SPRING 2012 motoringclassics.co.uk bmh-ltd.com

THE MGBAND AT • Classic Motorsport 2012 • Important New Products From BMH50 2 COVER PHOTO: THE WORKS MGB OF HOPKIRK/HEDGES, LE MANS, 1965 (BILL PRICE) MOTORING CLASSICS tips… great and offers news, latest the all For CONTENTS Web: Bespoken Design andproduction Web: Email: Gordon Bruce Associates Editorial Email: [email protected] Tel: +44(0)1993 707200 0X29 0YB,United Kingdom Road, Cotswold Business Park, Witney Limited, Range Publisher Heritage anditsretail trading arm. and onlinepublication ofBritishMotor NB Motoring Classics effects from errors oromissions. can accept noresponsibility for any magazine’s contents are correct but makes every effort to ensure the is strictly prohibited. The publisher written permission ofthepublisher photograph orillustration without in wholeorany partofany text, Motoring Classics 10 14 12 4 9 6 8 3 bespokenmedia.com gordonbruce.com [email protected] Braking News From TheFederation Fresh Facts Motorsport 2012 Classic Classic Character Missing Moniker From BMH New Products B InBritain? TheWho Put Leyland Triumph The Spitfire: A

© reproduction |SPRING 2012

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WELCOME neither a designer nor industry mogul,neither adesignernorindustry and the Triumph Spitfire. –theubiquitousMGB this occasion had spacetwoonly on tocelebrate tothemall,tribute we but sadly Spitfire. We’d love to have paid Jensen CV8, MGBand Triumph Elan,Lotus Ford Cortina, BMC1100, hectic 12months were the AC Cobra, thatbroke those cover during classics and among themany now coveted also avintage launches, year UKcar for Bondinaugural film, first single, Me Do’, ‘Love andthe 1962 –itwas the year oftheBeatles company thatceasedmanufacture of Missing Moniker is WSM –thetiny Denis Jenkinson.one andonly The We are, of course, talkingaboutthe his greatest victory.to arguably Moss Stirling andassistedSir reports race thousands offans via his monthly for tolife brought motorsport but a much adored who eccentric copy of Motoring Classics, which will then then will which be emailed free directly Classics, to you your every quarter. for up Motoring of sign copy to page Magazine the Visit magazine for your free Subscribe This issue’s ClassicCharacter was motoringclassics.co.uk Dr No Dr . It was

and click on on click and Editor Editor Gordon Bruce movement. vehicle historic Enjoy! on theUK’slatest survey £4.3billion fascinating findings ofthe FBHVC’s products the Heritage andreview Motor British details ofsome new motoring. modern updatedfor suitably be can systems braking how classic 2012.MGBs during Healsodetails racing plannedfor events motorsport and outlines the many exciting racing series,Thoroughbred Sportscar season’s Classics-sponsored Motoring John Yea, talksusthrough the coming in2009. tolife back in1965, Sprites Healey butsprang its pretty, special-bodiedAustin butnotleast,Last you we bring MotorHeritage’sBritish MD,

motoringclassics.co.uk 1963 (BMIHT) The MGBline at Abingdon,

CREDITS: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX TRIUMPH SPITFIRESLUG

Like the MGB, the Spitfire is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year (BMIHT) THE SPITFIRE A LEYLAND TRIUMPH

