Serving the Pre-War Morris Minor and M Type MG

Summer Rally 2012 and Pre-War Prescott, 21st to 23rd July
(Images of our 2011 event may be found here, here, here, here, here and on YouTube here.)

Northern Weekend, 28th/29th July

The Latest News from the Register

4/2/12  Hearty congratulations to Kartikea Lunia in India who took his 1930 tourer to a local show today.
What makes this such a huge achievement is that his car was not much more than a pile of bits only weeks ago.
In the last seven days, the car has been assembled, rewired, painted, upholstered and all the myriad finishing details sorted,
with work finishing in the small hours this morning.  A full report on this record-breaking restoration will be published in our Spring Magazine.

24/1/12  The Register's 2012 calendar is now available for download in the Members' Area in both A4 and 8.5" x 11" formats.
The theme of this year's calendar is our 2011 Summer Rally.

19/1/12  VMR HQ is battling the worst Pacific winter storm in living memory.  Two feet of snow has now given way to
freezing rain and an ice storm that is bringing down hundreds of trees, and power lines with them.
The city of Seattle has ground to a halt.  I'll try to post a few more images on the Forum.
Roll on the spring!

16/1/12  The 2012 Pre-War Prescott website has been launched at www.prewarprescott.com and includes an online entry form.
Keep wathcing the website for all the latest event news and it breaks.

8/1/12  The start of the 2012 vintage motoring season is here and promises to be the best yet!
The 2012 Summer Rally website has been launched today and can be found here,
and the entry form can be downloaded here.  Once again, the highlight of our Summer Rally will be Pre-War Prescott.
The following weeked will see the inauguration of our Northern Weekend in Teesdale,
details of which may be found here.  In addition, we are planning a number of new pub meets and short runs this spring,
details of which will be posted here shortly.

3/1/12  The January Newsletter was distributed by e-mail today and a copy may also be found in the Members' Area.

John Nagle's recently-restored two-seater in festive setting.

24/12/11  We wish every member across the world, their families and friends a wonderful Christmas
and a happy, peaceful and safe New Year.
Please visit our virtual Christmas pub meet on the Forum for a virtual pint with friends!

If you are considering joining the Register, December is a great time to do so, as you will receive the Winter 2011 Magazine
plus four quarterly magazines next year for the price of your 2012 subscription.
Download the 2012 Membership Form here.

8/12/11  We extend a very warm welcome to the following new members who have joined us in the last two weeks.
Paul Meeker (1934 Minor 2-seater), Andy Tullis (1934 Minor 2-seater), Doug Spooner (1933 Minor 2-seater),
Lee Robertson (1929 Minor saloon) and Tony and Debbie Slattery in Queensland who are looking for an M Type.
Welcome one and all!

7/12/11  The Register website is once again operational after the successful transfer to TalkTalk.
Numerous updates will be made in the next few days, but the first major addition was uploaded this afternoon.
It is the first part of the SV Minor 'Genome' - a table listing the body type fitted to chassis SV101 to SV18330,
as well as the full build data for all known surviving SV Minors within this production run.
This, and the full OHC Genome may be found in the Members' Area.

20/11/11   One out, one in.  Bill Piggott has sold his 1929 fabric saloon UR 4313 and acquired this very smart M Type which he plans to use
for LCES events.  As the M is currently in 12/12 trim, Bill is looking for a 3-speed box and standard single carburetter and manifold.
Please contact the Register if you can help.

ANO 17 all present and correct at the Alresford Watercress Line annual 'War on the Line', the 2011 weekend event.
Lt. Cdr. Holland on the left.

18/11/11  Welcome to new member Clive Holland who owns this rare 1933 4-seater tourer.
Regular readers may recall that Clive's car played host to a very special reunion last year.
And next year, Chris will be doing us another great favour when his Minor will play the role of HF 8547,
the Minor tourer that Cameron Gilg and Walter Kay drove from Liverpool to Capetown in 1933 (see 3/11/11 below).
ANO 17 will form the centrepiece of the Gilg and Kay exhibition at Pre-War Prescott next July.

The picturesque village of Romaldkirk at the foot of Teesdale will be the weekend's headquarters

13/11/11  Provisonal details of our inaugural 2012 Northern Weekend are now available here.
Start making your plans now.

Near the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge which marks the gateway to New York, Martin Redmond sets Pacific water free in the Atlantic.

12/11/11  14 countries, 80 cities and 15,000 miles.  Tonight, Martin Redmond and Roger Gaunt reached New York city
on the final leg of their epic round-the-world drive in their 1938 Morris 25  'Stanley'.

Congratulations to you both on a truly magnificent, once in a lifetime achievement!

Many of you have been following their progress online, but if not, here is their final daily blog from the Big Apple.

Our first Register Magazine was published in the autumn of 2000.   Just sixty copies were printed.

11/11/11  Last year we celebrated our Tenth Anniversary as a Register, and we have certainly come a very long way in that time
since our very first Magazine was distributed to about sixty founder members back in 2000.  Just how far we have come becomes clear
when one looks back at some of our early Magazines, which make fascinating and sometimes poignant reading today.

In our first year, we published 36 Magazines.  These have now been tidied up and converted to .pdf format files and are available as a full set on CD.
The Anniversary CD also contains all of our Yearbooks and a wealth of other fascinating material and comes in a very smart
commemorative presentation case.  All of the files are fully searchable for names, registration numbers, etc. and all of the
Magazines and Yearbooks are presented in full colour, high resolution graphics – unlike the black and white photocopied originals.
So this represents a tremendous opportunity for members who joined after 2000 to acquire a complete set of the Register’s publications.

A one-time limited run of fifty Anniversary CD’s are being prepared by our printers – Northwest Fine Art Printing.
To order your copy of the CD, please use the order form, or simply add £25 (or $Au45, $NZ50, $US40) to your 2012 subscription payment.

By purchasing this CD you will be supporting the Register, enabling us to make even more improvements
in our publications and services for you as we head into our second decade.

The wild moorland above Teesdale's picturesque and historic villages affords some of the most spectacular vistas in Britain.

10/11/11  The Register is delighted to announce that we will hold an inaugural Northern Weekend the weekend after our Summer Rally next year.
The date for our Summer Rally is 21st/22nd July, so the Northern Weekend will take place over the weekend of 28th/29th July, and will be
based in Teesdale in the northern Pennines, a region of Britain famous for its quiet lanes and dramatic scenery.
This brand new Register event is designed to offer our northern members the opportunity to meet and enjoy a relaxed weekend
of touring and socialising.  However, southern members will be tolerated - if they promise to behave themselves!
Two days of gentle touring and visits to places of interest will be planned, with a slightly special Register dinner on Saturday night.
A hotel will be selected with safe parking and plenty of space for trailers for those traveling from afar.
There will be no competitive aspect to the weekend (except getting to the bar first in the evening!),
so it should be a very family-friendly weekend.  So far, at least eight of our northern members have expressed an intention to gather
and more expressions of interest would be most welcome.  Please let the Register know if you might be interested, so that we can secure
sufficient accommodation and hopefully negotiate an advantageous group rate.  There will be NO rally entry fee.
For our European members, there is a DFDS car ferry from Amsterdam, and ferries from other European ports to Newcastle,
which is only about forty miles from the Rally area.  Keep an eye on the website and our publications for more information
as plans for this exciting new Register weekend develop.

6/11/11  Over in Jaipur, India, Kartikea Lunia's 1930 tourer (M22335) was driven for  the first time in forty years today.
He recorded the momentous event on these fascinating videos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPKDO8Ldmlc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf1BEa2ieK8
Congratualtions on returning another vintage Minor to the open road, Kartik.

4/11/11  Martin Redmond and Roger Gaunt have reached Madison, Wisconsin on the trans-America leg of their round the world drive.
In Madison, Martin and Roger met up with Register member Peter Caldwell for a chat and a look at Peter's workshop
and classic British car spares business.  Also in attendance was the President of the local British Car Club.
Next stop for Martin and Roger is the windy city - Chicago.

3/11/11  In 1933, Cameron Gilg and Walter Kay drove their new 1933 Morris Minor from Liverpool to Capetown,
thus achieving the first ever crossing of the Sahara in a light car.  For the trip, the car was adorned with a
serpent radiator mascot and Red Duster.  Here we see Cameron's wife who still has her late husband's radiator mascot and duster
from that adventure.  The family will be our Guests of Honour at our Summer Rally next year,
where long distance adventure will be a major theme of the weekend.

1/11/11  Today we warmly welcome Eberhard Sasse to the Register.  Eberhart lives in Schwerte which is near Dortmund in Germany.
He runs a firm of architects - Schlosserei Sasse.  He has always wanted a Mercedes SSK or Blower Bentley,
but has decided that what he really wants is a Morris Minor!  We wish him well with his quest.

1/11/11  The November Newsletter was e-mailed to members last night and is available in the Members' Area.

31/10/11  Just how we like to find them.  As mentioned below, new member Philip Butland has acquired a Hundred Pound Minor
which he collected from Surrey today.  TF 4293 (SV802) is a very sound and quite original early two-seater which Philip
intends to recommission rather than rebuild.  The car is currently sitting on 18" wheels, but Philip has already sourced
a set of correct 19" Magna wheels.  We very much look forward to seeing another Minor out and about before long.
The Minor will join Philip's very smart Morris 8 tourer.

30/10/11 Meanwhile over in Japan, the Meet the MG 2011 event was held at the Shin-Nishinomiya Yacht Harbour yesterday.
Front and centre is Kenji Matsuoka's ex-Dave Cooksey 1930 M Type WH 2424 (2M/886), behind which can be seen
Shinichi Nagatani's recently-completed 1930 Double Twelve PJ 4513 (2M/1342).  Shinichi has spent the last seven years restoring his M.
Completing the lineup is a C Type and a K3.

30/10/11  VMR member Martin Redmond (centre) has reached the Rockies with his friend Roger Gaunt
on their trek across the USA as part of their round the world drive in their 1937 Morris 25.
The Badlands await them over the next few days as they head east towards Chicago.
Last night they stayed close to Yellowstone.  You can follow their journey each day on TravelPod,
and you can easily sign up for their fascianting daily e-mailed updates.

29/10/11  Today we welcome Mark Morris to the Regsister.  Mark is looking for a 1929 nickel radiator
fabric saloon, and has discussed the two cars below with the Register.  However, if anoyone else has one
that they may be interested in parting with, please let the Register know.  Mark is the Registrar for the
Bugatti Owners Club, and so is no stranger to Prescott.   We very much look forward to seeing him there
at our Summer Rally next July with his Minor - whichever one he acquires.

28/10/11  And here's another vinatge saloon for sale - to be auctioned by our very good friends and sponsors
Hereford Vintage Auctions on 23rd November.  This OHC saloon, chassis M12504, started life on 12th August 1929
as fabric saloon and was exported to New Zealand.  Re-imported to the UK in 2007 after an estate clearance,
in New Zealand, it was sold by Orchid Cars in May 2008, but is now for sale once again.
The car has been steel paneled at some point in the past.  It is fitted with a 1931 OHC engine with large dynamo.
Smart, sorted and with a realistic estimate of £5,000-£6,500, it is ready for the coming vintage motoring season.
Find more photographs here or contact the Register for more details.

24/10/11  This very fine 1929 Fabric Saloon RX 4207 (M4322), first registered in Berkshire on the 10th April 1929
was auctioned at the Goodwood Festival of Speed back in July (see 15/6/11 below) and is now being offered for sale again
by Jaguar dealers Arun Motors of Pulborough, West Sussex.  It formed part of the Bunn Collection in Dorset
prior to being auctioned.  Here's the sales blurb:
"This fabric-bodied example of a now rare Vintage-era Morris comes with a report dated April 1983 written by noted automobile
historian and author, Michael Sedgwick, who found that it was a good example of a now very rare car.
The car was refurbished quite some time ago and is now offered in excellent condition both inside and out.
Documentation on file records a complete engine rebuild in 1975 by St Christopher's Garage, Dorset
while accompanying photographs appear to show the Morris undergoing a full 'body off' restoration in the 1970s
with in excess of 300 hours labour spent (at £2.80 an hour!!).  The car has obviously stood the test of time as it remains
in superb condition both inside and out - an unusual opportunity to purchase a great looking little car
and is nice to have something apart from the usual Austin 7."
We agree that this would make a fine vintage light car and is definitely worthy of a closer look.

23/10/11  Welcome to new member Philip Butland of Hailsham, East Sussex who joins us with his 1938 Series 2 Morris 8 tourer,
seen here rounding the Semi-cicrle at our inaugural Pre-War Prescott event in July.  (Photo: Graham Abbott)
Philip writes: "Loved Pre-War Prescott, had four runs up the hill and am now besotted.  Have been looking out for a Minor for
some time and now think I may have found one.  Anyway, whether the Minor happens or not, it's time I joined the Register."
Welcome, Philip.
UPDATE 25/10/11! Congratulation, Philip, on your purchase of a Hundred Pound Minor today!

23/10/11  The contents of the Members' Area of the website is currently being overhauled and expanded.
The first upgrade was to add wiring diagrams and lubrication charts for most OHC, SV Minors and M Types.
These diagrams have also be uploaded in French, Spanish, German and Dutch from original overseas Morris Minor Handbooks!
The remaining missing diagrams are being sought and will be added in due course.
Emphasis is being put on providing more technical information, sources of spares and providers of services.
If you have any material or suggestions to help with the upgrade, please contact the Register.
Similarly, if you find any information on the website which is out of date or incorrect, please let us know.

23/10/11  After a few months of snags including a chewed-up oil pump, John Nagle has nearly completed the restoration of his 1934 2-seater
OW 4224 (SV37955). John had OW out today in fine fettle in the autumn sunshine.  Congratulations on another high quality restoration, John.

21/10/11  Jeff Body has completed the new body for Toby Sears' 1931 (1932 season) four-seater tourer
(UX 9251, chassis SV 6690) and the result is spectacular, as can be seen above.  Hereis what he started with.
This was the car that Toby won in our Register auction two years ago, after it was found as part of the estate
of the deceased owner.  It has been off the road since the 1960's.  We look forward to seeing this rare SV tourer
out and about once Toby has completed the restoration.

19/10/11  During the summer of 2011 Kip and Carmen Waistell drove, unsupported, from Peking to Paris.
Unfortunately they used two vintage Austin Sevens!  However, they had an epic journey.  The purpose of their journey was
to raise funds for SmileTrain, the charity that treats children in developing countries with the dreadful affliction of cleft lip and pallet.
They will be giving a slide presentation of their exciting cross continental journey in
PEMBRIDGE VILLAGE HALL, HEREFORDSHIRE ON WEDNESDAY 2nd NOVEMBER AT 7.30 pm.
Tickets in advance price £7.50, to include light refreshments, may be obtained from David Hinds, Garage House, East Street, Pembridge, HR6 9HA.
Please make cheques payable to D. Hinds and enclose a sae.  All profits to SmileTrain.
There will be a number Minor Register members there, perhaps some of them will be inspired to make this journey in a Minor.

18/10/11  Our Summer 2011 Magazine has been made available online here as a sample copy of our quarterly Magazines.
It replaces the old-format Spring 2009 Magazine.  Our quarterly 48-page Register Magazine is now professionally printed in full colour
and distributed to all members.  So, if you are not currently a member, and you like what you see, you know what to do!

