Number 448 September 2019 September 448 Number
September 2019 Tappet Chatter ClubCanberra Journal Car the of MG of Tappet Chatter Tappet 0413 646 321
2 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019 Tappet Chatter Number 448 September 2019
Contents: Official Journal of the MG Car Club Canberra Inc Presidents Torque 6 ABN: 49 156 199 381 Torque 8 Correspondence to: Inaugural Ladies Run 13 Post Office Box 4141 The Law’s According to Mike 17 Weston Creek ACT 2611 MG RV8 Air Con refurb 18 Monthly Meetings are held How much can I get for my TC 21 on the second Thursday of Other Club Mags 23 each month, (except January), at St Peter's 2020 Autumn Tour 24 Anglican Church Hall, cnr of September Midweek Meander 25 Parkinson St & Watling Pl, MG Mark II Roadster 26 Weston at 7:45pm. Video’s 29 Banking Details Club Calendar 30 BSB: 633-000 Account: 144920741 Gear Aug 2019 34 Account Name: MG Car Club MG an Underrated Marque 37 Canberra Inc Royal Daimler and NMA Car Club 41 Council Communique 46 Sporting Report 50 A ‘Lunchtime Natter’ is held at MG News 59 Weston Park, Yarralumla (second picnic spot on the Services Directory 43 right) each Tuesday from Help Line 45 12.30pm. Marquet 46 The MG Car Club Canberra Inc. accepts no responsibility for the Acknowledgments – the editorial team thanks all accuracy or reliability of articles, correspondence, who contributed articles and photographs for this opinions and advertisements month’s magazine. contained herein. Articles may be copied for publication by Car Clubs, but Cover Photo an acknowledgement and due accreditation is expected.
Printed Post Approved 100003009
Jo with her MG and snow on them thar hills.
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 3 MG CAR CLUB CANBERRA INC. LIFE MEMBERS: Margaret Brown OAM, Malcolm Robertson, Ian Holden, Brian Oxley, Kent Brown & Brian Calder.
COMMITTEE 2019
President: Vice President Peter Dalton Kent Brown 0412 788 217 0412 558 029 [email protected] [email protected]
Secretary Treasurer Bryan Tuckey Brian Calder 0484 636 355 0434 307 742 [email protected] [email protected]
Committee Member Committee Member Laurie Gardiner Trevor Clement 0418 488 931 0411 102 759 (Display Events) (Membership) [email protected] [email protected]
Committee Member Public Officer
Mark Horsfield Bryan Tuckey 0415 400 044 484 636 355 (Editor) [email protected] [email protected]
4 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019 MG CAR CLUB CANBERRA INC.
NON COMMITTEE 2019 CACTMC Delegates: Brian Calder 0434 307 742 [email protected]
Social Coordinator: Vacant [email protected]
Asst Social Coord: Graeme Corbett 0437 679 497 [email protected]
Motor Sport Coordinator: Kent Brown 0412 558 029 [email protected]
Club CRS Registrar:(Historic Plates:) (Northside) Greg Whitfield 0498 107 658 [email protected]
(Southside) Robert Chilman 0412 024 228 [email protected]
Manager of Club Regalia: Peter & Val Long (02) 6227 0643 [email protected]
Manager of Club Library: John Cooper 0408 624 801 [email protected]
CAMS Delegate: Kent Brown 0412 558 029 [email protected]
Natmeet Coord : Mick O’Brien [email protected]
Club Car Trailer: Laurie Gardiner 0418 488 931 [email protected]
Tappet Chatter Distribution: Laurie Gardiner 0418 488 931
Club Workshop & Equipment: Laurie Gardiner 0418 488 931 [email protected]
Webmaster: Mark Horsfield 0415 400 044 [email protected] September 2019 Tappet Chatter 5 President’s Torque
2019 Presidents Report
Hello MGers, he past year has seen very many members participating in the regular and T special club activities that fill our busy calendar of events. Many thanks to all those members who volunteered to devise so many interesting monthly runs during the past year. We will be offering additional local and long distance touring opportunities and reintroducing workshop and restoration runs as we move into 2020. You will have opportunities to enjoy your cars even more next year as some fertile minds among us have approached the club committee to suggest further ideas to keep those MG wheels turning on the tarmac. New members have been warmly welcomed into our friendly club activities and these new faces often turn up at our informative MG workshop instruction days kindly facilitated by Laurie Gardiner and Kent Brown. Our monthly meetings have been well supported too and we have been spoiled there by the excellent and too-tempting evening suppers provided by Sandra, Nome, Mo and the other ladies assisting in the kitchen. As a new Club President I have been greatly assisted by the experienced com- mittee members. Both Kent Brown as Vice President and Brian Calder as Treasurer offered me wise council. Our club finances continue to track well and I am pleased to report we have achieved a modest surplus for 2018-2019. A significant financial contri- bution was produced by the successful Motorkhana Events organised by Kent and managed by Chris Hillman, together with generous funding support by Shannon’s Insurance. The free thinking and spirited advice of Trevor Clement and Mark Horsfield has enlivened the committee debate. Bryan Tuckey (aka B2) as your dedicated Secretary has complimented our club committee well. Laurie Gardiner has now stepped down after almost a decade on committee. On behalf of our club I warmly thank Laurie for his long, strong and committed service on our team and am pleased to advise that he will continue to assist with the club workshop and display co-ordination.
6 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019 Planning will shortly commence on a new concept to create an expanded bi-Annual gathering in Canberra, not only for MG T and Y types as has been the case in the past with MG TYme, we will also have the National Assembly of the superb and iconic Pre-War MG Register. This combined event will culminate in a particularly large number of our fabulous and historic vehicles and their interest- ing crews travelling from all corners to assemble in Canberra in October 2021. We look forward to your support for this very special initiative. Looking back I thank all the members who assisted in so many ways to support our club in their non-committee voluntary roles such as with the production, com- position of and contributions to the club magazine and for the web-site, regalia, library, mechanical advice, trailer maintenance, social organising roles, touring planning and for providing the splendid MG club workshop facility at Fyshwick. We lost a couple of very special blokes this year. Both Tony Argyle and Peter Daley were close friends and they each served the club with great distinction as Presidents and in their many other capacities over several decades. In recent years they shared the back row of almost every monthly meeting, happy to con- tribute good humour and unsolicited but knowledgeable advice from the rear. This memorable pair are sadly missed and we are all the better for having en- joyed their company for as many years as I can remember.
I look forward to sharing the road with you all in the coming year.
Regards
Happy MotorinG President Pete
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 7 8 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019 Torque
MG Car Club Canberra on the Web
Website: (http://mgcccanberra.org.au)
View our website for information on upcoming events, past events and Gallery's
Facebook Social Page: (https://www.facebook.com/groups/MGCCCSocial) See what other club members are doing, interesting articles from around the web, or, just catching up or chatting.
Please send contributions for the October 2019 issue of Tappet Chatter to the Editor by Friday 27 September 2019 at: [email protected]
Club Trailer Bookings Membership Subs are Due he procedure and protocol for The new membership year has begun T booking the MG Car Club car so memberships are due. If you have trailer is: CRS (Historic) registration, it is a legal requirements that you are a “Fully Fi- 1. Bookings for the trailer must be nancial” member of CRS endorsed made during business hours; motor Club. 2. Bookings must be made at least 48 Don’t risk being caught - pay your hours in advance; subs today preferably online, but you 3. The trailer must be picked up from can pay at the next club event. the storage facility during business hours; Banking Details 4. Only genuine emergencies will be BSB: 633-000 considered outside these timeframes. Account: 1449 20741 A plea from the Treasurer Account Name: MG Car Club ...to ensure that you include your Canberra Inc name and the purpose when you do Family $70.00 an electronic transfer to the Club’s Single $60.00 bank account. In the last month two members have made EFT deposits with no name or purpose. September 2019 Tappet Chatter 9 Enthusiast day at Wakefield Park the MGs can have a run round the track, at a 'comfortable' road or all the enthusiasts out there, speed. Track departure time would F 29 September 2019 is a date to probably be around 1430. quarantine in the calendar. Historical There will be no cost to Club mem- Sports and Racing Car Association bers, other than the trip down and (HSRCA) will welcome members of back. Members are welcome to take the MG Car Club of Canberra to their own lunch/nibblies/etc, but there Wakefied Park Raceway. is also a well stocked canteen on site, The President of HSRCA would like with plenty of room for tables and members, with their cars, in place by chairs. 1030. Accordingly, those members The day offers a fabulous photo op- travelling to Goulburn are asked to portunity, but take some extra layers, assemble at the BP servo, cnr Antill early spring at Wakfield Park can be a and Federal Hwy, Watson at 0845 for tad coolish. a 0900 departure. Estimated travel time to Wakefield Park, one hour. At the lunch break of the day's racing,
10 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019 Extraordinary Battery Service tems result in the high parasitic drain after the doors have been opened and was extremely impressed today closed but the drain eventually drops with Unique Batteries in Queanbey- I back to less than 0.1A – within the an – previously Alpine Batteries – European standard of 0.125A. where I’ve been getting my batteries for years. I think this unusually high standard of customer service should be rewarded The fellow I had always dealt with so if you need a battery check out happily previously has moved on and Unique. Their prices are excellent too. Greg seemed to be the only fellow working there now. Anyway, I went to have my battery Ron Jacobs checked because the starting was sluggish on the recent cold mornings and I didn’t want to be stranded on my Rover and MG Parts Suppliers upcoming desert trip. Below is a link to Parts Suppliers and The battery was only two years old Service Listing for Rovers and MG’s and checked out fine on cold cranking which has been provided by the Rover amps and charge but Greg found Club of NSW. Mostly relevant to own- higher parasitic drain than he ex- ers of modern “Z” series MG’s but you pected – 0.28A on Tuesday and up to never know what you may find. 0.5A today, Wednesday. Yesterday he This link will remain in the magazine insisted that I call back before the trip on the Service Providers page to- so I could have complete confidence wards the back. on the trip. Not only did he spend an hour or so checking for the source of the drain, Parts Suppliers and Service Listing which was intermittent and varying, he insisted on giving me a new battery without even asking to see proof of Ready for the Motorkhana purchase. Imagine going up against this Monster I felt badly about this and asked to at GT at a Motorkhana or club run to af- least be able to pay half the cost of ternoon tea!! the new battery, but he wouldn’t take any money. I can not fathom the horsepower this car would put out or how difficult it Having done further investigation, I would be to handle if you slapped all think all the security and courtesy sys- the horses on the arse at once.
