While driving to the bookstore last night and discussing how to best celebrate my upcoming 64th birthday, Barb suddenly turned to me and said, “isn’t there a Beatles song called When I’m Sixty-Four?”

Time does slip away, as I was reminded for a second time that night when we walked into the bookstore. I headed over to the magazine rack and immediately noticed a British car magazine with a cover blurb that said, “The MGB Turns 50!” Naturally, I had to buy a copy to add to my fairly sizable bookshelf of MGB lore – which includes several grease-stained shop manuals.

I’ve owned three of these cars, you see, and spent a couple of years in the early ’90s doing a full restoration on a 1973 roadster in British Racing Green with a tan interior. I bought this car from Patti Baron, wife of R&T Design Director Richard M. Baron, just before Barb and I moved back to Wisconsin in 1990.

I drove this car, trouble-free, for about two years before I foolishly sold it to buy an 18 foot trailer for my Reynard Formula Continental. The sad truth is, I’d owned two other MGBs before this one – 1970 and 1971 models – and sold them both to defray the cost of racing.

Thought the MGB came out in 1962, I didn’t actually get a ride in one until 1968. I had a summer factory job and met a fellow worker named Pete Shannon who had an MGB. He gave me a short ride in the car, and I was quite impressed. Ride quality in the MGB was good, too and it seemed to handle well, as it sat lower than the MGA.

The MG was a model I grew to respect for being well built and well engineered. Which is not to say the car didn’t have a few problem areas.

But whenever someone asks me what classic sports car, I would choose as a retirement project and a “keeper” that remains permanently satisfying to drive and maintain, the two cars that always come to mind are the MGB and the Lotus Seven – though the Lotus would be less practical as a road car, and more expensive.

There were so many MGBs built – more than a million between 1962 and 1980 – that most of them remain in the $4,000 to $12,000 price range depending on condition. They are, as my fellow serial MG-restoring buddy John Jaeger remarked “A noble car that wasn’t built just for the nobility. Almost anyone can afford one.”

There’s a huge aftermarket parts industry for these cars, and nothing – other than a little machine shop work on the engine – that can’t be done by a reasonably skilled home mechanic with a tool kit. Outside help or expertise is seldom needed; you can fix these things forever, by yourself, in your own garage.

And so can the next owner in case you end up wearing a cardigan sweater and pulling up weeds for a hobby. We are frail, but the MGB just may be immortal.

MG icon Concept Car

This is the first picture of the car MG bosses hope will take on Land Rover in its own backyard.

The MG Icon was revealed at China’s biggest motoring event, the Beijing Motor Show.

Chinese-owned MG Motor UK threw out a direct challenge to heavyweight neighbours Land Rover by unveiling the Freelander-style vehicle.

The concept car was unveiled just weeks after the Mail revealed an SUV vehicle was in the pipeline at Longbridge.

The MG Icon has been created by the company’s Birmingham-based global design team, headed by British director Anthony Williams-Kenny, and has been inspired by some of MG’s most famous cars, including the MGA and MGB GT.

Although only a concept at this stage, a production version of the compact SUV is likely to form part of the next generation of vehicles produced at Longbridge.

Mr Williams-Kenny said: “The MG Icon represents our vision of a modern MG and we feel the small SUV canvas demonstrates MG’s capacity for progressive design with respect for its long heritage.

“The MG Icon highlights a global vision for MG’s design and represents a milestone for the brand, particularly this year which marks the 50th anniversary of the MG B.”

The SUV plans emerged as MG Motor UK cranks up production levels following the launch last spring of the MG6, the first all-new MG for 16 years.

Family owned now for the last 21 years. Vintage professional conversion, designed by John’s Cars, Dallas Texas. Fitted with a Ford Mustang II V6 and a Ford C4 Trans. She is a very nice “B”. Excellent fit & finish. Several Trophies, Original Owners Manual, Original Sales Brochure, Service books, Original Jack/wrenches. Major service just completed by JK Jackson (Triumph Racer). Top is new, Tires are new on Rostyle reconditioned wheels. Interior looks stock except for the racing seats, and Mustang Shifter.

35th Annual

AMGBA MEET 2012 in Ocean Grove, New Jersey
for all MGs

September 15, 2012

in conjunction with Brits on the Beach 2012: 15th Annual British Car Day

sponsored by the Positive Earth Driver’s Club

Car show and more!

