February 2015 £2 No. 371 Mascot The Magazine of the Midget & Sprite Club

www.midgetandspriteclub.co.uk SPECIALIST VEHICLE INSURANCE Cherished by you Insured by us

 Over 35 years’ experience  No broker administration fees  Choose a vehicle repairer you trust  UK & European accident & breakdown recovery including home service Call our friendly UK team for a quotation  Free and automatic salvage retention*  Cover for drivers from 18 years of age 01277 206 911 and no upper age limit* www.rhclassicinsurance.co.uk  Agreed value*

* Subject to our standing underwriting criteria. Please refer to the policy documentation on our website, or call, for further information. Photography courtesy of Daniel Wood. RH Specialist Insurance is a trading name of Willis Limited, a Lloyd’s Broker. Registered office: 51 Lime Street, London, EC3M 7DQ. Registered number 181116 England and Wales. Willis Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The RH Specialist Insurance schemes are arranged and administered on behalf of Willis Limited by ERS Syndicate Services Limited, an appointed representative of ERS FindSyndicate us on Facebook Badge Management LimitedCMYK / .ai which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority: Number 204851

Classic Car Modern Car Classic Bike Multi-vehicle Military

ii FP0030

13397_RH Adverts_Sept 2014_148x210_MG_Midget.indd 1 03/09/2014 09:49:36 SPECIALIST VEHICLE INSURANCE THE WHO, THE WHAT & THE WHERE of THE MIDGET & SPRITE CLUB

COMMITTEE CHAIRman David Dixon, Tel: 01733 222810, email: [email protected] GENERAL SECRETARY Jim Willis, Tel: 01527 402804, email: [email protected] Cherished by you TREASURER David King, Tel: 01453 544202, email: [email protected] editor Gary Lazarus, 40B Hungerford Road, London, N7 9LP. Tel: 0207700 5696 email: [email protected] Area Rep’s DELEGATE Mark Hall, Tel: 01296 660103 email: [email protected] Insured by us MEMBERSHIP Stuart Watson, “Staddlestones”, Thicknall Lane, Clent, Stourbridge, West Midlands. DY9 0HX Tel: 01562 883076 email: [email protected] GENERAL MEMBER Kate Andrews, email: [email protected] Glyn Polly, Tel: 07544 302 575 email: [email protected] OFFICERS CLUB ARCHIVIST & Terry Horler, 63 Littledean, Yate, Bristol, BS37 8UQ. Tel: 01454 881770 TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION [email protected] MEMBERS ADVERTISING Alan Lo, Tel: 0117 9572617 Mob: 07474 343643 email: [email protected] MUTUAL ASSISTANCE John Clark, 16 Barley Close, Broomfield, Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 7XG CO-ORDINATOR Tel: 01227 368 638, mob: 07971 153556, email: [email protected] Car Registers Sprites & Midgets Stuart Watson, [email protected] 01562 883 076 (Except Mk1 Sprites) Sprites Mk1 Gary Lazarus, [email protected] 020 7700 5696 REGALIA OFFICER Mike Grout, 55 Park Road, Spixworth, Norwich, NR10 3PJ. Tel: 01603 890211 email: [email protected] Technical Advisor Mark Boldry, email: [email protected] WEBMASTER Richard Mumford, email: [email protected] TRADE ADVERTISING Gary Lazarus, [email protected] 020 7700 5696 AREA REPRESENTATIVES BRISTOL Terry Horler, Tel: 01454 881770 email: [email protected] Central John Collins, Tel 07970 213084 email: [email protected] DEVON Michael Ellis, Tel: 07527 598091 email: [email protected] DORSET Ian Beaver, Tel: 01722 326840 email: [email protected] east anglia David Dixon, Tel: 01733 222810 email: [email protected] ESSEX Jane Gates, Tel: 01255 830 509 email: [email protected]  Over 35 years’ experience HAMPSHIRE Terry Langridge, Tel: 01252 626063 email: [email protected] No broker administration fees HEART OF ENGLAND Dave Puzey, Tel 024 7671 2384 email: [email protected]  HOME COUNTIES Mark Hall, Tel: 01296 660103 email: [email protected]  Choose a vehicle repairer you trust NORTH WEST  UK & European accident & breakdown KENT Alan Anstead, Tel: 01322 384050 email: [email protected] recovery including home service LINCOLNSHIRE Position currently vacant Call our friendly UK team for a quotation LONDON Gary Lazarus, Tel: 020 7700 5696 email: [email protected]  Free and automatic salvage retention* NORTH WEST Les & Diane Robinson, Tel: 01772 496594 email: [email protected] Cover for drivers from 18 years of age NORTHERN IRELAND Position currently vacant  01277 206 911 NOTTS/DERBY Ian Cooke, Tel: 0115 938 3838 email: [email protected] and no upper age limit* www.rhclassicinsurance.co.uk OXFORD Grahame Gibbins, Tel: 01235 530456 email: [email protected]  Agreed value* SCOTLAND Graham Smith, Tel: 0141 954 8276 email: [email protected] SOMERSET Valerie Young, Tel: 01460 62182 email: [email protected] SOUTH WEST WALES David Hill, Tel: 01239 811307 email: [email protected] * Subject to our standing underwriting criteria. Please refer to the policy documentation on our website, or call, for further information. SURREY Mike Gorman, Tel: 01737-552256 email: [email protected] Photography courtesy of Daniel Wood. SUSSEX David Southcott, email: [email protected] RH Specialist Insurance is a trading name of Willis Limited, a Lloyd’s Broker. Registered office: 51 Lime Street, London, EC3M 7DQ. WILTSHIRE Andy Cross, Tel: 01225 743554 email: [email protected] Registered number 181116 England and Wales. Willis Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The RH Specialist Insurance schemes are arranged and administered on behalf of Willis Limited by ERS Syndicate Services Limited, an appointed representative of ERS YORKSHIRE Rob Armstrong, Tel: 07889 090411 email: [email protected] FindSyndicate us on Facebook Badge Management LimitedCMYK / .ai which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority: Number 204851 Also see the Club Nights section for new areas and contacts. Compiled by Gary Lazarus ([email protected]). Please advise me of any changes, errors etc. Classic Car Modern Car Classic Bike Multi-vehicle Military MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL: IF YOU EXPERIENCE ‘MASCOT’ PROBLEMS UPON RENEWAL, PLEASE CONTACT THE MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY OR THE TREASURER STRAIGHT AWAY. The Committee © Midget & Sprite Club Printed by Quorum Print Services Ltd, Units 3&4, Lansdown Industrial Estate, Cheltenham, GL51 8PL Tel: 01242 584984 Website: www.quorumprint.co.uk E-mail: [email protected] FP0030

13397_RH Adverts_Sept 2014_148x210_MG_Midget.indd 1 03/09/2014 09:49:36 February Editorial

fter last month’s rather prophetic and serious editorial, I felt it only right to Alighten the mood a little for this month. So it’s time to lift our chins and look forward to the happy things to come. Having recently celebrated another Birthday, I wondered if anyone else has to think for a few moments to remember how old they actually are. For me, after the initial horror at the realisation that I’m not 18 years old has passed, I have to smile at the fact that if I live to double my current age, I’ll have received eight special Birthday messages from whoever is the reigning Monarch at that time, assuming that they’ll still be sending out celebratory communications to centenarians. So while I’m aware that there are many members who are closer to this milestone than me, I think that it’s our duty to laugh Perhaps do something unusual, like parking your in the face of our advancing years, with as car next to Concorde much irreverence and youthfulness as our old bones (if indeed you do have old bones) are both running short. Secondly if you are can muster. having a problem meeting up with other We’ve a head start on the majority of the members because your area has no formal population, as we already all have childlike representation, why not consider contacting tendencies. Why else would we whizz around the membership secretary to see if there are in our little cars? Mine certainly has the effect any other members close by. of instilling youthful enthusiasm in me. So I was recently contacted by someone wishing don’t be afraid to get out there and embrace to join the club, who lives in Newcastle the Joie de vivre which our little cars can upon Tyne. Do we have many members inspire in us. in the North East? Surely we should have To help you get out and about, you will see representation in that area. Mascot and the various events advertised in this month’s committee would be happy to assist in any Mascot. Obviously the events page highlights way. So do let me know. quite a few of them. But it’s also worth looking into some of the other events My suggestion for February is to remember scattered throughout the magazine. that next time you get into your Spridget, try to pretend that you’re 18 years old. If you plan to attend the MASC Weekend on the 17th-19th of July, but have yet to Have a great month book your accommodation, please start by checking page 12 as time and space Gary & Gaps

The deadline for articles and reports for inclusion in the March issue of Mascot is Monday 16th of February

The statements and opinions expressed in each and every issue of Mascot are not necessarily the considered views of the Midget and Sprite Club. The views expressed by the editorial contributors, letter writers and advertisers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Club. The Midget and Sprite Club accepts no responsibility for the results of following contributor’s advice, nor does it necessarily endorse the services or products offered by advertisers. Cover image: NW Area member Bernie Higginson’s 1965 MkIII Sprite, which he’s owned since 1967, seen here during last summer’s trip to the Netherlands

