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October 2020 From the club desk...

In This Issue...

The Fifth Estate

X marks the POWER!!

Current Evolution

Roger, the Cabin Boy…

If I were a rich man… As the editor of an MG Owners’ Club magazine, I am feeling somewhat of a fraud this month. The fact is I no longer own an MG. The only MG in Brake Fluid the family is the ZR and even that is not on the drive these days. Both my MGs have been sold, call it a mid-life crisis, but the upshot is that I am Beefing up the Boef… now trying to figure out what’s next. COVID-19 has a lot to answer for, I Sales Success. think. Anyway, that’s me below passing the baton to the new owner of my MGB GT, a young man who along with his now wife bought my last Merchandise MGB GT from me ten years ago. You’d have thought he’d have learnt 2021 Club Update not to buy from me then! Contact Us Anyway, this month we have a new section from Neil Wallace with salty tales of the life on boats. With Winter approaching and all those jobs to Send us an email for more information be done on your MGs, the technical article on brake fluid may well be of about the club’s activities or to join us. interest. Angie Haughton - Area Secretary Sadly, however, with the increasing levels of new cases the committee [email protected] have decided to cancel the remainder of 2020 with respect to club

Neil Wallace - Candles Charity & Tours activities and we continue to live in hope that 2021 will bring a fresh start [email protected] to club activities...we live in hope. In the meantime, stay safe and let us have your updates! Mike Haughton - Merchandise & MGCC [email protected] Martin Williamson

Martin Williamson - PR/Newsletter [email protected]

Steve Brace - Treasurer [email protected]

Volunteers: Neil Kennedy, Richard Hayes, and Matt Brookfield.

Visit us on the web at: www.westcheshiremgoc.club Cover photo: by Steve Brace

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Keith Davis & Son Ltd

Parsonage Garage

Family run, customer focused business, committed to providing value for money and traditional honest service & repairs on all modern and classic cars. Worked in the motor trade since 1971 and established in Aldford since 1993. Work undertaken on all makes & models - modern or classic. Traditional servicing methods used combined with modern diagnostic technology. Classic car enthusiast and MGB owner for many years. Maintenance, repairs and MOT testing undertaken on all classic cars including MGs.

Parsonage Garage, Middle Lane, Aldford, Chester, CH3 6JA

01244 620 399 or 07714 157200

[email protected] citroen-specialist-chester.co.uk

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ALL NEW MG5 EV IS JUST THE BUSINESS

• MG turns over new leaf with unique All New MG5 EV • All New MG5 EV is a fully electric C-segment SW • Big boot, big range, small price tag • Two versions available from just £24,495 (after Plug-in Car Grant) • 214 mile range and 80% rapid charge in just 50 minutes • 0% BIK tax in 2020/21 • Huge load capacity, designed with fleet buyers and SMEs in mind • Covered by MG’s famous seven- year warranty • MG has a range of three electric cars suitable for everything and everyone • 2021 will be MG’s tipping point, with over 50% of volume expected to be EV or PHEV

OVERVIEW 0-60mph in just over eight seconds, with leaf with Europe’s first SW EV. With a big THE UK’s fastest-growing car brand is a 52.2kWh Lithium-Ion battery pack that boot, a big range and a small price tag, taking a bold step into a brand new area can be charged from zero to 80% in just we really believe that MG5 EV is a real of the market with All New MG5 EV, on 50 minutes using a rapid charger. MG5 breakthrough in terms of value-for- sale from October 2020. EV has a WLTP approved combined money, practical EVs in the UK”. The newcomer is a unique offering in range of 214 miles in normal day-to-day BACKGROUND Britain’s EV market, offering the use. This rises to 276 miles if the car is One of the reasons why many EVs flexibility and practicality of a capacious used solely for urban driving, as feature SUV styling is their ability to estate car with great driving dynamics confirmed by the WLTP City driving cycle. accommodate battery packs and and absolutely no exhaust emissions. Prices start from just £24,495 after the additional motors within the footprint of MG5 EV is the perfect addition to MG’s Plug-In Car Grant (currently £3,000) and a relatively small car, which results in a rapidly expanding electric car portfolio, users will benefit from 0% Benefit-in- ‘body on top’ stance. alongside MG ZS EV and the new MG HS Kind tax during the 2020-21 tax year, or All New MG5 EV bucks that trend. The Plug-in, which together are expected to 1% in 2021-22. model brings a brand new option to the account for over 50% of MG’s UK sales in Daniel Gregorious, MG’s Head of Sales & market that optimises its superior 2021. The brand is already the fourth Marketing, said: “All New MG5 EV is an aerodynamic properties and better most popular EV brand in the UK and the important addition to the MG range and handling, ideal for high mileage fleet latest model will further strengthen its helps us to take the next step in our drivers and those who value maximum position. Momentum and Growth plan, driving efficiency, internal space and Like all MG models, All New MG5 EV positioning MG as a high-tech EV leader, driving dynamics. comes with a 7 year/80,000-mile fully the go-to brand for mainstream and It’s a formula that has already gone transferable warranty as standard. It is affordable EVs. down well, with over 63,000 sold in powered by a 115kW electric motor “We now have a range of three plug-in other markets since 2018, its innovative (equivalent to 156PS), giving acceleration cars with something for everyone and battery layout allowing it to have more of with MG5 EV we’ve turned over a new of a conventional stance than many EVs.

