The MG Club of St. Louis October 2010 Newsletter Volume 23, Issue 10 www.stlouismgclub.com

For Members in Good Standing With The MG Club Of St. Louis

Lead Story Headline

Newsletter Highlights

HERE’S A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE NEWS IN THIS ISSUE. WHAT’S INSIDE MORE DETAILS ON THESE TOPICS BEGIN ON PAGE 2. cashes in on MG 2  , the next generation? Page 2 's British heritage Expensive Wreck  You should know better then to count on the brake 4 lights on the car in front of you, especially when leav- St. Louis All British Car 5 ing a historic car event! Page 4 Show 2010

 Interviews and a great general article from Kathy Kresser covering the St. Louis All British Car Show For Sale 12 starts on page 5 The Route 66 Cruise In/ 13  Get out and see the fall colors. Page 13 Cruise Out and Fall Color Tour Cars and Coffee 14 Rally to Reno 15 Meeting Minutes 16

Volume 23, Issue 10 The St. Louis Metro Gazette

Roewe cashes in on MG Rover's British heritage Five years ago, the last car stuttered off the production line at as MG Rover, Brit- ain’s last major car manufacturer, collapsed ignominiously. By Malcolm Moore in Shanghai Published: 2:04PM BST 25 Aug 2010, Telegraph.co.uk.

Today, however, sales of Rover’s twin brother, the Roewe, are soaring in China. And the white gates of Longbridge are open again, producing a new MG6 that will go on sale at the end of the year in the UK in the showrooms of as many as 40 dealers. On the streets of Shanghai, Roewe 550s, designed in the UK by the team at Longbridge, are becom- ing a common sight. In the first half of 2010, more than 47,000 of the cars were sold, at between £12,600 to £18,900, as sales grew by nearly 70pc. Across Roewe’s three models, almost 62,000 have been sold in the first six months. “It is an impressive performance,” said Jin Yongsheng, an analyst at Sinotrust Information and Con- sulting. “It is quite rare for a car like Roewe, at this price level, to achieve sales of over 10,000 a month,” he added. Shanghai Automotive (SAIC), which bought the designs for the Rover 25 and 75 before the company went bust, went on to invest £4.7m in a British design team at Longbridge because it never bought the Rover marque. “The cars are successful in China because they have marketed them well, built a good brand and mixed up the technology,” said Mr Jin. “For example, the is the old Rover 75, the 550 and 350 were part developed by the new team, and the upcoming W5 sports-utility vehicle is based on the Korean Ssangyong, which itself used Mercedes technology.” He said Chinese consumers saw the marque as British, but were also excited by the new life that SAIC had breathed into it. “All the British badge means is that the car has a pedigree, a long history and a certain nobility. But that is it. SAIC has now focused on fashion and technology and the British designers have understood the Chinese market.” In addition, Roewe is seen as a premium brand. “They started with the most expensive car, the 750, before releasing a mid-priced and low-end car,” said Mr Jin. “Other Chinese car companies still give the impression that they are low-end, even if they are now making expensive cars, because they started at the low end of the market.” The Roewe is not for sale in Europe, but the new MG that will roll out of Longbridge is destined to form the spearhead of SAIC’s push into Europe. The rebirth of the company is no comfort to the 6,300 former Longbridge workers who were laid off when MG Rover went spectacularly bust, having squandered £427m in interest-free loans and run up almost a billion of debts. A government inquiry into the actions of the Phoenix Four, a consortium of businessmen led by John Towers, who took over MG Rover in 2000, found that they had personally benefited by £42m from the business, despite its collapse. However, MG Rover has fared considerably better in the hands of the Chinese government. “SAIC has made a good return on its investment,” said Mr Jin. ------

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Volume 23, Issue 10 The St. Louis Metro Gazette

Roewe (in Chinese: 荣威; in Pinyin: Róngwēi, English pronunciation: /ˈroʊvə/ ROE-və, the British pronuncia- tion of "Rover") is an automobile marque created by the Chinese firm Shanghai Automotive Industry Corpora- tion (SAIC), to use on cars it builds based on the MG Rover technology it has bought.[1]

