Classic Cars

The MG Car Club Northwest Centre presents their fifth annual MG Car Show & All British Vintage Car Show. When: Sun, May 24, 9am – 3pm Where: Triple X Root Beer Drive-in, 98 NE Gilman Blvd, Issaquah, Washington, 98027 The show is open to all vintage British automobiles built in 1980 or earlier. Exhibitors will vote for and awards given in four categories: Favorite Car; Best Engine Compartment; Best Interior; and Best Exterior. Exhibitors who vote will be automatically entered in a door prize drawing. Owners of the first fifty cars to register will receive a commemorative dash plaque. Registration forms are available at the website for download.  The registration fee is $10.00US in advance or $15.00US on the day of the show at the ‘gate’.  The deadline for mail-in registration is Saturday, May 16th.  A portion of the proceeds will […]

This week let’s look at an all-time favorite, one of the big Healeys, the Austin-Healey 3000. This video is from the good folks are Hagerty Insurance and Wayne Carini of “Chasing Classic Cars“.  In the video buyer’s guide, Carini tells you what to look for when buying an Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII and tells you how to spot potential issues — such as rust — that can plague these cars. A bit about Wayne Carini – With a lifetime of experience in automobile restoration under his belt, master car restorer Wayne Carini has a resume that includes body and paint work on rare car collections owned by the likes of David Letterman, tennis great Ivan Lendl and the DuPont family. He’s been featured in the New York Times as well as numerous automobile magazines, and starred in two one-hour television specials. The Austin-Healey […]

No matter what British marque you personally own, drive, show or dream about you are invited to join up at the British National Meet in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, May 28 through 30, 2015. This is the fourth year of the “All British ” National Meet in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is understood there are already many opportunities, each year, to attend some great car shows. Folks also know most national clubs already put together fantastic conventions and meets for their members. But, since those shows are usually model and/or brand specific, we thought there should be at least one organized effort, each and every year, to bring everyone together. For more information and to register visit http://www.britishnationalmeet.com/ Planned Schedule Thursday May 28, 2015 We must hang together, gentlemen…else, we shall most assuredly hang separately…. Benjamin Franklin 8 AM. Golf. **Presidents Cup Challenge Event. #1(PCC) Hot […]

Belated news … On September 7, 2014, Milwaukee Midget Racing established a new Bonneville course record of 122.539 mph for the I/GT class. This was the oldest standing record in the GT category—it stood unbeaten for more than 22 years.The 1971 MG Midget, running a 999cc, 5-port A-series engine, and driven by owner Chris Conrad, ran a best speed of 126.684, with an average record speed of 122.539, during the 2014 Utah Salt Flat Racing Association’s World of Speed event. Through continued work and racing development, it is Milwaukee Midget Racing’s intent to keep and maintain class dominance in the one liter stock bodied sports car category, and maintain MG’s presence as both a historic and relevant marque in Land Speed Racing.

The Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance is a unique celebration of America’s passion for the automobile and honor for the brave men and women who protect and provide the very freedom we enjoy. Known as the birthplace of golf in the United States, Pinehurst has hosted more golf championships than any other site in America, including the 2014 U.S. Open and 2014 U.S. Women’s Open, PGA Championship, a Ryder Cup match, PGA Tour Championship and U.S. Amateurs. Events are planned for the third annual Pinehurst Concours Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2, 2015, with some of the most historic and rare automobiles staged on the fairways of the iconic golf resort. Blending the history, heritage and grandeur from three of North Carolina’s proudest traditions – motorsports, golf and military the Pinehurst Concours is an up and coming event in the field […]

Carroll Shelby‘s son Patrick and grandson Aaron made the winning $539,000 bid at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auction in January to return Carroll’s first race car to the family home in Dallas, making the diminutive but singular 1949 MG TC the world’s most expensive MG for a long time to come. Per the description on the Barrett-Jackson website: The first car that Carroll Shelby drove in a road race. The car that started his racing career. In May of 1952, his good friend Ed Wilkins let Carroll Shelby drive this MG TC in a road race at Norman, Oklahoma. It was Shelby’s first sport car race. He won it, and the second race, too, easily outrunning the Jaguar XK120’s. That race and this car changed the course of his life as he went on to achieve immortality as creator of the Shelby […]