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 11 If it was on the afternoon tea run then actually happened, at the factory and odds on there would be no cakes left at the dealership end back in the when most arrive. day. His nick name refers to someone claiming he wasn’t trying hard enough once in racing and that he should be pressing the accelerator pedal harder. He has owned and often rebuilt many MGs over the years, but I think he sold his last one a couple of years ago. I think he still works part time in the motor trade. Like a lot of these guys, he tolerates incorrect assumptions and foolish suggestions poorly, but in response will often describe exactly what or how things did actually happen. This huge archive of what I would think is, mostly, at the time commonly available material nonetheless has plenty of items I’ve personally not seen. It should provide you with an endless opportunity to drip feed little gems into Tappet Chatter, for years to come should you choose to! Regards Tom Mr Balloon Foot - Another tidbit from Tom https://photos.google.com/share/ AF1QipNcWMoy- “Balloonfoot” (Lloyd Faust) is an yu2sJ5j3m9Jf848N8hwSt57zhi- American guy, (now I’d guess would cgpaTv7GJCKRR53XhlP2ZI- be in his seventies) who seems to ok2AHCxQ? have spent a lot of his time involved key=ODkxN2pzMFV2aVh4VWZDZkU with MGs, including time at dealer- zY1k3cWZFVU83Rk5R ships in the US and competing. He also has had some first hand Abingdon factory exposure. Garage Run As a consequence he has a massive On 19 October we will be holding a store of personal recollections, and run to a couple of members garages. understanding of how and what 12 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019
The first will be the garage of Trevor For many years it has been a source Clement who is building a TC Special. for parts and adventures for all sorts He will run through how he developed of motor heads, with some interesting a new skill on the English wheel, man- artefacts to be found. ufactured the chassis, stitched the upholstery and all the new swear words he has invented. Next will be the luxurious garage of Malcolm Robinson who has just fin- ished building a TB Special. I am sure Malcolm will regale all with the tales of how this pre-war monster came together and the euphoric feel- ings that coursed through his body I wonder if it will remain a wrecking when he first raced it at Winton . yard or become the personal parts So, Ladies and Gents, mark your dia- store for some eccentric car collector ries and set aside some time on Sat- urday 19 October. The club will provide a sumptuous afternoon tea on completion. Details will be published closer to the date.
Flynns Wrecking Yard For Sale A fixed and historical landmark on the way to the snow is Flynn’s Wrecking yard just outside Cooma.
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 13 Inaugural Ladies Luncheon By Nome
Inspired by the “All Womens Car Show” eptember 7 2019 saw a paradigm in Southern California, an article of S shift regarding the (perceived) which appeared in the April 2019 standard convention of “the man edition of Tappet Chatter, the Ladies of drives the car”, particularly now that our Club arranged a “Ladies Run” there are a lot of us ladies who own where the ladies are the drivers. The run was so popular that follow-on MG’s. As such some of the lovely events have been planned. This is ladies of the club took the wheel of the great to see, especially with the MGs and headed off “unsupervised” to Increasing number or lady MG owners the Inaugural Ladies Luncheon. within the club. Some were still not sure if they would Below: Having arrived at Brindabella, be driving or navigating (plan B) a the ladies pose for a pre wine picture, mere 10 minutes before departing with their cars, amongst the grape home but all was good as her knight in vines. shining armour returned from the auto
14 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019 So as the ladies were rallied by the lovely ‘Lady in a Red’ MGB , engines were started and they were off on their adventure. With two hands on the steering wheel, two eyes on the road and two ears listening for odd sounds they left the carpark with high revs and high spirits. Arriving at Brindabella Winery and reverse parking their vehicles shop with a new radiator cap and fin- (as required by some unwritten MG gers were crossed. rule) between the grape vines they were met by the ‘staggering(ly)’ Plan B had arrived but was not need- beautiful ladies who had taken the ed and they headed to rendezvous time to make a well informed decision point (RP) number 1, Scrivener Dam. about the best wine to have with Arrival saw two beautiful MGs and the lunch……..the Rosé. trusty Austin Healey waiting in the Sumptuous meals were enjoyed by blustery winds. They waited for one all, with the mushroom ravioli being more vehicle to arrive however they the most popular of the day, topped did not materialise, maybe they are at off with deserts for some and coffee RP 2! for others, and of course, wine for all. So at the allocated departure time Farewells were shared and the ladies group 1 left RP 1 and headed for RP 2 made their way home, some took the with the hope all would be there for scenic route and others the direct, but the convoy to lunch. I am sure that none had to stop at the Arriving at the Dinosaur Museum (RP mechanics or panel shop. 2), the Northsiders were huddled in their vehicles trying to stay warm, but alas our missing vehicle was no where to be seen. As departure time loomed networks were activated, communica- tion vines accessed and calls were put out to find the lost ladies. They were eventually located ….. safe……. Warm……. and tasting some wine at Brindabella Hills Winery.
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 15 Thank you to all you Ladies who made our first outing such a wonderful memory. As this was such a great success we propose to continue having a ladies outing on the first Saturday of the change of season. As such the next Ladies outing will be on December 7 Regalia 2019, so keep an eye and an ear out for upcoming details. CLUB CLOTHING
Names were never included to protect Shirts - Cotton Long Sleeve $32.00 the guilty innocent! Ed- Shirts-Cotton Short Sleeve $30.00 Polo Shirts - Men's & Ladies $25.00 Polo Fleece full zip Jacket - Men's $35.00 Micro Fleece full zip Jacket- Ladies $35.00 Nylon full zip Spray Jackets-Unlined $30.00
OTHER ITEMS
Club Coffee Mugs (Bendigo Pottery) $12.00 Club Grille Badges $22.00 Club Lapel Badges $ 6.00 Car Lapel Badges $10.00 Club Windscreen Stickers $ 2.00 MG Octagon Car Lapel Badges $10.00 MG Key Rings $ 7.00 Sew-on Embroidered MG Logo in cloth $ 8.00
16 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019 September 2019 Tappet Chatter 17 The “Law’s” According to Mike by Mike Lawless
This column is inspired by our own Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle Mike, a veritable font of knowledge The Heisenberg uncertainty principle when it comes to Law’s and Sci- states that it is impossible to know ence and MG’s Now when you put simultaneously the exact position and all this together Mike can regale momentum of an object. That is, the like no other with facts and funda- more exactly the position is deter- mentals as they apply to MG. mined, the less known the momen- tum, and vice versa. Boils Law Mike say’s, “The discovery of this “a law stating that the pressure principle is believed to be attributable of a given mass of an ideal gas or to our own Trevor F, A multi winner of liquid is inversely proportional to our most prestigious navigation its volume at a constant temper- award. ature.” On many occasions when Trevor was ike says, “when heat is leading the pack, in a forward motion, M applied to coolant in MG’s, so to speak, position seemed to be the coolant expands more the less than accurate or unimportant warmer it gets. If it gets too while maintaining forward momentum. warm it turns ‘boils and can turn into a gas’. When the liquid When position became undetermined, turns into a gas and expands the forward momentum had to be reduced pressure within the cooling sys- (most often stopped) in order to look tem is inversely proportional to at the map. Once exact position was the new volume which may cause again determined and forward mo- the cooling system to “overflow” mentum was reinstated, exact position or “pop”. You may think the was determined again to be unknown. name comes from the reaction of This gave rise to the uncertainty we heating the coolant as it is said to would ever arrive at the correct “Boil” but that is not the case. destination, and hence the uncertainty The name was actually derived principle according to Mike…..and from the action of squeezing a Trevor.” boil and that fact the liquid inside could not be compressed, hence the name BOILS LAW”.
