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MG Monthly

Motoring News May 2020

Written and Published by MG Car Club of Tasmania Inc

PRINT POST APPROVED PUBLICATION No .PP 100002891

MG Car Club of Tasmania – MG Monthly Motoring News, May 2020

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Brian Roberts vs Greg Ellis, Symmons Plains 1965

MG TC Richmond Qtr Mile 1964

MGCC Football Match – Sorell 1960


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Contents:

My Black MGA Coupe .................................................................................................................................. 3

MG Car Club State Committee ................................................................................................................. 6 President’s Report ........................................................................................................................................ 7

Life Members .................................................................................................................................................. 8

MGCCT Facebook Page ............................................................................................................................... 9

MGCCT Website ............................................................................................................................................. 9

VC Registrations, Inspections and Renewals.................................................................................... 9

Motor Sports Chaplain ................................................................................................................................ 9 Secretary’s Report ..................................................................................................................................... 10

Ed Says ............................................................................................................................................................ 11

Cuba – A Paradise Paradox .................................................................................................................... 12

Longford 2020. ........................................................................................................................................... 17 MG’s in Launceston ................................................................................................................................... 20

MGCCT 1970 - A Year in Reflection ................................................................................................... 27

Southern Sub Centre Committee ........................................................................................................ 31

Southern Notes ........................................................................................................................................... 32

Northern Sub Centre Committee ........................................................................................................ 33

Northern Notes ........................................................................................................................................... 34

Wanted to Sell ............................................................................................................................................. 36

North West Notes ...................................................................................................................................... 35

Spring Getaway to Triabunna October 17/18/19 ...................................................................... 37

MGA Register Notes .................................................................................................................................. 41

Regalia ............................................................................................................................................................ 45

Square Rigger Notes ................................................................................................................................. 46

Cover Photo:

Brian Roberts Black MGA Coupe at Longford 1967.

Printed by Impress Print,

10 Wenvoe St, Devonport, Tasmania, 03 6424 5900


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My Black MGA Coupe

This article is a reprint of a MGCCT Magazine article provided by Brian Roberts who’s Black MGA Coupe was mentioned in last months magazine. In the 1960’s this car was a regular visitor to Hobart during the summer months. At that time it had a Victorian registration plate and was fitted with original chrome wire wheels, the owner was a Miss Gabrielle Wren. All I can recall about her is that she was an extremely attractive young lady, had long blonde hair and dress wise was quite the trend setter for Hobart at the time. Her grandfather was John Wren the central character in the book “Power without Glory” by Frank Hardy. Where he was renamed John West.

Gabrielle became associated with the MG car club. She also acquired a Porsche. She entered both Porsche and the M.G.A. for an event at Baskerville however in the interim decided to lose her licence for speeding. The night before the event I met Gabrielle at a pre-race party and asked if I could drive the car? She said “that’s quite okay by me if you can find the car and persuade the officials to let you drive it”. We found the car it was in a workshop having the clutch replaced. We persuaded the Baskerville officials to allow us to enter the A instead of my TC. Gabrielle wanted to sell the car so in due course I became the proud owner of an M.G.A. 1600 coupe. I was fortunate that I was able to sell my FJ Holden to John Rundle who was my mechanic at the time.


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In 1967 I decided to enter the car for Longford. The engine was showing signs of wear so with the assistance of Greg and Peter Ellis and Jim Barrett who was to be my co-driver we stripped the car down and rebuilt the engine. The block was bored to the Major Elite pistons. We ported and polished the cylinder head and fitted spacers in the rocker gear. The crank shaft, fly wheel, and clutch assemblies were balanced as were the pistons and connecting rods. The conrods were also polished. In all other respects the car remained standard apart from fitting slightly oversized tyres and a cold air box for the Longford event. I can’t recall my lap times but I know that the M.G. car club timing group recorded a top speed of 106 miles an hour down the Flying Mile. Apart from that the car also did minor competition events at club levels.

After that the car was virtually retired and was used as a family hack after I was married.

The car was laid up for some time as the costs involved with education small children placed a fair amount of strain on the family budget. However after the children left school the car was resprayed and lately the interior carpet has been replaced. The original chrome wire wheels have been replaced by conventional silver enamel due to budgetary constrictions.

Replacing all these components was not so simple, being relative inactive as far as working on car motors and similar are concerned I tend to be rather traditional when ordering replacement components. Perhaps that was my first mistake. The rings apparently came from Western Australia and were of American manufacturer at least that is what the variety of languages stamped on the case said. The thrust and big end bearings were manufactured by the AE group who apparently were the successor to Vandervell the main bearings presented a far greater problem. The first set that arrived according to the parts manual were for a 1620 BMC engine and young “Lohinvar” behind the counter informed me that “they don’t make the originals anymore and you have got to put up with them”. The problem was that “them” were over 1/8th of an inch narrower that the originals. Perhaps it was fortunate that when I returned them the owner was present, I had known him for some 30 years dating back to the time when I used to race a formula V and be a regular customer. He gently persuaded the young one that perhaps his information was incorrect and some five days later a set of ACL main bearings arrived, the frustrating part of this tale is that they were made in Launceston and unlike other parts of the engine did not have to come from overseas. Whilst this exercise was being undertaken we also replaced a clutch


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plate, clutch thrust bearing and serviced the clutch slave cylinder by installing a new kit. Is there a moral to my tale? Well I’m sure there must be several. Firstly if you are a member of the MG Car Club no matter how inactive or remote, it obviously pays for the sake of self-preservation to go to Noggin n Natters that are held Tuesday night. That way you can keep up to date with the way to get bits and pieces to keep your car on the road. Secondly if you are looking for parts don’t be influenced by traditional values and be prepared to go to the man who deals with MG’s on an everyday basis. He was able to provide me with a new oil pump off the shelf.

Finally the most galling part of the tale is that assuming that it is going to be another 25 years before I look at the engine it’s more likely that the car will outlast me.

