August 2016 £2 No. 389 Mascot€¦ · TRADE ADVERTISING Gary Lazarus,...
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August 2016 £2 No. 389 www.midgetandspriteclub.co.uk Mascot The Magazine of the Midget & Sprite Club
Transcript of August 2016 £2 No. 389 Mascot€¦ · TRADE ADVERTISING Gary Lazarus,...
August 2016 £2 No. 389
www.midgetandspriteclub.co.uk
MascotThe Magazine of the Midget & Sprite Club
* Subject to our standing underwriting criteria. Please refer to the policy documentation on our website, or call, for further information.
RH Specialist Insurance is a trading name of Hiscox Underwriting Limited. Hiscox Underwriting Limited has granted a licence to ERS Syndicate Services Limited to use the brand name, RH Specialist Insurance, subject to the terms of the licence. The insurer on all RH Specialist Insurance policies is Syndicate 218 at Lloyd’s, which is managed by ERS Syndicate Management Limited. ERS Syndicate Services Limited is an Appointed Representative of ERS Syndicate Management Limited, which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority and Financial Conduct Authority. Hiscox Underwriting Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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THE WHO, THE WHAT & THE WHERE of THE MIDGET & SPRITE CLUB
COMMITTEECHAIRMAN Mark Hall, Tel: 01296 660103 email: [email protected] SECRETARY Jim Willis, Tel: 01527 402804 email: [email protected] David King, Tel: 01453 544202 email: [email protected] Gary Lazarus, 40B Hungerford Road, London, N7 9LP. Tel: 020 7700 5696 email: [email protected] REP’S DELEGATE Mark Hall, Tel: 01296 660103 email: [email protected] Stuart Watson, “Staddlestones”, Thicknall Lane, Clent, Stourbridge, West Midlands.
DY9 0HX. Tel: 01562 883076 email: [email protected] GENERAL MEMBER Kate Andrews, email: [email protected] Glyn Polly, Tel: 07544 302 575 email: [email protected] Alan Pritchett, Tel: 07720 238810 email: [email protected]
OFFICERSCLUB ARCHIVIST & Terry Horler, 63 Littledean, Yate, Bristol, BS37 8UQ. Tel: 01454 881770TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION [email protected] ADVERTISING Alan Lo, Tel: 0117 9572617 Mob: 07474 343643 email: [email protected] REGISTERSSPRITES & MIDGETS Stuart Watson, [email protected] Tel: 01562 883 076(EXCEPT MK1 SPRITES)SPRITES MK1 Gary Lazarus, [email protected] Tel: 020 7700 5696REGALIA OFFICER Mike Grout, 55 Park Road, Spixworth, Norwich, NR10 3PJ. Tel: 01603 890211
email: [email protected] ADVISOR Mark Boldry, email: [email protected] Mike Bennett, [email protected] Tel: 01925 727479TRADE ADVERTISING Gary Lazarus, [email protected] Tel: 020 7700 5696
AREA REPRESENTATIVESBRISTOL Terry Horler, Tel: 01454 881770 email: [email protected] Dave Warren, Tel: 07831 101850 email: [email protected] Michael Ellis, Tel: 07527 598091 email: [email protected] DORSET John Gully, Tel: 07876 334949 email [email protected] ANGLIA David Dixon, Tel: 01733 222810 email: [email protected] Gary Knight, Tel: 01376 562172 Mob: 07932 077305 email: [email protected] Terry Langridge, Tel: 01252 626063 email: [email protected] OF ENGLAND Steve Newton, [email protected] COUNTIES Mark Hall, Tel: 01296 660103 email: [email protected] WEST KENT Alan Anstead, Tel: 01322 384050 email: [email protected] Currently vacantLONDON Gary Lazarus, Tel: 020 7700 5696 email: [email protected] WEST Neil McLeod, Tel: 01772 323770 Mob: 07921 089 680 email: [email protected] NOTTS/DERBY Ian Cooke, Tel: 0115 938 3838 email: [email protected] NOTTS & John Austerfield, Tel: 07778 636070 email: [email protected] YORKSOXFORD Grahame Gibbins, Tel: 01235 530456 email: [email protected] Graham Smith, Tel: 0141 954 8276 email: [email protected] Valerie Young, Tel: 01460 391431 email: [email protected] WEST WALES David Hill, Tel: 01239 811307 email: [email protected] Mike Gorman, Tel: 01737-552256 email: [email protected] Currently VacantWILTSHIRE Andy Cross, Tel: 01225 743554 email: [email protected] Rob Armstrong, Tel: 07889 090411 email: [email protected]
Also see the Club Nights section for new areas and contacts.Compiled by Gary Lazarus ([email protected]). Please advise me of any changes, errors etc.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL: IF YOU EXPERIENCE ‘MASCOT ’ PROBLEMS UPON RENEWAL, PLEASE CONTACT THE MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY OR THE TREASURER STRAIGHT AWAY. The Committee
© Midget & Sprite Club
* Subject to our standing underwriting criteria. Please refer to the policy documentation on our website, or call, for further information.
RH Specialist Insurance is a trading name of Hiscox Underwriting Limited. Hiscox Underwriting Limited has granted a licence to ERS Syndicate Services Limited to use the brand name, RH Specialist Insurance, subject to the terms of the licence. The insurer on all RH Specialist Insurance policies is Syndicate 218 at Lloyd’s, which is managed by ERS Syndicate Management Limited. ERS Syndicate Services Limited is an Appointed Representative of ERS Syndicate Management Limited, which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority and Financial Conduct Authority. Hiscox Underwriting Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Over 35 years’ experience
No broker administration fees
Choose a vehicle repairer you trust
UK & European accident & breakdown recovery including home service
Free and automatic salvage retention*
Cover for drivers from 18 years of age and no upper age limit*
Agreed value*
S P E C I A L I S T V E H I C L E I N S U R A N C E
Cherished by youInsured by us
Call our friendly UK team for a quotation
01277 206 911 www.rhclassicinsurance.co.uk
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Printed by Quorum Print Services Ltd, Units 3&4, Lansdown Industrial Estate, Cheltenham, GL51 8PL Tel: 01242 584984 Website: www.quorumprint.co.uk E-mail: [email protected]
Wear your badge with pride
Having just returned (somewhat sunburnt) from the Silverstone Classic, it was
terrific to spend a day in the sunshine watching a varied array of automotive exotica whizzing around the track, or simply parked up on one of the multitude of classic club stands. It really is a great day, or if you are a complete petrolhead, a whole weekend.
The MASC stand with the club’s gazebo was in a great location, with equally easy access to the track, the food outlets and also the loos! I must thank Geoff Hunter for transporting all the kit down from Redditch to Silverstone and also Keith Warner accompanied by accosted volunteer Gary Fryer (who doesn’t even own a Spridget) for transporting it away from the track at the end of a very long day (the organisers wouldn’t allow access for Gary’s car until 6:30pm on the Sunday).
However the most important person to thank is MASC Chairman Mark Hall, who organised everything from start to finish, on behalf of the club and was not only there to set everything up on the Thursday, but was also available all weekend on or near the stand and was still there late on Sunday taking everything down again ready to store at his place (until further notice!).
This is the kind of effort worthy of a medal, or at least a Blue Peter Badge!
Unfortunately, we have neither to offer in the club. What we do now have though is a lovely new Midget & Sprite Club cloth badge.
This has recently been added to the available list of club regalia (look on the reverse of the address slip which comes with your copy of Mascot). As Mark is the Chairman
and committee member, it would seem like cronyism (the catchword of the recent ex-PM’s honours list) if we were to award it to him free. So if he wants one, he’ll have to buy one, like everyone else.
The great news is that they are really very good value at only £3.25 each incl postage. It would be churlish not to.
Another person worthy of a medal is departing Sussex Area Rep Dave Southcott who moves from adjacent to the Garden of England westward to the Welsh Marches. I know that he’ll be sorely missed and I’d like to say thanks for all the years of excellent service.
Another bit of news is that of “Gaps”. If you turn to page 40 of this month’s magazine you can read my request.
Have a great month Gary & “Gaps” (but for how much longer?)
The statements and opinions expressed in each and every issue of Mascot are not necessarily the considered views of the Midget and Sprite Club. The views expressed by the editorial contributors, letter writers and advertisers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Club. The Midget and Sprite Club accepts no responsibility for the results of following contributor’s advice, nor does it necessarily endorse the services or products offered by advertisers.
Cover shot. New Surrey based member Keith Hall’s lovely citron coloured Midget alongside a very nice MG J2 Midget at July’s London Area meeting at the Ace Cafe
The deadline for articles and reports for inclusion in September’s Mascot is Friday 19th of August
August Editorial
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LIS.MSC.A5P.2015
1st Tuesday Essex Area – Now meet at The Green Man, Green Man Lane, Kelvedon Road, Little Braxted, Essex CM8 3LB. For further details contact Gary Knight, Tel: 01376 562172 Mob: 07932 077305 email: [email protected]
1st Wednesday Central Area – Now meet at the Swan Inn, Whitacre Heath, Near Coleshill, B46 2JA, 8.30 pm onwards Contact: Dave Warren, Tel: 07831 101850. email: [email protected]
1st Wednesday Oxford Area – Meet at the Blackhorse Pub, Gozzards Ford, Nr Abingdon. 7pm for those eating or 8pm for those not. Contact Grahame Gibbins at grahame _ [email protected]
2nd Tuesday London Area (Congestion Zone) – Meet at The Ace Cafe at 7:30pm together with the Classic Cars Magazine night. Details: Gary Lazarus on 020 7700 5696 garyfrogeye@gmail
2nd Wednesday Devon Area – Meet at Court farm, Abbotskerswell, TQ125 NY Devon. Michael Ellis Michael_ [email protected] and telephone: 07527 598091
2nd Wednesday Heart of England – all welcome at the Green Dragon, Sambourne, Redditch B96 6NU for 8.30 start. To check “whats on” please e mail Steve Newton on [email protected]
2nd Wednesday North West Area meet at The Kilton, turn off M6 at Jct 20 onto A50 towards Macclesfield. Pub 4 miles on left. Please note new venue. Neil McLeod email neil _ [email protected] Tel 01772 323770 Mobile 07921 089 68
2nd Wednesday Bristol Area will meet at Wishing Well, Wapley Road, Codrington, Bristol BS37 6RY. From 8.00pm – or earlier for a Curry enjoyed in peace! Contact Terry Horler 01454 881770 [email protected]
2nd Thursday Notts/Derby border Area at the Sitwell Arms at 30 Wood Lane, Horsley Woodhouse, Derby, DE7 6BN from 7.30. Just a mile north-west of the A608/A609 crossroads. Ian Cooke 0115 938 3838 [email protected]
2nd Thursday East Anglian Area. Previously the Cambridgeshire Area meet at The Ferry Boat, at Holywell, 8pm2nd Saturday Yorkshire Area – meet each month at lunchtime from 12:30pm at The Nags Head, Pickhill,
near Thirsk, YO7 4JG – more information at http;//yorkshiremasc.blogspot.com/2nd Sunday *New* East Kent Group meet on the at Crown Inn, Sarre, CT70LF from 1230hrs
Contact [email protected] Tuesday Scotland – Meet at The Windmill Tavern, 4 Thorniewood Road, Uddingston G71 5QQ at 8pm.