Contact:

the American MGB Association at 773-878-5055

or AMGBA, P. O. Box 11401, Chicago, IL 60611; FAX: (773) 769-3240

email: meet@mgclub.org

www.mgclub.org or www.amgba.com or www.americanmgbassociation.com

if you are planning to attend contact the above to
be placed on a mailing list for any last minute details.

or in New Jersey: 732-620-2378 or show@PEDC.org, registration information at www.PEDC.org

The American MGB Association (AMGBA) was established in 1975 and has provided continuous services to owners of MGBs, MGB-GTs and Midgets throughout North America since then. National conventions have been held annually since 1978 from New York to California and Texas to Canada.

Membership in the AMGBA is not required to attend the convention but it is encouraged. For membership info call 773-878-5055 or write to:

AMGBA, P. O. Box 11401, Chicago, IL 60611 U.S.A.

Membership is $35 per year or $45 per year outside the U.S.A.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: The American MGB Association at 773-878-5055, meet@mgclub.org  or www.mgclub.org

The American MGB Association’s 35th Annual Meet – AMGBA MEET 2012 – for the MGB, MGB-GT & Midget – Ocean Grove, New Jersey – September 15, 2012.

MG sports car production as we know it was discontinued in 1980 with the closing of the famed Abingdon-On-Thames works in the United Kingdom. But these modern day classics are being preserved forever here in North America by members of the American MGB Association.

Headquartered in Chicago, the AMGBA serves enthusiastic MGB, MGB-GT, and MG Midget owners throughout the USA, Canada and throughout the world. Each year, the AMGBA holds its National Meet.

The 1978 initial gathering was held in Chicago. In 1979 and 1980 the AMGBA National Conventions were held in New York state, in Ithaca and Glens Falls. The organization’s success led to renting the world famous Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway in 1981 for the AMGBA National Convention. In 1982, the AMGBA held its National Convention outside the USA in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. In the years 1983 and 1984, the AMGBA went west for the first time in Lake Tahoe, California and Boulder, Colorado. In 1985, the AMGBA held two conventions in Santa Barbara, California and Abingdon, Illinois. In 1986, we visited Texas during its 150 year anniversary in San Antonio, Texas and in 1987 we visited the Saratoga Springs area of beautiful upstate New York. In 1988, the convention site was Kansas City, Missouri. In 1989, we visited the Great Northwest part of our country in Springfield, Oregon.

In 1990 the convention was held in Atlanta, Georgia which was a first for that area of the country. In 1991 we returned to the site of our first convention in Chicago and in 1992, we returned to the West Coast to the beautiful San Francisco Bay area in Palo Alto, California. In 1993, we traveled to New England at Keene, New Hampshire near the site of the Westminster MG Museum. In 1994, we went for the first time to the San Diego, California area at the Del Mar race track. In 1995 we went to Memphis, Tennessee, home of the blues and Elvis Presley. In 1996 we joined with all of the major MG clubs in North America for MG Indy ’96 in Indianapolis, Indiana at the Indy 500 track. In 1997 we were on the West Coast in the San Francisco area at Palo Alto, California. In 1998, we were in Charlotte, North Carolina at the Lake Campus of Davidson College. In 1999, we went to Los Angeles, California.

In 2000, we went to Armagh, Pennsylvania and joined with the TRF Summer Party and in 2001 we were in Houston, Texas for the Houston MG Club’s All British Motor Vehicle Exposition. In 2002 we again went to the San Francisco, California area for the Palo Alto British Car Meet. For 2003 we visited Florida and the Space Coast in Titusville, Florida. In 2004, we visited picturesque Cape Cod in Massachusetts for the Cape Cod British Car Club’s British Legends Weekend. In 2005, we were in San Diego, California at Fairbrook Farms in Bonsall for San Diego British Car Day. We were in Maryland in 2006 at the MGs on the Rocks Show and in 2007 we went to Charlotte, North Carolina at the MGs on the Green Show. In 2008 we were in Armagh, Pennsylvania with The Roadster Factory Summer Party and for 2009 we planned for a show in the Central Valley of California.

In 2010 we went to Sussex, Wisconsin for the British Car Field Day. For 2011 we were in Ohio for the first time at Dayton in conjunction with the 27th Annual British Car Day at Eastwood Metropark.

And for 2012, we are going to the Jersey Shore in conjunction with the 15th Annual Brits on the Beach 2012 Show in Ocean Grove, New Jersey.

