Tappet Chatter

Journal of the MG Club of Canberra.

INSIDE

Tappet Chatter June 2013 Number 376—June 2013

www.yallourn.com

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Tappet Chatter

Contents: Official Journal of the MG Car Club Canberra Inc Office Bearers 4 ABN: 49 156 199 381 President’s Message 5 Torque 6 Correspondence to: 50 Sheds of Grey - Mike Stearn 8 Post Office Box 4141 Elixir of Life 13 Weston Creek ACT 2611 Home Page: Details of Aussie MG Distributor emerge 15 www.mgcccanberra.org.au MG SUV Confirmed for OZ in 2014 19 Googong Dam run 20 Natmeet 2014 Bulletin 1 24 Club Calendar 26 Monthly Meetings are held Club Events 28 on the second Thursday of Sporting Report 29 each month, (except MG Cycling in bonus race 35 January), at St Peter's Anglican Church Hall, cnr of A Rare sight indeed…. 39 Parkinson St and Watling Pl, Motor Racing Report 43 Weston at 7.45pm. Help Line 46 Marquet 47 A ‘Lunchtime Natter’ is held at Lotus Bay, Yarralumla (near the Yacht Club) is held each Tuesday from 12.30pm.

The MG Car Club Canberra Inc. accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of articles, correspondence, opinions and advertisements contained herein. Cover photograph

Andrew Hutt in the MGB V8 mit navigator at the Articles may be copied for Motorkhana publication but an acknowledgement is expected.

Acknowledgments – thank you to all who contributed articles and photographs for the Printed Post magazine. Approved Material for the June magazine should be PP237008 00007 with the Editor by Monday 1 July 2013.

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MG CAR CLUB CANBERRA INC.

LIFE MEMBERS: Brian Darke, Margaret Brown OAM, Peter Daley, Malcolm Robertson, Ian Holden and Brian Oxley.

COMMITTEE 2012 - 2013

President: Peter Dechaineux 6281 5917 or 0409 350 984 [email protected]

Treasurer: Laurie Gardiner 6293 4191 (h) 0418 488 931

[email protected]

Secretary: Greg Whitfield 0498 107 658 [email protected]

Asst. Secretary: Graeme Rossiter (02) 6288 2477 (h) 0431 930 710 (Display Events) [email protected]

Public Officer: Greg Whitfield See above

Sporting Secretary: Kent Brown 6255 4943 or 0412 558 029 (also Vice President) [email protected]

Editor: Mark Horsfield 0415 400 044 [email protected]

NON COMMITTEE 2012 - 2013

Social Coordinators: Bruce & Margaret Murray 629 61077 or 0412 322 453 [email protected] CACTMC Delegates: Laurie Gardiner see above Geoff Piddington 6291 8063 [email protected]

Registrar CRS Historic Plates: John Harriott 6292 8420 (H) 6247 8266 (W) Greg Whitfield see above

Regalia: Tony & Judy Laughton 6255 5207 [email protected]

Club Library: Geoff Nickols 6239 7339

CAMS Delegate: Kent Brown see above

Natmeet Coordinator Greg Whitfield see above

Club Car Trailer: Contact: Laurie Gardiner see above Alternate: Nigel French (02) 6163 5551

Tappet Chatter Distribution: Bruce and 6296 1077 Margaret Murray [email protected]

Club Workshop & Laurie Gardiner (02) 6293 4191 Equipment: Nigel French (02) 6163 5551

Webmaster: Pip Herr [email protected]

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President’s Message

he Committee has resolved that for the financial year 2013/14, the Club T will support the Yellow as our Community Support organisation. The Yellow Van rescues excess food from food retailers, restaurants, event cater- ers and corporate offices, and distributes it to charities and refuges supporting vulnerable people in the Canberra region. This service is free to both the donors of food and the charities who receive it. For more information on this organisation, search the web for “The Yellow Van food rescue”. Discussion on Facebook continues, and our webmaster, Pip Herr, is developing guidelines on its use with the aim of making the MGCCC page secure and, in particular, restricted as to who can enter messages and photos. Also, the intent is to monitor all postings to ensure that the content is acceptable be- fore it is shown on our Facebook page. Congratulations to Kent Brown for the Motorkhana on May 26th, the event was well attended and resulted in a number of new Club memberships. If you have not already put your name down for the annual Presentation Din- ner on 27 July, please give it your consideration – it promises to be a fun eve- ning. Current planning is to launch our new website in August, and by this time the data on the current website will be reviewed and updated. The 2014 Natmeet will be held in Ballina over the Easter weekend (18-22 April). The format for the event will be significantly different from previous years in that it will be essentially a social occasion without the normal com- petitive/sporting events. Further information can be obtained from our Secre- tary Greg Whitfield. Don’t forget our social run to the Old Cheese Factory at Reidsdale on 23 Jun. Further details are available in this magazine. A major event this year is the Canberra Centenary Rally on 19 and 20 October 2013. This event is being run by the National Trust and promises to be a highlight of Australian motoring. Further details are available at http://www.nationaltrust.org.au/act/Rally. Happy MotorinG

Peter Dechaineux

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Torque

Magnette 60th Anniversary http://www.nationaltrust.org.au/ act/Rally Magnette 60th Anniversary Cele- brations, Strathalbyn, SA Saturday 2014 Natmeet 13th – Sunday 14th October 2013. See http://www.mgccsa.org.au/ The 2014 MG National Meeting Registers/MGA.html for more de- (Natmeet) will be held in Ballina tails and the EOI form. NSW from 18-22 April 2014. Hosted by the Gold Coast Guest Speaker MG Car Club, the 2014 Natmeet will trial a new abbreviated format; it Many thanks go to Mr. Bill Wood will have neither Motorkhana nor who attended our last meeting and Speed events. The schedule so far regaled us with tales of his life re- looks like this: pairing and selling MG's from the days of his apprenticeship until re-  Friday - Noggin & Natter c/w tiring from his company Morwood Rocker Cover Racing Motors.  Saturday - Concours & Theme Night  Sunday - Touring Assembly through Byron hinterland with a free night (perhaps take in the Byron BluesFest)  Monday: Touring Assembly through Ballina / Lismore hin- terland and the Presentation Dinner

