MGCC Devon & Cornwall Spring Newsletter!

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Devon & Cornwall Centre Committee

Chairman - Colin Bird, phone:-01822-616181. Secretary - Bob Slatter, phone:- 01752-558085. Treasurer – Barry Smith, phone:- 01752-336454. Competition Secretary – Paul Turner, phone:- 01237-474736

Committee Members - Jim Bellamy, Tony Bolt, Ian Cameron, Brian Crichton, Peter Heath, Peter Moores,
Vic Share, Jean Quarterley.

TAMAR VALLEY MOTORING CENTRE
Liskeard Road, Callington, Cornwall, PL17 7JE
Telephone 01579 383060

Specialists in Classic Car Restoration for more than 40 years.
We have the facilities for servicing, repairs, MOTs and parts supply
Specialising in the MG marque – all models from early to current models
Honest friendly service and advice
For all your MG needs, contact Colin Bird, proprietor on 01579 383060

News about the Centre and its Members from our Roving Reporter

A trip to Zug, Switzerland made by Rodney and Judith Booker from Brixham

An opportunity to combine a trip to Switzerland, one of our favourite holiday destinations, with one in our MG, proved irresistible, As a result, on Monday August 3rd we set off from our home in Brixham Devon, in our 2004 MG TF 135, to drive to Zug in Switzerland to attend the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of the MG Car Club Switzerland which had been given the title of European Event of the Year.

We decided to drive to Switzerland the “scenic” and more interesting route rather than the most direct way. This took us to Folkestone and then through the Channel Tunnel, which we had always wanted to do. This proved to be fast, smooth, “hassle free” and competitively priced compared to the ferries. Our onwards route took us through the wine regions of Champagne and Alsace and eventually to Zug, crossing the border into Switzerland at Basel where we purchased the “Vignette” or Swiss motorway pass for 40 Swiss Francs. This entitles you to use the extensive and impressive Swiss Motorway system. We arrived at our hotel at Unteraegeri, some 8 miles from Zug , pre-booked for us by the Zug Tourist Office, on Thursday, The hotel was first class, situated by a Lake with our room having a glorious view across that lake.
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The MG events were due to start at 2.00pm on Friday with Registration formalities at the excellent meeting site which appeared to be a former Army base. Upon registration all participants were given a “goodie bag” containing lots of souvenirs and mementoes including an embroidered polo shirt, car badge, pin badge and so on. In all about 350 cars from 13 countries had been entered including at least 90 from the UK. The models ranged from 1929 18/80’s with a full representation of the pre-WW2 models e.g. TA, TB, TC, TD, Y also TF, then right through to MG Rover’s final range. MGBs, MGAs and F/TFs were numerically dominant. There was even an MG XPower SV “supercar” and a Supercharged ZT/T 400 V8! The afternoon was spent looking at the many MG’s arriving from all over Europe and chatting to other participants. In the evening there was a free “Apero” or drink and snacks followed by a barbeque with live music. The camaraderie of the MG owners was such that we were soon happily chatting to, mixing and eating with, fellow owners from, in our case, Austria, Holland, Denmark and Switzerland.

The next day, Saturday, there was a “briefing” at 9.00 am following which there was an organised drive to a delightful town called Kussnacht on Lake Lucerne about 40 minutes drive away. Here the MGs were directed into 3 different car-parks and then we went to the superb public meeting / events facility for a buffet lunch and the official opening of the celebrations. We then had a couple of hours to ourselves to explore the town and enjoy a coffee at one of the cafés. At 3.15 pm we all assembled at the Quay to catch a specially chartered steamer for a cruise around Lake Lucerne. The steamer was magnificent; a recently renovated 1928 steam powered paddle steamer called the “Lucerne”, and was the “flagship” of the shipping company’s fleet. The delightful cruise lasted 1 ¼ hours after which you could choose to return to Zug by retracing your steps of the morning or by taking a longer route and completing the circumnavigation of the Lake. Saturday evening saw the Grand Jubilee Dinner held at another superb sports / exhibition centre, the Waldmannhalle at the nearby town of Baar. There was a free aperitif followed by a very good meal of an hors d’oeuvre started, then a delicious veal and rice dish followed by an obscenely rich chocolate and strawberry dessert. All this was accompanied by speeches, with the Swiss speakers switching effortlessly from speaking German to English, French and Dutch, and presentations and, later, live music with dancing.

