention on post-war MGs using a MGA frame (MG 2017 – San Diego!). After dinner, that included the complete suspension Captain Rat and the Blind Rivets played and full drivetrain (so clean you could songs from the 50s, 60s, and 70s to a eat off of it) for the presentation in the packed dance floor. middle of a giant ballroom. Outside under the hotel portico, Wednesday saw another round John Twist had cars lined up around of bus tours, self-driving tours, and the hotel waiting for his famous Roll- tech sessions! Special kudos goes to ing Tech Session (he’s my hero). Mid- the local club, the Louisville British morning tech sessions included Horst Sports Car Club, for setting up the great self-driving tours with very clear maps that made them easy to follow. Wednesday morning also saw one of the most at- tended tech sessions – the MG Walking Tour. Example cars from each Register were brought inside the hotel while the owners discussed the history of the model and what it was like to own the car in the nice cool air conditioned comfort of the ballroom. The MG Driver • September / October 2016 31 galore, and a mas- sive turnout of MGBs! In the end, NAMGBR made up almost 55% of the cars represented on the field that day with around 400 cars on display. Later that eve- ning, following the same model as MG 2011, pre-banquet award ceremonies took place for each MARK JONES Register to hand Thursday was the day of the big out 2nd through 6th show. The location was in downtown places for their respective classes. The Louisville at Waterfront Park right on 1st place awards and special awards the bank of the Ohio River. It was a were held for the combined banquet. flat, lushly green field with plenty of The keynote speaker for the event shade provided by the highway over- was Dennis Gage of My Classic Car pass that ran above the middle of the television show, who was a very enter- park. There was a nice breeze blowing taining speaker. Besides talking about off the river all day, so despite the high his favorite cars and adventures with temps, it was a pleasant day. celebrities like Jay Leno, he clarified A few hiccups were experienced a legend that has been going around with parking early on, but it was soon about him for a while. He was on the sorted and things flowed smoothly team that developed Pringles potato after that. Concours judging got chips (and actually holds several pat- kicked off and the special guests – the ents around it), but the famous logo Denver Cornet MG TC which partici- of the man with the big mustache was pated at the first Watkins Glen race in not modeled after him despite the 1948 (which had been on display in resemblance. the lobby of the Crowne Plaza hotel all Besides all the first place winners, week), the EX186 Le Mans prototype the awarding of the Don Hayter Top twin cam race car, and a 1984 MG Met- Point MG, the Chairman’s Choice ro 6R4 Group B Rallycar from the Lane Award, and the John Thornley Award, Museum of Nashville – got prominent Rick Ingram presented a special positions. designation by the Governor of the Various vendors set up their wares great Commonwealth of Kentucky, the and two local food trucks were on Honorable Matthew Bevin, making hand in the shade of the overpass. our famous editor emeritus Ken Smith Nearby restaurants and downtown an official “Kentucky Colonel.” So the museums were within walking dis- next time you’re in Goleta, you’ll prob- tance of the showfield. As tradition, ably see Ken sitting on his veranda in the valve cover races took place just a white suit, sipping Mint Julips, and after noon with some strong competi- possibly eating fried chicken. tion between the racers. As always, it was a wonderful con- The cars on the field were just vention. Big thanks to everyone who spectacular. Four factory MGB GT helped make MG 2016 a success and I V8s! A 2004 MG SV-S (one of only four look forward to the next All Register built)! The beautiful MMM cars, 54 event in 2021! TDs, a stunning MG SA saloon, MGAs

32 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 MG 2016 Photo Essay Photos by Robert Rushing and Charles de Bourbon

MG 2016 guest speaker Dennis Gage loving The MG Driver. centerfold MG 2016

From left; Tony Burgess, Alan Magnuson, Rick Ingram, Richard Liddick, Hank Rippert, Carol Shamonsky, Tom Metcalf, Jack Kahler.

34 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 centerfold MG 2016

From left; Tony Burgess, Alan Magnuson, Rick Ingram, Richard Liddick, Hank Rippert, Carol Shamonsky, Tom Metcalf, Jack Kahler.

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 35 Walking Tour Images by Mark Jones

MG evolution through time.

36 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 Tech Sessions

Dave Braun “Turning By The Numbers”

Kelvin Dodd “Why Did They Do That?

Kelvin Dodd

Jesse Pilarski & Andrew Newton “Hagerty Valuation Seminar”

John Rogers “About the MG”

Doug Pelton “Restoration Tips”

Larry Sanata “Newsletter Forum” John Rupp “Derby Pie”

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 37 Tech Sessions

Bruce Woodson and a transmission. Bruce Woodson with an MGA frame.

Bruce Woodson “5-Speed All for Post War MGs”

John Twist “All Day Rolling Tech Session”

38 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 Car Show

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 39 Car Show

40 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 Car Show

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 41 Car Show

42 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 MG 2016 Concours Report By Bob Gloyd TOP POINT DENNIS CESTRA 1964 MG MIDGET BLACK

e had an interesting group of cars in the W Concours Class this year at MG 2016. First let me emphasize that Concours is all voluntary, no one is auto- matically or forced to partici- pate. In addition, the empha- sis is to be on originality, either restored or survival ex- amples of the cars maintain- ing the way they were built. Not just beauty queens or highly modified cars, but cars that represent the original way they were delivered from Abingdon. A reminder that NAMGBR Concours is only open to members of NAMGBR who own models within the registry – MGBs, MGCs, Midg- ets, MG1100/1300s, Factory V8s, and Post Abingdon MGs. Originally, there were three cars pre-registered for the Concours, one of the cars did not make it to the event and dropped out. That left two pre-registered cars.

