lasscal gas · 2020. 6. 10. · a highlight in jaguar racing history [from ben brown, seattle...

May/June 2020 Volume 51, Issue 3May/June 2020 Volume 51, Issue 3

Classical GasClassical Gas

www. jaguarmg .comwww. jaguarmg .com

2 | Classical Gas May | June 2020

CRUISING, NOT STREAMING

Vehicle make and model names and logos are property of their respective owners and their inclusion does not apply sponsorship of or affiliation with Hagerty or any of its products or services. Hagerty Insurance Agency, LLC, (HIA) determines final risk acceptance. Purchase of insurance through HIA is not required to receive optional products or services through Hagerty Drivers Club, The Shop, or DriveShare. Hagerty, the Steering Wheel Logo, HAGERTY FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE CARS and THE SHOP ASSEMBLED BY HAGERTY are registered or common law trademarks of The Hagerty Group, LLC ©2019

Classical Gas | 3May | June 2020

CRUISING, NOT STREAMING

Vehicle make and model names and logos are property of their respective owners and their inclusion does not apply sponsorship of or affiliation with Hagerty or any of its products or services. Hagerty Insurance Agency, LLC, (HIA) determines final risk acceptance. Purchase of insurance through HIA is not required to receive optional products or services through Hagerty Drivers Club, The Shop, or DriveShare. Hagerty, the Steering Wheel Logo, HAGERTY FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE CARS and THE SHOP ASSEMBLED BY HAGERTY are registered or common law trademarks of The Hagerty Group, LLC ©2019

About ClAssiCAl GAsClassical Gas is the official magazine

of CXKJR/CCMGC, and is published bi-monthly.

All articles, technical tips, offerings and opinions seen in

Classical Gas are for your enjoyment and edification.

The executive, authors, editors and publishers cannot be held

responsible for errors, omissions or misinterpretation of content.

Advertisements are not endorsements. As always, please use your own

judgement.

submissionsContributions such as articles,

technical tips, travel, event reports and photographs are all gladly

welcomed. Please contact Senior Editor Jennifer Orum at

[email protected] for details.

submission DeADlines July/Aug issue .....July 3 Sept/Oct issue ......Sept 4

Club AffilAtionsMG Car Club Ltd.

www.mGCC.Co.uk

North American MGA Register www.nAmGAr.Com

North American MGB Register www.nAmGbr.orG

Jaguar Clubs of North America www.jCnA.Com

to ContACt us by PostPO Box 663, Stn Main

Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada V3B 6H9

rePrints For permission to reprint

Classical Gas articles or photos, contact Jennifer Orum, Senior Editor,

at [email protected]

Credit must be clearly given to the original author, photographer,

Classical Gas and the CXKJR/CCMGC club.

nn

On The CoverJennifer Orum’s 1970 MGB Roadster & Tim Horton’s 2006 Jaguar X-Type

Estate at the Porteau Road Vista on the Sea to Sky Highway. Photo by Tim Horton.

In This Issue...Calendar of Events 5

Club Summer Fun [June, July & August Events] 5

Board Members & Club Contacts 6

JCNA & MG News 7

Presidents’ Run [Mike McChesney & Malcolm Reith] 9

Presidents’ Run Hotel 11

An MGB Saga [Norm Stanley] 12

The Shell 4000 Rally [Mike McChesney] 14

New Guys on the Block 17 [Robert McCullough; Ken Magnus; Brian McBride]

In Memoriam: Tom Doyle [Les Garbutt] 18

Stirling Moss [Jennifer Orum] 21

Book Review: Inspector Morse [Jim Sanders] 21

Dispatches from the Newby Estate [Ian Newby] 22

Reminder re Electronic Classical Gas 23

Alphabetical List of Advertisers 24

CXKJR/CCMGC Club Advisor List 24

CXKJR/CCMGC Website & Facebook Page 24

Nigel Shiftright: Automotive Anachronism 25

Last Word: VanDusen ABFM; Portland ABFM; 26 Sea to Sky All British Rally; LAMB Report; MG Quiz?


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Club Summer Fun!

TT he number of participants will be limited due to restrictions on the size of gatherings to pre-

vent the spread of COVID-19, so pre-registration will be required for the following three events. Watch for details of the events and the pre-registration process in Little Classical Gas or on www.jaguarmg.com .

June 13: Harrison Run & PicnicOriginally a drive to Belcarra and visit to a private museum was planned for this date, but it will be rescheduled when there are less restrictive COVID-19 guidelines. A drive to Harrison Hot Springs is now being planned as a replacement, to include a picnic lunch. Organizer: Vito Donatiello

July 11: BC Collector Car Appreciation Day Run

This was initially planned as the 4th annual joint run with participants from CXKJR & CCMGC, as

well as the Seattle Jaguar and MG Clubs. Due to COVID-19 as well as the closed US/Canada border, the event is being redesigned. A drive from the North Shore to Squamish is being planned with a picnic lunch, including the opportunity for pre-ordered take-out from the British restaurant Wigan Pier, voted #1 for fish & chips in Canada. Organizer: Tim Horton

August 15 or 16: Summer Run & PicnicThe 51st Annual Heritage Classic Weekend has been cancelled, with the North Vancouver Recreation Commission Parks Department not allowing use of Waterfront Park for car shows due to COVID-19. An event is being planned that includes a “navigation for fun” drive and a picnic at a special, yet undisclosed location. Stay tuned for details of the drive and the picnic. Drive Organizers: Peter & Anne Tilbury20

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20 C

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JuneJune 13

Harrison Hot Springs Run

JulyJuly 11

BC Collector Car Appreciation Day Run

AugustAug 15 or 16

Summer Run & Picnic

SeptemberSept 18 - 20

Presidents’ Run

NovemberNov 10

CXKJR/CCMGC AGM & Elections

DecemberDec 8

CXKJR/CCMGC Annual Awards & Potluck

2020 General Membership Meetings:

July 14, August 11,

September 8, October 13,

November 10, December 8

(Due to COVID-19, in-person meetings may be replaced by

online Zoom meetings.)