In all other respects the car is still as original as its date of manufacturer the 3rd November 1960.

In August 1992 the gear box was overhauled after the Ball race collapsed. The engine was also dismantled and new rings and bearings and an oil pump were installed as was a new clutch thrust and plate, on dismantle the only noticeable wear was a broken compression ring and the vacuum advance in the distributor was stuck .

Brian Roberts

Member Number 5


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MG Car Club State Committee

Position Member

(Partner)

Contact Details

President Mark Dilger

(Angela)

(h) 6327 1028

(m) 0408 271 029

[email protected]

Immediate

Past

President

Phillip Tilley

(Sophie)

(m) 0418 523 898

[email protected]

Vice

President Bronwyn Zuber

(h) 6273 6797

(w) 6278 5415

(m) 0419 569 156

[email protected]

Secretary Greg Bannon

(Margaret)

(m) 0419 389 105

[email protected]

Treasurer Robin Wilmot (m) 0400 193 579

[email protected]

Club Captain Craig Large

(Kelli)

[email protected]

(m) 0408 559 252

Membership

Officer

Wayne Jessup

(Ruth)

(h) 6427 9384

(m) 0447 642 793

[email protected]

Editor Andrew Midgley

(Sue-Anne)

(h) 6427 2392

(m) 0458 949 881

[email protected]

General

Member

Don Fraser

(Susan)

(h) 6428 3791

(m) 0418 316 451

[email protected]

General

Member

Craig Twining

(Jodie)

(m) 0432 018 602

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]











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President’s Report

Well the lock down has been in place for a few weeks now, I know, as I’m finding a fly crawling up the wall interesting.

Jokes aside I think it has been an opportune time to get into those home projects I have spent so much time previously putting the case for the negative, or in other words I could not get motivated to complete.

So the list for this month has been the completion of the landscaping of the front of the house, a job I have been putting off for the last 5 years.

The cars polished, the bed rooms painted, the garage cleaned out and tidied, garden ready for planting in spring and the lawns renovated and ready for the spring when they should be lush and green. What next, get MG’s ready for a bumper spring and summer’s driving around the state.

Here is hoping we will be out of this by spring or at least be able to go for a drive somewhere and re discover our own part of the state.

On behalf of the club I extended our sympathies to our secretary and Life Member Greg Bannon, whose father passed recently. I know Greg and Margaret have many friends within the club who have reached out to Greg in these restricted times.

For those not already doing it pick up the phone and ring a club member just to keep in touch and maintain our social interaction which our members are so good at. Find out what they have been up to, you may be able to brighten someone’s day, or even your own.

The club matters still keep requiring attention such as our annual Concours, AGM and committee elections. We are still not sure if we will be able to hold these events this year and whilst our constitution does state they should be held in Oct, Nov or Dec each year it may not happen in 2020.

The sub centres put a motion on their books to suspend activities until the end of April and I received correspondence from the Northern Sub Centre that as the position has not changed, they have moved to continue the suspension of activities until the end of May and review again then.


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We have another month of self-isolation or distancing and no social activities but we would agree it’s for our own benefit and those around us so let’s look after everyone and maintain this regime.

We have elected to continue the publication of the Magazine as a means of keeping in touch so it would help our editor Andrew if we have any interesting story or old MG photos to forward on for publication, let’s not just leave it to Andrew to come up with the content.

Thank you to all those that submitted articles this months and I look forward to having a read. Shannon’s have offered the opportunity for all car club members to participate in a virtual car show. They are offering terrific prizes for both participants and their car clubs so check out the details in this magazine and let’s participate and get as many of the clubs cars registered as possible.

Be safe and stay at home.

Cheers

Mark Dilger

State President

Life Members

Joe Paul (dec) 1969 Robin Wilmot 1998

Bob Moore (dec) 1974 Bill Griffiths 2007

Arthur Twining (dec) 1976 Tony Gurnhill 2009

Ian Wade 1984 Cheryl Gurnhill 2013

Terry Atkinson 1984 Greg Bannon 2013

Dennis Burgess 1984 Bronwyn Zuber 2013

Chris Ellis (dec) 1985 Craig Twining 2014

John Sluce (dec) 1994 Phillip Tilley 2017


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MGCCT Facebook Page

The MG Car Club of Tasmania Inc

For those members who are Facebook users, we have an MG Car Club Tasmania Facebook page. Feel free to add events, photos, and videos, but remember that anything offensive or not relevant to the Club may be removed at the discretion of the administrator.

MGCCT Website

www.mgtas.org.au

Copies of this magazine can be downloaded from the MGCCT website. Membership forms and change of address forms are also available for download. Links to other car clubs are also available.

Webmaster: Craig Large

(m) 0408 559 252

[email protected]

VC Registrations, Inspections and Renewals

Vehicle Club registration allows members of a recognised car club (approved by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles) to use their vehicle in either a club sanctioned event or for general use 30 days outside of club events. These vehicles attract a reduced rate of registration and third party insurance.

Geoff Dodge, 57 Evisons Road, Sassafras

(h) 6426 7338

(m) 0428 509 627

Motor Sports Chaplain

Should you require the services of the Tasmanian Motor Sports Chaplain, his contact details are:

Adrian Cooper

(m) 0408 395 917

[email protected]

http://www.mgtas.org.au/




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Secretary’s Report

From the State Committee Meeting held on the 4th May (Meeting no. 748)

Concours, AGM and State Dinner

Again there was discussion on these events but with the situation unchanged (COVID-19) this has been again carried over until next month. As mentioned in last month’s magazine legal advice was sought on the holding of these events in the months of Oct, Nov or Dec as stated in the Constitution. W Griffiths has advised us that this is not binding.