18 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019 MG RV8 Air Conditioner Condenser Refurbishment
By John Woods
he air conditioner condenser turely burn out. While I could have T fans were intermittently making a refurbished the fans as detailed in the horrible grinding noise when the oper- RV8 Notes, I decided to order two ating. While I had my car on the hoist, new fans from Clive Wheatley in the I spun the fans mounted on the air UK (https://www.mgv8parts.com/). conditioning condenser and found The firsts step according to the they were quite tight to turn and made MGRV8 Repair Manual Service Re- a grinding noise. Also the condenser pair No. 82.15.01 was to raise the shields were corroded and one of front of the vehicle and remove the them had a section that was rusted front bumper valance. This was easier out. The RV8 Notes from the UK (http- said than done as the air conditioner -www.v8register.net) noted that piping and fan assembly made access MGRV8 fans were subject to two to the 2 nuts and bolts securing bump- problems: er to each body bracket very difficult. It took a lot of tinkering and adjust- ment but I eventually got them out. Removal of the indicator lights and side securing bolts was easier. The next step was to remove the 3 screws securing front grille to the bumper brackets. I found that the grille was not secured to the bumper brack- et but to the underside of the front • Grit on the top of the conden- panel (2) at left. sers was hitting the fan blades.
• Body of the fans were rust- ing and the flakes were falling inside the fan blade, causing tight spots in the fans rotation. They had to be fixed otherwise both problems could see the fan prema-
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 19 on the bolt head and a 10 mm ring spanner on the nut underneath the core. After all four bolts (6) are re- moved at each corner of the conden- ser, the fan then can be slid forward still fixed to the metal base bracket. You then need to remove the 4 Phil- lips head bolts (4) which finally allow Again this was not easy and I found separation of the fan from the metal that removal of the Under Cowling base bracket. (3) at right) was required. On removal of the grill it was discov- ered that the metal strip on the bottom and sides of the grille was badly rust- ed (see below).
The next challenge was to remove the fan assemblies. This was to be ac- The next challenge was to remove the complished by disconnecting the mul- condenser shields (7) which were bolt- tiplug from condenser cooling fan (3) ed to the condenser assembly and and removing the 4 screws securing condenser mounting brackets by four cooling fan to condenser and remov- bolts. The only way to get access to ing the fan assembly and condenser these bolts was to remove the bolts shield. securing the condenser mounting Upon initial inspection I thought that I brackets to the body. Once this was might not be able to remove the fans done removal of the four bolts was without letting the gas go in the sys- difficult and in most cases resulted in tem, but luckily this was not the case. them breaking due to corrosion. To remove the fan (5) you need to At last I had the fans and condenser remove the outside condenser support shields removed. The shields and the brackets (7) and loosen off the inside metal strip on the bottom and sides of ones too, then you can then gently the grille were badly rusted and re- push down the condenser to expose quired repair. I cleaned up the rusted the top inside fan bracket bolt which out section and took them and the requires an 8mm open ended spanner
20 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019 grille to Still Standing Sheetmetal in As all the screws, bolts and fasteners Fyshwick (http:// were quite rusted up or had been bro- www.sssmetal.com.au/). ken during removal. I took examples to Speciality Fasteners, Fyshwick They agreed that the rusted out sec- (http://www.specfast.com.au/) and tion on the shields could be repaired acquired a complete new set. and the metal strip on the bottom and sides of the grille replaced. They also Once I had all the components I then offered to manufacture new shields as reversed the process and reassem- well as the repairs. I agreed as this bled the air conditioner condenser would give me a new set of shields assembly including installation of the with the repaired ones as a backup. manufactured shields and new fans The repair and manufacture undertak- and fittings, etc. Once again this was en by Still Standing Sheetmetal was quite difficult due to the restricted ac- extremely well done and I was very cess caused by the air conditioner pleased with the result. pipes and fittings. I took the repaired and manufactured Overall I was very pleased with the shields, grille and the condenser result but it took a lot of patience, mounting brackets to Mobile Fabrica- sweat and tears and quite a bit of tions, Queanbeyan (https:// ##^&%**(. www.mobilefabrications.com.au/) for While the car has been out for this blasting and powder coating. Once activity, I also undertook seat refur- again I was very pleased with the fin- bishment, fitment of floor insulation, ished product. wheel refurbishment, cleaning of the The metal moulding on the top and badly stained aluminium components bottom of the condensers were rusted in the engine bay and replacement of so I treated them and painted them the Rover badges with RV8 badges with matt black. on the front mudguard side panels and boot. I plan to provide an update of how these activities at a later date.
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 21 How Much Can I get for my 1948 MGTC ?
Check this out from Bonham’s Auc- THE MG TC tions in the US he right-hand drive TC Midget T first appeared in 1946. Brought to the US in considerable numbers by Lot 126 GIs returning from England, the sport- 1948 MG TC Midget ing little MG gained a strong following, Sold for US$ 112,000 (AU$ 163,09) especially in California and on the inc. premium East Coast. These MGs had many endearing features, including a slab fuel tank, 19-inch diameter wire 1948 MG TC Midget wheels, folding windshields, and oc- Chassis no. TC/5112 tagonal dashboard instruments. Sales Engine no. XPAG 5733 of these MGs excelled when a Life Magazine photographer captured one 1,250cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine being driven underneath a big lumber 2 SU Carburetors carrier on a Los Angeles street. Many 54bhp at 5,000rpm soon found their way into amateur 4-Speed Manual Transmission racing, and almost every one of the Front Beam Axle with Leaf Springs - legendary American sports car cham- Live Rear Axle pions of the post-war era began their 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes careers behind the wheel of a TC.
*Offered from the Robert "Bob" Koons Collection *Exceedingly original 28,000- mile example with factory paint and interior intact *Fastidiously well-preserved by one owner for 51 years *Offered with its original rec- ords, books, warranty card, tools, jack and weather equip- ment
22 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019 THE MOTORCAR OFFERED paint, interior, top and weather equip- ment. and matching-numbers With just over 28,000 miles, mechanical components. Mr. Duck- fastidiously preserved, and in ham who cherished this priced MG for unrestored condition throughout, this more than half a century, would show MG TC must be one of the most it at occasional car shows in the original examples left. The car was 1970s, and kept meticulous, detailed completed at the Abingdon MG works service records (by date and mileage) during the spring of 1948, and found for the car. Additionally, he kept the its first owner, Mr. Bolton Drackett, in original owner's manual, warranty Ohio later that year. The TC remained card, tool kit, and jack. Considering with Drackett for two years. After, it the 28,132 miles on the odometer, was purchased by Mr. Clare Duckham and overall original condition, this of Dayton, OH, who would become spectacular preservation-class MG TC the much-caring custodian for the next stands out as a true survivor— 51 years. In 2001, as Mr. Duckham showing just a lovely patina after 70 moved to a retirement home, the years. The car oozes with originality, highly original TC joined the famed and deserves serious consideration. collection of Columbia, SC-based Robert "Bob" Koons, where it has Saleroom notices remained in excellent care ever since. Note, this car has less than 12,000 Today, this spectacular MG TC miles on the odometer, and not remains in "Time Capsule" original 28,000 as stated in the catalogue. condition. The car retains its original
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 23 Other Club & Online Magazines
24 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019 2020 Autumn Tour - Victorian Alps and the Great Ocean Road by Kerry Atkins
Snowys to spend the first night in Cor- 020 Will see a departure from ryong with Days 2 and 3 in and 2 the traditional Annual Weekend around Bright where there is lots to Away being in Autumn and the Annual do. Tour being in Springtime, by swapping On Day 4 head south and spend 9 them around days touring the Victorian coastline The Annual Weekend Away will this from Queenstown in the east to Port- year be in October and the Tour will land in the west, the Grampians, Ben- be in Autumn. digo, Echuca and Rutherglen to re- plenish the wine and cheese larders The first part of the Autumn Tour will etc and to enjoy this great touring dis- be : 28 April to 1 May ( 4 days ), trict. based in Bright, Vic. Day 14 we leave Rutherglen for home via Albury and the remainder by the route of your choice. Note that our route to Queenstown avoids Melbourne entirely. Country Victoria all the way. Kerry Atkins. Mobile: 0438 227 148 The Second part will be on the Great Email: [email protected] Ocean Road: 28 April to 11 May (14 days ). The tours are always great fun. If you haven't joined one before and can make the time available, either 4 days for the AWA or 14 days for the GOR, it would be great to have you come along. The tour will head out through the
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 25 September Mid Week Meander
he Lunch run to the Some Café , T created a squadron of British Sports cars ( 1 MGC 6 MGB’s ,1 MGA , 1 Austin Healey , 1 TF 1500 , 1 F ), “Boy Racers “ down the Federal Highway to Collector . It is reported that one female co-driver (who shall remain nameless) men- tioned to the driver “ Bryan your only doing 100 keep up “ The Café provided excellent meals and service for the 25 of our club members, even though they appeared to be keep busy with the locals (and children) The weather turned in our favour after leaving the Watson BP Service station with bright warmish weather to see us there and home .As normal it was not “just a luncheon “ our MG Club’s comradery continued well on to mid afternoon .
