Professional Documents
Culture Documents
motoringclassics.co.uk
bmh-ltd.com
MGB
TRIUMPH
SPITFIRE
THE
50
AND
AT
CONTENTS
The Spitfire: A
Leyland Triumph
New Products
From BMH
Missing Moniker
Classic Character
10
Classic
Motorsport 2012
12
Fresh Facts
From The Federation
14
Braking News
WELCOME
Gordon Bruce
Editor
CREDITS: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
COVER PHOTO: THE WORKS MGB OF HOPKIRK/HEDGES, LE MANS, 1965 (BILL PRICE)
TRIUMPH SPITFIRE
SLUG
THE SPITFIRE
A LEYLAND TRIUMPH
T
A Roadster at rest,
1965 (BMIHT)
he long-awaited replacement
for the body-on-chassis
MGA, the B was MGs first
monocoque sports car, the design
ofwhich was evolved within MG,
complete with more than a hint of
thecompanys record-breaker EX 181.
The Roadster brokecover first and
wasa major success of the 1962
London Motor Show, while the
CREDITS: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
MGB
Rovers ubiquitous V8 engine
provided extra oomph for numerous
cars over the years and, 40lb lighter
than the Bs standard four-cylinder
1,798cc unit, it was the obvious
solution to endowing the model with
more performance. Although BMC
opted for less output (137bhp) than
Ken Costello had for his aftermarket
V8 conversion (150bhp), the MGB
V8 was a fine touring car good
examples of which are suitably sought
after today. They are also hard to find,
as the variant was only manufactured
in Coupe form, of which a mere 2,591
were produced.
The MGC was evolved as a potential
replacement for the Healey 3000. As
both V4 and V6 engines had been
considered for the B at birth, there
had always been plenty of room in the
engine bay for bigger powerplants, and
an updated version of the six-cylinder
C-Series unit was eventually chosen
for the C. Unlike the Rover one, this
was an overly heavy engine and, along
with the move to torsion bar front
suspension, created a car of very
different handling characteristics. The
press panned it from the outset a
public drubbing from which it never
recovered and production ceased at
8,999 units. In fact, improving the
handling is a simple task and those
lucky enough to have an MGC in their
garage today know only too well what
an endearing car it is.
Despite dwindling support from
2012 celebrations
Its going to be a big party, with
activities already announced across
four continents see mgb50.com
for details. The big bashes in the
UK will be MG Live! (June 23-24),
the Silverstone Classic (July 20-22)
and Blenheim Palace (September
23). Well see you there!
motoringclassics.co.uk
WELCOME HOME
The last MGB Roadster makes a dramatic return to Abingdon
WELCOME HOME
Open-top fun
the MGF
(MPL, National
Motor Museum)
From MGB
shells to MGF sills
MISSING MONIKER
WSM
MISSING MONIKER
CLASSIC CHARACTER
DENIS JENKINSON
(1920-1996)
Jenkss
favourite
photo of
himself that
he christened
two cranks
together
A quartet of Works
MGBs that will be in
action during 2012
CLASSIC
MOTORSPORT 2012
British Motor Heritage MD John Yea previews the Motoring Classicssponsored MGCC Thoroughbred Sportscar Championship and his
ownseason on track
10
meetings.
The only
exception
is the MG
Live! two-day extravaganza, where
there will be a single 50-minute race,
recognising that many MGB drivers
will also want to compete in the special
anniversary race that weekend.
Somewhat confusingly, the second
series retains the Equipe GTS name
Date
Circuit
Organising
Club
April 8
Donington
MG CC
May 5
Brands Hatch
May 6
Brands Hatch
June 4
June 23/24
Donington
Silverstone GP
August 11
Oulton Park
August 27
Sept 9
Sept 22/23
October 13
October 14
Castle Combe
Thruxton
Spa, Belgium
Snetterton
200
Snetterton
200
motoringclassics.co.uk
Series
Race
Duration
MG CC
30 mins
Ecurie GTS
30 mins
Heritage Relay
240 mins
11
The FBHVCs
latest research
report
12
FBHVC
Liaising with
related bodies
in the UK and
Europe in order
to share concerns
and information
and maximise
political influence
Publicising its lobbying activity
and informing its subscribers of
measures that might affect historic
vehicle owners
in whatever capacity.
Said John Yea, the MD of British
Motor Heritage (an avid supporter of
the FBHVC and its work): We are
very lucky to have such a dedicated body
looking after the interests of our hobby
and the industry that underpins it.
The FBHVC enjoys the respect
and cross-party support of our
politicians, and has more than
proved its worth in staving off
legislation that could have so badly
affected the old vehicle fraternity.
It relies on the voluntary services
of some very dedicated and gifted
individuals, and I have no hesitation
in encouraging all enthusiasts, clubs,
relevant businesses etc to support
the Federations activities in any way
they can.
An eclectic gathering
at Bishopstone
motoringclassics.co.uk
13
PowerStops X25
brake upgrade
kit for the MGB
BRAKING NEWS!
FROM
MOTORING CLASSICS
14
BRAKES
on the market, and I am
particularly concerned about
some of the very cheap pads and
linings that are sold within the
classic sector. It is an old adage
that there is no such thing as a
free lunch, and with brake
components Im afraid you largely
get what you pay for. In the extreme,
cheap brakes might not just cost you
your car, but your life as well.
Fear not, however, as help is at
hand, and it is relatively easy to
enhance braking performance without
excessive expenditure. For example, the
acclaimed range of EBC brake pads
is a proven and cost effective means of
obtaining an immediate improvement,
with the fitment of Greenstuff pads
demonstrably improving the braking
performance of disc-braked cars.
British Motor Heritage became the
classic sector distributor for EBC brakes
when it acquired PowerStop Brakes,
and the entire range is available
through motoringclassics.co.uk.
Going a stage further, there are
two PowerStop-developed kits that
will further enhance the braking
motoringclassics.co.uk
on-line at
www.motoringclassics.co.uk
or phone 01993 707230
SPRING 2012 | MOTORING CLASSICS
15
Choose equipment
for your Triumph
Spitre or clothing
and accessories for
yourself from top
e at
British brands, online
Motoring Classics.
Buy on-line at Motoring Classics or contact: