This past weekend the MGF made it's debut in British Columbia, Canada at the 26th Annual All British Field Meet, held at the Van Duesen Botanical Gardens in Vancouver. Among the 500 cars on the field there were two MGFs on display. A charcoal UK market MPi owned by Rich McKIe the MGF Register's Western Canada rep, and a BRG Japanese market MPi owned by John Stephenson the Register's Eastern Canada rep. John's MGF arrived from Japan just a couple of weeks before the show and was displayed by his friend Dan. The MGFs joined British Columbia's only RV8 which is owned by Simon Austin of Vancouver and the three modern MGs attracted more than their fair share of attention as few in the local British car community had ever seen them other than in a magazine. Many people sat in the cars and enquired about the import procedure. More than one expressed an interest in importing their own MGF. Due to persistent showers the convertible tops were never lowered but in spite of the poor weather the display was a great success. The cars were even featured in a video which is to appear on the Canadian specialty auto insurer Hagerty's website.
The following day the event continued with a 90 mile drive to the 2010 Olympic Host Village of Whistler. Approximately 50 British cars made the run, among them various Astons, Caterhams, Morgans, a Bedford 3-ton military lorry and a number of MGs, from TCs to MGBs and once again Rich's 1995 MGF MPi. The cars were parked around the Olympic Medal Award Site which unfortunately is undergoing "repurposing" to a civic gathering place which resulted in unsightly construction fencing and builder's trailers spoiling the panorama. In spite of this the cars looked wonderful, top down this time after a rather damp trip up to Whistler, and the crowds were considerable. Once again the MGF received more than it's share of attention with nothing but positive comments.
The round trip proved to be without drama and the MGF performed flawlessly.
A good time was had by all and we look forward to seeing more MGFs at the event next May.
A crowd forms around the MGF!
The MGF and company with the Olympic rings in the background