The British Invasion is the largest all-British motorcar show and British lifestyle event in the Eastern United States. This annual event is held on the weekend of the 3rd Saturday in the month of September in Stowe, Vermont. 2015 marks the 25 anniversary of the British Invasion with this year’s event being held September 18 through 20. Over 700 British Motorcars invade the rustic town of Stowe, Vermont for the weekend. Friday evening is the Main Street Party with reserve parking for British Motorcars, and a live band. Saturday is the big day with the Concours d’Elegance (Judged Competition); the British Classic (People’s Choice 60+ classes of British Motorcars); the Car Corral(British Car for Sale); the British Market Place; The Queen’s Court (Ladies Hat Competition); British Attire Competition, British Invasion Music; and Food and Beverage. Sunday is more of the same […]

The British Car Club Midlands Centre out of Columbia, South Carolina, held their 9th annual Carolina British Classic show this past Saturday, April, and it was a pleasure to attend. The event was held at historic Columbia Speedway in coordination with Tartan Day South, an annual Scottish festival. Proceeds from the show went to Pawmetto Lifeline. The weather was cool and beautiful – a truly fantastic Spring day. As in years past, the background of the Scottish festival lent a music, food and an amazing array of traditional, and not so traditional, dress to the show. Having a car show in conjunction with an event such as this really makes the whole day more enjoyable for all those attending. The juxtaposition of activities also provides a lot of exposure to the cars that would not have been available in many other […]

British Car Week is an annual awareness week for all things pertaining to British cars. All British car owners are encouraged to get their British classics out of the garage more than ever during this week, and show them off to your local communities to raise awareness about classic British cars. This, the 19th annual event, will be held May 30 through June 8, 2015. This in turn, will help strengthen the entire classic British car hobby. This includes the clubs that help keep us together, the magazines that help keep us informed, and the suppliers whom we hope will help us keep our cars safely on the road for many years to come. Need some ideas? Drive your car to work or for errands. Organize a British car get-together somewhere in your community that will allow the local public […]

The Amelia Island Concours D’Elegance, held March 12-15, once again presented an amazing collection of rare, exotic and highly-collectible cars.  There were a smattering of British marques represented at the Concours, with best in class winners of two pre-war Rolls-Royce, an Aston Martin DB4 and gorgeous 1947 Bentley coupe.   The real British-action, however, was experienced in the high-end auctions of Gooding’s and Bonham’s.  So while affordability is in the eye of the beholder, there were several tempting offerings, like a driver-quality 1968 jaguar XKE coupe for $44,000, and a pristine 1952 MG TD for $29,000.  After those, however, the appreciation curve shot upward, with an unbelievably original 1965 XKE Series 1 4.2 coupe going for $200,000 and a similarly original 1961 E-Type Roadster hitting $380,000.  And in the I’ve-never-seen-one-of-those-before, a 1951 Lotus, claimed to be the very first road-worthy […]

For the video this week we are going to turn back the clock a bit. Well, a lot. Heck, we are actually having to throw the entire calendar into the way-back machine. We might even have to throw in a bit of Doctor Who‘s timey-wimey travel. Our video this week is of the Standard Triumph factory at Canley in Coventry back in 1965. Think of the Triumph Herald and the Spitfire. For an interesting aerial overview of the Canley factory, take a look at the Canley Triumph Works page over at the Triumph Herald Archive.

Sunbeam Alpines and Tigers unite! Preparations are underway for Rootes United XXXIV to be held in Dayton, Ohio July 30-August 2, 2015. This event is being hosted by Tigers East / Alpines East. “The purpose of Tigers East/Alpines East is to promote interest in the Sunbeam Marque, in general, and the Tiger/Alpine segment in particular; to aid in the restoration, preservation, and enjoyment of these vehicles; to promote cooperation among other similar Sunbeam organizations; and to increase communication and fellowship among those persons so inclined.” Thursday will be arrival day with registration, parts room, and hospitality room set up. Friday morning will feature a tour of the US Air Force Museum where they will have a special reserved parking area for Sunbeam cars. From there the Sunbeams will take a country drive and tour to the world famous Young’s Dairy […]