For more information contact the American MGB Association, P.O. Box 11401, Chicago, IL 60611, call 773-878-5055, email us at meet@mgclub.org  or explore our web site at www.mgclub.org .

'73 B-GT of William Powell

Welcome to the new members that have joined since the last issue.

We would like to thank Jack Feldman, William Powell, Karl Haldorson, Jeff Slavik and Matthew Vanderbilt. 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.

I am sure you have noticed the improvement in the look and feel of the Octagon. The pages are brighter, the paper is better and there are more color pages with color pictures in better quality. We have made another change in printers to make a better looking magazine. This should also mean that the Octagon should be received with less damage. Let me know what you think of the changes.

Join us on Facebook at American MGB Association or follow us on Twitter at amgba. Classified ads will now also appear on our those sites as well as the club’s website, message board, Octagon and eOctagon.

As requested by our members, Tech Sections Volume III in now available in printed format as well as CD format. It previously was only offered on CD. Pricing can be found on the regalia/store page and is priced the same as printed volumes I and II. Combos of more than one volume are also available.

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.

We now have member grille badges and key fobs. 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 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. We also have a 3 year eMembership for $65 which also includes a free t-shirt or tech volume III CD. Save money and get a t-shirt or tech CD!

The club has a Message Board at http://board.amgba.com , a Blog located at http://blog.amgba.com . American MGB Association members are able to place ads and access more tech info. The AMGBA 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 website 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.

Start planning for the upcoming driving and show season!

Some of the drivers include American Formula One Champion Phil Hill, first SCCA National Champion John Fitch, Arnolt MG creator Wacky Arnolt, longtime Put-In-Bay driver Ralph Cadwallader, Briggs Cunningham, Midwest Elva driver Suzy Dietrich, OSCA and SIATA driver Isabelle Haskell, Pike’s Peak champion Porsche driver Bob Donner, Rowland Keith the driver who beat Carroll Shelby, Carroll Shelby, colorful ex-Battle of the Bulge veteran Bob Shea, Corvette champion Dr. Dick Thompson, Bridgehampton race founder Bruce Stevenson, MG Specials builder Ken Miles, Alfa Romeo Champion Chuck Stoddard, club organizers Jim and Sally Carroll, Charlie Ellmers of the Funny Face Auto Racing Team and the 1955 SCCA HP Class winner George Valentine, MGTC.

All the drivers either began in or were inspired by the MG, usually a T-Series car. They either stuck with the marque, as in the case of David Ash, or went on to other cars. These included Ferrari, Maserati, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Porsche, Alfa Romeo, Corvette, Mustang, OSCA, SIATA, Bandini, Nardi, Giuar, Kieft, Formula Vee, Elva, Lotus, Cooper, Honda F1, Austin Healey, and Triumph.

There are 288 pages and 250 period racing photos in the book. The book is written by Carl Goodwin, with ten awards to his credit from the International Automotive Media Competition and three from the Society of Automotive Historians. Goodwin is a regular writer for Classic MG, Vintage Motorsport, Classic MG, Vintage Racecar, Veloce Today, Cavallino, Forza, and Automobile Quarterly

To order a copy of “They Started in MGs,” write to McFarland & Co., Box 611, Jefferson, NC 28640 or it can be ordered through the company’s web site at www.mcfarlandpub.com or call 1-800-253-2187.

The American MGB Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 1975 in New York.  From the club’s inception through today the club is dedicated to serving the interests of MGB, MGB-GT and Midget owners throughout North America.

The American MGB Association was started by John Giannasca and Rick Horan, the original chairmen.  They thought it would be nice to have a club for MGBs just as there were club for other cars that people were driving new out of the showroom.  They operated the club out of a spare room in the house where they live.  It was there that the 111 Roger Avenue in Inwood, New York address was used.  They advertised the club in Road & track and invited responses from prospective members for ideas in starting the club.  The first newsletter was published in 1976 and contained some of the features still used today such as the Technical Section and From the Editor’s Desk.

In those early days, as the club continued to grow, it provided a way for people to meet other members in the same area who wished to start Local Chapters.  It was this way that the Chicago Chapter of the American MGB Association was founded.  Two of the most prominent American MGB Association members were there at the start of the Chicago Chapter – Bruce Magers, the current Vice-President and Steve Glochowsky, the past president.

