| Despite the day starting
off with grey drizzle as the long line of MG's entered
the showground across a muddy track it was not long
before the sun emerged and shone on the roof of the huge
cow sheds where the cars had been directed. It shone
through the skylights reflecting square patches of light
on the paintwork below. It was
fantastic to see so many MG's under cover and more and
more just kept arriving. The show itself is held in two
large halls and they were soon filled with the throngs
searching for those elusive parts. Most models were well
catered for with virtually all the main MG dealers
present. It was not long before you couldn't avoid
bumping into people with intense looks and a rusty old
MGB wing under their arms - just right to replace your
own old rusty MGB wing ! Not only were there a huge
amount of salvaged parts for sale but you could also
find new parts, not so new parts, big parts and small
parts - just about anything MG in fact. Outside were
cars for sale in all conditions from the immaculate to
those held together by faith alone. Several found
different owners to take them away again.
There were several cars in the hall on
display on the various stands from a mud covered Midget
at Beech Hill Garages to an immaculate Sprite on the
Former Glory stand. Gerry Hiorns extraordinary MGF was
on the Mike Satur stand along with another MGF project
still in progress. An increasingly rare MG Maestro 1600
complete with the annoying computerised lady was on show
amongst many other cars from garages to local clubs and
MGCC Registers. Phoneix Motors brought along a selection
of new MG's including a nice blue SV - I'm not sure if
they sold many though. Not only could you get anything
from a whole car to a tiny washer but you could also
find sundry items from flying jackets to books and many
models of your favourite cars.
A low key Pride of Ownership closed
the day with several cars chosen by the organisers ,
including the MGF of your author, as being the best
loved and looked after cars of the show.
At the end of the day, as the crowds
dwindled, cars could be seen leaving with hoods down and
newly acquired wings , bumpers, seats and various bits
poking out of the tops. Spotted as I was leaving was a
young lady resting on the kerbside sitting on a salvaged
orange and brown stripy MGB "deckchair" seat which
nicely completed the day at Stoneleigh.
|