here have been many four- from the merger with Leyland steering featured an amazing turning wheeled casualties of Britain’s brought the green light. The Spitfire circle, matched only by that of a Tup-and-down motor industry, was finally launched at the London London taxi! In comparison with and the Triumph Spitfire very nearly Motorshow, 50 years ago this year. the diminutive Sprite, the Spitfire swelled the list. A new had The chassis ended up stiffer and offered more interior space and been mooted by the company for a 8.5in shorter than the Herald’s. luggage accommodation, a larger while, but finally began taking shape Power came from the four-cylinder fuel tank and the convenience of in 1960 in response to the success of OHV Herald 1200 (1,147cc) unit wind-up windows. BMC’s Frogeyed Sprite. Spurning equipped with a higher lift camshaft, Spridget fans may blanch at the the industry’s move to monocoque 9.0:1 compression ratio and a pair of thought, but figures suggest the construction, Triumph saw advantages 1.25in SU carburetters. Peak output Spitfire outsold its BMC competitors in basing its new model on modified was 63bhp at 5,750rpm – sufficient for for almost two decades. By the time versions of the Herald’s backbone a top speed of 92mph and a time of production ceased with the 1500 chassis and running gear. As with 15.5 seconds for the 0-60mph dash. model in August 1980, 309,640 had the Herald, the body was penned by The engine was mated to the Herald’s been built, more than 77 per cent of Italian stylist Giovanni Michelotti. four-speed manual gearbox and the which were exported. The model also However, by the time the promising- fully independent suspension was enjoyed a successful competition looking prototype (code-named from the same source – there was a career, being raced in such major Bomb!) arrived from Turin in October tendency for the rear wheels to tuck events as Le Mans and Sebring and 1960, Standard-Triumph was in severe under during hard cornering, but this campaigned in the Alpine, Monte financial trouble and the car ended up problem was finally eradicated with Carlo and RAC rallies, among others. sitting under a dust sheet for months, the MK IV version. Braking was by Not a bad record for a model that until funds and enthusiasm resulting discs/drums and the rack and pinion was so nearly stillborn. motoringclassics.co.uk SPRING 2012 | MOTORING CLASSICS 3 4 WHO PUT THE B T MOTORING CLASSICS MotorShow,London while the was a majorsuccess ofthe1962 The broke cover first and the complete withmore thana hint of withinMG, wasevolved of which car,monocoque sports thedesign of into averitable record library name books its etch of motorists and of manner all hearts toeverything win the at Bwas enough good the unremarkable, technically Though was exported. production 80% of the to wherearound America, now is celebrated world car being the oversports North in –not least popular immensely of this Well birthday 50th of the course, MG and 1965 (BMIHT) A Roadster at rest, company’s record-breaker EX 181. MGA, theBwasMG’s first thebody-on-chassis for he long-awaited replacement

IN |SPRING 2012

IAN? RITAIN B

The tailgate andfold-down rear seat. opening with its Aston Martinesque the and ofthe opencar hair motoring between thewind-in-the- choose many it appeared three years later. The penned GT lauded when was equally proportioned - beautifully practicality ofthe2+2Coupe,practicality car was smart enough to be enough to be wassmart car fans of the model could now fans ofthe model couldnow memorable derivatives.memorable the B spawned anumberof de laRoute at theNürburgring. the 84-hour-long 1966 Marathon and winoutright Rally Monte Carlo Mans, inthe victory class achieve versions to finish atLe 11thoverall modified for sporting sufficiently welcome inany company, while During its 18-year reign,During motoringclassics.co.uk

