ZR/ZS/ZT Register News
ZED REGISTER JOINS RACE MEETING AT BRANDS HATCH
The MG Car Club returns to Brands Hatch this weekend for a packed two-day schedule of racing with a wealth of machinery competing across the Saturday and Sunday.
The MG Trophy races will take to the famous circuit on the Saturday with a range of purpose-built MG ZR vehicles going wheel-to-wheel on slick tyres. These popular yet affordable vehicles ensure busy grids in each round with young guns and seasoned competitors frequenting the championship.
Another series is the MG Cup for all MG models plus selected Rover models, so expect to see a range of models from MG ZR to classic MG Midgets. The Triple-M’s will be racing along with the BCV8 Championship, MG Midget/Sprite Challenge, Equipe, GTS, HSCC Classic Clubmans and the Morgan Challenge.
The ZED Register will be at the circuit to welcome members on the SATURDAY ONLY, however all are welcome to soak up the atmosphere at this great circuit for the whole weekend, and take in the unrivalled views of the action from various vantage points around the circuit.
Countdown begins for the NEC Practical Classics Show
With just under two weeks to go before the doors open on the ever popular Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show with Discovery at the NEC, there’s still time to take advantage of the club discounted rates on Saturday or Sunday, Adult or Family tickets by booking online at www.necrestorationshow.com and quoting code C362RS19. The discount applies to tickets booked before midnight on Thursday 21st March.
Come and visit the ZED Register in Hall 5 where you’ll find an exciting vehicle display including the ‘Save our ZEDs’ campaign car, the chance to win some great prizes in our daily Stroke Association competition and the opportunity to view a new range of clothing merchandise that we’re launching at the show.
It’s too good a show to miss……….see you there!
March Safety Fast Newsletter 2019
John Thompson Tel: 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com
Events and Shows
Our first event of 2019 took place on Sunday 10th February when we returned to the MG/Triumph Spares Day at Stoneleigh. Having been the traditional season opener for us for many years it’s good to return to Stoneleigh regularly again.
Two of our trio of display ZEDs arrived for setting up on the Saturday afternoon with the third arriving first thing on Sunday morning. We are very lucky to now have the use of the clubs own ZR Express Van. It created a lot of interest during the show as it is one of only sixty-eight built with the 1.8 litre VVC engine. The Van is idea for promoting the club, the register, and our ‘Save our ZEDs‘ campaign at events. Look out for it at the NEC later in the month. Making a return was Ray Kemble’s Trophy Blue ZS 180. Our third ZED was Paul Field’s recently restored ZT-T 190. This is an ex MG Rover directors car finished in the monogram colour Garnet and is one of only nine ZT-Ts produced in this colour. We had a very good day with lots of interest in our events, many enquiries about the ‘Save our ZEDs‘ campaign and some new contacts for the future. More importantly we got the register out there and noticed. This has set us up in good stead for the NEC in March
Upcoming Events
Our attention now turns to the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show with Discovery later this month. Our stand will include all three ZED models. The popular ZR Express Van will be returning to the limelight, and a certain yellow ZS will help us officially launch the ‘Save our ZEDs‘ campaign. We have also managed to secure a ZT 260 V8 to make up the three. I think we’ll have another eye-catching mix of colours! We are located near the entrance to Hall 5 – adjacent to the main club stand and MGs on Track.
Charity of the Year
As we mentioned in our January notes our Charity of the Year is the Stroke Association. We are raising money for them in a number of ways. Our Monogram Sunday event in August is a charity day, and we will be supporting Supercar Saturday in October. If you visit our website we have recently set up a Just Giving webpage at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mgcczedregister if you wish to make direct donations to the charity.
We’re launching a new section on our website called Member of the Week which gives members the chance to showcase their ZEDs for seven days whilst raising money for our charity. Please visit our website for further details.
Three days to go until the MG & Triumph Spares Day 2019!
Join the ZED Register this Sunday 10th February at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire for the annual MG and Triumph Spares Day. Classic Car Enthusiasts can explore a wealth of traders, jumblers, clubs and service providers showcasing their wares.
It’s the perfect place to pick up advice,hints and tips from people who know the ins and outs of the MG and Triumph marques. Visit the ZED Register stand in Hall 3 and collect our latest bulletin sheet and events schedule; we look forward to seeing you.