Your CXKJR and CCMGC Executive, Committees and support volunteers wish and hope that you and your loved ones are keeping safe and healthy during these challenging times. The Executive will be monitoring COVID-19 developments over the coming weeks and months to determine how they impact our planned events. Please watch for updates in Little Classical Gas and on our www.jaguarmg.com website.

The following list includes those events on the club calendar as of the publication date of this Classical Gas issue. They are being planned to take into account the COVID-19 directives of the BC Government/Provincial Health Officer. Members need to assess their risks in deciding to take part in club events. Those who participate in these events are reminded of the importance of social distancing and other actions recommended by federal and provincial authorities.


IMPORTANT CXKJR/CCMGC CONTACTSJaguar President [email protected]

Malcolm Reith 778-987-5858MG President

Mike McChesney 604-316-1175 [email protected]

Jaguar Vice-President [email protected] Robert McCullough 778-991-0827

MG Vice-President [email protected] Ken Magnus 250-240-0185

Jaguar Past-President ims.telus.net Ian Newby 604-618-2537

MG Past-President [email protected] Doreen Newby 604-985-4020

Treasurer [email protected] Allen Brown 604-264-0930

Secretary [email protected] Brian McBride 604-931-6563

Trustee [email protected] Troy Bell 604-613-8897

Trustee [email protected] Joe Carroll 604-988-2497

Trustee [email protected] John Morse 604-594-8992

Trustee [email protected] Ian Newby 604-618-2537

Trustee [email protected] Jerry Parkhill 604-794-3652

Membership & Club Roster [email protected] Norm & Diane Stanley 604-418-9712

NAMGAR Chapter Coordinators [email protected] Peter & Anne Tilbury 604-535-0648

JCNA Concours Chair [email protected] Malcolm Reith 778-987-5858

JCNA Chief Judge [email protected] Les Garbutt 604-266-9086

JCNA Director, NW Region [email protected] Carole Borgens 604-514-8414

Classical Gas Senior Editor [email protected] Jennifer Orum 604-880-7598

Classical Gas Technical Editor [email protected] Joe Carroll 604-988-2497

Classical Gas Assistant Editors Joanne Gaspard [email protected] Robert McCullough [email protected]

Classical Gas Distribution [email protected] Rhonda Gale 604-521-3021

Little Classical Gas Editor [email protected] & Marketplace Allan Lawrence 604-937-0439

A/V Production Editors [email protected] Vito Donatiello 604-980-0457 Jim Severs [email protected]

Website Administrator [email protected] Mike Harford 604-464-2212

Event Committee Chair [email protected] Robert McCullough 778 991 0827

Heritage Coordinators Vito Donatiello [email protected] Jim Severs [email protected]

The only MEMBER-run organization for MGB, MGC, Midget, 1100/1300 and Post Abingdon Car owners.

• ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP $30 ($45 overseas)

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Toll-free phone: 800-NAMGBR-1 | www.namgbr.org

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throughout the U.S. and Canada, plus a knowledge base and support group second to none. All this for just $37.50 per year

(North America), or $52.50 (International). Get more information at http://www.namgar.com, or contact [email protected].

Register Your MGA With NAMGAR!


JCNA & MG NewsJCNA & MG News

JCNA AppointmentsLes Garbutt has replaced Tom Doyle on the Jaguar Clubs of North America Concours Committee. Jennifer Orum is in her seventh year on the JCNA Special Awards Committee. Carole Borgens serves as the North West Region’s Director on the JCNA Board, in the sixth year of a term that will continue to 2022.

North West Region ConcoursAll four NW clubs have cancelled their JCNA-sanctioned Concours due to COVID-19: The Jaguar Owners Club of Oregon’s July 19 event that was to be part of the Forest Grove Concours; the Victoria Club’s Jaguars on the Island July 25; the Seattle Club’s Jaguars on the Green August 1, and our own Heritage Classic August 15.

A Highlight in Jaguar Racing History[From Ben Brown, Seattle Jaguar Club]

Racing a 1948 Jaguar XK120 FHC at Linden Airport in New Jersey on June 13, 1954, East Coast Road Racer Al Keller won NASCAR’s first road race, at that time called the Grand National. The victory was the only time an imported car won in a NASCAR major series. Of the 43 entries, 20 were from England (13 Jaguars, 5 MGs, 1 Morgan, 1 Austin Healey) and 1 from Germany, a Porsche. When Keller passed the finish line, there was only one other car on the final lap.

International MG EventsThe North American MGA Register’s GT-45 in Colorado Springs June 1 to 5 has been cancelled, while the North American MGB Register’s MG2020 in Calgary June 28 to July 1 has been rescheduled to the summer of 2023. Next year, the All-MG gathering that includes both NAMGAR & NAMGBR entrants will be held in Atlantic City, New Jersey June 14 to 17, 2021. NAMGBR’s MG2022 will take place June 19 to 23 in Peterborough, Ontario, celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the first NAMGBR convention – MG1992 – held in that same city.