CREDITS: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX MGB

Rover’s ubiquitous V8 engine the (now ) hierarchy, provided extra oomph for numerous the MGB continued into 1980, cars over the years and, 40lb lighter by which time a staggering than the B’s standard four-cylinder 514,834 examples had left the 1,798cc unit, it was the obvious famous Abingdon production solution to endowing the model with line – making it not only the more performance. Although BMC best-selling MG of all time, but opted for less output (137bhp) than comfortably the biggest volume Ken Costello had for his aftermarket sports car of its generation. Despite V8 conversion (150bhp), the MGB such phenomenal success on both V8 was a fine touring car – good sides of the Atlantic, Leyland not examples of which are suitably sought only axed the B from its portfolio, after today. They are also hard to find, but the MG brand as well, making Don’t miss the MGB50 as the variant was only manufactured October 23, 1980 the end of celebration book in Coupe form, of which a mere 2,591 a truly memorable era. were produced. Twelve years later, the company British Motor Heritage can supply The MGC was evolved as a potential created the handbuilt RV8 in an everything from a boot lid hinge to a replacement for the Healey 3000. As attempt to simultaneously reverse the complete new shell, produced on the both V4 and V6 engines had been brand’s fortunes prior to the launch original tooling – 2,477 of the latter considered for the B at birth, there of the MGF and commemorate the have been made so far. had always been plenty of room in the MGB’s 30th anniversary. It was based engine bay for bigger powerplants, and on the British Motor Heritage MGB The Book of the B an updated version of the six-cylinder shell, powered by a 187bhp 3.9-litre As part of the celebrations, the C-Series unit was eventually chosen version of the V8 and featured MGB50 Committee (comprising for the C. Unlike the Rover one, this a thoroughly reworked interior. 2,009 representatives of the MG Car Club was an overly heavy engine and, along examples were produced. and MG Owners’ Club) is producing with the move to torsion bar front Happily, a very high percentage of its own collectors’ book on everybody’s suspension, created a car of very all variants of the MGB remain in favourite sports car. Professionally different handling characteristics. The existence around the world. The model designed and printed on quality paper, press panned it from the outset – a is simple to repair and restore and it highlights the more fascinating public drubbing from which it never parts are readily available. Indeed, aspects of the car’s history and recovered – and production ceased at development, and its competition 8,999 units. In fact, improving the 2012 celebrations exploits (past and present). It also handling is a simple task and those It’s going to be a big party, with features the B’s various derivatives, activities already announced across lucky enough to have an MGC in their four continents – see mgb50.com plus the original Autocar road test. garage today know only too well what for details. The big bashes in the Further details of this not-to-be-missed an endearing car it is. UK will be MG Live! (June 23-24), publication will be available on the the Silverstone Classic (July 20-22) Despite dwindling support from and Blenheim Palace (September clubs’ and BMH websites in due course. 23). We’ll see you there! The MGB featured design cues from the company’s record-breaking EX 181 (BMIHT)

motoringclassics.co.uk SPRING 2012 | MOTORING CLASSICS 5 The last production MGB Roadster is persuaded into the Abingdon County Hall Museum

WELCOME HOME The last MGB Roadster makes a dramatic return to Abingdon

ritish Motor Heritage’s ‘post’ it sideways through one of usual role is manufacturing the arched upstairs windows, the Breplacement parts for others to first task was to strip it to its bare fit. Its input in December’s dramatic shell. A specially designed cradle was homecoming of the last production crafted, from which the car could be MGB Roadster was rather different. suspended while it was hoisted up The car belongs to the Heritage and through the minimal space Motor Centre at Gaydon and has available. The job was cunningly been placed on indefinite loan to the timed to coincide with the road Abingdon County Hall Museum. outside being closed for late-night However, while most such projects Christmas shopping. would entail a journey by transporter This allowed access for the gigantic followed by a quick push through 30 ton scissor lift required to raise the a suitably wide door, practical car to the required height. Thanks to limitations created by the picturesque careful preparation and no little skill 17th-century building called for a far from those involved, two hours more complex solution, for which after it had arrived back in the town BMH provided both technical of its birth, the MGB was safely resource and financial backing. housed in its new home without As the only way of getting the so much as a scratch on its Bronze Roadster inside the picturesque bodywork. BMH’s final task was Grade I listed premises was to to put the car back together again.

6 MOTORING CLASSICS | SPRING 2012 motoringclassics.co.uk WELCOME HOME

BMH is now making galvanised fuel tanks – this one’s for the

the model, which have been unavailable for the past year or so. Open-top fun They are manufactured on the – the MGF (MPL, National original tooling in the same zinc Motor Museum) coated steel as the original panels and, like all such BMH products, finished in industry standard electrophoretic paint. They are available now from all the company’s MG specialists, as listed on the website bmh-ltd.com. The suggested retail price is the same as when the items were last available – £72.60 A BMH replacement sill for the MGF per sill, including VAT.

