BLAST FROM THE PAST WITH NEW KID ON THE MG BLOCK
- New 2014 MG3 unveiled
- 20+ impeccable MGs from yesteryear gather
- Classics go on leisurely Christmas Drive
Members of the MG Car Club Johannesburg were treated to a sneak preview and a taste of the latest offering from the British company while taking a relaxing drive in their classic MGs of which some date back to the early post-war years in Europe.
More than 20 MGs from the early 1950s up to the most recent roadsters gathered at the MG South Africa head-office in Randburg recently (on Sunday 10 November) for the club’s annual Christmas Run – a leisurely drive along some exciting country roads along the so-called Magaliesburg Meander on the Gauteng West Rand.
The event started with a gathering from the MG / Maxus head-offices in North Riding where the 20-odd club members – mostly couples – enjoyed traditional mince pies and other snacks.
MG South Africa General Manager Derrick Bishop welcomed the group and surprised them with the unveiling of two versions of the exciting new MG3, which will officially be launched through the MG SA national dealership network in early February 2014. The new MG3, which was designed and developed in the UK and Europe, but built by MG’s new Chinese parent company in China, was recently unveiled at the Johannesburg International Motor Show, where the car was extremely well received by South Africa’s top motoring scribes and the general public.
“MG has come a long way since my car was designed,” said Ken Duncan, proud owner of an impeccable 1952 version of the MG TD. And no, TD has no reference to the modern nomenclature for Turbo Diesel – it was merely the fourth generation of a 2-door soft top called the MG TA, TB etc.
“I bought her back in 1972 when we still lived in the then Rhodesia. Although I did a lot of work on the mechanics, the body is original and I haven’t touched her paintwork,” said Duncan, who also owns three other MGs.
The MG Car Club (Johannesburg branch) invite all MG owners (new and old) to join them on future Sunday outings:
- 17 November, driving tests at the Rallystar Motorsport Academy (contact Dave Westaway on 078 936 6853)
- 8 December, picnic on the Vaal (contact Clive Winterstein on 083 795 0000)
- 12 January 2014, SAMCA run to the Vaal (contact Abie Brink on 084 652 7952 or Norman Ewing on 083 654 5433.