The organisers emphasise that Bill Wood (right) with Club President Ballina is a popular tourist town and Peter Dechaineux is also very close to Byron Bay where the annual BluesFest is held Canberra Centenary Rally every Easter. Because of this ac- commodation can be a very scarce The National Trust of Australia Can- commodity. berra Centenary Rally will be held Natmeet Bulletin #1 has more in- 19-20 October. The closing date formation including an accommoda- for entries is 31 August. For fur- tion directory; you will find a copy ther information contact Graham of the Bulletin on our club website Gittins or visit: or see www.goldcoastmgcarclub.com.au 6 MGCCC June 2013

If you intend going to Natmeet tardy, and get those membership 2014 please contact Greg Whitfield subscriptions in. ([email protected]) so we can get a sense of numbers for accom- Your Magazine modation purposes. Below are the Judges comments on Membership Renewal Tappet Chatter from the National

Meeting 2013: It is that time of year again, where our Treasurer dons his leather suit, picks up his whip and motions us to Special Commendation renew our club membership. The advent of electronic banking has "Tappet Chatter is a well balanced made it easier for members to pay blend of reports, (executive and their dues and for committee repre- other), technical articles, touring, sentatives to process renewals. If competition news, book reviews, you wish to use electronic means to classifieds and other pieces. pay your membership, the details Printed on good stock, and varying can be found on the flysheet sur- in size between 48 and 56 pages, rounding this magazine. Con- this is a magazine I would look for- versely, if you wish to pay by cash ward to arriving in my letterbox if I you can do so by paying directly to were a member". the Treasure, who will provide a receipt. If you prefer to pay by I congratulate and thank all the cheque, simply complete the fly- contributors who make this maga- sheet and send it to the address zine what it is, an informative and indicated on the sheet. relevant, digression from reality. One benefit of membership is the issue of this outstanding Magazine each month delivered to A man walks into a bar…. you hand at the meeting, your let- terbox and your inbox. Don't be Idiot!!!

Advertising in Tappet Chatter

Advertising Rates :

Cover: Full Page $200.00 pa

Other: Full Page $170.00 pa Half Page $ 95.00 pa

Other - casual Full Page $ 35.00 per issue Half Page $ 22.00 per issue

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50 Sheds of Grey A peek into the secretive world of club members inner sanctums By Mark Horsfield

have heard you can define a man the land who could do whatever he I by his shed. This is true of Mike needed to with what he had. His Stearn. shed was very similar in appearance, As a generalisation, defining organisation, storage devices and the a man by his shed takes into account feel of the "Man-Shui". the size (as we all know size DOES It's quite ironic really be- matter) what toys, machines and cause as I got to know Mike a bit gizmos reside in the nooks and cran- better the more he reminded me of nies, and the uniqueness or quirki- my Grandfather (sorry Mike). As I ness of those one-off or antique got to know Mike the more and more items. I realised that he is not someone you With Mike it is completely the can define by what he has IN his opposite. If you did not know Mike shed, but rather, by what he doesn't and saw his shed you could be for- have, particularly when you consider given for thinking that Mike is a man what Mike has achieved in his cosy who does not spend much time there little single car dwelling. or does very little in the form of tink- The story of Mike's shed be- ering, for his is a shed devoid of gre- gins in a time long since past, in a garious and cumbersome machines, place far removed from it's tranquil high tech gadgetry or those things setting in Canberra. For Mike began that look really good and masculine his journey in the workshop of Nor- but don't do much at all. man G Booth’s of Mosman, Sydney, As a matter of fact, when I a GMH Dealer. It is now Mosman first walked into Mikes shed my mind Toyota. The photo of the "Wheels" took me back to my Grandfathers magazine cover was taken in January shed(s) in the little country town of or February 1967. The man on the Temora. He was a no fuss man of left is Keith Thomas & the man on the right is John Ninness. In January 1968 Mike started his apprenticeship in this workshop as a Motor Me- chanic. John was the Foreman & Keith was the Road Tester, he would be called a Quality Control Inspector today I guess! The workshop employed around thirty Mechanics & appren- tices, two Auto Electricians, two full Mrs Miniver, revelling in her own time Lube Operators, a dedicated company. Wheel Aligner, a storeman/toolroom 8 MGCCC June 2013

the release of the Holden Torana in 1967 there was a “hotted-up” ver- sion called the Brabham but I don’t think it could do a “Ton” either! I asked Mike why he has the photo hanging in such a prominent place in his shed with the response of "I have this photo in my workshop as it's a reminder of the trade I was taught by John & Keith & many oth- ers, & they are looking over my shoulder still to make sure I do it right!!

man & a Pre-Delivery section with four full -time staff. The empty bay between them & the next car was Mike's when it was considered he was safe to work on on his own without injury to himself or the cars, although there were qualified Me- chanics either side to help at any time. Mike spent 6 years of his working life in that bay! The car behind is a FE or a FC I think & a HR is in the distance. The HR Holden was new when Mike started although 3 weeks later the HK model was released. It came in under cover of darkness & they worked late into the night pre- Mike retired from this field of work as delivering the cars ready for the pub- an NRMA Road Service mechanic so lic release. Quite heady times for the he was quite used to trouble shoot- Australian car industry. ing, innovating and repairing auto- Keith & John are “hotting up” mobiles with nothing more than scis- a Vauxhall Viva for “Wheels” maga- sors and duct tape. It was probably zine, to try & get it to do a “Ton”, (not sure why really!), later on with (Continued on page 11)

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Want to service your MG? Got a rattle that is hard to find?

Our Club has a well-equipped under-cover service centre with four post hoist, 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 members Nigel French on 6163 5551 or 0413 646321, or Laurie Gardiner (Club equipment custodian) 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.

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this line of work that has shaped Mike has rebuilt his own MGA from Mikes shed because, as I mentioned the ground up, which is considered before, there seems to be only the by most to be an absolute master- basic tools, with the exception of a piece, a complete mechanical rebuild few (old school) tools with a specific of an MGA for a third party, his own function. There are no machines that MG Y type that came in boxes and go Ping, or ones with fancy multi col- took some 11 years to complete, an oured screens, just the basics. MG ZA, again pretty much from the Yet with this array of tools, ground up for a third party, and he is that have their own heritage listing, currently preparing his latest project, an MGBGT. There is not a lot of room in the shed (as you can see by the photo's), so his achievements are even more extraordinary. Mike's shed seems to have a single purpose, to bring ageing MG's back to a healthy and vibrant state, using tried and tested tools, methods and principles. Small shed big achieve- ments.