The marque appeared firstly on the company's version of the Rover 75, called Roewe 750. Roewe was publicly launched at the November Motor Show in Beijing in 2006, where the revised 75 was on display. The car is slightly longer than the equivalent MG Rover model, but shares components such as parts of the interior and the engines.[2] Over 30 new models are expected to be launched under the marque between 2006 and 2011, whilst 120,000 Roewe cars are expected to be produced by SAIC in 2007.

The use of the Roewe name is due to SAIC's inability to buy the rights to the Rover name from BMW due to exercising their option on the name.

Underneath, the 550/MG6 is based on a shortened Rover 75 platform, featuring a development of BMW's Z-axle system. It is expected to come on 19-inch alloy wheels with suspension tuned by ex-Rover and MG engineers.

Based on the Rover K series engine, power options include a 1.6 litre and 1.8 litre turbocharged petrol and 2.0 litre diesel engines. The 1.8 litre delivers around 150 bhp (112 kW; 152 PS), while the 2.0 litre diesel – comply- ing with Euro IV emissions regulations – provides similar levels of power. A hybrid drivetrain is expected to be offered also, with manual or automatic transmissions for the complete model range.

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Volume 23, Issue 10 The St. Louis Metro Gazette

EXPENSIVE WRECK courtesy of Rod Barkley #1. Ferrari 250 GTO - $28.5 Million We now present you with the most expensive car crash ever. Touted as the Ferrari that most successfully em- bodies the traits of the marque, the 1962-64 Ferrari 250 GTO became the most valuable car in the world. In 2008 an anonymous English buyer bought a 250 GTO at auction for a record $28,500,000. The crash below represents a car worth more than the combined value of all 14 Enzos involved in accidents. It is simply unbeliev- able that an owner would even dare take this car on the road. After a track event involving historic cars, the owner of this rare beast rammed into the back of another car after traffic slowed down.

The eChatter Official Publication of the Emerald Necklace M.G. Register, Inc

Volume 30 Issue 8 WWW.MGCLEVELAND.COM AUGUST 2010

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Volume 23, Issue 10 The St. Louis Metro Gazette

St. Louis All British Car Show 2010 By Kathy Kresser

Proofread by Anice Etz

Let’s hear it for another smashing success for the St. Louis All British Car Show! The British classics rolled in and in and in. Over 150 cars were on the display field. I had the time to chat with a few folks. The following is what they shared with me.

John Horen

1969 Jaguar MKIX

Jaguar was the featured marque for the show and they arrived in force. I asked John why he loved his MKIX and he re- sponded, “I have so much invested I have no choice but to love it. Seriously, it is a great car and I have shown it for twenty years from Missouri to Colorado, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Louisville. The car has taken first place at the National JCNA.”

Gary Sudin

1966 Jaguar E Type

Gary told me he bought this classic in 1973 for $1,000. I think at that price he should have bought several. Gary noted the car needed improvements as the floor boards were totally gone. It took fifteen years to restore. Next year is the 50th anni- versary and this car is featured in the JCNA calendar.

Gary Schlueter

1997 Jaguar VDP

Gary commented this is his sixth straight year to attend the St. Louis show. He said “I really enjoy this event!” In prepara- tion for show day, Gary mimicked Betty Crocker and whipped up a batch of chocolate chip cookies – they were good. Eve- ryone is invited to the Jaguar Palooza on the streets of Clayton on October 9th.

Ron Varley

1956 Austin Healey 100M with 100S upgrades

I did not find Ron on the field at any time during the day, but many envied this stunning car. The car recently rolled from the restoration bay to Ron’s garage. Considering the car has no weather gear -- no tonneau, no wipers, no side curtains -- I was impressed that he gambled on the cloudy morning to share his car with the crowd. Thanks, Ron!

