MG Gazette - North American MGA Register
Transcription
MG Gazette - North American MGA Register
Keystone Region MG Club On the web at: Keystonemg.com MG Gazette Newsletter, Volume 22, Issue 11, November 2013 Collier Brothers, Sam and Miles with their MGTC’s at Watkins Glen, 1948 - 60th Anniversary celebration at Watkins Glen - September 2014 2 The Steering Column – President Dick Horn Cheers All! Well the club's nominations and voting for officers is this coming meeting (Nov. 19th) at the Blue Monkey Restaurant in Catasauqua so if you have someone in mind that you would like to see get elected for office this is your chance. At present the current officers have been nominated and also Bob Pilat has been nominated to run for vice president. As some of you know I've had my MGA coupe for sale for some time and now I have to report that it's been sold. If you've ever sold a certain car it can be a relief/sorrow feeling that you may feel and I guess that's what I'm going through, if you want to hear the story catch me alone sometime. Some of the club members got together for breakfast a few weeks back at J&R's Smokehouse in Wind Gap, we had eleven people show and all had a great time. We only had two MG's but .... who's counting! Nothing much more to report til the meeting, oops, I forgot to mention, my article that was printed in our newsletter has been published in the latest NAMGAR "MGA!" November/December issue by our newsletter editor Greg Prehodka. Thank you Greg. Cheers! (Again?) Dick AFFLICTION! – Learning to Live with a Life-Long Car Disorder For those of you who get NAMGAR’s MGA! Magazine, check out pages 26-27 of the November/December issue, where there is a feature article on our own club president Dick Horn, about his life with MGs and other sports Cars. Dick will be available for autograph signing at our November club meeting ! March Meeting, Tuesday November 19th 3 At the “Blue Monkey”, 1092-1094 Howertown Road, North Catasauqua, Pa (about 1-1/2 mile N.W of the Allentown airport) ttp://www.bluemonkeysports.com/ 610-266-1550 Located minutes north of the Lehigh Valley Mall in North Catasauqua, Pa., the Blue Monkey offers patrons a unique experience that blends a contemporary atmosphere and relaxed menu with over 200 different beers. Check out our 15 flavors of wings and see why our wings were voted #1 in the Lehigh Valley! NOTE: Meeting in Room Upstairs PLEASE Wear Your Namebadges - Thanks Meeting Agenda – November 19th Early arrival – order off menu Green Table – bring in your stuff Food Drive – collect food for Food Bank Meeting Starts 7:00 Old Business and Recent Activities New Business o Election of Officers o Dues o Holiday Parties (December / January) Keystone Region MG Club Meeting Minutes, October 15, 2013 President Dick Horn opened the first meeting of the fall/winter season at The Widow’s Tavern and Grille in Stockerton. We will alternate meeting places between The Widow’s and the Blue Monkey in Catasauqua through the winter. Treasurer Bill Page reported the club roster at 65 members, with an account balance of $8,682. Most importantly, Bill announced he would be INVOICING the memberships in December for dues renewals in the hopes of getting dues money in earlier, and also so to make sure members updated their contact and car information. Members reported on the following recent events: — The British Car Club of the Lehigh Valley’s Autumn Leaf show at Moravian Academy was well-attended, and Marybeth Chamberlain reported they had “the best weather ever.” — Bill Miers reported a great turnout for the annual fall Wine Run, with 20 people turning out in 10 cars. “The weather was great, the roads were good, and no one got lost … as least on the way there.” — Dick Horn and Bill Page reported on their trip to the AACA Fall Meet in Hershey, which was cursed with about nine inches of rain over the weekend. Dick and Bill said it was a “good experience” nonetheless, although apparently Bill’s camper did spring some leaks… Dick reminded club members of some upcoming events: — Brits at the Village show in Lahaska, Pa., on Oct. 19, hosted by the Philadelphia MG Club. 4 — Next club meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at the Blue Monkey in Catasauqua. — The annual Holiday Cheer get-together with the BCCLV on Friday, Dec. 13 at K&T Vintage Sports Cars in Allentown. — The annual Holiday Banquet with the BCCLV on Saturday, Jan. 18 at the BarnHouse Village in Bath. Art Edinger announced that our old meeting place, Gregory’s Steakhouse in Allentown, is undergoing extensive renovations after last December’s fire, and expects to reopen in the middle of summer 2014. Dick said the club can consider meeting there again next fall if they continue to offer a meeting room at no charge. Charles de Bourbon will soon begin preparing his annual “Year in Review” video, and asked anyone with photos from this year’s club events to please send them along, with his regrets that he and Kim have been unable to attend as many club outings as they would have liked. Marty Chamberlain said he sent club T-shirts to the two couples who joined the club (and boosted our points total) at the British Marque Car Club News Triathlon up in Massachusetts in August. Kim de Bourbon reminded everyone that the club’s library of reference books and other material is hosted by Ken & Cindy Beck at K&T Vintage Sports Cars. A fairly up-to-date inventory of books, manuals and videos is on the website at www.keystonemg.com/library.html. Mike Jones mentioned that he still has some club patches available for those who volunteered at the 20th Anniversary Hellertown show. See him. Our guest speaker at the meeting was Geoffrey Isabelle of Classic Motoring LLC, who brokers, consults, appraises and researches classic car sales for clients.(www.classicmotoringllc.com) Thanksgiving Food Drive For Nazareth Area Food Bank Also to let you know in advance, at our November 19th meeting at the Blue Monkey Sports Bar, we will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Nazareth Area Food Bank, to help make Thanksgiving a bit better for those less fortunate in our area. So when you get a chance, - start collecting some food items 5 “Green Table” A way to share with your MG buddies. Bring in to the meeting your unwanted “anything” that you are willing to give away for “Free”. Definitely “Car Stuff”, but anything else too! Put it on the “Green Table” for folks to take from. Plus if you see anything on the Green Table you’d like, please take it! Going “British Green”! Members Helping Club Members What a great facility we have in our Club. I sent out a call for help, yesterday afternoon, to find 3 slightly unusual bolts that failed on my `74 MG B, rendering it immobile at a garage that does inspections for my cars. If I had had to wait for the bolts to come from California, I might have had storage charges to pay. But, seven of you tried to help me so I was able to deliver the bolts to the garage at noon today so they could get the B running again. The supplier that had what I needed was Associated Fasteners located at 6854 Chrisphat Street, off of rt. 512 just south of Bath ,PA. So thanks to you all and especially to Thomas Kobrick who suggested Associated. Bill Miers, MGB SEE THE MG3 ADVERT BEFORE THE PUBLIC MG3 ADVERT DEBUTS ON TV The MG3 advert will make its debut on national television on Friday 1st November 2013. However, because we value our MG friends and family so much, we would like to give you the privilege to watch it before the general public. Here you go - enjoy http://youtu.be/8lzhpAcyAOU! Opinions on New MG3 Saw the video----No styling what so ever. Looks like just another foreign import. No thanks. Where is the MG STYLE !?!! Art Edinger Art, I understand your comments. The new MG3 sort of reminds me of a warmed over Mini Cooper. But at least it is keeping the MG name - and MG hopes alive in England (not here). Otherwise in the US - and we're seeing this - MG interest and support is slowly dying, as (most of) our kids (and grand kids) aren't really interested in our MGs. MG is becoming the car of the AARP generation! Where will all our MGs end up some day? How many young drivers here even "know what an MG car is", never mind wanting to have one? The fact that the MG "badge" is still alive anywhere, is a small miracle! I would have expected it to have gone the way of Packard, Singer, Rambler, Triumph, Siata, Sunbeam, Turner, yada, yada. It almost did! British 6 Leyland screwed themselves - and MG enthusiasts - years ago! (a sad story) The Corvette club doesn't have our problems! Greg Prehodka Nomination and Election of Club Officers A reminder that as per our club's by-laws, nomination of club officers is open from October to the November meeting. Then elections will be held at the November meeting. At our October meeting all current officers were re-nominated for 2014 terms of office, but anyone else may still nominate someone else up until we vote on them at our November meeting. Dues for 2014 Another note as per club by-laws, "The dues for the club shall be reviewed annually by the board of directors and voted upon by the membership at the November meeting" 2013 “Before We Put ‘em Away Run” Please join us for one last quick run before the snow flies... This Run was founded by Robert Franz of the Bentley Drivers Group, and the DVRCCCA and is traditionally held on the last Sunday before Thanksgiving. Now open to all antique, classic and sports cars, we will make what could be the last run of the season. At 9AM on Sunday November 24, 2013, plan to meet at Ragtops & Roadsters 203 South Fourth St. Perkasie, PA for