|
Book Corner (including videos and DVD's) |
|
|
ULTIMATE MG PERFORMANCE ( MGCC Library # 12) DVD .........70 minutes Features a race driver putting several , differently modified MGs through their paces on a race circuit in the UK. Starting with a bog standard MGB....95 bhp. This was predictable. Then progressing to a B at 1950 cc. 130bhp. Looking better! On to a B that was Supercharged and 140bhp Great....except the rest of the car was bog standard ... Handled like a pig ! Next was a Midget with a Rover K series engine of 190 hp. With uprated suspension and brakes this thing was (is) a rocket ! Then something for Peter Robbie. An MGF fitted with a Honda V-Tec 200 hp. Fast but a handful to drive. Another Honda engine this time an S2000 and 250 hp stuck into an MGA. With a complete suspension and brake package, this is an incredibly fast car with good manners to boot. About as good as it gets. ( My opinion) Following on from that is an MGBGT 4.9 lt. V8 230 bhp. Good enough for the girlfriend on trips to the beauty parlour. The wildest of all...MGB Nissan 200SX Turbo 250BHP plus! Wheels 17 inch. Super low profile tyres, 4 pot disc brakes and a highly modified suspension in the hands of a professional.......one word. AWESOME ! Slick presentation with great camera work. Get it out and give it your score out of 10. Syd Sunter-Smith |
|
|
BEST OF BRITISH MG ( MGCC Library # 10) Video.........50 minutes A short but concise history of MG. Beginning with the early days of Cecil Kimber and detailing the progression through the racing years of MGs GCC . Features all (or most) models and briefly mentions the possibility of China being the next manufacturer. They got that right. A bit more to add to the knowledge bank, however I would rather borrow it than buy it . Syd Sunter-Smith |
|
|
“Issigonis” by Gillian Bardsley Icon Books2006 ISBN 1-840467-78-9 If you are looking for an interesting, informative biography about one of the greats of the British car industry, then order a copy of this biography of Alec Issigonis, written by Gillian Bardsley. Known as ‘the father of the Mini’, Issigonis is a complex, yet accessible person. Every part of his life is considered in this 400-page biography. Born in November 1906, his early years were spent in Smyrna, Turkey. There he was exposed to a multi-cultural environment where the East meets the West. With a Greek father and a mother of German origin, Alec grew up as a part of the ex-pat community where English was the first language. Bardsley tells how at the age of 13 he began working in the drawing office of a local railway yard, and then at the age of 16 he witnessed the destruction of Smyrna by fire as the whole region was caught up in the unrest following the First World War. Using their British citizenship, Alec and his mother, Hulda, came to Britain and settled near London in 1925. Alec’s interest in motors continued and through a combination of self-education and determination he eventually arrived at Morris Motors in Cowley in the mid 1930s within a few months of the arrival of Jack Daniels. Coinciding with the departure of Leonard Lord it was a turbulent and yet exciting time to arrive at Nuffield’s company. As they say, the rest is history. In great detail Bardsley tells of his identification with the Minor and later with the Mini. Interesting information is given about his salary – rising from ₤960 p/a to ₤1500 p/a in 1948! The biography is not just a ‘mechanical’ story. Much information is given about his relationship with his colleagues, his social life and his devotion to his mother with whom he lived for much of his life. Refugee? Genius? Self-opinionated? Stubborn? Generous? Conscientious? Alec Issigonis is a worthy player in the Morris story. Roy Gilbert |
|
|
MGB incl. MGC. V8 and RV8 SERVICE GUIDE ( MGCC # 4 ) Book by Lindsay Porter Lindsay Porter has written so much on the MGB, particularly regarding the purchase and restoration of this popular model. However this is the first I’ve seen of his Service Guide. It is quite comprehensive with chapters covering the various services required at specific intervals, the tools needed, a lubrication chart and lots of facts and figures; for instance, what do all those letters and numbers on the engine and body plates mean ? He has also included a nice trouble shooting section. ( a must have section ). This book is good value so get it out and get some dirt under your fingernails while learning more about your B and saving a couple of bucks. If you mess up you can always tow it over to Tim’s! J I hear that Terry B was pulled over by a cop for speeding. “ I’ve been waiting all day for you .” said the man in blue. “ Well ” said Terry “ I got here as fast as I could !” Syd Sunter-Smith |
|
|
MG T Series in Detail TA –TF 1935-55 Book by Paddy Willmer. T series MG’s are easily the most recognized British sports car—even by non motoring enthusiasts. The long bonnet, swept wings, cutaway doors, slab tank and rear mounted spare wheel established a unique style. They were never (in standard form) particularly fast but they provided a wonderful sports car driving experience with firm suspension, snappy gearchange and a lively engine with an exciting exhaust note. This book by Paddy Willmer, who for many years was editor of the (UK) MG Car Club’s international magazine “Safety Fast!” opens with an introduction highlighting the pleasures of T series driving followed by an exposition of the background that led to the introduction of the TA model. Following chapters are on the rare TB, the TC which re-launched the family in 1945, the TD, of which some 30,000 were made, and finally the TF. There is also a section devoted to the practicalities of owning and using these cars today, including advice on parts availability, maintenance and restoration. There are 80 beautiful colour photos plus 140 monochrome pictures taken from archives as well as MG publicity material. The author also tells of his racing experiences and gives an insight into MG T’s in competition from the 1920s to the present time. Whether or not you are fortunate enough to own one of these gorgeous little cars, or are considering getting one, this beautifully produced book is a very interesting and satisfying read. The book is available for loan from the club library. David Pitcher |
|
|
THE MGA by John Price-Williams ....... Library # 141
The MGA was the first British sports car to sell more than 100,000 units....and more than 80 per cent of production went to North America. (Same with the MGB I believe)
The sleek, streamlined MGA – the first production MG capable of 100 mph – was a big departure from the upright sports cars which the factory had produced since the ‘thirties and was a huge international success.