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detriment of passenger space. Rear seat passengers are very well catered for with ample head room and plenty of legroom, even when seated behind a tall driver. Those in the front can easily get comfortable thanks to the six-way adjustable driver’s and four-way adjustable passenger seats, with cloth upholstery on the Excite and leather- DESIGN CHARGING style upholstery on the Exclusive. The Thanks to its unique body style, MG5 EV With a range of 214 miles on the WLTP Exclusive also gets heated front seats looks like no other electric car. It sits cycle (rising to 276 miles for city use) and driver’s lumbar support. much lower than most, with the water- MG5 EV has the ability to match the cooled battery pack integrated into the driving requirements of most individuals, car’s chassis, giving it an extremely low while the ability to be charged from 0- centre of gravity and excellent dynamics 80% charge in 50 minutes using a CCS as well as a sleek, low-slung and connection makes it even more practical. aerodynamic appearance. A full charge at home using Type 2 fast It was designed from the outset to charging can be attained in around eight appeal to buyers in global markets, so it and a half hours. sports a classical silhouette - a smart, low PRACTICALITY -roofed tourer with a distinctive “kick” The large, versatile boot - the car’s true towards the rear of its swage line. It’s a USP - is accessed from a wide tailgate handsome car from every angle, but the opening. With the rear seats up and load rear three-quarter view is particularly cover in place there are 464 litres of boot pleasing, with a lean and low appearance space, or with the load cover retracted that proves how being battery-powered that extends to 578 litres with the rear doesn’t have to affect practicality. seats still in place. A total of five colours are available Drop the 60:40 folding seat back and the including two new choices – Piccadilly load capacity increases to an astonishing Blue and Westminster Silver. The others 1,456 litres. are tri-coat Dynamic Red, Black Pearl or But all that luggage capacity is not to the Arctic White. That smart design continues into the cabin, the centrepiece of which is an eight-inch colour touchscreen with smartphone mirroring capability, compatible with both Android Auto TM and Apple CarPlay TM. POWERTRAIN MG5 EV features a lively 115kW motor, which is equivalent to 156PS. The motor sends power to the front wheels, which gives the car very similar handling characteristics to those of a conventional large C-segment SW, but with a more assured feel thanks to its low centre of gravity. The battery pack, meanwhile, is mounted beneath the floor of the car and has a total capacity of 52.2kWh.

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leather steering wheel, rotary gear selector, speed-sensing locking, three driving modes, rear parking sensors and follow-me-home headlights, as well as a 7-year warranty. The Exclusive version adds leather-style upholstery with heated front seats with six-way electric adjustment for the driver, one-shot electric rear windows, silver roof rails, electrically adjustable folding heated mirrors, smart keyless entry with push-button start, an automatically dimming rear view mirror, rain-sensing wipers and satellite navigation. All New MG5 EV Exclusive is available from just £26,995 (after the Plug-in Car Grant).

FLEET OPPORTUNITY In addition, MG5 EV also gets MG’s There’s a lot of focus on electric cars for clever rotary gear selector, which company car drivers and fleet managers debuted on the brand’s MG ZS EV last alike at present, with huge tax year. It’s also packed with active and incentives. passive safety systems, with front, side and curtain airbags, electronic brake For the user-chooser, MG5 EV offers 0% assist, ABS with EBD, twin ISOFIX points BIK tax in the 2020/21 tax year, 1% in in the rear, a tyre pressure monitoring 2021/22 and 2% in 2022/23. When you system, Hill Start Assist and seatbelt look at its list price versus other electric warnings for front and rear passengers. cars, the tax incentives are significant. MODEL RANGE, EQUIPMENT AND It’s an ideal choice for fleet managers, PRICING too, with a 7 year manufacturer’s warranty that’s transferable to the next The MG5 EV range consists of two owner, meaning not only peace of mind versions, with prices starting at just during the time they own or lease the £24,495 for the Excite (after the Plug-in car, but also helping residual values at Car Grant). the time of resale. It comes with 16-inch ‘Meteor’ alloys, “There are multiple reasons why MG5 EV remote entry with push-button start, air is the ideal fleet car,” says Geraint Isaac, conditioning, four electric windows, National Fleet Sales Manager for MG electrically adjustable mirrors, Motor. “Whether it’s for multi-drop smartphone compatibility, an eight-inch urban work or commuting to and from colour touchscreen and seven-inch driver an office or to visit clients, MG5 EV’s information display, cruise control, a combination of range, efficiency and ultra-low fleet running costs make it a very difficult prospect to ignore.” SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY As well as the eight-inch colour touchscreen that is compatible with both Android Auto TM and Apple CarPlay TM, MG5 EV is brimming with high tech and essential safety kit. On the gadget side, it gets a six-speaker 3D audio system, a DAB radio, 4 USB ports, electric windows all-round, air conditioning, regenerative braking, cruise control with speed limiter, an auto -hold electric parking brake, rain-sensing wipers and push-button starter, all as standard equipment.