coffee, scones and a shop tour, then we hit the road around 10 AM. We will navigate the rural country roads of Bucks and Montgomery County and take the long way to Pottstown. We plan to arrive at our sister shop, Pollock Auto Restoration 70 S F ranklin St. Pottstown just before noon. Lunch will be waiting for us and we can join the already in progress, Fall Open House. Yes… That’s a fall drive and two shop tours all in one day! Please RSPV to Dave at 215 257 1202 or [email protected]. Watch the New Chervolet Corvette being built on U-Tube 7 http://youtu.be/CTe2wnfsALo ********************************************************************** MG Winter Hibernation By Greg Prehodka Here are some of my suggestions for storing your MG (or classic car) for winter. Or on the flip side, you can do what I do – drive your MG year round (but not necessarily every day)! Advice on winter storage may vary, but you’ll get the idea. Not only will this help to better preserve your car over the winter, but you will be ready to go come next spring! These are guidelines for winter storage. Long-term storage is somewhat different. 1. If you car needs any “Major Work” arrange for it NOW to get it done over the winter. Do you need new tires yet? Engine rebuild? Brake job? Fact of life – any major work usually ends up taking a lot LONGER than you figured! Trust me – I know from experience! 2. Perform any routine maintenance on the car: a. Change oil and filter b. Clean the car inside and outside thoroughly c. Check all fluids, top up as needed d. Check all lights in working order e. Check all belts and hoses f. Check anti-freeze protection of cooling system (cheap antifreeze checkers available in most automotive stores) 3. Gasoline/Gas Tank. Several options here. (fuel tank full or empty!) a. Add a fuel stabilizer and fill the tank to the top if you have an ethanol blended gas in it (read the sign at the gas pump). Ethanol will slowly separate and combine with water in time. b. OR - fill the tank with “non-ethanol added“ gasoline (preferred), and add a fuel stabilizer. (Ike’s Airport Garage, 3220 Airport Road, Allentown, Pa., 610-867-8921, Sonoco Gas) c. OR – totally empty your fuel tank and fuel system. 4. Battery. A discharged battery in freezing temperatures can CRACK! a. Disconnect the ground strap on the battery and clean it. b. Clean the top of the battery (a dirty battery top can cause self-discharge via the conductivity of the dirt when damp!) c. Attach a “battery maintainer” charger to it - or put a battery charger on it every few weeks. d. If battery hold down is corroded, fix/repair as needed. e. On 1977 and newer MGB’s, which have an electric clock, disconnect it by removing its fuse from the fuse block to prevent it from draining the battery. 5. Before you park it, take it for a good drive that will bring the engine and exhaust up to full operating temperature. A half hour drive is good. Do several HARD stops from speed (say 50mph) in a row. This will heat up the brake components to evaporate any moisture at the brakes. Shut off procedure: Bring the engine’s revs up high, kill the ignition, and give it full throttle. This will help purge burnt gases (and moisture) from the engine and exhaust. 8 6. After engine is cooled down, generously spray plenty of a light oil (WD-40 or CRC-56) on engine parts and around the engine compartment on items which might corrode. 7. Tires. Increase tire pressures to around five pounds of pressure over maximum recommended tire pressure. (usually to around 40psi) This to help prevent “flat spotting” over the winter. Remember to re-set pressures come springtime. Tires over 10 years old are UNSAFE! Bite the bullet and buy new ones. Optionally, you can put the car up on stands or blocks. If you do this put the stands under the suspension – not under the chassis. Keep the suspension under load. 8. Mice! They can cause more damage than you realize! They will burrow into seats, insulation, carpeting, and wire insulation!! Close off ALL their access points into the car! If you might possibly have a problem with mice where you store the car, also put clothes dryer “Fabric Softener Sheets” in the passenger compartment, engine compartment, trunk, and stuff some into the end of the exhaust pipe (or duct tape it over). (I had mice living in my exhaust system one winter! When I started the engine up in the spring, mice came blowing out the exhaust pipe!) For those with T Type MGs, apply termite treatment to the body tub wood frame (just kidding)! 9. Store the MG with the hood (TOP) erected up, windows and vents closed. The top can develop nasty creases if left folded over the winter. Be sure the handbrake is OFF! 10. Insure the trunk is DRY! Check. Sometimes rain can leak into it, and settle on the bottom. If left damp, it can rust through! 