Baskerville and Symmons Plains Race Meetings

With the cancelation of the Baskerville Historic Race meeting M Dilger has received an email from P Killick outlining his thoughts on the holding of motorsport events 2020. P Killick has spoken with both HSCC and MGCCT on the suggestion that they hold at least 1 X 3 day event at Baskerville that is a celebration to a return of racing, and another 3 day event at Symmons Plains celebrating the 60th Anniversary. Both events should cater for all categories and historic classes but not to feature historic meeting events such as the Kit Ellis memorial race.

Club Property M Harrington has produced an asset register spreadsheet for the club’s property for B Zuber to work from and the Civic Club has offered space for our club to place a display cabinet. R Wilmot is to follow up on this matter.

Motorsport Australia Licence Update

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 issues Motorsport Australia has approved changes to the expiration of certain licence types. Anyone with queries can contact Motorsport Australia on 1300 883 959 or email [email protected]. Or I can send out their email on the matter to you if you prefer.

Regards

Greg Bannon



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Ed Says

The magazine has quite a different look and feel to it this month.

With no club events to report on and no upcoming events that we can commit to, what we have are some stories of old and new about all things cars and travel. Really like rubbing salt into the wound!!

Thank you to the members who have sent in contributions, I have not printed them all this month I have held over a couple for next month as well, but that does not mean the rest of you can be complacent, send in those memories and share.

Greg’s look at 1970 I found particularly interesting, there are some things within the club that just have not changed and many things that have. The one that really caught my eye was that we had 45 members committed to the following years National Meeting 11 months in advance. Whilst it is not a reflection on the club but more a sign of the times that we leave these decisions to the last minute now, with many members only committing the week before registration closes.

From the other side of the world our International Director has submitted a couple of photos he thought might interest us. The photos taken 90 years apart, and not much has changed architecturally.

I read an interesting take on the perceptions of this lockdown; it really made you think about just how lucky we are. And really puts into perspective why our parents thought we always had life too easy.

If you were born in 1910.

At 4 you experienced WW1

At 9 you experienced the Spanish Flu pandemic

At 19 you experienced the Great Depression

At 29 you experienced WW2

By the time you turned 40, you will only have had 10 years of your life without a Global situation affecting your life. And people are complaining about not being able to go to Bunnings for 3 weeks?

Keep Smiling, Stay safe and dream of the wind in your hair. (what more salt!!)

Ed.


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Cuba – A Paradise Paradox

" CUBA!!!! Why would you go to Cuba? Its a communist country isn’t it?

" Well yes, it is (was) but that's no reason to not go ; when we told friends of our plans, often the reaction was negative, but some adventurous souls also said; "wow; that’s great; love to hear all about it................"

So on the 3rd March we flew to Havana (locals call it Habana so I will too) via Melbourne/Los Angeles/Mexico City and were met at the airport by our full-time guide, arranged through a small Perth (WA) company which specialises in Cuba travel. Independent travel isn’t easy, unless you are fluent in Spanish, and even then , there are a lot of challenges. Our usual travel mode in France is to pick up a car at the airport , using the excellent French-government sponsored leasing scheme which is a far better option than rental cars; and take off to wherever we want. In Cuba, its cheaper to hire a guide and a car with driver, rather than do the full independent "thing".

What won’t you like in Cuba? Well, the level of poverty; living conditions for many people are truly awful. Also the smell of kerosene; I am convinced that petrol is "cut" with kerosene, and its also used for cleaning. Many beggars and "touts; "want a taxi/cigar/rum/restaurant mister?" The roads are awful; even the 6 lane national highway which runs almost the full length of the island, is extremely uneven; has wash-outs, and there are no road barriers anywhere so pedestrians wander happily across it; or allow stock to graze freely on the verge . Be ready for long queues outside supermarkets (not unusual to see a


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hundred people trying to buy sugar or rice or milk powder). People smoke in cafes and bars; not so much in restaurants. Vegetarians (ie, Jill!!) are not catered for very well (as one guide book said; " Cubans just don’t understand vegetarians"). So many buildings in larger towns are in severe disrepair; no money for that! Just before we arrived the Cuban government doubled salaries for doctors; they now get almost $100 US a month.................................

BUT; keep in mind, before the revolution of 1959, things were FAR worse! Life expectancy was 35 years. Only 2% of the population was literate. The level of brutality of the Batista regime was beyond adequate description. The wealth of the country in the 19th century all went to Spain; in the 20th century it went to the Mafia ; to US companies, and to Batista's cronies. ( I do remember reading somewhere the comment; " every revolution, no matter how evil, is actually necessary"; Cuba is certainly an example of that.)

We did like the amazing architecture which we found everywhere; if money could be found for restorations, the standard of work is exceptional, especially when things are often done on a a shoestring ( in one museum, and there are many!!, I watched a worker polishing the marble floor with a modern-looking hand-held polisher; the electrical cable was about 20 small lengths, taped together; would give any OH& S person here, many nightmares!!). Cubans are masters of recycling! Almost nothing is thrown away. Every town has a pretty central square, often surrounded with freshly painted government buildings or cathedrals. People are friendly, (generally) and tourists are welcomed as the tourism industry brings much-needed foreign currency. I enjoyed a few beers; the local brand is Cristal": a light beer in the European style. Cuba has an amazing health care system and at one point in the SARS pandemic, only two country's in the world had the technology which was needed; one was France, the other Cuba. Right now Cuban doctors and nurses are being sent to various country's to assist with the Covid 19 fight. However we now greatly fear for the future of everyone we met, as well the entire country.

It is impossible to travel much without getting a large dose of Cuban history; we did read a lot before going, but feel we have come back with vastly more knowledge. The various monuments to Fidel Castro, and to Che Guevera, and many important historical figures, are always presented very well; would rate with any we have seen in Europe. There is also a lot of emphasis placed on the incident known as the "Bay of Pigs" invasion by Cuban exiles in 1962.


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Most knowledge we have all of this, is pretty much learned via an American perspective; the Cuban take on this is very different, of course.