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Xpowered... by Steve Brace

It was great to see Kev and Ang Robinson Modena SpA for £7 million. last month at the one car show event At the time had taken over the that we have managed this year - The manufacturing of the DeTomasco Oulton Park Gold Cup. And it is always a designed Mangusta, then marketed as pleasure to have their fantastic MG the . The first Mangusta XPower SV on our West Cheshire MG had left the factory on 10 November Owners Club stand to provide a little 1999 but sales were poor and a total of variety and something different from the only 284 were sold. other clubs displaying. Due to the rarity The Mangusta was designed around a of these cars, we are fortunate to have 4.6 litre Mustang V8 and this was the car access to an MG Super Car to pull in the that the MG XPower SV would be based crowds as they say. on. In purchasing Qvale Modena SpA, So what is the MG XPower SV, what is MG had gained a fully developed front it's story and how did MG come to engined, rear wheel drive sports known as project X80 and the new produce such a non-mainstream car? performance car which saved them design was led by Peter Stevens. The After BMW had sold the MG Rover years of their own development time. concept first appeared at the Frankfurt Group to the Phoenix Consortium, MG Back in England the MG Rover design Motor Show in September 2001 - just Rover were looking to expand the MG department set about redesigning the three months from the point that MG brand with a range of sports and Mangusta to give it an unmistakably MG Rover had purchased Qvale. The car performance vehicles to follow the MGF. look. It also wanted to show the public created interest even though the final In order to do this in June 2001 they the high expectations that MG Rover had product would look somewhat different purchased the assets of a little known for the MG brand going forward. to the concept on display. Italian company called Qvale The redesign of the Mangusta was to be

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Project X80 was then handed over to the MG Sports & Racing Division and a new company was set up called MG X80 Ltd. Peter Stevens was made Managing Director and the development of the car gained pace. The main changes in this development stage was to give the car a more aggressive look, provide weight reduction and replace the plastic panels with carbon fibre. Previously there had been talk that a customer would be able to purchase an XPower and specify the amount of tune and power desired. However, by the launch date in November 2003, the engine used was the 4.6 litre Ford Modula V8 rated at 320bhp. This provided a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.3 seconds. The XPower SVR released a year later featured a Roush tuned 5 litre Modular V8 that pushed out 380bhp and gave a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds. The SV R also had an option of a factory approved nitrous oxide kit from the MG ZT-T world record car of Bonneville which would push power output to an estimated 1,000 bhp, if required. The goal in producing the car as was to get the retail price below £100,000 and that was easily achieved - even though the production process was complex. Basic parts were made in the UK by SP Systems, then shipped to Belco, Turin in Italy. Here they were assembled into a complete body shell and fitted onto the box frame chassis and running gear. This was then shipped back to the UK where the final car assembly, trim and finishing were carried out at Longbridge. The final cost to the customer of the XPower SV was £65,000 with the XPower SVR coming in at £83,000. The XPower was produced from 2003 to 2005 when the MG Rover Group finally went into administration. In total only 82 car had been sold and many questioned whether there had been a market for an MG supercar after all, and whether the money spent on its development would have been better used to replace mainstream models. Whilst there may have been some truth in this, I prefer to look back and think that it was a brave move by the MG Rover Group to elevate the MG brand. One thing that is for sure is that the XPower definately had the all important X Factor and at least we can all remind ourselves of this every time that Kev, Ang and the SV visit our MG stand.