26 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019 1953 M.G. TD Midget Cabriolet M.G. Mark II Roadster
Designer: Giovanni Michelotti, Torino (I) 28/11/1952 perspective drawing
04/12/1952 production of chassis no. TD/C22878 at M.G. factory in From the production dates of the two Abingdon-on-Thames (Oxfordshire, existing chassis only for TD/C22878 GB) (www.tregister.org) chassis num- the time was enough to coachbuilt the ber code: EXRK (EX= export chassis, cabriolet body until Geneva Motor R = RHD, K = km/h speedometer) Show 1953. Therefore the features in (www.mg-cars.org.uk) engine no. italics must have been changed on a XPAG/TD2/23269 (www.tregister.org) later date. rolling chassis imported to Switzerland by Nuffield general agency J.H. Keller Comparison of the Geneva show car AG, Zürich (CH) (Roberts & Green with the two existing cars 2005) TD/C22878 Geneva show car TD/25280 chassis pro- (exhibition 04/12/1952 23/02/1953 duction 05/03/1953) exterior colour red metallic blue long with 19 braces, radiator grille short with 17 braces stronger middle Ghia-Aigle shield-shaped triangular emblem engine hood visible not visible hinges rear mirror on dashboard at upper windshield frame wheels wire disc September 2019 Tappet Chatter 27 05–15/03/1953 exhibited at 23. Gene- va Motor Show (CH) on the stand of the Nuffield Organization (M.G., Mor- ris, Riley, Wolseley; or their Swiss chief agency J.H. Keller AG, Zürich)
TD/25280 (1953)
1953 coachbuilt cabriolet body by 23/02/1953 production of chassis no. Ghia S.A., Aigle (CH) build process TD/25280 at M.G. factory in Abingdon overseen by Max Hajek (J.H. Keller -on-Thames (Oxfordshire, GB) AG) (Roberts & Green 2005) colour: (www.tregister.org) chassis number red, interior: beige, hood and tonneau code: EXRK (EX= export chassis, R = cover: beige shorter radiator grille with RHD, K = km/h speedometer) 17 braces, shield-shaped Ghia-Aigle (www.mg-cars.org.uk) engine no. emblem, no visible engine hood XPAG/TD2/25703 (www.tregister.org) hinges, rear mirror at upper windshield rolling chassis imported to Switzerland frame, disc wheels 1953 photos in by Nuffield general agency J.H. Keller front of Carrosserie Ghia S.A., Rue du AG, Zürich (CH) (Roberts & Green Simplon, Aigle (CH) 2005)
28 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019 1953 coachbuilt cabriolet body by Ghia S.A., Aigle (CH) build process overseen by Max Hajek (J.H. Keller AG) (Roberts & Green 2005) colour: blue metallic, interior: red?, hood light blue longer radiator grille with 19 brac- es and stronger middle brace, triangu- lar Ghia-Aigle emblem, no visible en- gine hood hinges, rear mirror at upper windshield frame, disc wheels, com- petion dampers like TD/C ? 11–21/03/1954 exhibited at 24. Ge- neva Motor Show [Hagen Nyncke, 01/03/1991]; but no mentioning in Au- tomobile Revue (CH), no. 12 (15/03/1954) and no. 13 (17/03/1954) 3/1954 owner Pierre Baltensperger (goldsmith), Zürich (CH) [Hagen Nyn- cke, 01/03/1991] ca. 7/1954 exhibited in Nuffield prod- uct show in the concert hall of Restau- rant Uhler, St. Gallen (CH)
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 29 Video’s Click image to open video
Mo
30 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019 Club Calendar 2019
Sundays (when no other MG event is on) Breakfast @ Poppies Cafe at the Australian War Memorial. Simply Turn up for 830am in your MG. Underground parking!!
SEPTEMBER 13 -15 Sep - Gathering of the (MG) Faithful (GOF) at Wagga Wagga 15 - 18 Sep - 4 day 3 night GOF tour extension along the Murray. Contact Graeme Corbett. [email protected] 29 Sep - Wakefield Park day - Meet at Wakefield Park at 10:00 am
OCTOBER Thursday 3 - Mid Week Meader –Tulip Farm on Federal Highway Bywong Spring is here and that means Tulips . Meet 10 am at the BP Servo Antil Street Watson for a 10-15 depart Entry $16 or $18 p.p. Hopefully the 10-15 start will ensure we get parking and also leaves everybody the freedom for Morning Coffee and/or plus stay for Lunch. Contact . Graeme or Jo Corbett M 0437679497 H 02 62994920
Sunday 13 Oct -Social picnic run organised by Geoff and Lynn Nichols. A run through the hills to the Wee Jasper picnic area for a picnic lunch. Meet at Scrivener dam and get your map, at 1045 for an 1100 depart to Wee Jasper, via Uriarra. There will be no run sheet, just turn up.
Notes: Remember : Classic Car ‘Lunchtime Natters’ are held at Weston Park, Yar- ralumla (second picnic spot on the right) each Tuesday from 12.30pm. “CLUB EVENT” signifies that an MG club representative will be in attend- ance, regardless of who is organizing. Such events meet the require- ments for concessional registration.
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 31 FORECAST 2019
2019 Runs
24 Nov - Social run organised by Deb and Greg Whitfield. Detail TBA.
1 Dec - Terribly British Day (TBC) 7 Dec - Ladies Summertime Run - Details TBC
32 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019 Time to Laugh or be Amazed Click Image to begin video
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 33
Golden Era of Auto Racing Club Inc - 28 Aug 2019 by John Harriott
nce again Wakefield Park south bling Ian to focus on reducing his lap O of Goulburn lived up to its winter time and enjoy the event. The stand- reputation on 28 Aug when Ian Reid ard shaft had been replaced with a and I ploughed through the pre-dawn competition thick walled shaft ($38 fog with the red Sprite in tow and be- from Spriteparts) and after resetting hind Matthew pedaling the open top the valve clearances and a Green Sprite with no demister and distributor/’plugs/points and leads tune multiple layers of thermal clothing. up the car was running sweet. After a personal best busting perfor- “That's what happens with heavy mance in June that also contributed to springs and high revs. You need a com- snapping a rocker shaft, I elected to petition thick walled shaft!" - Colin not compete at the August event ena- Dodds, Spriteparts
34 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019
Ian Reid on his way to a PB lap… slide (coolant on track) in the chicane With a big field in five categories the he was delighted with a best lap of event attracted many historic racers 1:23.75. As Event 2 had been a regu- keen to get in some cheap practice larity event his nominated time of 1:25 prior to the All Historic Meeting on the was well off the mark. subsequent weekend. For Event 3 he was back on the front Ian’s previous personal best lap time of the grid beside the Hillman and fo- was at Wakefield Park was a steady cused on a sedate drive to finish the 1:25.08 so his objective was to break day on a high given he had achieved the 1min:25sec barrier. His plan was his objective and taken a full second to build up to a couple of flying laps off his PB. Throughout the six laps he during Event 2 and go for it based on consistently out braked the Hillman a strategy of smooth driving. and bought the car home with a best lap time of 1:22.36. with and optimal Practice was 6 laps and he returned time of 1:21.90. confident in the manner in which the car was handling. Event 1 was seven Enjoying a light beer and a sandwich laps and his best time was a con- after track closure he was pretty hap- sistent 1:25.24 but his confidence was py to receive some chocolate frogs for high and he was the fastest in his his efforts. With consistent laps of group thus found himself at the front 1:22 during the last event Ian’s next of the grid for Event 2. objective is sub 1:20 before he turns 80 in Nov if not before he turns 90 in Leading the field of 9 cars through the 2029. first lap he traded position with a quick green Hillman Minx throughout the 7 If MGCC of Canberra members would laps and despite a well recovered like to be part of the ‘castor oil atmos- phere’ of GEAR without competing,
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 35
Wakefield Park is an hour from Can- berra and the GEAR meetings provide a great opportunity to get your car out of the garage for an extended run. The opportunity to wander through the garages or volunteer to assist with the conduct of the meeting can be a re- warding day out. Winding back the years 2019 to 1997.