Graham Smith 0141 954 8276 email: [email protected] 3rd Tuesday Surrey – Meet at The Chequers, Chequers Lane, Walton-on-the-Hill, Surrey KT20 7SF.
7.00pm onwards. Contact Mike Gorman, [email protected] Tel: 01737-5522563rd Sunday *New* North Notts & South Yorks group meeting is from 10am. The Courtyard Tea Room, Womersley, north
of Doncaster DN6 9BH. Contact: John Austerfield [email protected] 07778 636070
4th Monday Dorset – NEW VENUE The Worlds End, Almer, Nr. Blandford, Dorset, DT11 9EW – 7:30. Contact John Gully. Tel: 07876 334 949 emaoil: [email protected]
4th Thursday Sussex – Meet at Bolney Stage, Bolney, RH17 5RL from 19:00. 4th Thursday Hampshire – Please ring Terry or Harriet Langridge on 01252 626063 for details.4th Sunday Kent Area – no longer at the Angel. Still meeting on the fourth Sunday but not yet settled on a
permanent venue. Please refer to Rep. Last Monday Wiltshire – Meet at The Barge Inn, Seend, Nr. Devizes, about 7pm. Contact Andy Cross on
01225 743554 or email [email protected] Wednesday Home Counties North West for members in Herts, Beds, Bucks, Berks, N. London or anyone interested!
Meet at the Chequers Inn, Redbourn, AL3 7AD from 6:30pm. Please contact Mike or Sue Gahan on email [email protected] or on 07850 488636.
Last Thursday. Somerset Area – Meet at Windy Miller’s Pie & Bar House @ Haselbury Mill, nr. Crewkerne. TA18 7NY 7pm if eating, 8 to 8.30pm if not. Please contact Valerie Young on 01460 391431 for further information. We may not always be there, especially in the Summer!
Northern Ireland [email protected]. If enough interest, will arrange a meeting.South West Wales Non-regular and occasional meetings and runs arranged throughout the summer months.
Please contact David Hill on 01239 811307 or email: [email protected]
Club Nights
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14th August Ley Hill Classic Car Show & Village Fete. Contact HCNW Area Rep Mark Hall [email protected]
29th August Quainton Steam Railway Classic Car Show. Contact HCNW Area Rep Mark Hall [email protected]
9th–11th Sept Goodwood Revival www.grrc.goodwood.com4
9th–21st Sept 5th Miglia Tour. This year run solely within France. Contact Kent Rep. (a few places still available).
11th Sept Chersley Village & Classic Car Show (near Aylesbury) Contact HCNW Area Rep Mark Hall [email protected]
16th–18th Sept Circuit des Remparts d’Angoulême www.circuit-des-remparts.com
24th–25th Sept Pistons & Props at Sywell. Possible MASC Club stand Contact Richard Wharmby [email protected]
1st October Castle Combe Autumn Classic is on Saturday Contact Dave Hansford [email protected]
11th–13th Nov The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show 2016 at Birmingham’s NEC. See information in future editions of Mascot
Club Websitewww.midgetandspriteclub.co.uk
Members Only Pages: Password: Ireland (which is case sensitive)
Also follow the Midget and Sprite Club on
The “Midget and Sprite Club (MASC) Facebook page has 351 members as of 29th July
Send your events details to [email protected]
Area reps please make Gary Lazarus aware of any events already in your diaries for 2016, so that they can be added to this “Events” section of the magazine and the website.For the magazine Gary can be contacted at [email protected]
For the website Mike Bennett can be contacted at [email protected]
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A new book by Terry HorlerAvailable from 15th August 2016
This is an all-new book written by an expert on Midgets and Sprites that will include photographs that have never been seen before.
In this readable book the author examines the original factory specification examples of the cars and compares them with those in use today as well as their derivatives. He also traces the evolution of the cars from the mid-1950s to the present. This includes the Austin-Healey Sprites Mk I to Mk IV and the MG Midget Mk I to Mk III, along with the 1500 MG Midget.
The author also includes useful information for owners today or those who are planning to buy a Sprite or Midget, including information on buying and owning, clubs and support. Based on a thorough knowledge of the cars by a well known expert, this book is designed to be both informative and enjoyable to read.
PRESS INFORMATIONThe book contains new photographs that have never appeared in other publications.
Also available in Kindle, Kobo and iBook formats.
Contact Philip James Dean, Publicity Assistant, at Amberley Publishing Tel +44 01453 847823, Email [email protected] for further details.
BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATIONPublication: 15th August 2016
Price: £14.99 discounted copies available by ordering from www.amberley-books.comISBN: 978-1-4456-5553-6
Size: 235 x 165mm
Binding: Paperback
Extent: 96 pages
Illustrations: 100 illustrations
Rights: World, all languages
THE AUTHOR (In case you didn’t know)Terry Horler worked in the aerospace industry and his engineering background has provided a useful background to his enthusiasm for cars, particularly Midgets and Sprites. He bought his first Sprite in 1969 and currently owns two Frogeye Sprites and a Sprite Mk IV. In 1983 he co-founded the Midget & Sprite Club, which now has over 1,000 current members and 5,000 historical memberships. He is a regular contributor to the club magazine Mascot. He has also contributed to articles for classic car journals. He is the author of other specialist books on the Midget and Sprite cars, focusing on practical and technical aspects.
An Amberley Publishing Press ReleaseThere will be a competition in next Month’s Mascot with one copy (or possibly two if you can pry it out of my hands) up for grabs. This competition is open to all members except Terry Horler!
Sprite and Midget Past and Present
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Where Are They Now?Sprite in 1966 Registration No. PAR 856DI bought the car new in 1966 and took it to Italy and had it there for 4 years. My brother came over to Italy and brought the car back to the UK and kept it for around 5 years. Then I had it back and finally sold it in 1982. These later dates may not be exact.
The attached photo shows the car. I don’t know where the photo was taken but does anyone know if the car still exists or what happened to it? John Martin
Mk1 Sprite Registration No. 81 COE 1963 Midget Registration No. 329 MABI’m trying to trace my first car which was a 1960 Frogeye Reg number 81COE, originally in cherry red with red interior. That is until I had an argument with a Vauxhall Velox. “Froggie” required a new bonnet, which cost £100:00 from the Austin dealership. A fortune in those days. And respraying in Old English White.
In 1963 I PX’d the Frogeye for a brand new MG Midget with wire wheels in BRG 1098 engine and disk brakes, this I did 63,000 miles in two years (before motorways!) with no major or minor problems. Oh happy days. The registration number for the MG was 329 MAB. Unfortunately I have no photos, so any feedback would be great. Thanks again. Chris Wood
New Members June-July 2016We extend a warm welcome to the following new and rejoined members
5281 Michael Davis Bristol Midget 1500
5282 Antonia Rowe & Jonathan Katz Cornwall Frogeye Frogeye
5283 Guy & Gillian Livingston Dorset Midget 1500
5284 Peter Morrow Co Armagh Midget Mk 3
5285 Steven Powell Glamorgan Sprite Mk 2
Michael Davis with his blue 1500 Midget
The Mk1 Sprite of Antonia Rowe, Jonathan Katz and Oliver Katz
Just as well it has room for three people
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Tyred OutA warning from Notts + Derby area members
It is so easy to forget about the condition of our tyres. With not doing great distance
mileage these days in our classic cars, the tyres may look OK tread depth wise and external cracking, but from the aspect of safety there are other issues to remember.
I was recently checking the tyre pressures on Bridget, and as I connected the pressure gauge to the valve stem it came away in my hand with the consequential full release of the pressure; the valve rubber had perished as it comes through the wheel.
I class myself fortunate that I was not driving when it failed. In over fifty years of professional and enthusiast involvement with motor vehicles I have not heard of an incident such as this before. So I looked for the date of the tyre, when it was manufactured. The tyre that the valve failed on was dated 2003, (the two fronts) but the rears I could not find a date on them, so they must have been before 1999, the legal requirement for dating tyres; it is so easy to forget how they deteriorate.
I was pleased to source five Dunlop 155/80R13 79T for around £200, and boy, do they look good!
So I would encourage other ‘classic piston heads’ to check how long their tyres (and valves) have been fitted, and to always have
new valves fitted. Some tyre manufactures recommend 5 years longevity before replacing, and even taking into consideration their ‘business biasness’, leaving it as long as I did really does risk a valve or tyre blowout.
Jeff Taylor
If Jeff’s experience wasn’t enough, I also had a similar scare last year when I discovered
cracks around my (Dunlop SP) tyres whilst checking something under the front wheel arch. You can see from the pictures that the cracks went all around the edges of each tyre, with some cracks being deep enough to see the steel within the rubber, as demonstrated by the insertion of a five pence piece. Admittedly my tyres were around 16 years old, but with ample tread and having covered only 12,000 miles, the defects had not been picked up by any MoT checks.