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 43 Honorable Mention Award of Excellence Judy Jones, 1995 MGF – Flame Red Terry Looft, 1967 MG-1100 – Connaught Green

Honorable Mention Award of Excellence Simon and Tara Dix, Janene Willey, 1977 MGB – Flamenco Red 1967 MGB/GT – Tartan Red

Mark Jones

Janene Willey 44 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 The remaining make-up of the class came from me stalking the parking lots throughout the week, monitor- ing the arrival of cars at the park and personally inviting owners to participate. This created a wide range within the seven cars that made up the class, from cars with original patina to restored beauties. I feel it was a great mix. As always I want to thank the judges. These folks are volunteers who give of their time and talents to scrutinize the cars and make the choices. Once again, all of the judges were recruited the day of the show, which makes me extra grate- ful. Without their willingness, the Certificate of Merit class would not happen. This year’s Rhonda and John Wild, judging team consisted of; John 1973 MGB – Blaze Red Rosenthal representing the MG Car Club of Toronto, Ron Neal from the British Car Club of Charleston, S.C., Laura Magnuson of the MG Car Club Rocky Mountain Centre represent- ing NAMGBR, Jeff Taylor of the Wil- lamette MG Club also representing NAMGBR, Jim Duke from the British Sports Car Club of Memphis, and Jack Reynolds from the British Sports Car Club of Memphis. My thanks go out to these wonderful club members for their hard work. As you can see, the judges came from all around North America. Special thanks go out to the car owners that accepted my invitation to present their cars. I was really pleased with the fact that we had some very original, unrestored cars in the mix and for the first time, an 1100 entered as well. Certificate of Merit Robert & Teresa Unfrug, Once again my deepest thanks 1972 MG Midget - Black Tulip go out to these owners for showing their spectacular cars! The future of the Concours com- pletion is currently under discussion as it is getting increasingly harder to Terry Looft attract owners in entering their cars as well as getting volunteers to serve as judges. We will let you know of the decision prior to MG 2017.

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 45 NAMGBR MG 2016 Results

Class 401: MGB Mk I Class 407: MGB Mk IV (1962-1965 Pull Handle) – 6 cars (1977-1978 early) – 39 cars 1st – David Holland, Bowling Green, KY 1st – Douglas Walling, New Bern, NC 2nd – Bob Strathman, Chesterfield, MO 2nd – Walt Murphy, St Louis, MO 3rd – Duane Petersen, Winnsboro, TN 3rd – Hank Largey, Wylie, TX 4th – Brian Bailey, Tulsa, OK 4th – Richard Lunney, Huntersville, NC 5th – Glyn Reedman, Whitby, ON 6th – Todd Steeves, Ottawa, ON

Class 402: MGB Mk I (1965-1967) – 14 cars 1st – Tony Shoviak, Waterville, OH Class 408: MGB Mk IV 2nd – Dave Estell, Mason, OH (1978-1980 late) – 43 cars 3rd – Robert Kerstetter, Mishawaka, IN 1st – Barry Humphrey, Hingham, MA 4th – Paul Lentz, Tustin, CA 2nd – George Barbari, Tonawanda, NY 5th – Robert Orr, Ridgeville, IN 3rd – Art Shippey, Maumee, OH 6th – John Schroeder, Downers Grove, IL 4th – Alan Tucker, Hanover, PA 5th – Steve Ratcliffe, Gainesville, GA 6th – Joe Scarlett, Monroeville, PA Class 403: MGB Mk II ( 1968-1969 Chrome grille) – 16 cars 1st – Ned Shields, Owings, MD Class 409: MGB LE 2nd – Dave Kray, Williamsville, NY ( 1979-1980) – 18 cars 3rd – Vincent Anderson, Evansville, IN 1st – David Handley, Strongsville, OH 4th – Craig Perry, Severance, CO 2nd – Suzanne Snyder, Sterling Heights, MI 5th – Gary Perrault, Butler, NJ 3rd – Kathy Goodman, Beavercreek, OH 6th – Judith Heck, Kingston, GA 4th – Ed Haas, Nazareth, PA 5th – Len Kosatka, Avon Lake, OH

Class 404: MGB Mk II (1970-1972 Recessed grille) – 49 cars Class 410: MGB/GT (1965-1971) – 27 cars 1st – Skip Peterson, Kettering, OH 2nd – Gloria Ciarrocca, Lancaster, PA 1st – John Colwell, Old Hickory, TN 3rd – Everett Rainer, Dublin, OH 2nd – Arthur Colwell, Magnolia, TX 4th – Bill Gillson, Marietta, GA 3rd – Steve Kirby, Escondido, CA 5th – Jennifer Orum, West Vancouver, BC 4th – Geoffrey Dix, Ottawa, ON 6th – John Moore, Mechanicville, NY 5th – Kenneth Martin, Phoenix, AZ 6th – Daniel Bosso, Buford, GA

Class 405: MGB Mk II Class 411: MGB/GT (1973-1974 Honeycomb grille) – 43 cars (1972-1974) – 25 cars 1st – Ron Parks, Springfield, OH 1st – Bruce McQuaid, Dallas, TX 2nd – Bob Bentzinger, St Louis, MO 2nd – Dennis Pennington, Irwin, PA 3rd – Joel Martin, West End, NC 3rd – Gene Johnston, Ridgeland, MS 4th – Stephen Roush, Hebron, KY 4th – Scott Croxford, Sheffield Village, OH 5th – Rick Shields, Dayton, OH 5th – Robin Meier, Johnstown, OH 6th – Dennis Taylor, Corunna, ON 6th – James Kerr, London, ON

Class 406: MGB Mk III Class 412: MGB/GT (1974 1/2-1976) – 17 cars (1974 1/2) – 5 cars 1st – Pete Cosmides, Moorestown, NJ 1st – James Schulte, Harleyville, PA 2nd – Keith Vezina, Kenner, LA 2nd – Gilbert Dupre, Chattanooga, TN 3rd – Ron Kuhnau, Rockford, IL 3rd – Greg Glassner, Strongsville, OH 4th – Jeffrey Leachman, Louisville, KY 4th – Mike Hume, Marysville, OH 5th – Trevor Whitehouse, Orleans, ON 5th – Mark Davidoski, Virginia Beach, VA 6th – Jeremy Kinsey, Lake Geneva, WI

46 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 NAMGBR MG 2016 Results

Class 413: MGB GT V8 Class 420: Post Abingdon (all years) – 11 cars (Factory 1973-1976) – 4 cars 1st – Dino Perez, Lake in the Hills, IL 1st – Terry Looft, Wilmington, OH 2nd – Bob Riddell, Whitby, ON 2nd – Andy York, Whitestown, IN 3rd – Keith Holdsworth, Markham, ON 3rd – Phil Marcell, Plano, TX 4th – Richard Wallrich, Ramsey, MN 4th – Terry McClain, Charlotte, NC 5th – Ken Deleeuw, Ormond Beach, FL

