Story by Bruce Magers, photos by Joanna Garvey and Frank Ochal
The American MGB Association held it’s 32nd annual meet on June 20th at Sussex, a northwest suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The show was at Sussex Village Park. The cars were stage in a bowl-like setting which made it easier to view all of the entries. The event was held in conjunction with the annual British Car Field Day which has been in existence for many years. The gathering is also a benefit for the Children’s Hospital of Milwaukee and the Boy Scouts of America.
The one day show on Fathers Day drew approximately 250 cars representing numerous British marques. MG’s dominated the field with a strong showing of Triumphs and Austin Healys as well as smaller groups of Jaguars,Land Rovers and Sunbeams.
The show featured a low-key popular vote which worked well and everyone seemed to enjoy. The best of show went to a pre-war 1932 J2 MG Midget owned by John Morris which was restored to its original beauty. All of the winners drove up to the reviewing stand to receive their awards from the shows sponsors. Margie Springer handed out the AMGBA awards.
The local boy Scouts provided food and drinks for the hungry crowd estimated at 400+.
The AMGBA officers were kept busy signing up new members and handling regalia sales at the official “tent ” headquarters.
The AMGBA wishes to thank John Stockinger and his staff for hosting this fine event. Information on next years show can be obtained by contacting British Car Field Day at W195 S 10392 Racine Drive, Muskego, WI 533150.
Rubber Bumper MGBs
1. ‘78 – Wayne Radaj
2. ‘78 – Willie Wittkopf
3. ‘75 – Ed & Julie Polonus
Chrome Bumper MGBs
1. ‘67 – Wayne Everard
2. ’63 – James & Linda Talos
3. ’74 – Randy Fowler
MGB – GTs
1. ‘68 – David Nordby
2. ‘67 – David Cunba
3. ’69 – Peter Mewies
MG Midget
1. ‘65 – Tom & Margaret Rynne
2. ’73 – Rick Bretikreutz
3. ’67 – Glenn Brookshear
For information on next year’s event or on the American MGB Association, please contact the AMGBA, P. O. Box 11401, Chicago, IL 60611; phone: (773) 878-5055; email: meet@mgclub.org ; website: www.mgclub.org .
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The MG Vintage Racers designated VARAC’s Vintage Racing Festival at Mosport, Ontario, this June as their “Focus Event” for 2010. Attracted by this world class track, special MG races at the event, and the camaraderie of the MG racing community, 46 MG racers showed up to compete with MGs from MGTC’s to MGB-V8’s, in both the regular VARAC classes, and a special all MG race. This was complimented by both MGVR and VARAC parties and honors. MGVR presents three special awards at their annual Focus Event. The deserving recipients for this year were:
MGVR “Spirit Award” to David Holmes. The MG racers at the track vote by their peers as best representing the “Spirit of MG Vintage Racing”. David is a very enthusiastic MGA racer from Ontario, and shares the track with his son Evan who races a MG Midget.
MGVR’s “Bill Parish” memorial award to Storm Field of New York, racing a MGB-GT V8. It is presented in memory of MGTC racer Bill Parish who never won a race, but had more FUN than anyone. It gets presented to a MG racer with a similar pursuit of FUN!
MGVR’s “MG V-8 Challenge Trophy” was awarded to Nick Pratt of Ontario, in his amazingly fast MG Midget. It is presented to the first overall MG in the all MG Race.
And if that weren’t enough, there were even more MG honors presented that were particular to this VARAC event at Mosport.
-VARAC’s “Al Pease Trophy”, for the first MG overall in the MG race, to Nick Pratt in a MG Midget
-VARAC’s “Van Worsdale Trophy”, for the first MGA in the MG race to Mark Brandow, of Minnesota.
- VARAC’s “President’s Trophy”, for the first Midget/MGB in the MG race to Nick Pratt in his MG Midget
-MGVR’s “Tommy Hoan Trophy”, for the first T Series in the MG race to Manley Ford of Michigan in a MGTD,
-VARAC’s “Tony Simms Challenge Trophy”, for best prepared, driven, and vintage correct MG, to Manley Ford with his MGTD.