February Safety Fast Newsletter 2019
John Thompson 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com
I realised whilst preparing my notes for this month’s update that a personal milestone has been reached. It has been in fact ten years since I first started writing these updates. In some ways it seems only a short time, but I’m very proud of how the register has grown and what everyone involved has achieved during this time.
UPCOMING EVENTS
It seems that 2019 is going to be another busy year and there has been lots going on in the background during the ‘closed season’. Our first event of the new year is nearly upon us and plans have been finalised for the MG & Triumph Spares Day which takers place on Sunday 10th February at the National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh.
Our Detailing Seminar at Meguiars takes place on Saturday 16th March. This event is a first for us and will give you the opportunity to learn the best methods of looking after your ZED and which products are the best for each process. I should point out that the seminar is limited to twenty places and we are expecting a good response. If you are interested in attending please either contact myself at the email above or Paul Money at paulmoneymg@gmail.com so we can put a list together. Please see the event advert on page 89 in the current Safety Fast for further information.
Work is in hand with the arrangements for the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show with Discovery in March. Once finalised we will announce the details in the next register update. We also aim to officially launch the ‘Save our ZED’s’ campaign at the show to the national classic car press. Whilst on the subject of saving our ZED’s, we’d like to thank you for getting behind our campaign with such enthusiasm. It has certainly become a huge talking point since last month.
Work continues on the arrangements for events later in the year. ‘MGs in the West’ which is taking place in May at the Haynes Motor Museum is shaping up very nicely. They are looking forward to hosting our event. MG Saloon Day 2019 has also been launched on our website and social media and plans are in motion to make it an enjoyable family day out, although we can’t plan the weather, sadly! We also aim to visit Burghley House during the coming weeks to discuss our joint charity event that we are holding with the F Register, Monogram Sunday, with the Burghley Events Team.
In April we will be booking space at Pride of Longbridge. the space requirement and vehicle numbers will be confirmed with the organisers in due course. All this is weather permitting of course!
January Safety Fast Newsletter 2019
John Thompson 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com
Here we are again at the start of another busy year. We have a few new events mixed in with our more well-known to try and give 2019 a slightly different twist; all details can be found on the website and in future editions of Safety fast!.
On 16th March we head to Meguiars in Daventry for a Detailing Day. Meguiars have over one hundred years experience in the car care business and range dozens of products to protect your car, both inside and out, from the rigours of the elements. This is your opportunity to learn how to take care of your ZED and which products to use to get the best results.
The 2019 Racing Championships also begin the same month with Silverstone hosting the first round on 30th March. We will be present at all the race meetings again this year and organising the lunchtime parade laps. We are aiming to really promote the parade laps as it’s a perk of your Club membership that not everyone may be aware of. The chance to take your own MG around one of the circuits is an opportunity too good to miss, we feel. Continuing our theme of regional events, this year we find ourselves at the Haynes Motor Museum in Somerset for ‘ZEDs in the West’ on May 12th. Our arrangements with the HMM are still be finalised but it should shape up to be another great family day out – watch this space!.
We are pleased to announce that MG Saloon Day will be returning in 2019. This year we return to the Shuttleworth Collection in Bedfordshire on 28th July. Those of you who have been with us for a number of years may recall that this event was held at Shuttleworth in 2012. Hopefully, it will be a bit drier this time around!. On 18th August we are having something of a first. Monogram Sunday is a celebration of MG Rover’s Monogram programme and the stunning/unique cars produced during that period. The event is being held at Burghley House, near Stamford, Lincolnshire, and is being jointly organised by ourselves and the F register. We both aim to put on a big colourful display on the lawn in front of the historic Elizabethan House. This will also be a charity event to raise funds for our respective causes.
After the success of our Kimber House Open Day last year, we will be having another one in 2019. We have moved the event to October this year to hopefully avoid any summer sporting events and holidays. A number of visitors last year commented they’d never visited Kimber House before. This is your opportunity to take a look behind the scenes.
The ‘Save our ZED’s’ Campaign
This month sees the launch of our ‘Save our ZED’s’ Campaign (see the announcement in the news pages). We have noticed, particularly over this last year, the number of ZED’s that are being stripped for spares and scrapped rather than being repaired. You only have to visit any of the ‘How many left ‘ websites to discover that the reduction in numbers is quite alarming. What we aim to do is work with quality MG Specialists and parts businesses around the country, inform ZED owners that the parts they need are still available, either as new or used parts and to go for the repair rather than writing them off. As we know, the ZED’s are great cars with a huge enthusiastic following; they are an ideal way to enter the MG world at very little cost. We’d like to see them on the roads for many years to come.