11. Dust cover of some type is up to you. Never use plastic which can seal moisture in. 12. Now order any parts you might need for next spring, so you’ll be ready. 13. DO NOT start the engine “occasionally” over the winter unless you are taking it for a decent drive! Brief start/stop of the engine is about the worse thing you can do to your car! It will create moisture condensation and internal corrosion!! 14. One last item: Insurance. Insurance is a must – even on a stored MG. Have a theft, damage, vandalism, fire, etc. policy on your MG. BAD STUFF does happen! Be sure you MG is covered! Fun In The SNOW With Your MG !! 9 MG 2014 – North American MGB Register By Kim de Bourbon MG 2014, the annual gathering of the North American MGB Register, will be held June 15-18 in southern Indiana, in a little town named French Lick that is known for two things: Hometown of Boston Celtics superstar Larry Bird, and for two huge gilded-age resorts that sprang from the “miracle waters” of the area’s natural mineral springs. Charles and I visited there recently when we attended the NAMGBR Annual General Meeting — each fall the AGM is held at the location of the next year’s convention, giving everyone attending a sneak peak at the venue and environs. Two grand and huge old hotels make up the French Lick Resort property where the event will be held. The properties recently received a $580 million renovation to bring them up to modern standards, although much of the charm of the early 20th century hotels remains. The car show and related events (tech sessions and banquet) will be held at French Lick Springs Hotel, which has 443 rooms and dates back to 1901. This is the official host hotel, and features palatial details and an ornate gilded lobby. The French Lick has a 24hour casino and convention center attached, as well as a spa and fitness center, pool complex, both casual and formal restaurants, and shops. The second hotel is the West Baden Springs Hotel, an architectural wonder built in 1902 that features rooms circling a 200-foot domed atrium. Certainly worth a visit even if you don’t intend to stay there. It’s quite spectacular. There’s free shuttle service between the two hotels and to the three championship-level golf courses on the properties: two 18-hole and one 9-hole. These grand old resorts are located in two very tiny rural towns featuring just a smattering of small stores, bars and restaurants. French Lick (population 1,800) has a very southern feel — after all, it is only an hour northwest of Louisville, Ky. — and there are lovely rural roads in the rolling hills all around it, as well as the Hoosier National Forest. Anyway, if anyone in the club is interested in making the trip to French Lick next summer with Charles and me, get in touch. It’s an 11-hour drive (nonstop) from Allentown on the interstates. Although we drove it in one day in the Subaru, if there is club interest in a caravan, we would consider a more indirect route and take two days down. And, if you ARE planning to attend, go to mg-2014.com and get your room reservations in NOW. Rooms are booking quickly at the French Lick Springs (host hotel, where the action is.) Rooms are $135/night at French Lick Springs, and $189/night at the exotic West Baden Springs Hotel. Alternatively, there is one modern franchise hotel (a Comfort Suites) nearby, and it is about $111/night, plus a handful of local motels and B&Bs. Did you know that the words "race car" spelled backward still spell "race car?" 10 HILTON HEAD ISLAND CONCOURS d’ELEGANCE Mike Jones The Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival and Concours d’Elegance was held from October 25th through November 3rd. Ken and Cindy Beck and Myra and I attended. Ken has been graciously transporting my 1950 MG TD to various concours events since its restoration in 2008. This year we attended the above mentioned concours. At 825 miles, it was the most distant. I made application to show the MG in February or March of this year. I received an acceptance notice in July. I began the clean-up work on my car in the middle of October. After a week of cleaning, the car was ready for its trip.. We loaded up Ken’s enclosed car trailer on October 30th and left for Hilton Head the next morning. We stayed away from I 95 as much as we could until we got to South Carolina. We arrived in Hilton Head on the afternoon of November 1. The next day we found the transporter parking site, left the trailer there, and went on to the car show. Saturday featured all kinds of cars arranged by car club. British, Corvette, Porsche, Muscle, and many other clubs displayed cars. The featured marque of the week was Porsche. There was a large corporate presence as well. BMW, Jaguar, Lexus, Lotus, Porsche, and Tesla all had car displays. Most of these dealers offered test drives. Ken