16/10/11  Register member Martin Redmond and friend Roger Gaunt are driving their 1937 Morris 25 around the world.
From Bedford in England, they drive across Europe and Asia to Vladivostok, where they shipped the car to Los Angeles.
They have now left Los Angeles for the east coast.  Here we see them headng for the mountains yesterday.
You can follow their progress on TravelPod, where you can also sign up for e-mail updates.

14/10/11  The October Newsletter was distributed by e-mail today and a copy may be found on the Members' Area.

5/10/11  Just how we like to find them.  UP 5286 is an early Hundred Pound Minor 2-seater, chassis number SV910.
It has been laid up in this shed since 1986.  It belonged to Paul Palmer's father,
who died 25 years ago, but the family have now decided to restore it for their sons and daughters.
The first step will be to try to recover the registration number.

28/9/11  Once again this Sunday we will be holding our founding autumn pub meet at the Hatchgate, Bramshill, Berkshire.
This was our very first pub meet and we met regularly at the Shoulder of Mutton at Hazeley.  In more recent times, the meet has moved
to the Hatchgate at Bramshill which has proved very popular, and we are now joined by our friends at the Morris Register and the Bean Car Club.
 So DO PLEASE see if you can come along to the Hatchgate this Sunday 2nd October at noon and help mark
this auspicious Register anniversary with a record muster of Minors and M Types!
 Full details and directions may be found here.
 Cheers to one and all, please invite your friends to join us and please bring your cameras too!

25/9/11  It was a beautiful autumn day for our Minor muster at the Alice Lisle earlier today.
Next Sunday is the Hatchgate, Bramshill.
(Photo: Toby Sears)

21/9/11  A reminder that our New Forest Autumn pub meet will take place THIS SUNDAY at the Alice Lisle, Rockford Green, Hampshire.
Details here.  All most welcome!

21/9/11  The September Newsletter was distributed by e-mail today.  A copy may also be found in the Members' Area.

30/9/11  And today we also welcome Michael Norrey to the Register.  Michael recently acquired this
Stewart & Ardern-registered 1930 Minor saloon MU 2165 (M28983) from Newtown in Wales.
Incidentally, new members joining the Register between now and the end of the year will receive
membership through to the end of 2012.  The Membership Form may be downloaded here.

16/9/11  Today we welcome John Newell to the Register.
John has acquired this 1932 2-seater CG 1140 (SV15401) which was offered for sale earlier in the year
and also auctioned at Castle Combe in March.  Good luck with the collection tomorrow John, and welcome aboard!

30/8/11  Our autumn pub meets are almost upon us.  We will be holding two meets this autumn.
Our traditional meet at the Hatchgate at Bramshill, Berkshire will take place on Sunday 2nd October
in conjunction with the Morris Register and Bean Car Club.
 Our other meet is our roving New Forest meet, taking place this time at the Alice Lisle (above),
which is a superb country pub.  All are most welcome at both meets, which start at noon.

22/8/11 Bill Piggot is offering his very tidy 1929 fabric saloon UR 4313 (M11538) for sale.
This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a vintage Minor that is ready to be enjoyed.
Contact Bill for further details.

3/8/11  Welcome to new member Andy Pocock of Birdham, West Sussex who recently acquired this 1934 saloon AYF 733.

22/7/11  A number of superb Pre-War Prescott photosets are appearing on the web.
Paul Saunders (Dart Images) can be found here (including the one above).
Peter McFadyen's images can be found here.
Allan Rhodes (Track Car Photography) has posted his images here.
Hereford Vintage Auctions has posted a selection on their web page here, which include shots of the Navigation Rally on Sunday.
Nick Williams has posted a good selection here.
David Southcott (Bonzer Photos) has posted more here.
Finally, there is a lovely video by the Bowie contingent here that sums up the spirit of the day and includes shots of the Lancaster display.
I also hope to be posting some of the GoPro onboard videos to YouTube shortly.
If anyone posts any other online galleries of the weekend, please let us know.

22/7/11  Over in Picton, Ontario, Ian Samuel is offering his unique 1933 Maddox Coupe Minor for sale.
It would be good to see this car repatriated.  If interested, please contact the Register for further details.

20/7/11  Just back from a superb weekend in the Cotswolds.  Here's the Triangle Special ready for its first run in the hands of the boys from SU.
Photo sets are starting to appear on the Internet.  Peter Mcfadyen's can be found here, and Paul Saunders' here.
Also check out this YouTube video which nicely sums up the day.  I'll be posting a selection of GoPro onboard videos to YouTube shortly.
Thanks to everyone who worked to make the weekend a huge success.

12/7/11  Just signing off before flying to London tomorrow, arriving Thursday mornning for the Summer Rally.
We have 99 advance entries and are expecting many more on the day, so a super weekend is in store for everyone.
I will be running around the navigation rally/scenic tour route on Friday after calling in at Prescott in the morning to check on
final arrangements, and then I'll be at the Gardeners Arms, Alderton on Friday evening for our reception.
I am also bringing Magazine M 138 with me, so if you are attending at any point over the weekend, I'll have your copy for you.
See you there!

28/6/11  With just over two weeks to what will undoubtedly be our best ever Summer Rally, planning is in its final stages,
and we already have over a hundred cars booked in over the weekend.  On Sunday we will be holding a Navigation Rally
and spectacular Scenic Tour across the glorious Cotswolds.  Meanwhile preparations are virtually complete for our
inaugural Pre-War Prescott event on Saturday.  The incomparable and historic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Avro Lancaster
is booked to arrive over the hill at 1445 hrs precisely, and we heard today that it may also be accompanied by
a Spitfire and Hurricane from the Flight.
Definitely a weekend not to be missed, and there is still time to enter.

19/6/11  With just four weeks to our Summer Rally, have you booked yet?  Your tickets are waiting for you!

16/6/11  This stunning advert will be published in our Pre-War Prescott Rally programme.
The SU Carburetter Company is the event's main sponsor and the advert proudly highlights their recent acquisition -
the Skinner Triangle Special which will be attacking the hill on the day.

15/6/11  More auction news.
The Bunn Collection, comprising two Bentleys, five Rolls Royces and this very sound Berkshire-registered 1929 Minor fabric saloon
RX 4207 (M4322) is being auctioned by Bonhmas at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on 1st July.
Thanks to Dave Aston for spotting this one.
View it here.

Gavin and his M Type seen here arriving at Milton Abbey School on our 2007 Summer Rally.
Since this photo was taken the car's original number - TM 5321 - has been re-allocated to the car.

14/6/11 Gavin Barnett is offering his superb early M Type 2M/371 for sale by auction.
Comprehensive details and wonderful historic images may be found at vintagemg.co.uk.
This is the car used in the MG Profile Publication and known to Wilson McComb.  An astonishingly original
Oxford-built car with complete known history and original competition accessories.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire arguably the best MG M-Type in existence.
It will be offered on eBay, the auction starting Thursday 30th June and ending on Sunday 10th July,
just in time for the lucky new owner of this superb MG to bring it to Prescott!

10/6/11  And a very warm welcome to William Armston-Sheret who joins the Register today and lives in the New Forest.
William writes for Classics Monthly, is currently restoring a post-war Minor and has obviously seen the light because he is looking
for a pre-war Minor saloon to restore after that.  If anyone has such a project, please contact the Register.
Funds are somewhat limited, as William is 16 years old.

9/6/11 Last year, David Aston brought his growing family to our Summer Rally, but has since exchanged his 1930 tourer for something a little larger.
The Minor was acquired by Raymond Douglas, who has now joined the Register and will be bringing it back to Prescott
for this year's Summer Rally.  See you there, Raymond!

8/6/11  This is the half page advert for Pre-War Prescott that will appear in the July issue of The Automobile - out in a couple of weeks.
It will be printed in black and white, but only here you can see it in gloroious Technicolour!
The header photo was taken at VMR Prescott last year.

3/6/11  The June Newesletter was distributed by e-mail today and a copy may be found in the Members' Area.

Mark Burnett (left) receiving the Triangle Special from Andrew Harding (right) at Brooklands

31/5/11  We are also delighted to announce that Burlen Fuel Systems has acquired the Skinner Triangle Special
which has been on display at Brooklands and will be exercising this historic car at Pre-War Prescott.
The Triangle Skinner Special is the direct descendent of a Supercharged Morris Minor SV used as a publicity vehicle
by Morris to show that their new ‘£100 Morris’ could reach speeds of 100mph and a fuel consumption of 100mpg.
The car attained the 100mph target at Brooklands over an officially timed mile.  It was then gifted to the Skinner family
and converted into a hill climb special by Peter Skinner, son of Carl, in the early thirties.
Details of their acquisition and their support of Pre-War Prescott can be found in their latest Press Releases.

24/5/11  We are delighted to announce that Pre-War Prescott, which is being hosted by the Vintage Minor Register,
has been awarded major sponsorship from the SU Carburetter Company.  SU is part of Burlen Fuel Systems Ltd.
and will be bringing their trade stand to Prescott along with a very interesting and appropriate car - of which more will be announced shortly.
Mark Burnett of SU notes:
"I am pleased that we have been able to support an event that I believe will become a significant date on the vintage calendar."

24/5/11  Today we welcome Harold Blair to the Register with his 1934 two-seater CRF 572 (SV 44504).
Harold bought this car in 1964 for £3 10s. from a fellow student.  It had a large hole in the side of the block with a conrod sticking out.
He managed to find another engine and got the car going.  He then used it in the mid seventies, intending to rebuild it,
but work and family commitments precluded this.  After many false starts, he was able to give it the time needed after his retirement.
With the help of a very good friend it was put back on the road in March last year.
Although it has won a number of awards in shows in the past year, Harold's main intention was always to rebuild the car to go rather than show.
That concisely sums up the true spirit of the Register, and Harold has had 2,000 miles of fun since putting his Minor back on the road.
Welcome aboard, Harold, and congratulations on 47 years of ownership.

24/5/11  Bev Hicks' funeral took place yesterday in Eardisley village.  Ian Makins, the Bullnose Morris Club Magazine editor reported:
"Remarkable turn out for Bev.  Angela overwhelmed by the turnout and the number of vintage cars in attendance.
Church full.  A man well liked by a diverse range of characters.  As I said to Angela, at least we knew him and have the memories..."

21/5/11  In Brisbane, Ed Zillman has finally decided to sell his OHC Ute, chassis M18566.  Ed has a number of Austin, Morris and MG vehicles
ranging from a 1923 ‘Clover Leaf’ Cowley to a 1955 Austin A30 Countryman.  He took this Minor Utility from one of his sheds back in 2007,
thinking he would like to do something with it, but never did.  At one point he was considering donating it to a local museum.
The original engine no longer with car.  It was last seen when on display at a local Historic Commercial Vehicle Day in 2000
and appeared on the front cover of the September 2001 Morris Register of Queensland Magazine, and was written up in VMR Magazine M 129.
It is available here on eBay.

19/5/11  Sold to ...!
The Skinner Triangle Special has a new custodian - see 28/4/11 below.
Watch this space to find out who bought this historic car - you will be surprised!

17/5/11  Today we welcome Tim Brown and Elina Helenius to the Register as new custodians of
James Wheeler's much-campaigned 1930 saloon UF 7090 (M31579).

15/5/11  A service in Bev's memory will be held on Monday, 23rd May at 1.00pm, at Eardisley Church (Herefordshire).
Those who attend are welcome to go afterwards to Eardisley village hall, where tea & sandwiches will be served.
 The church is on the main road, which is narrow, but opens out at the Hereford end of the village, where parking is suggested.
The village hall is opposite the village shop, on the main road.
 There will be a private Crematorium Service later in the day, for family members only.
 No flowers please, but any donations to Help For Heroes or British Legion.
Bring your Morris or MG if possible.

12/5/11  Extremely sad news.  Bev Hicks passed away last night.  Bev's life was dedicated to Morrises
and he was a kingpin of the Register.  More news will follow.

11/5/11  And today we welcome Mike Wood with his 1931 (1932 season) 2-seater HN 8234 (SV8067).
This is the car that Brightwells auctiond last November (see 26/11/10 below), since when it has passed through a number of trade hands.
Mike drove it home the 110 miles from the dealer.  Welcome, Mike!

10/5/11  Today we welcome Martin Horsler to the Register.  Martin owns this very smart 1932 2-seater
439 UXP (was RM 8758, SV16644) that was advertised by Nicky Paul-Barron last November.

9/5/11 Yesterday I checked out an amazing micro video camera - designed for motorsport.
It records up to 8 hours of HDTV quality video!  I'll be bringing one to the Summer Rally to attach to cars climbing the hill.
For a nominal charge, we'll be able to take the videos and burn them on to DVD's for competitors to relive their climbs.
The picture quality is stunning. Here's the camera.  And here's a YouTube video captured with the GoPro HD Motorsports HERO camera we'll be using.
So if you record your climb on video, you'll also be able to indirectly time your untimed climb, as well as analyze your racing line!

9/5/11 The Beaulieu Spring Autojumble is next weekend - 14th/15th May.
Toby Sears will be manning the VMR stand number RF293 - so do stop by and say hello.
Full details of the weekend may be found here.  Happy hunting!

9/5/11  Clive Hamilton-Gould entered his much-campaigned Minor tourer in the VSCC's Northern Rally at the weekend.
Based in Lancashire, the navigation rally took in about 95 road miles.
and brought home a 2nd Class award with just 14 penalty points.  Well done once again Clive!
The photo above shows Clive's tourer alongside the winning Alvis of Potter and Hughes
which ended the rally with a clean sheet, so 7 is evidently a lucky number!
Clive reports that the new head gasket held up well, but that he had to drive "rather hard" on a couple of sections.
Knowing Clive's competitive motoring spirit, we think this may be a slight understatement...

9/5/11  Register member Martin Redmond (seen left above) has just returned from a little trip from Bedfordshire to
Vladivostok in this 1938 Morris 25.  The car is now on its way to Long Beach, California before being driven
across the USA to complete a round-the world trip.
Follow Martin's exploits here.

Ian Harris washing his 10/6 Cunard special on the VMR Cotswolds Scenic Tour last year

7/5/11  Member Ian Harris has been supplying Morris spares for many years and recently acquired the entire stock of
the late Harry Edwards' 'Yesterday's Components'.  By merging Harry's stock with his own, he has now been able to
produce a comprehensive catalogue of pre-war Morris Minor and M Type spares which may be downloaded here.
He will also be bringing his stall of Minor and M Type spares to our Summer Rally where he will set up shop
in the Prescott paddock. Items ordered before the Rally may be picked up in person, and you will have chance to meet
a real gentleman!

4/5/11 The May Newsletter was distributed by e-mail today.  Six members' e-mail addresses bounced,
so if you think you should have received a copy but did not do so, please contact the Register.
A copy of the Newsletter has been placed in the Members' Area.

4/5/11  And today we are delighted to welcome David Hattam to the Register.  David has acquired this delightful 1931 5 cwt. van from
our old friends at Pioneer Automobiles. This is an extremely early SV van, having been registered in Bedfordshire on 21st May 1931.

2/5/11 Today we welcome Daryl Johnston of Christchurch, New Zealand to the Register.
Daryl is restoring this 1929 Minor (M15843) and is planning to build a Hundred Pound Minor body to replace the original saloon body
which disappeared long ago.  Daryl becomes member number 400 of the Vintage Minor Register.
Today we also welcome Ed Morrison of Paso Robles, California back to the Register with his 1930 saloon which he imported from New Zealand.