Class 414: MG Modified Chairman’s Award (V8, V6, etc.) – 38 cars Ron Neal, Moncks Corner, SC 2004 MG SVS 1st – Chris Vandelinder, Westerville, OH 2nd – Leeann Looft, Wilmington, OH 3rd – Ralph Vrana, Strongsville, OH 4th – Brian Goldsmith, Treynor, IA Class 501: Other British (before 1986) – 10 cars 5th – Steven Ward, Dallas, TX 1st – Michael Long, Franklin, TN – Riley Lynx 6th – Barry Glass, Plano, TX 2nd – Clifford Wilson, Floyds Knob, IN – Triumph TR4 3rd – Russell Mills, Louisville, KY – Triumph Spitfire

Class 415: Midget/Sprite (1961-1974) – 18 cars Class 502: Other British (after 1986) – 6 cars 1st – Ralph Brown, Wanaque, NJ 1st – Jim Duke, Memphis, TN – Jaguar XK8 2nd – Danny Jones, Scottsburg, IN 2nd – John Reynolds, Memphis, TN – Jaguar XK8 3rd – Jack Orkin, Grayson, GA 3rd – Oscar Gonzales, Huntley, IL - MINI 4th – George Chase, West Chester, OH 5th – Andrew Hardie, Calgary, AB 6th – Ian Macnab, Haliburton, ON

Class 416: Midget 1500 (1975-1979) – 7 cars 1st – Paul Stedman, Palm Bay, FL 2nd – Henry Leible, Lockport, NY 3rd – Jeffrey Sigrist, Zanesville, OH 4th – Kim Tonry, Downers Grove, IL 5th – David Shorten, Prospect, KY

Class 417: MG 1100/1300 (all years) – 1 car Ryan Looft (participated in the Concours)

Class 418: MGC Roadster (1968-1969) – 7 cars 1st – Gary Brown, Covington, VA 2nd – Dana Rindge, Amston, CT 3rd – Brian Hajek, Columbus, OH 4th – Bob Kristof, Maineville, OH 5th – Dan Kerkman, Lake Villa, IL

Class 419: MGC GT (1968-1969) – 10 cars 1st – John Rogers, Nevada City, CA 2nd – Craig Cummings, Williamsburg, VA 3rd – Dave Gribler, Vandalia, OH 4th – Phil Collins, Kansas City, MO 5th – Bruce Fehlman, Kalispell, MT 6th – Ben Andrews, Valparaiso, IN The MG Driver • September / October 2016 47 Thornley Award 2016

Zelda Davis accepts on behalf of the Davis Family from West Bloomfield, MI.

amed after John Thornley, first Secretary of the MG Car Club N of England, long time General Manager of the MG factory in Abing- don, and respectfully known as “Mr. MG”, this award is given each year to the person, couple, or family that best exemplifies the spirit and enthusiasm of owning an MGB, MGB/GT, MGC, MGC/GT, Midget, 1100/1300 Sedan, or Post Abingdon MG. Each year, the Chairman and Ex- ecutive Board of the North American MGB Register review a list of deserving candidates and make the decision of Magnuson presents Roger and Shirley the individual or family who merits Goebbert their permanent Thornley. the Spirit of Thornley Award. The winner receives a beautiful Davis from Los Angeles, California. framed print to display in their home The Davises have been enthusiastic for one year. After the year is complet- MG owners for years and have been ed, the recipient receives a plaque with involved with clubs on both the local the same print as a permanent symbol and national club level. They have of their induction into the Registrar’s driven thousands of miles to some of family of previous award winners. the events in their MGBs and have Last year’s recipients were Roger and been long time members of NAMGBR Shirley Goebbert of the Chicagoland who have only missed one convention MG Club who have attended every since 2004. Canadian & US convention (except The recipients exemplify the Spirit Reno). of MG, the Marque of Friendship. We This year’s recipients are the Davis are very fortunate to have them in- Family – Elvin and Janet Davis from volved with the North American MGB West Bloomfield, Michigan, and Zelda Register.

48 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 Special Note of Thanks By Michael Gavin, Greater Pittsburg MG Car Club

Dear NAMGBR, would be well beyond my typical The MG Council, Louisville range. British Car Club, Greater Pitts- Being an Original Owner, burgh MG Club, and EVERYONE it has been decades since I took connected to MG 2016. I would my 1979 MGB and my new bride like to try to thank you for a week on our honeymoon to Virginia which was by far beyond my Beach. This trip would be made highest expectations! As we all with club members from the prepared our Mighty Steeds to Greater Pittsburgh MG Club, a make that journey to the Land distance almost equal. Our boots of Bluegrass, Thoroughbreds, were packed with spares, tools, Bourbon, and the host city for our and what little else we could fit. All MG meet, I must confess to Talking to numerous people, I moments of anxiety since this trip found others from all corners of

Bob Gloyd persuading Michael to join concours

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 49 Michael, center in yellow shirt, with American Pharoah our country and several from even rable Woodford Reserve and Cool- other continents. I am happy to more- Ashford Stud Farm tour. He report all nine cars from Pitts- meticulously planned to include burgh safely made it round trip one of Kentucky’s Finest Bourbon without any major issues. Distilleries and an exclusive per- I finally had the opportunity sonal tour of Ashford Stud Farm, to meet Bill Hawkins, registrar for highlighted by the rare pleasure to the NAMGBR Original Owners. meet “American Pharoah” the first I was surprised to find out there thoroughbred to win the Grand are just 127 remaining Original Slam of racing – winning both the Owners. Attending the pre-awards 2015 American Triple Crown and announcement, I met J. Martin the 2015 Breeders’ Cup Classic. III, another Original Owner and Our Group will forever cherish also first time attendee of an All this unique experience! MG meet and congratulated him Again I want to thank all who on his second in class. My recog- planned, participated, and helped nition came at our hotel while make this trip one I will always re- washing my car. I was approached member and anxiously await the by Bob Gloyd, NAMGBR Concours next MG meet. I would also like Coordinator. He recognized the to invite all MGs and British car condition of my MGB and offered enthusiasts to plan their schedules it a space in Concours, but while to include the Pittsburgh Vintage discussing the emission modifica- Gran Prix held annually in July. tions and other minor changes, I Information can be found at realized the penalties that I would PVGP.org I can promise you will receive. However, upon entering be filled with thrills and memo- the show field on Thursday, Bob rable experiences during the two offered another opportunity. I weeks of vintage racing, car shows couldn’t have been prouder as if including British Car Day (on My MG was one of my own chil- Saturday), and also our Greater dren. I guess being a MG (Michael Pittsburgh Countryside Tour, Galvin) myself there is some hosted by the Greater Pittsburgh lineage… MG Car Club. Generous gratitude goes out to the Louisville British Car Club, Thanks! specifically Mr. Randy Thomas for Michael “MG” Galvin helping coordinate a Most Memo- 50 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 The MG SV