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route of a VW Tiguan or Hyundai iX35 look- off again. So it is down to the MG badge to Why we should alike; safe and generic, which to an extent, uphold the honour for volume production the production models, namely GS, ZS and and that isn’t going to come from simply HS, have done. But the ICON can hardly be selling sports cars. I think Cecil Kimber would embrace change. accused of that, if anything the styling is more be delighted. Why else would there have Words by Martin Williamson. of a Nissan Juke wannabe; not a bad thing been a factory and saloon models in the line- given Nissan’s success in the small SUV sector up right from the beginning, and if nothing Over the last decade we have been shown a currently. else, why was the brand kept separate from number of MG concepts from SAIC, the However, I think many people missed the the rest of the Morris empire until the 1930s? current custodians of the MG brand. These point that this was a concept and as with Surely MG was envisaged as a stand-alone have varied from the MG ICON, an SUV many concepts, the styling is intentionally entity from the beginning? concept styled by SAIC’s UK based design over the top and usually gets toned down Consequently, if SAIC are to be successful director, Anthony Williams-Kenny to the before going into production as was the case. globally with the MG brand in volume more recent electric MG Emotion sports However, MG face a further battle in winning production, then it needs to build cars that . To say the reaction has been mixed is over the hearts and minds of the hydro- will sell and generate profits that will then to understate the buzz on the internet carbon customer. As we’ve seen in these allow niche models, whether that be sports discussion groups. Comments were both pages of recent times that the focus is fast cars as we know, to be built. The current MG favourable and dismissive in equal measure. shifting towards hybrid and electric and it range available is aimed predominantly at the But there was no doubting MG had managed would seem that MG are having some Chinese market where literally hundreds of to gain valuable media interest on a global success in this regard with two electric thousands have been sold and these are safe scale. That’s not something we have seen in models on their range; the ZS SUV and the designs; some may describe as even generic a long time. recently announced MG 5 estate. and bland. The UK models, as I and others On the whole, the negative comments tended I am equally torn between wanting that SAIC will attest, have the handling expected of an towards the sheer ugliness of some of the should respect the badge that we have come MG, even if not the outright power. But that concepts, but many enthusiasts were aghast to love through our interest in the classic MG alone is not enough to garner sales in that SAIC appeared to be missing the point of yet I’m wanting SAIC to be successful and sufficient volumes. What is needed is a needing not just a concept, but a production evolve the brand further. SAIC are in a strong funkier model that will appeal to the younger, sports car as a halo model to reinforce the position in having the MG name if they trendy set and gain attention, raising the brand image. continue to manage the brand correctly, but brand profile to one of aspiration. The likes Whilst I agree that the likes of the ICON unlike previous custodians, they do not have of the ICON and Emotion is exactly what is concept was no beauty queen with the an alternative marque to use for volume needed to redefine the MG brand; not effected over-riders, I was quietly pleased on production. Roewe is a badge used only in another clichéd two-seater, soft-top sports seeing the images of the ICON. We had been China. Whilst Austin, Morris and Wolseley car sporting an engine that will be banned told that an SUV was planned for 2014, and I are also available to SAIC, these are badges from these shores as early as 2030 if some had feared that SAIC would go down the that are probably never going to get dusted have their way.

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Let me explain before I am lynched by an also become fashionable to refer to such angry mod of MG enthusiasts. There are sports as ‘girly’ cars for probably around fifty thousand active MG hairdressers. If proof were needed, the TF enthusiasts like us globally, with millions was not a success when it was re-launched in more having a fond memory of the brand 2008, and sales of the MX5 have slowed thanks to rose-tinted spectacles. The (albeit the MX5 now in its fourth generation majority of these engaged enthusiasts are is holding steady on its sales), whilst Toyota classic MG owners many of whom probably no longer offers the MR2 and even Honda would not contemplate buying a new car dropped the S2000 and more recently Fiat from MG anyway. So does a new MG have to pulled the plug on their 124 based on the appeal to them if they are not the ones MX5. In addition, the increasing number of SAIC will entice fresh blood into the MG club buying? To achieve the volume sales to SUVs has made driving a small sports car less scene. MG is a brand that creates passion, become successful, SAIC need to target enjoyable in the daily commute, with the much like Alfa Romeo. It is brand bought with people who have never heard of MG, or the occupants feeling far more vulnerable and the heart, not the head. MG is as much millions with the soft-spot thanks to nostalgic often blinded by the headlights of these high about the ownership experience as it is the memories of Dad’s or Granddad’s MG. riding vehicles. With the increasing need for car. Look at the success of the MG Car Club The problem is that in MG’s historic markets, practicality, four seats are the very minimum and the MG Owners’ Club, and the huge most current classic enthusiasts see MG as a so that any purchase of a fun and funky number of online social groups. Every new small sports car. But is this the true essence vehicle can be justified by using it as an MG model has always attracted new of the MG brand as was originally envisaged? everyday car. Sporting saloons and hot members into the MG family. These new Fans of the more recent MG offerings see MG hatches with big engines are also falling out members help to sustain the clubs for the as a sporting family car with some visual of favour thanks to current taxation laws, benefit of the existing enthusiasts. Just as sporting appeal and more power. In the 00’s increasing environmental lobbying and the younger people who bought the MG Z cars decade, the ‘Z’ owners argued that their cars price of fuel. then got into the club scene and even buying were the very essence of MG as saloons had Every current manufacturer has had to evolve classic MGs, so, too, these next generation always featured in the sales brochures. Just to survive. It was ever thus. Land Rover owners will be introduced to the social as the ‘Metro/Maestro, Montego’ owners scrambled the word utilitarian and came up aspects of MG ownership and will then most argued likewise in the 1980s. So who is right? with luxurious starting a whole new trend in likely want to share in the classic experience. What is a proper MG? As John Day, President Chelsea tractors. Look at Bentley; they’re That can only be a good thing for the value of of the MGCC, put it in a speech once to the done a 4x4 on an Audi platform, as well as our classic MGs. members of the MG6 Register, every new MG Lamborghini. Porsche have already gone The new wave of fully electric vehicles model has suffered the cry of “it’s not a down that route, and even added the 4 coming to the market allow the proper MG”. Even the ubiquitous B failed to seater Panamera. BMW showed the ultimate manufacturers to redefine the design of cars gain acceptance initially amongst the MG Car driving machine could also be a 4x4. Jaguar and to break away from the convention of Club when it launched nearly sixty years ago. had to develop a diesel model and then an the last sixty years or more. Electric vehicles It was the US airmen returning home in the SUV in order to survive, and now their saloon not only offer more performance in a 1940s that started the belief that MG was range is limited to a 4 cylinder, 2L turbo compact format, but they allow us to enjoy about these cute little ‘sportsters’ with their petrol engine or fully electric. The simple that in a guilt-free way if we are to believe small engines and excellent handling. fact is that to be successful, manufacturers the hype surrounding the renewables energy These days, the idea of a small sports car is cannot live in the past, as much as we sector. fast losing its appeal for a number of reasons. enthusiasts would like them to do so. So, SAIC, please put these concepts into The economic climate has put paid to people By evolving and appealing to a whole new production. Just don’t confuse funky with buying new sports cars as weekend toys. It’s generation of buyers new to the marque, ugly.