Why an MG?An academic paper written by Bill Auger and Thomas Walker, two students in a graduate marketing course at the University of Georgia in 1998 addressed the question of why anyone would purchase an old, not always reliable and relatively slow MG.

Their research concluded that consumers purchase MGs for one or more of the following reasons:

NOSTALGIA: A preference toward things that were more popular when one was younger.

ECONOMIC VIABILITY: MGs are relatively inexpensive compared to other vehicles.

FEELING OF LIBERATION: The low-riding convertible attributes of most MGs produce the sense of being free.

OBSERVATIONAL LEARNING: When people watch the actions of others (a parent, relative or friend that owns an MG) and note the reinforcements they receive for their behavior.

And perhaps the most interesting of all -

UNRELIABILITY & MAINTENANCE: The unreliability of these cars adds adventure and excitement to the owner’s relationship with their MG. The high level of maintenance provides the opportunity to perform their own work and repairs and escape the everyday rigors of life.

As reflected in a well-known quote from Jay Leno (Life, November 1993) ”There’s something therapeutic to it, working on these cars. And it keeps me out of trouble”.

[Article suggested by CCMGC member Duncan Anderson]


Full Mechanical ServicesContact: Samson Huang

Proud to beProud to beTHE OFFICIAL SUPPLIER TO

CXKJR/CCMGCTHE OFFICIAL SUPPLIER TO

CXKJR/CCMGC


FF or this year’s Presidents’ Run we are

planning to make our way to Osoyoos in the Okanagan. If you have some ideas about activities for us around Osoyoos please send them along to Mike McChesney ([email protected]) or Malcolm Reith ([email protected]).

We have options for our travel from the Lower Mainland to Osoyoos. We can take a different route for the return trip. Measuring from our Burnaby Lake meeting location, drive times range from 4 ½ hours to 5 ¾ hours (not counting breaks). If you know of any interesting sights we might see along the way let us know (same guys as above). It could help us choose the routes.

OPTION 1: The fastest. Southern route by way of the Hope – Princeton Highway. 391 kms, 4 hrs 29 mins.

OPTION 2: Northern route by way of Hope, Merritt and Peachland – 465 kms, 4 hrs 42 mins.

OPTION 3: Modified northern route by way of Hope, Merritt, Aspen-Grove and Princeton – 462 kms, 4 hrs and 48 mins.

OPTION 4: Northern-ish route by way of Hope, Princeton, Aspen-Grove and Peachland – 421 kms, 5 hrs and 46 minutes.

2020 Presidents’ Run2020 Presidents’ RunSEPTEMBER 18 - 19

E ach year the CXKJR and CCMGC presidents

choose a location, plan a weekend drive and activities, and invite members to join them. Past Presidents' Runs have in most cases been in BC, while a few have gone to the US. Osoyoos has been a favourite, having been the Run destination four times.

For information on the Presidents' Run hotel see page 11.


S O V E R E I G N M O T O R S

NICK MALINOVParts and Services Manager

Sovereign Motors Inc. 8890 Heather Street

Vancouver, BC V6P 3T1

Phone: 604-687-2146 [email protected] www.sovereignmotors.ca

Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche

MATT KOKAN General Manager

9018 OAK STREET VANCOUVER, BC V6P 4B9 [email protected] www.heywoodmotors.com

604 -876 -71113891 Fraser Street Vancouver

Your Engine

RebuildingSpecialists

HeadsBlocksCranksRods

6909 Russell Ave, Burnaby 604-876-7111

Please call Nejde at 604.817.2279

I have a Jaguar 1962 MK2 3.8 which I started restoring in 2008. In 2013 I stopped working on it because of health issues, hoping to pick it up later. Unfortunately, it looks like I won’t get back to it anytime soon, so I’ve decided to put it on the market for someone else to continue the project or to use as parts. Purchased new on Vancouver Island, I have the original purchase document and all service records.

• Vehicle totally stripped and sandblasted• 90% of metal work & body restoration completed• All OEM parts• All major parts have been refurbished • Transmission has been completely overhauled• Interior woodwork restored to perfection

1962 JAGUAR MARK II 3.8 AUTOMATIQUE

– F O R S A L E –


COAST OSOYOOS BEACH HOTEL

7702 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V0

To reserve your room call: 250-495-6525

Bookings can be made under the group name: The Jaguar Car Club

Use Group code: COBGFC251

Checking in Friday, September 18 and checking out Sunday, September 20, 2020. Two nights’ accommodation.

Rooms will be held for reservation until August 18, 2020. Guests should phone by this date with credit card information to reserve

their room.

Cancellation policy: Individuals can cancel 24 hours before September 18 check in.

Available amenities:

• Includes breakfast 7 – 10 am

• Barbeques

• Lounge chairs / picnic tables

• Indoor pool with hot tub & waterslide

The Presidents’ Run The Presidents’ Run AccommodationAccommodation

Room options:

STUDIO SUITES available (one queen bed / one sofa bed

with kitchen)

NON beachside $122 per night (before tax)

8 available

ONE BEDROOM SUITES (two queen beds with kitchen)

Beachside $215 per night (before tax)

5 available

12 | Classical Gas Classical Gas | 13May | June 2020 May | June 2020

Saga of Two MGBsNorm Stanley

An informal 3-car cruise along the Sea to Sky Highway: Tom & Sandy Koven's 1995 Camaro Z28, Jennifer Orum's 1970 MGB Roadster and

Tim Horton's 2006 JaguarX-Type Estate. Photo by Tim Horton.

