News and views

Seems the cars in the right hand line up of the period black and white photo last issue (Taken at Carbodies factory) are thought to be Morris Minor Semi Sports and nothing to do with D Types!

The opening meeting for 2025 was the MG/Triumph spares day at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire on February 9th.

I thought overall numbers were slightly down on last year and the Triple M gathering at the Register stand at midday was definitely well down on previous years.

Maybe the road works and divisions caused by the weekend closing of the A46 for HS2 works put some people off but for travellers from the south it made no difference. Of the two cars on display on the Triple M Register stand was Huw Davies’ D0353 pictured here:

A few D owners were there including Volker Tilley (D0258) from Germany but not with his car. Apart from Barry Walker, Andy King and a couple of other regulars there was little of interest for pre-war buyers. It was good to see though, Vintage Supplies (incorporating Paul Beck and SVC amongst others) there with a small stand.

Talking of events 2 further ones this year of interest to us are firstly the Vintage Minor Register’s Silver jubilee Rally weekend at Kyre Park in Worcestershire 25th to 27th July which can include a hill climb. At the time of writing there are already 4 D Types entered! Details and entry form from:
www.vintageminor.co.uk and click on events.

The other event, recently announced, is the MGCC Triple M Register “Shakespeare Four Day Touring Assembly” 21st to 25th September based at the Stratford Manor Hotel. See the Triple M Website for details: www.triple-mregister.org .and again click on Events.

Recently seen on Facebook is news of two cars we haven’t heard of for some time: Firstly D0381 in Sweden was being converted into a C Type look-a-like by the late Karl Eric Soe-Knudsen which has recently been completed by Fredrik Bolander and pictured here:

It looks finished to a very high standard. The other car is D0301 now in Holland since November last year and pictured here with new owners who we are trying to contact:

This car was first in France after leaving the UK, then in Italy for some time, thence to Luxembourg and now in Holland.

Period Pictures

Now for a couple of old pictures which may, or may not, be D Types – has anyone any ideas or information? Firstly LJ 6134 taking part in the West Hants Light Car Club Trial in 1932.

It is stated to be a J1 but has distinct D Type doors!
The other is a post card posted on Triple M Enthusiast’s Facebook page by Ian Holmes which clearly shows a Salonette which could be either D or J1:

It is carrying trade plates, but the registration starts CV59?

Unfortunately, neither registrations are on D Type records but we don’t have them all, do either ring a bell with anyone?

Improving 8″ Brakes

One of the ways that we could make our old MGs more compatible with modern motoring would be to improve the efficiency of the original cable operated brakes.

While conversion to a hydraulic system would perhaps be the ultimate development, it does involve fairly extensive alterations and additions to the car which many people may not wish to undertake.

However, it has occurred to us that by converting the front brakes to use two leading shoes rather than the existing single leading/trailing arrangement, a significant improvement in efficiency might be achieved.

We have devised a relatively straightforward way to make this alteration but before embarking on a prototype, we thought it would be wise to consult other owners first.

Like so many ‘bright ideas’, this modification has probably been done before, so any suggestions or advice you can give us would be greatly appreciated.

Bits and Pieces

At the time of writing Huw Davies still has my 2004 booklet on the D Type for sale. See Dispatch 85 for details.

Also from Dispatch 85 I still have for sale the pair of firewall brackets available.

Now a couple of very rare items, firstly a brand new ignition switch made in Holland to exact original specification complete with correct spade type key.

Available at cost of £75 plus postage and packing.

Secondly a pair of brand new door handles exactly right for the D.

These were made by Peter Frost some 10 years or more ago but are still as new and unused. £110.00 the pair plus postage and packing.

Both these items, the switch and the handles, are also correct for the J1 and F1 but I shall give till March 7th for D owners to have first refusal – then leave open for J1 and F1 owners. First come, first served in both cases.

I spotted this Timing Chart for MG Engines 1931-1936 on Ebay and thought it worth having.

I note there were others for sale. It is unusual to find anything with D Midget mentioned so one for the archive. If anyone would like a copy by email just let me know.