An ex-London to Sydney marathon car abandoned in a scrap yard has been rescued by enthusiasts at one of the UK’s biggest MG clubs. The car, which took part in the 1968 event, has been dragged out of the Southampton scrappy and given a new home by the MG Car Club. Driven by Jean Denton, UMD534F was not a Works entry, but did receive significant support from the BMC Competitions Department. The car was prepared for racing by her husband, Tony Denton, and Tom Boyce – Jean’s navigator for the rally. That meant double-welded seams, uprated headlamps and a double fuel tank in the boot. The passenger seat could also be converted into a bed. After finishing in 42nd place, the sports car was put out to pasture and finally dry stored in the 1980s. Now the club’s MGB Register […]

20 March 2015, Gaydon: This weekend (Saturday & Sunday, March 21 & 22) Aston Martin will display some of James Bond’s most famous cars in London’s Covent Garden.  Bond in Motion is the largest collection of original Bond vehicles in the world, currently celebrating its first anniversary at the London Film Museum. Among the line-up on show for one weekend only will be an original Aston Martin Vanquish from Die Another Day, as well as the iconic Aston Martin DBS sports cars used in Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. There will also be a selection of current Aston Martin models on display, as well as a line-up of classic Aston Martins courtesy of members of the Aston Martin Owners Club. Due to popular demand, Bond in Motion will now remain open at the London Film Museum until further notice. […]

MG Motoring Memories is our video of the week this go round. Composed of current and old footage from MG’s heyday, this video from the Magnificent Motorcars series by Green HD Production really does bring back the memories. Part of the real interest in this video is that it documents not only MG’s history, but the brands history in the United States and how that affected cars in both America and Europe. The influence of MG on the Chevrolet Corvette is a primary focus. I also have to say, on a personal note, that the video mentions Clemson University, the college that my son is currently attending. How can a connection like that be resisted?

Thursday, May 7th- Sunday, May 10th– Texas MG Register 40th Annual Gathering of the Faithful, Salado, Texas. Great MGs, a car show and awards banquet, activities including a couple of driving events will be topped off with a tech session with the MG guru, John Twist, University Motors. For specific details, times and the host hotel go to www.TMGR.org. THURSDAY • 2:00 – 3:45 Registration at Room 115 Patio, near Pool • 4:00 – 6:00 Wine Tasting at Salado Winery, located at 841 N. Main Street. Hosted by Sheryl & Mike Mann & Randy Zimmerman. • 7:00 – 9:00 Dinner & Trivia/Quiz Night at Johnny’s Steak and Barbeque, 301 Thomas Arnold Road (walking distance from the Stagecoach) Organized by Cindy & Stu Bauman, dinner on your own dime. FRIDAY • 9:00 – 11:30 Registration at Room 115 Patio, near Pool […]

What: Join the area clubs for their 31 st annual exhibition of British and European vintage motoring. Bring any ‘show’ or ‘driver’ vehicle or motorbike to compete for awards. Each class has 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Plus a Best of Show-Classic, Best of Show-Modern, and Diamond-in-the-Rough! When: Sunday, May 3, 2015; Gates open 10am Where: Dreyfus Club Point, White Rock Lake Park (Lake Highlands & Buckner Blvd), Dallas, TX Why: This event benefits Shoes for Orphan Souls. Make a difference in a child’s life and bring a pair of new, closed toe shoes (athletic, canvas, or black school shoes in sizes youth 4-adult 11). Sponsors: Jaguar Owners Association of the Southwest & Kip Motor Company Online Registration: Registration: $20 pre-registration for each show vehicle, $25 at the gate. $10/$15 for motorbikes. Information and Online Registration: www.allbritishcarday.com Free to spectators, food vendors […]

A unique Jaguar Mark 2 redesigned by Ian Callum, Director of Design at Jaguar Cars, and re-engineered by leading restorers Classic Motor Cars Limited (CMC) was unveiled last year at the opening of the company’s new headquarters in Bridgnorth, Shropshire. The second of these amazing cars is currently in production. The building was officially opened by motorcycle and Formula One Grand Prix world champion John Surtees OBE and the car was unveiled by Jaguar’s legendary test driver Norman Dewis. CMC’s new building complex is one of the biggest of its kind in the UK. Fitted out to the highest standards and with new paint and trim shops, it provides some 40,000 square feet of production space, allowing CMC to cover every aspect of a car’s restoration in-house, except for chrome plating. Another 24,000 square feet is provided for bespoke classic […]