2 February Editorial YOU COULD SAVE CLASSIC MIDGET & IF28% YOU INSURE MORE THAN ONE CLASSIC VEHICLE WITH SPRITE INSURANCE A MULTI-CLASSIC POLICY† WITH AGREED VALUE* NOW THAT’S WORTH SOMETHING

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We Speak Your Language 0800 144 4676 Classic | Camper Van | Specialist | Military | Performance Visit us online at cherished.carolenash.com Opening hours in the UK: Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm.*Terms and conditions apply, call for details. †Based on an average customer, saving 28% when compared to buying three separate Carole Nash policies. Average customer = 57 year old male with full 10 years plus NCB, driving a 1965 MG B, 1973 MG B and 1972 MG Midget. Carole Nash Insurance Consultants Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 3 Club Nights

1st Tuesday Essex Area – Now meet at The Green Man, Green Man Lane, Kelvedon Road, Little Braxted, Essex CM8 3BL. For further details contact Jane Gates Tel: 01255830 509 or email: [email protected] 1st Wednesday Central Area – now Meeting on the at The Railway Inn, Whitacre Heath 30, Station Rd, Whitacre Heath, Birmingham, West Midlands, B46 2EH. Contact John Collins Tel: 07970 213 084 email: [email protected] 1st Wednesday Oxford Area – Meet at the Blackhorse Pub, Gozzards Ford, Nr Abingdon. 7pm for those eating or 8pm for those not. Contact Grahame Gibbins at grahame _ [email protected] 2nd Tuesday London Area (Congestion Zone) – Meet at The Ace Cafe at 7:30pm together with the Classic Cars Magazine night. Details: Gary Lazarus on 020 7700 5696, garyfrogeye@gmail 2nd Wednesday Devon Area – The Dartmoor Lodge Hotel, Ashburton, TQ13 7JW from 8 to 10 pm. Michael Ellis Michael _ [email protected] and telephone: 07527 598091 2nd Wednesday Heart of England, covers Worcs, Warks, West Midlands and surrounding areas – Meet at The Green Dragon, The Green, Sambourne, Redditch, B96 6NU, at 8.30pm as usual. 2nd Wednesday North West Area meet at The Kilton, turn off M6 at Jct 20 onto A50 towards Macclesfield. Pub 4 miles on left. Please note new venue. 2nd Wednesday Bristol Area will meet at The Rose and Crown, Pucklechurch at 8pm. All Bristol, Bath and surrounding areas members welcome. Contact Terry Horler on 01454 881770 rebelwithasprite@hotmail 2nd Thursday Notts/Derby border Area at the Sitwell Arms at 30 Wood Lane, Horsley Woodhouse, Derby, DE7 6BN from approx. 8.30. Just a mile north-west of the A608/A609 crossroads. Ian Cooke 0115 938 3838 [email protected] 2nd Thursday East Anglian Area. Previously the Cambridgeshire Area meet at The Ferry Boat, at Holywell, 8pm 2nd Saturday Yorkshire Area – meet each month at lunchtime from 12:30pm at The Nags Head, Pickhill, near Thirsk, YO7 4JG – more information at http;//yorkshiremasc.blogspot.com/ 3rd Monday Dorset – Meet at St. Peter’s Finger, Lytchett Minster, Poole, BH16 6JE 7.30pm 3rd Tuesday Scotland – Meet at The Windmill Tavern, 4 Thorniewood Road, Uddingston G71 5QQ at 8pm. Contact John Pardo on 01698 814791 3rd Tuesday Surrey – Meet at The Chequers, Chequers Lane, Walton-on-the-Hill, Surrey KT20 7SF. 7.00pm onwards. Contact Mike Gorman, [email protected] Tel: 01737-552256 4th Thursday Sussex – Meet at Bolney Stage, Bolney, RH17 5RL from 19:00. Contact David Southcott at [email protected] 4th Thursday Hampshire – Please ring Terry or Harriet Langridge on 01252 626063 for details. 4th Sunday Kent Area – Meet at The Angel, Addington Green, West Malling, Kent, ME19 5BB at 12:00 for lunch. Contact Alan Anstead, Tel: 01322 384050. [email protected] Last Monday Wiltshire – Meet at The Barge Inn, Seend, Nr. Devizes, about 7pm. Contact Andy Cross on 01225 743554 or e-mail [email protected] Last Wednesday Home Counties North West for members in Herts, Beds, Bucks, Berks, N. London or anyone interested! Meet at the Chequers Inn, Redbourn, AL3 7AD from 6:30pm. Please contact Mike or Sue Gahan on email [email protected] or on 07850 488636. Last Thursday. Somerset Area – Meet at The Bell at Broadway Nr. Ilminster TA19 9RG. 7pm if eating, 8 to 8.30pm if not. Please contact Valerie Young 01460 62182 for further information. We may not always be there, especially in the Summer! Northern Ireland [email protected]. If enough interest, will arrange a meeting. South West Wales Non-regular and occasional meetings and runs arranged throughout the summer months. Please contact David Hill on 01239 811307 or email: [email protected]

4 Club Website www.midgetandspriteclub.co.uk

Members Only Pages: Password: Holland (which is case sensitive) Also follow the Midget and Sprite Club on Area reps please make Gary Lazarus aware of any events already in your diaries for 2015, so that they can be added to this “Events” section of the magazine and the website. For the magazine Gary can be contacted at [email protected] For the website Richard Mumford can be contacted at [email protected] 8th February Dorset Area MASC AGM at St Peters Finger 10:00am for 10:30am start. All welcome. For details contact Ian Beaver tel: 01722 326840 email: [email protected] 22nd February Somerset Sunday Run. Contact Valerie Young for details tel: 01460 62182 email; [email protected] 28th – 29th March NEC Restoration Show 2015 NEC Birmingham (See page 32 and 33 of this month’s Mascot) 26th April Drive it Day – Notts + Derby area drive to celebrate this annual event Wollaton Park Autokarna in Nottingham – MASC paddock area for pre-booked vehicles. Watch this space for details – contact Ian Cooke, Notts + Derby area rep. 2nd – 4th May 2015 Donington Historic Festival, Donongton Park Contact HOE Rep Dave Puzey for details Tel: 024 7671 2384 email: [email protected] 22nd-25th May Spa Classic 2015 organised by Scenic Car Tours (10 MASC cars booked so far) Contact Kieran at www.sceniccartours.com or information from Alan Anstead [email protected] 4-7th June 10th Spridget Treffen three-day event based in Westerwald, Germany For details, contact Heinz Shattner, [email protected] or Geoff Hunter email: [email protected] tel: 01562 851544 see next month’s Mascot for further information. 24th-26th June The 25th Anniversary Silverstone Classic. For details, contact East Anglia Area Rep David Dixon [email protected] tel: 01733 222810 17-19th July MASC NATIONAL WEEKEND – SEE PAGES 20 & 21 of October’s 2014 Mascot for details or contact Stuart Watson email: [email protected] 30th August Coventry Motoring Festival www.festival-of-motoring.co.uk Contact (to be confirmed) Dave Colclough email [email protected] 10th-27th Sept (provisional dates) Miglia Tour organised by Kent Area Rep Alan Anstead [email protected] 26-27th Sept Sywell Classics Pistons & Props. For details, contact East Anglia Area Rep David Dixon [email protected] tel: 01733 222810 24th October National Restoration Show at Stoneleigh Contact and details TBA 13-15th November Classic Car Show at the NEC Birmingham Contact Alan Pritchett [email protected]

Send your events details to [email protected]

5 Competition Winners of the New Midget & Sprite Bookazine

Judging by the excellent response to last month’s competition to win one of the three New Midget & Sprite Bookazines, I can only assume that a great many of you liked the idea of a free Practical Classics Spridget publication. Alas! There can only be three winners and these were picked at random out of a hat, by Mrs Editor on the 14th of January. The question posed was: Which of the following titles does NOT feature the Practical Classic Bookazine Series 1. Practical Classics Guide to the MGB 2. Practical Classics Guide to the Mini 3. Practical Classics guide to the Morris Minor! 4. Practical Classics Guide to the Triumph Spitfire and GT6 5. Practical Classics Guide to the Triumph TRs The correct answer was number 5. Practical Classics Guide to Triumph TRs. I’m not sure if the three winners visited the website to discover the answer or simply guessed. Either way, the lucky recipients are ... 1. Robert Rose in Oundle Northants 2. Kevin Fryer in Hamden Hill, Middlesex 3. Neil Patrick in Southwell, Nottinghamshire For those who are still interested in getting a copy (which includes me!), they can be purchased now at WHSmiths or online: www.greatmagazines.co.uk/midget for just £6.99. Look out for upcoming competitions soon and remember that unless you enter, there is zero chance of you winning anything. 6 Competition Winners

7 How to research the History of your car ost people who own a classic car certificate states that the reg number is likely will have wondered about their car’s to be an age related number issued at a later Mhistory. I was one of these people and date. until recently I hadn’t done anything to satisfy Basically the 2nd and 3rd numbers tell you my curiosity. This is the story of the journey where the car was first registered (not sure I took. about pre suffix reg numbers but I’m sure a I started off with a few useful documents. web search will say if it’s the same). The Log book (V5C) showing the previous My next step was to look into car data owner, the previous owner before them and searches on the internet. This sort of search that there had been nine previous owners is aimed at the second hand car buyer before myself. rather than a classic car historian. However, The last Tax disc before the restoration. I thought they may be useful. This type of search can cost anything from £3 to £20 The last MOT issued before the restoration. and basically all supply the same information, The Heritage certificate issued by BMHT at engine number, chassis number, age, any Gaydon loans outstanding, any accidents etc. As I had owned the car for 22 years I was pretty I also knew from the receipt I was given when sure that I knew most of the information so I purchased the car that the vendor had not I went for the £3 type. This was money well registered the car in his name. He told me his spent as I was able to find out two pieces of intention was to do this when he completed information that helps complete the puzzle I his restoration of the car. was trying to work through. So I was doing quite well, I knew three I found out the date that the person had previous owners and where they had lived sold the car to the person I bought it off so I during their stewardship of the car. I also was able to confirm how long the “restorer” knew that there were seven more owners to had had the car. I also found out that the find. registration was in fact the original. This During a web search I found out how to was in doubt as the heritage certificate understand my registration plate. I was suggested that it was an age related number dubious about doing this as the BMHT issued later than 1971.

