Once more this popular Northern event attracted large numbers of MG Enthusiasts, (including a small contingent from Cambridge)
To add a little bit of variety to the event the organisers, the Harrogate MGOC, opted for a change of venue. 'Harrogate 96', as it was billed, was held on the estate of Ripley Castle, the home of Sir Thomas and Lady Ingilby and their family. The visitors were treated to a spacious lakeside show, with the grounds sloping up and away from the lake making it a natural amphitheatre, as the visitors parked their MG's on the hillside. As always a good cross section of trade stands & various entertainment in the central arena.
There was a healthy entry for concours and condition classes, with an MG 1100 catching my eye in particular. This MG based around the Austin 1100 & 1300 was not immune to rot just because it sported the octagon motif, and as a consequence there are very few good examples of this particular model left. If you ever get the chance to pick one up at a good price then it might be a good investment as the Japanese just love them and many good examples have already been exported to Japan. Another car to catch my eye was a stunning MGA in a Gold colour, I have included a feature on this car in this months newsletter. As already stated huge numbers attended the Harrogate show, attendance no doubt helped by the fine weather with all models represented either in competition or just in the car park. I applaud the efforts of the local MG club for putting on such a fine show, and this their eleventh show one of the best yet.
The Harrogate MGOC always give generously to one of the local and worthy charities. This year their chosen charity is the Yorkshire Association for Disabled People, based in Harrogate. The net profits from this years show will be presented to them, so well done to everyone.
The Harrogate event featured as the start to my holiday in North Yorkshire, and after a gruelling day in the warm sunshine, Phil and Jackie, fellow members of Cambridge MGOC joined myself and the rest of the family at our holiday cottage for tea and biscuits ! After two weeks and 1100 miles I can honestly say that it's NOT so grim up North !
Kelvin Fagan. Cambridge & District MGOC.
There have been so many MG events both local and national for owners to support in the last month and it has been our busiest time in 1996 with some good events to remember
The Mr. & Mrs Competition was master minded by Nicola and Matthew and proved a most revealing and entertaining evening. Attendance wasvery high and we were pleased to welcomeMORE NEW MEMBERSso Valerie & Stuart, Gerald & Wendy and Keith and Helen. We trust they were not too shocked by the relevations of the evening. It was great to have a good laugh together. Our winners were Tony and Sharon and in second place were Linda and Dave. Many thanks to Nicola and Matthew from us all.
The Area Secretary's BBQ was beaten by the weather forecast and cancelled. But the weather men got it wrong again and the forecast of rain and storms did not materialise and we could have enjoyed Tony and Sharon's kind offer of hospitality
The Sandringham Picnic Run was a day to remember. The was perfect and in spite of the heavy traffic on the roads, we made good time and were met by fellow members who had camped at Hunstanton on the previous evening. Our 14 cars were parked impressively in an exclusive clearing in the woodland and this proved to be an excellent place to picnic, chat, take photographs of our much loved MG's and their owners and we also also played boule.There was time to see more of Sandrinham Park and I am sure another run allowing more time to see the house, gardens and church woild be a good idea for a 1997 early summer day out in Norfolk.
Club night on Monday 19 August was a ladies night. Nicolas sister, Judith, Kindly visited and colour analysed some of our ladies. This, I understand, was also a good evening. The men folk who ventured forth enjoyede time to chat and be entertained by Morris Men who happened to be visiting The Black Horse that evening. One member was brave enough to participate.
Please remember to put your names down for the Christmas meal on 13th Dec.
Happy motoring during September.
Peter Page Area Secretary.
KMO 326 was a factory prototype and development car, it went through many developments from1500 cc to 1600cc then 1622cc and finally to it's current specification 1842cc. for MGB development. The car then went on to high speed duration testing on the German Autobahn running with MGB front calipers special cooling and exhaust systems for a continuous duration of 10,000 miles at between 5800and 6000 rpm. in top gear.
Unique specifications and rare equipment which includes adjustable shock absorbers, MGB brake calipers, Anti tramp bars, a large oil sump with special baffle, large Hobourn-Eaton oil pump, ultra lightened flywheel, special cylinder head, rocker shaft and supports and a Smiths thermomatically controlled cooling fan. Full magnolia hide trim (all leather door panels, rear parcel shelf and dash panel ) Standard coupe's are fitted with PVC trim panels. A unique colour of Gold metallic main body with a pearlescent White roof. The colour and trim was specified by Syd Enever, Chief Design Engineer for the Abingdon factory and the designer of the MGA. This car was also personally owned by its designer Syd Enever and his son who raced it a Brands Hatch and Silverstone etc. in the early 1960's with great success. In later years the car was successfully Hill Climbed by Peter Cornwall, again with many outright wins in it's class, including the Lands End and Trans-Pennine to name a few. A final finishing touch are the interior courtesy lights and special unique steering wheel manufactured by El-Nardi, the makers of Ferrari steering wheels in the 50's & 60's.
SPECIFICATIONS.
Engine Size.....1842cc (Blue Print Engine)
Power Output....120 BHP
Chassis No. was Exp/197 Later restamped on leaving the factory in late 1964. GHD109071
(This number being one after the official production ended)
Engine No. SPL/445H/1600
The current owner is Jim Todd. He can be contacted on 01482 329045
Kelvin Fagan. Cambridge MGOC.
This Site is maintained by Kelvin Fagan
mg.maestro@mgcars.org.uk