The next one

Mikes rebuilt MG Y (Mrs Miniver) (some assembly required), his rebuilt MGA, and his daily driver, an MGZT 180

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Click here to go to the webpage

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Elixir of Life Malcolm Robertson reports on the Pre-War MG scene…

the time to make the trip to Bathurst re-War MG owners can be an to be there for the now familiar Sat- unforgiving lot. Not only do they P urday morning line up of the cars (in see any MG manufactured after Cecil Russell St, Bathurst), you are likely Kimber's death during the war as not to see a mouth-watering selection of being a "proper MG", they can be- famous racing MGs such as the C- come quite upset when their favour- type, the K3, the NE, the Q, and sev- ite column in Tappet Chatter, which eral "specials" that made their driv- is supposed to be about proper MGs, ers' names during these early racing gets shanghaied by musings about years in Australia. Add to these cars, modern Chinese-manufactured MGs. a good cross-section of Cecil Kim- So, in the light of some anonymous ber's four- and six-cylinder suggestions about sugar in my fuel sportscars, sports tourers and sports tank, I thought I had better bring saloons from the vintage years of the this month's column back to the Pre- 1920s through to last Pre-War cars in War era, and what better subject 1939 and you have the magic for- than to alert you to this year's Pre- mula for a fabulous morning's view- War MG "Beechworth" event, the ing. biennial gathering of the Australian Pre-War MG Register in late October (Friday 25 to Sunday 27). Don't be misled by the Beechworth reference. This year the three-day event is being held in Bathurst, just a few short miles from Canberra along one of NSW's best kept secrets, the road to Oberon from Goulburn via historic Taralga and the scenic Abercrombie Gorge, a fabulous MG drive. Harry and I will be taking that route in the two SAs. Fred Elbourne in his 1934 MG N Mag- More importantly, the Bathurst venue nette special leads Bud Luke in the has given the organisers, VSCC stal- T37 Bugatti out of Hell Corner at wart Tim Shellshear and MG literati Bathurst on 18 April 1949 Rob Dunsterville, the incentive to round up as many as possible of the MGs that raced at Bathurst in the Fred Elbourne was one driver 1930s and 40s, and to make a spe- who had fun in his 1934 MG N Mag- cial fuss about them. If you can find nette special. The photo (from

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VSCCA archives) shows Fred coming out of Hell Corner at Bathurst on Regalia 18th April 1949 in front of Bud Luke We're carrying a variety of affordable items in the T37 Bugatti. The Elbourne car, normally available at monthly Club meetings. a much modified and rebodied NA, Any members wishing to purchase items at was first raced at Bathurst in 1947 by any other time may contact the Club's Rega- Len Golding and then passed onto lia Officers, Tony and Judy Laughton on Fred Elbourne for the 1948 season. 6255 5207 to make suitable arrangements. At this April 1948 race meeting it ex- The following items are currently available: pired on lap one of its first event but CLUB CLOTHING was resuscitated in time for the main event where it was driven by Ken Shirts - Cotton Long Sleeve $32.00 Tubman whose K3 had a broken hub. Shirts-Cotton Short Sleeve $30.00 Unfortunately it ran almost last. It Polo Shirts - Men's & Ladies $25.00 appeared a few times in Sydney Polo Fleece full zip Jacket - Men's $35.00 VSCCA events in 1947 and Mt Druitt Micro Fleece full zip Jacket- Ladies $35.00 races in 1948 and 1949. The car was Nylon full zip Spray Jackets-Unlined $30.00 painted red and had a long pointed- tail body with prominent head rest. OTHER ITEMS

It has been owned in Brisbane by Club Coffee Mugs (Bendigo Pottery) $12.00 Bob Fast for more than 30 years and Club Grille Badges $22.00 is in good usable condition. There is Club Lapel Badges $ 6.00 every chance it will be coming to Car Lapel Badges $10.00 Bathurst again. Club Windscreen Stickers $ 2.00 MG Octagon Car Lapel Badges $10.00 For full details of the Bathurst event MG Key Rings $ 7.00 see: http://prewar.mgcc.info/ Sew-on Embroidered MG Logo in cloth $ 8.00

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Details of Aussie MG distributor emerge

By HAITHAM RAZAGUI

Successful Chinese dealership group Sydney, where the company’s mar- Longwell Motor behind Aussie MG keting manager, Zhenyu Li, con- operation firmed Longwell’s Chinese origins and

USTRALIAN MG distributor Long- the fact the company is inexperi- well Motor is a Chinese company enced in the highly competitive Aus- A tralian car landscape. with strong ties to MG brand owner Shanghai Automotive Industry Cor- “We can see that (lack of experience) poration (SAIC). as this company was set up in 2010

Mystery has surrounded the local in Australia, but we know the market very well,” he said. distributor’s origins ever since Aus- tralian media discovered plans for the “I don't think this will be a problem return of MG to Australia around Oc- for the sale of MG cars in Australia … tober last year. Amanda Han (MG Motor Australia

The unannounced appearance of a director) has been here three years dealership on Sydney’s Parramatta and the team is an Australian team – Road early this year further fuelled we have some Chinese but most of the team are Australian people.” speculation, and requests for infor- mation were largely met with a wall Mr Li said Longwell was a large group of silence. that worked with European brands

Australia Longwell Motor was re- such as Volkswagen, Audi and Peu- named MG Motor Australia just in geot in China, where it had more time for this week’s launch event in than 15 years’ experience, and the company conducted a year-long

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[email protected] www.mgspareparts.com.au

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study of this market starting in 2009. agreed capped-price servicing would be among the offerings. “After about one years’ market study they thought it was a good product “Also more efficient, more quick to and were confident of the success of do a service for the MG users,” he the MG brand in Australia so they added. “If you need maintenance for built a company here. the car it will take just two or three hours.” “They have a good partnership with SAIC, so SAIC have given 100 per MG Motor Australia, which is head- cent confidence to the company.” quartered at its Sydney dealership, plans to rapidly increase the number Mr Li did not know which other com- of MG outlets around Australia panies were in the running to re- through between eight and 10 fran- introduce MG to this country but said chised dealerships by the end of this SAIC had sent a request “to every- year. body in Australia”. Mr Li said there will be more than 20 “Finally they chose us, but we don't Australian MG dealerships by the end know which (companies were also of next year, in partnership with local approached) – we are very happy businesses, while MG Motor Australia and very honoured to become the plans to start opening distributor- exclusive distributor of MG in Austra- owned outlets in 2015. lia.” “We have a plan ... maybe in the Aftersales care is a planned point of third year we will open others … in difference for MG Motor Australia, the third year we will open the sec- and Mr Li said the company will “will ond showroom,” he said. launch some different things than competitors”. Mr Li clarified that MG Motor Austra- lia considered 2015 to be year three. “We will pay more attention to our aftersales service,” he said, and

Safety fast: MG Motor Aus- tralia plans to offer quick, efficient vehicle maintenance.