Jill took many photos of cars; the Cuban stereotype is always, big American cars of the 1950's ; women in amazing colourful clothes, fading old buildings ' big cheap cigars, and the cars are probably the most accurate one! I have hopefully attached a couple of photos with this article, but anyone keen to see more can look on Jill’s blog ("grown-upglamour.com") . Part of our tour cost, covered a one-hour trip around Habana, in a convertible; with tongue in cheek I requested a Cadillac but that’s what we got. The owner proudly corrected me when I asked if it had the original 7 litre engine; "no, its 7.5 litre!!" The driver had perfected the art of keeping the revs between (my guess) 400 and 900 ; petrol quite expensive as most of it is imported. One aspect of cars which intrigued me; many had very expensive looking alloy wheels, and full Willwood competition disc brakes, all round! Our guide explained; "if you have the money, you can buy anything on the black market" . But where/how do you get the cash in the first place in such a poor country? We did see newish MG's (ie, Chinese; usually rental cars or taxis); many Ladas , Peugeot 301's (must have been one very big boat which evaded the US naval blockade, and unloaded hundreds of these; a model I had not seen before) and local badged cars which probably were really Toyota Camrys. Even saw some Moskvitchs ; I am sure you have one of these horrors on your "must have " list! . Most of our travel was in a "Geely" ; chinese made, about the same size as Toyota Corolla sedan. Quite comfortable for the four of us and didn’t miss a beat despite a lot of very hot weather. All speedometers are disconnected on day one so no-one has clue how many k's a car has


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done. Engine transplants are legendary; no reason why you couldn’t put a 2 litre Volvo engine in a 1957 Chevvie Belair! There is reputed to be an MGA somewhere in Habana; I couldn’t find it.........I did take photos of a Peugeot 403; bodywork and paint clearly done by local playschool; engine appeared to be turbo-charged diesel something ; lack of Spanish language skills let me down there. Also curious that I didn’t see a single worn tyre ( in such a poor country I did expect to see lots of bare canvas but no; must be some vehicle inspection for registration. )

After 2 weeks of travel, we sat in a terrace bar on the roof of a palace which itself was an example of the obscene wealth a few people once had. I realised that the TV behind the bar was showing CNN; only time we had access to English speaking programs . By the way, WIFI is very hard to access and our phones didn’t work in Cuba, and there are no foreign newspapers at all so we were very ignorant of the changing situation re Covis19. The TV shocked us by announcing that the person known as "agent orange " had blocked entry to US by people from some 28 countries. We had no idea if that included Cuba or Mexico; relieved to eventually find we still could get back to LA , and then


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hopefully, to Oz. Departure from our hostel in Habana a few days later meant a 2.30 am start; won’t do that again!! Got to LA that day and only then found the flight with the Virgins, to Melbourne, had been cancelled! In the end we caught the last flight out, to Sydney, and then the usual connections to arrive in Launceston 10.30 pm Sunday 22nd; now in 14 days quarantine. Yes, a truly memorable trip for all the above reasons. And yes, we did enjoy it all, and would heartily recommend Cuba , and our tour company, if there is ever any kind of normality again.

Home made Station Wagon for Sale

John and Jill James


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Longford 2020.

Yes!

Back in1953 and up to1968, Longford town ship, just south of Launceston in Tasmania, was right into Australian motor racing.

The Australian Grand Prix was held there in1959 and 1965 as well as the Tasman series of road races.

The track was unique in that it was around the streets of Longford and included the pub corner, two bridges, including a rather dicey old wooden bridge and a tricky viaduct under the railway line, plus a railway crossing. It was quite a challenge.

Just over 4.5 miles (7.24 kilometres), the lap record was 122.4 MPH (196.62KPH.) set by Chris Amon, from New Zealand, in a Ferrari P4 sports car, in 1968. This record was the fastest lap record in Australian motor sport until the Gran Prix race in Melbourne in 1996.

World champion drivers were all at Longford. Jim Clark, Denny Hulme, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, Phil Hill, Jack Brabham, as well as other drivers such as Bruce McLaren, Chris Amon and a host of Australian and Tasmanian drivers including John Youl of Symmon’s plains in Northern Tasmania.

Needless to say, Tasmanians flocked to the races.

I had been heavily involved in car racing in the south particularly at Baskerville, as one of the group who proposed, financed and set up that circuit.

My interest became greater. At the time I was working at the Mercury, the daily newspaper, and was competing in road trials, initially sponsored by the newspaper, and began writing the ‘Sporting Motorist’ the Hobart Sporting Car Club news sheet, results of meetings and providing and printing programs. But, alas, with two kids and restricted income, apart from an occasional drive in a borrowed car, actual racing was out. (Don Gorringe, a prominent motor mechanic and racer was keen for me to buy a race car, but first things first, so we bought a second hand Silent Knight refrigerator. Mind you, that was probably as exciting. The ‘fridge was so efficient it froze solid everything – including full glass bottles of milk.)

My contacts with the Mercury no doubt led to later doing and writing the road tests for new vehicles for the Royal Automobile Club.

Therefore, it was not surprising that we, Bonnie and I and the kids, were regular visitors to all race meetings. This was especially so as I was great friends with Dick Crawford a brilliant motor mechanic, who advised me and


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looked after my MG-TC and other sports cars. Needless to say, I also got to know the family well.

In later years, son Antony, was heavily involved with Scouts, so Bonnie and I were regular visitors to Sherwood, an abandoned country property beautifully restored by Antony for the Scouts and as well, we were teaching water skiing to the Scouts on Meadowbanks Lake.

Antony also learned to fly and purchased a Cessna aeroplane. Antony and I did our Instrument Flying theory together in Victoria.