This book is the definitive study. I found it more interesting than Clausager’s “Original MGA”. The author has gone back to factory records and to the people who worked on the MGA in the’fifties, to find out how it was conceived, manufactured and marketed. Here is the real and fascinating story of the MGA’s engineering, body styling and every aspect of the car’s development and production...Including MG’s strategy to beat its competitors.
The MGA was the car that was “right first time” and though the Twin Cam variant was a nightmare for the factory, it is now the most sought after model.
This book tells how the sleepy Thames-side village of Abingdon became a mass production centre for the MGA, how the MGA became one of America’s best loved sports cars and how, today, it’s a true classic, cherished by enthusiastic owners all over the world.
Chapters of interest include ...Le Mans & the Start of Production...In Competition...Buying, Restoring and Running...Unusual MGAs (Police cars, the V4, Four Carb Twin Cam, The Italian Job etc).
With over 160 photos, lots in colour, this is essential reading for you guys and gals that have or hanker after an MGA.
Syd Sunter-Smith |
|
TC's FOREVER! by Mike Sherrell ......Library # 17
Even if you don’t own or aspire to own the subject of these two titles, I commend them to you for their sheer knowledge and detail, gained from an immense amount of research.
Mike Sherrell is well known to many of you, having been around the MG scene in Western Australia for yonks. He is a real nice guy, always has a smile and very unselfish with advice ...especially when it comes to his beloved TC’s. As evidence of this he donated this book to our club many years ago.
“TC’s Forever !” is the quintessential work for anyone wishing to purchase, restore, compete in or show a TC. This book shows Mike’s real passion for the cars and in particular his own TC/9491. I quote from the flyleaf.... ‘ it is at once a manual, a testimony, a reference book, an expose. It contains homespun philosophy, rigorous analytical detail, explicit instructions and broad commentary.’
There are dozens of wonderful photographs not only of the restorations, but also of the “good old days” of Caversham, gravel motorkhanas and hillclimbs. Immensely detailed drawings and archival photographs along with an impressive range of reference text make this a great read.
This book is one of the ‘treasures’ of our library........keep it in mind.
Staying with mostly older MGs........the following is also a good read.
MG SALOON CARS from the 1920s to the 1970s
by Anders Ditlev Clausager .........Library # 56
Scores of books have been written about MG’s, and rightly so, yet this is probably the first substantial history of the company’s Saloon Cars, many of which are highly desirable.
Some of these models in the’ 20s and ‘30s were competing for sales in the same league as Jaguar and Bentley. We have a few examples in this State, much treasured by their owners.
They are all in here...from the small jewel, the Midget PA Airline Coupe, through closed versions of the Triple M Magna and Magnettes. Then there are the lithe and graceful VA, SA and WA cars of the late 1930s reflecting the fashions of the day and to many of us the most attractive sports saloons ever.
The author is Archivist for the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust. MG is his favourite marque. We have all the other works by him on MG’s in our library.
Lots of photographs, many in colour, and his usual authoritative text make this one worth taking home to read and perchance to dream ! Syd Sunter-Smith |
|
Goodwood featuring the Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival DVD's
Ahh...the hazy, lazy days of summer ! Just turn the air con. on and sit back and watch Videos and DVDs. I thought it was an opportunity to review some of our Club DVDs, and look forward to the day when I can visit Goodwood to see ‘real’ cars in a genuine setting, doing what they were built for....racing.
We have a dozen or so Videos and DVDs on Goodwood featuring both the Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival held over several years.
Goodwood is a 12000 acre Estate in Sussex in the south of England. After Wartime use as an air base, a motor racing circuit was developed with the first meeting held in 1948. The 500cc event winner was a young chap by the name of Stirling Moss. The circuit was closed in 1966 due mainly to concerns about the increasingly high speeds of the cars. In 1991 a Festival of Speed hill climb was conducted and was such a success that Lord March...owner of the estate and a motor racing enthusiast was persuaded to rehabilitate the circuit. After a great deal of effort and money the track re-opened in 1998.
The Items in our library relate in detail how these excellent events, which are unique in their concept are conducted. Both cars and bikes feature in both the Festival of Speed and the Revival Meetings.
Festival if Speed...# 143 Revel in the action from this motor sport spectacular, featuring a huge number of celebrated drivers and riders. Six contemporary F1 teams including McLaren, Ferrari and Williams, tackle the Goodwood Hill climb with shrieking engines and smoking tyres. Mark Webber, Ralf Schumacher, David Coulthard and rookie sensation Lewis Hamilton et al show another side to their skills. Motor cycles with Troy Corser, Troy Bayliss, Jim Redman and a veritable list of the who’s who of two wheel riders complete the scene.
Goodwood Revival...#142 Peter Brock appears here only a few days before his demise. He is but one of many famous names of men and machines to show how competition was in the Fifties and Sixties. No modern vehicles are seen over the weekend and wartime aircraft fly overhead. Crews and visitors enter the spirit and dress in fashions of the era. Expensive machinery is driven wheel to wheel in spirited action all weekend. This series of DVDs is extremely well produced and are highly entertaining. Do yourself a favour and have a look at any or all of the Set. Syd Sunter-Smith |