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[email protected] www.mgspareparts.com.au

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Publicity surrounding the rebirth of (the MG6 and hatch) to con- the iconic MG brand in Australia has sumers.” been conspicuous by its absence. He said digital media and Facebook

would be used to publicise MG prod- Mr Li said it was “not necessary to do ucts, and print adverts were run in at publicity of a brand everyone knew”. least one Sydney newspaper on

launch day. “The reason why we didn’t do public- ity before the launch was because we “Maybe in several months we will do want to just introduce the car – be- something with TV – now is too early cause we are launching just one car we think,”

MG SUV confirmed for Oz in 2014

MG Line-up will expand to three mod- els by mid-2014 as MG settles back To be previewed by the into Australia heavily sculpted CS concept at the upcoming Shanghai motor show, the

ALES for the just-reborn MG as-yet unnamed SUV, which is longer S brand in Australia could really than the 4651mm MG6 that has just take off in mid-2014 when the Chi- gone on sale here, will become flag- nese-owned British brand’s first SUV ship of the range. arrives.

Hat-trick: The MG CS concept previews an SUV that will go on sale in Australia in the middle of next year, following the MG3 light car and just-launched MG6 segment-straddler.

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At the other end of the spec- ahead of its unveiling at Shanghai, trum will be the MG3 light car, which with technical details expected to be will arrive in Australia before the end revealed when the car emerges from of this year, bringing with it a new under its silk sheet. entry level price point, although MG Mr Li said the aggressive Motor Australia cannot yet supply looking SUV rides on a different plat- indicative pricing. form to the MG6 There are no current plans to bring the Volkswagen Golf-sized MG5 hatchback to this country, although MG Motor Australia marketing man- ager Zhenyu Li told GoAuto it may be brought in after the SUV arrives in June or July 2014.

For now, the MG6, which sits between the large end of the small car segment and the small end of the mid-sized segment, is on sale now from MG Motor Australia’s sole deal- ership in Sydney, priced from $22,990 plus on-road costs.

However Mr Li expects the mid-range $24,990 Comfort and top- spec $27,990 Luxury variants to sell best.

He said the Luxury specifica- tion is the most popular in China, Britain and South Africa, and ex- pected this will also be the case in Australia, where these will receive the strongest sales push.

Until the end of the year the MG5 will remain a manual-only proposition, with a five-speed auto- matic on the way and a six-speed auto due for arrival next year.

Mr Li said the 110kW/350Nm 1.9-litre available in Europe will not be offered on the MG6 here, making the 118kW/215Nm 1.8-litre turbo-petrol From top: MG6, MG3 and MG5. the sole engine option.

MG has released only sketches of the CS SUV concept

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Googong Dam Run

n Sunday 26 May some of our O adventurous members decided to go on a picnic run to Googong Dam.

As you may or may not know, Googong Dam has been desig- nated for residential development, and so, the expedition was organised for the sole purpose of visiting this now pristine area before it is residen- tialised.

A marvellous array of MG's and personalities were in attendance which made for a wonderful outing enjoying an outdoorsy from the hus- tle and bustle of the lives of the mostly retired.

Walks along the tracks and ridges were the order of the day tak- ing in all that the area has to offer. Fortunately none of the intrepid ex- plorers suffered injury and all had taken enough water and sustenance to support them for the duration of the expedition.

Ah, the joys of fresh air, food cooked over a semi open fire and the sound of the bush. What more could you ask for.

Please enjoy the following images from Margaret Murray.

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Click here to Watch the Video

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[email protected]

www.goldcoastmgcarclub.com.au

The Senior Driver

As a senior citizen was driving down the freeway, his car phone rang. An- swering, he heard his wife's voice urgently warning him, "Herman, I just heard on the news that there's a car going the wrong way on 280. Please be careful!" "Hell," said Herman, "It's not just one car. It's hundreds of them!"

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Club Calendar

CLUB EVENTS A more up to date calendar is available on the Events page of the Club website. Try it sometime! June

Sun 9th Battle of Waterloo, Rond Terrace – Contact: Graham Rossiter Thu 13th Monthly Club Meeting Sun 23rd Social run to Old Cheese Factory, Reidsdale – Contact: Brian Calder

July

Thu 11th Monthly Club Meeting Fri 12th – Sun 14th Bay to Bermagui - Contact Peter Daley Sat 27th Annual Presentation Dinner – Contact: Gail Argyle

August

Thu 8th Monthly Club Meeting

September

Thu 12th Monthly Club Meeting Fri 13th – Sun 15th Gathering of Faithfull, Wagga (GOF) – Contact: Brian Calder Sun 22nd Motorkhana

October

Thu 10th Monthly Club Meeting Thu 17th – Sun 26th Springtime Tour “Up The Murray River” – Contact: So- cial Coordinators Fri 25th – Sun 27th Pre-War MG Rally, Bathurst – Contact: Malcolm Sun 24th Social run, Bungonia - Contact: Geoff Nickols

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Club Calendar

CLUB EVENTS (cont)

November

Sat 2nd “Warbirds Down Under” Airshow, Temora - Contact: Peter Daley Thu 14th Monthly Club Meeting Sun 17th Motorkhana Sun 24th Social run, Bungonia - Contact: Geoff Nickols

December

? Terribly British Day/Club Concours, Treasury Carpark - TBA Thu 12th Monthly Club Meeting Wed ? Combined Southside/Northside BBQ TBA

OTHER EVENTS

October

Thu 10th – Sun 13th Bathurst 1000 Sat 12th Gundaroo Music Festival Sat 12th – Sun 13th Canberra Electric Vehicle Festival Sat 19th Spin Saturday – TAMS depot, 255 Canberra Ave Sat 19th – Sun 20th National Trust Centenary Rally

November

Sun 3rd Canberra Swap Meet ? Marques in the Park TBA Fri 8th – Sun 10th Historic Motor Racing, Sandown

December

Sun 1st Queanbeyan Swap Meet

Note: "Club event" signifies that an MG club representative will be in attendance, regardless of who is organising. Such events meet the requirements for Con- cessional Registration.