n 2003, MG Sports & Racing an- 3 Roush supercharger putting out nounced the sales launch of the 430hp. Unfortunately, no official I MG XPower SV. Based on the Qvale performance figures were recorded for Mangusta built from 2000-2002, the these fire breathers. Only four were platform was purchased from Kjell manufactured. Qvale and redesigned by a team lead All SVs had a finely tuned chassis by Peter Stevens, whose previous bonded to a lightweight carbon fiber designs included the famous McLaren body with an integrated rollover cage F1 supercar. that was made by Viccari and Bosi in The SV range came in three mod- Modena, Italy. The carbon fiber body els: the SV, the SV-R, and the SV-S. Entry level SV models were powered by a 320hp 4.6L quad cam Ford V8 used in the Mustang which gave the SV a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 165mph. Only 35 were produced. The SV-R had a Ford 4.6L that was tuned by Sean Hy- land and bored to five liters, giving the car 385hp with a 0-60 time of 4.8 seconds. 43 were produced. The top of the line SV-S had the 4.6L with a stage

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 51 is comprised from over 3000 separate pieces cut to size by SP Systems on the Isle of Wight, and then shipped to Belco Avia in San Pietro, Italy, where the pieces were laid in moulds and “cooked” to form the rigid panels that were bolted or bonded together to form the complete body. The marriage of the body and completed rolling chassis took place at OPAC in Torino, Italy. The cars were then shipped to the MG Sports and Racing facility in Longbridge, UK, for final paint and to have one of the four SV-S in at- trim. tendance. The car, a 2004 MG SV-S At MG 2016, we were very lucky is owned by Ron Neal of Moncks Corner. South Carolina. It was the fourth SV produced and was originally a pre-production development test car. It is also the first of the four SV-S produced. The car wears alternate wheels that were commissioned by CCW Wheels in Daytona Beach, Florida. This car is extremely rare in North America because none have been officially imported.

52 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 The Four Horsemen: Factory MGB GT V8 at MG 2016

The Four Horsemen he Factory MGB GT V8 is very MG 2016 was quite a treat, especially rare in North America since none considering that one of the cars was a T were officially imported to this left hand drive model that was brought side of the Atlantic. Made from 1973- over to the US for evaluation before the 1976 using the 3500cc Rover alumi- decision was made not to bring them num block V8, the GT V8 could have here – making it one of the rarest of been huge in the States if only… (Well, production MGBs ever. if only a lot of things). In the end, Shown here are the factory V8s of there were only 2,591 build (1839 with Terry Looft of Wilmington, Ohio; Phil chrome bumpers and 742 with rubber Marcell of Plano, Texas; Terry McClain bumpers). So to have four of them at of Charlotte, North Carolina; and

Andrew York

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 53 Terry McLain

Andy York of Whitestown, Indiana. GT V8 in the early 1970s, they had every Andy’s V8 is unique in that it was intention of exporting them to North actually built as a test mule for the America. The program was later cancelled factor. As Andy’s information sheet due to various reasons, but not before the documents: factor build ten left hand drive cars. Andy “When MG was developing the MGB York’s V8 was one of six pre-production cars hand-built and tested by Abingdon’s

Phil Marcell

54 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 Terry Looft development shop (3 RHD and 3 LHD). sensing asbestos given off by brake These six cars began their life as 4-cyl- pads or perhaps differential air pres- inder versions, but were pulled off the sure monitoring for the wheel wells/ assembly line and sent to development for engine bay. conversion to V8s. (note: MG produced ¦¦ The oil drain plug has a temperature seven more LHD V8s to complete the ten). probe fitted, likely to monitor sump As a development car, it exhibits temperatures. several features which set it apart from production versions: “The car was acquired by the late ¦¦ To fit the larger 3.5L powerplant Lyle York through his British friend, Peter into the engine bay, the engineers cut out Wood, in the mid-1970’s. Peter located the inner fender wells and welded in hand- the car (minus the drivetrain) abandoned formed panels that allowed clearance for in an orchard in pieces. Upon Lyle’s bless- the exhaust manifold. ing, he purchased the car and shortly after ¦¦ This particular car has a higher located the drivetrain at a local service power Rover Experimental Depart- station. Peter then restored the car in ment built export specification preparation to send it to the US as it was engine with 8.5:1 compression (as originally intended. However, due to the opposed to RHD production cars fact that this model never obtained DOT 8.25:1) and EPA certifications, the US refused to ¦¦ The car is fitted with three separate allow the car entry. Lyle had to work with aluminum test tubes which pass Indiana Senator Richard Lugar to embed through the front inner fender wells. into another bill a “sunset law” which As of yet, there is no definitive evi- allowed a collector to import such a non- dence as to their purpose. Specula- certified car once per life. The car has been tion leads that they were used for in the US with the York family since the early 1980s.” The MG Driver • September / October 2016 55 Inspecting a Car Before Buying Article By Barry Rosenberg, British Car Service

Getting a 1980 MGB o this article will be about some- PRE-PURCHASE check by someone thing we have seen a lot the latter who knows the car you are looking at. S half of the year. People buying We had one MGB inspection emailed cars before having them checked out. to us with 264 pictures. I questioned DO NOT DO THAT!! (That is supposed several items just from the pictures, to be yelling at you.) We had cars come like a red engine block in a late-1977 in for post purchase checks that left car with supposedly only 12,000 the new owners almost in shock. Some original miles. The head was black as of them needed more work that would original. Many other things drew red cost twice what the car cost. flags for me and I was right that the car If you are buying a project car, you was not inspected by someone who can expect this. If you are buying a car knew the cars. When we spoke with to drive as soon as it arrives, it can be the inspection company, their excuse a shock. We had one delivered from was they cannot know everything out of state that did not start, needed about all cars. Then do not do the a new starter, the trunk was stuck inspections! locked, the body had been wrecked So the first rule is having someone before shipping and poorly repaired, knowledgeable about the car you are there was rust that was not supposed interested in do the inspection. Try to be there, etc, etc, etc. His list went to to be there if possible. You want to be over $6,000 without doing any body the first to crank the engine for the work! He was lucky and was able to day, you do not want them to say they return the car. warmed it up for you. What are they We have had a TR6 come in that hiding by doing this? Good question. we told the new owner it was so rusty First, you want to see and hear the en- in the frame it was unsafe to drive. gine crank from cold. If there is are any Very bad news for him. So how do you engine noises, like bad rod bearings, avoid this happening to you? Have a they may rattle a few seconds until oil