Tony & Carol Cohen with their 1952 MG TD at Lions Bay, having a physically distant picnic with another two T-Series and a YB MG. Photo by Tony Cohen.

SEA TO SKY CRUISES

A ny list of the most scenic roads in BC or Canada

inevitably includes the Sea to Sky Highway. During these times of “stay close to home” messages, this is a particularly good way to get out of the house and physically distance. It is thus not surprising that for members who live on the North Shore, last minute day drives up Highway 99 often beckon. n

My MGB journey began in 1966. A young, final year medical student who felt a life of nothing but having my nose buried in a text book deserved a little fun. What better way to have fun than to drive around in a top down sporty car! But income from a part time job wasn’t what a student needed to purchase such a dream. How to get the money??? Why not borrow? But from where? Ah, a student loan might just cover what I need. So, looking as humble and needy as I could I approached the Dean in charge of student loans with an earnest plea for money. He asked, of course, what were the dire needs for which I required such funds. Throwing caution to the winds, I decided honesty was the best policy and with a nothing lost, nothing gained attitude I told him the truth. “I was hoping to buy an MGB”. I don’t much believe in miracles, but lo and behold he said “OK”. Imagine my euphoria as I headed to Gordon Bros., the MG dealership at 10th and Alma in Vancouver.

I held on to that little green 1966 MGB through the three remaining months of my studies and my two years of residency in Calgary. Now, imagine a car like that through the winters of Calgary - that is another story!

Fast forward to 1999 which finds me newly separated and spending time kicking tires with CCMGC member Steve Kaufman at OK Tires in Richmond where I got my daily driver serviced. Fate? One day I found myself again at OK Tires and spot a little red MGB in the lot. I share my love of this car with Steve who then suggests I take it for a spin. Well, how do you shed 30 years? You get behind the wheel of a car you drove and loved when you were young! It sounded the same, handled the same and I felt the same as I did 30 years before. I knew I had to get me one of these. Leaving this car in the lot was not an option. I bought it immediately.

It soon became apparent this car had too many issues. I decided to look for a body with less rust to work on and use the drivetrain from this car. So, the journey from a somewhat rusted, hole in the floor little red MGB to a “tarted” up British Racing Green virtually perfect condition MGB began. It wasn’t a smooth ride and it did include a lot of “just throw money at it” moments, but it was a great one. Thanks to Steve I found and bought a rust free shell from Len Drake in Kelowna. Bringing the shell down from Kelowna on a snowy December night on a two-wheeled car trailer was an adventure. The right rear tire blew and after the rubber was gone from the wheel the entire field of my driver’s side rear view mirror lit up with sparks. That was just before Bottletop Bridge on the Coquihalla highway. I then realized I had no useable spare. Calling a tow truck, waiting for three cold snowy hours for a truck out of Hope, then getting to Richmond took up most of the night and put a considerable dint in my wallet.

The next step was to start work on the project. I wasn’t a car mechanic but that did not stop me from renting a space where I could take two cars apart and successfully put one back together. The word “successful” did not come to fruition. I soon discovered two things. Everything I did I could have done better the second time but I was not planning to do another one. Also, if I was going to be able to enjoy this car in my lifetime I should probably pay someone to do what they do and I should earn the

necessary money doing what I do. It turned out to be a most enjoyable time. During this endeavour I met some wonderful people including Steve who did most of the work on the B, John Lippingwell who did the bodywork and painting, and Brian Collard at KC Antique Autoglass and Trim who did the upholstery. The car was painted BRG to reflect my original MGB. A supercharger was added two years later and hence the vanity plate “SUPER B”.

Despite the money spent and the frustrations experienced I wouldn’t change anything in this journey. But the most valuable part of the journey began when I joined the club in 2003. The support of the many members in so many ways, the number of events it afforded me to enjoy the car, and the special friendships would not have been discovered without my introduction to the “little red MGB” way back when! n

F rom a little red car with a hole in the floor to a “tarted up” well

carpeted green MGB and those who helped with the transition.

Norm & Diane Stanley with the "Super B" at the VanDusen ABFM.

14 | Classical Gas Classical Gas | 15May | June 2020 May | June 2020

We Had Some Great OnesWe Had Some Great OnesL O N G D I S T A N C E C A R R A L L I E S :

Mike McChesney

S ome of the longest and toughest road rallies in the world

were run right here in our own country. Canada has the geography and varying climates to make these endurance races a challenging survival of the fittest. The most well-known were the Shell 4000 Trans-Canada series held in the 1960s and later revived in the 1990s. Twelve annual long-distance rallies were run until the last one in 1997. These road races tested driver and navigator skills as well as the mechanical durability of the cars as they were pushed to their limits. MGs and Jaguars of all sorts were represented in nine of the twelve rallies.

To write about all of these rallies here would take pages and it would still leave out some great stories of struggles and triumphs. A very good source of rally information, articles and interesting pictures can be found at:

http://shell-4000-rally.org/4000_web/ other/history.htm

This source was used for much of this article. Here I will briefly cover one rally, the 1967 Shell 4000. This one because it started in Vancouver and some of our Club members may remember this race. Also because it ended in Montreal to celebrate Expo 67 and Canada’s Centennial.