I replaced my tyres with Uniroyal “RainExpert” after consulting fellow Spridgeteers, for a similar price to Jeff’s.
Whilst on the subject of wheels...Hub cap removal toolBeing the sort of person who never throws anything away, I discovered that an off cut of wood from fitting my new staircase was ideal for prising off the hubcaps without scratching paint or chrome work. It now lives alongside the jack in the boot.
Ian Cooke9
Let me introduce you to Boris my 1964 MK 2 (possibly 3 & 4 as well) AH Sprite
the engine being a 1275 from either a Mk 4 Sprite or a Mk 3 Midget.
It was the first run of the season a gentle little ride along the coast road from Weymouth to West Bay and back but the clutch did not seem to be working correctly, by the time I got home, the clutch was hardly working at all. The journey home was worrying to say the least, having to get the revs right to slip it into gear by the time I got home I did not have to lift my foot off the floor to enable me to put the car in the garage. I decided that Boris was dead and not going anywhere, for a while.
I went to see my mechanic and he said that he was not able to look at Boris because of his work load.
The decision was made. It was up to me to do it myself, could remember which end of the spanner to hold or how hard to hit with the hammer?
I didn’t think that after 35 years (about the last time I removed an engine) I would be
crawling under cars and removing engines at the age of 64 (only a baby some of you say) but what has to be done has to be done.
After looking at hire prices, I decided to purchase an engine lifting hoist and borrowed a lifting beam from a member at the club. Well this bit of kit looked like something that King Arthur may have used in the dungeons or in the bedroom perhaps, but I was thankful for the loan. Out came the Haynes manual (perhaps a royalty for the mention Mr Haynes) and I started following the engine removal process (as good as these books are, it is the different models that cause the problem, read twice do once). The medieval torture instrument did not work for me so heave ho here we go and out she pops, just like a new born baby. (Note to myself: buy a lifting beam from the 2000s do not use the medieval one).
Once removed, I split the engine from the gearbox and whoa steady on, is it really possible, should this thrust bearing have been working without carbon and metal alone, is this what they mean when they say getting value for money?
The Trials and Tribulations of Owning a Classic
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My next step was to purchase a new clutch, new pressure plate, new thrust bearing, new crankshaft spigot bearing, new head gasket set, the list goes on and the bank balance depletes.
I measured the new spigot bush against the one I removed, it was longer, after checking with the supplier I was informed it was the only length ever done so I fitted it, I was not happy because it did not go right home so I double checked with supplier to be told ‘they only one ever made one and they made thousands’ so back together it all went then heave ho went the engine and gearbox back into the car, all connected up hunky dory (me thinks). Took it round the block and seems ok, then two days later I went for longer drive of about 20 miles, and by the time I got home the clutch was slipping. So here I was back to square one.
Out came the engine and gearbox for the second time and low and behold the crankshaft spigot bearing was broken up
I can now take the engine and gearbox out like an F1 pit stop crew.
I got a new crankshaft spigot bearing and had it turned down to the same length as the original one, tapped it home, put it all together again, started the car up and felt that the clutch was biting too high, as you
just touched the peddle the clutch was starting to release. Problem ‘no free play’.
I decided to strip the master cylinder as it was the only thing that had not been touched. I fitted new rubbers, bled the clutch and the brakes (the eezy bleed kit was fantastic). Took some advice and changed the length of the push rod on the slave cylinder, but then I was not able to select a gear at all. So under the car I crawl again and change the push rod back to the original one (Hooray). Now I was able to select gears ok (all of them) Whoop Whoop
I had been advised not to change the settings on the master cylinder (the only adjustable place on the clutch system) by one person and advised by someone else to adjust it. So in for a penny in for a pound, guessing which way to adjust was the next dilemma, I moved the adjustment by 20 flats to the right when looking at the front of the car and this has since been adjusted back 15 flats, but is likely to be adjusted forward again by about 5.
Hallelujah! Boris is back in the land of the living and back on the road again. This has been over a month of my life but I have enjoyed every minute, it takes me back, and you don’t forget it.
If you are wondering why the car is named Boris the Reg is BHJ and I was told that this was Boris Johnson’s initials, having checked this out it is not, but the name stuck. Happy motoring
Dave Stebbing Dorset Branch
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and a Swap to Single Hiff 44
On a recent and rare hot Bank Holiday Sunday, I set off in heavy traffic to the East Kent meet at Sarre. On arrival my IOW SuperSprite was rather hot and showing signs of top end misfire and general lack of power. A plug swap before leaving for home didn’t help and subsequent coil cap and leads swap on way home didn’t sort the issue. Things pointed to my A+ 1275 engines’ 65D M4 electronic distributor or ignition module. After two years and many thousands of miles of trouble free use, I dug deep into the pile of paperwork and spec that had come with the car but nowhere could I find the ignition timing settings. I searched the internet and discovered that my ‘Maestro’ sourced A+ engine came in HC LC Leaded and unleaded depending on year, fitment and engine number. That was my problem as my engine had been supplied new to Frogeye Car Co. who had stamped it with their own numbers. My timing was showing a horrendous 22deg BTDC and should have been 8 or 12deg depending on what engine I have. Thinking I would start afresh I purchased a new 65D M4 distributor with cap, rotor and adaptor lead from ‘Powerspark Ignition’. Alan (Anstead) had offered to help with the swap so early one morning out came the old and in went the new. Result, no spark! After several idiot checks, we decided to call ‘Powerspark’ who obligingly told us to check the new lead they had supplied for continuity. Hey presto, dodgy lead, badly made and no continuity. We made a new lead and still no spark. ‘Change the dizzy cap’ said ‘Powerspark’. I then discovered that their new cap had the carbon pick-up hanging out. It was properly
assembled but still no spark. ‘Change the ignition module’ said ‘Powerspark’ ‘Don’t you carry out these checks before you dispatch the goods?’ I asked. ‘No’ was the telling answer. By this time we had just about had enough of ‘Powerspark’ so all their new bits were removed and my old parts replaced. The car fired up instantly but I still had the hesitancy at top end.
Last year I had purchased a beautifully rebuilt HIF 44 (Horizontal, Integral, Float chamber) carb and ‘Titan Motorsport’ manifold from Paul Wildgoose via the internet. It seemed a good time to try it out so I made the swap from my 1 1/4” SU’s and having made all new connections, it fired straight up. Alan kindly tuned it with his aging but excellent ‘Colortune’ and it runs perfectly and my top end problems have gone.
Now after 200 miles I can report excellent performance and much improved mpg. Finally I boxed up and returned all bits to ‘Powerspark’ who refunded but would neither apologise nor cover return postage of their defective parts. During my research for parts I spoke with Lucas tech dept. who were most helpful and gave me modern cross reference numbers for my coil and ignition module to suit my 65D M4. The old ignition module (no longer available) was DAB127 and can be replaced with DAB118. The correct coil for this set up is DLB 198 1.0 ohm. Several Kent members are running successfully with HIF 44 carbs and now Alan has also joined our ranks having bought carb and ‘Titan’ manifold from Paul Wildgoose.
Dave Chalk
Sparking Problems
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Defending Dynamos: Part3As I write this (14th July 2016), several
members of MASC have already offered to buy the dynamo I advertised for sale recently in Alan Lo’s Market Place1. Whoever finally acquires this dynamo will be decided at the next ‘Bowels of Bristol’ meeting when Terry Horler will pull a name out of a hat – but we must all hope that it was not Terry himself who was arrested last month by the local constabulary2. I doubt our Club can afford to pay bail just to get Terry to a B-of-B meeting. We must all hope for the best.
We must also hope that the person who wins the dynamo does not break it when they attempt to install it – for despite the extremely robust construction of our dynamos, they can be broken quite easily unless a little extra care (beyond that described in the workshop manual) is taken during installation ...
The problem is that the distance between the two end plates of one dynamo may not be quite the same as that of another. Most of the dynamo end plates are made of aluminium alloy and these can be cracked easily if there is any gap at all between the end plates and the engine brackets. To avoid disaster, the rear engine dynamo bracket should always be loose when the top dynamo retaining bolts are tightened. Note that the holes in this bracket are slotted deliberately to allow the necessary adjustment.
The rear engine dynamo bracket (part 22) has slotted holes which allow it to move horizontally to and fro. To avoid cracking one of the dynamo’s end brackets during installation, the two set screws (part 23,
1 See Mascot July 2016 page 402 See Mascot July 2016 page 39
coloured red) should be slackened before the nut 33 is tightened onto bolt 32.
In a rare act of omission, the factory workshop manual fails to mention the rear engine dynamo bracket when it describes how to install the dynamo, something which probably explains the large number of dynamo end brackets which have been broken or cracked over the years. New end brackets are now hard to find and this essay is an attempt to preserve the ones that remain. Finally, to avoid a different sort of disaster, remember to tighten the rear engine bracket set screws before testing the dynamo.
Two examples of what can happen if the rear engine dynamo bracket is not slackened before tightening the dynamo securing bolts: a snapped securing lug on a drive end plate (left) and a cracked commutator end plate (right)
John E. Davies (Member 3443) [email protected]
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The Warwick Healey Motor Company Archive
Visit it at Warwickshire County Record Office on September 4thSome of you may be that Warwickshire County Record Office were offered the remains of the Healey Motor company archive still in the possession of the family. We are very pleased to confirm that we have now raised sufficient funds to purchase the collection and will be housed in perpetuity in our strongrooms and made freely available for our visitors to view in the public searchroom.
The collection is extensive with more than 20 large boxes of material including plans and blue prints, business records, printed material and correspondence on a range of topics. An independent valuation has established that the collection is of significant historic, scientific and industrial interest. There are over 800 photographs of various Healey models including action shots, manufacture of the vehicles, celebrities, and the Healey family. Many of these images have never been in the public domain including research and development work at the Cape Works and the racing heritage.
Articles and cuttings from various motoring magazines show the publicity generated by the company and family, and the records also include correspondence, files and photographs relating to Donald Healey’s interest in wind turbines for power, and the company’s diversification into speedboats in the 1950s.