The museum is currently turn is increasing the interest in …and new galvanised undergoing restoration and, by the replacement parts for these pretty fuel tanks for most time it reopens this summer, the B mid-engined two-seaters. MGBs, , Midgets will form the centrepiece of a suitably Under the circumstances, and Spitfires large MG display. Said BMH’s British Motor Heritage is delighted The Achilles heel of most original Managing Director John Yea: ‘As the to announce the reintroduction of fuel tanks is their lack of corrosion only manufacturer of original-quality both left- (ALG460050) and right- resistance. This is especially true replacement panels and complete hand (ALG460040) sill panels for of MGB ones, which tend to rust bodyshells for the ubiquitous MGB, from the top down due to the we felt we were the appropriate water trap between the tank and company to help bring this challenging the boot floor. task to fruition for all concerned. To overcome the problem, ‘As 2012 is the 50th anniversary BMH has invested in the of this perennially popular sports car, refurbishment of its roller welder, it is very fitting that a representative the uprated performance of which example will be proudly displayed in has allowed the company to the town where over 500,000 were manufacture the pressings from built, a high percentage of which Further information on BMH’s galvanised rather than ordinary were exported to America.’ ever-increasing range of steel. All the new tanks are produced replacement parts for the Mini; using this original tooling and to the From MGB MG B, RV8, F, TF and Midget; Triumph TR6, TR7, TR8, Spitfire, original specification – ie, if the shells to MGF sills… GT6 and Stag; Austin-Healey original tank was equipped with Sprite; etc can be The world is cottoning on to what found at bmh-ltd.com, along baffles, then so is the replacement incredible value MGFs represent with a global list of suppliers. one, which is not the case with in the current market, which in examples sourced elsewhere. motoringclassics.co.uk SPRING 2012 | MOTORING CLASSICS 7 MISSING MONIKER

MISSING MONIKER

A WSM shot from 1963: (L-R) Douglas Wilson-Spratt, Peter Jackson, Jim McManus, George Snively (who’d come from the USA to receive and ship 203S) and WSM Mike White (who was collecting 205S) There’s a bit of journalistic licence in choosing WSM as the second manufacturer in our Missing Moniker series – although the last of the original cars was built in 1965, the marque made an unexpected, phoenix- like re-emergence 44 years later and is therefore missing no longer

he WSM story began in 1961, player at Delta Garage, who had bodied chassis 206S, successfully when Peter Jackson damaged previously been sales manager at the campaigned by Douglas Wilson- This Sebring Sprite on the Motor Company Spratt himself – the current Gold Leaf Rally and commissioned premises in London. Though each whereabouts of which is unknown. a bespoke new alloy bodyshell from WSM Sprite was arguably unique, Four other cars received the WSM Peels Coachworks of Kingston. there were ostensibly two types treatment in period – an MG 1100 With input from his boss at Delta offered – the GT, which was based saloon, Healey 3000, Jaguar XK150 Garage, Leighton Buzzard – designer, on an unmodified Sprite chassis and MGB. The latter is now owned racing driver and aviator Douglas and primarily intended for road by Douglas’s son, Tony Wilson-Spratt, Wilson-Spratt – a notably pretty use, and the Sprint, which featured along with WSM Sprites 208S and rapid racer was created. The a lightened chassis and was aimed and 301GT. potential to commercialise such a at competition customers. The bodies Douglas passed away in April last car was evident and a prototype were formed in either aluminium or year, only weeks away from his 90th (chassis 201S) was built and unveiled fibreglass, depending on the weight birthday, but not before hearing that at Silverstone in October 1962. requirements of the customer. Probably his beloved ‘Wuzzums’ (as his wife The response was positive and the lightest of all was the fibreglass- Laurette nicknamed them) had just sparked a production run qualified 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th of 10 Sprite MKII-based and 10th for an HRDC cars, several of which were Touring Greats race at exported to America and Brands Hatch. Moreover, mainland Europe and at under the guidance of his least six of which remain son Tony, five ‘Sanction 2’ in regular use today. WSMs were already in build The name WSM is a and others available to order Tony Wilson-Spratt compounding of Wilson- campaigning 208S at – see wsmcars.com. Douglas Spratt and McManus – Jim Brands Hatch, 2009 had every reason to die a McManus being another key proud and happy man.