1967 saw the seventh annual running of Trans-Canada road rallies. The first rally was the 1961 British Columbia International Trade Fair Rally. 3,600 miles from Montreal to Vancouver. The following rallies were called the Shell 4000, sponsored by Shell Canada. The “4000” was for 4,000 plus miles. Total prize money shared by all category winners was $6,000. For 1967 this grew to $15,250. A category

first place winner received $1,000. Second place filled the team’s pocket with $750. Third place won $500. If you read the stories about what the teams endured, they likely didn’t do it for the money. There were private as well as factory teams. There were all women teams, husband and wife teams and all guy teams.

The starting point for ’67 was the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in downtown Vancouver. 4,500 miles

waited for them. From the Theatre, the drivers followed instructions to the first of three racetrack segments, ten laps around Westwood Motorsport Park in Coquitlam. For the closed racetrack section, teams competed against specific times set for their car class category. They received penalty points for their time off their target. After Westwood they continued that same day on their cross-country adventure. Ten penalty points were given for each minute the team arrived early or late to control points. General penalty points were given for missing check points or exceeding the base average speeds for segments. No GPS

available to help them.

There were six car class categories based upon engine capacity. Some examples of cars entered: Fiat 850, Plymouth Barracuda, Datsun PL 411, Citroen DS 21, Sunbeam Imp, Mustang, Austin Cooper S, and Studebaker Hawk. There were two MGB roadsters and an MGB GT. However, no Jaguars this time.

Each day the crew received the day’s driving instructions ten minutes before the start. Their challenge was to follow the routing and keep to the designated average speed for the day. At the end of the day each crew was allowed fifteen minutes to inspect their cars and make repairs. Not a lot of time.

If the rules weren’t challenging enough, add the road and weather conditions teams faced crossing Canada. 30% was on main highways, 30% on paved and gravel roads and 40% on gravel/dirt roads through remote, sparsely populated areas. The drivers coped with climbs up through mountain passes including the Rockies. Freezing temperatures, ice and snow. Cattle wandering roads.

Prairie dust storms, gumbo, and pot holed logging roads. Sand and gravel wastes in army camps. Road washouts and spring runoff mud. Most teams lost points passing through huge water holes north of the Great Lakes in Ontario. One of the Citroen teams, leading to this point, lost their first-place position on this segment of the race. So many ways to add time and penalty points.

The rally started on May 3rd and ended on May 10th with SOME cars arriving at the Expo Autostade in Montreal. Out of the 93 cars entered 42 “survived”. A Lotus Cortina team with world-renowned English rally driver Roger Clark came first with only 45.2 penalty points. A Barracuda was second with 143.8 points. Third was a Datsun PL 411 team with 172.4 points. One team’s car had to be pushed up the finish ramp. For the MGBs, a roadster placed #34 with 2,696.4 points and the GT which was the last to finish came in at #42 with 4,673.1 points. Amazing how few points the winning cars lost over such a grueling race. The third MGB did not finish. A bonus for the MGB GT team: they won the Sportsmanship award for driving across Canada with no clutch, which they lost on day two. I am trying to picture how that could be done.

Over the twelve trans-Canada rallies held between 1961 and 1997, twenty-five MGs and fourteen Jaguars of various types competed in these races. A great testament to our favourite British classics. You can still enjoy the thrill and challenge of long- distance rallies in events like The Great Race in the US or the Peking to Paris Race across the pond. But if time and budget are limited, the annual Hagerty Spring Thaw here in BC is a great option. Maybe we’ll read about your adventure in a Classical Gas article some day.

Happy motoring. n


NEW GUYS ON THE BLOCK

KEN MAGNUS Vice-President MG

First car? 1957 MGA 1500 red roadster, jointly owned with my wife Gwen as our everyday car from 1968 to 1973. The arrival of our firstborn son dictated the purchase of a suitable family car.

Current MG/Jaguar? We own a 1958 MGA 1500 orient red roadster.

Joined our club? We joined CCMGC in early 2018.

Other recent clubs/organizations? We belonged to ‘The Old English Car Club’, Nanaimo, from 2014 until 2017.

Other hobbies/special interests? Model shipbuilding, philately, recreational golfer.

Current/Previous job? Retired for the last 7 years. I was a pediatric radiologist and oncological imager with academic appointments from the University of Manitoba (Winnipeg) and then the University of Alberta (Edmonton).

Family? My wife Gwen and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary in December 2019. We have three children and they are all married, living in England and scattered across Canada. We have four wonderful grandchildren. Our home is complemented with a 5-year old dog called Bob. He is a Frenchton (cross between a Boston terrier and a French bulldog) and ‘immigrated’ from England a year ago.

Other? Gwen and I were born in South Africa. We immigrated to Canada in March 1999 and became Canadian Citizens in February 2005.

ROBERT MCCULLOUGH Vice-President Jaguar

First car? 1977 Mini 1100.

Current MG/Jaguar? 1974 MGB Roadster; 1978 MGB Roadster, co-owned with daughter Robyn; 2003 Jaguar S-Type V8

Joined our club? February 2019 to enjoy common British car interest. I enjoy seeing cars in convoy.

Other recent clubs/organizations? No other clubs - my work keeps me too busy.

Other hobbies/special interests? I am a people person. I enjoy good company.

Current/Previous job? I am legal counsel for a large insurance company.

Family? Married to Shelley, who is long suffering. I am trying to brainwash my two children to drive British cars. So far I have convinced my daughter Robyn, who has joined me on a number of runs and is now the proud owners of a half share of an MGB. I am still working on my son Nicholas.