Additionally the family have donated home movies on cinefilm and video tape that date from the 1950s and 60s including rare footage from the pits at Le Mans and personal footage of land speed trials at Bonneville. The original film will be kept at the Media Archive for Central England at the University of Lincoln with digital copies kept for viewing in Warwick.
The collection was independently valued by an experienced rare book and manuscript dealer. A total project fund of £120,000 was set as a target to complete the project. This fund is not only for the purchase of the collection but also to employ professional staff to catalogue and conserve it, to purchase equipment and to fund outreach projects.
One aim of the project is to collect up to 60 interviews from former employees and enthusiasts with memories of the cars, the works or the Healey family. This will mostly be oral history in the UK but does not exclude text based memories. If anyone is interested in sharing memories please contact the project archivist Gary Collins whose email address is included below.
We plan an open day on September 4th so that visitors can view the archive, some of the film footage, some Healeys and see behind the scenes of the record office. We hope to receive voluntary contributions from visitors to contribute to the ongoing costs of running the project. Although we have purchased the collection we are still short of our initial target by £25,000. If sufficient funding can be raised from private donations there is also potential to digitise parts of the collection and to extend the time a project archivist can be employed to work on it.
Enquiries should be directed to garycollins @warwickshire.gov.uk
Further information on how to make donations is available from the Record Office website (http://heritage.warwickshire.gov.uk/warwickshire-county-record-office/county-record-office-projects/warwick-healey-motor-company/).
Working on the Sprite chassis
Hello Gary,
I sold my MG Ashley Midget last December and bought this Austin Healey Sprinzel Sebring Replica.
Here is a photo of the AH at Sword Beach in Normandy on the way to the recent Le Mans Classic. My Father in Law landed there on 6th June 1944 and I wanted to pay my respects to him and his comrades.
We covered 725 miles over the weekend and had a great time but a dislodged fuel filler meant we filled the boot with Super Unleaded so I’m still clearing up the mess and getting a new carpet. All part of the fun of driving these little cars! Best Wishes Bob Hinchliffe
Lovely MemoriesThe MG Midget – the car that gives pleasure to others as well as to the driver:
Just had a lovely older lady come over in Tesco’s car park in Thirsk, to tell me about her happy memories in a Midget in the early 70s. Her first job was in a canning factory and during the energy crisis they had a summer shut down. Her boyfriend had an old blue Midget so they threw the tent in, filled it up with free reject cans, and took off for a month to “follow their noses”. They ended up driving to Turkey and back! The main problem she remembered was the cans didn’t have labels, so you had to remember the codes to know what food was in them. Apparently they had Irish stew with hot strawberries (the code was very similar to peas and hard to read in the dark) round the camp fire on more than one occasion! The car made it there and back with no problems. Seeing Sebrina had brought all those happy memories back, it was lovely to see. Tim Saunders
Good evening Gary,
As a member of the Bristol Area MASC, I joined the guys on a trip to the BMC car show at Castle Combe.
Later in the day there was an opportunity to walk or cycle around the circuit – to my surprise, Terry popped on a cycle helmet and started to cycle around the circuit – a photo opportunity not to be missed !!
Maybe worthy of an appearance with a witty caption in the next MASC magazine?
Regards
Quentin SomersetEd’s reply: This image has been embargoed until next month pending a caption competition to win a copy of Terry Horler’s new book. Also to allow time for Mascot’s editorial team and their legal representatives to overturn the “Super Gagging Order”.
Letters
Tim and ‘Sabrina’ not in Tesco’s car park but on the MG Cumbria/Wigton Motor Club Christmas Cracker run in 2012
If you would like to contact the editor or the magazine, please email Gary at [email protected] Or write to Mascot Editor, 40B Hungerford Road, London. N7 9LP
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New Member Stephen Burt i ntroduces himself and some of the cars he’s ownedI joined in April; I’m a 52 years young design engineer and love tinkering with older cars. My first at 18 was a 1974 1600XL MkI Ford Capri in Yellow, black vinyl roof with chrome bumpers and at £600 was chuffed. But after one winter the newspaper filled holes appeared, the oil pump went and the engine seized!
Next a series of “throw-away-cars” with a year’s MOT ranging from Oxfords to Austin 1100 and 1300’s. Next a good 1981 TR7, then a restored 1974 Daimler Coupe (Series II XJ6) in its original Sand Green colour, or ‘Nappy-Poo-Yellow’ as it was affectionately known! Only 1,764 were ever made. Following this a 1989 XJS, both Jags were driven daily from the time I owned them and never stored in any garage.
Mortgages and family forced me into driving the average run-abouts, before I came across a Rover Stirling Coupe (2.5 V6), which was FAB but old-fashioned looking (Rovers eh!).
We moved to Toulouse and as I never owned a soft top, this was the country to do it in. So I joined the MGOC looking for an MGB but the classifieds were always sold before I had a chance to make an offer. I resorted to eBay and bought a 1974 (chrome converted) MGB, only seeing the pictures and descriptions,
which stated she had lowered suspension. This was a complete fabrication as when the low-loader arrived, I quickly diagnosed the ‘so-called’ lowered suspension as the leaf springs were worn out and the owner lowered the front springs to level her out – why he didn’t replace the leaf-springs still baffles me! I wept at my stupidity, but she was only £3.5k and all the body panels were new (no tin-worm) with a recent(ish) respray. This was my primary reason for buying her as getting body panels, welding and re-spraying in France is nigh on impossible, unless you pay a large corporate organisation thousands of euros, (small business are very difficult to find). All the mechanicals: suspension, brakes, carburettor, fuel pump, cylinder head, rocker shaft, etc were worn. After five months ordering parts from MGOC-UK, refurbishing the head adding new rockers, she was transformed into a great car once more. Again she was my commuter, gaining a lot of admiration in the car parks. The French admire British sports cars as well as our dogmatic perseverance in keeping them going.
I wanted something faster and saw an MGRV8 in Classic Car Weekly; I called the gentleman in Abingdon making the deal over the phone and got the next flight out. She was absolutely stunning, almost concours
New Member Stephen Burt
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and one of only 300 original UK specification cars, not one of the 1,700 Japanese imports. The owner said he’d not driven her more than 60mph and only on dry days. The low mileage 33k and pristine condition proved this to be true. We drove back via Portsmouth to Le-Havre having one overnight stay on route.
We returned to UK & bought a house with no garage and after 6 months under a storm cover, I realised this was NOT how you treat such a car, not only that I loved driving her through the Cotswolds but our roads are simply not up to the standard of other EU roads (no surprises there!) and being so
heavy with traffic I couldn’t use her in quite the same way, and it rains – a LOT. Stone chips were gathering (our roads really are bad) when the final straw came whilst sitting in a car park when some idiot reversed at speed into me. His insurance paid for a very expensive makeover at Ding Master (they do a very professional job). So I decided she had to go as I just couldn’t handle the anxiety of owning such a pristine car, especially as parts were becoming ever more difficult to source.
Ok, so now your wondering how I came to own a 1967 1275 Midget? Whilst in Toulouse a very nice friend and colleague kept on and on and on about his Midget and all the work he had done and was planning to do, which stuck in my brain which for some odd reason I still don’t understand.
Occasional glances through Classic Car Weekly and carandclassic.co.uk came up with a description of a 1967 MkIII Basillica Blue Midget, but with only one photo. So I gave him a call. As it happed the dealer hadn’t finished up-loading the photos so was surprised I called. I made the deal over the phone there and then and arranged to pick her up on a Friday afternoon at 4pm. Being November I was concerned about driving her back from Hungerford to Cam especially in the dark, as she still had the original lights and dynamo plus I didn’t know the car at all – would she break down? Good ‘ol Great Western Railways let me down big time as even though I pre-booked and paid for the train ticket, I arrived at 9:00pm – in the dark!
The journey on the M4/5 home went without a hitch, although the whine from the gear box worried me. Obviously I now know its normal for this gearbox to whine, and thinking about it, my Granddad’s Morris Minor made the same sound, so all is good. And of course I drove her home with the hood down. Next morning I looked her over for the first time in daylight and although the dealer told me about the micro blistering on the bonnet, it wasn’t too bad and I could live with that. The rest of the car seemed ok for the £4k I splashed out, so I was happy especially when I researched the Downton badge on the boot lid – WOW I thought, exciting times ahead. Apart from the odd sunny day there was not much opportunity to drive her until the spring arrived (2016) and when it did I was hooked – don’t ask me why as I still don’t know, but
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I was. Maybe it’s because it’s the first REAL old classic I’ve owned and enjoy the whine in 1st gear and the clonk when I try to shift in 1st whilst still moving lol? Maybe it’s simply because she is such a beautiful car, admiring her big chrome bumpers and chrome side strips (and everyone tells me she looks pretty) or maybe just because she feels right.
Compared to the MGB & MGRV8, I actually enjoy the whole experience so much more. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the MGRV8 and was a synch to drive at any speed, but was better suited to cruising at 60mph+ than throwing round corners.
The more I drove the Midget the more I was aware she wasn’t pulling up hills, no torque! Having nothing to compare her to I thought this must be normal, which I was disappointed with, especially when overtaking as there was just nothing there – no oompphh! The compression test told the story: 75PSI across all four pistons, i.e. no variation & there should be. A leak down test finally proved to me the valves were all leaking and I could feel and hear air hissing out the tiny hole in the rocker cover oil filler cap. Whilst attempting to remove the head – and failing badly, I eventually saw the problem; there was this funny short rubber hose (yes the by-pass hose) still connected to the head, thus preventing me from lifting it off – ooh I thought, guess that needs to come off too!
After removing the valves it was plain to see the seats had not been machined correctly and had been like this since the original Downton Head was replaced with a standard unleaded head in 1999! Why the owner hadn’t instructed the garage to re-seat the Downton head with unleaded seats is beyond me, as how much would an original Downton head cost these days – what a plonker! And why didn’t anyone before me check the compression, as it was obvious something wasn’t right.