Father Dick was a regular on the race track. He drove anything and everything, including an A40 Tourer and various Morris minors. (Perhaps the most ‘incredible’ was the Morris sedan. With the owner’s permission, he put an overhead valve head on the original 800cc side valve engine. After racing at Longford, he replaced the side valve head and returned the Minor to the owner, so she could go shopping.) Dick later became a very successful Formula ‘V’ racer. I was delighted to be asked by Trish, Dick’s daughter, to accompany her on a trip to the ‘Longford Revival’ Trish and I had been to a couple of other motor events when I owned the ‘E’ Type Jaguar.

I was looking forward to a trip in the MGB, but alas, it was not to be. “You drive too fast.” So we went in Trish’s Camry station wagon. (Called Cameron!)

It was a fantastic day. The weather was perfect, and Trish had prepared coffee and sandwiches.

We spent some hours in the Longford pub, which has a racing car mounted in the front window, and a wonderful display of ‘photos. (Probably a rumour, but Dick was supposed to have stopped for a quick beer on one lap!)

There was a paddock full of racing cars – both old and new and many drivers, so there was much talk.

Yes! A great day indeed. Then, about a week later, I asked Trish if she would join me ‘topless’. Trish readily agreed, despite the possible threat of rain. This time I picked her up in the MGB.

So we set off – to join about 50 other sports car on Parliament House gardens.

All the other sports cars were topless too.


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The oldest car was a 1913 model from France, but I was intrigued to see a Whippet Tourer, as our brother Norm had one and had always called it his ‘Wicked’ car. It was a special rally to raise funds for women who suffered from breast cancer.

Then I was even more excited!

Another young lady from choir invited me to meet her and do some tricks with her. Needless to say I was keen – but.

Now Ruby is a trapeze artist, who works with Circus Oz and as a Circus teacher in Albury, so the tricks were Circus tricks.

Quite challenging, especially when I was lying stretched out and balanced on her feet, or holding on to the trapeze and trying to lift both legs to a sitting position, without bending my elbows. I am supposed to be doing some ‘homework’ but perhaps fortunately, we are all in lockdown, so maybe I can use this as an excuse?

Well, enough nonsense for now.

All the best; Stan Ellis


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MG’s in Launceston

I have recently come across this photo of MGs in the centre of Launceston, Cornwall where I live. My guess is that it was a stop on a trial or rally of some kind in the early to mid 1930s. More informed than I, may be able to place the date more accurately based on the cars. Cecil Kimber is in the foreground. Note to the right the war memorial and to the left of that the wiggly drainpipe arrangement.

The second photo I took this afternoon. Although we are on lock-down we are allowed to go out and buy necessities like petrol, which of course you need if you need to get to the garage to buy petrol. We also had a letter to post, so this was the opportunity to snap my V8 against an almost unaltered backdrop. Although citron coloured, I thought a match with the original would be better. Little changes in Launceston it seems, except for the names above the stores. The wiggly drainpipe still hasn't been sorted.

Peter Cook

International Director


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The Lighter Side of Isolation


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2020 Shannons Club Show & Shine Competition

The annual Shannons Club Online Show and Shine Competition is here, and it’s bigger than ever, with a huge $37,500 in cash prizes up for grabs!

This year, when you win, your motoring club wins too! Just nominate your motoring club when you enter. And if you win, you will take home a cash prize and so will your club*. With hundreds of our favourite motoring events cancelled and while we’re all staying at home, it’s the perfect time to get out the polish and get your car or motorbike gleaming.


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The competition gives you the opportunity to show-off your pride and joy by entering the best photos of your vehicle for your chance to win. Plus, see some of Australia’s best classic cars and bikes, all without leaving home!

Weekly Winner Prize - $1,000 Cash for you and $500 Cash for your nominated Club

'Best in Show' Prize - $5,000 Cash for you and $2,500 Cash for your nominated Club

The Shannons judges will be looking at the entries appearance (including cleanliness, shine, condition and presentation) of the exterior, interior, engine and wheels of your vehicle along with the creativity, effort and pride displayed in the photos of your vehicle submitted.

Category Winner Prize - $2,000 Cash for you and $1,000 Cash for your nominated Club

Club Members will decide who takes home the 'Category' prizes, so make sure you check out all the 2020 entries and vote on your favourite vehicles. Importantly make sure you share your entry with friends and make sure they vote for your vehicle. Category winners will be the entries with the most votes.

To enter, join the Shannons Club, it's FREE. Then upload your best photos of your car or bike. So, grab your camera and enter now for your chance to win.

Enter now at shannons.com.au/club/win

Competition Terms & Conditions

Competition conducted by Shannons Pty Limited, of Level 28, Brisbane Square, 266 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000. Competition commences at 9am on 1/5/20 and closes at 5pm on 25/6/20 (Melbourne time). Entry only open to eligible Australian residents aged 18 years or older. Eligible Entrants must be opted in to receive Shannons marketing communications. *To be eligible for the Motoring Club element of the prizes the Eligible Entrant must nominate an official registered club. Total prize pool valued at up to $37,500 AUD (dependent on if prize winners nominated a Motoring Club in their entry).

View full terms and conditions at shannons.com.au/club/show-n-shine-2019/terms.

https://www.shannons.com.au/club/show-n-shine-2020/

https://www.shannons.com.au/club/show-n-shine-2020/terms/

https://www.shannons.com.au/club/show-n-shine-2020/terms/


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MGCCT 1970 - A Year in Reflection

50 Years on we look at what was happening in the club in 1970, Greg Bannon has read through the magazines for that year and put together these highlights.

January:

New Members:

Tom Mulcahay, Porsche 912

Peter Freeman, Swallow Doretti

Coming Events:

Club night back bar Tattersalls Hotel

Old Beach Gymkhana

Bruny Island trip

Baskerville.

Club in conjunction with all other MG Car Clubs in Aust. is running a Membership Drive.

February :

New Members:

Phillip T Clark Datsun 2000

Social member Glen Martin Mazda 1500

E.R.Blomnestein Falcon

membership now at 99

Report by P Scott on the Sydney 1970 National Conference held on Jan 10th. 11th. 12th.

