The general public were allowed into the TWIN CAM Phi1 Richer

MGA Peter Gamble The main topic for this issue is to report on our "National MGA Day" recently held at Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury.

I believe that the turn-out of MGA's - 31 cars - plus roughly the same number of other MGs and other makes, represents one of the largest enthusiast groups ever to gather for this marque.

The weather was absolutely perfect and the setting could not have been better chosen. Initially, all cars were lined up along two of the grassy lanes leading to the Manor. This was the scene for many groups to meet and picnic and to exchange notes, problems etc.

All Register Members were greeted with a specially made MGA Day 1983 commemora- tive plaque, plus a Car Registration Form and welcoming notes. A special crossword puzzle was also handed out-purely for fun-with an MGA theme. This will be repeated in MGA activities along with the answers. The crossword was compiled by Martin Little.

The Registration Forms were ideally to be handed in on the day. However, for those who did not have all their car details, the address of the Registrar was given for submission as soon as possible.

The Registrar's name and address is John Beavan. Westburv House. Gloucester Road, Ross-on-Wye, ~Gefo rdsh i r e HR2 5LR.

If you wish to ensure that your car is on the MGA Register, or you wisl. to update the records, please write to John but please send a self addressed and stamped envelope for your reply. However, I digress from the MGA Day report - one welcome item to appear as a result of the meeting was the appearance of some copy blue-prints of the MGA "goal post" and sills. We are trying tocopy or re-draw these and make them available to register members.

At Waddesdon Manor, we asked for names of people willing to participate in "restoration groups". About 11 indicated that they would be willing to help in some way. More about this later but in the mean time, David Colvin has kindly offered to form the focal point for help required or offered. If you wish to contact him, please write with s.a.e. to: David Colvin, 10 Long Maston Road, Marsworth, near Tring, Herts. HP23 4NF.

There was a wide range of cars attending from a condition point of view. One rather in- teresting car was "Y" registered having been re- imported from Hong Kong recently.

As the day progressed, picnics were eaten, wine boxes emptied, visits were made around the magnificent Manor and grounds. Then at about 3pm all the MGA's were lined up in a semi circle on the gravel in front of Waddesdon Manor. This was a sight which alone was worth coming to see. I was proud to put my car in the line-up as I am sure were all the other particip- ants.

grounds beside ourselves and there were many cameras clicking to record this truly unique sight. The general feeling was that we should run a similar event next year along the same lines.

I would like to pass on the thanks of the MGA Register Committee to all enthusiasts who turned up to make a really great MGA Day. A considerable amount of organisation has to go on for events of this type and it is most gratifying when things turn out as they did at Waddesdon Manor.

One of the objectives of MGA Day was to form a point from which to advance in giving the Register a new vitality. The ultimate result, we hope, being to get more of these delightful cars back on the road. We've made a start - let's keep it up.

The MGA Register Committee'intends to update the list of registered cars and hopefully to form a computerised listing by Register number, owner's name, condition etc.

The problem is that the MGCCchanged the method by which members previously re-regis- tered their car each year. There is now no method for annually up-dating car details. Consequently, the details are out of date.

The change in method of registration also coincided with the "absorption" into MGCC funds the previous Registration Fee which used to go each register. Few, if any funds have been passed to any Register since the change.

Next to the question of communication. These notes in Safety Fast are really by way of being a "diary" in reporting events past and yet to come. The main communication medium for the MGA Register is MGActivities. In this you will find technical notes, detailed write ups and discussions. If you are not currently subscrib- ing, please send the appropriate fee to: Peter Slip, Snowball Press, 44 Hethermount Drive, Crowthorne, Berks. Subscription U.K. £4.25 Europe £ .W, Overseas £6.00

Finally, lets all make a point of gathering together at the main club events. Brands etc. I will be in the "Pride of Ownership" line up at Brands Hatch - will you? See you there!

MGC Paul Flint Only one MGC was entered for the Goodwood Sprint this year and that was the car of Paul Campfield. You may remember that the car was described in this column some months ago. It is a G T with a lot of Vic Young supplied goodies attached. It appeared to be performing very well although I have to admit to not mak- ing a note of his times as I was marshalling on the day.

A very good friend has just purchased what sounds like a very nice Roadster. The car has, apparently, been extensively rebuilt and is finished in Racing Green. I have yet to see the car, owned by Hayden Rogers of Bexley in Kent, but look forward to so doing. I shall do my utmost to get him in to the Register but it should be no great problem as he belongs to the Triple M and M Type Registers and his wife, Margaret, is a member of the 'B' register.