Other? As university students in the 1980s in South Africa we were fortunate to have access to toys: Honda C110 and C200 motorcycles; 1939 Fiat 1100 Mussolini with suicide doors (used this as our wedding car); 1958 MGA hardtop coupe (drove this to university occasionally and also used it on circuit as a young prosecutor); 1954 Ford Popular “Puddlejumper” (also drove this to university, with a leaky roof, rotten floorboards, and jumping out of second gear); 1964 AJS 350 motorcycle; 1977 Puch moped; as well as various other rust buckets such as a Morris 8 and a bug-eyed Sprite. As students, we never had enough money to buy a three litre Healey. The Fiat, the MGA and the Puddlejumper are in regular use by my brothers in South Africa. And the roof and floorboards of the Puddlejumper have deteriorated even more since university days… and it still jumps out of gear …

BRIAN MCBRIDE Secretary

First car? 1962 Volkswagen; first collector car a restored 1966 Mustang convertible.

Current MG/Jaguar? 1962 MGA Mark II; 1992 Jaguar XJ40.

Joined our club? 2011, having heard about the club through a mutual acquaintance of John Clarke and myself.

Other recent clubs/organizations? Past Treasurer of the Firehall Theatre Society; current Trustee and Treasurer of the Coquitlam Public Library; Board member of the Phoenix Food and Drug Group, a philanthropic society providing bursaries to grandchildren of members formerly in the food and pharmacy channels of distribution, as well as supporting local charities.

Other hobbies/special interests? Preservation of Howe Sound.

Current/Previous job? Currently General Manager and Chief Financial Officer of JS McMillan Fisheries Ltd; previously General Manager of Tree of Life Canada West, a major distributor of specialty and natural food products in Canada.

Family? Married to Barbara for 47 years; three children & four grandchildren.

Other? Looking forward to giving back something to our club.

Jennifer Orum

It occurred to me that some of our members may not be familiar with the three new additions to the CXKJR/CCMGC Executive. I asked them to answer a list of questions so I could introduce them to you.


In Memoriam: Tom DoyleIn Memoriam: Tom Doyle

T he strength of our club has always come from the many volunteer members whose

selfless contributions of their time and effort have benefitted us all. Sadly, with the passing of Tom Doyle, we have lost one of the hardest working and most inspirational of this cohort.

Upon joining in 2006, Tom immediately rolled up his sleeves and looked for opportunities to participate in club activities, events and organization. He and his wife Wanda won the Bad Penny award (for participating regularly in events) in 2007, their first full year as members!

Although Tom had a long-term interest in the Jaguar marque, it was only after his retirement that he was able to fully enjoy the hobby. Tom caught the Concours bug and starting in 2007 entered at least one car every year in our Heritage Classic Concours d’Elegance winning a first-place trophy each year in the Jaguar Clubs of North American (JCNA) Driven Class for either his 1964 E-Type OTS, 1959 XK150 FHC, or 1938 SS100 replica. By competing in the Concours of our sister clubs in the North West (NW) region of JCNA, Tom and Wanda also took Regional and National awards every year from 2006 onwards.

Tom did much of the work on his Jaguars, perhaps the most ambitious being the complete assembly of his 1938 SS100 replica which he built in a double storage facility in Squamish. This multi year project reached a milestone on Jan 1, 2012 when eight CXKJR members attended a workshop in Squamish to assist Tom with placing the body on the chassis. Everyone was in awe of the attention to detail and precision of the work Tom had done up to that point. His effort was rewarded in 2014 when he took first place overall in the JCNA North American Championship Special Division, an amazing accomplishment.

Although he loved to work on and show his cars, Tom’s most loved driving them. He admired the performance of

his classic Jags while enjoying the technical advances in their 2003 S-Type, 2007 XK8 Coupe and 2010 XF Sedan. One of his favorite runs was the Sea to Sky highway with its stunning views and challenging curves.

So, it was no surprise when Wanda and Tom organized a most enjoyable Koffee Klatch drive on that very road. The run started at Park Royal, with stopovers at Alice Lake and his SS100 workshop. The event concluded with a BBQ at their lovely home in Furry Creek where several of Wanda’s beautiful paintings were on display in her studio.

Despite the time commitments of his many restoration projects, Tom always made time to contribute to our club. He was a long time Certified JCNA Concours Judge, adjudicating at each of the many regional shows he and Wanda attended. He served on the Executive as Vice-President (2010), President (2011) and Past President (2012). Tom took on the enormous role of Heritage Concours Chair from 2014 through 2018, and was Heritage Co-Coordinator in 2017 & 2018. All while preparing his entries and judging.

Tom always found time for fellow members, warmly welcoming new people to the club, gladly helping others with car projects and inspiring everyone with his can-do spirit and positive attitude. He truly epitomized the ideal car enthusiast and club member. Tom and Wanda made many friends in our club, our sister clubs in the NW Region and within JCNA, where he contributed to the Concours Committee for many years.

While he will be greatly missed, Tom’s spirit will carry forward in all of us who his leadership inspired. n

Editor's Note: The CXKJR/CCMGC Executive arranged for the Club's VCC Student Award presented this spring to be named The Tom Doyle Memorial Award. Details in the July August Classical Gas.

by Les Garbutt


Reza TahmasbiPh. 604.254.COOL (2665)

Fax 604.254.2667 Email [email protected]

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Tom was an active supporter of CXKJRTom was an active supporter of CXKJRPhotos by Les Garbutt, unless otherwise indicated.