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TALES FROM A YACHTMASTER’S BUOY (theory) exams, I decided to show Steve “everything is under control”. At that the ropes, so to speak, by sailing off the moment the painter was severed and the mooring. We motored out in the Avon boat, freed from constraint, headed dinghy and attached it to the mooring straight for the boat behind. Disaster float to await our return. loomed, right in front of the man who On this particular day the tide flooding so was due to examine me on my the boat was facing into tide and wind. yachtmaster practical next month. Oh There was another yacht on the mooring dear! He had already seen the incident behind, and one in front. No problem, I with a fishing boat moored to the thought. So we raised the main and harbour wall earlier that season and genoa (no roller reefing then), and I must have been wondering just how explained to Steve how we would accident prone I really was (a future tale proceed. On the signal, he would cast off to tell)! Neil Wallace, in common with several of and tell me when the boat had dropped Fortunately I had taken the precaution of our members, was for nearly 30 years a back clear; as the bow turned away I starting the engine, so managed to hobby sailor based in the Irish Sea, would haul in the sheets and away we power away from trouble. Steve very sailing offshore boats from 32 feet to 35 would go. kindly made no comment then, or since, feet long with occasional trips as crew in On the signal, Steve cast off and bless him. larger boats in west Scotland and on the signalled, the boat dropped back, I River Danube & Black Sea. Whilst Neil hauled in the sheets, and ….. held the qualification of “yacht master ….. the boat turned right round with sails offshore’ it is entirely possible you might filling as though on a run. Panic or what? think twice about accepting an offer to I had no idea what was happening, or sail with him after you have read the why. I looked over the transom and, lo stories that follow in the next few and behold, there was the dinghy newsletters. It just goes to show that wedged under the stern. What the heck, despite qualifications and many I thought. Clearly we were not going thousands of sea miles off the UK’s tricky anywhere so with a bit of a struggle we and turbulent shores, anything can managed to get the sails down. Once happen at sea. The trick is to be able to done, I studied the problem and realised get out of a sticky situation with crew we were still attached to the mooring and boat intact although maybe not the but by the long dinghy painter, which skipper's pride. Enjoy the stories for a had somehow got between the keels as different perspective on life before the dinghy dropped back in the tide. historic cars. Solution: stand on the stern ladder up to

my knees in the water, attach a new PRIDE BEFORE A FOUL-UP painter between dinghy and boat, and Steve wanted to try sailing, so I arranged cut through the original to free up the for him to visit my twin keel 32 ft Fulmar dinghy. Just as I was doing this, up rode kept on a drying mooring in Barmouth Picture at Barmouth harbour the Harbour Master, all gold braid and harbour. It was a lovely summer day with pomposity, in his launch to enquire Incoming tide effect on a fixed mooring a gentle SW breeze. Perfect. Fresh from sweetly if I needed any help. “No thanks, buoy. my success in the RYA coastal skipper Julian”, I said through clenched teeth, GLOSSARY FOR LANDLUBBERS Lee bowing: tidal stream one way is Sheets: ropes used to control the (front) sails, Backing: wind direction moving anticlockwise. countered by wind the other way, to aid letting in or out as demanded by wind and Bear off: the act of turning away from the direction of travel. boat direction. wind to reduce impact on sails. Motor sailing: engine assisted with main sail Springs: two days after new or full moon tide Beaufort wind scale: from F1 (light airs) to up; used in light winds or to make progress range is higher and lower than average; also F12 (full hurricane). Max for sailboats cF6 against wind. faster speed of tide stream. (25-31 mph). Nautical mile: 1.15 miles or 6067 feet. Tacking: as sailboats cannot go into the wind Boat speed: all boats have a maximum speed, Neaps: two days after half moon, tidal range you zigzag from one side to the other of calculated as 1.4xsquare root of waterline lower than average; also slower tidal your desired direction. length. Mine is about 7 knots. stream. Twin keels: boats with two keels can sit on Close hauled: sailing as close to the wind as Quartering sea: sea coming from rear left or the sea bed when the tide goes out, handy physically possible whilst still going towards right side of boat. in shallow waters. the wind direction. Reefing: reducing size of sail in stronger Veering: wind direction moving clockwise. Direction: measured as point on the compass winds. Often sails are rolled up these days. Waypoint: a point at which you want to in degrees or name (e.g. 450 is north east). Run: sailing downwind. change direction, such as a fixed position Flood: tide coming in; ebb is the opposite. Sails: main (attached behind mast); jib (small buoy. Also used by GPS navigation. Routes Keel: attached to bottom of boat to assist triangle at front); genoa (large sail attached are created by using a series of waypoints resistance to wind on sails; made of steel, at bow); and many others. on a modern chart plotter (like your car cast iron, or lead usually. Sea area: used for forecast; examples are screen). Knots: wind or tidal stream speed; nautical Irish Sea, Lundy (to our south), Malin (to our mile (per hour); also refers to joining ropes. north). 12