8 MOTORING CLASSICS | SPRING 2012 motoringclassics.co.uk CLASSIC CHARACTER DENIS JENKINSON (1920-1996)

‘Panda eyes’ – Jenks and Stirling Moss celebrate their Mille Miglia victory

t has been said that achievers achieve It was there he met and the rest of us either tell them Bill Boddy, who Iwhat to do (teachers) or report on was editing Jenks’s their results (journalists). But there favourite magazine will always be exceptions – multi- in his spare time. talented characters for whom one Driving a £250 classification is insufficient. Denis Frazer Nash, he Sargent Jenkinson was just such a competed in the mortal. As vital a component of motor first post-war UK racing as the starting grid or chequered motorsport event. flag, he will never be forgotten by those However, it was Jenks’s favourite who played a part in his endearingly soon exchanged photo of eccentric existence, or those for for a more himself that he christened whom he brought motorsport fully affordable ‘two cranks to life via his 40-plus years as the 350cc Norton together’ Continental Correspondent for International, and Motor Sport magazine. it was astride this Jenks to his friends and DSJ to his that he joined the continental racing loyal readers, was born in London in circus in 1948, and progressed not on the 1955 Mille Miglia, aided by a December 1920 and obsessed by cars only to passengering Eric Oliver in self-devised metal box housing a from the age of three. By 12 he had the inaugural FIM Sidecar World 14.5ft-long roll of carefully-honed discovered Motor Sport, for which he Championship of 1949, but helping instructions – the prototype for today’s religiously saved the required eight him to outright victory in the Series. rally pace notes. pence a month. By his teens, he was By 1953, he’d abandoned his own Diminutive in form but a colossus cycling up to 220 miles a week, competition career to cover F1 for in character, the red-bearded Jenks attending every race and hillclimb Motor Sport fulltime. In that revered was highly respected by the drivers event he could. Always of firm role he travelled up to 45,000 miles he reported on – not least Senna, convictions, he registered as a a year, progressing from a company Clark and Moss. Of modest means conscientious objector in 1940, Lancia Fulvia via a Porsche 356 (his ramshackle Hampshire home had and on completing his engineering to a Jaguar E-Type. Jenks’s finest neither mains electricity nor water!), studies joined the Royal Aircraft achievement, though, was surely his legacy of motorsport books and GP LIBRARY OF GEOFFREY GODDARD/THE COURTESY PHOTOS: Establishment at Farnborough. co-driving Stirling Moss to victory articles is however as rich as they come.

motoringclassics.co.uk SPRING 2012 | MOTORING CLASSICS 9 A quartet of Works MGBs that will be in action during 2012

CLASSIC MOTORSPORT 2012 British Motor Heritage MD John Yea previews the Motoring Classics- sponsored MGCC Thoroughbred Sportscar Championship and his own season on track

otoring Classics is pleased and Class B 1964 MGB Roadster. a full grid of 50 cars. I hope to be proud to be supporting the This year being the 50th anniversary among them for what should be a MMG Car Club Thoroughbred of the MGB, there are a number very special event. Sportscar Championship again this of racing events planned to mark MGBs will also be represented year. The provisional 2012 calendar the occasion. The premier one at the 2012 Le Mans Classic event, is shown opposite and features races is being staged by the MG Car Club courtesy of Barry Sidery-Smith in his on many of the best UK circuits, at MG Live!, on the Silverstone Grand ex-Works Le Mans racer (DRX 255C) and may even include a rare foray Prix circuit during the weekend of and Anthony Binnington in his ex- overseas to the fabulous Spa June 23-24. Sebring car – Motoring Classics is Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. This is a 50-minute race for two planning to support their endeavours. Once more I will be contesting the drivers competing in FIA-compliant There is also an MGB 50th race series series at selected meetings in my MGB Roadsters, and is likely to attract being organised by Julius Thurgood