No information of any great import from our secretary, Cynthia Batley, except that she intends to enter her 'C' for the Snetterton 24 hour race next year. No doubt she will eventu- ally let us know of progress on that front.

As to the scare concerning pins in back axles I am assured that this is not as common a prob- lem as was initially indicated - so don't panic just because your car has covered a large number of miles.

There is a 'C' Register News Letter in this Safety Fast so remember 'C'ing is believing and watch for it.

John Bibby is back into Twin Cams. Having sold YD1.2502 to Bill Opie in 1979 the pain was too much and so the purchase of Andrew Thomas's coupe YM1.2515 was undertaken to ease further stress. Welcome back John.

Andy Grewcock of Leicestershire, who chased Tommy Bridger during the Silverstone parade in 1 MTW (the cars seemed to have a magnetic attraction), advised that he is now the proud owner of YM1.1996.

Mike Davison turned up at Silverstone - thought I recognised the face - from six years earlier, just could not put a name to it. Well, back in 1979 he was about to sell because of a move, but he happily said "I still own the car, I'm glad the Ad. wasn't answered.

H. Solnick is now living in London and brought his Twin Cam over from South Africa with him, but we await full details to change or add to the register.

A car to add to the register isYD3.1603, but at the end of the line we have to add the sad word,:Scrapped'. Todd Clarke of Clarke Spares & Restorations, Pennsylvania (Tel. 215 348 0595 if you require bits for As or Z types) kindly replied to a Jeff Fishel tip-off, and advised he had bought two Twin Cams both in a bad state, and 1603 had in particular been badly treated. Also with the letter came a copy of the States 'Certificate of Title' issued to the earlier owner Walter Lade dated 1971. The parts and remain- ing car were sold to a single purchaser, another clue to follow up.

Michael Donnegan from Essex and deluxe owner must have been spurred on by Jeff Wicks recent S.F. inclusions into the notes and Supp- lement, because he has forwarded chassis details of his car, it is GHN.L2.103622. This will add to the expanding list held by Jeff which now totals 12, 1600 deluxe and 24, 1600 MkII deluxe cars. Interest in these cars is obviously improving because the listing shows new names and several new cars not previously known to the Register. If you are also a deluxe owner you might find it beneficial to contact Jeff at 10 The Moor, North Balwyn, Victoria 3104, Australia; give him details of your car and find out more about this newer area of activity in MG circles. TWIN CAM BIG END BOLTS We have been given 3 sets of Big-end bolts to sell. They are not original in design because the hexagon head is slightly smaller than standard, however they are proven and have been used for the last few years racing in Roger Daniells car 2 MTW and are priced at £1 each set. 9.9:1 BMC PISTONS We are able to offer a single set of 10 thou over- size pistons brand new and still in their original BMC box. We must charge £10 to cover cost, VAT or P&P abroad. A GARAGE PLEASE Chris Langton lives in Coventry and is desper- ate to hire a garage in the area to progress the rebuild of his roadster YD1.1446. Would any- body able to help in this matter contract Chris at 26 Eastern Green Road or 'phone 468054. THE LE MANS TWIN CAM In preparing the car for the vintage parade at Lc Mans in June, Boh Vk'Elroy discovcrcd one or two things about the chassis and body that leads him to think neither were originally made for a .- .-. -

Twin Cam. The chassis hasweldscars at the position usually occupied by push rod engine mounts and the paint layers and colours extend below those of the well documented history of the car. Bob wonders whether it was one of the original MGA lightweights which may have been stowed away in Abingdon until 1958 when it was modified to suit.

Register News continued on next page

SAFETY FAST. October-November 1983 37

25 YEARS AGO Due to the editing of this article in the previous issue for necessary overall reasons, and the probable length of the article to satisfactorily cover the subject over two months, and again editing I've decided it best to discontinue the subject, and try to find another method of getting the story out. LONG TERM REBUILD? Trevor Vertigan the present owner of thecoupe YM1.1469 wishes to sell the car for any reason- able offer in the knowledge it does require afull rebuild. Anyone interested may like to contact him at 10 Colwyn Avenue, Perivale, Middlesex or 'phone 01 997 3976. CHEAPER SPARES FOR TWIN CAMS AND ASSOCIATED MODELS One obvious way to achieve a lower price for articles is to purchase in greater numbers. So the Group will take the initiative and the hope is that our membership or other appropriate register members will make the project worthy of its continuance. Each edition of Safety Fast a limited offer of spare or maintenance or neces- sary rebuild item will be made available through the Group. We are also open to suggested items but have enough ideas to last out at least 12 copies. The offer this month is Twin Cam, Cam cover gaskets, there are 20 pairs available at only f4including postage and packing.