car has your name on the badge it would choice would be the DB5, I don’t like the If I won the lottery… be rude not to indulge, wouldn’t it? So, Kamm tail of the DB6, so a DB4 , and a In the fourth of these interviews, Martin then, DB4, DB5 or DB6. The predictable DB4 GT Zagato at that! Williamson tells us about his three dream cars. It’s all in the name... So what motoring metal would I buy with money no object? Practical or mad - classic or modern - difficult choices!

Up to £20,000 There’s a lot to choose from out there; new and old, that would be a lot of fun. Focusing on old the obvious choices would be a classic MG of some sort, not necessarily an MGB, nor an 1100, maybe a Magnette ZB instead? But then again, this is all hypothetical and moving the game on, an early Bentley Continental GT W12 or maybe a steel-bodied Jaguar XKR, post 2000, as these are , in my opinion, the better looking. The later aluminium bodied XKR with the 5L engine would be a possibility but having already had a similar XK, I think an earlier one might be nice with a Noughties feel in the cabin and none of the later gadgetry that we’ve come to expect On reflection, though, a Jaguar, not as we know it, an XJS, but something based on the XJS platform. The Aston Martin DB7. Probably at this level, an inline six version.

Up to £100,000 This one’s easy. Whilst the MG SV would be an excellent choice, as would an MGA Twin Cam Coupé, there’s the more obvious Jaguar E-type Series 1 FHC to consider., or even one of the earlier XK FHC models. Having had several Jaguar F -Types I think I would pass on that. An Austin Healey, maybe? Predictably though, it’s an Aston Martin. Whilst the earlier Virage from the 1990s would be an obvious classic choice, the one I’d plump for would be akin to the MG SV with its carbon fibre body and that would be the second series Vanquish S Volante purely on looks!

Over £100,000 I’d agree with Mike that an MG K3 Magnette would have to be on the considered list, but apart from that, there aren’t many MGs that would feature at this elevated price bracket. Nor many Jaguars unless Tata were so broke they’d be selling the crown jewels in the form of the XJ13. Ok, I’ll admit, it would be another Aston. Well when a

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Brake Fluids By Martin Williamson The average motorist has very little comprehension of the importance of Brake Fluid as a SAFETY CRITICAL PRODUCT, or of the need to change it on a regular basis. This lack of understanding is very dangerous because, in contrast to many other automotive products, if Brake Fluid fails a fatal accident could occur. Brake Fluid is the medium for transmitting pressure from the brake pedal to the calipers or wheel cylinders where it operates the brakes. The main requirements for a quality Brake Fluid are: - • High Boiling Point: Heat generated by wheel brakes is considerable, up to 700ºC can be reached, at which point and are NOT mineral oil nor related in and DOT 4 is their higher boiling points the discs can be seen glowing. Some any way to mineral oil - a common as compared with DOT 3, SAE J1703 and of this heat will find its way into the misconception. No petroleum or mineral ISO 4925. Brake Fluid via the calipers. Obviously, -based product should ever be mixed Brake Fluid in Service if the Brake Fluid boils (converts to with or substituted for Brake Fluid. While minimum Brake Fluid boiling vapour) it will become compressible, Over time, demands on braking systems, points are controlled by the thus the travel of the brake pedal will and therefore Brake Fluid, have specifications above they typically start be taken up in compressing the vapour increased dramatically. Disc brakes, ABS out higher. However, Brake Fluids are rather than activating the brakes, and anti-lock systems and aerodynamic hygroscopic – that is they readily absorb the braking system will fail. design reducing brake-cooling air have moisture from the atmosphere - a • Balanced Viscosity: Brake Fluids should made operating conditions far more property which over time will reduce the not thicken excessively at severe. This together with automatic boiling point and hence the vapour temperatures down to minus 40ºC nor transmissions, which reduce available locking temperature. The diagram below become too thin at the high engine braking, has increased total stress shows the effect of water on Brake Fluid temperatures generated by heavy on the Brake Fluid. For these reasons, boiling point. braking. specifications for automotive Brake Fluid Any brake system requires a relatively • Good Lubricity: The Brake Fluid must have shown an increasing trend towards incompressible fluid to transmit pressure provide lubrication for the many higher initial boiling points, and more from the brake pedal to the callipers and moving parts in a typical braking particularly, to retain those boiling points wheel cylinders. If vapours are present system over a long period of time. in service. in the Brake Fluid, pressure • Non-Corrosive: Brake Fluids must The properties necessary for quality will be reduced or will fail protect a wide variety of metals and Brake Fluid are controlled by the major completely. The condition known as alloys in a braking system from Brake Fluid specifications ie the US ‘vapour lock’ occurs when Brake Fluid corrosion. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard boils and forms vapour in the brake • Compatible with Rubber: Brake Fluid (FMVSS) DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5/5.1, SAE system, thus the brake pedal travel must not cause excessive swelling or J1703, and ISO 4925. Many OEM’s have compresses the vapour and fails to shrinkage of rubber components which their own Brake Fluid specifications while operate the brakes. Boiling can occur would lead to increased wear and many national standards authorities also quite easily when the brakes are being break up of the seals which would lead have their own, but as a general rule all worked hard on steep descents or when to Brake Fluid leakage and loss of are based on the FMVSS, SAE or ISO towing a load such as a caravan. braking effort. standards. The main differences • Stability: Brake Fluid must retain all of between them are summarised as the above characteristics throughout follows in the table to the right: its life in the braking system. *Wet Boiling Point measures how Today’s Brake Fluids are highly advanced well brake fluid retains its boiling mixtures of glycol ethers, glycol ether/ point in service. borate esters and polyglycols, together Very roughly, it equates to the with a package of additives to improve expected boiling point after two those characteristics necessary for a years in use. quality Brake Fluid. But the main point is It is evident from the table that - Brake Fluids are synthetic chemicals the main advantage of DOT 5.1