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Volume 23, Issue 10 The St. Louis Metro Gazette

Bob Bridges

1951 Riley Drop Head Coupe

Well, Bob may like to own this car, but he doesn’t. He brought it to the show for his friend, Paul Storment. It is a green and tan beauty with a fold down top. Guess what? It is for sale.

Mike Fishman

1965 MGB

I enjoyed the picture book of Mike’s MGB which is for sale. Picaboo bound the photos into a hard cover book – very classy. One quote in the book that I enjoyed was, “Life is not the destination. It is a journey.”

Richard Schneider

1934 Lagonda Rapier

Richard has owned this car for three years. It was bought in Wales and shipped to St. Louis. The previous five owners would have been proud to see it on the show field. It is interesting that the license plate number BPJ303 assigned to the car in 1934 remains with the car for eternity.

Creig Houghtaling

1980 TR8

I noticed one person polishing this car with three supervisors – how does that happen? Rodney Francis was the polisher. Actually he stripped and painted the TR8 and was enjoying the polishing act.

Glen McMillin

1969 Volvo 1800 S

A Swede is among us! Yes, indeed, there was only one Volvo on the field. Glen proudly told me the guts of the 1800S are British, guess that is how he squeezed by the gate officials.

Parts Swap

Charlie Key

Charlie was seeking buyers for his various engines, transmissions, overdrives, exhaust headers, etc. Swap or sell was his motto of the day.

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Volume 23, Issue 10 The St. Louis Metro Gazette

Chris Kresser

1959 Triumph TR3A

The car was sporting new carpet and a few other things.

Tim Hayes

Austin A-30

Attention: Trafficators in use! This cute car was never imported to the United States. Bob Bentzinger, Chairman of the MG Club, selected this car for the Chairman’s Choice Trophy. When presenting the award, Bob commented, “This car tickled me.”

Jason with Kona Ice St. Louis

Snow cones and ice cream direct from the truck. They had a few customers enjoying the treats.

Show Organizers

As we all know, shows don’t just happen. There are people behind the scenes pulling the pieces together. Janel Demick, MG Events Chairperson, told me “Even with less than promising weather, we had another great car show. It seems every year we draw one or two unique cars. This year they were the Lagonda and the Merlyn! Special thanks to each person that helped make it a success. Every function is only as successful as the people that give up their time and energy to make it so. My appreciation and thanks to those to worked the show. HUGE thanks to the Triumph Club for their outstanding job on concessions this year! Next year will be our 30th anniversary of the All British Car Show and we’re going to make it the best car show yet!”

In fact, I noted John Mangles headed the registration table; Don Gatheman announced and announced all day long; Tara Dix arranged and distributed prizes; Walter Murphy and Lee Fox directed cars in and around the muddy entry as best as possible; Barb Berger, Ila Biermann, and Donna Murphy staffed the information table and had front rows seats for the English dancing performance plus many, many others.

Friday Night BBQ

Sponsored by All British Car Repair

John and Carol Mangles

A very popular event held on the parking lot of the host hotel. John Mangles, owner of All British Car Repair, said, “Carol and I have a good time with this BBQ and we are delighted to have so many people come to share in the camaraderie. Todd Brown did a fantastic job of grilling.” Everyone sends their thanks to John and Carol.

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Volume 23, Issue 10 The St. Louis Metro Gazette

Concession Stand

Triumph Club

Many enjoyed the brats, dogs, burgers and beverages served by the Triumph Club during the day. Triumph Club president, Creig Houghtaling said, “The club members did a terrific job of volunteering – thank you. Also, we appreciated the cus- tomers and look forward to serving them in 2011.”

Blackthorn Morris

Traditional English Folk Dancing

Six performers danced with short and long sticks or played the concertina, flute or recorder. Little Sadie Demick joined the dancers as if she belonged with the group.