Ian Reid and Matthew Harriott, Wakefield Park 28 Aug 2019
Matthew Harriott and Ian Reid, Oran Park 7 Feb 1997
36 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019
MG - an underrated marque? Scarlett Orr posted in Maximum Velocity
most successful British competition car until Jaguar’s racing programme commenced, largely due to its 1087cc engine that could produce up to 125 horsepower.
hen you think of classic British W cars, most people’s minds con- jure up visions of sleek Jaguar E- Types and feisty Mini Coopers, and rightly so. These most classic of clas- sic cars deserve their legendary sta- tus, but amongst all of them there sits an often forgotten, often underestimat- Like many automotive companies, MG ed brand: MG. production ceased during World War II The marque began as a special but all was not lost for the company. branch of Morris and was known as As a well-respected motor vehicle Morris Garages. They built a few spe- manufacturer, they were contracted to cial bodied Morris Cowleys before build a huge variety of tanks, ar- manufacturing Old Number One in moured vehicle conversions, amphibi- 1925, a one-off car built specifically for ous vehicles, aircraft body panels and sporting events – with an incredible aircraft engines. Once the war was 11.9 horsepower – which was widely over, the company returned to doing regarded as the first MG. The brand’s what it did best – making small, two- racing success began properly at the seater sports cars. Across the dec- 1933 Mille Miglia, where two MG K3s ades, this is what so many people as- finished first and second in class, col- sociate with MG as they have perfect- lecting the team prize and breaking all ed the simple formula. The TC is one previous class records. This success of the best examples of this, and it was emulated at a number of other captured the hearts of American sol- races around the world over the next diers stationed in the UK during the two years and the K3 became the war. The absence of a light, nimble,
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 37
open-top sports car in America meant the wheel of the EX 181 and broke the troops took the TC back home their own record to reach 254.91mph. with them, paving the way to huge This level of daredevil engineering sales of TCs, TDs and later MGAs in was continued in the 80s with the the US. Maestro Turbo. This largely forgotten MG continued its run of highly suc- hot hatch had 150bhp and could do cessful sports cars with the MGB, a 129mph, beating the Ford Escort car that proved highly popular with XR3i, Volkswagen Golf GTi and 512,112 cars rolling out of the factory Peugeot 205 GTi on paper. However, during its 18 years of production. arguably the most impressive MG Available in both Roadster and GT from this era is the Metro 6R4. This guises, the world was smitten with the iconic rally car could go from 0-60mph B (probably helped by the fact an in around 3.2 seconds thanks to its MGB piloted by Alan Hutcherson and 410bhp V6 that would rev to 9000rpm. Paddy Hopkirk won its class at Le It was unusual for the Group B era in Mans in 1963). that it was naturally aspirated and de- spite the fact that it never achieved However, Le Mans wasn’t the only massive rallying success the 6R4 place where MG proved they could gained a huge army of fans who love punch above their weight. In 1957, Sir it to this day. Stirling Moss drove the incredible MG EX 181 to a new land speed record for More recently, in 2001, MG released 1.1-1.5 litre engine cars of its new range of cars: the ZR, ZS and 245.64mph. Two years later, MG re- ZT. These cars were twinned with turned to Bonneville with Phil Hill at equivalent Rover models and were designed to revive a failing MG. Unfor-
38 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019
tunately, despite the fact that many from the motoring world. Despite a loved the new range, it ultimately few successful seasons in the BTCC failed to save the brand. However, a with the MG6, the latest range of cars few impressive feats were managed haven’t always inspired the British with these cars, including a land public as much as previous MG itera- speed record of 225.609mph for es- tions. However, the MG legacy is far tate cars with a modified ZT-T and a from over, largely thanks to the dedi- reasonably successful British Touring cated fans that remain. MG enthusi- Car Championship campaign with the asts can benefit from fantastic clubs ZS scoring 15 race wins over its ca- such as the MG Car Club and the MG reer. The final car produced in this Owners Club, with the Car Club re- stage of MG’s life was the MG SV, a cently setting up a Young Members’ vehicle with lots of modern technologi- Branch to secure the future of the cal advancements that sadly came at brand’s classic and modern cars. the wrong time for the company. As a It is clear from the efforts of the devot- result, the marque was sold to Nanjing ed MG owners that love for the Automobile and subsequently SAIC marque will not die out completely any Motor. time soon. However, I really hope that These relatively new owners of MG more people, especially the younger have introduced us to models such as generation, can come to love the com- the MG3, MG6, MG GS and new MG pany, its history and most importantly ZS, which have had mixed reviews the cars.
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 39
40 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019
Royal Daimler officially launched and Car club formed by Graeme Gittins
he National Museum of Austral- T ia’s Royal Daimler was officially launched on Tuesday 20 August, after a ten year restoration period. When purchased by the Museum in 2009, the 1948 vehicle was in a very poor state, having been stored in a barn in South Australia, for many years. The upholstery was rat invest- ation of many experts in their field, ed the body paint was worn and faded including upholsterers, mechanics, the engine required a virtual rebuild. painters, and researchers. The vehicle had its first public run at Wakefield Park Raceway on Saturday 17 August in front of a crowd of 3500 car enthusiasts. The DE 36hp Royal Daimler will be on display in the main hall of the Museum for a couple of months, before joining Perseverance and the assistance of the rest of the museums ever growing many people and organisations both historic vehicle fleet. within Australia and overseas bought the laudaulette back to the condition, when it was used by Queen Elizabeth 11 and the Duke of Edinburgh during their 1954 Royal Tour. At the launch the museums of Curator of Big Objects, Nathan Pharaoh, said it would not have been possible to preserve and restore the four-ton vehi- cle without the assistance and cooper-
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 41
Museum Car Club announced
During the launch ceremony the op- -Mkids (3-12 years) free or discounted portunity was taken by Museum entry to exhibitions and school Director Dr Mathew Trinca to programs announce the formation of a museum -10 percent discount at the museums car club under the Museum Friends shop and café umbrella. -Exclusive Museum Friends only events to behind the scenes tours of major exhibitions -Subscription to the Museum Magazine -Access to the Friends lakeside lounge -Reciprocal rights to other museums Benefits of the car club include: Membership details available at - Viewing of the museums historic car nma.gov.au/join support/membership collection, not currently on public display -Enjoy tail made public programs relating to the museums vehicle collection - Hear about important collection up- dates and acquisitions - Get priority access to any vehicle related events
42 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019
Images from the National Museum of Australia “A Chequered Past” held at Wakefield Park
Most courtesy of Paul Smith
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 43
44 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019
The new membership year begins on 1 July 2019, so memberships are to be paid by 30 June 2019. If you have CRS (Historic) regis- tration, it is a legal requirements that you are a “Fully Financial” member of CRS endorsed motor Club. Don’t risk being caught - pay your subs today preferably online, but you can pay at the next club event. Family $70.00 Single $60.00 Banking Details BSB: 633-000 Account: 1449 20741 Account Name: MG Car Club Canberra Inc
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 45
Council Communique
July 2018
Royal Daimler officially launched painters, and researchers. and Car Club formed The vehicle had its first public run The National Museum of Australia’s at Wakefield Park Raceway on Royal Daimler was officially Saturday 17 August in front of a launched on Tuesday 20 August, after crowd of 3000 car enthusiasts. a 10 year restoration period. When purchased by the Museum The DE 36hp Royal Daimler will in 2009, the 1948 vehicle was in a be on display in the main hall of very poor state, having been the museum for a couple of stored in a barn in South Australia, months, before joining the rest of for many years. The upholstery the museum’s ever-growing his- was rat infested, the body paint toric vehicle fleet. was worn and faded and the en- Museum Car Club announced gine required a full rebuild. During the launch ceremony, the Perseverance and the assistance opportunity was taken by Museum of many people and organisations Director, Dr Mathew Trinca, to both within Australia and overseas announce the formation of a mu- brought the laudaulette back to the seum car club under the Museum condition when it was used by Friends umbrella. Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh during their 1954 Royal Benefits of the car club include: Tour.
At the launch the museum’s Cu- Viewing of the museums historic rator of Big Objects, Nathan Phar- car collection, not currently on aoh, said it would not have been public display possible to preserve and restore the four- ton vehicle without the -Enjoying tailor- made public pro- assistance and cooperation of grams relating to the museums many experts in their fields, in- vehicle collection cluding upholsterers, mechanics, 46 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019
Hearing about important collection up- Chequered Past dates and acquisitions The National Museum of Australia Getting priority access to any vehicle Chequered Past vehicle display at related events Wakefield Park attracted more than 3000 car club members and vehicle -Mkids (3-12 years) free or dis- enthusiasts. counted entry to exhibitions and school programs The Museum brought out 12 of its important vehicle collection to -10 percent discount at the museum’s parade around the race track. shop and café
-Exclusive Museum Friends only Car clubs from Canberra, Quean- events to behind the scenes tours beyan, Goulburn, Braidwood, Coo- of major exhibitions ma and the NSW South Coast attended the event. -Subscription to the Museum Magazine MoU to be prepared -Access to the Friends lakeside lounge -Reciprocal rights to other museums The Council will prepare a Memo- randum of Understanding (MoU) setting out the role and responsibili- Membership details available at: ties of the Council and clubs or- nma.gov.au/join support/membership ganising the two Council events – Airbag recall Wheels and Marques in the Park. The recall of airbags in a variety of ve- hicles is coming to an end. More than 100 000 vehicles in Australia known to have the faulty airbags have still not had their ve- hicle airbags replaced.