8 Since receiving the logbooks I have undertaken the following activities After 1974 the logbooks were computerised and the number of owners was reset to zero so including myself there have actually been 14 owners. Number 13 was the guy who didn’t register himself as the keeper whilst he had a go at restoring the car, maybe that’s why he never finished it? I made a chart up from all the log books During my web searches I found that you so that I could visualise the cars life in a can visit www.gov.uk/check-mot-history- diagrammatic way and I could make notes vehicle and view MOT History (including fails against each owner. and advisories) for a car that you own or are intending to purchase. Mine goes back I have been able to confirm that the car has to 2006 so I didn’t learn anything but if you had the same registration number since its have just bought your car, or are checking first registration. out a car for purchase this may be a useful data source and help you to make a “To Do I have been able to confirm that an old List”. number plate that came with the car and has the owners name on the bottom and is in fact Whilst on the DVLA website I found out at least 30 years old. about a terrific service that they offer. If you complete a V888 form and send them £5 I have used google street view to look at the they will look into their archives and make addresses on the logbooks. Interestingly one a copy of every logbook they have on file. I is a Marks and Spencers, one is an office sent my cheque away thinking “this seems block and one is a Weatherspoons pub. Both too good to be true – they will never give me these owners were car dealers and they all that information – it must be against the owned the car for over a year – could the car data protection act!” have been a company car? I searched the phone book to see if there However about three weeks later I noticed are people with the same names at the that my cheque had been cashed, I became addresses. This has proved fruitless so far. hopeful. Then about a week later than that an A4 envelope arrived through the door. My I have sent a letter to each viable address reason for wanting the information of “for with a covering letter and some photos of personal use only as I am researching the the car and its restoration asking for any history of my car” must have done the trick information, particularly photos that they as inside the envelope was a photocopy of may have. As most of the people owned the every logbook for the car, well except one car over 25 years ago I’m not hopeful of which they apologised for losing, this is not any replies but then I thought that about the an issue though as the gaps can be filled by DVLA so something may come up. people each side of the missing document. If I don’t get any replies I am thinking of going through the electoral registers in the towns that the cars were registered and maybe contact people with exactly the same names. If this proves fruitless then my search will be over but I’ve really enjoyed the experience, learnt a lot about my car’s past and would recommend this sort of project to all classic car owners, well unless you have owned the car from new. John Egan Some of the documents I’ve unearthed Wokingham

9 New Members December – January 2015

We extend a warm welcome to the following new and rejoined members

5007 Michael Martin Essex Sprite Mk 1 5008 Mark & Julie Heyworth Lancashire Midget 1500 5009 Martin Kemp Bedfordshire MG 1500 5010 Bob Jeffreys Berkshire Sprite Mk 1 5012 Oliver Wilkinson Switzerland MG Mk 2 5013 John & Frances Pitfield Merseyside 5014 Colin Spooner Middlesex Austin Sprite 5015 Patrick Tracey Essex Midget Mk 4 5016 Phil Webber Middlesex Sprite Mk 1

Craig Tarrant with his MkII Sprite

Graham and Valerie Danson’s 1980 registered 1500 Midget

Mark & Julie Heyworth’s 1500 Midget

10 New Members December – January 2015

Martin Kemp’s wedding-ready Midget 1500. You can see more about it elsewhere in this month’s Mascot

Swiss based Oliver Wilkinson with his MkII Midget, also featured elsewhere in this month’s magazine

Bob Jeffreys’ MkI Sprite Colin Spooner’s MkIV Sprite rescued after having sat in a field for 12 years Patrick Tracey with his MkIV Midget Colin’s Sprite with its new Heritage Monocoque, soon to be reborn as a Tifosi Rana based Frogeye

11 MASC Weekend 17th-19th July 2015

Additional Accommodation

Accomodation at the Holiday Inn is Fri Dinner, B&B Sat B&B with Gala Dinner at Stourport Manor

Accomodation at the B&B places Fri B&B with Dinner at Stourport Manor (but could be elsewhere at maybe a lower cost if you choose) Sat B&B with Gala Dinner at Stourport Manor

Venue Tel Distance Room No of Friday Friday Dinner Saturday Saturday Shelsley Total Number from Type Rooms (Stourport Gala Dinner Walsh Event Manor) (Stourport Manor) Holiday 01527 9ml Double 15 £95 Incl £75 £50 £25 £245 Inn 571975 (reserved) Suzanne Single More £90 Incl £70 £25 £12.50 £197.50 Lane available Bewdley 01562 4ml Double 4 in total £60 £50 £60 £50 £25 £245 Hill House 60473 Single double/ £35 £25 £35 £25 £12.50 £132.50 B&B single Baldwn 01299 1.5ml Double 4 £60 £50 £60 £50 £25 £245 House 877221 Single 2 £45 £25 £45 £25 £12.50 £152.50 B&B Victoria 01299 .0ml Double 4 £70 £50 £70 £50 £25 £265 Villas 824017 Single 1 £40 £25 £40 £25 £12.50 $142.50 Oakleigh 01299 Double 3 £65 £50 £65 £50 £25 £255 Guest 877568 Single 2 £45 £25 £45 £25 £12.50 £152.50 House Olive 01299 1.4ml Double 4 in total £55 £50 £55 £50 £25 £235 Guest 827411 Single £35 £25 £35 £25 £12.50 £132.50 House Please book the alternative accommodation yourselves quoting the ‘Midget and Sprite Club’ so that they know that it is one of the reserved rooms. Please note also that the Morgan Visit has now has to be at 11:30am since the factory closes on a Friday at 1:30pm. I appreciate that this may mean you will not be able to make it. I am sorry about the change but did not realise it closed on a Friday afternoon. Please let me know if you are no longer interested. Stuart Watson Email: [email protected] Tel: 01562 883 076

12 Where Are They Now?

Mk1 Sprite TPD 239 I owned a Frogeye Sprite TPD 239 about 50 In addition we searched the Club’s register years ago – If it still exists, is there a way and archives and also the photographic of you putting me in touch with the owner database of UK registered Mk1 Sprites at please? (Hampshire at that time). www.frogeye.smugmug.com with no positive I can’t remember where it went after me. I result. have memories of getting a drum kit and wife Phil goes on to say that he has a pair of on board somehow and the day I changed AH Sprite hubcaps which might be useful ‘slidey’ cross ply tyres for Pirelli Cinturatos to someone in Somerset, or possibly – on the odd occasion when we drive up the Petersfield, Hants where he has family) The zig-zag hill near Selborne in Hampshire, I still cost of the hubcaps would be a 10 mile ride boringly relate the epic difference to my wife. in a Frogeye (also see marketplace page) I think it got changed for a Herald 12/50 two- tone green and sunroof Contact Phil Wilson tel: 01458 443388 Email: [email protected] MASC replied – A search with DVLA shows no trace of TPD 239. Based in Somerset BA16 0UA