This was MGVR’s 15th Focus Event as the excitement of MG Vintage Racing continues. At this event, MGVR announced that their “Focus Event” for 2011, will be at Lime Rock Park’s Vintage Fall festival in September next year! For more information on MG Vintage Racing, visit MGVR’s web site at MGVR.org.
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The June 2010 issue’s Queen B is the ’65 B of Marc Meccia. Here is his story:
Here are some photos of Bea. She’s a ’64 titled as a ’65 that I’ve had a little over 10 years. She was originally a Texas car. When I got her, she had virtually no rust but was painted an ugly metallic blue. A friend of mine did the body and paint, and I did the rest.
She has all new suspension bushings and springs, a header and freeflow exhaust, and basically everything else is stock except for the period console , steering wheel and wheels . She’s very reliable and I take down the top in the spring and it doesn’t go up until the winter. She’s garaged and covered in the winter but if the weather is good , we’ll go for a nice drive.
MG Supermini - MG Zero
The concept version of MG’s future supermini has been revealed at the Beijing motor show. Dubbed the MG Zero, the concept was designed and engineered in the UK, and is best thought of as an embellished version of the final production car, which is thought to be called the MG3.
The handsome hatchback would be aimed squarely at best-sellers like the Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio, and would suggest that the Chinese-owned manufacturer is serious about returning to Europe with a range of models.
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2011 MG6
MG Motors has announced the international launch of the MG6, the first all new MG motor car since the launch of the MGF sports car. The MG6 is a sporting five seat fastback model, designed to capture the character of the MG brand and bring something different to the volume market.
There is no word on the technical specs yet, but speculation has it that power will come from a 1.8L 4-cylinder making 133-hp and a peak torque 135 lb-ft. A turbocharged version will produce 160-hp and a maximum torque of 158 lb-ft.
The new MG6 will enter production next month at a new MG plant in Lingang, China. The launch takes place at the Guangzhou Auto show in China and is the beginning of an exciting new global future for the MG brand.
The launch in China, the world’s largest automotive market begins the international roll out of sales of MG6 which includes the UK. Sales in China will begin in January and plans for the UK and other markets will be released during 2010.
It was also announced today that production of MG6 for the China market will begin at the brand new state of the art factory in Lingang, China in December 2009. It is also planned to commence production of MG6 at the Birmingham plant in the UK before the end of 2010.
The world famous MG brand has never had such a bright future as it starts to expand global sales with an exciting new range of products.
MG6 Key Dimensions Length: 4651 mm Width: 1826 mm (without mirrors) Height: 1480 mm
The MG6 proudly displays a new modernized version of the famous MG octagon badge for the first time. This new design is planned to carry forward on to all new MG models.
This new branding features in the new corporate identity for the launch in China which also uses the Morris Garages naming. This reflects the pride in the history of the brand, the need to communicate this in new markets and is a clear differentiator for the MG brand.
'71 B of Charles Marin
Welcome to the new members that have joined since the last issue.
We would like to thank Gene Lillie, Mark Summers, Marc Meccia and all of the other contributors to this issue of the Octagon. Also thanks to Art Isaacs for his continued work in answering members’ technical questions and answers. Be sure to send in photos and stories so we can include them in future issues of the Octagon.
American MGB Association Meet 2010 will be held in Sussex, Wisconsin in June. This is just outside of Milwaukee and more details are in this issue with up to date information always on our website at www.mgclub.org.
In addition to the items found in our regular club regalia / store, more store merchandise including tote bags, caps, sweat pants, shorts and other items can be found at our Fieldhouse Club Store located at www.fieldhouse.com/amgba.
I am sure you have noticed the improvement in the look and feel of the Octagon. The pages are larger, the paper is better and the quality of the color pictures is considerably better with more vivid colors. We have made a change in printers to make a better looking magazine. Let me know what you think of the changes.
We now have member grille badges and key fobs. This is in response to many member requests.
Technical Sections Volume III is now available which continues the great tradition of practical tech advice started with Volumes I and II. In keeping with the times this one is available only on CD for PC or Mac. Another new item in the store is a complete copy of the past ten years of the Octagon available on CD only for PC or Mac.
