News and views

Well celebrations are well underway for the centenary of MG and I thought it worth sharing this picture of the two people totally responsible for the birth – William Morris on the right, later Lord Nuffield, who started Morris Garages and Cecil Kimber on the left who created the MG sports car and the now legendary logo.

This picture is from Kenneth Ullyett’s book ‘The MG Companion’ first published in 1960 and long out of print but copies readily available on the second hand market. As a follow up I thought it worth showing a picture I took in 1964 of what I think must have been the last MG Garages then trading this one in Newbury, Berkshire at the time.

Morris Garages was the trading name/distribution arm of Morris Motors.

In this edition I should be reporting on the MG100 Event at the British Motor heritage Museum in Gaydon where one of my D’s should be in the time line – but my son’s holidays (he’s lays out Dispatch for me!) has meant I’ve had to get this issue to him well before – a report should appear in Dispatch 80.

However, the MG Centenary Kimber Touring Assembly held over the weekend of 29/30th April was attended by our intrepid reporter John Emmett in his D0430, the performance of which he was well pleased with over the weekend. This picture shows D0430 overlooking other participants in the hotel car park.

Included in the weekend was a visit to The Foz’s garage and workshop (Barry Foster of C Racing fame!) and John took this picture of the progress being made on D0254, bought as a chassis with a few bits a few years ago, and destined for the track as a C Type lookalike!

Barry tells me that the C Type timber body frame was built by another C Type exponent – Dave Cooksey. We look forward to seeing it in action.

The next big event is MG100 at Silverstone on June 10/11th – I’m hoping to be there both days and, subject to Triple M and T Type races, I plan to be at the Triple M Register stand at 12.00 so do come and say hello.

July 15th of course is PreWar Prescott and as usual I will send a souvenir plaque as here:

To all D’s who have entered. At the time of writing that is 7 I think, one short of our record!

Bits and Pieces

Firstly a rare item indeed, this is a D windscreen frame, needs chrome and glass etc. pictured here:

Priced at £100 plus post and packing. Further details and pictures from Alastair Cowe at allycowe@gmail.com

Now a rarity from Peter Frost, these are the instrument panel lights that fit in the 3 pronged clips behind the panel.

He only has a very few left. They are £10 each – UK postage and packing and signed for is £4.50 for 3 and £3.49 for one or two. More details from Peter at frostpeter@talktalk.net

Now a wanted part, I asked for this a few years ago so worth another attempt!
This is the end plate, speedo drive holder, from a 3 speed D Type gearbox which is interchangeable with that on an M Type. Not quite ‘hen’s teeth’ but nearly. Whole D Gearbox very considered too!

Car for sale

At the time of writing two D’s are still on the market. Firstly D0377 as per this advert.  Contact Digby direct if interested.

A historic D Type has come on the market – this is D0252 the oldest surviving D and the second production one.

Owner Mike Goodwin tells me it has an electric radiator fan, hydraulic brakes just re-lined and new wheel cylinders all round; 4 speed J type gearbox, larger 9” Lucas headlamps and new alloy fuel tank. It is number 2523 with the Triple M Register. I have a few more pictures I can pass on but Mike can be contacted on (001) 954-319-3245 for more details. Or contact me for his email address. The car is in Florida and the asking price is $22,000 (US Dollars).