Trials MkI Midget 1690 RU I have just had some of my old photographic slides put onto disc and one of the pictures is attached. Taken in 1980, the Midget is competing in the 1980 MCC Land’s End Trial. A DVLA “On Line Enquiry” reveals that the car, 1690 RU, was registered on 6 December 1962 but is currently not taxed or MOT’d. The DVLA also has the engine size showing as 1993cc!! Does the car survive somewhere in spite of what would have been a hard life trialing?? Peter Houghton Hi Peter, It’s definitely an interesting looking car, just look at the size of those rear wheel arches! Do any members recognise or remember this unusually modified Midget? Gary 13 1973 Model Year Citron MG Midgets

n the 2012 August edition of MASC I had appropriate for that model year. Although no published an article on my MG Midget ODL Dealer code was shown in the production log, I684M, Chassis Number GAN5-138585, or all 14 cars did appear in the MG Abingdon as I prefer “Beatrice!” Dispatch Log. This revealed that all but one of these 14 cars were dispatched to main She is a very late 1973 Model Year car British Leyland Distributors (Information on but is painted Citron, one of several new Hall & Thane Bath would be appreciated) but colours for the 1974 Model Year. She was not this would unlikely be their final destination. alone in so far there were nine other 1973 Model Year cars painted erroneously in this colour. At the time of the original article I In the case of “Beatrice” as per the table had believed that all these 10 cars had been herewith, Citron coloured cars only, she was sold off as a job lot to a dealer as the MG dispatched to Wadham Stringer Waterlooville. Abingdon Production records did not list, as From there she was dispatched to Fowlers was normally the case, the receiving Dealer Garage, Cowes, Isle of Wight, part of the code. The reason for this I believe, is that Wadham Stringer group and also a British technically this specification did not exist so Leyland Distributor on the Island. I believe the retailer would obviously not have placed from the circumstances of the original an order for one. purchase, that the car was forwarded to Northwood Garage, Northwood, a British However on revisiting the BMHT archives Leyland Retailer owned by Fowlers. It is from at Gaydon, I discovered that all 10 Citron this retailer that the car was obtained by coloured cars had been listed for “Stock”, Somerton Motors, Cowes for the purchaser together with an additional four other late as these two garages were less than two 1973 Model cars painted Teal Blue as miles apart. Rob Rose 2606

14 1973 Model Year Citron MG Midgets Engine Date Finalised Finishing Dispatch Name of Receiving Distributor, Chassis No. No. for Dispatch Date. date Location & Franchises held Stewart & Ardern Ltd. Barnes, London. M, GAN5-138556 2685 25/09/1973 16/08/1973 25/09/1973 MG & W Wadham Stringer Ltd.Waterlooville. M, MG GAN5-138585 2710 25/09/1973 13/09/1973 26/09/1973 & W GAN5-138586 2709 25/09/1973 17/08/1973 26/09/1973 Turners, Plymouth. A, MG & W GAN5-138599 2677 25/09/1973 16/08/1973 26/09/1973 Morris Garages Ltd. M, MG & W. GAN5-138600 2655 25/09/1973 17/08/1973 26/09/1973 Hall & Fane Bath. GAN5-138669 2642 25/09/1973 28/08/1973 26/09/1973 Westgate Motors Wakefield. A, MG & W GAN5-138670 2568 25/09/1973 29/08/1973 26/09/1973 Lex Manchester. M, MG & W. GAN5-138671 2795 25/09/1973 21/08/1973 26/09/1973 Ware Garage, Ware. M, MG & W. GAN5-138691 2792 25/09/1973 20/08/1973 26/09/1973 Brown & Mallalieu, Blackpool. M, MG & W. GAN5-138692 2794 25/09/1973 29/08/1973 25/09/1973 Hebden Bros Ltd, Burnley. M, MG & W GAN5-138753 Last of 1973 MG MIDGET Model Year Believed to be the first USA Specification MG Midget produced for 1974 Model GAN5-138801 11107 23/08/1973 06/09/1973 year but built with 1973 Model year cars. Coincidentally in Citron, that was used for 1974 MG Midget 1974 Brochure. Although this is not the first 1974 Model UK Specification car built, that being 138801, GAN5-139753 11689 11/09/1973 14/09/1973 produced 23/08/1973, it is however, the first 1974 Citron coloured MG Midget. Leaf Springs Dear Gary, There appears to be a range of opinion regarding the lubrication of leaf springs (with which all Spridgets are fitted!), varying from leave well alone, spray with penetrating oil or grease liberally and bind with ‘Wefco’ tape as a ‘permanent’ solution. For this very purpose my late father gave me a purpose-made spring lubricator marketed by Terry in the 1950s which has served me well over the last half century. As the photograph shows, it is, in effect, a ‘G’ cramp with wedges, one of which incorporates a grease nipple and is threaded into the ‘G’. When positioned between the spring leaves, tightening the cramp separates the leaves and a grease gun can apply liberal quantities of grease to the void created by the wedges. In all my years of car maintenance, I have yet to encounter another such device, but it is hugely effective (if messy!) for spring lubrication. Best wishes. Peter Fawcett

Hi Peter, I’ve never seen anything like this either but I think it’s a really great idea. Have any other MASC members seen one? And if not, who’s up to the challenge of fabricating one? Gary

15 SAT 2ND SUN 3RD MON 4TH MAY 2015

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SCCTUntitled-1 Dec & Jan Mercedes 1 Ad.indd 1 04/12/201404/12/2014 18:37:31 17:47:41 SCCTUntitled-1 Dec & Jan Mercedes 1 Ad.indd 1 04/12/201404/12/2014 18:37:31 17:47:41 Part One he had described it, but it turned out that he hadn’t been able to keep it garaged for the It was January 2008 and I had been looking last few months, so it was looking less than for an old car as a possible hobby / project pristine! The photos he had used turned out after selling my motorbike. I decided on an to be nearly two years old when I looked a MG Midget as I used to work on them when bit closer at a later date! The ‘small’ patch I was an apprentice mechanic back in the of bubbling paintwork on the top of the 70’s and remember them as being quite passenger rear wing he had mentioned was good fun to drive. Nice and easy to work on nothing compared to the area, under the and no electronics! I had been looking on paint, behind the wheel arch on the driver’s the Auto Trader and eBay sites and spotted a Midget advertised on eBay, dark green, chrome bumpers, looked alright in the photos! We were going away for the weekend and decided to put a bid on it, as you do, fully expecting not to win it. I didn’t have the internet on my phone back then, so when we got back from Torquay, I checked my emails and found I had bought a 1975 1500 Midget! Whoops! I then contacted the seller, who assured me that the car could be driven, and arranged to collect the car from London. I caught the train down to the nearest station and trudged through the rain to the address given. The seller seemed like a nice guy and I think he genuinely thought the car was as

18 side that he hadn’t. I was sure it would all look a lot better after a good clean! The engine started and seemed to run ok. Hhh He pointed out a small leak on the bottom hose but said that had been there a while. The hose didn’t look that good to me but thought it would last the journey home to the Midlands. We settled up and armed with the quite extensive repairs file started the journey home. It was only 120 miles, shouldn’t take long! I think I had driven about two miles when the whole of the front of the car disappeared in a cloud of steam! I knew I was right about that hose! I managed to get to a petrol station to top the water up and left the radiator cap loose so it didn’t pressurise and hopefully The now bumperless Midget last a bit longer before the water ran out. Next stop, a supermarket, to get a bumper with rain again, fortunately, the lights and pack of water. I then found a DIY store by wipers did work. I think I arrived home about chance, and was able to buy some tools. I 11 o’clock and I was certainly beginning to cut the end of the bottom hose off (the bit wonder what I had done! coolant was squirting out of) where it fits on Through the Spring and Summer I set about the water pump and managed to reconnect cleaning it up, replacing all the coolant hoses it with a new jubilee clip. This seemed at and getting rid of that terrible vibration, least water tight but still left the radiator cap balancing the wheels helped but it still felt loose, just in case. very unstable over 50mph. I decided to get I then proceeded into the London traffic, with some shock absorber fluid, just in case, a sat-nav whose battery was fast discharging and found that they all must have been as there was nowhere to plug it in, and no nearly empty. This transformed the handling map. You don’t realise how small these cars massively and the car was finally becoming are until you drive one, and with your eyeline a bit more enjoyable to drive. I also removed about level of the door handles on more the bumpers as I have always felt they look modern cars, it’s more than a little scary in better without. heavy traffic! I had joined the MG owners club and attended some of their monthly meetings but found Eventually, I found the M1 and once the that there weren’t many Midget owners there, traffic had cleared I thought I would be able if any, and they didn’t seem that enthusiastic to drive a bit quicker than the 20 mph I had about them. managed so far. This was after I had stopped to reattach the front number plate that had I ran the car through to the end of September dropped off one side and was dragging on when the road tax ran out and declared it the road. Won’t take long to get home now! SORN, parked it up in the garage, with the intention of deciding what to do with it over Unfortunately, I soon realised this was not to the winter. be. At 45 mph a huge vibration started from the wheels and thought I might be able to To be continued………. drive through it but it felt like the whole car Gary Hendon might shake its self to pieces. So I had to Central MASC keep it below 45 mph, which on the busy M1 did not feel safe at all. As soon as I could, I Note – The first two photos are from the turned off the motorway and headed towards eBay advert and the third is just before being the A5 and made my way slowly Northwards. garaged for the winter, it looks better than it It was now getting dark and started pouring actually was.