56 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 pressure comes up. You won’t hear this ences. A metallic clunk or clink is most on a warm engine. It may be hard to likely driveshaft u-joints. A more solid start cold indicating a carb choke prob- clunk could be the axle u-joints in a lem or other tune up problems. Look at Triumph, especially a TR4A-6 or Stag the exhaust right after it cranks up. Is where there are four axle u-joints. it black, blue or white? A solid clunk from the rear of the Each tells a different story. White car could be differential spider gear is water. It could just be condensation thrust washers. These are replaceable in the exhaust system and go away but at a cost. If the clunk sounds like after a few seconds running. Or, if it it is from the front of the car and is lingers, it could be a head gasket or between a clink and deep clunk, it may worse. If it is black, then it is running be front suspension wear. This is most rich and should go away after the likely on a MG or Healey. They both choke is pushed in or goes off on its have a similar king pin assembly. You own if it is automatic choke. Blue is oil. can do a quick check on the suspen- If it blows a lot of blue smoke, then the sion by rolling the car thru light dust valve stem seals or guides may be worn (or baby powder) on the floor. Look at or the rings and cylinder walls may be the tread pattern in the dust and the bad. If it is in the valves, it should clear dust on the tire. If the inner edge of up in a minute or two after the oil in the tire is coated and the outer rim is the cylinders burns off. If it contin- clean, then you have a lot of negative ues to blow blue, it may be rings and camber. Same if the pattern in the pistons. floor shows heavier contact with the Try the brake pedal before and inner edge of the tire. after cranking (if the car has power Too much camber is an indication assist brakes). The pedal will go a little of worn bushings, soft springs or poor father down if the power assist is work- alignment settings. The more nega- ing. But it should not go to the floor. tive camber you have, the better the Try the clutch and see how it feels. car seems to handle, up to a point. TR Push the clutch pedal down slowly 4A-6 and Stags almost always show and feel for any vibration. This would too much negative camber to the rear be a bad indication of clutch problems. wheels. This is also repairable, unless it Another quick clutch test, and only do is caused by a rusted out frame. this once or twice, is to push the clutch So now the car has passed the in; pull up the hand brake, press on the cranking, clutch, brake, and clunking brake pedal (we do not want the car to tests. Check all the electrical items and move) and slowly let the clutch pedal see if they work. Lift the wipers off the up. glass to test them. Never run wipers The better a clutch is, the closer to on a dry windshield unless you like the floor it will stall the engine. You scratches. Do not let the seller tell you do not have to let it completely stall it is just the radio or horn that doesn’t the car but it should come close. If the work, test everything. Electrical work pedal is almost all the way up before can be expensive. We have seen many the stalling occurs, a clutch may be in cars with burned wires in the harness your future soon. that require a new harness be installed Now that the car is running and to fix an electrical problem. all has passed so far, try putting the car Sometimes, the turn signals may in 1st and letting out the clutch and not work, go figure. Try testing them move forward a few feet. Then, quickly with the engine running at 1,500 rpm. put it in reverse, using the clutch, and This is fast enough for the charging let the pedal out sharply. Listen for system to put out current and get the the clunks. I say plural clunks because signals to work. If it does, you could there are several places they will come have a bad flasher or a ground problem from. Let me try to explain the differ- in the light units. If you see something

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 57 not working, estimate at least 1 hour car has overdrive and it does not work, per item to fix, maybe more if you it may need fluid. Low fluid is the big- think the harness is the problem. But gest cause of overdrives not working. if one rear light and a front turn signal If you apply a little power and and the horn or blower motor does not back off and the differential sings with work, that could be $300 to $400 to you, the tolerances are off or the gears fix. It can add up quickly. are worn; both require a rebuild and Now, test drive the car. Go down that is expensive. Staying in 4th gear, a smooth road, if you can find one, if the car pulls one way or the other and let the car coast some in neutral. on quick acceleration or deceleration, Do you feel any wobble or vibration? then the rear suspension needs atten- Let the steering wheel “float” in your tion. hands and see if it vibrates. Now, apply After the test drive, park the car the brakes gently and see if the steer- over a clean spot. Wait a few minutes ing wheel vibrates. A vibration without and look for leaks. It will have some the brakes on could be a bad tire or and you can see what is leaking by wheel. A vibration with the brakes ap- where the drips are. Oil travels back- plied are warped rotors. So check every wards under a car in motion so you component of the car as you drive it. will need to extrapolate where it is A vibration under acceleration coming from. A bright flashlight can but not at a steady cruising could be help you see them on the engine. a driveshaft problem. A vibration If you have looked at and driven a at speed, around 55, that goes away car and found a lot of these problems; above 65 or 70, tires out of round. They either walk away, negotiate a lot off are not out of balance and balanc- the price, or expect to pay big bucks ing them will not help. Find a good to have it fixed. And we haven’t talked tire shop with a tire lathe and have about a lot of other items yet. Like on a the tires turned round as they run on TR6, GT6 or Spitfire, use a long heavy the car. Figure about $240 for all four screwdriver and try to pry the crank wheels to be trued and balanced. You pulley back and forth. It should move will not be able to rotate them after about .007”. If it moves a 1/16”, the this as it will throw all the work out of crank thrust washers are worn and balance. And this will get rid of a little must be replaced before they fall out of wire wheel wobble. The spokes have of position. Wiggle the water pump to be tight. It will also help TR6 wheels pulley and see if the bearings are bad. and tires. Look in the oil fill cap and see if there At a steady 40 mph or so, accel- is any coffee colored goop under there. erate smoothly and see how it does. Each could be a major problem. Then try a rapid acceleration. It should All the above plus other bad items be smooth in both situations. If it pops can make your purchase a nightmare. and spits back thru the carbs, then the So, if the body and interior are nice mixture is lean, there is no oil in the with no rust or rips and meets your dampers, or the diaphragms are bad in approval, and all the above items are Stromberg carbs. good, buy the car. Or buy a Miata Make sure the shifting is smooth and save yourself a lot of effort and and not notchy, especially going into headaches. I have never even sat in a 2nd gear. MGs and Healeys break syn- Miata. Remember, a little rust spot or cros, Triumphs just wear them out. Lis- bubble on the outside is a lot bigger on ten to the trans as you accelerate and the inside. Rust is horrible to deal with cruise; it should be quite with maybe a and expensive. Spend a little more on little hum. If you are in a Triumph and a good car without the problems and you hear growling in 1st thru 3rd, but go driving as soon as you get it and not nothing in fourth, you need the trans have to send it to a shop for repairs. rebuilt. Fresh fluid will not help. If the