Events listed in "Other events" or in the Sporting Report also meet the require- ments for CRS participation although a formal MG Club representative may not be attending."

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Club Events

Social Coordinators Bruce & Margaret Murray

For more details go to: www.mgcccanberra.org.au

Old Cheese Factory Run MGCC Sunday 23rd June Canberra Depart at 11.00am from the Spot- Presentation light car park at the Kings Highway roundabout in Queanbeyan for the Dinner Old Cheese Factory at Reidsdale www.braidwoodmade.com.au/ facilities.html. Saturday 27 July 2013

A yummy ploughman’s lunch with This years Presentation Dinner will cheese and and cider tasting $17.50ph. once again be held in the historic dinning rooms of the Brassy Hotel. Organiser: Brian & Christine Calder Filled with elegance and character it P: 043 4307 42. is the perfect venue for our premier E: [email protected] event of the year. Website:braidwoodmade.com.au/ facilities.html Come along and enjoy an out- standing example of some of Can- berra's finest cuisine in an atmos- phere of fun, frivolity, merriment and mirth.

Contact: Gayle Argyle An elderly person was asked, [email protected] "At your ripe age, what would you prefer to get Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s?"

The wise one answered, "Definitely Parkinson’s - Better to spill half my wine than to forget where I put the bottle."

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Sporting Report June 2013

By Kent Brown — Sporting Secretary

British Touring Car Championship ment. Very disappointing and a tad (BTCC) 2013 unlucky. At Thruxton it was clean sweep for the Honda’s. n the May Sporting Report I intro- I duced the Dunlop MSA BTCC. An- other meeting of that championship has now been completed, at Thrux- ton, the fastest circuit in the UK, on 5 May. Unfortunately the MGs didn’t fare quite so well as at Brands Hatch and Donington Park, albeit their per- formance was still very creditable. Both Jason Plato and Sam Tordoff in their MG KX Momentum Racing MG6s qualified well in 4th and 5th places respectively. Race 1 of three on Sam Tordoff, No 88 weekend had Plato on the podium in 2nd place and Tordoff with a solid 4th. The standings after 9/30 rounds are: In the second race Jason Plat slipped to 5th and young Sam Tordoff to 7th Matt Neal, Honda Civic 137 but still only 13 seconds or so down Andrew Jordan, Honda Civic 124 on the winner, Matt Neal, in a Honda Jason Plato, Civic. Race 3 was a different matter MG KX Momentum 99 MG6 121 with Sam Tordoff coming in 8th and Gordon Shedden, Honda Civic 109 Jason in 22nd position, 1 lap down. Sam Tordoff, Plato was actually on course for vic- MG KX Momentum 99 MG6 103 tory in the third race of the weekend when the front-left tyre on his car The next race is at Oulton Park on suffered a puncture and he was June 9. forced into the pits for a replace- Motorkhana – 26 May 2013

Somewhere I read, or did I hear that Sunday the 26th May was the coldest May day in Canberra for something like 25 years; I can well believe it and so can the officials and competitors! On my arrival at around 7.00am on the Sunday morn-

Jason Plato, No 99 (Continued on page 32)

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(Continued from page 30) And there was a roaring trade in teas ing everything was wet and cold as and coffees as you can imagine. For the Scotch mist descended. The fog/ the girls it was great activity and clouds didn’t lift of the hills opposite training and they made a nice sur- TISC’s Sutton Road facility until plus to put towards their unit stores 1.00pm in the afternoon. But when and activities. the sun did finally emerge it was really quite pleasant as there was virtually no wind, though the rays were not nearly hot enough to fry eggs on the top of paint tin.

Setting up for the motork- hana wasn’t that easy either. Sta- yUpright, the motorcycle trainers, continued their activity until 5.30pm on the Saturday evening at the Vehi- “Delilah” just missing the flags cle Maneuvering Area. It gets dark at about 5pm! So Paul Smith, Virginia We had a larger than usual and I didn’t finish laying out the first MG contingent which was good to two patterns for Sunday’s event until see. Andrew Hutt, a new Club mem- about 7pm with the aid of torches ber, brought along his very nice MGB which has been converted to a V8 with 4.6ltr power. It looks very smart and sounds just great as well.

James Hughes looking very serious and my car’s headlights.

Rob Wall, from the SDMA, Andrew Hutt in the MGB V8 mit navigator helped us out as Clerk of Course due to Chris Hillman’s absence overseas with work. Fifteen Club volunteers The range of vehicle makes assisted throughout the day to en- and models competing was compre- sure that things ran smoothly and for hensive and included a BMW M3, that I am eternally grateful. It was Porsche 911 Turbo, Mitsubishi Evo9, just wonderful support by members. Eunos , Subaru BRZ, Nissan The 2nd Ngunnawal Girl Guides had a GTR34, Honda CRX, Mazda 3MPS, vey busy day selling hash browns Renault Clio plus a brace of Mazda’s and bacon sandwiches early in the (2 and MX5) and Toyotas (Sprinter day. And they followed up mightily and Corolla), not to mention the with sausage sandwiches for lunch. MG’s!

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Kevin Kirk at speed "Geez it goes quick downhill…."

Kim Hughes chatting with Paul Smith "What do you mean I went the wrong way?"

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www.spinelessclassics.com.

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(Continued from page 31) old GP track plus most of the new While the detailed results, including South Circuit. A practice session is pattern times, for Club members definitely required! I’ll have a cou- competing in an MG are not yet ple of spare tickets if anyone would available, the overall results came like to avail themselves – just give out like this: me a call.