This folk dancing is as old as the hills. In fact there are records of the dance being performed in Shakespeare’s time. Sev- eral Morris dance teams are in the U.S. with three in the St. Louis area. Thanks for trekking to the park and sharing the tradition with everyone. Contact them for your next celebration at www.blackthornmorris.org

Ramblings

In my perusal of the show field, it was hard to miss the string of MGBs and Midgets. How many did they make? Seriously, there were many beautiful cars on the field and some rare models. It is hard to mention every car in this article, but each car is special and truly appreciated.

In a brief chat with Lark Riehn, a first-time visitor to the show, she told me, “I love this car show. I am learning new things and I enjoy the energy of these car owners.” Lark did tell me her favorite car classics are the 1967-1969 Chevrolet Camaros. We may be able to change her thoughts in the future.

Class “U” occupied the front and center spot on the show field with a 2009 Lotus Exige Sport 260 owned by John Davis and the 2000 Lotus Esprit owned by Chris Walser. John Davis shared with me that his orange with black car is the first Exige Sport 260 to roll off the assembly line. John says it is his third one and he loves it.

When I found the far edges of the show field, there were the Big Rovers patrolling the grounds. Also on the fringes were some interesting cars such as:

Jim Jones

1967 Austin FX4

Known as the London Black cab, Jim is the proud owner – purchased only two weeks ago. Jim said “I travel a great deal and see these cars all over the world. I simply love it and will use it as a daily driver.” Home is O’Fallon so it will be quite a commute to his office in Dallas.

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Volume 23, Issue 10 The St. Louis Metro Gazette

Wendell Smith

1927 Rolls Royce British Phantom I

This car shown previously at the St. Louis Show in various stages of restoration returned in 2010. Wiith the restoration complete and his able-bodied handler, Betsy, on duty, the Rolls was a winner taking home the trophy for first in class and People’s Choice trophy as the “Car I Would Most Like to Drive Home.”

The car has 3,157 original miles. Wendell cut the walnut tree from his farm for the exposed wood in the battery box. This car sports a beautiful wine cabinet, hand crank operated divider window and a convertible top. Nice job, Wendell.

That is a wrap for 2010. If I misquoted or misinterpreted your comment, it was purely my error. Thank you to the partici- pants because it would not be a car show without you and every classic car owner is a winner for owning and doing some- thing they enjoy. We hope to see you next year, same place on Friday/Saturday, September 16-17, 2011.

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Volume 23, Issue 10 The St. Louis Metro Gazette

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Volume 23, Issue 10 The St. Louis Metro Gazette

For Sale

1972 MGB (BRG), wire wheels, historic plates.

Owned for over 13 years, always garaged, weekend use only.

Over $3,000 in upgrade/repair work,have receipts.

Need someone who can give her more attention/time than I can.

And...... I need the garage space!

A real bargain at $4,500.

Contact Dave Myers,

Home: 636-527-3295, Work: 314-781-6300.

Email: [email protected]

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Volume 23, Issue 10 The St. Louis Metro Gazette

The Museum of Transportation The Route 66 Cruise In/Cruise Out and Fall Color Tour

The Museum of Transportation will host the Route 66 Cruise In/Cruise Out and Fall Color Tour events on Sun- day, October 17, 2010, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM for collector, classic, and antique cars and trucks throughout the St. Louis region. Participants in the cruise in/cruise out free event will enjoy food, music, raffles and prizes, and two free admission tickets to the Museum of Transportation. The event also represents the final opportu- nity for children to participate in the Museum’s Kids’ CARd Program, wherein children may participate in activi- ties and earn collector cards, which may be redeemed for prizes. This portion of the event is free to partici- pants and visitors. Participants will earn two free admission tickets to the Museum, while visitors and others may purchase an all-inclusive ticket for Museum admission as well as the trolley and miniature train for $5. For an additional fee, the optional morning Fall Color Tour of historic Route 66, ending at the Cruise In/Cruise Out event at the Museum will feature an opportunity for drivers to tour historic Route 66 as well as breakfast and other activities. Drivers, who pre-register and pre-pay for the tour by the registration deadline of October 1st, will be given detailed driving directions and historic background for driving portions of the Mother Road. They will also have opportunities to make stops along the way for entry cards with which they may enter a Museum drawing reserved only for the tour participants. More information about the event may be found at or by call- ing (314) 615-8MOT.