58 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 Tech Talk

John Twist Technical Coordinator The MGB Driver

Sir John, wire from the battery to the frame. I am in need of your professional opinion Again, remove the connection, clean before spending loads of money! I have a up the surfaces and remount. You’ll 75 MGB. I put a new coil in and it turned want to use external star washers over about three times... After that I have here (5/16”) as you would with any no power anywhere! Schematics to me other wiring connections. And, are Greek although I am an electrician! lastly, there’s always a possibility of an erratic connection at the starter Please help with any advice as it idled motor solenoid. Remove the wires and revved fine but would die under load. there (the one heavy black cable I’m in Georgia and cannot send it to the from the battery, as well as the heavy University! gauge brown wires), tighten the nut Thanks for all the videos! under the wiring, then re-attach and —Jason Long tighten the top nut. Remember those nuts are 13mm (while the rest of the Jason, vehicle is American fine thread). A total loss of power must involve the battery clamps – one of the most John, overlooked parts of the electrical I’m searching for a 1979 MG Midget system. Remove the clamps; clean brake light switch. The switch is threaded the posts of the battery and the through pedal box and activated mechani- inside of the clamps. Then spread the cally by a rod in pedal box. All switches clamps, fit them to the posts, and I have looked at are oblong and would then tighten them snugly. There may require lifting the pedal box to screw in. also be a problem with the ground Thanks, —Delvin Eberlein

Delvin, The brake switch offered for all the MGBs – 1968 onwards, MGCs, and Midgets/Sprites – will work. It is only neces- sary to “adjust” the bodywork in front of the brake master cylinder box. Use a large diameter drift (3/8” or larger) and a BIG hammer to beat the body work down right around the switch. Then you can screw the old switch out and the new one in. Otherwise it is necessary to lift the pedal box – a needlessly long and difficult job.

John, I am in Washington State and was wondering if you know of a service center equal to yours in the Seattle area. —Dave Mur- The MG Driver • September / October 2016 59 ray Thanks for considering. —Mark Gallucci Dave, Try the British Motor Trade Associa- Mark, tion site www.britcar.org for some Tetra-ethyl lead is illegal to sell. hints. Also, contact your local MG Therefore it’s not in any of the “lead” club. Hope this helps! products. At the end of leaded gasoline, the government, in its Hi John, inestimable wisdom, allowed the fuel After doing quite a bit of research, I’m companies to label their phosphorus stumped on the use of lead additive in my enhanced gasoline “leaded gaso- 74 B. The previous owner did use it. He line.” My approach on this additive is that it is snake-oil. I will listen to could not be sure if the owner before him, all those who make a case for using who had engine work done, hardened the it, but most (90%+) owners do not valve seats. He thought it might have been use it. Save your money! Eventually, done but we lack documentation. So someday, a valve will fail and you’ll he ran it with lead additive at about six need to perform a valve job. At that ounces to each full tank of gas. What do time you can have hardened seats you recommend? It’s not daily driver and installed. The savings from not using has about 118k miles on it. It runs well the “re-lead” will pay for the seats. but is a bit rich. There ARE octane enhancers – for NEW FOR MG 2016 REGALIA

MG 2016 Charm for bracelet NAMGBR Silver Jubilee or necklace - $5.00 MGC Register pin - $5.00 25th Anniversary pin - $5.00 Earrings – pair - $12.00

60 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 sure! But those boil away in a short in the book. I tested the external LAB coil time (hours - days). Those, too, are and it is ok (SMP manufacturer plant that unnecessary in our MGs. Oil with produce coils here) as well as empirically added ZDDP is, absolutely, criti- replaced for other from Triumph and get cal. The zinc will save your camshaft. the same behaviors. Hope this answers your question and Currently the pressure in the combustion allays your fears. chamber is around 9 Bar. It was after 11 right after installation. I do not know why Dear Mr. John, it drops. I have driven it only 200 miles I would like to ask you for assistance/ because is not running perfectly. guidelines. I watched all your movies Summarizing, I have checked the fuel sys- about MG many times during my rebuilt tem, the ignition system, valve clearances, process-they are so useful! Here is my and pressure in combustion chambers, but story: Three years ago I bought a 1978 I have no idea how to solve the problem. MGB the USA (Indianapolis) to rebuild Engine is running good on idle, but when and shipped to Poland. The engine was accelerating up to 2000 rpm you can hear removed and disassembled. Having the a misfire and see black smoke. When occasion, I installed new piston rings, trying to accelerate more (everything on bearings, as well as machined the head parking lot) then rpm is not rising, like and valve seats. After installing the rebuilt only two cylinders are working. engine there were many problem with Please help me. I’ve spent three years and timing and carburetor. Everything was no results (I don’t know what to do...). set (timing, valve clearance, etc) per the This year is even worse because I cannot manual – I have Haynes book (Auto- drive it at all. motive Repair Manual). Additionally I Awaiting some guidelines, bought a new fuel pump because coil was —Marek Nowakowski broken after running few minutes….

At the end of the day I had a problem with Marek, misfiring and running – since the begin- I have emailed you the tune-up forms ning it was headache – now I cannot get we use in my shop. The one about it to run at all. I have a Weber carb – so the single Stromberg will be the we tuned based on exhaust emission tool most helpful. (Innovate gauge). It is easier than the SU Remember: There are four systems carb because it is a single unit. This car – emissions; engine; ignition; and has a 45 DM distributor and Lucas ab14 fuel. I wonder if you have the emis- amplifier, so we tested the signal from the sions connected correctly. Please sensor – it is perfect. We also tested the send me several under bonnet pic- ignition module and all signals are like tures of the fuel and of the ignition systems.