In certain circumstances, when the airbags are deployed, small metal particles can cause serious injury to vehicle occupants. Replacement of faulty airbags is free.
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 47
48 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 49
SPORTING REPORT September 2019
Kent Brown
ot a lot to report on the sporting treacherous corrugations to the notori- N side of things this month as I’ve ous Chocolate Ruffle Pass. been somewhat distracted while driv- The oldest car to enter the Retrial was ing/navigating in the 2019 Repco Reli- owned by New Zealand based and ability Retrial. The retrial, in large part, Kiwi, Bruce Washington. His naviga- sought to retrace the route of the 1979 tor was a Welshman, Andrew Davies. Repco Reliability Trial in which the first And the car? A 1929 Chrysler Road- three placings were filled by 3.3 litre ster suitably modified of course. In- VB Commodores with the winning deed this car has been campaigned in Marlboro Holden Dealer Team car a number of endurance rallies includ- being driven by no less than one Peter ing two Peking to Paris events. Brock. Brock shared car #05 with co- driver Matt Philip and navigator Noel Richards. Bruce Washington’s 1929 Chrysler The 2019 Retrial left the Melbourne Roadster – the hood was never erect- showgrounds on Monday, 5 August ed! exactly 40 years to the day after the 1979 event. Forty Eight (48) cars were flagged away and 47 returned to Mel- bourne 28 days lat- er having covered around 20,000km of which about 3,000km was held as special stages over dirt/gravel roads including driv- ing 100km over
50 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019
One interesting statistic is that the Two British cars participated, the old- competitors, support vehicles and est being a 1959 Riley 1.5 nicknamed event management cars covered in “Floris”. excess of 1 million kilometres but there was not one accident. There were a number of mechanical failures, flat tyres, broken windscreens etc. and a couple of kangaroos hit but all cars bar one, a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro which suffered a holed piston in Perth, were fixed along the way, some in very innovative ways. But that of course is another story which I will try and recount at presentation to the February club monthly meeting. “Floris” was entered and driven by Paul “Our” car was a 1975 280SE Mer- Dobney and his son Bruce cedes Benz – all cars had to be pre- 1979 – which was colloquially referred to as OMB, Old Menz Benz. The crew The other British car was a 1977 Jagu- had T shirts to match! ar XJS (V12). The Jag was interesting as at each stop it was fill with oil, fill The with water and top-up the petrol! Ma- ple Yel- low
The John Joass and Glennys James XJS on start day at Melbourne Show- grounds OMB at the end of a rainbow at the
beginning of a special stage near Ce- duna
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 51
Repco Reliability Retrial 2019 pics Courtesy Graham Gittins and Face-ache Arriving Cooma The Route
Starting Positions
Broom to Cunanurra
52 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019
Dating back to 1922, Redex has a col- ourful and fascinating history. Not least that Redex was added to the fuel of World War 2 planes to keep them flying for longer. These planes were marked with a characteristic Red X to give pilots extra confidence before flying. A shot of Redex was also given at petrol stations as a quick and easy addition to the fuel tank to improve engine performance. Among other A common site in front/under the XJS! things it was an upper cylinder lubri- cant and I can well remember asking customers if they would like a shot or Come 1 September we safely arrived two in the tank when I was filling their at the Melbourne Showgrounds and car with petrol when earning pocket the successful conclusion of the 2019 money in the early 1960’s as a drive- Repco Reliability Retrial. What an way attendant. Ah, in those days you adventure! actually went to a “service station”.
A 1960’s Redex dispenser We made it! – Colin Wilson-Brown, My- self and Geoff Corah the OMB Team There were an amazing 192 entries in
the 1953 Redex Trial. All cars had to But while I am on the topic of long dis- be standard apart from some protec- tance rallies in Australia the first was tive devices, auxiliary fuel tanks, differ- the 6,500 mile 1953 REDeX [Redex] ent seating and so on. Incredibly six of Trial. Redex was a fuel additive. the seven MG TD’s entered finished
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 53
as did the one Prefect, the lone Anglia. one Riley 2.5, the Singer Nine and a Terraplane.
The start of the 1955 Redex Trial – the MG is in row 2, second from right
MG TD #126 of L.V. March from South As far as I can determine no MG was Australia pictured at 24-hour rest stop not entered in any of the other in Victoria Park Racecourse in Adelaide Australian long distance rallies con- on 10 September 1953 ducted which included the Ampol and Mobilgas Trials 1956-58 or the 1964 In the 1954 Redex trial, which covered and 1970 Ampol Trials. And of course 9,600 miles, 2 MG’s competed. The the last around Australia trial until this MG entered by P & R Williams Pty. Ltd year, the 1979 Repco Reliability Trial. finished seventy-eighth with a loss of 96 points and the other MG driven by R. Pryer came in 104th with a loss of Historic Motor Racing 358 points.
In the last Redex, 1955, a single MG TF started but unfortunately failed to finish. The MG wasn’t on its own in this regard however as a single entry from marques such as Alvis, Buick, Chrysler, Citroen, De Soto, Dodge, In a week or so Viginia and I will be Goliath, Hudson, Lloyd, Pontiac, Re- heading over to the Apple Isle nault, Singer, Sunbeam Talbot and (Tasmania) on the Spirit of Tasmania Willys also didn’t make the finishing to race the MGB at Baskerville. And line. to defend my class lap record!
54 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 55
Raceway is situated about twenty 2.2km circuit during the lunch break. minutes from the CBD of Hobart, mak- There will not be a cost to enter the ing it a short trip from anywhere in the circuit or drive the circuit laps. city to access the facilities. The His- torics race meeting is always well or- ganised by the Hobart Sporting Car Club but assistance is also provided by other clubs including the MG Car Club Tasmania.
Baskerville race track from the viewing area
SDMA Hillclimb
The Southern District Motorsports As- sociation always extends a very warm welcome to their hillclimb events. The next event, while sometime away, will be on Sunday 13th October 2019 and it Baskerville track map will a 1-lap event. Spectator entry is FREE and on competition days you will see cars on track from around 9am The HSRCA Spring Festival historic - 3pm. There is spectator seating and racing meeting is being held at wake- food available as well as washroom field Park on 28/29 september 2019. th facilities. Why don’t you consider go- On Sunday the 29 our club has been ing along and checking out some local invited to put on a display of MGs. motorsport? Entry is off Sutton Road, Those participating with their pride and next to the Driver Training Centre. joy will have the opportunity to have an “educational” drive around the
56 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019
GEAR meets at Wakefield Park seven times each year when drivers evoke a Golden Era of Auto bygone era with surprising speed, skill Racing (GEAR) and respect for other competitors and their wonderful “racing” cars. I always like to give a plug to GEAR, The next meeting, and the last, for the Golden Era of Auto Racing Club. 2019 is on Wednesday, the 11th De- GEAR celebrates an era of amateur cember. Well worth a visit at Wake- Australian motor sport that many of us field Park, a relatively short drive remember I am sure but which ended away. Entry for spectators is FREE. in the early 1960s. This period was noted for its wide variety of cars, rang- ing from famous imported makes, lo- cally made specials, particularly MGs, and modified production cars all of which were raced and prepared in the golden era by famous or colourful characters.