Robin Harcourt-Smith and his dashing CMS Special are now a LCES regulars.
(Photo:  Ian McFadyen)

29/4/11  It is time to get your entry in for the VSCC Light Car Section's Summer Navigational Rally and Tour – Sunday 26th June 2011.
This year's event will be based at Shelsley Walsh hillclimb (OS 138/721630).
The entry form and regs. may be downloaded here.  Let's have another strong Minor entry!

28/4/11  Today we welcome Mike Rose to the Register as member number 399 with his 1932 2-seater WP 1085,
pictured at our High Corner spring pub meet in the New Forest earlier this month.
Mike, who lives near Wimborne in Dorset has owned his Minor since 1964.
Although a 1932 model, WP 1085 was registered in Worcestershire on 7th December 1931.
Welcome Mike! (Photo:  Toby Sears)

28/4/11  What is possibly the most historic Morris Minor is for sale - the Skinner Triangle Special.
Developed from the £100/100mph/100mpg Morris Minor by the Skinner (SU ) family into the Hudson 4.2 litre straight-eight powered
unlimited Shelsey Special class record holder for 1937/8/9.  Further developed by Ted Lloyd Jones into its current form as one of the three Triangle specials.
Complete with twin rear wheels and earlier body.  See p175 in Bateman's Vintage Specials.  Large file of continuous history. Ready to compete.
Offers to Andrew Harding. akharding@tiscali.co.uk

27/4/11  And welcome to yet another new member today - Englishman Ian Samuel of Picton,
in the beautiful Prince Edward County of Ontario, Canada who is just about to take delivery
of this unique 1934 Maddox-bodied Minor from Ellingson Classic Cars.

27/4/11  And welcome also to Ian Harris who also joins the Register today.  Ian is a well-known Morris spares supplier
and has recently acquired the entire stock of the late Harry Edwards and Yesterday's Components.
Ian will have his spares stall at Pre-War Prescott in July and is seen here at the VMR Prescott BBQ last July.
(He's the one with the silver beard.  Well, the one with the silver beard and glasses!)
He is planning to bring gaskets, head studs, valves, springs, guides, timing chains, engine mountings, clutches, flexible couplings,
radiator mounts, fanbelts, kingpins, track rod ends, shackles, pins, ‘U’ bolts, seals, felts, ball/roller bearings, brake master cylinders,
brake cables, pulleys, wheel cylinders, rubber seals, flexible pipes, linings, exchange shoes, plugs, points,
reconditioned cut-outs, lighting/ignition switches, horns, trafficators, SU pumps – everything with a full guarantee.
If you are in need of spares, Ian may be contacted at 01462/456330 or by e-mail at ian@harris84.fsnet.co.uk,
or simply come along and meet him on the day.

27/4/11  We are delighted to extend a particularly warm welcome to John Hicks, stalwart of the Prescott Marshals Club,
who joins the Register today.  John has been a huge supporter of the Register and our Prescott Summer rallies.
Many years ago, John was gravely injured by a wayward modern hill climb car but to this day gives up his summer weekends
to support events such as ours.  Here he is seen on his famous, fascinating and highly entertaining lunchtime hill walk
which has become an unmissable feature of our visits to Prescott, and 2011 will be no exception.
No matter how many times you have been to Prescott, you are sure to learn something new from John.

26/4/11  Today we welcome Andy Gallacher of Carmarthenshire to the Register.  Andy doesn't have a Minor yet,
but is a true vintage enthusiast who is also interested in steam engines and vintage radios.
Welcome, Andy, and keep scanning our Cars For Sale adverts!

25/4/11  Today we welcome Terry Broomhall of Rochford, Essex to the Register with his very smart 1934 2-seater AYF 22 (SV41783).
Terry acquired this car from VMR member Simon Hyslop last year, and his advert for the car can still be viewed here.
Terry reports that he is nearing the end of some remedial work and perparing the car for the MoT.
Good luck Terry!

24/4/11  Today we received photographs from Belgium of the ex-Bev Hicks 1933 McEvoy Special being offered for sale (see 17/4 below).
In total there are 14 images depicting the meticulous restoration which can be fowarded to interested parties.
This truly historic Morris has been valued by Sotheby's at around 75,000 € (about £66,000),
but direct offers would be enteretained around 50,000 €.
It is possible that it will be auctioned in the UK.  Watch this space for further news.
Contact the Register if genuinely interested.

18/4/11  Today we extend a warm welcome to Neil and Jane Beck who become our first members in the in the Republic of South Africa.
Here is their 1919 M Type that they are about to start restoring. They are looking for drawings or patterns to build a 12/12 replica body.
If anyone can help, please contact the Register.

TJ 1876 at Beaulieu in the sixties when owned by Bev Hicks
Photo - John Hagger

17/4/11  Extremely important news in the Minor world this morning.  The ex-Bev Hicks 1933 McEvoy Special TJ 1876, which went to ground
back in the seventies after being exported to Germany, was rediscovered by the Register in Belgium last year.  News was received from the owner
this morning that the car is for sale, having become too old to drive.  This is one of the most important Minors in existence and every effort
is being made to repatriate this car to the UK.  Interested parties should contact the Register immediately for further details.

17/4/11  This 1930 OHC saloon (M23761) is currently being offered for sale at $NZ 7,000 in Nelson, New Zealand.
Contact the Register for further details.

17/4/11  John Nagle didn't complete his '34 tourer in time for our spring pub meet at the Hatchgate today, so brought it along on a trailer.

16/4/11  The Vintage Minor Register's Summer Rally and Pre-War Prescott is just three months today!
So it is time to make your plans and get your entry in - see the links at the top of this page.
Let's make the first rally of our second decade as a Register the biggest and best ever.

16/4/11  The new format, professionally-printed, all-colour Magazine M 137 about to be packed at VMR HQ this morning.
This landmark issue is the first to be published in our second decade as a Register.

15/4/11  Chris Arnott is looking for a vintage Minor tourer in at least reasonable condition for VSCC eventing.
If you can help, please contact Chris at c.arnott@blueyonder.co.uk

15/4/11  The ex-Jeremy Evans 1929 saloon remains for sale in Northern Ireland with Dave Carson,
who offers to deliver it to the Birkenhead ferry terminal for the buyer.
Road sorted and ready for the summer, full details of this interesting car may be found in Marketplace.

8/4/11  Our spring pub meets will take place next Sunday - 17th April at noon.
The Hatchgate at Bramshill, Berkshire, the Royal Oak at Barrington, Cambridgeshire,
and a beand new meet at the High Corner Inn, at Linwood in the New Forest.
Everyone welcome!

8/4/11  Hearty congratulations to Andrew Miles, aged 16, who has been working all winter
to re-commission his father's 1932 OHC Special Coupe which has been off the road for many years.
Today, the car passed its MoT and is now taxed and ready to go for the new motoring season.
Well done, Andrew!  That's the spirit!

7/4/11  Congratulations to new member Chris Garner who has acquired WE 9759 (see 25/3/11 below) from Ken Cox.
Chris has been searching for a good vintage Minor for many months and is delighted with his new mount.

5/4/11 The April Newsletter was distributed electrically today.  A copy may be found in the Members' Area.

29/3/11  Today we welcome Kartikeya Lunia of Jaipur, India to the Register.  Kartikeya recently acquired this 1930 tourer
which was first owned by the Royal Family of Ayodhya.  Last week, he fired up the engine and now the body is being removed
in perparation for a full restoration.  Many parts are needed, but in particular, a radiator cap, calormeter and wings are sought.
If you can help, please contact the Register.

Laura Hamilton-Gould on last year's LC Welsh

25/3/11  We have a strong team fielded in the VSCC Light Car Section’s Welsh this weekend:
Clive Hamilton-Gould (1930 tourer DG 325)
Wendy Cooksey (1930 Duple tourer GN 4524)
The Rolfes (1930 saloon UT 7156)
Pam Knight (1929 tourer WL 6501)
Colin Lee (1930 saloon CV 3487)
James Wheeler (1930 saloon UF 7090)
David Roscoe (1929 Semi-sports rep. GU 1342)
Sadly, Bill Piggott has engine issues with his 1929 fabric saloon and so will be marshaling with his Bristol 401.
All the very best for a super weekend, guys!

25/3/11  Up in Aberdeenshire, member Ken Cox is offering his 1930 Minor saloon WE 9758 (M29355, first registered 14/10/30) for sale.
He reports that he has been very pleased with it, and it has been his runabout this past 18 months,
but he has had another vehicle on his wish list since the late '70's, so it has to release some funds
along with his 1929 La Licorne and an American motor home.
The Minor is in excellent condition.  Contact Ken if interested.

25/3/11  Toby Sears has just sent his rare 1932 tourer to the coachbuilders to have a new ash frame made,
and is offering to co-ordinate additional frames, suitable for 1932 or 1933 season chassis if anyone is in need.
This represents an excellent opportunity to obtain a new ash frame of you are in need.  If so, contact Toby without delay.

3/3/11  The March Newsletter was distributed by e-mail today because the iBuilder website is experiencing difficulties.
The Newsletter is also viewable in the Members' Area.

1/3/11  The Pre-War Prescott website was launched today.  Click on the image above to enter the site.
The Vintage Minor Register is proud to host this exciting new motoring event
which will form the centrepiece of our Summer Rally.

1/3/11  Today we welcome Nigel Stroud of Chipping Norton to the Register.  Nigel acquired this very smart M Type
last year (2M/734, first registered 28/12/1929).  During the War, it was kept in London at the Royal Horse Artillery's
headquarters in St. Johns Wood and used by the officers for getting around London.
This is one of the early Oxford-build M Types with the 'suicide' doors and rod front brakes.
To date, Nigel has entered it in VMR Prescott 2010 and the Beggars Roost 100 ascents re-enactment last year.
Welcome to the Register, Nigel, and thanks to Colin Lee for the referral, and who will therefore
receive a £10 on his 2012 subs.

27/2/11  Dave Aston has passed on his tourer MM 9326 to a new custodian and past M Type owner not too far from Brooklands.
Here is it seen on the 2010 LCES Summer Rally near Rugely, Staffordshire and gracing the front cover of Peter McFadyen's
highly recomended book 'A Vintage Year - Vintage and Historic Motor Sport 2010'.
Dave reports, "This rally and VMR Prescott were the highlights of our 2010 vintage motoring season
and turned out to be a glorious swansong for our Minor ownership".

Bugatti Owners Club Prescott manager exercises Frank Ashley's M Type - VMR Prescott 2010.
(Image copyright Allan Rhodes, Track Car Photography.  Check out more of Allan's photos of VMR Prescott 2010 here.)

16/2/11  Today the VMR Summer Rally web page has been launched.  View it here, and download the Entry Form here.

16/2/11  26th/27th March is the date for the traditional VSCC Light Car Section’s Welsh Weekend.
The weekend will be based, as usual, at the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells, from where the Section will
sally forth northwards to Llanidloes for a Tour (and fun and games) on the Saturday, and westwards for the Sporting Trial on the Sunday,
both offering light car-friendly entertainment for drivers and passengers alike.  In between the two, the Section’s unmissable Annual Dinner
will be held on the Saturday evening.  Colin Lee and Clive Hamilton-Gould thrashed the Sevens in 2010,
so let’s see if we can put up a really strong Minor contingent again this year.  Regs and entry form can be found here.
Entries close Friday 11th March.

16/2/11  The February Newsletter is being distributed today, and may also be found in the Members' Area.

15/2/11  Sadly, we must say farewell to another of our Honorary Members.  Richard Letts passed away 28th December aged 82.
Richard owned his 1930 Minor saloon OG 6216 (M30467) since 1948, and used to collect his spares from the works at Cowley!
His mother bought him the car when he was on National Service because he threatened to get a motorbike!
The car still carries its suppliers plate and was sold by Cirencester Garage when they were still on the High Street/Dyer Street,
and they serviced and MoT’d the car until the garage was taken over in recent times.
Richard's Daily Telegraph obituary may be found here.
Our sincere condolences go out to Jocelyn and the children.

4/2/11  Today we welcome Malcolm Jones to the Register with his 12/12 replica UW 3853 (2M/2016).
Malcolm lives in Herefordshire.

27/1/11 Due to circumstances beyond his control, Tommy Jardine has had to sell his Minor saloon LV 5437.
During his brief ownership, Tommy commissioned this delightful painting of his car, and is now offering it for sale.
Tommy tells us that the painting cost £150 but that he would take the best offer for it.
The registration number could easily changed by anybody interested in making a purchase.
Please contact Tommy in Scotland on 01555/770961 if interested.

25/1/11  Today we welcome Bruce Reay of Thatcham in Berkshire to the Register.
Bruce owns the well-known ex-Gren Strickland '34 2-seater, AYY 681 (SV45081)
as well as a '33 2-seater RV 2852 (SV35821).

24/1/11  As has become a tradition, the VMR has invited the Morris Register and the Bean Car Club
to our Hatchgate spring pub meet - Sunday 17th April.  John Nagle over at the Morris Register is co-ordinating lunch requests
so that tables can be pre-booked.  Find full details here, and please contact John if you think you might be hungry!

24/1/11  Welcome to new member Ray Campbell of Rollingstone, Queensland who recently acquired
this 1928 Minor roadster chassis MM 1226 from Ian Hancock.
The car is depicted here as it arrived for the inaugural Australian VMR Rally in 2005,
complete with plywood front wheels for Ute loading!

24/1/11  Dave Aston is reluctantly selling his 1930 tourer MM 9326 (chassis M12965).
The car is seen here at VMR Prescott 2010 with the family onboard.
View details here.

13/1/11 The Register's 2011 Calendar features a number of high quality images that have come to light over recent years.
It may be donwloaded in either A4 of 8.5" x 11' formats from the Members' Area.

10/1/11  Congratulations to Stuart Clark's daughter Tamsin and her husband Peter Coulson who tied the knot
on 29th December in County Durham.  They used Dad's 1930 Minor saloon WD 1430 as the Wedding car.
The front passenger seat was removed for Tamsin and her dress - Pete is over 6ft 2in tall and had to sit behind the drivers seat.
The 10 miles to the reception were very cosy and the Morris acted as a rolling road block on the A66 for a couple of miles!

10/1/11 The January Newsletter has just been launched into the ether
and an electric copy may also be found in the Members' Area.

VMR Prescott 2010 - left to right - Toby Sears and legs, Ian Grace, Ian Harris (Ken Martin photo)

8/1/11  And congratulation to Register member Ian Harris who has acquired all the stock from the late Harry Edwards' Yesterday's Components.
In due course the catalogues will be merged but transfer of parts between the premises may take a month or two.
All parts enquiries should now be made to Ian at 01462/456330 or via e-mail to ian@harris84.fsnet.co.uk.
Ian is located in Hitchin, Herts.

8/1/11  Congratulations to new members Ray and Viv Davies who took their recently-acquired 2-seater
for its first run on New Year''s Day.  It proved to be a trouble-free day.  A record of nearly 150 Edwardian, vintage,
pre-war and classic vehicles took part in the run from from Sturminster Newton to The Fox at Ansty on a cold but dry day.
Ronald Hogg also enjoyed the run in his 1929 tourer.

23/12/10  The December Newsletter has just been launched into the ether
and an electric copy may also be found in the Members' Area.

16/12/10  This 1933 season saloon BZ 2002 is being offered for sale near Ballymena in Northern Ireland.
Details here.

14/12/10  Something for your Christmas list?
This very smart 1932 2-seater is being offered for sale by
Ashted Classic Car Specialists in Kenilworth.  The subject of a complete restoration,
the car comes with a full history from new.  Asking price is £7,950.  View it here.

