I've always been a bit "open" on this subject, it's their car, let them do what
they want to it. Someone will want to drive their T
series all the way across the country to get to an event, getting there was the
fun. Others want that pefect car and will trailer
it there.
In a popular vote event, anything goes. My MGB V8 came in second (?) in the
Colorado British Motoring Conclave (second to Bill
Dudley's 1967 MGB, (see his first post to this list tonight). In our case you
have an almost pristine original 1967 MGB coming in
first, and a converted 1969 MGB V8 "beast" coming in second. This shows the
crowds don't make a big distinction between original or
modified, the only similarity between these cars is the color. Go figure.
In a concours event, the rules are the rules, if they make a change that
eliminates them from judging or reduces their points, so be
it. Those interested in "perfect" cars might want to establish a concours
event within the show. Those cars could be judged
separately.
As I read what I have just written, I guess I'm saying why does it have to be
one way or the other? Maybe at shows you ask the
participant if they want to be judged by popular vote or be in the concours
event???
Larry Hoy
>-----Original Message-----
>From: owner-mgs@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-mgs@autox.team.net]On
>Behalf Of Leckstein
>Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2001 1:40 PM
>To: mg-t@autox.team.net
>Cc: mgs@autox.team.net
>Subject: Maintaining the Breed, a dilema (long)
>
>
>I have just returned from the NEMGTR Natter (our annual business meeting)
>
>One of our regional clubs raised a serious issue that affects T types now,
>perhaps MGA's and sooner or later MGBs.
>
>Our club was originally founded in 1965 with the purpose of "Preserving" Mg
>T types and pre 1955 MGs.
>
>Over the years, the club has always encouraged both restorations and
>driving the cars. Since the beginning there was always the controversy
>over trailered cars, and although many members frowned on "trailer Queens"
>we have never separated or discriminated against them at our car shows
>where winners are chosen by popular vote. Thus if you prefer a driven TF to
>a trailered one, you vote the way you feel. I am sure this question has
>been raised and resolved one way or another by all MG clubs.
>
>The problem that has recently arisen is the degree of modification that is
>taking place . On the side of driving the cars, better lights (directionals
>for TCs) and safety features (seat belts) have always been encouraged. But
>as the high speed highways with 65mph+ speeds become the norm our little
>TDs doing 55mph at 4000+ rpm becomes a problem
>
>The first and most common mod was to put in an MGA rear axle ratio. This
>greatly improved and lowered the rpms so the car could cruise at 65.This
>unfortunately lowered performance around town in the lower gears.
>
> Lately ,the popular mod is to install a Datsun 5 speed transmission. It
>gives the TD driver the best of both worlds. Another common mod to TCs is
>to install a Datsun steering box to replace the prehistoric Bishops cam.
>
>Now the problem is what to sanction at meets if we are to take a stand at
>all. (We never sanctioned T types with Volvo engines which were a common
>mod in the 50s) On the one hand the cars are moving away from what was
>original and loosing their personalities. Yet these mods greatly improve
>the driveability and encourage the use of them. I have seen TDs with 5
>speeds and front disc brakes. Are we Preserving the breed when we ignore
>these modifications? Who decides what is ok and who enforces the rules.
>
> This is not any easy subject, but I would appreciate sensible discussion
>of the problem from anyone on the list.
>
>Mike
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