These are normally only available with com- plete top and gasket sets which run out at a much higher unit price so must represent excel- lent value. BMC ROSETTES We have restocked on these items and the price is just 75p p&p included. Most MGssold during the time that BMC was the controlling body would have had one fitted toascreen, so help to achieve the image that the car would have once had. These items when seen at the Silverstone

dicates you will not be disappointed with the ahead in the next few years. Home Centre product you will receive by return of post. members will each be advised of arrangements Cheques made payable to the MGCC Twin but proposals from Overseas Members for con- Cam Group for this and above items and sent to sideration are welcome for a meeting planned P Richer, 144 Paxton Road, Fareham, Hamp- for late September early October. shire will receive immediate attention. Note the new address!! For the rosettes we would be happy to receive postage stamps from Home Victor Smith Center members, (i.e. 6 at 12'/2p). It is now five years since the launch of the V8 DETERMINING THE DEMONSTRATOR Register in October 1978 and today the Regis- PMO326 ter strength is over 700 members-a significant hi^ car was used for the - ~ ~ t ~ ~ ~ road test in proportion of the factory production figure of Germany and was reported in that magazine 2591. Equally this August saw the tenth during the announcement week in mid.~uly anniversary of the launch of the discreetly pow- 1958. Associated photographs indicate that the erful V8 in 1973. Today the V8 Register is the car was finished in a light colour, and it was a only specialist forum forV8 enthusiasts and the right hand drive model. According to produc- strengths of the Register are the ~ o ~ u l a r V 8 tion records the only cars that were completed Workshop Notes and the enthusiastic band of in time for this report and not already deter- specialists providing the V8 Lifeline. mined by us areYD1.503, YD2.520, YD2.521, The v 8 Workshop Notes series is about to YD1.524 and YD2.529. All but yD1.524 were reach the fourth volume, taking the series to in Orient Red, while 524 was finished in Ash Over 140 useful notes for members. The aims of Green, the other four also left the factory a the series are quite s i m ~ l e and liberal - they week after completion, while 524 was dis- are to amplify o r clarify the Workshop Manual patched in mid July like the two known demon- (AKD 3259) and/or the V8 Workshop Manual strators. I think we would be justified in allocat- Supplement (AKD 8468) or to give tips on the ing chassis YD1.524 to PM0326. I also have a availability of spares and services. sneaking suspicion that a certain historian The Lifeline is a growing band of might support this deduction. specialists providing support, spares, servicing TECHNICAL TIP and help for V8 enthusiasts. The MG Parts Tan Bowen of Kent and owner of YM1.2062 Centre at Richmond. Beer of Houghton, when rebuilding his engine had a problem. and Ciammons at Baldock The namely the removal of a jammed ~~~~~t Huntsman at Bristol, Geoff Alien at Abingdon, Bucket. H e devised a tool to overcome its ex- LV Engineering in Hampstead, Parkway traction which causes negligible further damage Garage at Brackle~ and Mike Allison near to the head. A copy of his diagram of the tool or Leamington Spa - all Pan of the V8 Lifeline. his address from which to loan the tool can be The Social side of the V8 Register provides obtained through me at the address above. an annual dinner, a party at the British Grand

Another way to get you to read these notes prix. gatherings at MG Car Club events and our again. annual Sunday lunchtime meeting at The GENERAL MEETING Shoulder of Mutton at Hazeley Heath in It is hoped to arranee a Twin Cam Groun Hampshire - pub run by a V8 enthusiast with a

marquee sold out almost immediately which in- ~ e n e r a l ~ e e t i n ~ to reason and decide the ways good welcome

MMM SPARES NEWS Is your MMM Engine tired and listless or just in a thousand pieces? - then we can help! We have capacity of a limited number of full or partial engine rebuilds over the Winterperiod complete with full crack detection and balancing services. All work is carried out to our usual high standard and of course we have the added back up ot our comprehensive range of new parts in our Stores. Full engines are bench tested and customers can view their engines under power if they wish. In response to several requests from customers for budget priced crankshafts we are now able to offer for the J series a non counterbalanced crankshaft as direct replacements for cracked or overground originals. Manufactured in Alloy Steel (EN 19), 'Tufrided'and complete with the rear main bearing flange crankshafts can be ordered with standard 11/2"Journals or 7%" for use with P Type rods. We have 2 in stock at the time of writing but delivery would normally be 6 weeks from date of order. Price complete with mated rear flange - £350 P Type 3 bearing around £430 These crankshafts are maufactured to a high standard and are machined all over. Fully counterbalanced racing Crankshafts in EN 40B (Nitrided) are also available to order as are fully machined steel conn. rods. P.O.A.