Sunday dawned another warm sunny day and there were many events taking place at the meeting site in Zug. Even more superb cars turned up and there was a large “autojumble” stand, displays of the “Twin Brothers” collection of rare and special Pre- and Postwar MG’s. There was also a Concours d’Elegance, a balloon race, a “fun” Gymkhana of games participants could take part in and also something completely different, a “Rocker Cover Race” where home-made models comprising an MG rocker cover fitted with wheels had to race down a slope to see which model went the furthest. A great time was had by all.

On Monday we had to reluctantly start our return home, as we were “Week-end participants” only, the full week of events being booked already when we booked. Other events during the rest of the week included a steam rack railway trip, a Mountain three Pass tour, Open-air Cinema, Dinner at a local farmhouse and many other drives and events. We returned home to Brixham by retracing our route through France but taking in at the start the most impressive Rhinefalls at Schaffhausen on the Swiss / German border. Throughout the entire trip of 1,814 miles the MG performed faultlessly.

As relatively new members of the MG Car Club when we set off for Zug we must admit to being slightly apprehensive as to what to expect and “would we fit in” with the people we were due to meet. We needn’t have worried. We were immediately made to feel “at home” and “part of it” and we thoroughly enjoyed the event and would have no hesitation in going to another such event. We cannot fault the organisation of the event and the dedication of the “team” doing this. Special mention must go to Wim Jetten and particularly Marcus Brundler who actually postponed his honeymoon to attend the events. Next year the European Event of the Year is to be held at Geiranger in Norway’s famous fjord region. Now where’s . . . the road map for Norway.


WHAT IS JANNER FUN WEEK - WHITSUN 23rd – 30th May 2009

The origins of this event can be traced back to 1974. Having been to a very successful and enjoyable MG International event in Hausach in Germany, some committee members thought we could do something similar to reciprocate the Continentals’ hospitality. In those days MG Silverstone was always held on the Whitsun bank holiday weekend and as today attracted many overseas visitors. To make their stay in England more worthwhile, Devon and Cornwall decided to organise their own MG International event on the following weekend. It was an immediate success and after a number of different venues in the early years, it took root in Pete and Ann Moore’s builder’s yard, shed and field at Lidwell. The days prior to Silverstone and the week after were hectic as the shed had to be cleared and cleaned, the kitchen and barbeque area built and amongst other things the grass cut. This required a host of volunteers giving up their evenings and weekends until late. The event grew and grew until in the MG 80th Anniversary year it formed part of the Tour of Britain and we had 400 visitors to feed a steak dinner. After a while the weekend turned into a week long event but in 1999, with such a huge effort involving fewer and fewer ageing committee members, their wives and friends it was time for a rethink. The surpluses built up from the event gave financial stability to the Centre even to this day but reluctantly the Centre decided to pull the plug on the event whilst on a high.

Over the years many friendships had developed, indeed many of our children had grown up together and still keep in touch. So a follow on event with less committee effort was needed. A search was made for a camp site with statics, touring and tent pitches. Once selected and the Whitsun date confirmed, MG friends were invited to join us there and book their own arrangements with the site. The venue moved from South to North Devon but last year moved back to its roots on the Devon/Cornwall border. It will again this year be based on the Woodovis Caravan Park at Gulworthy near Tavistock. This proved to be a great choice last year as it is a very friendly and well run site.

As well as our visitors and local members staying on site, we welcome members and friends to the daily events. These are varied and can comprise scenic drives through little used lanes, fords and the steep hills, visits to places of interest not usually open to the public, a train ride and anything else that seems appropriate. In the evenings there are optional pub visits with a mini-bus provided for a small fee. On one evening a very competitive sporting challenge match, usually skittles takes place for the Rest of the World Trophy which the Devon and Cornwall Centre usually wins!