A Landmark year for the Lancaster Classic Motor Show, with Discovery
Over 71,000 classic car enthusiasts headed for the NEC Classic Motor Show that took place from 9th -11th November. This was a landmark year for the show; the biggest in size, the most cars ever, and reaching 300 clubs to make it the world’s biggest gathering of classic motoring clubs. The event also took place on Armistice Day and it was an honour to see so many clubs pay tribute. On Rememberance Sunday, the seven halls of the NEC fell silent at 11.00am to remember those who gave their lives in the first and second world wars, along with our armed forces in modern day conflicts.
The MG Car Club stand had the usual display of interesting exhibits and was very busy throughout the three-day event, with staff members from Kimber House on hand to welcome existing and new members onto the stand, including club president, John Day, and recently appointed chairman, Dave Tynan.
Next years show, which will celebrate it’s 35th anniversary, takes place from 8th to 10th November 2019.
November Safety Fast Newsletter 2018
John Thompson 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com
EVENTS AND SHOWS
On Saturday 29th September we returned to Snetterton for the traditional finale to the MGCC racing season. This year we were treated to a dry and bright autumn day. Of particular interest to ourselves,of course, was the Trophy race. The first race was the usual fast and furious affair, whilst the second race was more sedate. In the end, however, congratulations firstly to Jason Burgess for securing the Class A title and driver of the race in race one, Ryan Firth for securing the Class B title, and John Booth for securing the Class C title.
In the Peter Best Insurance MG Cup there was some excellent driving from register treasurer, Peter Burchill, with a second place and second in class in race one, and a third place and third in class in race two. Full reports on the day’s racing can be found in the motorsport section of the Club website.
The parade laps during the lunchtime were popular, with 27 drivers signing on during the morning. Slightly later than originally planned and not held during the lunch break(!), we watched the first Trophy Race from the assembly area before heading out on the circuit ourselves. The register will be heavily promoting the parade laps during 2019 and will be encouraging members to make the most of this unique opportunity.
As we mentioned last month, Supercar Saturday was held at the Castle Coombe racing circuit on Saturday 27th October. This event is supported by register treasurer Peter Burchill and Vulcan racing each year with their ZS 180. All monies raised at this charity event go to the Stroke Association. We will be supporting this event next year.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Our final show of the year, the Classic Motor Show at the NEC, takes place over the weekend of 10th -12th November. Unfortunately, we were unable to secure a stand at the show this year; don’t let that deter you from attending! The main club have a stand so please go and support them. It is an excellent show and well worth attending if you haven’t done so before.
We are in the midst of putting together our 2019 Events Calendar so keep those diaries to hand!.
October Safety Fast Newsletter 2018
John Thompson Tel: 01702 298833 johnt5@btinternet.com
Events and Shows
The penultimate round of this year’s Racing Championships took place on the 1st September at Oulton Park.
Ray Collier in his ZR 190 took another win in the Cockshoot Cup, Jason Burgess took first place in both rounds of the Trophy Championship, while Ian Boulton and David Thomas both in ZR 170s had class wins in the Peter Best Cup. Register Treasurer Peter Burchill took two third place positions in class. With everything to play for, the 2018 Racing Championships concluded at Snetterton on 29th September. There will be a full report from there in the next register update.
Upcoming Events
Please note that we have been informed that booking for the Lancing Motor Show which takes place on Sunday 14th October has closed due to the show being fully booked.
Later this month, Super Car Saturday returns at the Castle Coombe Circuit on Saturday 27th October for the twenty-sixth year. This charity event will once again be supported by Register Treasurer Peter Burchill and the Vulcan Racing Team. This is your opportunity to take a ride around the circuit in one of the many stunning racing cars with an experienced driver. All monies raised are donated to the Stroke Association.
MG Car Club Championship heads to Snetterton on Saturday 29th September
The final round of the MG Car Club Championships takes place at Snetterton Circuit this Saturday 29th September and promises to be an exciting finale to a great seasons racing!.
Snetterton Circuit is one of the UK’s finest motor racing facilities, not just for competitors but for spectators too. Owing to its extensive redevelopment in 2011, Snetterton blends a challenging and complex layout with fast straights to create a unique challenge – much of which can be viewed from raised viewing banks.
Snetterton’s original purpose was an RAF airfield, designated for use by the 96th United States Air force bomber group between May 1943 and November 1948. The circuit itself was created in 1951 from the network of remaining runways and its first event was held in the same year by the Aston Martin Owner’s Club.
The ZED Register will be organising the parade laps during the lunch break (subject to the race programme running to schedule) and Geoff Hirst will be pleased to see you in the Welcome Centre and take your vehicle details. Please remember to bring your club membership card!. The Welcome Centre will also be offering complimentary light refreshment throughout the day for car club members, and the open paddock and pits gives members the chance to wander around and view the cars, watch the race preparation and talk to the drivers.
The facility to purchase advance tickets has now closed, however, tickets are available on the gate and all the on-track action starts at 9.00am.
NEC Classic Car Show ‘Biggest and Best’
The 2018 Lancaster Insurance Classic Car Show with Discovery takes place on the 9th – 11th November and will once again grace the halls of Birmingham’s NEC. Covering over one million square feet, more than 3,000 iconic classic & vintage cars plus motorcycles will be showcased this year.
The Classic Motor Show brings together over 300 classic car clubs and classic motorcycle clubs and celebrates the very best of the Uk’s classic car club scene. Not only will you find an unrivalled collection of vintage vehicles, you can also visit the UK’s biggest indoor Autojumble – a haven of car parts and spares for anyone working on their vehicle, as well as 500 specialist automotive exhibitors and traders offering a mix of products and services.
Although the ZED Register won’t be exhibiting this year, the main club have a stand in Hall 3 manned by Kimber House Staff and a warm welcome awaits all ZED members. Mike Brewer’s Project MGA will be revealed on the stand in all it’s newly restored glory and the club shop will be showcasing the extensive range of club regalia and merchandise.
There is an exclusive club discount available on Saturday or Sunday tickets which are available either on the website www.necclassicmotorshow.com or by phone on 0871 230 1088. Save £5.50 on Adult tickets by Quoting CMS18MG or save £12.00 on Family tickets by quoting CMS18MG. Advance tickets are only available until midnight on Thursday 8th November.
Supercar Saturday returns to Castle Combe on 27th October
Supercar Saturday is back at Castle Combe for it’s 26th Year!.
The event is an adrenaline-fuelled day where you can be part of the action out on track. You can take a ride with one of the experienced track drivers with a choice of around 60 exceptional cars! – you’ll be spoilt for choice. A number of car clubs will be displaying vehicles in the paddock, and our treasurer, Peter Burchill, well known to many as a competitor in the MGCC Race Championships will be joining the event with his team, Vulcan Racing.
Entry and lucky dip tickets can be purchased in advance this year. Rides start from £25.00 dependant on the vehicle and driver, for which you will experience five laps of the track!. A lucky dip ticket costs just £30.00 and allows you to get into the next available car.
Entry to the circuit is £5.00 and all proceeds are donated directly to the stroke association along with the driver’s time and their vehicles. Further details from the Stroke Association fundraising helpline on 0300 330 0740.
September Safety Fast Newsletter 2018
UPCOMING EVENTS
John Thompson 01702 298833 johnt5@btinternet.com
With the main events of the year now behind us, we can relax a little as we head into the autumn.
The racing championships continue at Oulton Park on 1st September and will literally be on us when these notes are published. They then conclude at Snetterton on Satutrday 29th September. Remember there will be lunchtime parade laps at both these race meetings so visit Geoff Hirst in race control if you would like to drive your own car around the circuit.
Moving into October now, we will be present again at Lancing Motor Show on 14th October. We will be going down there to promote the club, ourselves, and the ZED’s in the world of classic cars. We had a great time last year and we enjoyed flying the MG Rover Flag with the local enthusiast groups. If you are interested in attending, please contact either myself at the e-mail address at the head of these notes or Paul Money at paulmoneymg@gmail.com so we can get an idea of how much space we will need, and how many passes we need to ask for. We will then send them out in due course. For further information, visit the official Lancing Motor Show page.
Initial plans for next year are beginning to take shape already, more about those in the coming months.