10 MOTORING CLASSICS | SPRING 2012 motoringclassics.co.uk CLASSIC MOTORSPORT 2012 and his respected HRDC organisation, The BMH MGB has another busy details of which can be found at the season ahead of it… website hrdc.eu. I shall be competing in the MG Car Club’s new Ecurie GTS series too, dates for which are also included below. This is one of two series to have evolved from the old Equipe GTS one, which suffered organisation problems last year. It is for FIA specification ’60s sports cars, and with the benefit of seasoned racers on its committee and the excellent administrative support one has come to expect from the MG Car Club, it will hopefully enjoy a stable platform going forward. A popular concept, it is known for the high-quality ...keep an eye open for the presentation of the BMH Midget too meetings. and has been established under the cars and the strict The only wing of the new Club enforcement of exception Racing (AMCR) organisation. It is good driving is the MG expected to comprise 30-minute-long, standards, which makes it appealing Live! two-day extravaganza, where single-driver races at five meetings to competitors, spectators and race there will be a single 50-minute race, throughout the year, plus two organisers alike. recognising that many MGB drivers 30-minute races at the St John The 2012 season will comprise will also want to compete in the special Horsfall trophy meeting that’s being two 30-minute races at MG Car anniversary race that weekend. held over the Queens Jubilee holiday Club two-day events, and a single Somewhat confusingly, the second ( June 4-5) on the Brands Hatch 50-minute one at MGCC one-day series retains the Equipe GTS name Indy circuit.

Date Circuit Organising Series Race It will also form part of the Club Duration AMOC sprint event at Goodwood. April 8 Donington MG CC Motoring Classics 20 mins This series will benefit from the Ecurie GTS 50 mins professional organisation of the May 5 Brands Hatch MG CC Motoring Classics 20 mins AMCR and the invaluable Ecurie GTS 30 mins experience of Jim Lowry, one of May 6 Brands Hatch MG CC Motoring Classics 20 mins the original founders of Equipe Ecurie GTS 30 mins GTS. Hopefully, the two GTS series June 4 Donington Morgan SCC Motoring Classics 20 mins will develop complementary paths June 23/24 Silverstone GP MG CC Motoring Classics 20 mins with similar regulations, so further Ecurie GTS 50 mins widening the choice of events for August 11 Oulton Park MG CC Motoring Classics 20 mins FIA-specification cars. Ecurie GTS 50 mins All in all, there is a fantastic array of events from which to choose, August 27 Castle Combe CCRC Motoring Classics 20 mins with the chance to drive on some Sept 9 Thruxton MG CC Motoring Classics 20 mins of the best British circuits. As if Ecurie GTS 50 mins this wasn’t enough, we are planning Sept 22/23 Spa, Belgium BSS Motoring Classics 60 mins to sprint and hillclimb the BMH Snetterton October 13 MG CC Motoring Classics 20 mins 200 MG Midget when the dates don’t clash with our circuit plans; so yet Ecurie GTS 30 mins Snetterton again ensuring a good variety of October 14 MG CC Ecurie GTS 30 mins 200 driving disciplines. We will bring Heritage Relay 240 mins you news of our exploits as the year unfolds. motoringclassics.co.uk SPRING 2012 | MOTORING CLASSICS 11 The FBHVC’s latest research report