8/12/10  Congratulations once again to Clive Hamilton-Gould who won another First Class Award in the VSCC's Winter Driving Tests
at Bicester on 4th December under somewhat chilly conditions.  The results show that Clive was fastest in 10 of the 13 tests,
losing just 599 points to come first in the Touring Class and coming second only on the day to Edmund Burgess in his Brescia Bugatti,
a car well-known for agility in driving tests.  Andy King and Rachel Bolton-King (pictured above) entered their M Type
and won a Second (681 points) and Third (746 points) respectively, making this another excellent day for overhead camshafts.

7/12/10  Today we welcome Dr. Ross Spall who joins the Register with his ex-Ralph Marriott 1931 OHC Minor saloon (M34334).
Ralph was a Rolls Royce engineer and completely restored this car to a superb standard.  Ross has used the car regularly since 2007
and reports that it has been totally trouble free - a testament to Ralph's outstanding work.
The car was also present in Ralph's hands at our Inaugural Rally in 2001.

6/12/10  Member Barry Henderson is offering his very smart 1932 Minor 2-seater CG 884 for sale due to ill health.
This car has a fascinating history.  It was once owned by Roy Hogg - before he bought MT 3286.
CG 884 was owned dueing the war by a pilot at an RAF station and one day he went missing.
Everyone presumed he was missing in action.  The car was left laying about to camp.
Roy Hogg was posted to thew same camp at that time on National Service and started using the Minor.
One day the pilot returned - he wasn't missing in action but had been posted!
He saw that Roy was making good use of the car, so handed over the logbook and gave it to him!
Barry acquired the car in 1995 as not much more than a chassis and engine from a chap named Len who had stored it in London for about 20 years.
Len had moved to Hastings and was obviously not going to do anything with it so sold it to Barry, who still has some photos of the car pre-restoration.
He also has a large quantity of Minor spares which will go with the car (will not seperate).
Price £8,000.  If interested, please call Alister Reid on 0208/3936732.

4/12/10  Clive Hamilton-Gould's tourer tries to keep warm at the VSCC's Winter Driving Tests at St. George’s Barracks,
Bicester, Oxfordshire earlier today.  Clive reports: "Cold, but better than the previous week, not quite as slippery as it looks.
Many non-starters due to the snow overnight and during the last week in many parts of the country.
New venue in the Army base rather good, proper bar and canteen, etc."

3/12/10  This sound 1932 2-seater partly completed restoration project (SV8645) has become available in Connecticut, USA.
Asking price is $11,500.  Contact Gary Booker for further information.

30/11/10  This sound-looking 1930 saloon is being offered for sale in Portugal.
View it here.

"So, remind me again Vicar - which one is the accelerator pedal?"

29/11/10  Here's another Minor that doesn't seem to have survived - OW 1225 - registered in Southampton on New Year's Eve 1931.
Tim Dyke's father owned this car back in the fifties.  He was a keen amateur cine photographer and their Minor, 'Rosie'
starred in many of his masterpieces.  Here you see him in his habitual role of vicar, alongside a great family friend, during the course of one of his epics.
Unfortunately, some scenes in the films look as if Rosie was left-hand drive because Tim's father managed to get the film
the wrong way round after splicing, and Tim hadn't the heart to ask him to film it again.  After much searching in the attic,
Tim has managed to locate these priceless original cine films and transfer them to DVD, and copies are winging their way to VMR HQ.
Watch this space to find out when these historical gems will be coming to a silver screen near you!

Echoes from another time

A 1929 Minor tourer and a 1930 DH60M Gipsy Moth VT-ABL (c/n 1471) somewhere in India before the war.
Neither has survived ... as far as we know.

28/11/10  After a decade assiduously assembling the Chassis Register of surviving Minors and M Types,
we have initiated a register of all those Minors that have not survived.  Some 90,000 of our cars were made between 1928 and 1934,
but only around 1,200 are recorded (so far) as survivors.  With this new register, we will be attempting to record the onetime existence of
as many of those cars that probably have not survived as possible.  This new register may be found in the Members' Area and has been
started with 50 vehicles, together with links to images.  Clearly, we will never be able to record the identity of all 90,000 vehicles,
 but that should not discourage us from recording as many as we can.  Please help the Register assemble this important historical archive
by sending in details (and images where available) of any Minors or M Types that cannot be found on the chassis register of surviving cars.

Mike marshaling Laura and Clive Hamilton-Gould on our 2006 Navigation Rally

27/11/10 It is with deep regret that we have to report that Mike Hawke, VMR member and past MGCC Vice President,
passed away on Thursday evening at 8.00pm.  Mike never regained consciousness after a fall at the start of the week.
Mike’s family have made no funeral arrangements so far, but have said it will not be next week .
The family have requested privacy and have asked all messages be channeled through Kimber House.
They will let us know the arrangements, and as soon as we have them they will be posted here.
A condolence page will be posted on the MGCC website very soon.
In the meantime, please e-mail any messages to webmaster@mgcc.co.uk
Thanks to Ken Martin for passing on this news this morning.

26/11/10  Offered earlier in the month by Pioneer Automobiles, this neat 1932 2-seater (chassis SV8067) is being auctioned
by Brightwells Classic Vehicles on Wednesday December 1st in Leominster, Hereforedshire.

25/11/10  Hearty congratulations to Clive Hamilton-Gould who entered his standard 1930 tourer in the VSCC's Costwold Trial last weekend
(see 21/11/10 below).  Provisional results sho that Clive won a Third Class Award in the Standard SWB Class with a score of 266.
This is the first time Clive has won an award in a VSCC main club trial, having owned the car for 29 years!
He entered several main club trials when he first had the car, but gave up as the Minor did not have enough power to get of the line.
But since his daughter Laura had a go last year, and did well, Clive thought he should have another try this year.
And what a result for a standard light car!  Well done, Clive, and bouncer Dave Whittle.  This is a significant achievment.

23/11/10  These three Minors are currently being offered on eBay.  A 1933 2-seater, a 1932 saloon and a 1934 saloon.
We are particularly keen to see the '32 saloon WV 864 saved from the number plate merchants.

22/11/10  Magazine M 136 has been uploaded to the Members' Area of the website today
and hard copies will be posted to all members next week, along with the 2010 Yearbooks
for those who have ordered them.

22/11/10  Today we welcome Christian Brodersen from Denmark to the Register with his 1933 Minor 2-seater (SV27922).
Registered as X 377, this Minor was imported to Denmark immediately after the war, and Christian is the 5th owner in Denmark.
There is no doubt that the Danes really know how to restore cars, as this photo attests.
Welcome, Christian.

21/11/10  The Register's 2010 Yearbook will be published and shipped a week tomorrow - in time for a great Christmas read.
Included are some superb articles to mark our Tenth Anniversary, together with some outstanding contributions from members,
period articles and images.  Each copy comes with a CD containing all of the articles in full colour, a directory of all the images in full resolution,
plus plenty of bonus material.  Price is £12.  If you have not ordered your copy yet, contact the Register without delay.

21/11/10 It was a gloomy and muddy day in Gloucestershire yesterday for the VSCC's annual Cotswold Trial, centred on Prescott.
Clive Hamiton-Gould entered his 1930 tourer - bounced and encouraged by ex-tourer owner Dave Whittle,
and the Rolfes entered their saloon (two behind Clive above).  Clive ran out of power or traction on several hills,
but didn't make many mistakes.  He managed two out of three stop and restarts, which is an excellent performance for a Minor.
Well done, guys.

20/11/10  Today we welcome Tony Margel to the Register with his much-traveled 1932 M Type ST 6963 (2M3888).
Purchased at midnight after a night in the pub - cost £30.  When the car was delivered the next day,
Tony could see that he had been robbed - it was a wreck.  That was in 1967.
Since then it has been to New England (twice), Holland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany,
Scotland and Guernsey, and even to Lancashire.  It has a few mods.
Non-standard headlamps, D Type gearbox top, ali footboard from a Bradford Corporation bus,
and various bits of old X-ray machines.
Known as the Spokesman to many of our members for his wheel services
he can supply wheel rims and spoked for Minors and M Types.
Visit his website for further details.
Welcome, Tony.

Dave Aston on the startline at VMR Prescott earlier this year

18/11/10  Dave Aston still has his 1930 tourer for sale.  This is a very special car, having been totally rebuilt by Terry Dickie
and David Cooksey, with a brand new body and wings, Phoenix crank and rods and much, much more.
For further details on this superb vintage Minor, please contact the Register.

18/11/10  Today we welcome Keith Lawrance to the Register.  Keith is the owner of the modified saloon MJ 1285 (see 12/11/10 below).
After confirming with Gaydon that this is indeed a modified saloon, and not a coachbuilt special,
Keith has decided to keep the car and develop it into a proper Minor special.
He is currently looking for a replacement engine and radiator for the car.  If you can help, please contact the Register.

18/11/10  This rare 1933 Minor Special Coupé is currently being offered for sale by Peter Rodgers Car Sales in Huddersfield.
Asking price is £7,950.  Details here.

17/11/10  Originally advertised back in April, this Minor was first registereed 25th November
and is being offered for sale again over in Holland for £6,050.
Details here.

17/11/10  Today this very tidy 1933 saloon goes under the hammer at Bonham's sale of collectors' motor cars,
motorcycles and automobilia, at the Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate.  Full details here.
JJ 9069 was registered in London on 2nd March 1933 - the same place and the same day
as new member Richard Earlam's Minor 2-seater JJ 9085 - see 10/11/10 below.
How about a matching pair, Richard?!

17/11/10  As the year draws to a close, those VSCC members among us have one more opportunity to compete.
The club’s Winter Driving Tests will take place at St. George’s Barracks, Bicester, Oxon on 4th December.
2010 sees this well established event move to this new venue, whilst remaining under the experienced guidance of Malcolm Elder and his team.
This year, the tests have been designed with an emphasis on easy-to-follow instructions (so I am told!).
They will be on good surfaces, and spread over a vast area, mostly pleasant and sheltered,
so do arrive with full tanks as no fuel is available locally, (Bicester closest).  There will be full catering services
from full hot breakfasts to a good selection of lunch courses in the canteen, all at remarkably low cost.
There will also be full bar facilities, including a mobile bar to cater for those on far flung tests!
Let's see if we can put a really good vintage Minor contingent together for the day!

16/11/10  And welcome to Andrew Miles who also joins us today with his father's rare 1932 OHC Sports Coupé RT 8431 (M36296),
shown here alongside Eric Mouser's 1930 OHC saloon.  After laying in repose for some years, Andrew managed to fire the car up
over the weekend and posted the scene on YouTube.  Welcome, Andrew, and good luck with the rest of the recommissioning.

16/11/10  Today we extend a warm welcome to Peter Burt of Poole, Dorset who has just acquired this gorgeous black 1929 M Type (2M408).
(Note the rear-hinged doors and rod front brakes - features of the early Oxford-built M's)
The car was rebuilt 5 to 7 years ago and is still in sparkling condition.
Peter reports that his son will soon buy an OHC Minor.
Welcome, Peter and son, and congratulations on a great purchase.

15/11/10  The November issue of the Register's Newsletter was distributed today.  If you did not receive a copy via e-mail,
please let the Register know.  Also, a copy has been placed in the Members' Area as usual.

12/11/10  And by coincidence, this similar car has just become available.  Unlike the car below, this Minor was not modified
by Mulliners.  It certainly requires some fairly serious TLC, but will go to a caring new home for a very reasonable sum,
and considerably less than €12,500!  Contact the Register for more details if interested.

11/11/10  This interesting SV Minor is currently being offered for sale in Belgium.  The vendor reports that it was converted
from a coachbuilt saloon in 1935 by Mulliners.  Chassis SV15752, engine U15206.  Asking price is €12,500.
Contact Anton Deja for further details.

10/11/10  Welcome to Richard Earlam who joins us with his 1933 season Minor 2-seater JJ 9085 (SV26464).
This is the ex-Hon. Richard Buxton car that was once fitted with an Arnott supercharger,
and was auctioned by Richard last year, having been in his family since the war.
Richard (Earlham) works at Cardiff University and is currently recommissioning the Minor,
which has been off the road for many years.

5/11/10  Roger Bashford has put his 1929 tourer up for sale.  This represents an excellent opportunity to pick up
a very suitable car for VSCC Light Car Section eventing.  The price is a very reasonable £4,450.
This car was famously repatriated to England in 1954 aboard the Ark Royal.
Contact the Register for more information on this car's interesting history.
The car is located in Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, and Roger can be contacted on 01550/721196.

Ted with his beloved cars - the Red Bomb and Jane Austin (photo:  Annette Spiller)

4/11/10  Further to the report below (12/10/10), we are delighted to welcome the Rev. Ted Spiller's son Richard to the Register,
where he will take up his late father's membership number 337.  Both of Ted's cars will be kept and cherished by Richard.
Welcome, Richard!

29/10/10  New member Tony Eldridge has reported in on his 1934 saloon restoration.  Tony acquired the car in February.
He reports, "Its coachwork is decidedly shabby and the radiator grille is very non-original but I have a proper one for it.
So far the utterly worn out running gear has been put back to new condition and the previous owner conducted a top overhaul and bottom inspection.
I have now sourced the missing/wrong parts to complete it and have begun to deal with the bodywork.
There is much still to do until it is finally brought back to something like it was when it left Cowley in June 1934.
I am hoping that the project will be completed during 2012 at the latest.
The registration mark is ATO 441 should anyone have come across the car in the dim and distant past."
Keep up the good work, Tony.

31/10/10  Welcome to new Register member John Pallister who won this 1933 saloon on eBay today.
The car has been in dry storage for many years.  Looks like a great project, John!

28/10/10  Over in Northern Ireland, Paul Machaughton is offering his 1930 M Type project for sale.
He purchased the car a while ago, but now has a storage problem.
The engine is running and the cylinder head and dynamo were rebuilt by the previous owner.
The car goes with a correct pair of headlamps and four correct wings.
There is a UK logbook with the car and Paul is asking £4,500.
Contact Paul if interested.

27/10/10 Tony Gamble is making tremendous progress with his ex-Roy Hogg Semi-sports KJ 607 (M30499).
Here it is seen after delivery back from Garry Waiting yesterday.
Garry has been busy on it in the fabric and trim departments.
Looking great Tony!  Good work, Garry!

26/10/10  And congratulations to Terry Bouncer who has recently acquired this 1933 2-seater and joins the Register today.
Welcome Terry!  (This is a good time to join the Register, as new annual memberships from now will run to the end of 2011.
Download a Membership Form here.)

25/10/10  And congratulations to Ray and Viv Davies who have just acquired the ex-Brian Govier, ex-George Bryne 2-seater, OD 263.
Welcome to the Regsiter, Ray and Viv.

19/10/10   Congratulations to Bill Piggott who yesterday traveled to Cornwall and acquired the ex-Allan Jubb 1929 fabric saloon UR 4313 (M11438).
See also 28/9/10 below.  Bill is an enthusiastic VSCC and Light Car Section member, so expect to see this car very much
out and about next year.  Welcome to the Register, Bill.