I ordered a reconditioned head from MOSS Europe and when it arrived I was not impressed, welding debris, swarf, you name it. It was not very good. I cleaned it in a bucket of petrol where most of the paint came off, but not from inside the spark plug threads which should have been capped off anyway. After a lot of cleaning and deburring, I assembled the head and did compression test expecting the 120PSI I should get
but no, 95 was the best I could achieve. I complained bitterly to MOSS London’s head office sending photos and took it back to MOSS Bristol for another to be sent, which was returned for a full refund. For the amount it cost it was rubbish, so be warned!
So where do you go? After more research and asking around etc. I ended up at MINI Sport in Essex and purchased a Stage 4 head with roller rockers – and that has turned out to be a very good choice as the quality of workmanship was excellent and the low down torque it delivers is very impressive with 180PSI compression, I can’t complain – happy at last.
Ok so engine sorted apart from my mistake where I forgot to tighten the fan belt properly and the gauge crept up to 100deg C. But luckily I had changed the cooling system to the Evans (non-water) fluid, which prevented over boiling and was only for approx. 30mins. So no harm done. However, being ever cautious I decided on getting an aluminum radiator which dissipates heat more efficiently, and I changed the thermostat to a 74deg F one. So now she runs very cool. Why? Because in my view a cooler engine can be run with more advance.
Now onto the handling – what can I do as the Midgets do tend to skip over pot holes and we have a lot of them. So first change was a ¾” anti roll bar which has also helped the rear end slightly. Next is to fit a panhard rod as I’ve read many articles where people have quoted them as the best upgrade for
CeNTRE ● SPREaD
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CeNTRE ● SPREaD
handling – however, that does mean dropping the fuel tank, as the after market tanks have over wide flanges which need to be profiled to fit the pan hard rod.
The Bristol branch had a spot at the Castle Combe Classic, Kit & Retro Action Day on the 25th. Having never been to Castle Combe I bought two track sessions, believing other like-minded old guys with similar 65Hp cars would be going out for a run – ha ha ha how naïve am I?! They were all super race tuned cars which were not very old. On my first
bend two Peugeot 1.9GTi’s skidded round on two wheels – say no more!
Latest addition is a full stainless exhaust made to my requirements by Infinity near Dodington, Bristol. So rather than the harsh loud sound of bumble bees inside a tin can, she now sounds like a straight six and better still, I can now hear the engine pinking/pinging, so time to retard the ignition!!
Stephen Burt Cam, Gloucestershire
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MG European Event 2016After a fabulous weekend at Thirelstane
Vintage Vehicle Rally, I set off for the MG European Event which was held in Le Touquet, France this year, Le Touquet is located approximately 45 miles south of Calais.Boarding the Newcastle to Amsterdam Ferry on Tuesday evening was the start of the trip, upon arriving in Amsterdam after a very smooth overnight sailing, I disembarked the ferry and headed for Dunkirk, my plan was stay in Dunkirk one night and visit points of interest and history, however after driving through Dunkirk I had a change of mind, as it was not what I had pictured and was very run down and not a place you would want to leave your car. I pressed on eventually arriving in the small village of Dannes which was only 17k from Le Touquet, I booked into a beautiful large Mansion house that did B&B and settled for the night.The next morning I set off for Le Touquet at a leisurely pace, visiting a war cemetery en route, arriving at about noon. (Le Touquet is a small town which is mainly a holiday resort for Parisians). Having checked in for the four day event I headed for my hotel and dropped off my bags as there were no parking facilities at the hotel only metered parking in the street, although there was overnight parking with security at the Hippodrome, (the base for the event).
There were 370 MGs taking part in the event, from as far afield as Australia & South Africa, 105 cars from the UK. Eight of which were from Scotland.On the Thursday I opted for the “the two capes rally”, which was 137 miles, we had a coffee break in a small quaint village of Desvres located in the Samer Region, where we were given strawberries and cream.
We stopped for lunch at a small heritage village, lunch was laid on and consisted of Rabbit, chicken, pork and spare rib meat all in a cold congealed jelly which was accompanied with chips, needless to say I as did, many settled for the chips and took in a variety of small villages en route to Calais, where we parked the vehicles in the main square for a short break, then headed off visiting more small villages, at which point I decided to return to Le Touquet.
On the Thursday evening there was a meal provided in the Conference Centre in Le Touquet, which was fish for starter, and main course, I never had the sweet as did many due to the speeches.
Friday we set off for Circuit d’Abbeville which was about 34 miles away, the main purpose of this trip was to allow drivers to take their car onto the track, (not to race but to give it a good blast), the proviso being that you had to have a crash helmet, I declined this offer and settled for taking photos.
Again the evening a meal was provided at the same venue and again it consisted of fish, the meal was slow to be served due again to the French and their love for speeches.
Saturday I opted for the “Bay of the Somme” drive which was a beautiful drive covering
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MG European Event 2016
about 80 miles, and visiting Le Crotoy, The Bay of the Somme & Montreuil sur Mer, this rally included a trip on a heritage steam train.
Upon returning to the cars from the train trip and driving about 5 miles there was a mass panic as all the open top cars dived into where ever they could park to put their roofs up due a torrential rainstorm.
I would like to add the following note of interest, when picking my car up for this run in the morning, I was met by Jacques Truncheon a Belgian, whose car an MG 1300 had broken down the previous day asked if he could accompany me on the run, this was going to be a challenge as he couldn’t speak a word of English or I a word of French, however by the end of the day he understood Left, right and Straight ahead, and managed to navigate until the route directions blew out of his hand and across some foreign lands never to be seen again, but the good old sat nav got us home.
On the Sunday there was arranged parking throughout the town in different areas for all the MGs to show the public, and a final lunch was held at 1pm, and you’ve guessed it, it was fish again.
As this was the end of the event there was no security for overnight parking at the Hippodrome, and after making enquiries I was reliably informed that the MGs had a
dispensation for parking in Le Touquet, so I parked in the street outside the hotel.I departed Le Touquet on the Monday morning and headed for The Hague to visit a classic car museum that I had been told about, Louwan Museum, which is privately owned and has a vast collection of priceless cars, having spent about three hours there I decided to head for the ferry terminal which was only about 45 miles away, although I had to drive through torrential rain.
After boarding the ferry and putting my bags in my cabin I resorted to the bar, and after having a couple of beverages, was asked by the PA system to contact the customer desk, upon attending I was told that my car alarm had went off, that’s peculiar as I don’t have an alarm fitted, however after going down to the car deck with a steward, the horn was jammed on, after hitting the button on the steering wheel the horn stopped, whether it was caused by gremlins, or the torrential rain or heat who knows but it stopped, and I returned to my beverages.I would recommend going to one of these events, having been to Holland last year and Le Touquet this year they are a wonderful experience.Next year 2017 will be held in Portugal in August, 2018 in Switzerland and 2020 Germany, nothing mentioned for 2019.I should explain that although there were a total of 370 cars attending the event, there were three different rallies each day which cut down the number on any single run.Having done 1270 miles in my Midget with no problems, I think that answers the question I was asked by someone attending “if I was a masochist”, well no I am a realist.
Lindsay Kyle West Lothian23
June arrived with all the usual anticipation of sunlit days and warm nights. Oh
yes, let’s not forget the rain! Lots of it. Nevertheless the shows and runs were booked and we were determined not to let a bit of the wet stuff put us off. Having just returned from Jersey we journeyed to Henstridge a few days later, for the ‘Fly4Heros’ classic air and car show. Henstridge is one of the many small airfields scattered around the area and also acts as the base for the local Air Ambulance.
Unusually warm, it was a pleasure to sit and watch the various air displays or take a flight in one of the resident light aircraft. With craft stalls, food bars TA and Air Cadet information tents there was plenty to see away from the action, which included a fly past by a pair of restored Tiger Moths.
The next day a few of us turned out at Ilminster for the Classic Car and Dog Show. There was a large and varied assortment of cars (and dogs) from Model T Fords to
modern Supercars but not one escaped the torrential rain that descended just after lunch. Within a few minutes most were soaked and consequently many decided to head for home a little early.
Mid June and the Bristol Classic Show was a must for many of the group not only to view the cars but to browse through the autojumble stands. The many food and drink bars did a splendid job keeping all ‘fed and watered’ with those visiting on the Saturday having a free viewing of the vehicles to be auctioned next day.
Sunday was another damp day, when most of the group were out on one of two Classic Runs. First was the West Somerset Railway event, which took the participants to all of the stations along the train track from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead. Second was the 19th annual Windwhistle Motor Club Run, that started at Haselbury Mill following a 100+ mile route across the Blackdown Hills and skirting the western edge of Exmoor for lunch at Dunster Castle. It was this during this last section that we passed many of the participants of the WSR run mainly around the village of Timberscombe.
The return leg followed the coast along Blue Anchor and Watchet before turning inland through villages of NW Somerset to Bridgewater and Taunton, finishing at The Windwhistle Inn for the obligatory cream tea. A number of awards were presented after tea; of particular note was that to Ian Beaver (Dorset MASC) who had travelled over 50 miles to the start line in his Midget.
The following week we were in Sidford supporting the Devon Rover P4 Drivers Guild
Somerset Happenings
Not sure if he’s a fully paid up member
Serious business, this Spridgeting
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for their annual get together at the Blue Ball Inn, on the outskirts of Sidmouth. There is always a good selection of different marques of Rover (from P2 to P6, SD1 and 1500s) as well as other cars of various ages and makes.
It is also very handy to pop into the pub for a cooked lunch or a pack of sandwiches, made up to take back and eat al fresco. The event profits are donated to the Sidmouth Lifeboat, which is a private concern run independently from the RNLI.
The end of month run which Maurice and Jenny had mapped out, took us along the North Somerset coast and over Exmoor with great scenery and some fantastic country roads for a Midget. Having started with breakfast at Monkton Elm garden center,
Taunton, we then had a shortish drive before a comfort stop and coffee at the Rest and be Welcome, Weddons Cross before completing the journey to finish at Tarr Steps for a cream tea. At this point the weather became very unkind and having already covered about 80 miles we called it a day, and headed for home. Well done to both on your first organized run – a very enjoyable day.