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38 SAFETY FAST, Octoher-November 1'483

MG's Steal the Show at the Big Cats Meeting The 2nd Cheshire Cats Trophy Meeting - Oulton Park lan Entwisle

The MGs were out in force at Oulton Park, Cheshire, on St. George's day to support the Cheshire Cats race meeting. The M G Car Club provided a whole grid for event 2 but more of that later.

Event 1 -The Marque Challenge Race This was an interesting collection of Classic cars, notably some fine AC Cobras and Aston Martins all of which sounded verv impressive as they growled their way around the circuit. This was a 20 lap race and the weather was fine, as it had been during the mornings practice sessions, leaving the track nice and dry - for the mo- ment anyway.

Event 2 -The MG Sports Car Race The grid was made up of MGAs, MGBs and Midgets. The race was ledmore or less from the start by local hero Adam Wiseberg (MGA) who managed to keep the MGAs of Richard Hutton and Eric Hoult at bay. John Halton (MGA) had quite a battle going with Steve Clayton (MGA) for 4th place. On lap 8 we had a bit of drama at Druids, by all accounts the leader was savaged from behind by Richard Hutton who seemed intent on removing Adam's wing and restyling the driver's door. While these two were sorting out their differ- ences, Eric Hoult seized the opportunity and nipped through to take the lead, which he held for the last two laps to take 1st place. Adam, meanwhile, had managed a brave recovery and held second place leaving poor old Richard Hutton, retired and wishing he'd kept his dis- tance. This elevated John Halton to 3rd place just ahead of Steve Clayton.

Further back down the field, Peter 'Doc' Malimson (MGB) who had been losing ground until his tyres began to get sticky was picking them off one by one. He eventually finished 8th ahead of Cumbrian John Benson-Wilson, although had it been a 20 lap race he's sure he'd have been up amongst the winners.

North West Centre Chairman Mike Entwisle reckons he had a great time with Katie (we don't wish to know that Mike! What would Jean say?). Still he reckons he enjoyed himself which is the main thing.

Adam's car suffered quite serious damage to the rear wing during his tussle with Richard Hutton but this did not deter him from wanting t o enter the next race. This required some speedy repairs and a North West Centre Task Force materialized from nowhere. In front of a rather large audience of onlookers and general well wishers, they robbed John Benson-Wilson's car of its straight wing and taped it on to Adam's, just in the nick of time, there were only seconds to spare before:-

Event 3 - The Cheshire Cats Trophy Race This was the real epicof the afternoon-a sixty lap race which would last over an hour. The MG Car Club was again represented with a couple of MGAs -one jointly driven by Adam Wiseberg and John Halton, the other by G. Thewlis, and mobile smoke screen, Phil Morris, in a solitary MGB.

The opposition featured some pretty exotic machinery such as Porches, Morgans, Alfas and E-Types. Adam sat it out in 6th place until the rain came down and did it rain! It didn't seem to bother him, though, as he climbed rapidly to third place. They had decided to leave the mandatory pit stop until late in an at- tempt to accumulate time but it became obvi- ous this had not worked when Ron Lea's E- Type passed the pits as John Halton was taking over. Of course 4th place overall was still good

Mike Entwislc and 'Katie'with Ian Andcrson (Midget). (Photo: lan Entwisle)

The MG Sports Cargrid. (Photo: Frank E. Hall).

enough to give them a class win. The other MGA retired after 13 laps and Phil Morris finished a very respectable 8th overall and 4th in class. The race was won by Colin Blower in a Porsche 911 SC and Steve Cole took 2nd place in the Morgan +8.

Event 5 - Mod Sports, Historic Sports and Sports Racing. The final event of the day, one which featured NW Centre Vice-chairman Barry Lamas in a Lotus Elan. By all accounts this was another hard fought battle hut I'm afraid I missed this one and second hand reports have been thin on the ground.

arranging some rather spectacular side shows which took place through the afternoon. There was Championship Tractor Pulling which I am told was worth the journey and entrance fee on its own. And if that wasn't your Mug o' Ale what about some 17th Century War Skirmish- ing complete with cannons, muskets, pikes and period costumes. Other attractions included an excellent craft exhibition. Morris Dancing and the inevitable concours too. It would be a shame to waste the opportunity with all those lovely classics in the same place at one time.

All in all then it was a successful day as far as the NW Centre is concerned, well worth the effort that was out in. I'm off upstairs to see if

Full marks to the Jaguar Drivers Club for any of my pictures turn out. '

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SAFETY FAST. October-November I983 31