If you want to stay on site early contact directly with Woodovis site is recommended (www.woodovis.com ). The site quickly fills as it is Whit week. The programme for this year has yet to be finalised and can be subject to change at the last minute due to adverse weather conditions. So watch the web site for further up to the minute details of the daily events and please come and join in the fun.

Peter Heath, Committee Member.
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Centre Programme of Events (this can also be found on the Club web site)

21st Feb Annual General Meeting of the Devon & Cornwall Centre at ‘The Eagle
Saturday House’, Launceston. The Eagle House is located in Castle Street, Launceston, post code PL15 6BA. Time 7-30p.m. for 8-00p.m. A complimentary Buffet will be provided at the conclusion of the meeting.

28th Feb Annual Centre Dinner at the Cottage Hotel, Hope Cove, South Devon. Guest
Saturday Speaker – Sir Robert Hicks who will relate some of the more entertaining aspects of his tenure at Westminster. Tickets are £18-50 per person for a three course meal with pre-selected choice of menu. Bed and Breakfast at £41-00 per person per night for en-suite rooms, based on two sharing for the Saturday night. Without bathroom en-suite £28 per person. Dinner, Bed and Breakfast available for Friday and/or Sunday nights at £52 per person per night based on two sharing. You should book accommodation directly with the hotel on 01548 561555. There are still en-suite rooms at the Tanfield B&B (2 minutes drive from the Cottage Hotel) at £25-00 per person Why not make it a winter weekend break from Friday till Monday.

For further information and tickets contact Peter and Sue Heath on 01752-775708 or by Email allegropeter@aol.com

10th April MCC Lands End Trial

26th April National ‘Drive It Day’ It is proposed to organise a run from each of the Meetings/
Saturday Natters in the morning with all meeting up at “Jethros Coach House”, Lewdown for lunch. For further details contact your Meeting/Natter leader or Peter Heath on 01752-775708.

24th/25th/26th April - Royal Revue of MG Cars at Windsor Castle

25th May Provisional Date - Autotest for the Half Crown Wheel Trophy A joint event with
Whit Mon Plymouth Motor Club. Details to be finalised.

23rd/30th May Janner Fun Week. Based at Woodovis, Caravan Park, Gulworthy about four miles from
Tavistock. To book a site for a tent or caravan contact the Caravan Park on 01822-832968. Further details of the programme in the next D&C News.

6th/14th June Castle Combe Classic Car Week

10th/12th July “MG LIVE” (formerly MGCC Siverstone International) at Silverstone Race Circuit.

2nd August Mount Edgcumbe Classic Car Rally

13th Sept Cornish Riviera Run

25th Oct Tamar Classic Trial
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The Financing of the Devon & Cornwall Centre

Where do my subscriptions go? - An outline of MG Car Club financing.

As Centre Treasurer, steeped in many years of Club committee lore, it is easy to forget that many grass-roots members are not so familiar with the internal workings of the MGCC.

The Club is administered from its HQ in Abingdon by a small group of full and part-time staff, as befits an organisation with over 10,000 members. These staff edit and produce the Club’s magazine “Safety Fast!” and arrange its printing and distribution. The costs incurred in running this office, paying staff and publishing “Safety Fast!” are where most of your subscription goes. Other activities, such as publicity and maintenance of the Club’s historic archives, account for the rest. Major national events like the annual Silverstone festival (MG Live) and the various racing championships are organised from HQ and strive to, at least, break even. This aim
is not always achieved – poor weather at Silverstone is outside the Club’s control! – in which case the reserves, built up when events do well, is plundered.
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“Where does the Devon & Cornwall Centre fit into this?” you may ask. The answer is that, financially, it doesn’t!
The Centres can influence HQ policy via the Club’s Council, to which they send elected delegates, but no cash flows in the other direction. Older members may remember when Centres received a small fraction of subscriptions (capitation fees), but these ceased in the 1960s when BMC withdrew the subsidies it gave the one-make clubs. Hence, the Centre has to be self financing. We incur costs over which we have only partial control, and are not attributable to particular events. Setting up committee meetings, arranging an AGM and despatching delegates to Council are all necessitated by the MGCC’s democratic constitution. However, the major expenses have always arisen from the need to communicate with our members, achieved by the production and postage of Newsletters.