drove the new Jaguar F Type. The venue for this 12th annual show was new this year. They moved the show to the historic Port Royal Plantation Golf Club. Showing cars on an old and beautiful golf course adds a touch of elegance to the proceedings. It seems the entire community of Hilton Head gets behind this “Motoring Festival and Concours”. Live music included the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, a lively jazz band, and a very good high school swing band. Everything was well managed and they had a very willing and capable staff of volunteers. Sunday, November 3rd, was the Concours d’Elegance. Ken and I drove the TD onto the show field at about 8:15 a.m. That gave me about 45 minutes to finish any last minute touch-up work. Not much was necessary. A quick dust off and some time to brush the grass off of the tire treads, was all I needed. I looked around at the competition in the MG class and came to realize that I would probably not get Best in Class. At about 9:45 my car was judged. Two judges gave the car a thorough examination. As usual they checked that the car ran. This time, however, they checked all lights and flashers, the instruments and the horn. Everything had to work or you would lose points. I was so glad that we got the turn signals working before this show. After the car was judged, Myra and I went to look at the other show car classes. When we returned we saw that our car received a Palmetto Award. The Best of Class award went to a very rare 1933 L1 police model MG (one of two in the world). The other 11 Palmetto Award went to a freshly restored 1933 MG J2. Myra and I were very happy to drive through the winners circle and share the spotlight with these rare and finely restored MG’s. Our growing collection of awards attests to Ken’s fine restoration work at K & T Vintage Sports Cars! Ken – left Mike - right Kjell Qvale passes at 94 Kjell Qvale, an auto retailer who helped pioneer the importation of European auto brands to the United States after World War II and also played a key role in motorsports, died Saturday at the age of 94. Qvale started out by importing imported British sports cars to his network of California car dealerships, and went on to purchase the Jensen brand. Developing an interest in motorsports, Qvale produced cars for the Indianapolis 500, along with his namesake sports car, the Qvale Mangusta. He established San Francisco's International Auto Show, was one of the founders of the venerable Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in Monterey, Calif., in 1950, and is credited with the vision that contributed to the creation of the tricky “Corkscrew” turn at the Laguna Seca Raceway. The first foray into the automotive field for "Mr. Q" was a Willy's Jeep franchise he purchased in Alameda, Calif. in 1947. Later, during a meeting with the James motorcycle importer in New Orleans, Qvale got a glimpse of one of the first postwar MG-TC Roadsters. The next year, Qvale became the MG distributor for the West Coast, calling his San Francisco based company, British Motor Car Distributors, Ltd. In 1953 Qvale, along with partner Reynold C. Johnson, gave his first order to Volkswagen Germany for 12 VW Beetles to sell in Northern California. Along with his brother Knute, Kjell started Riviera Motors as the sole Volkswagen importer for the Pacific Northwest in 1954, which eventually grew to over 2,500 Volkswagen, Porsche and Audi vehicle sales per month. At one point he was the distributor for more than 100 dealerships, selling 10 different brands of German and British cars. Qvale's interest in manufacturing led to his involvement in a series of BMC-powered MG racecars, including the “MG Liquid Suspension Special” that ran in the Indianapolis 500 in 1963-'65 (RIGHT), with famed fabricator and designer Joe Huffaker. Qvale/Huffaker 12 produced over 40 Genie and Formula Junior race cars together and many years later campaigned a factory SCCA Trans-Am winning Mangusta. In 1970, Qvale bought the Jensen factory in West Bromwich, England, and with Donald Healey, built the fast and sleek Jensen Healey. The Jensen factory produced more than 12,000 Jensen Interceptors and Jensen Healey sports cars from 1970-76. The roadster also became one of the few cars in Sports Car Club of America history to capture five SCCA national “D” production championships. “My father's passing leaves us with big shoes to fill,” said one of his sons, Bruce Qvale. “His determination to succeed and passion for the car business has inspired me ever since I was a young boy and our whole family has shared a love of the business as a result of his enthusiasm. We will do our best to carry on the legacy Dad created.” Cruise to Blair Vineyards - Kutztown “On a leap of faith in our weather system forecasts and despite some heavy rain late