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The presence of even a small quantity of fitted with special rubber components water can result in corrosion of the that are compatible with petroleum different metals used in braking systems products. eventually leading to brake failure LHM is NOT compatible with through leakage. The surfaces of the conventional brake systems, nor are cylinder become pitted from rust and so conventional Brake Fluids compatible leakage results. Moisture ingress is with systems requiring mineral possible through the flexible rubber oil. Failure to use the correct fluid may hoses, the seals and the breather of the result in total brake failure. reservoir cap. Silicone Brake Fluids Brake Fluid contamination by mineral oils Silicone, or DOT 5.0 Brake Fluids are The disadvantages include: and petroleum solvents, which are based on polydimethyl siloxane and are • A very high bulk modulus with a incompatible with Brake Fluid, will cause specialist fluids intended for racing tendency to aerate when pumped excessive swelling and softening of applications and are dyed purple for easy • Unsuitable for ABS systems rubber seals and hoses, and may well identification. Silicone Brake Fluids may • Does not have any brake lead to complete system failure. be used in conventional classic car manufacturer's OEM approval Changing Brake Fluid braking systems, as they are compatible • Water that enters the system will Brake Fluids have a limited life, not only with the standard brake settle in the wheel cylinders because of water absorption but because components. However, they do not mix • Breakdown of the fluid can cause corrosion inhibitors and stabilisers are with conventional Brake Fluids and abrasive silica material is often depleted over time. Wear particles and should only be considered for use after a quoted as a negative but for this to rubber fragments will also slowly build complete brake system drain and happen the fluid needs to burn in the up. Unless the vehicle manufacturer overhaul. Mixtures of Silicone and presence of oxygen and unless your recommends otherwise, Noria would conventional Brake Fluid may result in brake discs are glowing red hot for recommend that Brake Fluid be changed additives transferring between the any length of time this disadvantage at intervals of 12 to 24 months, phases thus resulting in reduced is not a concern depending on local climate. In locations performance. • A tendency to leak more easily than with cold and wet climates Brake Fluid The advantages include: standard brake fluids should be changed at the shorter • A higher Boiling Point than DOT 3 and As a result of the slightly compressible interval. Dot 4, approx 260°C nature of Silicone Brake Fluid, ideally the Storage and Handling. • Not aggressive to paintwork master cylinder should be replaced with Brake Fluid should be stored in its • Not hygroscopic one that is the next size up in diameter original container in a clean, dry location • Significantly longer service life (up to to prevent a longer pedal travel. at or below room temperature 3 times that of conventional fluids) Note all brake fluids are derived from preferably separated from similar • A very high VI, >300, giving a synthetic base oils so do not be lured storage of petroleum products or fluid consistent pedal feel irrespective of into buying a brake fluid simply because materials used for maintenance the ambient temperatures it has synthetic in the name. purposes. Always use the original containers, which should be tightly sealed to avoid water absorption and be clearly marked. Under good conditions of storage, unopened containers of Brake Fluid will have a shelf life of two years. Brake fluid is not intended as a top-up fluid - if the level in the reservoir is dropping it needs immediate investigation. Other Types of Brake Fluid The remarks above relate to conventional Brake Fluids that make up about 98% of the market. There are two other types of Brake Fluid that should be mentioned: Mineral Based Brake Fluids (LHM Fluids) A few vehicles in the past, including Citroen (hence the LHM title, as in Liquide Hydraulique Mineral) and Rolls Royce, used a mineral or petroleum based central hydraulic system for the suspension, which also powers the brakes. To do this the brake system is