The only significant income available to the Centre is that generated by entry fees. Events have their own organising expenses, which also have to be covered by their entry fees. The setting of these is thus a balancing act between covering event costs and generating some income for the Centre, whilst maintaining good value for money. This is ever more important in the current economic climate, so we must do our utmost to keep down those costs over which we still have some control.

A factor aiding this endeavour is the increasing use of the Internet, enabling us to make e-mail our prime carrier for Newsletters. Many other clubs have followed the same path. Postage of paper copies is thus reduced to the level of those who have specifically requested this form of delivery. After all, why should the 20% of our members who turn out to events have their entry fee inflated by the cost of sending Newsletters to the 80% out there who we never see?

Barry Smith, Treasurer, Devon & Cornwall Centre.

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News from the Monthly Meetings

West Cornwall
Meeting Leader:-
John Baldock, 22 Goonown, St Agnes, Cornwall, TR5 0UX
Phone:- 01872-553124 E’ Mail: - jbaldo7679@aol.com

Monthly Meetings at the Norway Inn, Perranworthal, Truro

We meet on the 1st Thursday of the month at the Norway Inn at Perranworthal which is found on the north side of the A39 between Truro and Falmouth. Please come along and join us whether you have an MG or any other make of car, you will be made most welcome. We meet at about 8.0pm except during the height of the season, when it is 8.30pm. Some members arrive an hour earlier to enjoy a meal together before joining the meeting which is held in the back bar and usually attracts many couples.

There are a number of local runs being organized in the area that are still to be finalized as we go to press. Please contact John Baldock for further details.
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North Cornwall
Meeting Leader:-
Rob Constant
Phone:- 01208-814203 Email: - rob@cornwallclassiccarhire.co.uk

Monthly Meetings at The Earl St. Vincent, Egloshayle, Wadebridge

We meet on the 1st Sunday of the Month at The Earl of St. Vincent which is a quaint good food pub with an impressive collection of antique clocks. Members supporting the meeting are steadily increasing with members coming from other D&C Meetings to join us. The meeting acts as a monthly focal point for all things MG and other makes of classic cars in the North Cornwall area. The Natter is run under the umbrella of the MG Car Club but all Classic Car owners old or new are very welcome. If you would like to join the Email list, which acts as a reminder of the meeting a few days beforehand, please send Rob Constant an Email or phone
at the above address.

29th March BRIAN WILLIAMS SPRING RUN. A scenic country tour of North Cornwall in memory of the late Brian Williams.
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Devon & Cornwall Borders
Meeting Leaders:-
Peter Moores, “Kate’s Cottage”, Lidwell, Stoke Climsland, Callington, Cornwall, PL17 8LJ. Phone: - 01579-370419
Ably assisted by Tony Bolt, “Woodlands Cottage”, Lamerton, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 9AA Phone:- 01822-616180

Monthly Meetings at The Royal at Horsebridge

We meet on the third Wednesday in the month so why not come along to the Royal Inn at Horsebridge, the home of the “Borders” Meeting on the Devon bank of the Tamar. The only place to cross between Gunnislake and the Greystone Bridge.

Those who dine generally arrive at about 7-30 p.m. and those who are not dining usually arrive by about 9-00 p.m. If you plan to eat it is a good idea to phone the landlord, Paul Eaton on 01822-870214 to reserve a table and mention you are with the MG Car Club. This will usually ensure the Club members are sitting together. So come along and join us, just ask for the MG Car Club group when you arrive and introduce yourself.