Kent Brown MGB GT V8 Hillclimb Kevin Kirk MG ZR

Kim Hughes MG RV8 Andrew Hutt MGB V8 James Hughes MG RV8 (4 If you are interested in hav- out of 6 patterns completed due to a ing a go at a hillclimb, or just watch- Hockey match) ing how it’s done, the Southern Dis-

tricts Motorsport Association (SDMA) The next motorkhana, the are holding their next event at the third for calendar year 2013, will be Sutton Road venue on Sunday, 23 held on Sunday, 22 September. June 2013 when their regular Com- Please put that date in your diaries. petition Day, this time with a 2-lap run, will be conducted. Historic Motor Racing Golden Era of Auto Racing (GEAR) At the end of June (weekend 29/30) we head to Sydney Motor GEAR (“motor sport with a Sport Park (SMSP) for the HSRCA’s smile”) celebrates an era of amateur annual winter meeting that features motor sport that ended in the 1960s. the Group S (this Group covers the Their next event is to be held on MG Marque) 100km endurance races Wednesday, 14 August 2013. GEAR and Regularity events. days are noted for their variety of cars ranging from locally made spe- cials, famous imported makes and modified production cars and colour- ful characters. Drivers evoke a by- gone era with surprising speed, skill and respect for others. Well worth a visit at Wakefield Park, a relatively short drive away. Entry for specta- tors is FREE.

The new 4.5km Brabham Circuit Second GEAR, for those less old rac- ing cars (post 1964) will be held the The track to be used on this day before on Tuesday, 13 August occasion is the Brabham Circuit at 2013. 4.5km length which comprises the

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MG CENTRE OF SYDNEY

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Parts Interior Body Mechanical Accessories Anything MG

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MG RV8 SERVICE & PARTS HOME OF ADDER THE NEWSLETTER

36 MGCCC June 2013

MG Cycling in bonus race

G’s Elite women’s cycling team currently third in the British Racing M will be fighting it out in a bonus Road & Track rankings in which sev- race for fans of Britain’s biggest eral hundred of Britain’s top teams growing sport. are listed.

Changes to the 2013 racing calendar This weekend the men take on one of mean that the MG Maxifuel Pro Cy- the toughest races in the British Cy- cling team women will now be racing cling Premier championships in Lin- in Redditch on June 4 which coin- coln. More than 160 of the UK’s top cides with one of the biggest events riders, including some of the 2012 in the men’s racing schedule. British Olympic team, will tackle the

102 mile University of Lincoln Grand So Midlands fans will get top see Prix on Sunday. both squads in action. They will fight it out over 13 laps of a course that takes the riders through the heart of Lincoln’s tourist area including the cathedral and castle.

The sting in the tale of the Lincoln event is the 1in 6 Michaelgate Hill in the city centre. Apart from the sheer steepness of the incline, the roadway is also cobbled and can be treacher-

ous in the wet.

But the MG Maxifuel team, which MG Maxifuel team principal, Rod includes two MG6 GT support cars, is Freeman, said: “The women’s race in confident it will emerge with further the top Johnson Health Tech Grand points to add to this season’s tally. Prix Series had to be re-arranged and moved to Redditch, but it’s a real bonus for us and Midland fans.

“One of the top men’s races is on the same night so the MG Maxifuel team will be out in force. With these being the closest races to the MG factory in Birmingham we expect to get lots of local support.”

The MG Maxifuel Pro Cycling team is

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A Rare Sight Indeed…...

was ambling around the front of Firstly, this image is rare in I my home in Canberra recently the fact that my wife's filthy French when I noticed both the garage (as Citroen DS3 normally resides on the opposed to the "shed") doors were left and the 220 is relegated to open. What caught my eye was other accommodations. Secondly, two modern MG's side by side. unlike the UK, where ZT 260's are Then the realisation hit me that quite prolific, in Australia there are what I was looking at was indeed a only 5 Australian delivered MG ZT rare sight in Australia. For I was 260 SE's (4.6 litre Mustang powered looking at two of the rarest Modern V8 with factory fitted extras) and MG's on the Australian continent. less than 40 MG ZT 220S's An MG ZT 260 SE and an MG ZT (Supercharged V6) were ever pro- 220S. There is only one Modern duced worldwide. So seeing both that is rarer in Australia and that is side by side in my garage gave me the MG XPower SV. A 500 horse- quite a warm and fuzzy. power demon of which there were If you are not sure which is about 50 produced. I have not which when you see them driving heard of any in Australia. If you about, the number plates say it all. know of one, I would be interested to hear about it.

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Melba Motors More than 30 years experience

12 Purdue Street Belconnen

Melba Motors is a car repair and maintenance business with a special interest in British vehicles. Proprietor Mick Wilson is a UK Leyland 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

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Motor Racing Report – AASA NSW State Championship: 1-2 June By Kent Brown

meeting. Group S, otor racing on cold, wet days is which covers all MG sports cars, had never fun, at least for competi- M negotiated a grid space with Matthew tors. Unfortunately the 2nd annual Ronke who manages the facility. AASA NSW State Championship meeting at Wakefield Park on 1-2 It was an eclectic mix of June 2013 was just one of those starting grids. How is this for the weekends. Canberra had had its dri- line-up: est Autumn for quite some time but the first two days of Winter seemed  Miniature Race cars (sometimes to make up for that dry spell with referred to as Aussie Race cars) something around 30mm of rain.  Formula Vee And it was cold and windy to boot!  Superkarts Brian Weston (MG Midget) and I (MGB) both headed north the  Pulsars/Excels 100km to Wakefield Park for the  Super TT (Nissan R33 and Sky-

The Group S MG's at Wakefield Park

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line, Mitsubishi Evo8 and Evo9, BMW event and so that car had to be con- M3, Ford EA Falcon, Mitsubishi 380) signed to the trailer for a journey back to Sydney.  Mazda MX5  Modern Sports Cars (MX5, Nissan Saturday morning was quali- NX coupe, BMW Z3, Toyota 86, fying. It was cold but dry. Having Honda Type R) just finished refreshing the “Bs” mo- tor with new rings, bearings, a  Stock Cars cleaned up head, plus new brake  Group S pads and while the engine was out of the car, a clutch, I didn’t want to Unfortunately Group S was give the old dear too much of a well down on numbers largely due to workout but still managed a a race meeting at Winton on the 1:14.3010 to be in fourth place. The weekend prior and also Rennsport car was actually only finished on the holding an event at Sydney Mo- Thursday night, driven onto the torsport Park also on the previous trailer and then off again at Wake- weekend. That particular meeting field Park. Some cheeky person said drew all but two of the current com- to me “how did you run it in?”. The peting CAMS log-booked Group S answer of course was 8 laps of quali- Porsches. fying!