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It is a well-known French dish whose Julia Child has described the dish as Fancy a Quiche? name probably refers to the use of wine. "certainly one of the most delicious beef dishes concocted by man". By Stuart Bebbington The dish is often "touted as traditional", but it was first documented in the 19th Beef bourguignon is generally Beef bourguignon or bœuf bourguignon century, and "in fact does not appear to accompanied with boiled potatoes or also called beef Burgundy, and bœuf à la be very old". Other recipes called "à la pasta. Bourguignonne, is a beef Bourguignonne" with similar garnishes In culinary terminology, "bourguignon" is stew braised in red wine, often are found in the mid-19th century for leg applied to various dishes prepared with red Burgundy, and beef stock, typically of lamb and for rabbit. In the 19th wine or with a mushroom and onion flavoured with carrots onions, garlic, and century, it "did not enjoy a great garnish in the mid-nineteenth century. a bouquet garni, and garnished with reputation", perhaps because it was The dish may be called bourguignon or à pearl onions, mushrooms, and bacon. It often made with leftover cooked meat. is also a dish consisting of a piece la bourguignonne in both French and The dish has become a standard of of braised beef with the same garnish, at English. It is occasionally called beef/ French cuisine, notably in bœuf bourguignonne in English, but that which point it may be called pièce de Parisian bistros; however, it only began bœuf à la bourguignonne. is grammatically incorrect in French. to be considered as a Burgundian specialty in the twentieth century.

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MG CHARGES AHEAD WITH BEST EVER UK SALES MONTH!

MG Motor achieves biggest ever monthly sales, racking-up 3,668 sales 169% increase in registrations compared to September 2019 Sales up 52.1% year-on-year against a market down 33.1% ZS EV accounts for almost one-in-three sales Boost comes as MG launches two new electrified models

Britain’s fastest-growing car brand and rapidly expanding and the brand’s first PHEV, the MG HS Plug-in, both of EV marque is marking its best-ever month in the UK, which are available to order now. having racked up 3,668 sales in September 2020 – an incredible increase of 169% compared with the same Daniel Gregorious, Head of Sales & Marketing at MG month in 2019. Motor UK said “September was a staggeringly good month for MG in the UK. Firstly, we achieved our With car sales across the UK down by a third year-on- biggest ever sales month. In fact, our September result year, MG is also the only mainstream brand to be was almost 1,000 sales higher than our previous record forging ahead with growth – its astonishing September month, March 2020. result sees the brand’s sales up by 52.1% year-on-year at 14,228 cars, with almost a third of the volume attributed “Secondly, within that record total, we sold 1,176 MG to the zero-emissions MG ZS EV. ZS EVs, meaning that almost one in three of the cars we sold were zero-emissions electric cars. No other The company also broke its annual sales record in mainstream manufacturer has performed so well. And September with the 13,076th MG of 2020 – an MG ZS thirdly, almost every MG dealer has sold more new cars EV bought by 30 year-old Londoner Luke Walker – so far this year than they did in the same period in 2019, taking the brand over its 2019 sales total with more an incredible result given that our showrooms were than a quarter of the year left to go. closed for almost three months. Our dealers have embraced the MG electric revolution and they’re now The incredible growth comes at the same time as MG brilliantly placed to lead the industry’s shift to plug-in launches two all-new models that are destined to boost cars. They’ve invested, they’ve worked-hard and they’ve its performance further – the unique All New MG5 EV bought-in to our vision, and they deserve this success”.

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Club branded Merchandise

We're using a local firm and are adding a small mark up to go towards the club funds. Orders will be taken at each monthly meeting along with payment (we've decided to avoid PayPal owing to the charges) and the items will be delivered at the following meeting. Please speak to or contact Mike Haughton for Merchandise queries and orders. Contact details at the front of the magazine. Tee-Shirts by Kariban Short Sleeved Polo Shirts by £16.00 each Uneek. A variety of colours £16.00 each. and sizes available. A variety of colours and sizes available. Sweat Shirts (Long Sleeved) by AWDis Fleece Jacket by £18.00 each Uneek Variety of colours £25.00 each and sizes available. Variety of colours and sizes available.

Long Sleeved Polo Shirts by B&C Safran £20 each. Base Ball Cap by Beechfield A variety of colours and £12 each sizes available. Variety of colours available.

Softshell Jacket by Result. £32 each. A variety of colours and sizes available.

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2020 Club Events

Visit the club website for updated information and more details. www.westcheshiremgoc.club With the restrictions coming back in, the club will not meet at the earliest until 2021 and nor will there be any organised activities for the remainder of 2020.

CHESHIRE CANDLES CHARITY CLASSIC CAR RUN 2021

We are working on the basis that the Candles Run will be held next May, and planning has started. As previously we would like to invite members to nominate charities for us to consider, so long as such charities meets the following criteria: are relatively small and locally based, or local semi autonomous branches of a larger national charity; that it would be obvious that any money we hand over will be transparent in its use for charity work and not highly paid executives.

In nominating a charity it would be helpful if you could describe very briefly where they are based and its main aim(s). As we choose only two each year, in the event that more than two are nominated we will carry forward to 2022 any not chosen for 2021.

Thanks for your help and support. Please send nominations to Neil Wallace at the email address in this newsletter.

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