MG 1997

 A record turn-out of over 3000 MGs visited Duxford Imperial War Museum for the fun of MG ’97, the MG Owners’ Club’s National Event. Held over the weekend of 31st May/1st June, 7000 people enjoyed wandering amongst the Museum exhibits and enjoying the impromptu air displays of Spitfires, Lancaster Bombers and other classic aircraft that took the skies at intervals during the day. We were also privileged to a sneak preview of the new American Hanger, the impressive domed multi-million pound building part-funded by the Lottery, due to be officially opened later this year. Still on an aviation theme, we were delighted to welcome MGOC member Sgt. Bill Skinner and crew in the latest equipped Lynx Mark 9 helicopter from 659 Squadron Army Air Corps. Bill’s other mode of transport is an MG Midget but decided, much to our delight, to ‘drop in’ for the weekend in the Lynx and kindly allowed crowds of interested onlookers to sit in the hot-seat and experience first hand the complications of the cock-pit. A big thank you to Bill, Neil, Nigel and Grant for their time and patience.

Glinting in the sunshine lie Midgets awaiting concours judging.
 

Lex MG display their distinctive yellow MGF.
 

Fancy Dress winners of the Showaddywaddy look-a-like competition: Lisa Smith & Richard Ford (centre) with runners-up Cocker & Tania Cox (right) and Kevin & Janice Fearn. Prizes courtesy of Hoverspeed and the MGOC Travel Club.
 

Masters’ Class Winners. From left: Ray Shrubb, Roger Taylor and Gordon Shadbolt

This year MG ’97 reverted back to its original 2-day event status with Club Regalia and many other traders opening from 10am Saturday. The 45-mile scenic Road Run proved popular, MGs drifting off at intervals throughout the day to explore the local countryside and various places of interest. When the sun went over the yard-arm, Showaddywaddy proved their evergreen appeal by playing to a packed audience at the Saturday night party. Regardless of whether you were 7 or 70 years old, all thoroughly enjoyed this classic rock n’ roll band, joining in the vocals and generally getting involved. Although dawning bright and clear on Sunday, the wind velocity increased during the day, blowing up dust which made life difficult for the concours and condition competitors and generally causing problems for tents, traders, exhibitors and picnickers. Regardless, the cars that were entered in the concours and condition were not only the largest number yet to compete but were also of their usual immaculate standard. It was nice to see some new cars amongst the entries and therefore a few new faces amidst the prize winners. Three qualified for the Masters’ Class trophies – Ray Shrubb, Trevor Taylor and Gordon Shadbolt – with Gordon just emerging as the overall winner. (See Page 53 for full list of results). Two fashion show performances of Club Regalia, courtesy of models from MGOC Insurance, followed by an excellent display from the ever-smiling Haverhill Majorettes, entertained the crowds during the afternoon. Traders reported brisk trade in both second hand and new parts, reflecting a bouyant and enthusiastic MG marketplace. MG ’97 will be remembered as a fun year but a blustery one!

CONCOURS & CONDITION RESULTS

CONCOURS RESULTS

CONDITION RESULTS