Steve Glochowsky became heavily involved with the National Club through the Chicago Chapter.  Each early AMGBA newsletter was filled with accounts on how well the Chicago Chapter was doing and the events that were being held.  Rick Horan and John Giannasca wished to have some of the same expertise in the national organization and Steve became the AMGBA Publicity Director.

I became involved in the club at the 1978 Chicago Auto Show when I met Chicago Chapter members at the MG Exhibit.  As a result, I became both a Chicago Chapter member and AMGBA member shortly thereafter.

The AMGBA held its first National Convention in the summer of 1978 in Chicago at the Hillside Holiday Inn.  It was moderately successful and was a result of much hard work by Steve Glochowsky, Rick Horan and John Giannasca.  I attended and met the founding chairmen for the first time. During that year I became more heavily involved with nation AMGBA activities and was named assistant publicity director.

During the spring of 1979, Steve and I visited New York to promote the AMGBA at the New York Auto Show.  It was at this time that I saw the original club headquarters and met with some of the other original officers including Marion Farrell, the first secretary.

During the summer of 1979, our first eastern convention was held in Ithaca, New York with Floyd Garren as convention organizer.  The enthusiasm was growing as evidenced by the turnout.  On another promotional trip later that year, Steve and I went to a GOF, a ‘Gathering of the Faithful’ held by the New England MGT Register, in Cooperstown, New York.  Rick Horan joined us in Cooperstown for this event.  It was at this time that Rick told us about his new business and how it would be consuming much of his time.  He and John were transferring the administration of the AMGBA to Steve and me.  Steve quickly formed an administration with himself as President, myself as Vice-President and Debbie Glochowsky as Secretary.

So the AMGBA headquarters was moved to Chicago where it still is today. The AMGBA now serves some 2500 enthusiastic MGB, MGB-GT, and MG Midget owners throughout the USA, Canada and throughout the world.

The conventions, now called Meets, continue to grow and to be moved around the country. The 1980 AMGBA National Convention was held in Glens Falls, New York. The organization’s growth and success led to renting the world famous Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway in 1981 for that year’s AMGBA National Convention.

In 1982, the AMGBA held its first National Convention outside the USA in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.  1982 also saw a change in officers as Margie Johnson became the Secretary and the AMGBA opened an office for storage, work area and a telephone answering service, which is still the same setup that exists today.

In 1983, the AMGBA went west for the first time in Lake Tahoe, California-Nevada.  Toward the end of 1983, Steve Glochowsky started working at a new job that consumed much of his spare time.  I assumed most of the duties of running the club and became President in 1984.

In 1984 we went west again and held our national convention in Boulder, Colorado.  In 1985, the AMGBA held two conventions in Santa Barbara, California and Abingdon, Illinois. In 1986, we visited Texas during its 150-year anniversary in San Antonio, Texas and in 1987 we visited the Saratoga Springs area of beautiful upstate New York. In 1988, the convention site was Kansas City, Missouri. In 1989, we visited the Great Northwest part of our country in Springfield, Oregon. In 1990 the convention was held in Atlanta, Georgia, which was a first for the Southeast portion of the country. In 1991 we returned to the site of our first convention in Chicago and in 1992, we returned to the West Coast to the beautiful San Francisco Bay area in Palo Alto, California.

In 1993, we traveled to New England at Keene, New Hampshire / Westminster, Vermont, the site of the Westminster MG Museum. Also in late 1993, Bruce Magers became the Vice-President.  In 1994, we went for the first time to the San Diego, California area at the world famous Del Mar racetrack.  In 1995 we traveled for the first time to Memphis, Tennessee.  In 1996 we joined with all of the other major MG Clubs in North America for MG Indy ’96 in Indianapolis, Indiana at the Indy 500 racetrack.  In 1997 we were on the West Coast in the San Francisco area at Palo Alto, California.  In 1998 we were in Charlotte, North Carolina at the Lake Campus of Davidson College.  In 1999, we were in Los Angeles, California for the first time at Woodley Park near Van Nuys to join the British Car Meet.  In 2000, we went to Armagh, Pennsylvania and joined with the TRF Summer Party. In 2001, we went to Houston, Texas for the Houston MG Club’s All British Motor Vehicle Exposition and in 2002 we again went to the San Francisco, California area for the Palo Alto British Car Meet. In 2003 we were in Florida for the first time in Titusville, Florida and in 2004 we had a very successful Meet in Falmouth, Cape Cod, Massachusetts in conjunction with the Cape Cod British Car Club’s British Legends Weekend.