March:

New Members:

Dianne Lightfoot Triumph Spitfire

Sue Chelmick Triumph Spitfire Mk2

Tony Summers TR3A; S.J.Masters Austin Healey 100/4

Rodney Andrews MGTC (WPN-772)

James Wilson Honda S600

Roger Lohrey MGTF (WRS-264)

Howard Fryer MGA 1500(BZU-773)

Social Member Les Smith 2:4 MK2 Jaguar

Social Events:

2nd Annual Ball.


28

April:

New Members:

Paul Murphy Sprite Mk3A

Ian Muir MGTD.

Coming Events:

Hillclimb Ridgeway

Tas Championship Gymkhana.

Strahan Long Weekend June 13-15

Building Fund on 13/4/70 stood at $806.80

May:

New Members:

J Russell A/H Sprite Mk3

Kevin Close MGB

Lex Smith MGB

Patrick Direen A/H Sprite Mk3A

John Adaszynski A/H Sprite Mk3A

A Nichols MGTF1500

Social member Geoffrey Taylor

Coming Events:

Australian Conference of MG Car Clubs Easter 1971; 17 cars and 45 people booked on Australian Trader; Contact Geoff Wigg.

June:

New Members:

Greg Smith

Bernard Grice EH Holden

Frank Mulcahy Triumph 2000Mk2

Donald Scott Morris 1100

Social to Full; Laurie Watkins MGY

Neil Orange MGB(WFM-009)

Donald Robertson Datsun 2000

Ian Ramsay MGB

Membership now stands at 135. Coming Events:

Cryptic Trial

Gymkhana

Claret Bottling Party


29

Economy Run Article on the MG Car Club’s 40th Anniversary. Club now has 7000 members. The Club beginning life only 7 years after the first MG had been produced.

July:

New Members:

Imants Sleiters Fiat Lombardi Giannini Sports;

Coming Events:

Old Beach Gymkhana.

August:

Flag Marshalls at Baskerville last year.

Kevin McGuire; Dennis Burgess; Geoff Wigg; Laurie Watkind; Jim Hooper; Timing Officials. Peter Shaw; David Grieves.

Scrutineer. Tony Horsham. Judge. Bill Griffiths.

September:

New Members:

Susan Newman MGB

Norm Graef MGTF ( Norm drove his Holden powered TF from WA last year)

Chris Mackay MGB

Peter Gray MGB

Stephen Chrost Triumph TR2

Richard Taylor Datsun 1600

A Finnigan MGY; R Gard Austin Healey 100/6 Alan”Speed” Johnson Mk2A Sprite

S.G.M. Voss Spitfire Mk2

Social member Ian C Barnett Holden Ute

Building Fund now stands at $1068:77.

Postage rates of Magazine will double from October.

October: New Members:

Chris Lewis MGA1500 (WPR240)

Brian Kerbin TVR Grantura.

Coming Events:

Treasure Hunt

Concours de Condition


30

Annual Dinner at Wrest Point

Day trip to Orford

Annual General meeting will be held at Tattersalls Hotel December 8th. A two page article on suggestions to changes to Club’s Championship System; part of it suggests a classing system that favours MG’s.

November:

New Members:

Wilfred Allison MGTD, MGA. Ian Whenn gained 1st and Peter Spiers was placed 2nd in both the heat and final of the Castrol safety drive.

December:

New Members:

E Thomas MGB

John Dorset MGTC

Barry Harbottle MGY

Leslie Story MGTA

Miss Billie Davey MGB

Steve Roomes E type Jaguar

Club Champion. P Spiers

Clubman. G Wigg

New Committee for 1971.

President A Twining.

Vice President Bob Jones.

Imm Past President Bill Flaws.

Club Captain Geoff Wigg.

Secretary Kit Ellis.

Assistant Secretary. Marlene Coombes.

Editor Dennis Burgess.

Treasurer Barry Willing.

Property Officer Peter Cousins.

Membership Officer Stuart Masters.

T Series Officer Peter Scott.

Building Fund Officer Bob Moore.

Scrutineer John Rundel.

Social Secretary Jim Hooper.


31

Southern Sub Centre Committee

Position Person

(Partner)

Contact Details

Chairman Chris Wagstaff

(Vicki)

(h) 6239 1341

(m) 0438 055 199

[email protected]

Secretary Bob Leeson

(Dianne)

(h) 6229 6006

(m) 0457 354 645

[email protected]

Treasurer Robin Wilmot (w) 0400 193 579

[email protected]

Committee

Richard Holtsbaum (Janice)

(h) 6244 5741

(m) 0418 541 230

[email protected]

Mark Harrington (m) 0427 538 412 [email protected]

Kevin McGuire

(Irene)

(m) 0409 315 014

[email protected]

Bronwyn Zuber

(h) 6273 6797

(m) 0419 569 156

[email protected]

Steve Huntley

(Jenny)

(h) 6229 9036

(m)0428 127 932

[email protected]

Southern Sub Centre Meeting

Meet every Tuesday night at 8pm

Civic Club, 134 Davey Street, Hobart

Postal Address

GPO Box 5, Hobart, Tas, 7001










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Southern Notes

Due to the Covid-19 restrictions there will be no car club events in May and most likely none in June either.

However these restrictions will be lifted and we will be able to start enjoying club events again, so if you have any suggestions of suitable sub-centre events for the post lockdown, please put forward your suggestions to me or any of our committee members.

Chris Wagstaff

SSC Chairman

Some of our cars are not coping well with the isolation resulting from their car owner virus. These two escaped to attend the regular monthly Sandy Bay meeting and were chaperoned by a new friend, the Hills Falcon, which maintained a suitable distance so as not to make a threesome. Unfortunately all their regular friends were in lockdown but they were in the company of a lot of strangers.