No meal at Haselbury Mill in June as the Club night was reserved for a Fish & Chip Run to Seaton. This has become an annual occasion with 17 members turning up this year. The weather could have been better but at least it kept dry; however didn’t get any takers for a walk along the prom!
Valerie Young Somerset Area
Somerset Happenings
Ireland Competition ResultMany thanks to all of you who participated in last month’s fiendishly easy competition to win a trip for two, with car, to The Emerald Isles.
The winners are Somerset based members Ray and Margaret Darch.In case anyone wasn’t sure, the photo was taken on the occasion of “Spridet 50, The Big Party” held at Gaydon on May 24th 2008.
Considering how many members attended the event, I’m slightly surprised that only a relatively low number of people had a try at winning.
For those that wondered, the winner was chosen after each correct entry was assigned their own number, and then these were fed into an online random number generator. As simple as that. As the saying goes, “you’ve got to be in it to win it”. Gary
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The Healey Sprite was
champing at the bit to go on holiday again. However, it was going to take a bit of persuasion on my part to convince the wife to go camping again with only half a case for her clothes. The three of us have already camped through the Route des Grand Alps in 2006 and across the Pyrenees from West to East in 2008. So it took promises of meals out and a few hotel stops before the holiday was planned to travel to Italy and experience the mighty Stelvio pass at 2760m.
Unfortunately the French had other ideas and decided to call a fuel strike, so undeterred we decided to travel via Belgium, Luxemburg and Switzerland, to make sure our small tank was always full. The weather was also not kind and due to flooded camp sites, we did stop in a hotel the first night. Three days were spent in Horgen, Zurich with family. Visiting the magnificent Rhein falls and Lindau on Lake Constance in Germany. We then drove on to Lichtenstein. Klosters and Davos, over the Fluela pass and on to Livigno for two nights.
Next day was the highlight of the trip as we drove over Pasa dal Fuorn at 2149m and then there it was, the mighty Stelvio pass with 48 hairpin bends in front of us.
Well if a push bike could do it then so could we, and the Healey didn’t let us down. The views were fantastic with lots of snow and sunshine and we arrived at the top a bit dizzy, with welcomes from fellow travellers. An unforgettable trip, so much so that we had to go back down again to enjoy it a second time via Bormio and Pass del Foscagno at 2291m.
Travelling on we arrived in Lake Como, camping in Menaggio and spending 3 days by the lake, enjoying the Italian Sun and the best Pizza. We then drove to Lake Viverone then on to Morzine in France, driving over the St Bernard Pass at 2473m. Very cold with lots of snow, nevertheless the hood stayed down.
With only 5 days left we drove 180 miles over the Jura Mountains to Baigneux les Juifs (which has a friendship arrangement with our home town West Malling). This is where we visited the source of the Seine, Just a little trickle. The next day we set off for Giverny, staying two days so we could visit Monet’s garden & Vernon on the Seine, a bit more than a trickle this time.
Our three weeks were up. We’d travelled 2000 mile, over numerous snowy passes and seeing wonderful sights. Spending 10 nights camping and 11 nights in a proper bed, much to the wife’s delight. The Healey behaved well except for the head lamps, which stopped working in Italy due to a terminal corrosion on a joining connection behind the grill, a minor hiccup. We arrived back in Folkestone in high spirits and my secret thoughts of the Healey Sprites next adventure.
Richard Bowles Kent Member.
European Adventure
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After last month’s sojourn to the Borders Classic show at Thirlestane Castle in
Lauder, which I thoroughly enjoyed, it gave me a taste of car shows. I am more of a ‘put on the overalls and point me to the garage’ sort of guy, so when the opportunity came up to go to another classic car day, I surprised myself by actually looking forward to it.
The event in question was held in a village called Milngavie (pronounced Mulguy), just north of Glasgow. Milngavie starts its civic week with the Milngavie & Bearsden Highland Games and ends with a display of classic cars throughout the town centre. This is the second time they have run the car display and word has obviously spread, as around 60 cars were displayed around the pedestrian precinct.
There was an eclectic mix of cars ranging from a 1904 Rolls Royce to a more modern
day Ferrari, with plenty of 1950’s and 60’s cars, which is more my era and held my interest. I had contacted a couple of members of the club that live fairly close (well, within 40 miles), and Lindsay came along. He was fresh back from a trip to France. So we had on display, Lindsay’s Midget, Good Frog and the Morris Traveller. I had a wee wager of £1 with my wife, as she reckoned there would be more interest in the Morris than the Frog, but I pulled the trump card and let kids sit in the Sprite and get their photograph taken. Austin-Healey 1 – Morris Traveller 0 ! Although if I had a pound for every person that said of the Morris “We went to Torquay on holiday in one of these” or “My dad’s first car was a Minor“, I would be a rich man indeed. The weather on the day was good and a good time was had. Unfortunately it was marred a bit at the end when I had a small altercation with a VW Golf and Lindsay had exhaust problems on his way home, (speed bumps and Midgets don’t get on).
Anyway, Good Frog is now in need of some first aid and I am trying to find an old fashioned panel beater who is sympathetic to 50+ year-old cars. Finding one is proving difficult within the Glasgow area, although I have found a garage in Motherwell which is recommended by the M.G. Owners Club, so I will be going there to get a quote.
Graham Smith 0141 954 8276
L-R Midget, Lindsay, Graham, Frogeye at Milngavie
Not just Spridgets”
Scotland Area Report
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On the first Sunday of the month of June there was to be the final car meet at the
Blackbird, Bush & Thrush Public House, at East Peckham. Having run for several years I had no prior knowledge until new Kent member Neil Gardner suggested that MASC members might want to pay a visit. The word was sent out and several members attended.
Steve & Kim Smith attended in their 1500 Overdrive Midget, Dave Chalk his (IOW) Super Sprite, Vic Barker & Jean in a Midget, Ron & Marilyn Edwards in their Frogeye, Neil was in his Midget and I in my Sebring rep with a special guest appearance of Graeme Williams in his Frogeye. The good weather brought out around forty cars.
A lady driver Teal blue Mk4 Sprite was present and its driver accepted the offer of a copy of Mascot to see what we are about. Hopefully we can draw her toward MASC.
Lapsed member Sue Lovell made herself known and also accepted the offer of a copy of Mascot but before I had the opportunity to lick the stamp to post it to her she had rejoined so we welcome yet another new member. Sue owns a Frogeye which perhaps we can assist with advice on re-commissioning.
East Kent MASC Monthly MeetThe second Sunday of the month is the time for Kent members living at the eastern end of the county to gather together. The venue for the meet is the Crown Sarre. SG11 2JL. The Crown Inn at Sarre is a 15th century Grade 1 listed building, hosting bars, accommodation and restaurants. Our meet, at the discretion
of the Landlord based on the expected numbers attending that I advise, allocates us either the restaurant or a long table in one of the bars.
Situated centrally between Margate & Canterbury with the nearest town being Birchington, this cosy and comfortable Inn is an ideal place from which to launch a tour of the Kent countryside. All it needs is someone from that area to organise another pre meet run out following John Clark’s successful Cote de Kent run earlier this year.
Dave Chalk Super Sprite and me in the Rep broke the Farthing Corner M2 Services Gremlin that seems to affect our group each time we depart from this venue. Rylan, having been struck by this fiend, and his car rendered unable to proceed on a previous occasion, was in such fear of this Gremlin that he refused to bring his Frogeye out of its garage.
That and the rain and a million other excuses. When we arrived at John Clark’s abode to meet with John & Carole – John’s Frogeye was top down as one would expect of this hardy seasoned traveller. John administered suitable admonishment for Rylan’s feeble excuses.
New member’s Richard & Heather Munnings arrived, in their Sprite, just as JC was putting the kettle on. Good timing! After a cuppa John led our convoy away. I forgot to note what hat Carole had pulled from her now famous Hat trunk, as the trunk was missing from its usual location.
After a nice drive along the Kentish lanes we arrived at the Crown, Sarre, to be greeted by Clive the Landlord who had put tables together and laid them out in anticipation of our arrival. Mike & Anita Pearson joined us to complete our somewhat depleted group. If members need any temptation to attend a meet then most present will agree that the food is good but the desserts are not to be missed. See you next time perhaps?
Kent MASC Monthly MeetThis month our monthly meet moved to The George Public House, Bender Road, Yalding, Kent. ME18 6EJ run by the Chalker family. Our hosts were mum Julie Chalker &
Kent Area MASC in the Month
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Kent Area MASC in the Month
Son Chris. As we seek a new venue for our monthly meet it will be essential to assess feedback to see if we make this our regular meeting place.
A goodly turn out with a varied selection of Sprites & Midgets some even with hoods down. That must be a bit of a gamble considering the incessant deluge we have suffered all week.
Feedback may tell a different tale but folks appeared to be enjoying themselves and tucking into their meals. Richard Bowles was handing round pictures of his recent tour, with his wife, up the Italian Stelvio Pass and across the snow strewn Swiss St Bernard. The Bowles are not afraid to travel unescorted, abroad in their Sprite. Steve & Kim Smith are also taking the challenge of touring abroad solo, this time in their Midget, as they visit the Somme Battlefields in this Centenary year.
Richard Beer brought photographs of the (American) Speedwell Engineering Frogeye bonnet front tilt mechanism currently being fitted to his Frogeye by the restorer and also pictures of the Speedwell Cafe at Stow on the Wold run by the son of Len Adams one time partner of John Sprinzel of Speedwell fame.
John Clark had fitted spot lights to his Frogeye whilst Vic Barker had made the latest ‘must have’ a black and red Sat Nav cover to compliment his recently reupholstered, in leather no less, Midget cockpit. E-mails from members seeking replicas can be forwarded.
Another invention, that I amazed those sitting at the same table as I, was polyurethane piston rings to counter piston blow by. We really are innovators in Kent!
Old Boys mid week run – Duxford Aerodrome
We could muster only four cars for this month’s ‘Old Boys’ run so it was cancelled. We can run it on another day when more people are available.