19 CeNTRE ● SPREaD “A Bit of Detective Work” by Martin Ingall

HAN8-R-202.(photo: Jeff Brenner) The 10 ex-works Sprite prototypes – then, and now Part 2 n Part 1 of this article I outlined the history It was fitted with an XSP engine but had a of the first five “streamliners” which the standard MGB gearbox. Its headlights and IHealey ‘works’ team ran at Sebring and Le exhaust had been changed and the interior Mans in 1965 & 1966, identification of which civilised for street use. Ron Light told us we had found fairly straight-forward BUT that having had one car (455D) go through then we learned of another car, in the States, his hands Fred Royston wanted one for which Jeff Brenner had owned for some 15 himself and painted this second one in the years and which he believed had raced at Sebring. It had the No. 67 on the doors and (photo. Jonathan Whitehouse-Bird) was painted BRG. When I first questioned Jeff about its chassis number he told me it had a HAN9 prefix which suggested it was built post-October 1966, the date when the 1275 Sprite and Midget were introduced. So now we have six! We initially began by looking to see if this car might have been the No. 67 entry for Sebring in ’66 which would have entailed giving it the 455D number plate. But it had no roof vent! Further enquiry led to Jeff correcting the chassis number to one with a HAN8 prefix and confirming he could find no evidence of any roof vent having been on the car.

20 CeNTRE ● SPREaD “A Bit of Detective Work” by Martin Ingall

must have bought this one purely for display purposes and applied the No. 67 to give it the credibility of a class-winning Sebring Sprite. Very much later I received some photos of the car in its earlier days including a black and white one showing the car in a showroom, dark in colour with the No. 67 on its doors plus other decals, exactly as it is today – the photo is dated March 1968! So the Mystery car finally became the Display car. Unfortunately these conclusions were a (photos. Jonathan Whitehouse-Bird) big disappointment to the car’s owner Jeff Brenner.

same green. He also told us that Royston (photo: Bruno Verstraete) converted the car for street use so his wife could use it for shopping – some shopping car! On to 1967: The remaining car, HNX 456D, went once again to Sebring and, in the To help us try to fathom out where this car capable hands of Clive Baker and Rauno might have raced, Neil Anderson in Chicago Aaltonen, it finished 13th in the Prototype prepared some spreadsheets showing all the class. It ran alongside the standard-bodied ‘works’ Sebring, Le Mans and Targa Florio Sprite LNX 629E in the hands of Carson entries along with all the information we Baird (USA), Roger Enever (GB) and Alec had on each car. We pontificated long and Poole (IRL) finishing in 18th place, and 3rd hard over whether this mystery car might have been substituted for another on some occasion but none seemed to fit. In doing so, I upset Jim Prentice the current owner of 455D who was worried that I could damage the provenance of his car. An inevitable result in carrying out this task but happily since remedied. Although the Brenner car had some Day- glow orange on parts of its suspension and may originally have been painted in Sebring colours we eventually had to come to the conclusion that this car was not raced by the ‘works’ at any of the major events. Exactly when it was shipped out to the US remains unclear. We decided that having briefly owned one of cars before, Royston HNX 456D, Sebring 1967 (photo Chris Harvey)

21 LNX 629E passes Billy Turner’s Frogeye (photo Billy Turner) in class – this car was recently sold to Paul The crash came in the opening laps Woolmer at auction in the UK. (photo Guiseppe la Russa) The seventh of the streamliners was styled However, Clive took the car on the Tour of TFR 5 (and UK registered LWD 959E) being Corsica later that year and he and Mike Wood designed specifically for the Targa Florio were running 6th until an electrical failure put in Sicily. The fast and undulating mountain them out. course demanded a very different type of car. The front end was modified to a The following year, 1968, the now fuel- single headlight arrangement with a wide injected car was entered in the Sebring 12 conventional air intake, and the fuel fuller Hours for Clive Baker and Mike Garton. They was fitted to one side of the rear instead of lost two hours draining the petrol tank when along the side. The usual pairing of Clive Baker and Clive Baker & Mike Wood on the Tour de Corse Rauno Aaltonen was to drive in Sicily but (November 1967) (photo John Baggott.) unfortunately, quite early in the event a pedestrian ran across the road in front of Clive who collected him across the bonnet before colliding with the barriers. He was then carted off to a police cell for his trouble and that put paid to their race.

Practice laps (photo: Karsten Stelk)

22 4 HAC – The Road Production Version Modelled on the Targa car, having the same single headlamps and similar rear window design, was the Healey’s next streamliner, registered 4 HAC, which Donald and Geoff Healey conceived as a road version of their successful racing sportscar. With, originally, small front and rear bumpers as well as the fully trimmed interior it was a smart little car but proved to be too expensive for limited production. Built to LHD configuration, being intended for the Repainted orange for Jim Baker’s’ team US market, the car was later anglicised and (photo Gregg Cameron) was sold to enthusiast Richard Budd in April 1968. He campaigned it for several seasons water was found in the fuel, but brought the in sprints and hill-climbs and was part of the car home in 35th place overall (though not winning Austin-Healey team in the 1969 Six- officially classified as finishers). Hour Relay race at Silverstone. Richard still owns the car in the UK today. Part 3 of this article will take us to Le Mans in 1967 and 1968, and Sebring 1969/70.

Richard Budd goes sprinting (photo G.Healey)

Clive Baker with LWD 959E in Japan (2008) (photo Shigeru Tanaka

The car in LHD form complete with bumperettes. 4 HAC – the intended road version (photo G Bish) (photos G Bish)

23 Letters

Compressions were all quite even at 115 to 125 psi. The car then ran reasonably well for the next 1500 miles but on a trip to the lakes it almost failed to get up Honister pass so all was not well. I again had a look at the plugs, and 2&3 were badly sooted up. So a decision was made to take the head off for a look. What a scene of devastation when I looked at the valves in 2 & 3. The exhausts were sitting well below the surface of the combustion chamber, and one Unleaded additive? of them was eroded to an oval shape as well as being very blued. I could not Or just a load of flannel! understand why this had not showed up on Some readers may wonder why I was out the compression test. in My Austin Seven at the club meeting in I took the head to Peter Burgess who I have November (Picture page 25 Jan issue) rather used before and he now has the job in hand. than my Midget… well it is a long story but It is a 12G295 head and there is currently a here goes: supply problem with exhaust valves for this head, but fortunately it is possible to use a I bought my 1966 Mk2 Midget in April last slightly different valve which uses a different year from a friend of the man who had owned cotter so long as the valve caps and cotters it for many years. I was given to believe that are also changed, so this is the route we the car had a gas flowed head, fast road are going down. The inlet valves have been cam and other mods carried out in the late changed at some time in the past and are 80s by Hewitt racing in Manchester, but also non-standard and oversize, of a size had no documentary evidence as to exactly which is no longer listed. Fortunately with what had been done, and on enquiry I was new guides these are reclaimable. lead to believe that the head was not fitted with hardened valve seats, but additives had I should get the head back in a couple of been used for the 10,000 miles since Hewitt weeks and once it is re-assembled I am going Racing had done the engine. to take it down to Peter and get the whole thing set up properly on his rolling road. I On the test drive the car was running badly have used this service before on both my with a low speed misfire which disappeared Morgan and MGB and was surprised what a above about 2500 revs, however I put this difference it made. I will write again with a down to the high state of tune of the engine. follow up after my visit. It reminded me of my Morgan 4/4 with 1600 crossflow Ford engine, which I over-tuned to In conclusion, either I was given incorrect the extent that it was virtually undriveable in information when I was told that additives traffic. had been used with the car for the 10,000 miles it had done over the 25 years or so When I got the car home I gave it a thorough since Hewitts rebuilt the engine, or these service and replaced all the plugs, points, additives just do not work with a highly tuned distributor cap & leads, set the carbs up version of this engine. Does anyone else etc. And it ran a lot better. I noticed that the agree? plugs in no 2 & 3 cylinders were particularly badly sooted up, but put this down to Ian Hazel the carb settings which were a mile out. [email protected] York

24 Letters Post Christmas Book Review Dear Gary, You might like to include a book review in Mascot perhaps? ‘1001 Cars to Dream of Driving Before You Die’, ed. Simon Heptonstall, Cassell Illustrated 2012. Softback, pp. 960. £20.00, but £10.00 from Waterstones. A welcome stocking filler this Christmas was a beautifully- produced 960 page tome with illustrations of and 250-word vignettes on each of one thousand cars recommended by the editor to experience before we expire. MGs in use, so that they would point upward and and Austin- be flush with the body.’ Healeys feature numerously, but with a page Historians confirm, please ... but on the each devoted to the ‘Frogeye’ Austin-Healey Midget Mark 3 we are assured, ‘It is the 1966 Sprite and to the Mark 3 MG Midget. Midget Mark 3/Sprite Mark 4 that is most highly prized...’, presumably in GAN 4 guise With a mere 250 words per entry, comment before Leyland’s stylists’ less than felicitous is necessarily superficial so budding interventions. historians should look elsewhere. I’d always imagined that the proposed retractable Although sporting a cover price of £20, headlights for the ‘Frogeye’ had covers flush this hefty tome is available at Waterstone’s with the bonnet when retracted (cf. Lotus for a mere £10 (or two copies of The Elan), but we are informed here that Healey Automobile!), representing remarkable value ‘...intended the headlights to retract when not for money. Clearly aimed at a transatlantic readership, engine capacities are quoted in cubic inches (with c.c. in parenthesis), and there is a preponderance of American classic cars from the post-war period, but MGs in various iterations are well represented as befits a marque that virtually single-handedly, established the sports car genre stateside. Wonderful browsing material for these long winter nights ahead! Best wishes for a fulfilling 2015, and keep up the excellent work with ‘Mascot’! Peter Fawcett