American MGB Association members receive the Octagon, now published in March, June, September and December and the eOctagon, published in February, May, August and November.
We now offer a 3 year membership or renewal rate which includes a free t-shirt or tech volume III CD. The rate is $95 or $125 for members outside the USA. And in response to many members we now have a 3 year eMembership for $65 which also includes a free t-shirt or tech volume III CD. Save moneyand get a t-shirt or tech CD!
The club now has a Message Board at http://board.amgba.com, a Blog located at http://blog.amgba.com. The sites are available to all but American MGB Association members are able to place ads and access more tech info.
The new American MGB Association Photo Gallery is located at http://photos.amgba.com. The same login is used for the Gallery as the Message Board. Members can place their car photos directly at this location.
Send us your email address so that we can send you the eOctagon. The eOctagon is sent via bulk email so if you are blocking this type of email you will not get it. Please send in your stories and photos to be used in the Octagon. You will receive a credit toward renewal or regalia.
Send in your list of spare parts that you have for sale as we send out all lists we have received during the year to members that request lists of spare parts available. These lists are also now appear on our web page in the “members only” section!
You need an ID and password to access the “members only” section of our web site at www.mgclub.org. You will find the ID and password on page 3 of the OCTAGON. These change with each issue so be sure to use only the ones listed in the latest issue. Also now you can to create your own id and password for the members only section. Submit the form on the members only page to do this.
Make plans for Meet 2010 in Wisconsin and all of the other car shows. See you there!
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This is the 1978 MGB chrome bumper conversion of Gene Lillie. He is almost complete on his 9 ½ year restoration program. He kept the frame and most of the body parts. All parts were ordered from on line catalog sales locations, no parts were from old cars found lying around. When replacing the exhaust system, he had a muffler made that fits in the wheel well to avoid dragging on the ground. The interior has been almost completely replaced, only the dashboard remains from when he first bought it. He enjoys showing it at local car shows and he often gets stopped by people to tell me how well the car looks.
John Twist has decided to reopen University Motors and continue the path his wife and him chose so many years ago. While she is gone, in her place now is his son Brooks, with Curt and Casey both back a work in the shop. Contact him for all your MG needs at 616-682-0800 and www.universitymotorsltd.com and congratulations on his continued work!
British Car Field Day 2010 and The American MGB Association’s 33rd Annual Meet – AMGBA MEET 2010 – for the MGB, MGB-GT & Midget – Sussex, Wisconsin – June 20, 2010.
WHERE: Sussex Village Park, in Sussex, Wisconsin (see directions and map on back of this form).
WHEN: Show from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm, rain or shine.
Refreshments: Will be available on the grounds. Refreshment proceeds go to the Boy Scouts of America.
BCFD Shirts: BCFD shirts for order (see form below). This year’s shirts will feature an embroidered BCFD logo, adding a quality, distinctive look for all shirts. Register on or before May 10th to ensure Golf / Tee Shirt / Sweatshirt orders can be filled.
PRE-REGISTRATION: Pre-registration will speed your entry onto the field as you will not need to exit your vehicle to register. Preregistrations post marked on or before June 11th are $10.00 for each car or motorcycle. If you have more than two cars/cycles, use a copy of this form.
WIN FREE GAS CARDS Mail your British Car Field Day registration form early and be eligible to win a prepaid gas card. Three cards will be awarded, one $100, one $75 and one $50. To be included in this drawing, registration forms must be postmarked by June 11th, 2010. Winners must be present at award presentation to win.
Registrations post marked after June 11th or on the day of the event increase to $15.00 for each car or motorcycle. Award winners will be determined by a popular vote by registered event participants on ballots provided by BCFD. “People’s Choice” Award is selected from the balloting of public viewers. Award(s) for each class, diamond in the rough, people’s choice and best of show. Dash plaque for registered cars and cycles. (Limit first 300)
THIS EVENT BENEFITS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF MILWAUKEE AND THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
For additional information write to: British Car Field Day W195 S10392 Racine Drive Muskego, WI 53150 or Call: (414) 687-8447 or (262) 521-1072 or Email Jstockinger4@wi.rr.com Please print out and detach on the dotted line and mail your pre-registration early. Retain top portion for your records.