1933 McEvoy Special TJ 1876 at a Morris 8 Tourer Club rally at Beaulieu in the early 1960's - photo John Hagger

18/10/10  The ex-Bev Hicks, ex-Tony Dunster 1933 McEvoy Model 70 TJ 1876 (SV31850) has as long last been traced.
This historic car was exported to Germany in the mid 1970's and subsequently went to ground.
It was believed to have passed to a new owner in Belgium around 1987.
The current owner has been traced in Belgium, and turns out to be the owner who acquired the car back in 1987.
Since then he has completely rebuilt ther car, and we await further news with great anticipation.
A fascinating article by Bev Hicks relating the tale of his ownership of this car
will appear in the 2010 Register Yearbook.

15/10/10  Congratulations to Bruce and Irene Davison who recently purchased this 1932 season saloon via eBay.
WV 215 (SV7384).  Unfortunately, the car is missing its sliding roof.  If anyone can help, please contact Bruce or Irene.

12/10/10  Orchid Cars is offering this 1929 fabric saloon (M 12504 - now paneled) which was recently
imported from new Zealand.   Details here.

12/10/10  Sadly, we must report the passing of another Register member - the Reverend Ted Spiller, who has died of kidney cancer.
Ted, who lived in Thirsk, Yorkshire, had been an early member of the Morris 8 Tourer Club back in the sixties
and had recently located and re-acquired the same Minor 2-seater that he had sold forty years ago.
He joined the Register in July last year.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Ted's family.

10/10/10  Another great turnout under cloudless skies today at our autumn pub meet at the Hatchgate.
(Photo: John Nagle)

6/10/10  This 1932 (1933 season) 2-seater is to be auctioned by Richard Edmonds specialist auctioneer
at Castle Combe circuit, Wiltshire on Saturday 30th October.
OD 6730 (SV31417), first registered 23/8/32 and with a V5.
The estimate is £800 to 1,200.
View it here.

5/10/10  The October Newsletter was distributed today.  A copy may be found in the Members' Area.

5/10/10  A reminder that our autumn pub meets will take place on Sunday 10th October this year.
Details may be found here. All pre-war cars - Morris or otherwise - warmly invited.

4/10/10  One up for the Morris Minor!  Hearty congratulations to Colin Lee who successfully saw off competition from
no less than sixteen Austin Sevens at the VSCC's Light Car Section Driving Tests in the New Forest on Saturday 25th September.
Good job, Colin!

4/10/10  Update on the Thing from the Deep!  Simon Hodgins went along to the Wey and Arun canal last week to view the remains
of this Morris Minor (see report dated 24/9/10 below).  He reports: "A rather bent and twisted rotten chassis with block, crank, front housing,
front wing stays, shock absorbers and headlamp shells.  No head, sump, dynamo, starter, pistons, rods, flywheel, springs, axles or wheels.
Too rotten and corroded to read the chassis number or the engine number, the cast iron block was rotten
and turning to powder when wire brushed but we think there was a 9 in there."
The Wey and Arun Canal Trust has written up the find on their website - read about it here.
Interestingly, there are no roads anywhere near the find, but the canal does adjoin Dunsfold aerodrome at this point,
which was constructed by the Canadians in 1942.  So perhaps the Minor was dumped in the canal at the time of construction,
or at some other point during the war, or ealy post-war years.

30/9/10  Harry Edwards' funeral will be at Chelmsford large crematorium (off Writtle Road) at 2.00 p.m. on Monday 11th October.
Afterwards there will be a gathering at 'The Three Compasses', West Hanningfield.
 Flowers are welcome, but also/or donations to 'Wallace Kennels', for whom there will be a collection on the door.

28/9/10  The ex-Allen Jubb 1929 fabric saloon M11538 has turned up again in Cornwall.
It is being offered for sale by West Country Classics and can be viewed here.
West Country Classics is also offering a 1933 SV saloon (ALL 806, SV33413) for sale.  View it here.
A 1932 2-seater is also being offered for sale in Reading.  View it here.

24/9/10  The thing from the deep!  No, not a morning after photo from a VSCC trial.
Incredibly, what appears to be an OHC Minor has just been dredged up from the Wey and Arun Canal.
An attempt will be made to read the chassis number and identify the car.

24/9/10  Our autumn pub meets will take place on Sunday 10th October this year.
Details may be found here.  All pre-war cars - Morris or otherwise - warmly invited.

24/9/10  This 1933 season 2-seater (SV29435, first registered 1/1/33) is being offered for sale in France.
Details here.  Thanks to Mike Tebbett for the information.

21/9/10  The September Newsletter was distributed electrically today.  A copy may also be found in the Members' Area.

Harry Edwards (hands in pockets) in his element at a past Morris Register Rally
(Photo:  Ken Martin)

20/9/10  Sadly, we must report the passing of Harry Edwards, Morris Register historian, Honorary Member and
member number 3 of the VMR, universal focus of knowledge on all things Morris.
Harry died in hospital of surgical complications early yesterday morning after suffering for some time from bowel cancer - he was 81.
  An obituary will appear in the next Register Magazine, but for now, I am passing
on the thoughts and best wishes of all the Register to his family.  Details of funeral arrangements will be announced
as soon as they are known.

16/9/10  We have a copule of new members to welcome to the Register.  Paul Fraser-Bennison is hoping to aquire
this very sound looking 'barn find' 1932 saloon WV 864.
We also welcome Richard Mace, of Cawston, near Norwich who has recently purchased 1934 Minor saloon
DG 8657 (34/MS/42866) and is looking for help with his sliding roof - which doesn't.  Contact Richard if you think you can help him.

16/9/10  Goodness - how time flies!  Jayne and I have been totally consumed by events over the last few weeks - not least of which
was Amanda's Wedding which was held at Roche Harbor in the San Juan Islands.  After the Wedding, many guests who attended
from all over the world seemed reluctant to go home!  So we have been, and are still entertaining until the end of next week.
In the coming days, I'll be picking up work on the next Magazine, the September Newsletter and completing the Yearbook.
With a further Magazine to publish before Christmas, any and all contributions by way of articles, restoration updates, etc. would be warmly received!

5/8/10  The August Newsletter was just launched into the ether and can also be found in the Members' Area.

28/7/10  Photos of our Summer Rally may be found here.
148 more superb photos taken by Allan Rhodes of Track Car Photography may be found here and can be ordered in a variety of colour formats.
Ordering details on the Forum under Events/VMR Tenth Anniversary Rally 2010.

27/7/10  What a fantastic weekend!  Undoubtedly the best VMR Rally to date - made so by the wonderful group of entrants.
Just got back to VMR HQ - more news anon.  In the meantime, hearty thanks to everyone involved!

27/7/10  Welcome to new member Dan Witcher who owns this very tidy 1932 2-seater KJ 9306 (SV22691).
Dan lives in Pulborough, West Sussex and acquired the car last year.

16/7/10  VMR Prescott - a week tomorrow!  In the last few days, I have had several owners ask if it is too late to enter.
Absolutely not!  Simply turn up on the day and pay at the gate.  Climb tickets will be available from the start line hut,
and there will be spare BBQ tickets available during the day if you would like to join in the evening social fun on the hill.
See you there!

15/7/10  We now have the VMR lunch menu for the Inn for All Seasons,
which will be our lunch stop on the Scenic Tour on Sunday 25th July.
Here it is.

10/7/10  Impatient to get Minor motoring in his saloon, Mike Houston has acquired the Semi-sports IA 9142.
The car has a long and fascinating history that Mike is now piecing together.
Much more on this car on the Forum.

9/7/10  With just two weeks to go to our Tenth Anniversary Summer Rally, we are all systems go!
It is NOT too late to enter - either e-mail the Register or simply turn up at Prescott on Saturday 24th July and pay at the gate!
The July Newsletter, just launched into the ether, has all the final details and can also be read here.
I shall be flying over to Heathrow Thursday night next week and returning Monday morning.
See you all there!

3/7/10  Back in April we reported that Tommy Jardine had ended his search for a Minor saloon with the purchase of a 1934 model.
He has now got it running and taken it for its first road test.  He reports: "The road test was very good - it appears that the
old rusty exhaust contributed to bad running and I fitted a new distributor cap and leads plus a new coil.
The gearbox is also rattle-free after repairs to reverse selector.  It is now up to my brother to respray the car
as the paintwork is very poor.  This will be a long job as he strips everything down to bare metal."
Tommy is looking for a pair of half shafts, and here we see him in his Phillipines transport.

30/6/10  The Light Car Section of the VSCC held their Summer Rally last Sunday around the wilds of Staffordshire.
Here we see Dave Aston's tourer (currently for sale) alongside the Rolfe's saloon - the only two Minors to attend this year.
Dave reports: ":Just to prove I take my daughters out in the sunshine too ... my and Dave Rolfe's Minor at the VSCC LCES Summer Rally.
I drove my car from Tenbury, Worcestershire to the event near Rugeley, Staffordshire mostly on B roads.
We had a great party there Saturday night, with glorious weather all weekend.
Being kind to our kids, Dave and I had elected to do the tour rather than the competitive rally.
Hence we were able to really enjoy a very scenic 60 mile route on the Sunday, including two fun water splash fords.
Neither Minor missed a beat the whole weekend, a 200 mile round trip for us.
Shame there were only two Minors compared to the Austins which made up 50% of the entry.
Glad I haven't sold my Minor yet, I would have missed out on a fantastic event."

19/6/10  Welcome to new member Anthony Haddock of Worksop who has acquired Jen Lees' Minor US 2299 (see 2/2/10 below).
This car features in the new Longstone Tyres advertisement which will appear in the Yearbook.

11/6/10  The June Newsletter was distributed today and is also available in the Members' Area of the website.
Magazine M 135 has been posted worldwide and is also available in full colour in the Members' Area of the website.
The Register's 2010 Yearbook will be published at the end of June - order your copy here.

6/6/10  Believe it or not, a second extremely rare 1934 Minor 4-seater tourer has turned up in India.  Parth's 4-seater is already well-known
to Register members.  This one - chassis 34/MS/38026 - was spotted by Dave Aston, who reports:
"Here are some photos of a sidevalve Morris in Jodhpur, India.
I went there to rewire the Maharaja's Phantom II Rolls Royce.  As seems usual for Maharajas, they keep all the cars they ever bought,
and the Morris was on display as part of the Maharaja's collection at the Umaid Bahwan Palace, Jodhpur - where Liz Hurley was married,
I'm sure you will have that copy of "Hello!" magazine!"
So Parth, it looks like you have a very useful reference car not too far from you - but please ignore the front bumper, front wing brace,
headlamp stone guards and radiator mascot!

5/6/10  Three inches of snow, and the hood down - that's the vintage Minor spirit!
Dave Aston is regrettably selling his 1930 tourer.   This very capable and sorted car
is well-known in the VSCC, having been totally rebuilt with a new body, wings, etc. by Terry Dickie.
Dave reports that his daughters enjoy vintage motoring but don't travel light, so he needs a larger car.
(However, we think that they may have objecyed to being frozen to death!)
He is asking £10,000.  Those interested should call Dave on 07968/225262 without delay.

3/6/10  Magazine M 135 has now been uploaded to the Members' Area of the website.
Printed copies will be on their way to all members next Monday.

3/6/10  As reported (16/5/10) below, the MG Car Club's South West centre mounted an historic re-enactment of the 100 ascents
of the Beggar's Roost Trials Hill by an M Type MG in May 1930 last weekend.  Several VMR members were in attendance,
and three entered their M Types.  In all 8 M Types ascended the famous hill over the weekend.  This line-up was captured by Melvyn Tubb.
A full report on the weekend will appear in the Yearbook which will be published at the end of this month.
Download the Yearbook order form here if you have not yet ordered your copy.

27/5/10  Roger Baker is offering this very tidy 1934 Minor saloon for sale at £4,950.
More phots and a full description may be found here.

18/5/10 This Model 70 McEvoy Special Morris Minor has been languishing in an Ipswich engineering workshop since 1957.
Today it was finally removed from its lair and has been delivered to Walker Freight in Colnbrook
for onward shipping to VMR HQ in Seattle, where its arrival is eagerly anticipated.
The car was delivered by Robin Hunter, who did an outstanding job.

17/5/10  Mr C. Leeper is offering his award-winning 1933 season Minor 2-seater is being offered on the Internet at present.
 It is seen here at the Vintage and Classic Car Show at Hebden Bridge on the Vintage Weekend on 3rd August 2008.
First registereed 31/12/1932.  Asking price is £9,000.
View it here.

16/5/10  The MG Car Club (SW Centre) will promote an Historic Re-enactment of the 100 ascents of the Beggars Roost Trials Hill
by this MG M Type in May 1930.  The 80 year commemoration is to take place at Barbrook, near Lynton, North Devon
on 29 May 2010 between 2-4 pm and on 30 May 2010 between 10-12 am.
The aim is to make 50 non-stop climbs of the hill on each day.
During the time each car is making its ascents its engine must continue to run without stopping.
Details and the entry form may be downloaded here.
We understand there are about 12 cars entered.

15/5/10  Over in Japan, our member Kenji Matsuoka attended Meet the MG 2010 at
Shin-Nishinomiya Yacht Harbor earlier today (Japan is 16 hours ahead of VMR HQ!).
41 MGs, including  one M-type (Kenki's), three J2s and one P Special (Q replica).
Kenji reports that this spring it is colder than usual in Japan, but it was beautiful on the day,
and many people came to see old MGs.

14/5/10  The May Newsletter has just been launched.  A copy may also be found in the Members' Area.

14/5/10  Don't forget that the Register will have a club stand at Spring Beaulieu this weekend (look out for the banner!).
Stall number R293 (red field, bottom half towards the Thomas Cook bank).
Stop by and sday hello to Toby.

7/5/10  In New South Wales, Ian Hancock is offering his 1928 Minor roadster for sale.
Chassis mumber MM1226, chassis laid down 14/12/1928.  Au$12,500 firm.
Contact Ian for details.

Laura and Clive Hamilton-Gould and friends.  LCES Summer Rally 2004. (Photo Phil Jones)

6/5/10  The VSCC's Light Car and Edwardian Section has just released the Regs and Entry form for their 2010 Summer Rally,
to take place in Stafordshire over the weekend of Sunday 27th June.  Download here.

6/2/10  Not a Minor, but member Kenji Matsuoka's new toy over in Japan.  Kenji reports
that the beginning of May is a short holiday week in Japan, so he has spent
several days with the car, a 1933 Austin Seven.  The driver here is Hiro Nishio,
and the young boy standing next to the car is restoring a Nippy.

Below is Kenji with his other car (ex-WH 2424, 2M886).
This car was fully rebuilt by David Cooksey in Wokingham 1988/89.

2/5/10  This 1932 Minor OJ 772 (SV17683) is currently being offered on eBay.  View it here.
Thanks to Mike Tebbett for spotting this one.

1/5/10  John Nagle is making rapid progress with the restoration of his 1934 2-seater OW 4224,
which he hopes will be ready for our Summer Rally in July.
It is seen here with the newly-restored body ready for paint.

(Photo: Ken Martin)

(Photo: Toby Sears)

(Photo: Brian Maeers)

25/4/10  Our spring pub meets were very well attended today.
The upper photo shows the Hatchgate meet - with about 20 attendees including five vintage Minors and an M Type.
We were joined by the Bean Car Club and the Morris Register.
The middle photo shows the attendees at the Hurstbourne Tarrant meet including Ronald Hogg with his 1929 tourer,
and a big smile that may have something to do with the car's recent engine overhaul.
The pint sitting on the bonnet was spotted at our Peatling Magna meet, where 21 people in 9 Minors
and other vintage cars followed the pub meet with driving tests at Brian and Heidi Maeers' farm
Up hill, reverse, then around the pond and back down.  FTD went to Tom Walker in 1931 Minor 2-seater TM 8687 ('Agnes')
with a time of exactly one minute.  Second was a Frazer Nash (1.02), third was a Lea Francis (1.04),
fourth was Agnes driven by Brian (1.05).  More photos of this meet here.
All in all, a great day was had by all.