The letters section continues on page 28

If you would like to contact the editor or the magazine, please email Gary at [email protected] Or write to Mascot Editor, 40B Hungerford Road, London. N7 9LP

25 Hello from new members (Well, actually one new member and one new member’s wife) Martin Kemp, 1500 Midget, I don’t think he realizes what a good job he has Bedfordshire done on restoring the car, you can see by the pictures the state it was originally in and how it looks now. And although I am by no means an expert, in fact I am the reverse of that, but even I know he has done a good job. He bought the car in 2003 and took two years and seven months to restore it. Apart from a final spray coat of paint and a bit of welding he has done the work himself, he would have liked to do that too but hasn’t got the equipment for it. Dear Stuart I asked him recently what had been the most Thank you for your welcoming email. I am difficult part. He said two things. The first was actually the wife of the new member. I bought fitting the roof, he said that ideally it should be him the membership for a Christmas present. done on a warm day but he decided to do it in I know he will be pleased as he has talked March and had to have a lot of heaters in the about joining but he keeps putting it off. He garage to get the temperature up. I went away does often look at your website and has been the weekend he chose to do it. A man wearing to at least one of your events. I think it was shorts in March sweating and swearing Spridget 50. profusely is something to steer clear of in my opinion. I have taken the liberty of sending in some photos on his behalf as I know it is something The second hard task was undoing a nut on else he won’t get round to doing, he will talk the engine after it had been craned from the about doing it and then decide against it. car. He described the way he did it and I have The photos show the original state it was in to say I am very glad I didn’t witness it. I would and then the lovely day it was used for our have been frantic. It involved a long bit of wood youngest daughter’s wedding. My husband wedged against the garage ceiling to keep the (Martin) is standing with our daughter next to engine from moving and obviously a lot more the car in one of them (top image) and another swearing. He said that after a very long time of shows our son in law driving it over a bridge, I pulling and prising he finally heard a loud bang. was impressed that Martin so casually allowed This was thankfully the nut finally moving but someone else to drive it, if he was panicking he had been scared to look for a few minutes. inside he certainly didn’t let it show. He continues to tweak it to make improvements and to keep it running well, and he drives it as often as possible, (but not when it is raining, despite having spent a long time getting the wipers to work efficiently) I am hoping that he will buy another Midget at some point, it will surely be a lot easier the second time around. I have requested

26 Hello from new members (Well, actually one new member and one new member’s wife)

he buy a cream coloured one for me, I quite Lorraine Kemp fancy following him down country lanes even Martin Kemp membership number 5009 though I know he will be looking in his mirror Ps. He has now had his Christmas present constantly to make sure I am driving it with the and we lost him for a couple of hours while he utmost care. stuck his nose in the magazine Thanks again for your welcome.

died and left the car to his daughter, the car was pretty much dry stored for nine years and only driven once or twice a year by his daughter. I was very lucky to buy this car and to find such a good example, I had been looking for more than two years so patience did pay off this time, I promised his daughter I would do the car justice and bring it back to a show condition, still working on it! I have to say it has been one of the best Oliver and his daughter Florianne in the Midget decisions getting this car, as I have found a hobby I love, it’s a British hobby and its part of my heritage, which also makes me Oliver Wilkinson, MkII Midget, proud. There is a lot of interest in the car by Zurich, Switzerland the Swiss, I guess due to its size and good Looks! Hello Gary, Once again happy to be part of this exclusive Very happy to be a new member of this Club and look forward to learning lots more exclusive Club. A Little info about myself: about this Little Beauty, and having contact I am English and Born in Kettering Northants. with others with the same passion! I have lived in Switzerland since 18 years and My passenger is my 17-year-old daughter work for Swiss International Airlines in the Florianne, she will be doing her driving test maintenance department. I am married with this year and has her eye on the Midget, two children she’s 1m 55 tall and thinks this car is exactly Last April I fulfilled a childhood dream and her size!! bought a 1964 MKII MG Midget. The clock Happy New Year to you and looking forward states 27500Kms whether this is genuine is to spring!! another thing but I have documentation of MOT’s Dating back to 1982 where the Kms Best regards are 14500Kms, who knows? Oliver Wilkinson I am the third owner, the previous owner had Zurich, Switzerland it for at least 30 years and it was always dry stored, he had done many repairs himself but obviously didn’t have access for buying some of the correct parts (no Internet back then!). I have since almost finished the car by replacing non original parts with original ones from various suppliers. I really would like to remove the engine / gearbox, fix a “leak or two” spray the engine bay and then finally a complete re spray, step by step!! Unfortunately the previous owner

27 Letters continued

Midget 1500 Throttle Mods To Modify or Not To Modify? ‘Revisited’ Peter Fawcett’s article in December issue I must be honest, I have never been of Mascot (another excellent issue Gary – fortunate enough to own a 1500 but have thank you) is if nothing else provocative in its certainly been unfortunate enough to have invitation to “Discuss” driven several to experience the poor There is little to discuss really as Peter throttle control progression that Mel Collins seems to have covered all aspects. Clearly described in the January edition. he is inclined to originality but not it seems Mel has effected an improvement that I to be the owner of a Trophy Queen with all have seen before; however, I offer another cross slotted screws facing the same way possible improvement. Many years ago, (they never were, the operative on the line at a company called SPQR, (I believe this Abingdon was on piece work and would not was an abbreviation arrived from GARAGE have jeopardised his pay packet with such SPORTIQUE rather than any Roman frivolous detail). connections) produced a throttle quadrant for SU carbs: as fitted to Minis. At the same time modifiers should not be Here, the lever arm throttle with cable anchor treated to scorn, except for the “proud” was replaced by a radial quadrant. The Yankee owners of the effigies which Gary theory being that the cable now operated treated us to. I would have to agree, there is the throttle spindle from a constant radial a limit. distance rather than through a varying angle I doubt Peter would like my Frogeye, or my of operation. two Midgets, the mods are too numerous to Throttle spindle movement was directly mention but include a replacement steering proportional to throttle pedal travel. Had wheel instead of the original cartwheel and I owned a 1500, or an owner trusted me disc brakes WITH a servo, surely a safety enough to leave theirs with me, this would feature to counter the feeble effect of 7.5 have been the route that I would have taken. inch discs with puny pads when the Ford Rather than fit a Quadrant to each carb: Fiesta in front can stop on a sixpence but I would have replaced the bell crank arm perhaps he doesn’t drive at more than 40 and drop link instead. It should prove easy mph, whereas I am happy at 80 on European enough to remove the bell crank from the motorways and on British motorways when mounting bracket but as far as I am aware, nobody is looking. no one ever offered a quadrant/pulley wheel to replace it. I could go on but will leave it to others to poke this hornet’s nest, suffice to say it Needless to say (but I am), a longer throttle remains a question of choice and the use to cable would be required and would need to which you put your cherished classic. be anchored to the carb: interconnection spindle. At least I am comforted by the presence of a Sounds easy doesn’t it? It niggles me that I five speed box in my next (the tenth) visit to have not had the opportunity to try this. Will this year’s Spridget Treffen organised by the someone take up the challenge and report MG Drivers Club Germany. 70 mph registers back in Mascot to prove if the theory works 3300 rpm, much less stressful on the motor in practice? and driver Peter. Terry Horler Geoff Hunter Membership no.2 Membership no.2656

28 www.classicbw.org COME TO FRANCE... FOR A CLASSIC BRITISH WELCOME! Every June for 14 years, the tiny village of Saint-Saturnin has opened its doors to welcome British classic car enthusiasts on their way to the Le Mans 24 hour race. Taking place on the Friday before the race, the event attracts a staggering 1,000 classic and sports cars cars and over 9,000 visitors for the one-day event! THE SPECIAL GUEST THE TIME There is always a special In 2015, the 15th CBW will guest of honour and we’ll take place on Friday 12th be announcing this year’s June. It starts at 9am and guest in February. we hope that all MGs arriving before 11am will get a spot in the main arena.

THE PLACE Saint-Saturnin, is a village on the main approaches to Le Mans, approx 8 miles north of the Le Mans 24 hour circuit and less than 10 minutes from the city centre. It is only 2 ½ hours' drive from the North coast of THE COST France and an easy journey on fabulous roads in your It costs exactly nothing! Classic car. Entry, parking (even for non-classics), the THE THEME Each year there’s a theme, and this year it will be roaming jazz band, the MG displays of stunning as 2015 marks the 60th anniversary of the launch of the MGA and 80 years since three MG cars finished classic Le Mans racers stnd rd and even the air- 1, 2 and 3 in their class at Le Mans. conditioned cinema is THE PARADE DES PILOTES FREE! One of the highlights will be the departure at 4 pm of 12 MG cars, to take part in the "Grand Parade des THE ORGANISATION 120 volunteers ensure Pilotes" - all the drivers in the Saturday race - around the event runs smoothly, the centre of Le Mans. Another 30 cars will follow to so you can wander Le Mans (with reserved parking) and will be escorted around the site, have a by around 40 Harley Davidsons… chat, a drink, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. FOR MORE DETAILS...... about this fantastic event, please contact:- We have now added David Williams, Vice President Classic British Classic British Welcome motorbikes, there is Tel: +33 (0)243 012 456 something for everyone. Email: [email protected]

29 the only solution to your ignition problems!!!

