International MG Show and Spares Day Review

It has become a tradition that the MG season begins with the International MG Show and Spares Day at the Royal Showground, Stoneleigh in February. Billed as the largest undercover MG spares show held anywhere there’s always a large and eager crowd of enthusiasts waiting for the gates to open.

Inside the halls at Stoneleigh they will find an amazing selection of brand new and used MG spares, with specialist supplies of every type exhibiting. As well as the many specialist traders there were numerous club stands present with a wide selection of interesting MGs on display.

The MGOC stand car display comprised of Andy Hooper’s MGB GT V8, Roger Parker’s MGF and Matt Parker’s MG ZS Turbo which is currently being featured in Enjoying MG along with all the usual MG books, clothes and regalia.

Several local area clubs had stands at the show, Harrogate MG Club, Bromsgrove MGOC, South Staffs MGOC while the West Midlands MGOC also had a stand to promote their regional event at RAF Cosford on 17th May 2009.

Well-known names in the world of MG specialist suppliers were represented, John Hoyle with his MGB coil over shock absorber front wishbone suspension and independent rear suspension set ups, Hi-Gear with their five speed gearbox conversions and Frontline Developments with all their handling and performance modifications. There were various stands set up by hood and trim suppliers and even specialist wooden body frame makers.

MGOC stand featured Matt Parker’s ZS – Turbo

Getting ready for the show – the Octagon Car Club for the pre 1956 MGs

Frontline had Ed Braclik’s K series powered MGB GT fitted with their suspension modifications and distinctive Dunlop style alloys

Supplier of wooden body parts and special veneer dashboards and fittings

Members of the MGOC BBS forum traditionally meet up on the Club stand at midday

Ed Braclik’s BGT has a superb interior with bucket seats

Stunning MG ZR with extensive modifications and impressive sound system

Quite a few dealers had some very tempting cars on offer, Sussex Sports Cars had an MG J2 with coachwork by Real of Ealing London, believed to be the only surviving example of the two originally built. This J2 was exhibited at the 1932 Olympia Motor Show by REAL and reputedly sold to Lady Derby. Next to the J2 was a 1936 MG ‘Musketeer’ recreation based on the famous Works MG N type Rally and Trials car ‘Musketeer’. This recreation was constructed using a comprehensively restored 1936 NA chassis.

Numerous traders had an amazing array of those hard to find parts from electrical components to grommets and springs

Hi-Gear with their five-speed gearbox conversions that can transform an MGA

South Staffs MGOC with MGA Coupé and MGB V8 conversion

Sussex Sports Cars featured an MG J2 with coachwork by Real of Ealing London, and a ‘Musketeer’ a recreation based on 1936 MG NA

Bromsgrove MGOC featured MGB V8 and MGA

Each of the MG clubs was represented along with the Sprite and Midget Club and there was simply something for everyone at the International MG Show and Spares Day.

Richard Ladds