The MG Driver • September / October 2016 61 The engine is probably OK as it runs where to look for such a part? Is there a OK sometimes. Your compression of specific wire gauge size of that split ring? 9 bar (about 130 psi) is OK. It is odd Any information you can provide would that the compression changed. be greatly appreciated. The ignition system must be timed Thank you in advance, —Trevor Roberts at 32-degrees before top dead center at full mechanical advance, vacuum Trevor, disconnected. This is usually around All the hardware stores (Home 3000 rpm. Depot, Ace, True Value….) sell small Have you tried to run the engine expansion springs. Look for one that without the air cleaner? If the cleaner has a diameter close to the shaft di- was restricting the air, the engine ameter (my guess is about 1/4”). Clip would run VERY rich. a section of coil from that spring and Also: even if the spark plugs are new, fit it to the armature. The top plate they can foul very quickly and short will hold it in place. out. They can be cleaned ONLY abra- sively – with a sand blaster. Some- times it is easier to just get new John, plugs. Will American standard brake line fit- The ignition coil should have 1.5 tings work with those on my 1977 MG ohms across the primary resistance Midget? I have a project car that wasn’t and it should be connected to the finished and has no lines to the front WHITE/GREEN wires. brakes. I’m having a hard time figuring Early 1978 MGBs are wired so the what I need and where to route the lines. ignition coil and receives its power —Kirby Selkirk through the ignition relay (located on the front side of the fuse box – the Kirby! starter relay is located on the rear The brake fittings are 3/8-24 SAE side of the fuse box). If that relay is fine thread. But… British fittings are faulty then the car will not run (nor longer than the fittings you can pur- will any of the GREEN circuit work chase at NAPA. If you can find “Eu- – turn signals, brake lights, blower ropean” lines at your autoparts store motor, gauges, wipers). However, in 3/8” fine, then you’ll be set to this would NOT cause the mixture to go. The length of the fittings is about run rich with black smoke. 5/8” long whereas American fittings Again, please send me ten pictures are often about 3/8 – 1/2” long. Rout- of the under bonnet. I will examine ing is a whole other question. Best if these carefully. you can find someone close by with a Midget 1500 that you can copy. Are John, you a member of the North Ameri- I am currently in the process of resur- can MGB Register which includes a recting a 1962 Austin Mini 850 that has Midget registry? Go to their website had a 1098 motor transplanted in to it www.NAMGBR.org and sign up. I from a 1973. My question has to do with cannot tell you if Moss Motors offers obtaining parts for the starter motor. In those brake lines – I know they do removing the bendix from the starter (it for the MGBs. If you end up having to place them without seeing someone was sticking to the split washer) I have else’s Midget, ensure that they don’t lost track of the little snap ring that holds rattle (and therefore workharden and the top plate in place. I have not found a crack) and that they don’t rub on any source for replacing these. Hopefully this of the suspension. is not an impossible task. The starter is a You know what…. I’m working on a re-manufactured starter but had a sticky Midget 1500 right now. Let me take bendix out of the box, and light tapping some pictures and send them to you on the end of the shaft was not cutting tomorrow morning. it; hence taking it apart. Any advice on 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. 62 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 63 Registrars of NAMGBR

MGB Registrar Original Owner Registrar Jack Long • (410) 450-1385 Bill Hawkins • (919) 676-8888 343 Spencela Parkway 2301 Kendricks Court Forest Hill, MD 21050 Raleigh, NC 27613 [email protected] [email protected] MGB LE Registrar Hammer & Tongs Registrar Ken Smith • Phil Smith • 520 Pine Avenue #70, Goleta, CA 93117 MC3955, UCHC, 263 Farmington Ave, [email protected] Farmington, CT 06030 [email protected] Early Midget/Sprite Registrar Bruce Hamper • (314) 822-4831 Post Abingdon Registrar 132 Wildwood Lane Mark Jones • (519) 862-3763 Kirkwood, MO 63122 P.O. Box 1203, 510 Albert Blvd. [email protected] Corunna, Ontario, NON 1GO Canada [email protected] 1500 Midget Registrar Steve Olson • (816) 452-3540 Next Generation Registrar 3540 North Kenwood Alex Mantell • 217-552-6033 Kansas City, MO 64116-2792 2147 CR 1100 N [email protected] Sidney, IL 61877 [email protected] 1974½ MGB Registrar Dennis Taylor • 5941 Rounder Lane Holly Springs, NC 27540 [email protected] MGB V8 Registrar Modified Registrar Mike Grieco • (308) 452-3090 519 Grand Avenue Ravenna, Nebraska 68869 [email protected] Pull-Handle MGB Registrar Lloyd Faust • 704 Timber Lake Circle Southlake, TX 76092-7248 [email protected] MG 1100/1300 Registrar Bill Fox • 998 Northwestern Ave Fairview Heights, IL 62208 [email protected] MGC Registrar John Rogers • (530) 432-9595 18251 Starduster Dr. Nevada City Ca. 95959 [email protected] 100,000 Mile Registrar Jai Deagan • (517) 295-3599 11825 Columbia Highway Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 [email protected]

64 The MG Driver • September / October 2016 Sell • Seek • Swap! Ads FREE to NAMGBR members in good standing. No business or commercial ads. Send ad copy with name, address, phone number and membership number to [email protected] or 2530 Clifton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63139. Ads are accepted in writing only, may be edited for content. • Driver space ads are arranged with Chaz de Bourbon, Advertising Coordinator (see inside front cover.) Ads run for two issues, space allowing. The Register retains the right to refuse any ad it deems unacceptable. The originating state is shown at the end of each ad. Send your ad, with images to our website; NAMGBR.org/resources/classifieds/