The Scottish Military Vehicle Club on manoeuvres FRESH FACTS FROM THE FEDERATION Our hobby now contributes £4.3 billion to the UK economy

e owners and drivers of continue enjoying our old Classic Vehicle Clubs Committee historic vehicles know cars, motorcycles, commercial (CVCC), the Federation achieves Wbetter than to assume vehicles etc in this gloriously its aim by: they will start first time, or that air unrestricted way. To that end, its will have remained in their tyres since membership comprises 500 clubs • Monitoring legislative the last outing. However, we do take (representing 250,000 people), developments and responding it for granted that, once they’re firing transport museums, 300 or so to consultations as necessary on all cylinders, we can drive them specialist traders and many exactly where and when we choose. individual supporters. • Lobbying MPs, MEPs, civil The purpose of the Federation of Formed in 1988 by the servants and Government British Historic Vehicle Clubs amalgamation of the Historic Vehicle agencies so they are aware (FBHVC) is to try to ensure we can Clubs Committee (HVCC) and the of our interests and needs

12 MOTORING CLASSICS | SPRING 2012 motoringclassics.co.uk FBHVC

• Liaising with • 82% of these vehicles in whatever capacity. related bodies are used no more than Said John Yea, the MD of British in the UK and twice a month and Motor Heritage (an avid supporter of Europe in order cover fewer than 500 the FBHVC and its work): ‘We are to share concerns miles a year very lucky to have such a dedicated body and information looking after the interests of our hobby and maximise • They are responsible and the industry that underpins it. political influence for just 0.24% of the overall ‘The FBHVC enjoys the respect traffic mileage and cross-party support of our • Publicising its lobbying activity politicians, and has more than and informing its subscribers of • 68% of the vehicles are valued proved its worth in staving off measures that might affect historic at less than £10,000 legislation that could have so badly vehicle owners affected the old vehicle fraternity. • There are 4.5 million person- It relies on the voluntary services It also regularly researches the British attendances per annum of events of some very dedicated and gifted historic vehicle movement so it has organised by FBHVC clubs individuals, and I have no hesitation up-to-date facts that allow a quick and in encouraging all enthusiasts, clubs, effective response to any worrying • 52% of the traders involved in the relevant businesses etc to support developments – eg, proposed changes movement expect their businesses the Federation’s activities in any way in fuels, taxation, emission regulations, to grow over the next five years and they can.’ MOTs etc. The most recent such 41% expect to recruit new staff report was published last December, during that period and makes extremely interesting and, An eclectic gathering at Bishopstone in the main, very encouraging reading. The only really downbeat message The stand-out findings from this very seems to be that 66% of traders comprehensive document show: are concerned about increasing regulation hampering future growth • The value of the UK historic – an understandable fear that vehicle movement had risen from underlines exactly why the FBHVC £3.3 billion per annum in 2006 to is so important to all those involved no less than £4.3 billion in 2011 in the historic vehicle movement,

• The export value of such business is now almost £1 billion per annum

• The number of people employed by the movement is 28,000

• There are over 850,000 pre-1981 vehicles in Britain today

Drive It Day 2012 April 22 One of the ways the Federation maintains and raises awareness for the historic vehicle movement each year is by encouraging owners to take to the roads en masse on a dedicated day. That day is always the nearest Sunday to April 23, the date in 1900 when 64 cars set off from London on the Thousand Mile Trial – an incredible undertaking so early in the history of motoring and one surely well worthy of ongoing celebration. Further details of the FBHVC, its many activities (including Drive It Day) and the recent survey can be The Cornish Austin found at the body’s excellent 7 Club in search of website, fbhvc.co.uk. a cream tea motoringclassics.co.uk SPRING 2012 | MOTORING CLASSICS 13 PowerStop’s X25 brake upgrade kit for the MGB