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30 “577CWN” a Frogeye Reunion

Colin Gale reunited 577CWN with Jon Bladen noticed a photo of my car in the I Mascot magazine, taken at Gaydon in Warwickshire in 2008 at the 50th Anniversary event. The article requested a search for the current owner. I replied straight away as very intrigued. My The shell coming together message was passed on, via Gary, the Jon and I had a long discussion over the Editor. Contact was build, the fitting of the dash with brilliant established and arrangements were made to attention to detail, the interior, the re con meet for Christmas Lunch with the Wiltshire engine, plus all the ancillaries, to find, restore branch at The Barge in Seend. or replace. The car still has a 1293 cc “A Jon Bladen was re united with the Isle of Series” with a 4-speed Gearbox. Wight Frogeye that he built from a restoration Finally with such a “well built car” it was it assembly project back in 1989/91, it was was great to see and hear it was still going great to meet him after all that time too, as strong after 25 years, (and still well looked we only live 60 miles apart now. after). Many fascinating facts came to light about What a great meeting in daylight, although the build as we looked under the bonnet (of very unusually we had the hood up, we were course). I bought the car in 2002 from a lady expecting rain. And that was roof was fitted in London that happened to be who Jon sold 25 years ago too ! it to back in 1992. If you would like to come along and meet the Over lunch we had many photographs to very enthusiastic bunch in The Barge please pass around the table of “577CWN” in the do so. I of W factory, from which Keith Brading conceived the “Re-Birth of the Frogeye” with Regards Colin Gale the approval from Geoffrey Healey.

Nearly finished with another IOW Frogeye in the The original donor car background

31 Practical Classics Restoration & Classic Car Show

A Happy New Year to you all. The Club has again been invited to the Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show at the NEC on the 28th and 29th of March at the NEC near Birmingham and the committee has ordered me to get on and organise it, well they did say please!. The stand we have been allocated will give us space for four cars, one of these the organisers say is to be a finished car and the others having work done at the NEC, the work can include routine servicing, or be real restoration work. The NEC will not allow paint spraying, but will allow almost all other types of work, but I guess they will get a bit upset if you try to balance your carburettors. This will mean that whatever work is planned, all tools and equipment will have to be provided by the car owner and all parts and sundries will have to be available, there will be no popping down to the shed for a rummage through that box of bits that are far too useful to throw away, and of course, you will have to get the car home again afterwards!

So not necessarily as bad as this one!

Further details can be found at this website: www.necrestorationshow.com If this appeals to you, and I have not managed to put you off, check out the website and get in touch with me and we can discuss, what work you plan to do and how best to accommodate you. If don’t want to bring your car, as always we will be needing help to man the stand If you feel like just visiting, ticket prices are quoted on the website, and there is a concession for club members, please see the accompanying advert for details Quote RS14EC at £10.50 for a single ticket or RS14EF at £26.00 for a family ticket Alan Pritchett [email protected]

32 Practical Classics Restoration & Classic Car Show

33 Notts & Derby Area Report

who have greater knowledge of the Derbyshire Dales than myself. It would be nice to entice some of the members from far flung parts of our area like Peter to join us on the road this year. Any suggestions where you would like the final destination to be will be taken on board. Map reading classes are optional. We hope to be invited to fill a paddock again this year at the annual Wollaton Park Autokarna. Let me know if you are interested in this event as soon as possible and we can Look what Santa left behind. Can you tell what it ask for a larger MASC area. How about some is yet? Heart of England or East Anglia members joining us with their new area flags to help put Looking Forward to 2015 on an impressive display? My monthly visit to The Sitwell Arms in January My disappointment in missing the excellent promised an encouraging start to the New driving weather of last year only increases Year, as I was met by a good turnout of our my own hopes of getting out to more events hardy band all expectantly waiting to hear of this year, now that my two years of pinking plans in store. has been sorted out. It is thanks to fellow It was inspiring to meet a recent Sheffield members in Kent for certain technical articles recruit who had taken the trouble to drive the which inspired me to successfully pursue 30 or so miles south to his nearest area meet. avenues of investigation where other experts had previously failed – there’s threat of a Peter Fawcett has jumped into the club with whole book in that one yet to come.... all pistons blazing, writing two 2-page articles for Mascot already, and setting us homework! Happy New Year. Next meeting at The Sitwell (Pages 28-29 of January Mascot) Arms – Feb 10th We hope to repeat our Drive it Day run in April, Ian Cooke the route and destination yet to be worked out Notts + Derby area rep. Tel; 0115 938 3838 with input from more recently joined members Email: [email protected]

Somerset Happenings

ell at least we do not have the floods which are being organised here in the this year; however I believe 30 or more Southwest this year. This will be distributed Whouseholds are still to be re-occupied to the entire group for them to decide which from the devastation last year. events to support, and enable Valerie to With the relatively mild weather this winter organise Club Stands at shows if we have few end-of-year events were cancelled with sufficient numbers attending. Hopefully we New Year’s Day spent at one of our favourite will have the new club banner before the first venues, Haselbury Mill, nr. Crewkerne. Here event. we joined about 60 classic cars with owners In the meantime we will continue to meet on for a leisurely hog roast lunch celebrating the the last Thursday each month at the Bell Inn, start of another year with some style (winter Broadway nr. Ilminster and a monthly run on coats and warm hats). There were few open the last Sunday of the month, with the first tops to be seen which was just as well as the on 25 January and the next on 22 February. light rain forecast for the afternoon arrived Peter Young by the time we set off for home. Email [email protected] Valerie has used the darker days to collate Tel: 01460 62182 a vast amount of data of around 70 events

34 Notts & Derby Area Report Scotland Area Report

ell, the Christmas and New Year pricier than some but they do a first class are past us and the days will surely job. Wget better. The weather has been atrocious here in Scotland in the last few The engine was a gold seal unit, so the weeks. You would think that would be good liners were replaced, a small skim of the for working on the Rusty One, but no!! The top and it’s now up to me to get started on Morris 1000 traveller failed its MOT. On front the rebuild. At the same time I picked up flexible brake pipes and a torn steering rack the reground crankshaft although I do have gaiter, so up on the ramp, new brake hoses concerns on that one. fitted and brakes bled. Fellow MASC member Alan has kindly offered his help when I eventually get around to I had a bad experience with a Gunsons taking off the front H-beam chassis legs, but Eezibleed on the good Frog so I now have a more about that in the future. Vacuum system which sucks any air out the system through the bleed nipple and it works The seat covers that I ordered at the Classic a treat. Car Show in November have still not turned up so I have to give that company a phone The upside is that I got the old rack for the call. A bit of fettling got the new bases to fit Rusty one out of the pile of bits and am onto the base frame so I am ready to get the starting to clean and refurbish that, I am also seats all together (a cold winter’s night job going to attempt to fabricate a home made in the warm kitchen when the wife is out). wheel alignment tool (if anyone has already Anyway back to the garage…… made one up please e-mail me I would be very grateful). I got the engine block back Graham Smith from the engineering shop (Blane Precision Tel: 0141 954 8276 Engineering) near Killearn. They are a bit Email: [email protected]

WANTED Midgets and Sprites Excellent prices paid for properly restored cars Especially Frogeyes, Original or IOW Frogs Somerset Happenings Even unfinished restorations and Heritage Shelled cars

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35 East Anglian MASC Report he first event this month was the break from work. I did a bit of invisible Christmas meal at the Duncome Arms in mending on the driver’s side sill and inner TWaresley, organised by Diane, this was front wheel arch, nothing MOT threatening, a great success with an excellent turn out of but removing paint bubbles which inevitably people (although sadly not all in proper cars). means cutting metal and welding, if you Graham did us proud by turning up in highly want to do a proper job. With the door appropriate dress, so much so that I let him off the car, the driver’s sideseat, trim and be honorary red leader for the day. Mick and carpet removed and holes in the car, I Trish had continued what has become a bit of was prevented from using the car over the an area tradition, by providing us with a pub Christmas and New Year period although as quiz type set of 30 questions. you will see below others in East Anglia were The questions were things with seemingly very much out and about in proper cars. obvious answers that weren’t, along the lines of “how long did the hundred years war last” BARRINGTON CLASSIC (Answer: 116 years) and what creature was the Canary lslands named after (Answer: a There were a decent number of East Anglian dog). Unsurprisingly most of us achieved Masceteers at this excellent event Chris & embarrassing scores (make it multiple Mary, Derek, Mick, Holly Peter and Graham choice next year Mick), the stars of the show (almost puts our summer events to shame) were Jenny & Stuart with a staggering 16 very well done guys. Please see the photos, correct answers (very well done guys). I think each of which includes one or more MASC everyone had fun, the only down side being Spridgets. In fact, Sprites and Midgets were the long narrow table which tended to isolate by far the commonest (or should that be the people a bit. most popular ) cars there, as there were at least two non-MASC ones in addition to our I did manage to get out in the Sprite on one several; even MGBs and Minors only had two of those rare but brilliant winter blue sky or three attendees each (maybe we just get days just before Christmas. I keep up my out more than our inferiors). 97-year-old mother’s tradition of placing a wreath on my maternal grandparent’s grave in the fenland village of Parsons Drove (home of the MGB-Hive). I like to do this errand in the Sprite as a kind of nod to my late father visiting my mother in his courting days, in a 1930s MG. As it happened it was a beautiful sunny day but very cold, for the thirty mile round trip on some very twisty fen roads (who wants to drive a Sprite on the A47). I had planned (and for once managed) to do a bit of work on the Sprite over my enforced extended Christmas

OUNDLE CLASSIC SPRINT 2014 Graham attended the inaugural road sprint at Oundle where two Midgets had entered, which he wrongly assumed were mine and Hubie’s (we both have Sprites Graham) nevertheless it was a most interesting motoring event, and he intends go next year. I am looking for an early Midget (so I can be a proper member of the Midget and Sprite club) so maybe I will make up for it next year.