Photo 1 Tom with his 1964 E-Type OTS at the Jaguars on the Green in Tacoma at the Le May Museum in August 2016. Photo by Tim Horton.

Photo 2 Tom with the headlight from the 1938 SS100.

Photo 3 Eight CXKJR members attended a January 2012 workshop in Squamish to assist Tom with placing the body on the chassis of his 1938 SS100 replica.

Photo 4 In June 2012, Tom & his wife Wanda organized a Kaffee Klatch and hosted a barbecue at their house at Furry Creek.

11 22

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Sir Stirling Moss

BOOK REVIEW

1929 – 2020

O ne of the greatest race drivers of all time, Stirling Moss died in Mayfair, England, on April 12 following a long illness. Few might know that Stirling was an honourary member of the Canadian Classic MG Club that existed between 1964 and 1969. He was in Vancouver in the mid-60s for the start

of the Shell 4000 Rally and to promote the Westwood Motorsport Park. The original CCMGC (prior to the club becoming a registered society) was tasked with providing personnel for the official start of the rally at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Ian Newby recalls that the newspapers published an invitation to meet Moss at the downtown Woodwards store.

At the time he attended, there was nobody else in sight so the two of them enjoyed a lengthy conversation. Ian asked Stirling if he would be willing to become an Honourary Member of the Canadian Classic MG Club and he said yes. Ian had him sign a membership card.

Sir Stirling Moss was a versatile driver, winning 212 of the 529 races of his professional career. While known for Formula One racing, he drove in the streamlined MG EX181 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1957, smashing the world land speed record with his two runs averaging 245.64 mph. Earlier, Moss had set two other world records during 1951 at the Montlhery racing circuit in France, driving a Jaguar XK120, the first time a production car averaged over 100 mph. The world has lost a true icon of auto racing. n

D riving your “Jag-u-ar” a little less right now? Feeling short of British

satisfaction? A fireside remedy is on tap. Join Morse in his famous red Mark ll to read Colin Dexter’s detective stories published 1975-1999. The Third Inspector Morse Omnibus book includes three Dexter novels: “Last Bus to Woodstock”, “The Wench is Dead”, and “The Jewel That was Lost”. The places in England are real. Pretend you’re in Oxford. Grab the steering wheel and start reading.

Conversations between the smart and arrogant Inspector Morse and Lewis, his unappreciated but knowledgeable sidekick, are very funny. Morse’s brainy solutions, and sometimes mistaken concepts, are a mixture of Pub bubbles, genius strategy, Mozart music, crossword puzzles, literary history, and the constant, but reticent help from Lewis.

The British TV series “Inspector Morse” presented in 1987-2000 is based on the novels. “Inspector Morse” is now being broadcast again on PBS. The “Last Bus to Woodstock” was previously broadcast on PBS in March 22, 1988, and again this year on March 24, 2020. But the TV series is a soft serve and abbreviated version of the original novels. The novels have more realism, surprising and risqué conversations, complex story line, and are much richer (and ruder) than could be presented on TV. Morse’s red Mark ll will always takes you to a murder.

You can find Colin Dexter novels online for $3.99 to $66.99. I got my red hard cover copy used (very good condition) on eBay for $6.00. Let’s get going.

Cheers, Jim Sanders, SeattleMember: CXKJR-CCMGC, MGCCNWC, JDRC/NWA, NAMGAR,

NAMGBR, JCNAProud owner of: 1959 MGA, 1967 MGB GT “The Queen Mum”,

1985 Jaguar XJ6 VDP

Stirling and the MG EX181 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1957, setting a

world record at 245.64 mph.

Jennifer Orum

Colin Dexter…Inspector Morse…and a Jaguar Mark ll



Dispatches from the Newby EstateDispatches from the Newby Estate

D ue to the pandemic, we’ve had to find something worthwhile to do with our time while isolated. The longer it lasts, the more projects will get finished.

[Ian Newby, March 24] Doreen & I now have five MGs running: 1953 MG TD “Old Bill”; 1968 MGB GT; 1968 MGC GT (“the Perfidious C”); 1969 MGC Roadster; 1974 MGB Roadster. I don’t think we’ve had this many MGs running before. [Ian on May 23] n

“After a 20 year sleep, Doreen’s 1968 MGB GT comes back to life.” March 24

“Abingdon West. The elves have been busy.” April 15

“Changing the headlights on the 1997 Jaguar S-Type V8.” May 20

“Wet sanding what must have been a Monday Morning Special paint job on our 1995 XJS. Horrible task.” May 21

“Our own mini car show with our 1953 MG TD & Roger Newton’s green 1952 TD.” May 23

"A new building being erected on the north property - 140’ long with lots of room for Jags & MGs”. June 8


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Members are reminded that you can access recent issues of Classical Gas by going to the Home Page of www.jaguarmg.com and scrolling down to see the nine magazine covers. Simply click on a cover and the full issue will download. In the case of those who would like to only access Classical Gas electronically, and not receive a printed copy, please notify Senior Editor Jennifer Orum at [email protected] . This saves trees and both printing & mailing costs.

ACCESS CLASSICAL GAS ONLINE!