In 2005, we were in San Diego, California at Fairbrook Farms in Bonsall for San Diego British Car Day. We were in Maryland in 2006 at the MGs on the Rocks Show and in 2007 we went to Charlotte, North Carolina at the MGs on the Green Show. In 2008 we were in Armagh, Pennsylvania with The Roadster Factory Summer Party and for 2009 we planned for a show in the Central Valley of California. In 2010 we went to Sussex, Wisconsin for the British Car Field Day. For 2011 we were in Ohio for the first time at Dayton in conjunction with the 27th Annual British Car Day at Eastwood Metropark.

Future Meets will always be listed in our club member magazine, the Octagon, on our website (www.mgclub.org) as well as on our blog (http://blog.amgba.com), message board (http://board.amgba.com) and Facebook (American MGB Association) pages.

Remember that the American MGB Association, the AMGBA, offers what no one else can – a tradition of service to MGB, MGB-GT and Midget owners since 1975 with a proven track record as evidenced that many members that have been with us for more than 30 years.  Why? – because the AMGBA gives them what they want and need!!

For more information contact the American MGB Association, P.O. Box 11401, Chicago, IL 60611 USA, call 1-800-723-MGMG or 1-773-878-5055, email: info@mgclub.org , website: www.mgclub.org .

The 25th annual British Car Festival was held on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, Illinois just outside of Chicago.

The show is organized by a consortium of British Car Clubs in the Chicago area. It has become the premier event for those interested in British cars. Each year the show features hundreds of automobiles ranging from those in concours condition to just normal everyday drivers. This year was no exception as approximately 550 cars were gathered on the field representing virtually every marque produced in England. Door prizes and popular vote awards were presented to the lucky winners.

The weather was perfect—sunny and mild which obviously helped boost attendance. In addition to the vast array of stunning vehicles there was also a display of British motor cycles for those who “like their fun on two wheels”. A bag piper and traditional Irish dancers helped to put the crowd in a festive mood. Numerous vendors were also in attendance offering everything for the British car fan. The American MGB Association (AMGBA) was on the field welcoming old members and signing up several new participants.

If you have not had the opportunity to attend this popular event be sure to mark you calendar for the 26th annual to be held on September 9, 2012 at Harper Community College in Palatine, Illinois. For further information go to www.britishcarunion.com or www.mgclub.org .

Amongst the circumstances in which a side impact crash is most likely to occur, the most frequent is at the junction of one road and another, and occurs when the driver of one vehicle pulls out directly into the path of the other. However these types of car crashes can also frequently occur in car parks or if the driver of a vehicle ignores a red light signal. In a number of these circumstances mentioned, the crash is likely to be the result of dangerous or reckless driving on the part of one of the driver involved and – if you are the innocent party in a side impact crash – you may be able to pursue a road accident claim for compensation, by means of a legal firm specialising in these types of cases, such as Road Traffic Accidents.

As mentioned earlier, these crashes can cause more severe damage than front or rear collisions and amongst the injuries they can cause are, head and neck injuries, internal injuries and paralysis.

The very last MGB Roadster made, which rolled off the MG Car Company’s Abingdon production line on October 23, 1980, made a dramatic return to its home town today on December 1, 2011.

Last MGB Returns Home

The property of the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, it has been placed on indefinite loan to the 17^th Century Abingdon County Hall Museum. And, due to the practical limitations imposed by the picturesque Grade One listed building, the car had to be ‘posted’ on its side through the arched windows of the first floor, with just inches to spare.

The task of first stripping the MG to its bare shell, fitting that to a specially designed cradle, masterminding the pair’s delivery into the building via a gigantic 30 ton scissor lift, and finally rebuilding the car for public display, fell to Witney-based British Motor Heritage (BMH), which also sponsored the ambitious project from start to finish.

Said BMH’s Managing Director John Yea: “As the only manufacturer of original-quality replacement panels and complete bodyshells for the ubiquitous MGB, we felt we were the appropriate company to help bring this challenging task to fruition for all concerned. 2012 is the 50th anniversary of this perennially popular sports car, and it is very fitting that a representative example will be proudly displayed in the town where over 500,000 were built; a high percentage of which were exported to America.”

Loading Last MGB Into Museum