For Race 1 the weather re- mained dry and cold. It was a 6 lap event with Brain coming in 3rd and I was fourth. But I put down a PB at 1:12.5449. Race 2 was WET with our times slipping out into the 1:30 bracket. Brian tried a short cut across the grass in turn 2 when the back end stepped out under braking – he was considering a “move” on Colin Wilson-Brown in an Alfa (No 11) at the time – so I was able to slip Some of the Group S cars in the ga- on by. We finished 3rd and 4th re- rage at Wakefield Park spectively. The last race on Satur- day afternoon was also in the wet Anyway we started with a (surprise, surprise) but by this time grid of 9 cars – 2 MGs (MGB and Brian had swapped his Kuhmos for a Midget), A Bug Eye Sprite (part of set of Dunlop 03Gs which are much the MG “family”), two Alfas, a 1969 better in the wet conditions. So Morgan Plus 8, an Austin Healey Brian blew Colin and me away by 6 3000 and a single Shelby American seconds a lap and although my 350GT. There was to be one other quickest lap was 0.08 seconds Healey 3000 entered but a couple of quicker than Colin in the Alfa I came th nd, piston rings called it quits on a prac- in 4 . Brian, a very creditable 2 tice run on the Friday preceding the was beaten only by the Shelby (also

47 Tappet Chatter June 2013

fitted with “wets” plus a couple of handled at speed. Our lap times other subtle suspension tweaks). were still down about 2.5 seconds and in the 1:14s due to water still running across the track at turns 2, 8 (the “gurgler”) and 10 (last corner before the main straight). You had to be very careful to line the car up with where you wanted to go before putting the boot into it.

Trophies were graciously pro- vided by Wakefield Park Management “Is there an engine in here some- and the final scores arrived at by where?” asks David Mackenzie combining points for all 6 races. On that basis Brain Weston in the Midget took first place and I second, 3 Sunday required the wind- points behind. It was a well run screen wipers at double speed on my meeting and despite the testing Commodore tow car as I passed Lake weather we enjoined the workout George. Not a good omen. And sure and getting ready/testing for the en- enough it was teeming with rain at duro races at the end of June. the circuit. I decided to sit out race 4 but Brian went out, fogged up his And what is more both Brian and I helmet and glasses, couldn’t see the drove our cars onto our trailers for track but new it well enough to keep the homeward journey and off again on the black stuff. By Race 5 there on arrival. Always a good sign and was no more rain, just rivers across with no panel damage. Just a good the track. With a depleted field at cleanup and regular maintenance/ this stage Brian took line honours checking is all that is required. after 9 laps with my MGB but 0.5 seconds behind. I managed the quickest lap of the race by 0.07 sec- onds!

For the last of 6 races I was the only group S competitor left as the others had decided to (sensibly) head for home. I approached the organisers asking to start at the rear of the TT and MX5 grid (about 15 cars by this stage) as it would give me a good run and also save 8 laps of circuit time. Not wanting to inter- rupt the group with whom I was rac- ing, I passed couple of cars but let the four in front of me have their dice. It was quite an easy race and interesting to watch how the MX5s A nice plaque to put on the shelf

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Help Line

Pre-war Malcolm Robertson (02) 6288 9343 Restoration Brian Oxley (02) 6281 2351 Brian Oxley (02) 6281 2351 Harry Hickling (02) 6230 2150 Mike Stearn (02) 6291 6030 Malcolm Robertson (02) 6288 9343 T Series Brian Oxley (02) 6281 2351 Club Trailer Peter Dechaineux (02) 6281 5917 Laurie Gardiner (02) 6293 4191

Peter Daley (02) 6291 0612 Club Servicing Facility & Tools Kent Brown (02) 6255 4943 Laurie Gardiner (02) 6293 4191 Nigel French (02) 6163 5551 Y Series Mike Stearn (02) 6291 6030 Concessional Registration John Harriott (02) 6292 8420 MGA Greg Whitfield 0498 107 658 Mike Stearn (02) 6291 6030

MGB Kevin Kirk (02) 6231 4617 Kent Brown (02) 6255 4943 Club Service Centre: Our Club MGC Roadster and GT has a well equipped under-cover Denis Hensby (02) 6259 3818 service centre at Budget Storage, 25 Yallourn St Fyshwick. It has all MG RV8 the basic big-tools to enable you to Graeme Rossiter (02) 6288 2477 do repairs, service and/or clean your car in a secure area, 24/7. MG Z Magnette Simply contact Club member Nigel Peter Daley (02) 6291 0612 French (who owns Budget Storage) on the number above or 0413 646 Midget/Sprite 321 to arrange a time to do the John Harriott (02) 6292 8420 work or just to have a look. The Ian Reid (02) 6231 8959 Service Centre and use of club tools Modern MGs is free to Club Members. Malcolm Robertson (02) 6288 9343 Visit Website

49 Tappet Chatter June 2013

Marquet

MG Magnette ZB 1957

As featured in Wheel Spin Behind The Wheel Drive Test April 2012 pages 28-29. This article in part reads, “While the Magnette was appreciated in its day as a family sports saloon, the performance transformation demonstrated by Frank’s ZB takes this concept to a new level. Fast and flexible, this handsome and practical saloon has considerably higher levels of agility.” Very docile to drive. Upspecing includes a worked MGB motor, improved breathing through tuned carbies and headers, close ratio overdrive gearbox, suspension tweaks and extra rubber.

Reg. No. 05145.H $13,500 Contact: Frank 0418 272 491

Austin Healey Sprite Mk1 (“Bugeye”)

I have owned this fun little car for 30 years. Originally my daily driver, it has been unregistered and stored in my garage for a number of years. I have re- ceipts for $4,000 spent on suspension, steering, brakes, etc. It is a 1960-61 Australian assembled vehicle, with a later fibreglass bonnet. Condition is basi- cally sound, but it needs a repaint, new soft-top and some tlc from someone who has the time to get it back on the road and enjoy it. Car is located in Canberra. $12,500 ono Contact: Milton on 0423 138 100 or [email protected]

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1973 MGB

Owned since Feb 98 and used as my daily driver, but has been stored in the garage and under cover for a number of years. Previous owner completed a rebuild in Adelaide. Whist in Adelaide, the car was maintained by Emgee Sales and Service. Colour is Blaze (Orange) with Black interior. Overdrive, Twin SU, Soft top, Tonneau cover, and Handbook. ACT rego until Mar 14. I have receipts for all work and components. The car is in original condition, not modified in any way and requires very little work to get back on the road. Needs new batteries. Minor paint, body and interior work/maintenance needed. It Just wants some TLC to get it back on the road and be enjoyed.