Submitted by Bob Herold

THE JAGUAR’S GROWL

The newsletter of the Jaguar Association of Greater St. Louis

September 2010, Volume 15 Issue 8

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Volume 23, Issue 10 The St. Louis Metro Gazette

SATURDAY CARS AND COFFEE for SPORTING CARS

Next: July 24, Aug.21, Sept.25, Oct.16,

Saturdays: 8:45 am – 10:30 AM Starbucks, 9616 Manchester, Rock Hill Plaza Manchester and McKnight, St.Louis

Many of us have busy Saturdays….the family, house and errands. BUT then, there ARE our cars…and the need to get out, spend some time with others over just coffee and chat.

CARS & COFFEE is just that. Everyone gathering early Saturdays, at a central location, get or bring a coffee and just enjoy cars.…just a good reason to get out, have coffee and drive when traffic is a LOT less.

It starts early, and ends early so everyone back home is happy that you are not off killing the whole day.

BUT THE IMPORTANT THING IS: our cars are out…we are driving and seeing & talking cars for a few civilized moments of the week with others of like mind. Your neighbors would not understand.

CARS: open to all makes & marques, ALL eras and it’s not a show or a concourse. It’s just that: Cars & Coffee.

WHERE: STARBUCKS – 9616 Manchester – 2 Blocks WEST of McKnight & Rock Hill Rd. intersection plaza…[about 2 miles south of 40/64. Plenty of parking.]

[Don’t like Starbucks???—that’s fine. Bring your own or have a Wendy’s and breakfast which is next door.]

RAIN?--- If it’s raining – some might not come but there is always a gathering. It’s still a time to get out with enthusiasts away from the fray.

FUTURE DATES: JUNE 19…JULY 24…AUGUST 21. …Sept.25…Oct. 16 [All Saturdays, 8:45am]

More info: ML. Hillard, # 630 – 272 - 1792 [email protected]

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Volume 23, Issue 10 The St. Louis Metro Gazette

Go to www.rallyetoreno.com for all the information on organizing the caravan to the national event in Reno next year. Even if you are planning to make the drive with a small group or go solo, Darla Bridges asked if we should do something "as a club" as the caravan comes through STL, like sucure lodging, meet up for a meal, offer emergency contact information, stuff like that.

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Volume 23, Issue 10 The St. Louis Metro Gazette

St. Louis MG Club

Meeting Minutes

September 14, 2010 – Llywelyn’s Pub, St. Charles, MO

Called to order by Chairman Bentzinger at 7:55pm.

Officers Present: Bob Bentzinger, Janel Demick, Stefanie Barnes

Attendees: Don Gatheman, Fred Houser, Bob Horzmann, Chuck Demick, John Mangles, Carol Mangles, Simon Dix, Robert Rushing, Mike Barnes, Mike Tutass, Ranney Dohogne, Rich Berger, Lee Fox, Rich Griffin, Todd Brown, Walt Mur- phy, Bob Guinness, Michelle Gillis, Kim Gillis, John Aiello, Eric Hardesty, Tom Kohnen, Greg Quigley, Bill Patterson, Bob Strathman, Dan Hayes.

Treasury Report:

Special Events Fund: $3,685.37

Guests/Visitors/New Members: Kim & Michelle Gillis from Canberra, Australia. Here for a few months and looking to buy an MG to drive along Route 66.They have an MGA and an MGT in Australia.

Minutes of the previous meeting: Not mentioned.

Old Business:

 Janel Demick: All-British Car Show report. 156 registered cars with 146 on the show field. 46 registered day-of-show; 10 no-shows, probably due to weather. Next year’s show: Creve Coeur Lake Park. September 17.