24/4/10  A reminder that we are holding our spring pub meets this Sunday, starting at noon.
Find all the details here.   Everyone is welcome.

.

16/4/10  Down in Dorset, member Hugh Knott is sadly having to sell his 1932 Minor OW 1920 (SV18463) due to immobility.
OW was featured in a Practical Motorist article in August 1981 entitled 'Cars Worth Keeping' when in the ownership of Ken Ford.
Hugh reports, "I have known the car since 1972 when I went with Ken to help push it to his home when he purchased it.
Ken had known it since the Second World War, after which it was owned by Horace Lane of Wareham."
Contact Hugh if interested.

15/4/10  We are delighted to welcome back Col Schiller in Toowoomba, Australia as a Register member.
Col left in 2002 when he sold M11421 to the late Lawrie Buckand (where is it now?).
Recently, Col acquired Y581 with this fascinating roadster bodywork which exactly matches that
on new member Brian Jeffery's car (M9722 - see  20/8/09 below).
Happily, Brian and Col are now in contact.
Since leaving the Register in 2002, Col has been bitten by the MG bug and now owns
an MG 14/40, an MG 18/80, an MG M Type, an MG J1 and an MG SA.
That must have been quite a bite, Col!

13/4/10  The April Newsletter was published today and is also available in the Members' Area.

13/4/10  Tommy Jardine joined the Register last month as he was searching for a Minor saloon.
He has now acquired this delightfully original example - congratulations Tommy!

12/4/10  In Queensland, Australia, Gary Schulze is offering his 1931 OHC tourer for sale.
This car just won the best early Minor at the Morris Register of Australia's National Rally.
Details in Marketplace.

11/4/10  This original 1934 saloon has just come on the market.
"Very original condition, untouched car, reconditioned brake master cylinder and pipes.
Has been in storage for 30 years, very good original paint work and bodywork, original interior with sunroof, engine runs."
Located in Hampshire.  View it here.

10/4/10  A rare and gorgeous Minor.  Sarah Gibson's 1932 McEvoy captured recently and looking resplendent in Spain.
Thanks for the great photos, Sarah.  More in the next Magazine.

8/4/10  Four VMR members supported the Morris Register of Australia's 17th National Rally at Goondiwindi,
about 200 miles south of Brisbane over the Easter weekend.  Shown here are (l to r)
Ted Pavitt's 1929 roadster, Max Dawkins' 1929 Buckboard, Gary Schulze's 1931 OHC tourer and Ewan Lambess' 1929 tourer.
There will be a full report on the weekend in the next Register Magazine.  Photo courtesy of Ewan Lambess.

7/4/10  This 1931 SV Minor is currently being offered for sale by Peter Dolley.
Chassis SV2955, engine U3586A.  Peter acquired it in 1990 and restored it over 3 years.  Little used since then.
Internal trim and external paintwork in excellent condition.  Current MoT.
£5,500 ono.  Garaged near Sevenoaks, Kent.  Contact Peter at 01732/870888.

31/3/10  Hot news!  Clive Hamilton-Gould has won the Llwynbarried Trophy at the 2010 VSCC LCES 'Welsh'
with his 1930 Morris Minor tourer.  The Llwynbarried Trophy is the premier award for the weekend,
for the best overall performance across the weekend to include the Touring Assembly
on Saturday and the Sporting Trial on Sunday.
Well done Clive!

25/3/10  Today we welcome Les Beardmore to the Register.
Les is restoring this Hundred Pound Minor (MU 3272, chassis SV2693) for his boss,
and doing a wonderful job. This is what he started with.  Les is on the lookout for a replacement radiator -
please contact the Register if you think you can help.
(Les's boss also owns a 1930 Semi-sports (EC 9689, M30077) which he has owned for about 40 years
and was his first car.  Les will be working his magic on this car once the SV 2-seater is completed.)

24/3/10  We are delighted to report that, at long last, the 'time capsule' 1931 fabric saloon LG 6677 (sadly now BF 4527)
has been acquired by true enthusiast Dereck Hardiman in Southport who joins the Register today.
Dereck and his wife also own  a Top Hat Austin 7 and are doing everything possible to
reunite the car with its original registration number.

23/3/10  We have added a fourth pub to our spring pub meet calendar - the George and Dragon in Hurstbourne Tarrant
near Andover, Hampshire.  Sunday 25th April at noon.  An appropriate venue since this is not only ther FBHVC's Drive It Day,
but also St. George's Day falls two days earlier!  All welcome - members or otherwise.
Details of this and our other spring pub meets may be found here.

17/3/10  And another on eBay - view it here.

12/3/10  This 1932 season 2-seater is currently being offered on eBay.
Location is Cardigan, South Wales.
View it here.

10/3/10  The March Newsletter was distributed today and can also be downloaded from the Members' Area of the website.

8/3/10  This 1932 season saloon is currently being offered on eBay.  Located in Morpeth.
View it here.

7/3/10  At long last, spring is just around the corner, and the start of the summer motoring season.
So time to get the car out, crank it up and get it ready for the open road once again.
We have three Spring Pub Meets organized so far, with at least one more to come.
Find all the details here.

7/3/10  Last summer, the Register held an online Midsummer Auction which was highly successful.
The highlight of the auction was this rare 1932 four-seater 'barn find' which found a good home.
So this year, we will hold another Midsummer Auction of cars, spares and automobilia.
Please send in details (with reserve and photo if possible) to the Register.
(Here you can view last year's auction.)

6/3/10  This 1934 saloon has surfaced in New Zealand where it is being offered for sale.
View it here. Thanks to John McDonald and Peter Field for spotting this one.

4/3/10  This 1933 2-seater is being offered by dealer D. W. Mathewson up in North Yorkshire.
View it here.

4/3/10  Our very special Tenth Anniversary Yearbook will be published in June.
To reserve your copy, download the order form here.

2/3/10  Talking of M Types, hereis one currently for sale in the Dordogne, France.

2/3/10  Young VSCC member Rachel King is looking for an M Type in which to compete in standard class VSCC trials and driving tests.
She is looking for a car in in any state (from a pile of bits upwards) but ready to go and classed as standard would be good too!
Contact via the Register if you think you can help.

  2/3/10 As reported 19/1/10 below, Les Heward owns this very tidy Minor saloon
and reported that, prior to his ownership, it had previously been stored in a skip.
For those restorers in need of a little encoragement, here is what Les started with.

1/3/10  Over in Northern Ireland, Peter Mann has his 1933 Minor 2-seater (chassis SV31597) for sale once again.
Last summer, after advertising the car, it suffered a bent rod, broken piston and scored cylinder liner.
Paul is therefore looking for a realistic offer for the car in its current state.
E-mail Peter if interested.  See the current advertisement here.
For those looking for somewhat more of a restoration challenge,
find the remains of a 1933 saloon on eBay.

25/2/10  The 1929 tourer seen above and offered for sale below (7/2/10) is now being offered on eBay.
View it here.

25/2/10  Member Simon Hyslop up in Dumfries is offering his 1934 2-seater AYF 22 (SV41783) for sale.
View it here.

23/2/20  Today we welcome Simon Candlin of Bath to the Register.  Having recently sold his early twenties Austin 12,
Simon is looking for a sound OHC Minor tourer to campaign in VSCC Light Car Section events.  Offers of help via the Register please.
Simon also owns this 1927 Humber 14/40.

23/2/10  Jeremy Evans over in Aberaeron is offering his 1929 M Type LJ 455 for sale (2M/617, engine MG481, first registered 4th October 1929).
Jeremy reports: "the car is now on the road (MoT etc.) and running in. I have done about 120 miles so it is getting a bit happier now.
I am looking for £17k o.n.o.  It is standard mechanically, early engine, early cam, 3 speed gearbox, transmission handbrake, rod/cable brakes
but with new Bob Hudson brake drums (cast in one piece in good old iron so no belling out on braking).
It is fully rebuilt - everything that needed doing has been done, although I did not make a terribly good job of painting the bonnet!
 It has its original (transferable) Bournemouth number, it has the later dashand as I did not have any wings
I have fitted cycle types.  The front ones turn with the steering.  No windscreen I am afraid."
Contact Jeremy for further details.

22/2/10  The February Newsletter is now available in the Members' Area.
If you are a member, and did not receive your copy via e-mail, please contact the Register.

20/2/10  The VSCC's Light Car Section will once again be holding their Welsh Weekend March 27th/28th.
Since this is the Register's Tenth Anniversary year, let's see if we can get a bumper entry together.
Regs and entry form can be downloaded here.

18/2/10  Today the number of SV Minors recorded in the chassis register reached 400.  This is nowhere near the likely total survivors,
but is something of a milestone for the chassis register.  Of these 400, 190 chassis numbers are recorded,
and these numbers are increasing at a good clip.
For comparison, we have 412 OHC Minors recorded, for which we have 319 chassis numbers.
For the M Types, we have 341 examples recorded, for which we have 286 chassis numbers.
If you can provide any of the missing chassis numbers or provide information on cars not currently listed
on the chassis register, (which may be found in the Members' Area), please contact the Register.

18/2/10  Today we welcome Tommy Jardine from southern Scotland to the Register. He is looking for a 1931 to 1933 SV saloon,
in restored condition, preferably in black, and preferably within a reasonable distance of his home in southern Scotland.
Contact Tommy if you can help.

17/2/10  Jen Lees' Minor 2-seater sold today at auction for £5,280 (see news item for 2/2/10 below)
Auction results may be found here.

17/2/10  Sadly, we must report the passing of member Les Simpson of Sheffield.  Les was an early member of the Register
and owned this CMS Supersports replica, based on 1929 chassis M6671.  Happily, Les's son Richard has taken custodianship,
is joining us, and will inherit his father's membership number 76.  Les rebuilt the car when Richard was 12 years old.
Welcome, Richard.

16/2/10  We extend a warm welcome to Rasmus Larsen of Oelgod, Denmark who joins the Register today
with this very smart Hundred Pound Minor, Z 9489, chassis SV1918.

15/2/10  Here's a mouth-watering collection of MMM MG's,
including an M Type Sportman's Coupe (CM/1973) and 2-seater GK 489 (2M/2125).
However, you may be surprised at the location - the Kawaguchiko Motor Museum in Japan.
Thanks to Kenji Matsuoka for forwarding this image and thanks to Hiro Nishio for
forwarding data on nine known M Types in Japan for the chassis register
which can be found in the Members' Area.

14/2/10  This Aberdeen-registered 1933 season Minor 2-seater has just been listed on eBay.
Only two owners from new and it has been off the road for forty years.
But it looks like it could be recommissioned with a clean and a service.
The car is located in Woodbridge, Suffolk.  View it here.  And many more photos here.

12/2/10  Update to the recent sale of the ex-Olive Willats fabric saloon KR 5670, reported 5/2/10 below.
The car is for sale again - view it here.

8/2/10  Today we welcome Derrick Gück to the Register.  Derrick lives in Florida and has three Morrises in the UK -
a 1931 Minor tourer, a 1937 Morris 8 tourer and a 1923 Bullnose.

8/2/10  Yes, this ghostly apparition is a Morris Minor!  Owned by Eduard Delgado in Barcelona, and currently under deep restoration.
1934 saloon, chassis 34/MS/42892 and registered BU-2252 in Spain.

7/2/10  Mark and Debbie Borman survey the dismantled Hundred Pound Minor (chassis SV 2277) belonging to Debbie's father,
who acquired it in the seventies from the Harrah Collection in the USA.  A complete restoration is about to commence in their
home town of Monroe, Washington - about 12 miles from VMR HQ!

7/2/10  As spring approaches, it seems that several Minors are coming on to the market, including the ex-Tony Gamble 1929 OHC tourer
SV 9091 (originally Bath-Registered as FB 8045), chassis M12591.  The original engine, U12700 has also been replaced by an earlier unit U2079C.
Auctioned by Bonhams in 2001, it had been in the previous ownership for forty years, when it was acquired from Clearwaters Garage in Salisbury in December 1966.
Tony sold this car to Kevin Mitchell, in Banstead, Surrey in 2008, but circumstances dictate that Kevin must now pass it on again.
Tony reports: "It is pretty well complete (minus exhaust system , from memory), but really needs a complete new body as the ash frame
has the dreaded "worm" in several places and the bodywork has rusted at the bottom of the doors.
It has, however, been completely retrimmed, and the seats and interior are quite good.  A new body would make it a reasonably good car.
The engine does run (or did run) but I don't know how sound it is."
Kevin is looking for offers on £3,750 .  His mobile number is 07957/288125 and his home number is 01737/350321.
Hurry - this car will go quickly!

6/2/10  And another saloon has come on the market - the ex- Rob Lawrance 1930 OHC saloon (M26625)
which was purchased in 2002 by a number plate dealer who stripped the car of its original number (BR 8362).
The car has been  fitted with a SV engine for many years, replacing the original OHC unit U27147.
First registered 22nd July 1930.  Find the full details here.  This is a trade sale.

6/2/10  This very smart and original December 1931 Minor was offered for sale by House of Carriages in July last year,
and is being offered again by Dorset Vintage Car Auctions at their sale on Thursday 25th March.

5/2/10  Today we welcome two new members to the Register.
Richard Parker has joined the Register with the remains of three Minors - two OHC and a SV.
One of the OHC Minors is 1930 saloon VE 2782 (M20663).  Richard doesn't have any paperwork for this chassis,
but the Register was delighted to be able to provide Richard with the original brown logbook for this car!
The full and fascinating story of this, and Richard's other two cars will be included in M 135.
Our second new member today is Tony Eldridge who has recently acquired a 1934 saloon in need of restoration.
The car was last on the road in 1986 and was acquired from an elderly friend.
Thanks also to Chris Moorhouse for referring Tony, which means that Chris will receive a £10 discount on his Register subs.
Welcome both!

5/2/10  Many members will be aware of the late Olive Willats' fabric saloon, seen here in Italy on the FIAME Rally Della Laguna in 1964.
After being offered for sale for some considerable time, this famous car has now found a new home.
Read more about Olive and her car here.

2/2/10  Jen Lees is passing on her tidy and well-sorted 1933 Minor 2-seater, seen here climbing Prescott on the 2005 VMR Summer Rally.
The car, chassis SV26862, was first registered 10/7/33 and is being auctioned by H&H at The Pavilion Gardens, Derbyshire on 17th February.
Details here or contact the Register for more information.

31/1/10  Member Dave Manning is passing on his 1930 saloon restoration.
HX 7747, chassis M31567, engine 32370, first registered 31/12/30.
Find it here on eBay.

22/1/10  Bruce Murray is making excellent progress with his 1929 tourer (M11171) in Dunedin, New Zealand.
This car has a long and fascinating history which will be detailed in the upcoming 2010 Register Yearbook.

20/1/10  We have been able to arrange with the Bugatti Trust for them to open their museum for us at Prescott on the Saturday of our Summer Rally.
The museum is definitely a 'must-see' for those who may not have visited it before.
Entrance will be completely free for Rally entrants and their guests.