CARS FOR SALE 1979 MGB – Brooklands Green, black interior. Garaged, excellent condition. Clutch master cylinder 1953 MGTD – Jaguar Blue over Butterscotch recently replaced and serviced regularly since pur- leather hides with tan canvas soft top and matching chased in 1998. Included, spare Zenith Stromberg side curtains; number’s matching. Earlier total profes- carburetor, interior spares, service and maintenance sional restoration - recent refurbishments include new parts, supplies, and misc. fasteners. Maintained by stainless steel exhaust system, battery, electronic fuel mechanic with 45 years experience with MG cars. pump, brakes, and more. $21,000 Dave Osborn, (401) Information; NAMGBR registration: 8-3768. Build 965-4485 email for more pictures date: 10-78. 64K miles on odometer thought to be sugarloaf [email protected] RI 111215 correct. $8500.00 obo. 1979 MGB - Jim Pendleton, (573) 696-3551, One owner for past 30 years; [email protected]. MO 091016 Ex-Leyland and Nisonger executive’s car. New everything – nothing needed – a sure show win- ner. $12,500. Call Jay Marquess for more info. PARTS FOR SALE (203) 367-1089 or (203) 394-8010 (Cell) CT 111215 1971 MGB - Red/Black – exceptional car, wire MGB Parts - MGB 5-main bearing engine -18GB/ wheels, completely assessed and vetted, rust free, and UH/3142; needs rebuild, long block $100; 1973 ready to drive with confidence. New in the last 200 AMCO hardtop $500, 1973 Smog pump and related miles: chrome wire wheels, tires, hubs, tune-up, all parts $100; Dave Ring (580) 382-1050 or hydraulics, starter, batter, alternator, rear brakes, mas- [email protected] OK 111215 ter cylinder, wheel bearings, and heater valve. $7500. Steve Day, (509) 662-5374, [email protected] WA 111215 MGB Parts for Sale – MGB foam air filters, domed 1979 MGB - mesh. Like new, used only briefly before switching One owner for past 30 years; back to the stock setup. Fits 1 1/2” SU carburetors. Ex-Leyland and Nisonger executive’s car. Foam can be cleaned. Jack Wheeler New everything – nothing needed – a sure show win- (910) 687-0211 or [email protected] 050616 ner. $12,500. Call Jay Marquess for more info. (203) 367-1089 or (203) 394-8010 (Cell) CT 111215 1980 MGB LE – One owner last 26 years. Chrome MGB Switches off repaint, new black leather interior with red piping, NOS MGB 1977-80 switch – turn signal, horn, head- new carpets, reconditioned wheels. New top, radio / light dimmer cd, Spatz shocks, overdrive, engine rebuilt to 2000cc NOS MGB 1977-80 switch – wiper, washer with mild cam and Weber carb. Excellent road car in Only one of each left. Contact John Morris exceptional condition Multiple show winner. Many at (561) 752-0673 or [email protected] FL 050616 pictures on request. $11,400 obo; Ed Farnell, (803) 360-6806 or email [email protected] SC 030416 New 1962 - 74 MGB battery box liners (2). 1970 MGB – Excellent condition, many updated Sturdy plastic liners that fit right into the stock battery components – BEST OFFER! Pat Pesce, (718) 986- location to protect the frame and undercarriage from 7369 or [email protected] FL 030416 corrosion. These liners are intended for use with cars 1979 Midget – Blue/tan; have owned since 1995. which use 2, 6-Volt batteries. Moss part number is Only 35,000 miles on the odometer, nearly new tires, 241-040. These are brand new - never been used. $50 original radio, and luggage rack. Runs very well! Len for both plus shipping. Jack Wheeler (910) 687-0211 (321) 752-0737 or email [email protected] FL or ‘[email protected]’. 070816 050616 MG 1100s – a 1963 2-door MG 1100 and a 1964 Foam air filters for MGB’s with stock 1 1/2” 4-door MG 1100 for sale. Need restoration. Many SU carburetors (2). These are aftermarket filters extra parts, hoods, doors, steering, intakes, etc. $2500 with foam which can be removed to clean. Foam for all of it. Leo Hinojosa, (832) 754-6194 or evau- provides excellent filtration, while maintaining per- [email protected] TX 050616 formance, and they look good. Moss part number is 223-230. I used these filters for a couple of weeks be- MGB side fill transmission w/ an LH over- fore switching back to the stock filters for originality. drive. Completely rebuilt, guaranteed for one year. They are literally like new. $40 for both plus ship- Sale price $1800.00 firm, plus shipping etc. Bob ping. Jack Wheeler (910) 687-0211 or ‘jwheeler1947@ Forsblom, Columbus, Ohio, (614) 378-8153, Forsb- yahoo.com 070816 [email protected]. OH 091015 Selling or Buying an MG? MGB Parts for Sale – 14” Mountney Leather on Stainless rim steering wheel – 1970 MGB 6-blade Take advantage of NAMGBR’s Buy/Sell/Trade Classifieds steel engine fan. 1970 MGB heater valve and control. on our website: NAMGBR.org/classified A great way to find or sell that hard-to-find part or that next project. 1970 valve cover and filler cap. Can email Photo’s -- [email protected] 070816 Where 2 ‘B

Please check for up-to-date information before departing to the meet. The Register encourages local groups and clubs to submit their MG events to The MG Driver. Information must include date, location, and contact phone number. Please submit events at least 3 months in advance to The MG Driver Editor, 2530 Clifton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139 or e-mail [email protected] and post your event on our website; namgbr.org/events

MAJOR NORTH AMERICAN MG EVENTS FOR 2016

• Aug 28...... British Car Show, Rothsville, PA • lancomgclub.com • Sept 4...... British Car Show, Lancaster, NY • buffalomg.com • Sept 15-18...... British Car Show & NAMGBR Regional, Dillard, GA • peachtreemg.com • Sept 16-18...... British Car Show, Stowe, VT • britishinvasion.com • Sept 17...... British Car Show, Delaware City, DE • bccdelaware.com • Sept 17-18...... British Car Show, Arvada, CO • www.coloradoconclave.com • Sept 18...... British Car Day, Oakville, ON • britishcarday.com • Sept 24...... MGs on the Rocks, Street, MD • mgsofbaltimore.org • Sept 24...... British Car Show, St Louis, MO • stlouismgclub.com • Sept 25...... British Car Show, Clovis, CA • valleybritish.org • Oct 1-2...... British Car Show, Myrtle Beach, SC; GrandStrandBritishCarClub.com • Oct 1-2...... MG Reunion, Sonoma Raceway, CA • csrgracing.org • Oct 6-9...... Fall GOF, San Marcos, TX • San Marcos, TX • www.tmgr.org/ • Oct 8...... Brits at the Village, Lahaska, PA • [email protected] • Oct 8...... British Car Show, Nashville, TN; [email protected] • Oct 22...... NAMGBR AGM, San Diego, CA; namgbr.org/agm2016mtg • Oct 23...... Cecil Kimber Run, Skylands, NJ • [email protected] 2017 • May 11-14...... Spring GOF, San Marcos, TX • Salado, TX • www.tmgr.org • June 25-28.....M G 2 017, San Diego, CA • mg2017.namgbr.org

NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER P. O. Box 876 Downers Grove, Illinois 60515-0876 Address Service Requested