36 A 1948 6.75 litre Bentley Special Please see Graham’s report below spectrum was a spirited run by a young lad The relative calm of this charming Cotswold on a 50 cc bike. like town of Oundle near Peterborough was, to say the least, shattered by the extreme Two Midgets had entered, alas not shown machines that sprinted through the main to be members of our association, as I had street in what was the first of the official half expected to see our local members from Cambridgeshire “Red Leader” Dave Dixon or sprints through a town on public highways in Hubie Albany who had originally informed me this country. of the event – are well there is always next It was Sunday 28th December (anticipating year! poor weather conditions, I did not bother to The event was sponsored by the local enter) revealing a crisp day with beautiful brewery, the Town Council and other local clear blue skies ensued, which made businesses. The whole event was run us envious of those participants in this smoothly and was in aid of Help for Heroes. interesting and memorable event. Possibly the running commentary could have As it happens the entry list was full by been a tad smoother, but overall it was a November, and included over 140 entrants great and popular inaugural event, here’s including static displays, from the wildest hoping that more adventurous towns take up flame spitting Nissan Silvia with GT-R engine the challenge for the future. generating excessive amounts of noise and There is a very good website smoke which was so popular with the crowd www.oundleclassicsprint.org showing details that more fuel was found to for it to have an together with photos of much of the day’s additional run. A pair of immaculate MG’s: a proceedings. ’34 KN and a ’36 TA took part, one of which came to grief early in icy conditions without personal physical injury. The other end of the SILVERSTONE CLASSIC REMINDER On the back of the brilliantly successful and enjoyable event last year I have registered MASC for a stand at the Silverstone Classic again this year. Arrangements will be much as they were last year with a club ticket offer so check the website for offer details, and email me if you would like to go so I can send you the club code as soon as I get it. See you all at the oldest Inn in England and beyond. Dave Dixon (AKA Red Leader) The tyre smoking Nissan Tel: 01733 222 810 / Email: [email protected]

37 Kent Area MASC Report MIGLIA TOUR

Our September Miglia tour across France, MASC in the pits at Reims in 2009 Switzerland and Italy from 10th–23rd is coming to fruition, with four confirmed t was not planned to have an ‘Old Boys’ participants and a couple at the mid week run out due to the weather but consideration stage. Ian opportunity arose coinciding with MG’s on track at Brands Hatch, on Monday 1st. Will they? Won’t they? Time alone will tell! A track day event is not really a spectator This will be the fourth edition. Participants event but there are often some Sprites and will drive, in Midgets, Sprites and Derivatives Midgets on track and Surrey member Col only, firstly to Reims to visit the restored Carpenter was there with his, much modified, iconic pits (see above). MG ZS. I put out the call. Entry was free to Imagine yourself as Hawthorn or Fangio in Brands Hatch. the epic 1953 duel. Then on via interesting Ron & Mel brought out their Frogeye and roads to the Cite de Automobile where the Midget whilst I arrived in Sebring rep. Those collection of motor car Mascots is worth the that declined to join us were probably wise. It trip alone! On through Switzerland crossing was bitterly cold and the open pits gave little the moonscaped Offenpass and the forested shelter. Fluelapass (might have got that vice versa!). Into Italy and the awesome Stelvio pass. 48 A Spridget bearing Kent Masc website hairpins rising 9000 ft (don’t look down!). sponsor Fisher Services will need their services, as it stood idle having allegedly snapped a half shaft, whilst I drew the attention of a Midget owner, to oil pouring from a rear hub oil seal on his car. He disqualified himself from further track time and headed for home leaving but one other Midget on track. After a short time we three retired to the Kentagon cafe for a warming drink to ward off the hyperthermia before making in haste for our warm abodes. However Kent MASC member John Baggott must have worn his The pass thermal vest and long johns for he stayed Follow the side of Lake Como. Visit the Moto to be able to better report the events of the Guzzi museum. Then in hope that it has re day. opened, the Alfa Romeo museum. Onward again into France and drive Napoleon’s Highway toward Angouleme for the Circuit de Our 2015 Spa Classic Tour c/o Mascot Remparts historic motor race weekend. advertiser Scenic Car Tours (see page 17) Of course I can only mention but a small part has another participant. Lee Juby from NW of this tour as space is a consideration. So Area, together with his father Rob will join us for more information, or to enter, you’ll have in Lee’s Mk3 Midget. to drop me an e-mail.

38 Kent Area MASC Report

Don’t delay as some of us have already begun to make hotel reservations! Peter Gardiner is checking the route for errors and David Chalk is designing an event T-shirt exclusive to participants to purchase, so it’s ‘all systems go’.

Motor Race poster from last year

Also available in White, Black and Yellow!

No monthly meet this month but a goodly number assembled at the Angel, Addington Green, our regular meeting place, for our in Essex, but to no good result. Does anyone annual Christmas meal. Not a lot you can know of, or have for sale, a good Frogeye write about a Christmas that might suit Rylan. As is often said in Meal other than to say Thank-you to Mel and magazines ‘messages can be forwarded’. Barb Collins for the organisation and also to the staff for the Service. Mel has provided a During 2014 we had ten monthly meetings. collage of pictures from our various events Historically we don’t have a monthly meet in during this year but due to a failure of my December, just the Christmas meal. computer it will have to appear later. We cancelled the April monthly meet as it fell upon the same Sunday as the rescheduled Ron Edwards has discovered an early Bridges Run: cancelled in January because of October 1958 original Frogeye slumbering the weather. near Bromley. Off the road, and in need of much Mel & Barb Collins attended the most times, restoration, the aged owner is believed to be in their Midget, with eight attendances. Rylan willing to sell. Williams (Sprite – now sold) and Graeme At Swanley another (blue) Frogeye that had Williams (Frogeye) brought their cars on not seen use for many years was seen by seven occasions. The rest of us must try to Rylan, with Graeme Williams. This car has, do better in 2015! now, already gone to a new owner. Rylan has also inspected and driven the Alan Anstead yellow 1958 model that is for sale in Hants. Kent Rep. / www.kentmasc.org And together we inspected another for sale 01322-384050 (answerphone).

39 Lotus 7 owners enjoy a stay at the gîtes

Bargain Deal on Gîtes for MASC Members Travelling to France in 2015 Offered by MASC member Norman Verona After a fantastic response in 2013 and Sprite Club members can still get them for 2014, with many club members enjoying the £120 per week for bookings made before gîtes, the peace and quiet of La Foie and 1st March. Payment for these booking will the attractions to visit in the area, I’ve been be May 7th. Bookings made on or after 1st giving some thought about 2015. March will be £135 and paid within seven We previously let the gîtes (2006-2010) days. Other gîtes in the Pays de Loire are in commercially at £395 per week at high the region of £600 per week. The gîtes sleep season. This included 60€ of provisions. two each and have bedding and towels, tea, We no longer run the gîtes on a commercial coffee and toilet rolls and soap. basis but feel they could once again be Look forward to seeing some members over of use to club members. For the budding astronomers among you, we also now have the summer. You can see all about us at an 8” telescope. Although the price per www.FrenchBlat.com – email Norman@ week has had to increase a bit, Midget & frenchblat.com with your bookings or questions. Norman Verona Member Number 4121 La Foie, 49520, Noellet, France Mobile 0033(0)7 70 70 23 79 Home: 0033(0) 2 41 92 73 44 Market Place Adverts to Alan Lo, 23 Charnell Road, Staple Hill, Bristol, BS16 5NE email: [email protected] 07474 343 643 For sale: BMC Manual for Mk1 Sprite in A1 condition. Contact Derek – 0777 315 8586. For sale: Migatronic Gas Mig Welder full range, with twin pressure gauges body protection wear & spares. £75.00. Or swap for decent Windscreen/ Bonnet for MG/ Sprite mk2/3. email [email protected] (West Midlands). To Swap: Two AH Hubcaps the price is a 10 mile ride in Frog Eye ! They are in ‘average’ condition, needing a bit of elbow grease. Contact Phil Wilson Somerset BA16 0UA. Tel: 01458 443388 Email: [email protected]

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