Alan Anstead Kent Rep
[email protected] T: 01322-384050 (answer phone)
The George at Yalding
A rare Sat-Nav cover which didn’t come from China
Kent member Mike Pearson turning a piece on his lathe destined for a Spridget clutch release bearing
29
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The main MASC event in East Anglia this month, the Norfolk run having been
cancelled due to the expected weather and some of us being a bit shell-shocked in the wake of Brexit, was the Kimbolton classic. I planned to do Kimbolton in Bluebell so after feverish activity the previous week she was finally back together (save for a few bits of cosmetic trim). I turned the key and pulled the starter but she stubbornly refused to start, it seems some poor connections and old flexible pipes had allowed the fuel to drain from the pipe feeding the mechanical fuel pump. With some new pipes and tightened connections I managed to suck some fuel up to the pump (as it will not pump air) and get the car going, I used it for a couple of days to make sure I had cured the problem, but while checking for leaks, found that the water pump needed replacing.
While replacing the water pump I checked the dynamo and rev counter gearbox and found the classic lubrication problems as described in past Mascot articles by HTJ. I think that when you purchase a Spridget you have to go through a sort of pain barrier of correcting one thing after another until you reach a critical mass, there is light at the end of the tunnel and the more you use the car the sooner you reach it.
Sunday dawned and we set off for Kimbolton castle in a topless Bluebell (minus the rev counter gearbox) with a gazebo in the back, to protect us from the forecast showers
in the morning and to give us shade in the afternoon. We arrived early to avoid queuing to get in, and after the usual chaos of finding our marked designated area, they paint numbers on the grass in Kimboltenese hieroglyphics but they had forgotten to paint ours. After a bit of haggling with the marshals they agreed that as we were down as area 29 (not 51) we could set up shop next to area 30, however we then had to mark our territory with flags, cars and a gazebo to defend our borders from other lost desperate souls. We were soon joined by reinforcements including Keith and Ann from the Home Counties (brilliant to see you), there is strength in numbers and the muskets soon fell silent.
The show was a brilliant mix of cars, clubs, old (and new) friends, displays, demonstrations, craft and artisan food stalls, fancy-dress and all manner of other things including WW1 aircraft flying overhead. Those who attended had a very good day with our stand creating a lot of interest including from some local MASC members who were either (multi club members) exhibiting on other club stands or still looking for a good Frogeye to purchase and recognised Bluebell from the cover of Mascot.
See you all at the oldest Inn in England and far beyond.
Dave Dixon (AKA Red Leader)
East Anglian MASC Report
31
We have been fortunate to have had numerous events to choose from this
month, with many clashing on the same day. The good weather at the start of June enticed more northerly to a pub meet at Moorwood Moor, while I headed south to The Crown at Shardlow to meet up with Stephen and his blue Frogeye, which I had provided parts for at Wollaton. A nice selection of local classics filled the car park to capacity.
The following day four cars joined Paul and Nigel in the Supersprites (now known as Ant + Dec after the Wollaton infestation) just north of Alfreton, from where Paul led us on a B-road excursion to the annual charity gathering of vehicles at Renishaw Hall.
Starting early in the afternoon, a continuous stream of cars flowed in until after seven in the evening, causing a jam at one point as the only exit got blocked. Martin gave up and opted to have another pork cob after waiting for ages just to get out of his parking space.
This is a great venue and within easy reach for the more northern members in our area, as it is a reasonable drive from Leeds and
Doncaster. It proved a good opportunity to meet other Spridget owners and tempt them with the benefits of club membership.The monthly Sitwell meeting the following day provided yet another pleasant evening for a “tops down” run around the countryside. Ably led by wing commander Nigel in the K-series – hereafter known as “WingKers” – we passed the newly restored Heage windmill, the only 6-sailed wooden mill in England, through historic Belper, ending at a pub in Horsley where the car park gave our handbrakes a good testing. Three newcomers joined us on the route and we hope to see them again at future meets.There seems to be no stopping Richard now he has become the N+D Standard bearer. His Midget has been “photo bombed” with a Vulcan, flagged at Flywheel, mixing with fellow MASC members at Bicester, and gate crashing the local VeeDubz event....His report from Bicester.... Great weekend. Highly recommended if you like Pistons and Props. Plenty of early aircraft. Had 15 cars from MASC/ Midget Register. Even a few from the Dorset area. Stirling Moss was in attendance. The Frogeye was a local Bicester MASC member. He bought the car from new, sold it when the family came along. His son looked into whether it was still about 10 years ago. They got in touch with the owner who wasn’t selling at the time but a few later got in touch with them and sold it to them as he couldn’t get in it anymore. Sunday was its first outing since a minor restoration.
Next meeting at The Sitwell Arms – Thursday 9th August
Ian Cooke, Richard Wharmby
Notts & Derby Area Report
Ian, Martin and Paul’s cars at Renishaw
MASC at Bicester
Richard’s Midget with the Vulcan
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Heart of England StuffI arrived at the Green Dragon, Sambourne about an hour earlier than the usual time for
the July meeting and on entering our allotted meeting room was surprised to see a couple already settled in and enjoying a drink.We exchanged warm pleasantries and I introduced myself as the new area rep Steve and asked if they we’re members returning to attending meetings, as I couldn’t remember them attending any recent ones. Oh no, they said, we come regularly and in fact we were at the last one and particularly enjoyed your talk about the Somme. Er, I didn’t do a talk about the Somme at the last meeting? Yes you did, they protested, we always enjoy coming here on the third Wednesday of every month.Well as the date was July 13th I quickly deduced that only two Wednesdays has passed in July and following a quick interrogation revealed that the interlopers were members of the Austin 10 Club who had arrived a week early! I said that they’d be very welcome to stay as guests but instead opted for a few drinks in the Public Bar.
So you know that feeling when you turn up for the monthly meeting and yours is the only Spridget in the car park and you think, have I got the right week? You might have turned up to the Austin 10 meeting!
So a lively meeting followed and organisation put in place for the MASC pitch on Sunday 17th July at the Shelsley Walsh Classic Nostalgia event and no doubt a report will appear next month.
I was particularly encouraged by the reports of training towards the H of E Iron Man event (see pic) and general improved fitness of the membership evidenced by the included image. Geoff Hunter is working out on the Indian Clubs with gusto and his wife Janet appears to have mastered the Art of Levitation through muscle control. Admirable!
We also agreed that our September meeting will be at Phoenix Scalextric Circuit which is in Jill Lane, near Sambourne B96 6ER so any members who are frustrated Le Mans of F1 drivers can live out their fantasies and competitive instincts in miniature. I understand that kits of Scalextric Spridgets can be bought online so that really keen competitors can build their own cars!
Again, I’ll report as to how it goes and see if any Hamilton v Rosberg type rivalry develops!
Keep out the ‘Oss Road
Steve Newton [email protected]
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Essex Area ReportApologies for no report last month but I
was on the return leg of a 2850 mile trip to an Italian event in the MG 1300. Amongst the entry were two Midgets – one each from Denmark and England.
The day I normally submit my report to Gary, I was actually driving the Stelvio Pass, which had only been opened a few days due to recent heavy snow falls, resulting in nearly 2 metre high banks at the roadside near the summit. Approaching from Bormio, it took 40 minutes tackling the 30 hairpin bends to reach a whiteout at the 9050 feet summit. The descent was easier as the road is generally wider and with banked bends – an enterprising local photographer captures everyone [cycles, motor bikes and cars] ascending and descending and publishes them on his website for sale. A definite big tick off my bucket list.
As reported recently, Paul Mutton suffered from an electrical problem en route to the start of the Drive It Day event the group attended. Here are some thoughts from Paul.
It might be a plug to you, but it’s a socket to me baby.
My first “Drive It” day didn’t start well. Having given the Midget an ample shakedown the week before all seemed OK. However, as we drove to meet with Linda and Tim the car decided to stop altogether. It’s done it before a couple of times but has always restarted immediately. I put this down to a poor earth connection on a recently installed electronic ignition. Having installed a better earth the problem seemed resolved – until yesterday. Totally fed up, I couldn’t think why we should continue. Tim offered to conduct a dialogue
with the RAC and relay the problem but we thought they might get confused and offer up some resistance to a call out on a Sunday.
Main Symptom: Refusing to start
Additional symptoms: No indicators, no horn, no petrol gauge and probably a couple of others.
Obviously an electrical problem. I left the indicator switch on and started fiddling. After a minute or so of head scratching the indicator started working when I poked around the fuse box. “Watts up”, I thought. The cause appears to be fuses that don’t fit the holders tightly or simply worn out fuse holders. My Heath Robinson solution was to wrap the offending fuse ends with cooking foil. Job done.
We did nearly 100 miles from the Museum of Power near Maldon to Audley End House and back ohm. Reading the forums it seems to be a recurring problem, so I’m now looking for a replacement fuse box that accepts blade fuses. It seems that the more modern equivalents give you an unfair advantage when it comes to reliability.
Thanks to Paul for his light hearted report.
I missed Graham’s Surprise Drive on the 22nd May which started at Roxwell and comprised a 50 mile route to finish at the Tiptree Jam tea rooms at Writtle. Apparently it utilised some little known lanes in the west of the county and was enjoyed by all. The first of our new for 2016 evening runs was organised by Gary & Diane and began at our regular meeting venue in Little Braxted. An hour later, it finished at The Bull, Blackmore End where everyone enjoyed a lovely meal. Both events were well attended and set high standards – so no pressure on the organisers of the remaining runs of the year.
Doug Plumb
Well it’s got an A Series
34
35
1000 Miles in a Day by Spridget!
Well now I have your attention I should just clarify that was the total mileage covered
for the round trip by four Dorset Area MASC members to the Bicester Flywheel event in early July.
Having seen that MASC would have a ‘stand’ (well actually a bit of airfield) there, I was keen to support and meet up with other Areas. So I asked our members who would like to attend. Immediately the, “it’s too far” and “I’m not sure my car will make it”, and similar comments came back.