30th August Devon & Cornwall Day. Further details in the Summer D&C News

North Devon
Meeting Leader:-
Paul Turner, 45 Richmond Park, Northam, Bideford, Devon, EX39 1EP
Phone: - 01237-474736 Mobile 079894-74736 Email: - ruf50r@btopenworld.com

Monthly Meetings at The Westleigh Inn

Our meeting is held on the 3rd Thursday each month, At the Westleigh Inn in the village of Westleigh just outside Bideford, on the B3233 Instow road. This is a traditional country pub with a large car park, excellent reasonably priced food and a good atmosphere. Arrive at about 7 to 7.30. if you are planning to eat. (good idea to book a table with the pub on 01271-860867, especially in the holiday season) or just come along later for a social evening with like minded motoring enthusiasts. Ask for the MG Car Club Members when you arrive, introduce yourself and you will be made most welcome.


South Hams, Devon
Meeting Leader:-
Ted Lawrence, “Hedgerows”, 19, Long Park Drive, Woolwell, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 7QE
Phone: - 01752-793105 Email: - ted@hedgerowsend.fsnet.co.uk

Monthly Meetings at The Westward Inn, Lee Mill, Ivybridge

If you are interested in MG Cars or other makes of Classic and Vintage cars, you are very welcome to come along and join us at ‘The Westward Inn’. ‘The Westward Inn’ which has a large car park is run by Pam and Kerry McMillan. When approaching from Plymouth, exit the A38 at the slip road for Lee Mill. The Westward Inn is about 400yards along the road on the right hand side with the car park just past the Inn. When approaching from Exeter exit the A38 at the slip road for Lee Mill, turn right at first T junction to pass under A38 dual carriageway. Turn left at next T junction passing Jet petrol station on left. Car park entrance for Westward Inn next left.

All monthly meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of the month. Meet in the restaurant/bar from
7-15p.m. onwards where a wide range of competitively priced meals to suite all tastes is available. At 8-45 p.m. we adjourn to the Function Room for the feature for the evening (guest speaker, film show etc).

IMPORTANT !! If you plan to have a meal please phone the Westward Inn a few days before
on 01752-892626 to book a table stating that it is for the MG Car Club Meeting
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4th March Film Show – “Vintage Spirit”, a look at the activities of the VSCC. Commentary by the late Jimmy Edwards

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21st March Return Skittles Match with Exeter & East Devon Meeting at The Westward Inn,
Saturday Lee Mill, near Ivybridge. All D&C members will be very welcome to join us. Start at 7-30p.m. Price £6-50 per person to include a buffet meal. Must be booked and paid for by 14th March. Cheques should be made payable to E.W. Lawrence and sent to Ted Lawrence at the address above.
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1st April Guest Speaker, David Glover from Shelterbox. David will give a talk about the work of Shelterbox in the disaster areas of the world and a display of the contents of a Shelterbox. All money raised at the meeting will be donated to the Shelterbox Appeal
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3rd May ‘FLY IN’ BOLT HEAD AIRFIELD & Vintage and Classic Cars. Organised by the Light
Sunday Aircraft Association (formerly the PFA). Besides a ‘Fly In’ of members light aircraft a number of visiting aircraft are expected, including a Spitfire, Hurricane and Mustang.
In aid of Redfern Health Centre and Macmillan Cancer Support
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7th May Monthly Meeting. Full details in the Summer D&C News
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3rd June Monthly Meeting. Full details in Summer D&C News
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21st June Atlantic Coast Express Run. Provisional date, details being finalised as we go to press.
Sunday
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Torbay
Meeting Leader:-
Alan Turner, 30 Wheatlands Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 5HU
Phone:- 01803-557543 Email:- al.an@talktalk.net

Monthly Meetings at Bickley Mill, Stoneycombe

Meetings are held on the third Wednesday each month at Bickleigh Mill, Stoneycombe (near Kingskerswell).
Meet in the bar from 7-30p.m. onwards where a range of meals and bar snacks are available. If having a meal
it is advisable to book a table on 01803-873201

The Torbay Meeting/Natter had its first meeting on the 21st September 2008 as planned and Alan was
surprised to have twenty people in attendance, some were club members but several were not, and were
duly given copies of Safety Fast and application forms. Members had driven from Exeter and Plymouth to
give support which was greatly appreciated and the venue was well liked. Those who have attended so far
have been treated to a roaring log fire, from which we have had to retreat as the evening has worn on.

