4th Annual Arundel MG Gathering
Hundreds of MG fans gathered once again to enjoy the splendid surroundings of Arundel Castle in West Sussex on Sunday 1st of April. The event was again organised by Andy Harris of 1006 Chichester MG Owners Club. Thanks to Andy’s careful planning the day ran smoothly. He and his team’s parking abilities were certainly tested at times, as there were queues of MG owners wanting to know where to park up their cars! Again as with previous years the weather was very kind to us, although there looked to be some very threatening rain clouds early on, but by good fortune the weather held off and we were treated to a very pleasant sunny and warm day once again.
View across the lawns
This year there was competition from all sides with a classic car run just over the border in Havant and the MG Brooklands gathering in Surrey. Closer to Arundel there was the Amberley Chalks Pit Museum Classic Car meeting, and the Italian Sports Cars Breakfast morning at Goodwood Motor Circuit. I think therefore with so many other events taking place in the area, we were very privileged to have just over 160 MGs in the castle grounds that day, it shows the genuine loyalty of the owners to this great event.
As you might expect there were certainly some very interesting cars on display. One such car being a very early MGB roadster, finished in immaculate red coachwork. Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to speak to the owner but if you are reading this article, may I say that in my opinion your car is probably one of, if not the finest, MGB roadsters I have ever seen and I’m most envious. I was also envious again when I saw Terry Locke of 1107 East Sussex MGOC’s white Sebring spec 1969 MGC Roadster. This was an extremely fine example of this rare car, with triple Weber carbs and 207 bhp on tap, Terry informed me that the car had achieved a speed of 147 mph on a rolling road – certainly a true wolf in sheep’s clothing. Ken Aylett of 1006 MGOC had brought along his latest project which was a very fine looking MGB track car designed for the MGOC Championship Racing Series. The car looks ready for the track and what a sweet sound that B-Series engine makes in this guise. Ken had to ensure that the racing numbers were covered up, however, when driving to Arundel from his home as the local police would not take too kindly to seeing the numbers (apparently it encourages racing, answers on the back of a postcard please).
Terry Locke’s MGC Sebring Spec
MGC GT
Nightfire Red MGF
Also this year, it was very nice to see that there were an increased number of cars from the Chichester area thus showing the Club’s continuing expansion throughout the area. We will soon be rivalling Bournemouth and Poole MGOC. There is no doubt that the MGF is also becoming ever more popular in MGOC circles and will, I am sure, soon overtake the MGB in the overall popularity stakes. For people who would like a car without the hassle of a classic, the modern F makes a very wise choice, and of course it is an MG.
Ken Aylett’s MGB racer
Early MGB roadster
MG TC
MG Metro
Finally, I must say a big thank you to Andy and all the members of 1006 who made this day such a success and with their help just over £200 was raised for the St Joseph’s night shelter in Chichester, a very good figure indeed. Special thanks must also go to his Grace the Duke of Norfolk who allowed us to use his magnificent castle grounds for this very special day which ran like a well-oiled machine. Hopefully we will have a similar tale to tell again next year.
Jamie Brown