BRAKING NEWS! FROM MOTORING CLASSICS by British Motor Heritage MD, John Yea

fficient and effective brakes performance, particularly the braking, any car of 30 years old or more will are a necessity for safe and will be compromised. take far longer to arrest than even the Eenjoyable motoring. They are It is too easy to take a car’s brakes for most basic of contemporary small the second most important part of any granted, and ensuring that the system vehicles, most of which have anti-lock car in my personal opinion, coming is in good condition is an absolute braking (ABS) and electronic stability only behind tyres. Tyres top the list must. We also need to recognise that control (ESC) systems as standard. simply because they are the only point braking performance is a field in which Driving most classics with original of contact with the road. They need to there have been huge improvements in braking systems requires drivers to be be the size and make specified for the recent years. So much so that many keenly aware of all road hazards and car, in good condition with adequate classic cars, particularly those of the traffic around them, as the tread depth and inflated to the correct relatively humble origin, cannot begin stopping distance required is likely to pressure. If they are not, every other to match the stopping power of be much higher. Added to which, there aspect of the car’s safety and modern machines. Indeed almost are too many sub-standard brake parts

14 MOTORING CLASSICS | SPRING 2012 motoringclassics.co.uk BRAKES on the market, and I am available from stock, but there is particularly concerned about a bespoke service through which some of the very cheap pads and any shoes can be relined quickly linings that are sold within the and efficiently. classic sector. It is an old adage Equally important is the hydraulic that there is no such thing as a operating system, and it is all too ‘free lunch’, and with brake easy to suffer from poor braking components I’m afraid you largely performance through loss of efficiency get what you pay for. In the extreme, in these components. All brake lines cheap brakes might not just cost you should be checked regularly, as should your car, but your life as well. Vented PowerStop disc plus Greenstuff the master cylinder, disc callipers and Fear not, however, as help is at pads equals powerful braking wheel cylinders. A frequent weak hand, and it is relatively easy to point in these older systems is the enhance braking performance without performance of the MGB and the flexible hoses on the front wheels. The excessive expenditure. For example, the Triumph TR6. The PowerStop X25 traditional rubber type deteriorate over acclaimed range of EBC brake pads package for the MGB includes thicker time, literally bulging when the brakes is a proven and cost effective means of brake discs that result in faster heat are applied and reducing the available obtaining an immediate improvement, dissipation and, when coupled with braking effort. PowerStop offers an with the fitment of Greenstuff pads Greenstuff pads, dramatically increases easy solution to this problem with the demonstrably improving the braking the available stopping power. The TR6 availability of the acclaimed range of performance of disc-braked cars. kit features vented discs for even better Goodridge reinforced hoses. British Motor Heritage became the heat dissipation. As with the B kit, So before venturing on to the road classic sector distributor for EBC brakes when paired with Greenstuff pads, with your cherished classic, make sure when it acquired PowerStop Brakes, the results are extremely rewarding. the braking system is as efficient as it and the entire range is available Of course, rear brakes should not can be. Confidence in its stopping through motoringclassics.co.uk. be ignored either, and PowerStop also power will pay big dividends in your Going a stage further, there are offers replacement brake shoes fitted overall driving experience. The best two PowerStop-developed kits that with either competition or standard news is that this peace of mind comes will further enhance the braking materials. Common fitments are at relatively little cost.

EBC have developed their world renowned brake discs and pads for your classic and they are available from the PowerStop on-line shop at Motoring Classics.

EBC ‘Greenstuff’ pads give - REAL stopping power - HIGH grip - LOW dust

EBC ‘Redstuff’pads are a heavy duty upgrade for sport, race and high performance road use.

EBC ‘Yellowstuff’ pads are the  agship award- on-line at winning race and extreme road brake pad. www.motoringclassics.co.uk or phone 01993 707230

motoringclassics.co.uk SPRING 2012 | MOTORING CLASSICS 15 Tailpiece – three Works Spitfires at Le Mans, 1964

Choose equipment for your Triumph Spit re or clothing and accessories for yourself from top British brands, onlinee at Motoring Classics. Buy on-line at Motoring Classics or contact: British Motor Heritage Limited, Range Road, Witney, OX29 0YB t: 01993 707200 e: [email protected]