They are anxiously awaiting the time when they can be back with their friends and resume swapping stories about their favourite mechanic, head problems, breathing issues, replacement of body parts, leaks in the water system, serious internal issues, embarrassing exhaust noises, etc. The normal subjects of the aged.

Cheers

Kevin McGuire


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Northern Sub Centre Committee

Position Member

(Partner)

Contact Details

Chairman Andrew Merry

(Sue)

0408 331 612

[email protected]

Secretary Geraldine Biggelaar

(John)

0400 356 314

[email protected]

Treasurer Mike Paine

(Sue)

(m) 0407 271 926

[email protected]

Frank Brooks (Margaret)

(m) 0418 134 262

[email protected]

Richard Ashley-Jones

(Phyllis)

0419 350 811

[email protected]

John Biggelaar

(Geraldine)

(m) 0408 125 199

[email protected]

Peter Harper

(Liz)

0417 597 897

[email protected]

North West Coordinator

Terry Jeffrey (Colleen)

(m)0417 344 369

[email protected]

Northern Sub Centre Meeting

Committee meeting and social night:

Last Wednesday night of the month at 7.30pm

VCCA Rooms 67 Lawrence Vale Rd, Launceston

Postal Address

PO Box 682, Launceston, Tas, 7250

North West

Meets Second Thursday night of the month:

6.00pm for meal and social evening.

Bass & Flinders Motel, Ulverstone










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Northern Notes

Due to present social distancing put in place. Northern Sub Centre will review the situation on events at the end of May 2020, or as soon as we are able.

Meanwhile stay well & stay safe. Look forward to seeing you all soon.

Regards Geraldine

(Secretary NSC)


35

North West Notes Unfortunately, due to us all being in lock down mode there isn’t anything to report this month. I hope all members are keeping themselves busy and amusing oneself with jobs we tend to put a side for a rainy day.

I hope, in the not too distant future, we may get to take our MG’s out for a picnic lunch in the country side.

Again, may all our MG family stay safe and well during these unusual times.

TJ’s Humour for Month of May

Roz and Pete were having marital difficulties. Things were grim. They were

supposed to be joining friends at a wedding at the weekend. It involved several

hours driving in the country. The drive proceeded in awkward silence, until

Pete decided he had been dishonest for long enough.

“Roz, I need to tell you I have been having an affair…I am leaving and moving in with my mistress. What do you want?” says a guilt ridden Pete. “I’ve known for ages, I’m not stupid…but I don’t want anything,” says Roz as their twenty year old Mercedes races along narrow winding roads.

“What…you don’t want the house?” says an incredulous Pete.


36

“No, I don’t. I’ve got all that I want,” says a red faced Roz as she maintains a dignified air.

“What, you don’t want the beach house? The boat?” says an astonished Pete, thinking he can’t believe the way this is going. “No, I don’t want the beach house and the last thing I want is your boat,” says an increasingly agitated Roz, striving to control her emotions. “I told you, I have everything I want,” she spits out through gritted teeth. “What about the super fund? I’ll talk to the accountant about a fair division…” says a puzzled Pete, wondering how this all aligns with his family lawyer’s advice last Thursday.

“No, thank you I have everything I need,” says Roz as she approaches a sharp bend in the dirt road.

“Well, what is it then? What is it that you have? Is there a secret bank account or something?”

“No, nothing like that – I have everything I want – I’ve got the airbag,” she says as she spears the car into a tree. ……………………………………………………

TC – Terry (Jeffrey) - NW Co-ordinator

Mob: 0417 344 369 Email: [email protected]

Wanted to Sell

MGB Gauges:

1964-73 Fuel Gauge BF2300-02

1969-76 Oil Pressure/Oil Temperature Gauge GD1301-21

$100 each, please contact

Ian Campbell on (03) 6224 6988



37

Spring Getaway to Triabunna October 17/18/19

At this stage we are presuming that we will all be able to travel by the time this comes around.

We are planning to travel to Orford on Saturday, display cars at the Car Show in Triabunna and visit the market on Sunday, and for those of us who can, stay Sunday night and return home on Monday.

The Eastcoaster at Orford has provided the information below on the accommodation available. If you are interested in joining us please make your own booking.

Phone 6257 1172 or email [email protected])

and let us know that you are coming,

[email protected] or 0408 386 482.

Meals are also available, but more on that, and on the travel route, later.

Overnighter Room pricing options for x2 nights (17th and 18th October 2020)

Standard Double = Starting from $129 per room per night – (x1 double bed)

· We currently have 5 of these

Superior Queen = Starting from $149 per room per night (x1 queen bed)


Standard Family Room = Starting from $149 per room per night (x1 double and x2 singles)

· We currently have 10 of these ( these are on a split level – x2 singles in living area and a double bed upstairs – please note bathroom is also upstairs)

Superior Family Room = Starting from $169 per room per night (x1 queen and x2 singles)

· We currently have 15 of these ( the x2 singles beds are in the living area and the queen bed is in a separate room and can close door; however you have to go through the bedroom to get to the bathroom)

Standard Family Cabins – very basic and no air conditioning = Starting from $109 per cabin per night (x1 double and x2 singles) 2 bedrooms




38


Standard Double Cabin – Starting from $159 per cabin per night (x1 double)


Superior Family Cabin (3 options) = Starting from $209 per cabin per night – we currently have

1 double and x2 singles (2 bedrooms)

1 double and x3 singles (3 bedrooms)

1 double and 4 singles (3 bedrooms)

Maria Garden Villa starting from $229 –

We currently have

2x Villas -1 queen, 2 singles x2 bedrooms x2 bathrooms

Maria Family Villa starting from $249 – we currently have

3x Villas - x1 queen x2 singles x2 bedrooms x2 bathrooms

Maria Ocean Villa starting from $269 – we currently have

2x Villas - x1 queens 2 singles x2 bedrooms x2 bathrooms

Spring Bay Villa = Starting from $275 per villa per night – we currently have

2x Villas - x2 queens x2 bedrooms x2 bathrooms


39


40


41

MGA Register Notes

Month 2020

Forthcoming Events:

MGA REGISTER RUN – ORIGINALLY SET FOR 17TH MAY 2020

The MGCC Tas MGA Registers first run on Sunday the 17th of May – as you are aware has been unfortunately cancelled. However the run details are in place & Kel Aldred from the Southern Sub Centre has been hard at work planning the following for us at centrally located Campbell Town – this event will go ahead as soon as the pandemic is under control & we have another MGCC date – what a great way to celebrate the return of ‘MG life’ as we know it.