OTHER ITEMS Regalia Club Coffee Mugs (Bendigo Pottery) $12.00 CLUB CLOTHING Club Grille Badges $22.00
Shirts - Cotton Long Sleeve $32.00 Club Lapel Badges $ 6.00 Shirts-Cotton Short Sleeve $30.00 Car Lapel Badges $10.00 Polo Shirts - Men's & Ladies $25.00 Club Windscreen Stickers $ 2.00 Polo Fleece full zip Jacket - Men's $35.00 MG Octagon Car Lapel Badges $10.00 Micro Fleece full zip Jacket- Ladies $35.00 MG Key Rings $ 7.00 Nylon full zip Spray Jackets-Unlined $30.00 Sew-on Embroidered MG Logo in cloth
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 57
Melba Motors More than 40 years experience
12 Purdue Street Belconnen
Melba Motors is a car repair and maintenance business with a spe- cial interest in British vehicles. Proprietor Mick Wilson is a UK Ley- land workshop trained mechanic experienced in all aspects of MGs and other British cars and can get your vehicles into tip-top shape. Mick and the staff carry out general repairs, engine rebuilds and fix carburettors. Melba Motors diagnose and fix suspension problems and specialise in small welding and rust repairs. Transport can be arranged for cars that won’t go. There is a 24 Hour emergency response – get you started or tow your car to safety. Call Mick on 02 6253 1523 http://melbamotors.com/
58 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019
The MG Extender ute has been unveiled in Thailand
f the Extender looks just a little fa- cylinder engine making 120kW of pow- I miliar, that's because it's a badge- er and 375Nm of torque. The engineered version of the Maxus T70 160kW/480Nm twin-turbo version of ute, which in turn is a very close rela- the engine doesn't seem to be availa- tion to the LDV T60 sold in Australia. ble, at least at launch. Both the T70 and Extender feature Buyers can choose between a six- SAIC's newest turbo-diesel engine speed manual or six-speed automatic range. transmission. Entry-level models are LDV, Maxus, MG and Roewe are all rear-wheel drive, while higher-end var- brands wholly owned by Chinese au- iants are fitted with four-wheel drive. tomaker SAIC. Available features include lane depar- Changes from the T70 seem restricted ture warning, LED headlights, leather to the grille insert and the badging. seats, soft-touch interior surfaces, re- The Extender is available in both versing camera, and an infotainment Grand Cab and Double Cab body system with a 10.0-inch touchscreen. styles. This isn't the first MG-branded com- The MG Extender will be sold in Thai- mercial vehicle. In March this year, land with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four- MG Thailand released the MG V80
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 59
van, which is an LDV V80 with a lightly reworked grille to ac- comodate the hexagonal MG badge. The MG Extender starts at 549,000 baht ($26,000) for a Grand Cab, and from 759,000 baht ($35,900) for the Double Cab.
I think they left their run a bit late…..I’ve had my MG Ute for a couple of years now!!!
60 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019
MG Extender ute ruled out for Australia: Chinese Toyota HiLux fighter " not on the agenda"
G's just-revealed Extender dual- Read More: Can MG topple the M cab ute has been ruled out for Toyota HiLux? Chinese brand Australia, with the Chinese brand's launches Extender dual-cab ute weapon against the Toyota HiLux and In Thailand, pricing for the Extender Mitsubishi Triton "not on the agenda". will start from around $26,000. That's the word from MG in Australia, But despite the fact Australia's ute who say the Extender's will remain in market it booming (responsible for Thailand, where the dual-cab was just more than 210,000 sales annually), launched. the brand says it has no plans to mar- MG, the iconic British brand now ket the Extender here. owned by China's SAIC Motor, re- “We are aware that the MG Extender vealed the Extender over the week- ute has been launched in Thailand this end, with the brand attempting to top- past week, however this product is not ple the dominance of Toyota, Isuzu on our agenda now or in the foreseea- and Mitsubishi in Thailand, where the ble future," says MG's Australian the three brands make up some 75 spokesperson. per cent of total ute sales. The Extender - a badge engineered version of the LDV T60 - will be sold there with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine which will produce around 120kW and 375Nm. Customers can choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a six- speed automatic, and can opt for rear- or four-wheel drive.
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 61
MG Motor Unveils Limited Edition MG3S
• The MG3S range builds on the MG3 Auto’s personality, style and performance
• Only 100 vehicles are available, exclusive to Australian custom- ers at participating MG dealers
• All-new sports inspired dynamic styling and accessories at $16,990 drive away. The MG3S takes the specifications of the MG3 Sydney, Australia, 21 August 2019: Auto Core model and pumps up the MG Motor has announced the intro- personality with an all-new sports in- duction of the Limited Edition MG3S. spired dynamic. Enhancing the MG3 Exclusively available to Australian cus- Auto’s style, the MG3S includes side tomers, the new model amplifies the skirts, a sleek black rear sports spoil- personality, style and performance of er, black painted wheels, limited edi- the current MG3 Auto range. tion badging, weather shields and cus- tom keyrings. Available for a limited run of 100 vehi- cles, the MG3S range is available now Danny Lenartic, Marketing Director,
62 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019
attainable style, the MG3S models also benefit from bespoke styling up- grades:
• The white, red and black model features red piped floor mats, red interior vents and a red grille
• The yellow and black model fea- tures black floor mats and a paint- ed black grille MG Motor Australia, said: “We are The Limited Edition MG3S will come excited to be revealing the Limited with MG Motor’s competitive 7-year Edition MG3S to our Australian cus- unlimited kilometre warranty and 7- tomers, offering them styling to stand year roadside assistance. The MG3S out from the crowd at an attainable will complement MG’s strong local price point. Designed with our local offering, including the stylish MG3 Au- customers in mind, the MG3S will in- to, starting from $15,990 drive away, ject a fresh, new personality into our the compact MG ZS, starting from range that continues to represent our $22,990 drive away and the MG GS ethos of Fun Motoring for Life. SUV, starting from $25,490 drive The MG3S is available in two stylish away. variants – white, red and black or yel- low and black. Both models feature the MG3 Auto’s 1.5L engine, produc- ing 82kW of power and 150Nm of torque. Building on the MG3 Auto’s sporty,
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 63
POOL PARTY August 10, 2019
THE TEMPATURE OF THE WATER WAS PERFECT!
So Cal MG Club’s Annual Pool Party! WRITTENOur annual BY pool Kyoko party Ito Palczewski was held at the beautiful home of Diane Wertheim on Saturday, August 10, 2019. We were greeted by Diane’s warm smile, hugs, kisses and handshakes. Andrea, her daughter, greeted us with more hugs. Rufus, the visiting dog, also greeted us with a tail wag.
The Wertheim’s made sure all guests were comfortable and had everything they needed to enjoy the day. It was potluck side dishes, so Diane loves flamingos! there was plenty of food and Her home sits on the top drinks, thanks to everyone. of the hill, and the view looking over Tarzana from the balcony is fantastic.
Everyone brought appetizers, side dishes, or dessert items to share. Most of them were home-made. Yum yumm!!
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After becoming reacquainted with old friends and talked to new club members, we all sat down for dinner around 5:30 p.m. The wonderful location, the great company, and delicious food made the party another wonderful event. Diane and Andrea, thank you for hosting the Club’s annual pool party. We all had a wonderful day.
Those in attendance were: Jerry and Liza Alban; Yuri Brickman; Jackie and Ken Brion; David and Pam Cohen; Zelda Davis; Terrie Erlich; Jim and Patti Heaton; Kelli Hornachek; Mike Lee; Darcy Martin; Ted Mattock (visitor from Central Coast British Car Club), Toni Mattock; Tanny and Jane O’Haley; Adam and Steve Lombard; Carl and Kyoko Palczewski; Smitty & Ginny Smith; Abby Wanamaker; Diane and Andrea Wertheim; and, Doug Wochna.
Look at the spectacular view looking over Tarzana!
Photographs by Kyoko Ito Palczewski. Edited by Zelda Davis.
64 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019 CLUB EVENT NOTICE FOR IMMEDIATE USE August 19, 2019
COOMA CAR CLUB EVENTS THIS SPRING – GIRDER FORK RALLY, JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, COOMA MOTORFEST & HILL CLIMB WEEKEND
GIRDER FORK (MOTORBIKE) RALLY
Date: Friday October 18 – Sunday October 20, 2019
Location: Based from Cooma Car Club Clubhouse, 11 Bolaro Street, Cooma NSW
Popular annual Rally, once again organised and run by the Cooma Monaro Historic Automobile Club Inc, utilising their modern clubhouse and facilities. The rally will be over scenic sealed roads of the Cooma Monaro area and foothills of the Snowy Mountains.
This rally is exclusive to Girder Fork Bikes manufactured prior to 1950.
Clubhouse address is 11 Bolaro Street, Cooma. As you are coming into town from Canberra, turn right on to Bolaro Street just before the Snow Season Motor Inn (formerly Marlborough Motel).
A short run will be held on Friday afternoon for those arriving early and wanting a little extra riding.
Entry details: www.coomacarclub.com.au Email: [email protected]
JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT MOTORKHANA
Date: Sunday October 27, 2019
Location: The Long House, Polo Fat Rd, Cooma NSW
Time: from 9:30 am.
Training day for drivers aged 14-17 years, who have not previously held a CAMS licence and would like to learn car control in a controlled and safe environment, and with a possible view to entering motorsport at a grass roots level. Conducted in conjunction with CAMS (Confederation of Australian Motor Sports) as Day One of CMHACs 2019 Junior Development Program. The participants will first learn some practical car maintenance prior to hands on experience (vehicle familiarization) on one of the club cars. This will be followed by a motorkhana event with instructor, manoeuvring a car through tight tests as quickly as possible where participants will learn car control by experiencing how a car responds at low speeds.
All comers welcome and any car that meets basic safety standards (registered or not) can be used. Cooma Car Club will supply two cars.
SPECIAL PRICE $35 DEAL FOR JUNIOR (14-17 years) DRIVERS enables participating in the Motorkhana combined with entry to the November come and try hill climb, use of a club car, a CAMS Level 2S licence which lasts 12 months, and Cooma Car Club membership up to 30 June 2020.