19/1/10  Welcome to new member Les Heward of Sheffield who owns 1933 saloon VE 8450 (SV27846).
Les tells us that be bought the car in pieces in the late 1980's - it had apparently been stored in a skip!
The ash frame was totally rotten, so was replaced, and the car was MoT'd in 1993 but has been little used since.
However, Les hopes to get it back on the road this year.  Les also owns the remains of a 1934 2-seater and a Morris 10/6 Special.
Welcome aboard Les!

18/1/10  Does anyone know the current whereabouts of this 1930 OHC Minor?  This was David Biles' first car, and he would like to trace it.
It IS still registered with DVLA.  The car was first registered in London on 19th June 1930 by Stuart & Ardern.
It is parked outside Maria Grey College, now part of Brunel University, and was registered to someone in Acton, London W3 until about 1962.
David then owned it from 1963 to 1965 in Ruislip, Middlesex and then sold it to someone in Northwood, Middlesex.
The picture shows a delightful example of a typical sixties student hack with all the usual modifications - Magna wheels, lost front bumper,
ex-WD head and sidelamps, SV radiator cap, Sparton horn sportily relocated up front, and the obligatory bald tyre!
Otherwise, the old girl has fared very well compared to the great majority of her contemporaries.
David reports that the car was great fun for him 45 years ago.  Can anyone say what state is she in today?

18/1/10  For those undertaking brake rebuilds in the near future, the Register is contemplating having another batch of brake parts made,
including the SV brake pulley gear shown above.  If you have a current or possible future need for kingpins, brake cables or pulley gear
for either an OHC or SV Minor, please contact the Register to discuss.

 15/1/10 Malcolm Elder and son Mark in Oxfordshire have this very smart 1934 2-seater for sale for £7,750. Chassis SV40171.

13/1/10  The restoration of 1930 tourer VA 9714 (M23264) is well advanced in the capable hands of Walter Watson up in Lanarkshire.
Walter sold this car to Edwin Farrall in September 2008, but re-acquired it last April, since when the restoration has continued apace.
M23264 will soon join a very small number of surviving 1930 season tourers on the road.
By 1930, demand for saloons was far outstripping demand for open models.

12/1/10  The VSCC's Light Car Section will once again be holding their Welsh Weekend March 27th/28th.
Regs and entry form can be downloaded here.

9/1/10  And by contrast, here is Trevor Wilkinson's 2-seater taking an airing earlier today in Bedfordshire.

9/1/10  New Year's Day at the Hatchgate.  This is the Bean Car Club meet, to which we were invited.
Mike Jones reports:
"Sadly no VMR cars there except for those in BCC too, but in the prevailing cold it would have been quite a long way for them.
The only Minor there was the Cookseys', seen entering left, in the shot of most of the other cars there.
That and my 12/50 and the Cowley on the right are all sporting radiator muffs!  Alan Wheeler came by Cowley (second from left).
I thought his Minor saloon would be the car of choice for the cold, and Pam Knight with friend Max in his 1970s Merc (boo!)
I gather their Minor fell foul of MOT tester for worn shackle pins/bushes.
If I'd known the weather was going to be sunny all day I'd have made the effort to go Minor - and avoided the hassle
of the 12/50's headlights trying to take the day off when I set off for home from our tea-stop!"

6/1/10  If you were planing to be at Brooklands for the VSCC's New Year Driving Tests and film show,
please be advised that this event has been postponed due to the prevailing weather conditions.
The VSCC has announced:
"Brooklands Film Show and New Year Driving Tests - 9/10 January 06
After careful consideration, it has been decided to reschedule these two events for 6/7 February.
Tickets issued for the film show will be valid for Saturday 6 February at the same time.
Anybody who is unable to attend on this revised date is asked to contact Ann Watson at Brooklands Museum
after Monday 11 January on 01932/857381 Ext 244.
Similarly, all tickets and passes issued for the Driving Tests will be valid for Sunday 7 February with the event timetable remaining unaltered.
If you are unable to take part on this revised date, please contact the VSCC Competitions Department."

6/1/10  Has anyone seen this Minor?  The son of a past owner is searching for it.  Last heard of around 1980.
Please contact the Register if you have any information.

4/1/10  The January 2010 Newsletter was launched into the ether today.  A copy has also been placed in the Members' Area of the website.
If you do not receive the Newsletters but would like to, please contact the Register.

2/1/10  It was a glorious day in the New Forest yesterday when Toby Sears captured this image of his saloon
on his return from the VSCC New Year's Day meet at the White Buck Inn, at Burley, Hampshire.

2/1/10  As we enter our tenth anniversary year, it may be of interest to members who have joined since then
to read the very first VMR Magazine from the year 2000.
Download it here.

1/1/10  With the start of our tenth anniversay year, what better time to join the Vintage Minor Register!
If you own a pre-war OHC or SV Morris Minor, or an M Type MG, and are not yet a Register member,
please consider joining over 200 other owners worldwide and becoming part of the Chassis Register.
Simply download the 2010 membership form here.

1/1/10  Mike Stubbings (6' 2") is instructed how to fit into a Minor 2-seater by Alister Reid at Brooklands earlier today.
Great day, great vintage turnout - cold but sunny - the perfect way to start the New Year!
Thanks for the great photo, Mike.

29/12/09  Today we welcome Kenneth Cox of Huntly, Aberdeenshire to the Register.  Kenneth has recently acquired
1930 saloon WE 9758 (M29355) from Dennis Wilson.  This saloon will join another 1930 saloon in Huntly - KR 958 owned by the Frendraught Estate.

22/12/09  As we approach the end of another splendid vintage motoring year,
it is only fair to recognize some of those who work so tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the wheels of the Register turning smoothly.
Today, therefore, we would like to honour the following for their undaunted loyalty and support throughout the past year:

Subscription Rate Advisors   Illgott and Gaines
Subscription Refund Administrator   Imelda Czech
Chief Accountant   Candace B. Rittenoff
Complaint Line Operator   Levon Hold
Sexual Harassment Counselor   Natasha Diaz
Morris Minor Back Seat Testers   Wilma Butfit and Fitz Matush
Back Seat Drivers  Veronica Lizzioncourse and Mischa Turnov
Member Care Representative   Kurt Reply
Fleet Manager   Lisa Carr
Transportation Coordinator   Orson Buggy
Assistant Chassis Registrar  Megan Model
Magazine Humorist   Nadia Geddit
Tyre Technologist   Yessir Issaflat
Summer Rally Entry Forecaster   Luigi Bord
Summer Rally Jazz Band Leader   Sasha Noyes

Stop by for more staff credits in the coming days.

22/12/09  With the UK in the grip of blizzards, here's a seasonal shot of the editorial 1929 fabric saloon in Germany
about ten years ago, and now owned by Tom Dixon.

17/12/09  The Members' Area now contains a full set of the original pre-war Morris service sheets for the Minor.
Grateful thanks to Sam Christie for providing these.

17/12/09  New member Peter Rowley's 2-seater turns out to be a saloon!  Originally registered WD 4182 in Warwickshire in 1932,
and with chassis number SV935, this is an early SV saloon.  Peter has owned the car for over thirty years and brought it to the States
eleven years ago.  Now retired, Peter is picking up the pace of the rebuild.  WD 4182 joins a number of other saloons
currently under restoration.  And Peter's membership bring to ten the number of US Register members.

16/12/09  Congratulations once again to Clive Hamilton-Gould who gained a Second Class Award
in the VSCC's winter driving tests at Westcott on Saturday 5th December.  Clive reports:
"It is a pity that no other Minors were entered as they are so nimble, only the brain struggles to keep up!
They are complex tests - only the winner in my class did not get a test wrong.
My car had more mud on it than after the Cotswold Rally!"
So, is any other Minor or M Type entered in the New Year Driving Tests at Brooklands on Sunday 10th January?

16/12/09 Today we extend a warm welcome to new member Peter Rowley, of LaGrange, Georgia, USA who is restoring a 1931 Minor 2-seater.
Peter's daughter Debbie has just purchased membership for him as a Birthday gift.
We look forward to talking to Peter and learning details about his Minor.

14/12/09  By popular request, a virtual pub meet has been opened for a third year on our forum for Christmas and the New Year.
Pop in for a pint and a chat with other members from around the world!

14/12/09  The December Newsletter was distributed today.  A copy may be found in the Members' Area.
If you did not receive your copy - please contact the Register.

8/12/09  Very little news at present, which is not surprising, given the season.
However, we have been invited to join the Bean Car Club at the Hatchgate, Bramshill for lunch on New Year's Day.
The BCC are regular supporters of out spring and autumn Hatchgate meets,
so this is an opportunity to reciprocate.
Contact the Register if interested in attending.

17/11/09  Up in Lancashire, Les Beardmore is making rapid progress on his boss's Hundred Pound Minor MU 3272 (SV2693).
This was the car that was rescued along with many other cars in parlous state from a field in Norfolk and
auctioned earlier this year by Keys.  Here is what Les started with and here is the car as found.
And here is the Daily Mail story of the discovery and auction.

11/11/09  The November Newsletter was distributed today and is also downloadable from the Members' Area.
If you are a member and did not receive a copy by e-mail, please let the Register know.

11/11/09  Hereford Vintage Auctions has these items on offer at their How Caple auction on 25th November.
Full auction details here.  We are happy to support HVA, as they are also strong supporters of the Register.
Thanks to Simon Hodgins for this snippet.

10/11/09  The Richard Buxton 2-seater JJ 9085 (see below) sold for £3,600 plus 15% commission.

3/11/09  New Zealand members Neville and Val Wilson are offering to co-ordinate with any members from New Zealand or Australia
who would like to visit the UK next August to attend the Register's Tenth Anniversary Rally.
Neville and Val may be contacted at (+64) 6/8340967 or via e-mail at neval.wilson@xtra.co.nz

3/11/09  Member Richard Buxton is reluctantly auctioning his 1933 Minor 2-seater JJ 9085 (chassis SV26464, engine 26069)
through Charterhouse Auctions this Sunday at their Bristol Classic Car Show auction at the Royal Bath and West showground.
The car has been in Richard's family since the War and comes with an Arnott supercharger which was once fitted to this car.
View the catalogue entry here (lot 291).

31/10/09  Today we welcome John Wheeley to the Register.  John lives in Great Yarmouth and is looking for
a Hundred Pound Minor two-seater similar to the one above that was just sold by Miller's Garage in Newbury.
If you have such a device surplus to requirements, please give John a call on 01692/670294 .

17/10/09  And this rare Cowley-bodied 1933 2-seater is being offered by dealer David Ekberg in Sandringham, Victoria, Australia,
where everything is upside down and SV Minors are far more rare than their vintage precursors.
Chassis SV29421, engine 30168.  More details here.  Thanks to Ewan Lambess for spotting this one.

15/10/09  This 1933 saloon is currently on offer over in Holland.
Original UK registration was AXU 976, chassis SV33231.  The chassis and coachwork have been fully restored,
including new leather, but the interior needs some completing.  Details here. Price €11,500.  info@potomacmotors.nl

13/10/09  Hearty congratulations to Clive Hamilton-Gould and Paul Rogers for achieving a Second on the VSCC Welsh Rally
last weekend, dropping only 8 points on the day - great job guys!

12/10/09  It was a day that favoured saloons at the Hatchgate yesterday, but the turnout was excellent,
 including this lineup, plus a brace of MMM MGs and a rare Calshott Special OHC Minor.
(Photo: John Nagle)

9/10/09  Just how we like to find them.  Joe Barnett's father pondering his discovery in the sixties.
His son Joe who recently joined the Register is now completing the restoration that his late father started.
We wish him good luck and many miles of happy motoring.

9/10/09  Congratulations to Mike Jones for his fifty years of membership of the Vintage Sports-Car Club.
Among other cars, Mike campaigns a 1930 Minor Semi-sports and is seen here accepting the coveted Roy Hogg Trophy
at our 2004 Summer Rally having just won the trophy in our navigation rally.  Mike is also a stalwart of the Bean Car Club,
for whom he is the magazine editor, and is working tirelessly to encourage BCC members to join us at Prescott in 2010.
Mike is member number nine of the VMR, so is also coming up on ten years membership of our own esteemed club.

7/10/09  With Christmas just around the corner, my company is already gearing up for Secret Santa gifts, socials and more,
which made me think about the VMR.  Living so far from England, I always like to receive Christmas cards from my old car friends,
particularly ones depicting old cars!

So here’s an idea which might be worthwhile and may well lead to new friendships.  Why not check out the Members’ List
and pick, say, ten members - perhaps ones that you don’t necessarily know, and possibly some that live far away around the globe,
and add them to your Christmas card list.  You might like to include a brief note and a few details/photo of your car(s)
and family along with some seasonal best wishes to them and their families.  Perhaps you could pick members
with cars identical to yours in year and type.  You might also look for members who do not have e-mail addresses,
and so have more tenuous communications with the Register.  You might also consider the Honorary Members,
all of whom have given far more to our sport than they have taken.  I would be happy to provide suggested addresses
if you don't want to plough through the Members' List yourself.

As for the holidays themselves, is there any interest in local Christmas dinners anywhere, or New Year's Day meets,
or even a Boxing Night Informal?!  If so, I will co-ordinate as best I can.

6/10/09  Our Barrington pub meet on Sunday was very well attended.  Apart from regulars,
Hugh Barnes brought several of his Austin Seven friends, and Keith Herkes from the EMGS
brought along his MG 18/80.  It was also good to see Michael Taylor and his vintage Austin 12.
Two more meets this coming Sunday - the Hatchgate, Bramshill, Hampshire and
the Four Horseshoes, Thornham Magna, Suffolk.
(Photo Keith Herkes)

6/10/09  Today we welcome Chris Warman to the Register.  Chris is looking for
a vintage Minor restoration project. Chris lives in Dinas Powys, near Cardiff.

1/10/09 Today we welcome Joseph Barnett of Great Barr, Birmingham to the Register
with his 1934 Minor 2-seater.  Joseph becomes member number 345.

1/10/09  The October Newsletter is now downloadable from the Members' Area.

30/9/09  Does anyone own up to building this very clever Minor saloon?  Find ithere.

30/9/09  Barry Whitehead of Ratby, Leicestershire is parting with his 1933 Family 8 project - ANO 252 (MML8/32603).
Find it on eBay here.  Ends 6th October.  Or contact Barry directly.

30/9/09  Declarations of Interest are arriving for our Tenth Anniversary weekend at Prescott next August.
The latest to arrive in the post is from Annabelle Swain - daughter of Barbara Skinner and Honorary Member of the Register.
Annabelle has entered her 1929 Australian-bodied roadster which she brought back with her when she repatiated in 2005.
Her son is working hard to recommission the car in time for the Rally.

30/9/09  Today we welcome Peter Cowdrey to the Register with his Oxford-registered 1933 Minor 2-seater JO 6062 (SV24045).
Peter lives in North Fambridge near Chelmsford and has owned this car since 1973.

29/9/09  Member and M Type owner Hugh Barnes is commissioning a batch of M Type bonnet and front apron catches.
They will come as shown, finished in bright nickel or chrome to choice.  Please contact Hugh directly if you have an interest.
He is looking to place a firm order for production by Friday 16th October with delivery hopefully 2 - 3 weeks after that.
The cost will be £45 each plus P&P.

29/9/09  Robin Clifford is selling his 1933 Minor chassis SV31272 (engine 40580) on eBay.  Find it here.
The chassis includes a valuable 4-speed box - itself probably worth more than the current bid of £175.

27/9/09  Welcome to two new members this weekend.  Geoffrey Colquitt has joined us with his
ex-David Whittle 1929 tourer WE 6554.  Geoffrey is a VSCC member so we hope to see the continued presence
of this fine early tourer in Light Car and other events.  Wally McCormack also joins us with his M Type 2M/1094, PG 6768.