But on the day four intrepid Spridgeteers assembled at dawn (perhaps the early start time deterred other members) at a local Little Chef and set off. In all, the convoy comprised two Frogeyes, a Midget and an A-H Sprite.
My own Frog with the ‘new and improved’ gearbox without first gear was a bit of a wild card but performed faultlessly all day. Apart from on arrival following a slow entry queue, it missed gear selection and arrived in a blaze of burning clutch smell and tortured gearbox noises.
Colin Archer’s Frog was better behaved, whilst Bill Rockstro in his rare Bedouin painted Midget had a faultless run and Peter Houghton in the AH Sprite as usual, set a good pace for the group. Averaging 60ish miles an hour we arrived just as the gates opened.
And what a treat Flywheel proved to be. Spread over a large area on this old grass airfield, it was never crowded and the free access to aircraft and historic cars was a real pleasure after venues such as Goodwood. With a largely vintage aircraft line-up, a demonstration track for the
classics and a tank driving area, coupled with good weather and additional stalls and attractions, there was plenty to see and do all day.
In the sky above were aircraft displays working around Tiger Moth pleasure flights. Vintage gliders, the Tiger Club Diamond Nine display team, Hurricane flypast and Spitfire and Mustang displays were topped off by the Great War Display Team.
This team fly a 10-strong range of replica First World War aircraft and accompanied by suitable ground based pyrotechnics and smoke trails re-enact aerial dog fighting as seen over the trenches 100 years ago – most impressive.
At the figure of eight mini-circuit, cars were demonstrated close up and included many famous pre and post-war race cars. For a concessionary admission price of just £11.50, including a free programme, this really has to be the best value event which I have attended for many years.
By lunch time the MASC line of cars had expanded considerably with support from Notts and Derby MASC, Oxford MASC and the MG Midget Register of the MGCC on the end. Mid-afternoon we reluctantly departed. A great day out! Do not miss it next year.
And in accumulating the total of 1000 miles in a day, no car broke down or failed in any way. With people I have also recently met who had driven to Le Mans Classic in their Spridgetly things (including Editor Gary) we really should not fear distance and I hope that we may have inspired in some way the “it’s too far” people.
Beautiful DeHavilland Dragon Rapide in wartime Scottish Airways colours
Dorset Area line-up at Bicester with many MG T’s behind
36
1000 Miles in a Day by Spridget!
As the July Mascot went to press the Dorset Area members were enjoying
what then passed for a summer’s evening at the home of member Francis Bugler. The occasion was the annual club B-B-Q and this year was combined with the annual ‘Pride in Ownership’ competition for the Golden Frog trophy.
With 20 or so cars to assess the judges had a hard decision to make in selecting the winners in the Spridget category and also ‘others’. With a strong contingent of Frogeyes present (five – where were the rest of you with your Mk 2’s, 3’s, 1500’s etc?) it was a surprise to Frogeye owner Pete Downton to be presented with the trophy.
Of his car the judges said, “This car, unlike the owner, would probably be a big hit with the ‘uptown’ girls. He must have a part-time job whittling pegs for Frogeye owners” – (all there displayed the famous Choke clothes peg stop, although Peter Vallins uses a Speedwell plastic peg!)
Pete’s car is regularly used and over the years he has owned it, he has gradually improved many small aspects of the car and carries out all the work himself – a well-deserved win. Winner in the ‘others’ category was Dick Jolly with his ‘big’ Healey. Members voting for ‘the car they would most like to take home’ were almost unanimous in selecting the Jaguar XK120 in the line-up.
Four cars made it to (and back from) Bicester for the Flywheel event and a fuller report on that trip appears elsewhere. A really first class day out and with parking on the MASC ‘stand’ we were in good company that day.
In mid-July the club attended the annual ‘Extravaganza’ organised by Poole Bay Classics at Braemore House Nr. Fordingbridge, an event which saw the club stand attract no less than ten cars, including one potential new member.
Following the usual good-natured banter about what was, or was not, original on some cars, five (soon to become six) Spridgets were selected to parade their cars in the arena, with each driver ‘interviewed’ on their particular vehicle. Having briefed each driver to say “Dorset Midget and Sprite Club” during their responses, only 3 managed to get the name right!The calendar is quite full at present with members attending numerous local events but our next massed arrival is planned for the MG1020 Athelhampton event where we attracted 13 cars last year.Dorset Area has been on Facebook for some time but we are only now starting to utilise this more - search for ‘Dorset Area Midget and Sprite Club’. Please note there are no pictures or videos of kittens or dogs here! Just stuff about the club and what it and the members are up to with their cars.We still have places available for our weekend in Torquay and given the state of a number of cars we are more than happy if you join us in your ‘modern’ – the more the merrier.Clear roads … John Gully Dorset Area Representative [email protected] 07876 334949
Pride in Ownership Line-up
Pete Downton – Winner of the Golden Frog Trophy
...and the next question is ... Spridget owners quizzed on their cars
Dorset Area Report
37
August 2016Near and Far
Central members didn’t have too far to travel for the first event in July, “Cars
in Park” in the nearby Cathedral City of Lichfield. The event is situated, as it implies, in the main park right in the centre of the city. The traffic was heavy when we all met at the nearby Bowling Green pub. A quirky place to meet, as it is in the centre of a traffic island which makes rejoining the stream of traffic and keeping in formation a bit of a task.
John Clarke had decided that this was going to be the first run out for his restored Frogeye. John had arrived early, very early in fact, missing out on breakfast to make sure he was on time. Luckily once inside the park there were plenty of food stalls amongst the huge amount of vehicles that had turned out on a very warm and sunny day. It didn’t take long before people were asking questions and taking pictures of our little cars on display.
We may even have picked up a couple of new members showing an interest in joining our club.
It seems the mosquitoes were biting at our monthly meeting. It’s one of the problems of meeting in a pub near a stream. Let’s hope they’ve gone by the time of our next meeting or best bring along some insect repellent. One of the items discussed at the meeting was the annual trip down to the Ace Cafe on August 9th.
I know Bill Mohan looks forward to the bangers and mash sold on the night, but takes more delight driving back in the dark when it’s been a fine sunny evening.
Half a dozen Central members, myself included, ventured over to France for the Le Mans Classic. Steve Roberts has compiled a full round up of our trip to be found elsewhere in this issue of Mascot so I’ll just mention it here.
After what seemed an age in the planning it was all well worth it in the end. A dream come true to see all those great cars from my childhood. A great holiday and a great event. If you get the chance to go in 2018 you might just see us all there again. Best start planning soon.....
Dave Warren Central MASC Email to [email protected]
Team picture in Falaise on the return trip to Caen after the Le Mans Classic
John, left, discusses his Frog with Andy and Dave
Central Report
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A busy month of June down here in the bowels. A move to a new monthly meeting
venue, car shows at Highnam Court, Berkeley Castle and the Classic, Kit and Retro Action Day at Castle Combe Circuit. It seems the curse of the West Country weather remains with us as the dark clouds and sudden leakages follow us around the region.
Castle Combe was again well attended; we had 12 Spridgley things out of the 10 expected plus a few members touching base at our stand who didn’t find the hole in the hedge to get their Spridgley things through. Only Steve Burt represented the club on the fast laps and found out more about his Midget Mk111 than ever before. The rest of us being quite happy to live on in ignorance about the sudden appearance of Quarry corner just after the blind approach over Avon Rise!
Hoping to squeeze in an evening run before the end of June but booking a space between the downpours is difficult.
As always, a warm welcome for all at our second Wednesday of the month meetings now at the Wishing Well, Codrington. Attending in a Spridgley thing is not mandatory, but a written explanation may be asked for!
Terry Horler [email protected] And Berkeley Castle
BoB at Castle Combe
At Higham Court
A warm welcome but MASC biscuits not guaranteed
From The Bowels of Bristol
39
Market PlaceAdverts to Alan Lo, 23 Charnell Road, Staple Hill, Bristol, BS16 5NE
email: [email protected] 07474 343 643
For sale: 1972 Austin Sprite. 1380cc rebuilt engine with fast road cam. Minilite replicas. Leather Motolita steering wheel. Great condition all round. Genuine, reliable car. Garaged and used regularly on good days. MOT April 2017, tax free. £5995 Tel Jim on 07771387465 or email [email protected]
For sale: 1 x Series A, 948cc out of MK1 Sprite for re-con .... Condition unknown .... £200. 1 x Rear axle with half shafts, no diff unit ... £60. 1 x Smooth case gearbox out of MK 1 Sprite, for re con, condition unknown £60. 1 x Factory Hard Top with safety glass £300. Call Robin Griffiths Member 4141; Tel 01584 874531
For sale: Austin Healey Sprite 1966 MK3. Fully restored for the second time 30 months ago. The car looks standard but includes 1275 engine with excellent oil pressure, 5 speed gearbox, roll bar, alternator, alarm, leather seats, electric cooling fan, tadpole period radio conversion to FM/MP3 and efficient heater. Drives incredibly well and everything has been properly sorted with no expense spared. Car has lots of history including photos of both restorations, 25 MOT cert’s and receipts for over £8,000 of parts alone. £6,750.00 will consider PX for MG Magnette ZA/ZB. Tel. 01494 729922 or email [email protected] for further information.
For Sale: 1958 MOT exempt Modified Frogeye. I’m just putting feelers out as “Gaps” is now getting to the point where something needs to be done and I have neither the time, space nor funds to do it myself. The car is now very rusty but so very reliable. Brief spec: 1330cc fast road engine with Peter May fast road head. Single Hif44 Su, 123 electronic ignition. Maniflow exhaust and RC40 back box. Frontline telescopic front suspension. Very rare Rivergate 5 Speed Datsun gearbox conversion. Robin Lackford installed Safety Devices roll cage and many other bits. The car has done over 50,000 miles in my ownership, been raced at Trackdays and Sprints and won a few awards along the way (not for bodywork I might add). I’m reluctant but a realist. Contact Gary if interested and we can chat. 020 7700 5696 or [email protected]
Wanted: Three in one indicator, headlight flasher, horn push stalk for 1979 MG Midget. Contact Nicky, 07812 364838 or email [email protected]
40
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