BIENNIAL COOMA MOTORFEST
Date: Saturday November 2, 2019
Location: Cooma Showground • Very popular Show 'N Shine coinciding with the Snowy Ride (& coinciding with Car Club 20th Anniversary). • Caters for old, new and in-between cars, large trucks, machinery, tractors, stationary engines, motor bikes, boats, muscle cars and military vehicles. • Rocker Cover Racing • Trade displays, art, a kids’ colouring competition & photography. • Music. • Plenty of outstanding food choices.
Motorfest links up with the annual Snowy Ride which is passing through Cooma on the day. Snowy Ride participants will be welcomed at the Motorfest where there will be a designated parking area for their bikes. As in previous years, it is anticipated that Motorfest will be a major stopover point for the riders and bikes taking part, with an anticipated over 1000 bikes checking in on the day.
Entry details: www.coomacarclub.com.au Email: [email protected]
MOUNT GLADSTONE HILL CLIMB WEEKEND – SPECIAL PRICE DEALS AVAILABLE
Date: Saturday-Sunday 23-24 November 2019
Location: Mount Gladstone Road, 4 km west of Cooma, NSW
DESCRIPTION
Mount Gladstone Road will be closed for a full weekend of hill climb events for a wide range of drivers including juniors (14-17 years) and ‘come and try’ participants. Cars can range from 1950s-1960s Classics to 'up-to-the-minute' purpose prepared AWD and Sports Sedans.
SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER
Scrutineering will be at 9am at Mt Gladstone; the weekend will then start-up with 'Come and Try’ timed but not recorded runs for junior (14-17 years) and other drivers who would like to ‘have a go’ in controlled conditions. The 'Come and Try' event will enable the participants to develop their skills by experiencing car control in a safe controlled environment with an instructor in the car until they feel confident enough to have a solo run.
In the afternoon, the meet will take on an historical feel with a Classic Cars (1989 or older) event.
SPECIAL PRICE DEALS FOR JUNIOR DRIVERS & OTHER SATURDAY DRIVERS.
For $35, junior drivers will get entry to the hill climb, use of a club car, a CAMS Level 2S licence which lasts 12 months, and Cooma Car Club membership up to 30 June 2020. Non-junior development drivers can obtain entry for the ‘Come and Try’ event for $35 plus $25 for a one-day CAMS ‘Come and Try’ licence.
Other 'Come and Try' and Classics drivers can purchase a single event CAMS Level 2S licence ($85) on Saturday that can be used also on Sunday.
SUNDAY 24 NOVEMBER
Day 2 will be a regular hill climb. The event will be open to vehicles ranging from road registerable Type 1-2 2WD production vehicles up to Type 3 AWD vehicles, also Type 4 production based 2WD vehicles (sports sedans). On the day, there will be a minimum of 4 x 1 km runs for each competitor. The hill climb will be conducted under CAMS rules and regulations, and competitors must hold a CAMS Level 2 Speed Event Licence.
Further details available on www.coomacarclub.com.au Entry forms at http://www.coomacarclub.com.au/hillclimb/ or http://mtgladstonehillclimb.com.au/entry/ Contact: Ian Hampton (Publicity Officer) 0400 528 115 or Julian Besestri 0418 251 465 [email protected].
DETAILS FOR SPECTATORS AND FAMILIES Date: Saturday-Sunday 23-24 November 2019 Times: The hill climbs will run from 9:30 AM to around 4 PM on both days. A courtesy shuttle bus will run all day both days catering for spectators to go up and back to the main spectator area.’
- ENDS –
For more detail and entry forms, see CMHAC website http://www.coomacarclub.com.au/ See also Cooma Car Club Facebook Page
For further information, please contact: Ian Hampton Cooma Monaro Historic Automobile Club Inc. 0400 528 115
Services Directory
Mechanical Battery World - Phillip Mark: 6282 9884 Melba Motors - Belconnen https://www.batteryworld.com.au/ Mick: 6253 1523 Website Steering & Suspension Fyshwick Head Services - Fyshwick Warren: 6280 0480 Capitol Steering - Fyshwick Website 6280 5243 Website Phillip Head Services - Phillip 6282 5555 Website Interstate Transport
Phillip Radiator Services (NATRAD) - Web Tow Phillip Matthew: 0425 588 852 Toby: 6281 2850 Website Website
Parts Carburettors Sportsparts - Sydney Canberra Carburettors - Murrum- Bruce: 029875 1144 bateman Website David: 6227 0702 Website Upholstery and Trim
Dyno Tune - Mitchell Trim by Shaun = Mitchell Grant: 6241 6109 Shaun: 6255 5225 website Website
Electrical Parts Suppliers and Service Listing
Lee & Thomas Auto Electrical - Phillip Greg:6281 1455 https://www.leethomas.com.au/ September 2019 Tappet Chatter 65
Want to service your MG? Got a rattle that is hard to find?
ur Club has a well-equipped under-cover service centre with four O post hoist, Electronic Wheel Balancer capable of balancing wire wheels, engine hoist and all the basic big-tools to enable you to do repairs, service and/or clean your car in a secure area, 24/7.
Simply contact Club member Laurie Gardiner (Club equipment custo- dian) on 62934191 or 0418488931 to arrange a time to do the work or just to have a look.
The workshop is located at: Budget Storage, 25 Yallourn St Fyshwick.
Map
The Service Centre and use of Club tools is free to Club members or visiting members from other clubs.
66 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019
Help Line
Pre-war Club Trailer Malcolm Robertson (02) 6288 9343
Brian Oxley (02) 6281 2351 Laurie Gardiner (02) 6293 4191 T Series Brian Oxley (02) 6281 2351 Club Servicing Facility & Tools Peter Dechaineux (02) 6281 5917 Kent Brown (02) 6255 4943 Laurie Gardiner (02) 6293 4191
Y Series and MGA Concessional Registration Mike Stearn (02) 6231 1716 Greg Whitfield 0498 107 658 MGB (Northside) Kent Brown (02) 6255 4943 Rob Chilman 0412 024 228 MGC (Southside) Mick O’Brien 0422 536 953
MG RV8 John Woods 0417 392 947 Club Service Centre: Our Club MG Z Magnette has a well equipped under-cover service centre at Budget Storage,
25 Yallourn St Fyshwick. It has all Midget/Sprite the basic big-tools to enable you to John Harriott (02) 6292 8420 do repairs, service and/or clean Ian Reid (02) 6231 8959 your car in a secure area, 24/7. Modern MGs Simply contact Laurie Gardiner on Malcolm Robertson (02) 6288 9343 (02) 6293 4191 to arrange a time to Greg Whitfield 0498 107 658 do the work or just to have a look. The Service Centre, and use of club tools, is free to Club Members. Restoration Brian Oxley (02) 6281 2351 Mike Stearn (02) 6231 1716 Malcolm Robertson (02) 6288 9343
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 67
Marquet
Australia's only dedicated MG and British Classic Car classifieds web site. Developed by an MG enthusiast for all MG and British Calssic Car enthusiasts & owners. https://bccbss.com.au/
Parts All in working order, available as individual items Prefer to go for intended use , Not for storage , they are off my Big Black A. Contact :- Graeme , P/# M 0436769497. H 02 62994920
68 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019
1970 MG BL MkII. Aust built. Owned and used on MG Club activities for 17 years. A very tidy example of the Australian built Leyland MGB A near new hood compliments a relatively new interior. The car has been completely rewired and and de-”Lucas’d” A rusted boot floor has been replaced, and the head has been converted for unleaded fuel use, fed by near new carburettors. A good runner for age but space and health preclude retention.
Price: $16,000 ono Contact: Tony Roberts 6156 5101
MG Y Parts FREE to good Home A Canberra MG Y enthusiast is soon to downsize and looking to share his collec- tion with other interested people, and, the most attractive part is, the parts are ''free to a good home''.
An indication of parts available: front mudguard, running boards, sun roof, boot lid, doors, pipe work, wheels, grille parts, 2 x chassis, seats, diffs and lots more.
If you can ''help'' to rehome some of these, call Bernie on 0410616643. He's presently building, so if the 'phone doesn't answer immediately, please leave a message.
ACT NUMBER PLATE MG 167 $50.00 Contact Greg Jones ph. 0421998159 Email [email protected]
September 2019 Tappet Chatter 69
December 2002 Rover 75 Connoisseur Sedan (Sep ‘19)
2.5 Litre V6 Quad Cam EFI Automatic. First Registered in Australia 2003.
Champagne exterior and biscuit leather interior. This is a well cared for luxury sedan in outstanding condition. Travelled 129,436 kilometres since new. NSW Registration until February 2020.
$5,950 Enquiries - Paul Smith - 0405 409 501
70 MG Car Club Canberra September 2019