ZED REGISTER heads to Oulton Park on Saturday 1st September
Oulton Park in Cheshire is the location for the MG Car Club penultimate race meeting which takes place on Saturday 1st September
Built into the natural contours of the Cheshire countryside, Oulton Park’s combination of stunning scenery and spectacular racing make it one of the most picturesque and best-loved circuits for spectators and competitors alike. Over more than 60 years it has gathered a reputation as the country’s toughest test for both car and driver.
The race meeting will feature a full schedule of MGCC’s championships as well as a special one-off race. The British Motor Heritage North West 100. This is a two-part, 100 mile race, made up of two 50 mile races with a refueling break between them. There will also be a second race for the MGFs and TFs after a fantastic race at MG Live in June
The ZED Register will be represented by Geoff Hirst, our Parade Lap Coordinator who will be arranging the parade laps during the lunch hour at the circuit (subject to the race programme running to schedule) Taking part in parade laps comes as part of your club membership, and to take part, you will need to bring your membership card and vehicle details with you and visit Geoff in the Hospitality Suite between 10.00am and 12.00 noon. Geoff will give you further details and instructions.
Parade Laps are a great opportunity to drive the track and experience the circuit from a racing drivers perspective. The laps are controlled behind the safety car, but the experience is great fun!.
As always, the paddock will be open all day, allowing spectators the chance to view the race cars and meet the teams and drivers.
Spectator tickets for this meeting can be purchased from £12.00 in advance. To book and for more information on Oulton Park go to www.oultonpark.msv.com/OP-18-MGCC. Advance booking closes this Wednesday 29th August at 12.00 noon.
Spring 2018 Newsletter – Download Now!
The latest newsletter from the Zed Register is now available to download – ZED Register Spring Bulletin
February 2018 – Newsletter
Our first event of the new year will be over when you read these notes. It’s good see all our planning reach fruition. Having been the traditional season opener for us for
many years it’s good to return to Stoneleigh for the MG & Triumph Spares Day after a gap of three years. It had become noticeable in the last few years that more and more Zed groups and
forums were present at this show. We return with a bang and will have three Zeds on our stand which have never been on display before – to promote the car club and ourselves.
Plans also continue on the arrangements for the Practical Classics Restoration & Classic Car show in March. Our stand will include three Zeds, two of which have received a huge amount of
renovation and TLC to return them to prime condition. But I won’t say what they are or who owns them! You will just have to come and find out. We will be located in Hall 5 on stand 535
right next to the main club stand. Work continues apace on the arrangements for our ‘MGs in the City’ event in May. We are currently in negotiations with the Coventry Motor Museum and in
the process of booking Millennium Place. Once the details have been finalised we will begin promoting this event properly. Moving in to April we will also be booking space at Pride of Longbridge when the online form becomes available. The space requirement and vehiclenumbers will be discussed and confirmed with the organisers. If you are interested in attending
please let us know so we have an idea of numbers. This year marks the 15 th Anniversary of the launch of the MG ZT 260 and we will be featuring
this event throughout the year, culminating with a display of V8s at MG Saloon Day in July. Further details will follow in due course. Before then however we would ideally like to have a
V8 as one of our three Zeds on display at the NEC in March. If you would be willing to have your ZT 260 on show please either let myself or a member of the committee know. Thank you in advance.
Winter 2018 Newsletter – Download Available!
Our Registrar, Paul Money has kindly drafted a superb newsletter giving the latest information on the Register for Winter 2018. Includes details about upcoming events, including the Restoration Show at the NEC in March! Click on the link below!
January 2018 – Newsletter
Happy New Year! Here we are again at the start of another busy year. Please find included our events calendar for the coming year. These dates are correct at the time of writing but any alterations will be published in future updates and on our Facebook group/website. Having been absent for the last couple of years, we start 2018 by heading back to Stoneleigh on 11th February for the MG & Triumph Spares Day. We won’t be at Brooklands this year for their MG Era Day. However, we will be returning for a second year to the NEC over the weekend of 23-25th March for the Classic Car & Restoration Show. The 2018 Racing Championships begin the following month with Silverstone hosting the first round on 7th April. We will be present at all the race meetings again this coming year – organising the lunchtime parade laps. The Pride of Longbridge event held in Cofton Park on 14th April completes a very busy month. Having tried some new things last year, and we wanted to push the boundaries a little further this year. Our ‘MGs in the Weald’ was a very popular day out, so this year we are having ‘MGs in the City’ at the Coventry Motor Museum in May. Our arrangements with the CMM are still being finalised but it should shape up to be another great family day out – watch this space. Later the same month we will be joining the Sussex Austin Rover & MG Owners Club for their road run. We are having an Open Day at Kimber House on 24th June, and heading north on 19th August to the Lakeland Motor Museum. We are also pleased to announce that MG Saloon Day will returning for 2018. Arrangements are still being discussed for this event but you will be notified of the details in due course. We will also be returning to Lancing on 14th October for their Motor Show. The year concludes with the Classic Motor Show at the NEC in November. Phew, I think that’s the highlights! Time to get those diaries!