————————————————————————————————————— Official use only Reg# 1st____________ Class ____________, Reg# 2nd ____________ Class____________ British Car Field Day—2010 Registration Form (Please print clearly) Name _________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________ City _________________________________________________ State ______ Zip _________ Tele# _(_______)_____________________ Email _____________________________________________
Waiver of Liability I have read and understand the Waiver of Liability denoted on the back of this form and agree with the terms of the waiver. X________________________________________________________ Date _____/_____/_____
1st Car or Cycle (Circle one) Marque__________________________________ Year ______________ Model _______________________ 2nd Car or Cycle (Circle one) Marque__________________________________ Year ______________ Model _______________________
Registration $10.00 each car/cycle (Post Marked on or before 6/11/10) after 6/11/10 $15.00 each Registrations with shirt order must be post marked on or before May 12th to ensure order can be filled!
BCFD Tee Shirts S, M, L , XL $12.00, XXL, XXXL $14.00 (tan, cotton/poly blend) Size & Qty: S_____ ,M_____ ,L_____ ,XL_____ ,XXL_____ ,XXXL_____
BCFD Golf shirts S, M, L, XL $22.00, XXL , XXXL $26.00 (light stone, 100% Cotton) Size & Qty: S_____ ,M_____ ,L_____ ,XL_____ ,XXL_____ ,XXXL_____
BCFD Sweatshirts S, M, L, XL $20.00, XXL $24.00 (Ash, 90% Cotton/poly) Size & Qty: S_____ ,M_____ ,L_____ ,XL_____ ,XXL_____ Total Shirt Amount $_______________ Total Car/Cycle Registration Amount $___________________ Total Enclosed $___________________
Checks Payable to: British Car Field Day
Mail to: BCFD W195 S10392 Racine Drive Muskego, WI 53150
Primary Club Name _____________________________________________________________ Club Marque _____________________________________________________________ City and State _____________________________________________________________
Waiver of Liability I (we) agree that I (we), will not hold liable the British Car Field Day Committee, or their respective club, officers, or members, for any personal injury or property damage that may occur on the park grounds or while driving to or from the British Car Field Day event held at Sussex Village Park in Waukesha County, State of Wisconsin, held on Sunday, June 20th, 2010 and that my (our) participation in this event signifies my (our) agreement with the above waiver of liability. Field decisions made by BCFD officials on the day of the event will be final and binding
——————————————————————————————————
Directions Follow Interstate 94 West from Milwaukee to Exit 295, County “F” (formerly Hwy. 164 North) which becomes Hwy 74 North, continue approx. 5 miles (in total), to Main Street in Sussex. Take Main Street west one mile to Weaver Drive. Follow the BCFD signs and look for Sussex Village Park on the left. See web for www.mapquest.com (Sussex Village Park, Wisconsin) or http://maps.google.com (Village Park, Sussex Wisconsin) or www.village.sussex.wi.us
or Contact: The American MGB Association at 773-878-5055, meet@mgclub.org or www.mgclub.org
click here for registration form in pdf format
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There are optimistic reports from UK asserting that MG is currently working on three new models in addition to the TF LE500 roadster. Just a few years ago, MG was reported to be planning new models with its Chinese parent company Shanghai Automotive (SAIC).
Since the release of the refreshed TF LE500 roadster, there have no recent developments shared by MG. According to the recent UK reports, the new cars will be produced at the former Austin factory in Birmingham, UK, with the first model rolling out this October. To be produced first is the MG6, a compact sedan and hatch similarly sized to the Ford Fusion. The MG6 is essentially a rebadged version of the Roewe 550 sedan sold in China, which itself is based on a modified version of an old Rover 75 platform. Next to be produced will be a smaller hatchback based on the Roewe 350 that will compete against cars like the Volkswagen Golf. Lastly, MG is expected to launch a new minicar model that will be shown in concept form at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show this April. Unfortunately, MG plans to distribute the cars only in Europe.