Friday afternoon we decided on a GO far Saturday. Ten cars gathered at the Schnecksville Diner on October 12th for an 11:15 am departure. We enjoyed a beautiful brisk Fall day as we cruised through the country side colored with autumn foliage. We exercised our cars transmissions and engines as we adjusted for changing elevations and twists and turns as we approached Blair Vineyards. The steep drive to the tasting house passes through vineyards on both sides. The 20 of us gathered at tall tables on the covered patio and enjoyed a tasting of three whites and reds along with our picnics. We also enjoyed meeting new members and a couple from Bloomsburg, driving a handsome BRG Austin Healey, who used to live in Allentown.” Bill and Gini Miers Tom Brobst photos 13 MG Car Club’s On-Line Store in the UK Lots of MG goodies here: www.kimberstores.co ACAA Eastern Regional Fall Meet at Hershey R. Horn Grandma Still Drives Grandma is 88 years old and still drives her own car. She writes: Dear Grand-daughter, The other day I went up to our local Christian book store and saw a 'Honk if you love Jesus' bumper sticker .. I bought the sticker and put it on my bumper. Boy, am I glad I did; what an uplifting experience that followed. I was stopped at a red light at a busy intersection, just lost in thought about the Lord and how good He is, and I didn't notice that the light had changed. It is a good thing someone else loves Jesus because if he hadn't honked, I'd never have noticed. I found that lots of people love Jesus! While I was sitting there, the guy behind started honking like crazy, and then he leaned out of his window and screamed, 'For the love of God!' 'Go! Go! Go! Jesus Christ, GO!' (What an exuberant cheerleader he was for Jesus!) Everyone started honking! I just leaned out my window and started waving and smiling at all those loving people. I even honked my horn a few times to share in the love! There must have been a man from Florida back there because I heard him yelling something about a 'sunny beach'. I saw another guy waving in a funny way with only his middle finger stuck up in the air. I asked my young teenage grandson in the back seat what that meant. He said it was probably a Hawaiian good luck sign or something. Well, I have never met anyone from Hawaii , so I leaned out the window and gave him the good luck sign right back. My grandson burst out laughing. (he was enjoying this religious experience!! ) 14 A couple of the people were so caught up in the joy of the moment that they got out of their cars and started walking towards me. I bet they wanted to pray or ask what church I attended, but this is when I noticed the light had hanged. So, grinning, I waved at all my brothers and sisters, and drove on through the intersection. I noticed that I was the only car that got through the intersection before the light changed again and felt kind of sad that I had to leave them after all the love we had shared. So I slowed the car down, leaned out the window and gave them all the Hawaiian good luck sign one last time as I drove away. Praise the Lord for such wonderful folks!! Will write again soon, Love, Grandma Visit to Pennsylvania College of Technology On November 8th a group of nine members of the British Car Club of the Leigh Valley went to the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pa. for a tour of their facilities which support the college’s automotive restoration program. They offer the only college-level vintage vehicle restoration program of study on the East Coast. Students in the Automotive Restoration Technology program (they also have other automotive programs) learn specialized restoration skills in the repair and maintenance of these rare vehicles, with a curriculum that emphasizes research, structural, mechanical, electrical, and refinishing skills utilizing the latest methods and technology. Fine attention to detail, quality craftsmanship and professionalism and trademarks of this industry are strongly reinforced in the coursework for this degree. These students will become our future car restorers! The BCCLV club sponsors a $500/year scholarship to an area student taking the restoration program. (Greg Prehodka) 15 Police Work Can Be Entertaining As Well as Dangerous. Recently, a female police officer arrested Patrick Lawrence, 22 year old white male, fornicating with a pumpkin in the middle of the night. The next day, at the Gwinnett County (GA) courthouse, Lawrence was charged with lewd and lascivious behaviour, public indecency and public intoxication. The suspect explained that as he was passing a pumpkin patch on his way home from a drinking session when he decided to stop, 'You know how a pumpkin is soft and squishy inside, and there was no one around for miles or at least I thought there wasn't anyone around' he stated. Lawrence went on to say that he pulled over to the side of the road, picked out a pumpkin that he felt was appropriate to his purpose, cut a hole in it, and proceeded to satisfy his pressing need. 