December 2017 – Special Feature
Our Secretary Ray Kemble has written an amusing and interesting insight into his ZED entitled “The Loch Ness Monster Revealed- Part 1”
For many years now, people have been subjected to incongruous sight of the Secretary of the ZR/ZS/ZT Register tuning up to events in a white MG TF. There were rumours floating around that he did own a ZS, but no one had ever actually seen it and its existence was put in the same category as the Loch Ness Monster and flying saucers. Now measures are afoot to reveal this mythical creature in all its glory.
The reason for this is that my 5-door ZS 180 in trophy blue was subject to a number of unfortunate events. First I managed to damage the rear spoiler and tailgate backing into a sign post on a dark wet night in a Heathrow car park. Then. one night returning home I was negotiating a flooded road when I was hit by the bow wave of a truck going in the opposite direction. When I got home there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. Next day I tried to investigate the problem only to find that the cable had come adrift from one of the bonnet locks and the bonnet could not be opened. So the car was put in the garage and my old well used MGF pressed back into service out of semi-retirement. It became one of those things that one day you’ll get around to and the ZS languished in the garage for nearly 10 years. During this time the MGF gave up the ghost and I had to spend the money that would have paid for getting the ZS back on the road on a new TF LE500. The battery went flat and a couple of attempts made to get the bonnet open but there were always more pressing things to do. And so the ZS passed into its mythical status.
Getting the ZS which now resembled a barn find back into service became a project that I decided I would get around to one day. This year at MGLive! the resolve to do something was stronger than ever. I was aware of Beech Hill Garage; they are reasonably local to me and have a good reputation for restoring MGs of all ages. So I made enquires at their stand and following that called them on the Monday morning. Despite being very busy a plan of action was agreed that the car would be collected on the Tuesday and taken to Beech Hill for an assessment. After that it would be returned until it could be taken on as an over winter project. So the car was picked up on the Tuesday and trailered to Beech Hill for assessment. Over the next week they went over the car with in detail to see what work was needed. The good news was they had managed to get the bonnet open. The bad news was that they had run up the engine and that the knocking was coming from the bottom end of the engine and it appeared that a bearing had gone. A new engine would be required. They also came up with a long list of stuff that need to be replaced, including, alternator, discs and hubs where they had seized together, rubber suspension bushes, wheels and tyres. Anthony Allen of Beech Hill gave me an estimate for the work expecting me, I think, to say the car was not worth it and to scrap it. However my reasoning was that I needed a new car and I couldn’t see anything new that particularly inspired me, so I could use the same money to get the ZS restored.
In fact the car had a number of things it its favour as being a suitable subject. It is an early model 5-door 180 which makes it unusual. Added to that, when I bought it the budget was originally for a new MGF, but the ZS was much cheaper and so I had ticked all the optional extras. So it has a sunroof, rear head restraints and electric windows all round; all of which adds up to a fairly rare car. So it was agreed to go ahead and get the work done. With all these factors and that the car had great history in that I had owned it since new, Beech Hill became very enthusiastic about the project. They put a plan together to start straight away with the aim of having the car finished by the end of September.
One thing to sort out was the broken spoiler and dented tailgate. Trawling the Internet, I found a tailgate in the correct trophy blue colour complete with large spoiler on eBay. The only problem was it was on buyer collect in Wisbech which is quite a way from where I live in North Hampshire. After discussing with Beech Hill it was decided to purchase the tailgate as the price being asked was reasonable if only for the spoiler. So one Saturday I hired a van and leaving very early drove to pick up the tailgate leaving enough time to get back to Beech Hill before they closed at lunchtime. The seller of the tailgate turned out to be a guy who specialises in breaking MG Rovers. He had a number of Zeds and MGF/TFs that he was working on. I took his contact details as he may be useful to know in the future. They looked at the tailgate and decided it was in better condition than the one on my car and will be swapping it over.
