News and views

Another milestone for the D Group: issue 90; didn’t think back in 2003 penning number 1 that I would get this far! 2025 seemed a busy year for Vincent Dransart in D0456 judging by his Facebook posts. Herewith him in the car showing what a D Type does well – carry children.

February saw the annual MG(and Triumph) Spares Day at Stoneleigh; not sure it was as busy as previous years but to be fair when I left at lunchtime people were still coming in. Good turnout though of Triple M people and I met no less than 4 other D owners!

Also there, from Denmark, were long time friends Jorgen and Lillian Poulsen (of M Type Fame) who recommends Chris Clark in Turnditch, Derbyshire (01773 550485) for all instrument, lamp and mirror repairs etc. for all pre’55 MGs.

I have at last started to update the event Calander on our website and the next outing will be Drive it Day on the 26th April. There are usually lots of local runs taking place where ever you are so do let me have some pictures if you venture out in a D.

Cars in books

I wonder how many of you spotted the mention of a picture of a D type in the book review section of the February issue of ‘The Automobile’? The book in question is ‘The Life & Times of “Jock” St. John Ratcliffe Stewart Horsfall’ subtitled Racing Driver & Secret Agent. It is a biography written by his nephew Michael Stewart Horsfall and was published in August last year.

Jock’s second car, after a three wheeler Morgan, was an ex-demonstrator bought from University Motors in London in 1932 when he was just 21 years old.

The car had registration MG 1300 and is chassis number D0276. Unfortunately, not known to be a survivor. Subsequently he part exchanged it for his first Aston Martin. He became a famous racing driver with Astons and latterly ERA’s but during the war he worked for MI5 where his driving skills were put to good use.

He was involved with the famous ‘Operation Mincemeat’. He was tragically killed in 1949 racing an ERA at Silverstone.

Readers with long memories will recall mention of “Jock” and his D in another book in Dispatch 35 way back in 2012 called ‘Tribute by Trophy’ by Rex Hays. The Aston Martin Owners Club still race annually for ‘The St. John Horsfall Trophy’ in memory of “Jock”.

And talking of books Huw Davies D0353 (sfscribe@triple-mregister.org) has a spare copy of my booklet produced in 2004 on the D Type free to a D owner for the cost of postage.

Cars for sale

At the time of writing the following 3 D Types are still for sale:

D0289 – This car is detailed on the Triple M Register website under Cars for Sale. This looks a serious project for a J4 look-a-like with all the difficult work done. Contact details on the site.

Cars for sale

D0481 – MGCC Chairman Lorraine Noble-Thompson has this car for sale. See our D Group website under Cars for Sale for full details.

Cars for sale

D0490 – Another project car but very original and all there. This being sold by Peter Bligh. Again full details on our website under Cars for Sale.

 

Parts for Sale

Firstly I have a brand new instrument panel – the last one, this painted black. Correct holes and engraving beautifully made. £45.

Brand new complete tandem wiper set including arms and blades. £135

Last pair of brand new door catches, stainless steel. £15 the pair.

Brand new, old stock, radiator badge. £30

Lastly, not strictly for a D Type but will be of interest to many – a Lodge feeler gauge set – 15, 18, 22, 25 and 30 thou. Maybe for a magneto? £15

Now two T Type seat runners – the first has been cut to suit a D/J and has been re-hinged – just £30.

The second is as new, unused – just £50. Unfortunately they are not a matched pair but would not show on the car. I have this type of seat hinge/adjuster on both my D’s and work well. As always with items I sell if not delighted they can be returned for full refund.

All plus postage and further details on any item, just email me.