Those who support this meeting/natter and have email facilities will get a monthly reminder. The flyers handed out to MG drivers at the various classic car shows during the summer months seem to have attracted some interest and Alan is continuing handing these out to the general public when they show interest in the V8, as it is used everyday. So why not come along to this new venue and enjoy a spring evening with fellow motoring enthusiasts.

26th July Torbay Old Wheels Club Riviera Classic Car Rally, at Paignton Green North, that’s between
Sunday the Pier and Redcliffe. Application forms available from Dee & Phil Harding on 01803 523015.
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Exeter & East Devon
Meeting Leader:-
Tony Short, “Mount Pleasant”, Dunchideock, Near Exeter, Devon, EX6 7YD
Phone:- 01392-832665 Email:- anthony.short7@tesco.net

Monthly Meetings at The New Inn, near Broadclyst
Meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday each month at the New Inn near Broadclyst and are an informal gathering in which members and their partners or friends discuss a multitude of subjects, not all motoring related, over a pint of beer or two. There are usually a few interesting cars in the car park. Bar meals are available although a lot of members tend to eat first and arrive between 8 and 9pm.

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21st March Return Skittles Match at The Westward Inn, Lee Mill, near Ivybridge. A return Match
Saturday hosted by the South Hams Meeting members. All D&C members will be very welcome to join us. Start at 7-30p.m. Price £6-50 per person to include a buffet meal. Must be booked and paid for by 14th March. Cheques should be made payable to E.W. Lawrence and sent to Ted Lawrence at his address at the top of page 1. For directions to The Westward Inn see South Hams Meeting Notes

25th April National Trust Classic Car Day at Finch Foundry. Contact Roger Boney on 01837-840046 for further details

24th May East Devon Day – Pecorama, Beer near Seaton. Contact Tony Short on 01392-832665 for
Sunday further details and to book your place for this event.

6/7 June Marie Curie Classic Rally at Upottery Airfield, Near Honiton. For an Entry Form contact
Sat/Sun Natalie Weaving at Marie Curie Cancer Care, Tiverton on 01884-703535

6/7 June Seaton Tramway Classic Vehicle Rally. For entry form and further details phone Seaton
Sat/Sun Tramway on 01297-20375.

11/12 July Powderham Castle Classic and Vintage Rally. The club will again have a stand at this
Sat/Sun event. Contact Tony Short on 01392-832665 for further details and to book your place on the club stand

19th Sept MGCC Wiscombe Hill Climb

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DEVON & CORNWALL FOR SALE - CARS & MISC.

MG MIDGET (RWA 1973) Parts for Sale
1973 round wheel arch MG Midget, miscellaneous parts for sale. For further details contact Colin Lennox-Jones on 01752-892434.
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MGB Auto Roadster 1973
Colour Black, Chrome Bumper, Wire Wheels, Alarm, Wood rim Steering Wheel. Taxed and MOT - £5200 or exchange for MGF Automatic. Contact John Holt on 01822 855858 for further details
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MGB ROADSTER N Reg Was in daily use, garaged for the past 3 years and in need of some restoration. Overdrive, Good hood and new tonneau, fairly new discs, stainless steel exhaust. For project or spares £450. Contact Eric Stanley on 01769-572877 for further details.
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THE BUGATTI BOOK by Barry Eaglesfield. Published in 1954 and considered to contain the most detailed history of all known Bugattis at the time. This copy has some water/damp damage to the covers and some early pages. Has repro dust jacket signed by Barry Eaglesfield. A very readable copy of this much sought after book. £50 o.n.o. Contact Ted Lawrence on 01752-793105.
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MG Car Club Devon & Cornwall Centre Regalia with D & C logo