$9,500. (As Is, Where Is)

Contact Anne Holmes 0417 113 098

Wanted

MG TC generator even if in need of reconditioning.

Contact: Paul Smith Mob 0400 323 835

MGZT 260

Australian delivered ZT 260 V8 (4.6 litre Ford Mustang V8) 5 Speed manual transmission limited slip differential

Sold new at MG/ closing down auction in 2005 110,000 km on the clock One of less than 600 ZT's produced with V8 and RWD. Air conditioning , sun roof , power seats etc etc X-Power Grey

$27,500.00

Contact: Stuart (W) 02 9682 6655 (H) 02 9899 1690

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MGB MK I. 1964 Burgundy in colour with chrome wires. The usual extensive financial outlay, never to be recovered, has been made to bring the car up to a high standard including re trimming (seats alone cost $2000), and a bare metal re spray. All chrome in good order. Fitted with electronic ignition, and a 5 speed Supra gear box which perfectly matches the slightly warm motor. An anti- run on device prevents the usual MBG run on at shut down. Selling due to advancing years. A steal at: $22,000. Contact: Norman Lee, 0262882285, [email protected]

MG YA Parts for Sale. I have many spares left over after my Y restoration. Parts include (but not limited to!), 2 fuel tanks, front & rear seats (in poor condition but good for patterns), all doors, hand brake tunnel, front apron, boot lid, all glass, (marked but good for patterns), front windscreen sur- rounds, wooden dash that the ashtrays sit in, most body panels, & too many other parts to mention. Contact me for your requirements.

All going at a very reasonable knockdown rate!

Contact: Mike Stearn on 02 6291 6030 or [email protected]

MG TC Parts for Sale

Having parted with my TC after 40 years to make way for another project ( 3 wheeler morgan), I have the following for sale: Gearbox $700, 2 x Crank- shafts $350 ea, late original fog light $500, Set of conrods $250, Steering box complete $250, Datsun steering box $100

Free to good home: Wolsely 4/44 block & head, Mint MGB workshop manual, Lucas SRB325 starter solenoid—brand new in box

Contact Brian Oxley 0412188409

A taxi passenger touched the driver on the shoulder to ask something and the driver screamed, lost control of the car, went up on the footpath and stopped few centimeters from a shop! The driver said: “Don’t ever do that again, you scared me”Passenger apologized and said: “I didn’t realize a little touch would scare you so much”Driver replied: “Sorry, it’s not your fault, its my 1st day as a Cab driver. I've been driving a hearse for the last 40 years”.

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MGC GT

This complete restoration was com- pleted just 2yrs ago and has only done a few easy miles since. This 3ltr 6cyl is an automatic, which doesn’t come along every day and when you inspect this car you’ll truly appreciate the work that has gone into this bare metal restora- tion. Just put it into "Drive", slide the sunroof back and feel the torque as the power from the rebuilt engine and transmission propels you along the open road. Brand new complete inte- rior in leather and uprated suspension components provide comfort and han- dling beyond expectation. Ventilated discs, thermo controlled fan, electronic ignition, re-mapped distributor and ex- tensive engine work enhance perform- ance to a new level. Cs in this condition don't come along too often and for those of us who know, the asking price is a fraction of the cost of restoration. To purchase and re-build to this standard at twice the asking price would be impossible. An extensive collection of useable spares comes with the car. $28,500 ONO Contact: Noel 02-9985-9325 or 0439-998767

A traffic cop flagged down a motorist and said, ‘I’m arresting you for going through three red lights.’ ‘Yeah, well, I’m colour blind,’ said the motorist.‘In addition to that, you were exceeding the speed limit,’ said the policeman. ‘So what?’ said the motorist. ‘And on top of all that you were going the wrong way down a one-way street,’ added the officer. ‘I always did have a lousy sense of direction,’ said the motorist with a smile. At that point, his wife leaned forward from the ,back seat and said, ‘Don’t pay any attention to him, officer. He always talks like this when he’s had a few drinks.’

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INTERACTIVE Page

Shannons Melbourne Winter British Touring Car Championship Classic Auction Jason Plato leads first MG 1-2

1 July 2013

View Lots

Shannons Sydney Custom & Read Article Collectable Auction at MotorEx

21 July 2013 University Motors

John Twist from University Motors shows us how to pull down and re- build an electric fuel pump View Lots Click here to watch the video

MG Zero Promo Video Moss Motors

Click here to watch.

The guys from Moss Motors guide us through the process for testing the overdrive wiring on an MGB

Click here to watch the video

The new MG has an air bag. When you sense an impending accident, start pumping real fast.

54 MGCCC June 2013

How to get out of a speeding ticket

A police officer pulls a guy over for speeding and has the following exchange:

Officer: May I see your driver's license? Driver: I don't have one. I had it suspended when I got my 5th DUI. Officer: May I see the owner's card for this vehicle? Driver: It's not my car. I stole it. Officer: The car is stolen? Driver: That's right. But come to think of it, I think I saw the owner's card in the glove box when I was putting my gun in there. Officer: There's a gun in the glove box? Driver: Yes sir. That's where I put it after I shot and killed the woman who owns this car and stuffed her in the trunk. Officer: There's a BODY in the TRUNK?!?!? Driver: Yes, sir. Hearing this, the officer immediately called his captain and requests back-up. The car was quickly surrounded by police,and the captain approached the driver to handle the tense situation:

Captain: Sir, can I see your license? Driver: Sure. Here it is. It was valid. Captain: Who's car is this? Driver: It's mine, officer. Here's the owner' card. The driver owned the car. Captain: Could you slowly open your glove box so I can see if there's a gun in it? Driver: Yes, sir, but there's no gun in it. Sure enough, there was nothing in the glove box. Captain: Would you mind opening your trunk? I was told you said there's a body in it. Driver: No problem. Trunk is opened; no body.

Captain: I don't understand it. The officer who stopped you said you told him you didn't have a license, stole the car, had a gun in the glovebox, and that there was a dead body in the trunk. Driver: Yeah, I'll bet the liar told you I was speeding, too.

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