24/9/09  The password for the Members' Area of the website was reset today - to that provided with the last Magazine.
If in any doubt, please contact the Register.

24/9/09  Welcome to new member Peter Smith of Aylesbury.  Peter acquired his 1930 M Type, MG 770 (2M/1918) from his brother
last August and has spent the last year returning it to roadworthiness.  The final remaining task is to refit the reconditioned dynamo,
so we hope to see the car out and about again shortly.  It was last on the road in 2000, having previously been rebuilt
between 1984 and 1989 by Peter's brother.

21/9/09  The VSCC held their traditional and ever-popular driving tests at Madresfield yesterday,
and Francis Sanders entered his late father's Minor in his first ever competitive event.
Clive Hamilton-Gould reports:  "We sorted Francis Sanders' Minor which is now going very well and he followed me to Madresfield
where he did his first competition in the car.  He was doing well but could not see much going backwards!
No results yet but he must be best Minor if he does not win an award.  No others entered.

21/9/09  After the house move, VMR HQ is up and running again.
All went smoothly and e-mails/forum posts are being answered as fast as possible.

11/9/09  A quick update from VMR HQ, which will be moving tomorrow to 13416 Kellogg Lake Road, Sultan, WA 98294, USA.
                     The pre-move chaos is the reason for not posting much news lately - we shall be off internet from tomorrow until next Wednesday
           when we shall (hopefully) be back up with satellite internet (no cable up in the mountains).  Very quickly, this weekend will see our first Rally in Holland -
             Halbe Tjepkema has worked hard to organize - we have three Minors traveling today from the UK.  Also, it is the Beaulieu Autojumble this weekend,
       and many members will be attending.  Hunt down Toby Sears, who will be flying the VMR flag on stall at R327/328 - he'd be delighted to meet other members.
    There WILL be an autumn pub meet at the Cock Inn, Peatling Magna, Leicestershire, hosted by Brian Maeers. 18th October.  This meet needs your support!  Please
      come along if at all possible.  Everyone should have received their M133 Magazines and Yearbooks by now - thanks to Bev Hicks and Ewan Lambess for forwarding
         well over 200 envelopes.  I have also finally found time to post various spares to various members - so if you are expecting parts, they are on their way now!
         Finally, included with M 133 were Declaration of Interest forms for our 10th Anniversary Rally next year - please return these ASAP so that we can gauge
                interest and make plans.  So far interest has been strong, and we have just hears that the Wolseley Hornet Special Club will be joining us.
Signing off until later next week.

27/8/09  Meet the Grey Ghost - RB 6600.  The gent on the right, sitting on the passeneger door, took his driving test
in this car shortly after the War.  Yes, there are six people in the car - but is it an OHC tourer or a 1932 chassis?
Answers on the back of a ten bob note please.  The gent on the right is Clifford Wright and he is still very much
with us and excited to tell the story of his beloved Minor which will appear in the next Yearbook.

26/8/09  This Hundred Pound Minor is currently for sale by Millers Garage in Newbury for £5,995.
Details here.

22/8/09  And the first new member to take advantage of the half subs for the rest of 2009 is Mick Bennie,
whose smart red Australian Minor appears below.  Welcome Mick!

21/8/09  A reminder that anyone joining the Register between now and the end of the year will only pay half of the annual subscription.
Also, existing members who refer new members receive a ten Pound discount for every new member they refer.
Indeed, one of our members is actually ten Pounds in profit for the year so far!
Download the Membership Form here.

21/8/09  And still they turn up - in Australia.  M3953 has recently been acquired by Mick Bennie of Epping,
Victoria from Ken Smith in Pambula, NSW.  The car dates from March 1929 and was originally
one of a batch of eleven export chassis.

20/8/09  Over in Northern Ireland, Peter Mann has his 1933 Minor 2-seater (chassis SV31597) for sale.
Unfortunately, since placing the advert on the internet,
the car has suffered a bent rod, broken piston and scored cylinder liner.
Paul is therefore looking for a realistic offer for the car in its current state.
E-mail Peter if interested.

17/8/09  In New South Wales, Ewan Lambess is making progress with his recently-acquired chassis of Y329 - see news item for 13th June below.
The chassis, which came in two halves, has now been welded back together again!

16/8/09  Debbie and Mark Borman finally exhumed their Hundred Pound Minor from its lair above their spray shop in Redmond, Seattle, yesterday.
The car had been gathering spray dust for twenty six years, so required a good air blast before loading up and hauling back to their home workshop.
The car's history is fascinating, having been acquired by Debbie's father in 1984.  Prior to that it formed part of the standby stock of the Harrah Collection
which was sold in 1978.  Harrah acquired the car from a private owner in New York, but the history prior to that was unknown - until yesterday.
Among the parts were the original British number plates - OU 8760, confirming that the car was first registered in the spring of 1931 in Hampshire.
Further research is now under way to see if we can discover some of its English past, and a full restoration will now commence.

Black Bess climbs Kop Hill in 1925

14/8/09  The Register has been invited to a commemorative climb of Kop Hill over the weekend of 26th/27th September.
Kop Hill, near Princes Risborough Buckinghamshire, was a speed hill climb for motorcycles and motorcars between 1910 and 1925.
The Register is planning to attend on Saturday 26th - members may either take part in the commemorative run or simply to spectate.
If you would like to enter, then we recommend you send in your entry as soon as possible as numbers are limited.
Full details and an entry form may be found here.  If you intend to attend in any capacity, please let the Register know,
so that we may co-ordinate lunch which will be at the Peacock at Henton.

14/8/09  The August Newsletter is now available in the Members' Area.

12/9/09  Peter Widdison took his SV Family 8 along to the Crich Tramway Village's 1940's weekend
last weekend.

11/8/09  The Register received the folowing this morning.  Please feel free to respond to Pam, and offer a suitable donation in return.

"My name is Pam Brew, I am part of the comittee of my local scout group.
An elderly local man has donated some bits and bobs including:
An undated operators manual for the Morris Ten Four and Twelve Four
A 1942 Operation Manual for an Morris Ambulance
A handbook for the Morris Oxford series 3
A 1941 Morris 10 hp Light Utility car illustrated list of spare parts along with some lubrication diagrams for Morris Oxfords series 1 and 2
These are not in great condition so no use to a book collector, I just wondered if any of your members or enthusiasts would find them useful?
 My e-mail address is pbrew935@btinternet.com"

9/8/09  The Morris Register held their annual Summer Rally at Thoresby Hall this weekend.
Tony Gamble visited yesterday and took these photos.
These three Minors were present - long wheelbase models outnumbering the single SWB car
and no vintage examples present!

6/8/09  Declarations of interest are now being gathered for our Tenth Anniversary Prescott event, and may be downloaded here.
Please return your form as soon as possible so that numbers can be assessed and planning made accordingly.

4/8/09  There is major news regarding our 2010 Summer Rally which will mark the tenth anniversary of the Register.
In addition to the traditional Navigation Rally/Scenic Tour and social events, we will be returning for a third time to Prescott
for a Vintage Garden Party and day of untimed climbs of the hill – the previous two occasions being in 2003 and 2005.
Saturday 24th July has been booked with the Bugatti Owners Club and we were very lucky to be able to secure the last
of 30 days for 2010 that the club is permitted to use the hill for noise reasons.  Of course, the cost of the hill and associated costs
of insurance, etc. have risen substantially since 2005 and so the following strategy regarding entries is being adopted.
Provisional declarations of intent will be sought between now and the end of 2009.  If a threshold number of provisional entries are received,
then the deposit to the BOC will be paid by the due date of 31st December.  If not, then the hill booking will be cancelled.
As in 2003 and 2005, several other clubs are being invited to join us on the day – most notably the VSCC, MGCC, EMGS and MSG.
A provisional booking form will be available shortly.  So dip your finger in engine oil and write 24/7/10 on the garage wall!

3/8/09  And we would also like to extend an equally warm welcome to Caz Lester of Stoke Prior, Leominster who joins the Register
today with his Oxford-registered 1934 saloon UD 5962 (SV33436).

3/8/09  We extend a very warm welcome to Anne and Richard Bryant who joins the Register with their fascinating 1932 Minor van.

2/8/09  Congratulations to Toby Sears who annexed the Roy Hogg Trophy at our Summer Rally yesterday - by just half a point!
The weather was wet on Saturday, but all were cheerful - and there were no official protests!
The buffet dinner on Saturday nightat the gardeners Arms also went off well, and the landlady remarked
to me what a lovely group of people we were.  She must have confused us with another party.
In other weekend news, Paul Rogers had an 'off' at Prescott on Friday in his 30-98 when he ran into the tyre wall
and deranged the front axle fairly comprehensively.  Thankfully, Paul is OK, and rumours that Michael Schumacher
will be standing in for him are being officially denied.

26/7/09  Gordon Smiths' mother and grandmother.  The huge load of luggage perhaps explains why the engine is being coooled!
With acknowledgement to Gordon's grandfather, Chief Yeoman of Signals George Smith RN, who was the photographer.
More on this car and the family in M 134.

22/7/09  Dave Whittle may be selling the ex-Philip Knight, ex-John Peckham, ex-Paul Harris 1929 tourer,
chassis M9738, engine 9630, first registered 10/10/29, rebuilt 1976.
Update - David has now sold the car to a VSCC member - more details anon!

Flashback to the 2002 VMR Summer Rally - eight vintage Minors await the start

20/7/09  Just under two weeks to our Summer Rally.  Tickets have been posted to entrants - all except the
VSCC Prescott tickets which will be distributed by hand on the Saturday of the Rally.

19/7/09  Ted Spiller (see 9/7/09 below) took his Minor 'The Red Bomb'
to Newby Hall yesterday and won fourth prize agaist some far more illlustrious vintage mounts.
Well done, Ted!

13/7/09  Less than three weeks until our Summer Rally!
If you have not yet entered, but wish to do so, please e-mail your intentions without delay
so that tickets can be purchased and catering number finalized.

9/7/09  Today we are delighted to extend a very warm welcome to the Reverend Ted Spiller
who joins the Register with is modifed 1931 Hundred Pound Minor 2-seater.
Ted, who lives in Thirsk in North Yorkshire owned this car back in the sixties
and recently rediscoverd and re-acquired it.
Here it is seen at Otterington Hall in June.

1/7/09  The electric newsletter for July was launched into the ether this evening and is also available for download in the Members' Area.

29/6/09  Congratulations to Laura Hamilton-Gould and navigator Clive for achieving only one of two First Class awards in yesterday's
VSCC Light Car Section's Summer Rally.  Other entrants were Robin Harcourt-Smith in his CMS Special, and Brian Maeers
also entered the Touring Assembly on one of his tourers.
The full results may be viewed here.
Photos here.

29/6/09  By pure coincidence, the ex-George Bryne Hundred Pound Minor featured
on the front cover of M 133 (below) is to be auctioned on 19th July by Charterhouse Auctions in Dorset.
Here is the link.

28/6/09  Magazine M 133 is now available for download in the Members' Area.
Printed copies will be on their way to members shortly.

28/6/09  Today we welcome M Type owner Garry Waiting to the Register.

23/6/09  We heard today via Chris Lambert from a John Richardson who lives in Thirsk, North Yorkshire.
He has a friend, the Reverend Ted Spiller who owns a 1932 two seater.
John says that Ted doesn't have long to live as he has kidney cancer
and wants to attend the VMR Summer Rally in his car.
BUT his car is missing a hood frame and the purpose of the contact from John Richardson
was to establish if we could help find one or provide him with a set of drawings.
He would then make up a frame for Ted (John is a retired coachbuilder) prior to the Rally.
So, can anyone help with a detailed drawing or even better - could an original frame
be borrowed temporarily to use as a pattern?  Or even better still,
has anyone got a spare frame and/or sidescreens?
If so, please contact the Register immediately.  Thanks in advance.

22/6/09  We extend a warm welcome to Bruce Sharman of Western Australia who joins the Register
as he is about to acquire the remains of three OHC Minors in his locality.
All three were previously unknown to the Register - two were export chassis, and the third was a saloon.
Also in the haul is an Australian roadster body.  We look forward to learning more once Bruce has
recovered these these cars.

21/6/09  Our online Midsummer Auction concluded successfully this evening.
In particular, congratulations to Toby Sears for successfully bidding on the 1932 tourer!
Sincere thanks to all who offered lots and to those who bidded for them.
Sellers and winning bidders will be contacted shortly by e-mail
with instructions for concluding their transactions.
Thanks again everyone.

15/6/09  The Register received this invitation today from the MG Car Club:

The Gold Cup Center's Summer Concours d'Elegance
Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire - Sunday 16th August

The Chairman and Committee would like to invite the Vintage Minor Register to take part in this annual event
in the delightful grounds of the Petworth Hotel; and we have arranged for "After the Break" to play for us on the terrace overlooking the cars.
We do hope that you will be able to accept this invitation on behalf of your members,and ask you to publicize it in your Club magazine.
A copy of the invite and entry form are enclosed, and further copies are available here.
It would be appreciated if you would confirm your Club's acceptance of this invitation by 17th July.

Yours sincerely,
Mike Hewson
Competitions Secretary & Secretary of the Meeting
http://www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk

Mike is a longtime VMR member, owning the ex-Captain McCloud MG Q Type-engined Morris Minor fabric saloon.
So let's see if we can give Mike and the MGCC some support - right?
Please let the Register know if you intend to enter.

13/6/09  Congratulations to Ewan Lambess of Lochinvar, New South Wales, who has just returned from a 1,900-mile
round trip to collect a 1929 Minor project, chassis Y329 - one of only 14 known surviving
Y-chassis Australian export Minors in captivity.  The car will join Y581 - Ewan's other Minor.

12/6/09  Today we welcome Melvyn Tubb of Sutcombe in Devon to the Register. Melvyn owns a very special Hundred Pound Minor.
He bought the car for fifteen Pounds in the mid sixties and rebuilt it himself.  It was used as his only car until about the early seventies.
Unfortunately, it has been unused since and since then its condition has deteriorated markedly.
However, Melvyn has recently been fired with enthusiasm and, as he is now retired and has more time on his hands,
and has started to rebuild her again.  Welscome Melvyn and we look forward to helping you with the rebuild.

11/6/09  A reminder to get your Summer Rally entry form in as soon as possible so that a host of planning issues can be completed
including catering numbers, group tickets, etc.
Download the entry form here.

11/6/09  Four more lots have been added to the Midsummer Auction today, and more are in the pipeline.
If you have any items to sell, simply e-mail details to the Register.

10/6/09 The June Newsletter is now downloadable in pdf format from the Members' Area.
Any member who has an e-mail address and who has NOT already received an e-mailed copy, please contact the Regsiter.

10/6/09  Today we warmly welcome Nigel Hawkins to the Register.  Nigel recently acquired this 1929 coachbuilt saloon, M12504
that was recently been imported from New Zealand.  It was offered for sale there in February as part of an estate clearance
and imported by Andrew Booth at Orchid Cars.  Now it lives a starting handle's throw from Ken Martin.
The car is interesting, in that it appears to have originated as a fabric saloon and has subsequently been paneled.
The production of coachbuilt saloons commenced in September 1929 with chassis M12739,
so this lends weight to the argument.  The Genome also confirms that M12504 was bodied
at Cowley - not in New Zealand.

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The Vintage Minor Register - it's about time