The engine was stripped down to basics and shipped off to be exchanged for a refurbished unit. This has been fitted and the car once more is able to move under its own power.
When the engine was run up for the first time they also found that the throttle was jammed open so the engine raced away. The throttle body was corroded so a new one was needed. The garage were expecting another ZS to come in and they were planning on breaking it for spares. The throttle body from that car was earmarked to replace mine. In the event, that ZS proved to be a runner so they decided to save and restore that ZS as well. Finding another replacement proved to be difficult and in the end they got a local engineering company to clean up mine. However the throttle still sticks when release slowly. This may free up with usage but it still may be necessary to find a replacement.
In replacing the engine one of the oil cooler pipes was found to be corroded. Beech Hill were unable to find a spare but they had a contact would could make the pipes to order and they got one built by them.
The body work has been looked at and is generally OK, but there are some dents and scratches that will need attention. The garage commented that there were some curious scratches on both c posts that they couldn’t account for. I managed to solve the mystery by confessing to them that I had been dumping the hardtop from the MG TF on the back of the car in the summer as I had nowhere else to put it. With the garage now unencumbered by the ZS I took steps to prevent any similar problems in future. Using a set of MG Rover hardtop wall brackets and a pulley system designed for hanging a bike in the roof I have rigged up a system to keep the hardtop in the ceiling of the garage when off of the car, leaving room to put the ZS or the TF underneath.
Due to the problems in sourcing some of the parts the end of September target has been and gone and the costs have risen much above the original estimate. This seems par for the course for restorations. I still hope to have the car ready for Christmas and since the original plan was to have the ZS for MGLive! in 2018 that’s OK. We would also like to have the car on our stand at the MG & Triumph Spares Show in March and the Practical Classics and Restoration Show.
Anthony at Beech Hill tells me that the ZS has already been the subject to a lot of interest. People seeing the car are dismayed at seeing yet another zed “being broken for parts”. Anthony is quite happy to point that “No, this one is being saved and restored”.
To be continued…..
December 2017 Newsletter
As I write our final newsletter of the year, the Classic Motor Show at the NEC is just over a week away. This show will bring the curtain down on our events for another year, but what a fantastic year it’s been for the Register. In the background the work continues over the winter months as we plan ahead for the coming year aided by the continued support of the Kimber House team. It’s been a busy time for the committee with each member undertaking on their own projects to ensure the Register keeps moving forward, and the momentum we’ve gained so far this year continues.
This year has seen some new relationships created within the classic car world. Classic Car Weekly’s use of a ZR in their ‘£500 Challenge’ was a great opportunity for us to forge a link with them. This relationship culminated in having their ZR on our stand at the Classic Car Restoration Show in March. A number of companies agreed to sponsor some of our events including Peter Best Insurance Services and Rimmer Bros.
Our taste for trying new things continued after our last newsletter in June. We had a very successful, and a very hot, MGLive! with a great turnout of Zeds on both days exceeding the space in our parking area. July was a busy month even without an MG Saloon Day. We headed to Penshurst Place in Kent for the SE Centre’s Summer Gathering at the end of the month – an event the register has supported on a number of occasions in the past. Our final ‘new’ event of the year was the Lancing Motor Show in October. We were more than happy to jointly represent the MG Rover era at the show together with some local enthusiast groups. With over eight hundred cars present and a great day out, the show has been included in our events calendar for 2018. We enjoyed another exciting year of racing too which was brought to a close at Snetterton in October. Next year we will be present at all the race meetings and will be organizing the lunchtime parade laps.
A vast number of new members have joined the club with a Zed this year, or have seen us at a show and are interested in the Register and what we do. The number of members who have joined our Facebook group is a reflection of this – this is very gratifying to see. Our Zeds are now becoming classic cars in their own right and it’s great to see such enthusiasm amongst the visitors at our events and shows.
Our events calendar for next year is almost complete. We are just waiting to confirm a few more dates. Once completed the list will be published in an upcoming Register update. We aim to take the Register out to the members next year with some new venues and exciting locations. Look out for any up-to-the-minute information on our Facebook page or website.
Finally, we’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And to thank ALL of you for your continued support throughout the past year. See you all in 2018.
John Thompson, Chair.