MG INTERNATIONAL 2011

Like Shriners, software marketers, volunteer fireman, and bowling fans, "motorheads" have their gatherings and conventions. MG International is organized every five years by the North American Council of MG Registers and is aimed at bringing together the very different people who are attracted to various corners and edges of the MG hobby.

MG N-type 4-seater

The Triple M Register (for Midget, Magna and Magnette) caters to the serious restorers and collectors of the crown jewels of the MG world: the diminutive and highly sophisticated overhead camshaft sports racers of the early 1930's known as giant killers on the tracks of the European continent in the years between the World Wars. Also included are the large and elegant sedans-- or saloons to the English-- which reflected a very different thrust in MG's marketing effort.

Bonnet detail-- MG SA

Nigel Johnsfolly seeking attention

The New England MG T Register and its affiliated regional groups and chapters reflects the interests of owners of the "World War 2-era" MG cars which suffered corporate "rationalization" following the formation of the Nuffield Organization by Sir William Morris and, in the post-war years, the British Motor Corporation (BMC).  These are the T-series MG sports cars from TA through TF ("the sports car America loved first") and the four-seater family variants, the YT touring car and YA/YB 4-doors.

1952 MG YB Saloon

MGA EX186 Factory racer

The North American MGA Register (NAMGAR) is the home for the first "envelope body" MG. This is the car the MG wanted to introduce in 1953 but were blocked by corporate veto in favor of the just-introduced Austin-powered Austin-Healey 100. Several post-war race cars based on the MG TD chassis are recognizable as the MGA shape and at it's release in 1955 the "A" became the sensation of the low-priced sports car world. Sedan variants, the ZA and ZB, are also prized by collectors today.

1957 MG ZB Magnette "Varitone" Saloon

1973 MGB GT V8-- Buick/Rover-powered

The MGB was introduced in 1962 and was the first MG with roll-up windows, reasonable heat, and a space for dealer-installation of a radio. Except for questionably compromised efforts to meet U.S. emissions and crash standards, the MGB was sold virtually unchanged until 1980 and included a 6-cylinder variant, the MGC, and a V8 GT car which was never sold in the American market. The North American MGB Register and the MGC Register represent owners of these cars as well as the "modern Midget," the entry-level sportster now known as the "Spridget," and the practical MG 1100/1300 variant of the Issigonis-designed Mini.

Nigel Johnsfolly racing his "works tribute" MG Midget...and apparently in the lead!

Like most conventions, MG gatherings have meetings, educational sessions, vendor displays, banquets, cookouts, and socializing. They also frequently include a gymkhana or slow speed obstacle course event, a local challenge rally that covers a specified course on back roads and demands exacting adherence to time, speed, observations, or gimmick questions, and a "track event" where drivers can spend an afternoon learning the high speed handling characteristics of their cars.

 I had the opportunity to participate in a gymkhana using Segway mobility devices-- a first for me. I also entered the local road rally through the historic mining town of Virginia City where I was invited to drive San Franciscan Vincent Louie's 1952 MG while he graciously navigated.

With antiquated drum brakes, getting down is often more interesting than the drive up.