 Bob Bentzinger: Read through a list of upcoming car shows.

 John Mangles: Reminded everyone of the Sporting Clays shooting event at Blackhawk Farms. Contact John if you’re interested, bring a picnic lunch.

 Robert Rushing: MG80 October 16. Meet early that morning on the East Side in the park to get a photo with the Arch and St. Louis skyline in the background, then caravan to October’s Cars-n-Coffee on Manchester.

Stefanie Barnes: Asked for a show of hands to indicate MG Club Hotline usage to find out information about meetings and events. One hand went up. Asked for a show of hands to indicate MG Club Website usage – All hands went up. Next month we will discuss eliminating the Hotline.

October Meeting:

Growler’s Pub on Lindbergh.

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Volume 23, Issue 10 The St. Louis Metro Gazette

Nominations:

 Registrars:

 Pre-War: Bob Horzmann

 T-Series: Charlie Key, Bob Bridges

 MGA/Magnette: John Mangles

 Spridget: Bruce Hamper, Lee Fox

 Cars-in-Boxes: Mike Barnes

Other Marques: Ranney Dohogne, Chris Kresser

Historian: Bob Bentzinger

 Officers:

 Chairman: Bob Bentzinger

 Treasurer: Byron Golfin

 Secretary: Stefanie Barnes, Janel Demick

Events: Bob Horzmann, Stefanie Barnes

For Sale/Want to Buy:

Janel Demick: Selling MGB Windblocker - $100

Door Prize winners: Rich Griffin, Simon Dix, Bob Strathman

Meeting adjourned at 8:37pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Stefanie Barnes

Secretary

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Volume 23, Issue 10 The St. Louis Metro Gazette

Club Officers & Support Roles

Name Address Phone E-Mail

Bob Bentzinger 1129 Hudson Road (314) 524-6128 [email protected] Chairman St. Louis MO 63135-1424

Byron Golfin 152 Seabrook Drive (314) 469-7146 [email protected] Treasurer Chesterfield MO 63017-3616

Stef Barnes 4657 Varrelmann Ave. (314) 803-2113 [email protected] Secretary St. Louis MO 63116-2417

Janel Demick 1028 Lexington Dr (618) 401-5872 [email protected] Events Chairperson Columbia IL 62236

Fred Houser 544 Winding Trail Drive (314) 965-9320 [email protected] Membership Coordinator St. Louis MO 63131

Todd Brown 673 Augustine Rd. (314) 681-5597 [email protected] Newsletter Editor Eureka, MO 63025

Registrars Name Phone E-Mail

Pre-war Bob Horzmann (636) 227-3449 [email protected] T-Series Charlie Key (314) 428-9335 [email protected] MGA/Magnette John Mangles (636) 939-9338 [email protected] MGB/MGC Simon Dix (636) 240-6739 [email protected] Spridget Bruce Hamper (314) 822-4831 [email protected] Cars In Boxes Stef Barnes (314) 803-2113 [email protected] Other Marques Ranney Dohogne (314) 878-7766 [email protected] Historian Bob Bentzinger (314) 524-6128 [email protected]

FOR A FULL LISTING OF UPCOMING EVENTS, CLASSIFIED ADDS, AND MUCH MORE GO BROWSE OUR EXCELENT WEB SITE AT:

http://www.stlouismgclub.com/

Just click on this link to go to the web site

"The St. Louis Metro Gazette (SLMG)" is a publication of the MG Club of St. Louis and remains the property of the club. It is published monthly and is provided free to members in good standing and to officers of other British car clubs upon request. "SLMG" solicits articles from members and other sources. Opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the Club, Club Officers, or the staff of the newsletter. Technical information is believed accurate, however, any repairs or mechanical advise is attempted at the readers own risk. The Club, Officers, or newsletter staff will not be responsible for any misinterpreted or incorrect technical information. If in doubt, consult with a certified technician. Articles may be reprinted by other car clubs provided that credit is given to author and “SLMG”

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