Alec’s Automotive ........................................10

BBC Best British Cars ....................................19

Carry-On British Parts ....................................19

Castrol/Wakefield ............................................8

Classic Collision Limited ..................................4

Coast Import Auto Supply ................................4

Dependable Plating Ltd. ................................20

Dickens British Sweets & Groceries ................10

Hagerty Classic Car Insurance ...2 (Inside front cover)

Heywood Motors ...........................................10

Icy – Cool Automotive Parts & Services Ltd. ....19

Imperial Trophies ............................................8

I.W.E. Rear Ends Only Ltd. ...............................4

Jaguar Richmond .............27 (Inside back cover)

Jaguar Victoria ................................................8

Land Rover of Richmond..................................4

Land Rover of Victoria ...................................20

Mister Transmission ........................................4

Northwest Import Parts .................................23

Octagon Motor Group ................ 28 (Back cover)

OK Tire (Richmond) .........................................8

Pacific Autotrim & Glass ................................10

Pacific Fasteners Ltd. ....................................20

Ralph’s Mobile Electronics .............................20

RWM & Co. ....................................................6

RX Autoworks ...............................................20

Silk Cat Automotive Specialists Ltd. ...............23

SNG Barratt ..................................................16

Sovereign Motors Inc. ...................................10

Stan’s Transmission Specialists .......................8

Welsh Enterprises Inc. ...................................23

Moss Classic Jaguar .............................................. 28 (Back cover)

Index to Classical Gas Advertisers

CXKJR/CCMGC CLUB ADVISORSClub members should feel free to call these contacts who have volunteered to help with the purchase, repair and/or restoration of various MG and Jaguar models.

MG• TD: Tony Cohen 604-922-3332• MGA: MGA coupe/twin cam 1955 to 1962:

John Clarke 604-291-1890• MGB 1962 to 1974 ½: Joe Carroll 604-988-2497;

Doug Gale 604-521-3021 • MGB 1974 ½ to 1980: Allan Lawrence 604-937-0439

& Kayte Lawrence 604-715-0007 • MGB GT V8: Al Riches 604-942-7370 • MG Midget: Al Inglis 604-737-0044 • MGF: Mike Harford 604-460-2212

JAGUAR• XK 140: Jim McLean 604-925-0689• E-type: John Clarke 604-291-1890

Les Garbutt 604-266-9086 John Morse 604-594-8992

Members are encouraged to check www.jaguarmg.com often for:

Calendar of Events

Club History including all Club Awards

Access to the 9 most recent copies of Classical Gas

Access to the most recent 3 years of Little Classical Gas

Links to Classical Gas Advertisers

Links to Jaguar & MG-related sites

Membership information, online form & payment

CXKJR/CCMGC WEBSITE

And don’t forget the Club Facebook page!

Jag /MG Club Vancouver


Reprinted with permission


The Last WordThe Last WordVanDusen Gardens ABFMOriginally to be May 16, the 35th Annual All British Field Meet is being re-scheduled for later in the summer, along with the All-British Vancouver Whistler Run. This will be subject to week-to-week COVID-19 developments and direction from regulating officials.

Portland All British Field Meet September 4 - 6The Portland ABFM is still on, being moved to Labour Day weekend (Sept. 4, 5, & 6) for this year to accommodate the new Indy Race schedule due to the virus. The Indy cars are planned to be running at PIR the week after Labour Day. The featured marque at the ABFM this year is the MG and the SOVREN Columbia River Classic will make its annual late-summer return to the ABFM, with a special “All MG Race” to salute the featured marque. More info: https://www.abfm-pdx.com/2020 . Canadians may not have the opportunity to attend the Portland ABFM this year, since it is unlikely the US Canadian border will be open by early September, and even it is, the requirement for two weeks isolation on returning to Canada will be a seriously discouraging factor.

Sea to Sky All British Rally September 26 Circle the Date! You’re invited to take part in one of the last British car runs of the season before you put your beloved treasures away for the winter. The 8th annual Sea to Sky Rally starts at 8:00 am with coffee and donuts at Silk Cat Automotive (1053 Churchill Crescent, North Vancouver) with all cars on the road no later than 9:30 am for the 120 km scenic drive. It goes through West Vancouver and then up Highway 99 to Whistler. Cars will be displayed at the Olympic Plaza until 3:30 pm. The $49.50 registration fee covers coffee and donuts at the start, a commemorative metal plaque, and the chance to win fantastic prizes. The commemorative plaque was designed by internationally-recognized Canadian artist (and Jaguar 420 owner) Charles van Sandwyk. The event will be restricted to 50 cars, so register early. For more information and to register, go to: www.seatoskyallbritishrally.com

LAMB ReportThe Langley Area Mostly British Motoring Club cancelled their 15th Annual St. George’s Show in April, but they are hopeful their annual Autojumble will be able to take place September 27. Stay tuned for an update in the July August Classical Gas. n

TT he cover of the March April Classical Gas showed Ruth Schmidt’s MGB Roadster, with the “On the Cover” description identifying it as a 1968. The

Senior Editor would like to be able to say this was a quiz for alert readers, but it was just a typo. It should have read 1978.

MG QUIZ?March /April 2020

Volume 51, Issue 2

March /April 2020

Volume 51, Issue 2Classical G

asClassical G

as

www. jaguarmg .comwww. jaguarmg .com

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With Moss Motors’ professional sales staff, engineers, technical team, and a long legacy of service, Jaguar owners can expect top-tier parts selection and availability. And with two warehouses, our delivery is fast across the country. Long live the Jaguar.

Jaguar Owners have our full support!

lasscal gas · 2020. 6. 10. · a highlight in jaguar racing history [from ben brown, seattle...

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