MGA Register News

CORONA VIRUS ISOLATION – MGA ENTHUSIAST DVD SUGGESTED VIEWING

I recently picked up a copy of the DVD movie FORD V FERRARI which has a couple of MGA’s in the first 15 mins & features prominently the life of Ken Miles, the US based Englishman who had a strong MG pedigree, driving the best placed (12th O/A) MGA prototype in the tragic 1955 LeMans 24 Hr race & as lead driver in the, Twin Cam powered, EX179 - 1956 MG Bonneville multi Record Breaker.

WILLIAM BRIGINSHAW - MY PAST 45 YEARS WITH A MGA

I bought my 1956/58 MGA 1500 (Chassis number 26413 Body number 46759(0?) in around 1974 from Jim Brown who lived just around the corner from me. Jim had, at one time, a twin cam engine in it, but when I got it had a mixed heritage BMC unit. It was a delight to drive and Jacqui and I had many adventures in it. Around 1984 Geoff Smedley rebuilt the engine and it became 1600cc. However it had chronic overheating issues and I took it off the road as by now the expenses of a growing family meant there was no money to fix it. Last registered in 1985, it sat in the garage to be looked at whist fully on many occasions


42

Camping at Coles Bay 1975

In 2016 a full restoration commenced and 5 years later the body is back on and I am presently putting in the wiring loom and other bits and pieces. The engine was deemed not worth keeping and David Short is building up a 1622 engine which he promises to be “sweet”!

Jim Brown has been a wonderful help with all my issues and always gives great advice. Chris Keeling drops in to check on my progress and gives me encouragement. I also would like to thank other MG Car Cub members such as Wayne Jessup who lent me his MGA body jig.

I hope to be completed by Christmas, but COVID 19 is slowing things up.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?


43

Of the two MGA’s in last months Notes, Rod Force advises that he believes that MG 0058, now black, is owned by Andrew & Kathryn Traill of Mt Nelson. Club Coupe watchers think that the black 1600 Coupe (last known Tasmanian owner Brian Roberts) is believed to have gone to the mainland.

What is known of these 2 MGA’s?

Last known owner – G. Kenny (1994) Last known owner – Phil Nightingale

Car No: GHN2 9 99239 /1255 Car No: GHN 98827

Photo: 1982 Photo: 1987

MGCC TAS- MGA REGISTER UPDATE

The Register 2020 update has been completed & the following summary is the total & breakdown of Tasmanian MGA’s that the club has on record: MGA 1500 Roadster’s 25 MGA 1500 Coupe’s 5 MGA 1600 Roadster’s 26 MGA 1600 Coupe’s 3 MGA Twin Cam Roadster’s 5

MGA Twin Cam Coupe’s 1 MGA 1600 MkII Roadster’s 4 MGA 1600 MkII Coupe’s 1

Total: 70

Contacts

Col Cleaver. NSC [email protected] or 0419 772 554

Kel Aldred. SSC [email protected] or 0412 108 994




44

Love your sports car ??

Think of Shorty when you need:

* Service * Spare parts * Mechanical repairs

DAVID SHORT AUTOMOTIVE

320 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart

Telephone: 03 6234 4388

[email protected]



45

Regalia

Stadium Jackets $100.00

Navy with white logo

Long Sleeved Polo $65.00


Polo Shirts Ladies $55.00

Black with white logo

Black with red logo,


Polo Shirts, Men $55.00

Black with white logo

Black with red logo,


Navy Vests, Ladies and Men $95.00

Caps $20.00

Pale Blue, Beige, Black

Safety Fast Cloth Badges $5.00

Cloth Badges, Tasmanian Logo $10.00

Brown & Gold on White

Grill Badges $30.00

Red & Black/Cream & Green

Lapel Pins $6.00

Contact Andrew Midgley 0458 949 881

Square Rigger Notes

All Pre War, T and Y Type MG’s. With the continuing isolation it is not so out of order to increase reading time, do some of those jobs still on the list, progress shed jobs, even look over that collection of photographs! And so a group of MGs representing some of the most photographed ‘Club’ cars going back to early days. Old number 77 prior to supercharging in the hands of Wayne Tyson at Richmond ¼’s c1961 and also well known in the period the Bruderlin and Thomas TC brought to Tas by Brian Bowe, this pic c 1967 also naturally aspirated with Tony Woodward in charge at Symmons. The Buchanan TD has been well written into Club and State racing history, remains to this day with the Springer clan, shown here driven by Derek Holden at Symmons around 1962, note the wire wheels.

And of course, the very competitive TF of Brian Roberts not often in mock-up mode, here leading a promotion at a Baskerville Club Day 1961. A much more recent grouping following on last month the three MGs assembled together again after the arrival of Alex and Lois O’Grady in Canberra last week.

Square Rigger contacts:

Launceston Frank Brooks Ph 0418 134 262, [email protected] Hobart Alan Briggs Ph 0475 089 560, [email protected]

NW Peter Scott Ph 6426 7321, 0418 599 676, [email protected]

Parts and

Technical

Advice for pre

1980 MG’s

Phone: 02 9875 1144

Fax: 02 9875 1906

Web: www.sportsparts.com.au

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