'Guess I was really into it, you know?' he commented with evident embarrassment. In the process of doing the deed, Lawrence failed to notice an approaching police car and was unaware of his audience until Officer Brenda Taylor approached the side of his car. 'It was an unusual situation, that's for sure,' said Officer Taylor. 'I walked up to Lawrence and he's just banging away at this pumpkin.' Officer Taylor went on to describe what happened when she approached Lawrence . I said: 'Excuse me sir, but do you realize that you're having sex with a pumpkin??' He froze and was clearly very surprised that I was there, and then he looked me straight in the face and said: 'A pumpkin? Shit ... is it midnight already?' The court (and the judge) could not contain their mirth. The Washington Post wrote an article describing this as ‘Best come-back line ever.' ******************************************* VSCCA Fall Finale – Lime Rock Park The Vintage Sports Car Club “Fall Finale” vintage car races at Lime Rock Park October 11-12 was a wonderful event that brought their racing season to a close, as it brought back many memories for me. Yes, I like the mega race events put on by clubs with hundreds of vintage race cars (like Watkins Glen), but it was refreshing to have a low key club race event without the crowds of cars, spectators, vendors, etc! It very much reminded me of my early racing days with the VSCCA in the 70's and 80's with my MGTD especially at LRP. Plenty of turf for everyone and a much friendlier atmosphere, sans 16 the expansive tractor-trailer rigs. Plenty of track time too! Great respect of driver for each other on the track! And they had an “ALL MG” feature race too! Plus perfect weather complimented the event, as fall colors were blooming around us! There was lots of friendly dicing on the track, and we had a wonderful dinner Friday evening at a nearby historic resort inn. Greg Prehodka OFFICERS & Positions President, Dick Horn [email protected] 610-253-4575 V. President, Art Edinger [email protected] 610-760-8883 Treasurer, Bill Page [email protected] 610-866-8626 Secretary Kim deBourbon [email protected] 570-4246259 Alternate Secretary Sunny Sonnenrein [email protected] 610-346-9624 Newsletter, Greg Prehodka [email protected] 862-686-5273 Technical, Ken Beck [email protected] 610-865-3329 Regalia, Bob Pilat [email protected] 610-262-2646 Keystone Region MG Club – Founded 1977 The Keystone region MG Club, Inc. is a club affiliated with both the North American MGA Register and the North American MGB Register. The club meets on the third Tuesday of most months. New members and guests are always welcome. Clbu information is available online at www.keystonemg.com. The club is incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Keystone MG Club – On the Web - Upcoming Events Regalis Club History Club Info Classified ads - British Car Event Cendar - Links to other sources - Newsletteers - Club Library - And MORE! 17 K&T Vintage Sports Cars, Inc. Restoration & Repair of Vintage Automobiles 1511 East Woodlan Street, Allentown, Pa 18109 Tel: 484-664-2353, Fax: 484-664-2354, [email protected] / www.ktvintagecars.com Kenneth P. Beck, Owner Engine – Body – Brakes – Wheels – Tune-up Upholstery – Glass – and more November 2012 – November 2013 How time fly’s! I took over our club’s newsletter just a year ago. The newsletter has been fun and challenging, as I slowly got my editor’s act to gether. And getting a new Apple computer in January helped significantly. Many thanks to Kim De Bourbon for helping me with the newsletter, as I came up to speed. The newsletter has been a great way to share in our love of things MG and automotive, and a way for me to share my car enthusiasm and experience with you. It is hard to believe that I’ve had MGs for 47 years now! A big THANK YOU to all of you for your support and contributions to the newsletter this past year! Rember this is YOUR newsletter! An editor’s best problem is having “too much material”, but that has yet to happen! So, keep sending me your stuff for the newsletter – thank you. Every member should contribute sometime! I look forward to more MG fun in 2014, and sharing our experiences and information with each other through the newsletter, as well as encouraging folks to step forward to help with the club and participate in events together. It has been a pleasure to be part of the Keystone Region MG Club! Lets enjoy our MGs and each other while we still can! Get your kids into MGs! Life is too short! Cheers Greg Prehodka Editor, MG Gazette (With Stiling Moss 1982) 18 Who Will Inherit Our Vintage Steeds ?