The MG Tigress, or to give it its full name, the Mark III 18/100, was MG’s first production race car. Based on the road going MG 18\80 it, like the tiny MG M type midget, was build to compete in the 1930 Brooklands Double 12 Race. The car had many advanced features including a six cylinder, 2.5 L overhead camshaft engine, dry sump lubrication, twin spark heads and improved suspension. However they proved unreliable during the race with all cars retiring due to engine failure. In contrast the Midgets beat much more powerful machinery to win the team prize. Due to their comparative lack of success and high price, only five Tigress’ were built. Two survive including one that visited MG Era at Brooklands in April.
June 22, 2015
MG Tigress
Posted by morewheelspin under brooklands, MG, motorsport, sportscars | Tags: brooklands double 12 1930, Brooklands museum, mg 18/80, mg era, mg m type midget, mg mark III 18/ 100, mg tigress |Leave a Comment
February 3, 2015
VSCC Driving Tests: Brooklands
Posted by morewheelspin under brooklands, MG, motorsport, sportscars | Tags: Brooklands museum, Driving Tests, GN Cycle Car, M Type MG Midget, Morgan Three Wheeler, vauxhall TT racer, Vintage Sports Car Club, VSCC |Leave a Comment
The annual Brooklands driving tests brought a good collection of Vintage Sports Car Club cars to the old circuit last weekend.
January 25, 2015
Brooklands New Year’s Day Meeting
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Whilst the weather was little better than it was at last year’s wash out, this year many more classic car owners made the journey to the birthplace of British motorsport for the first major classic car event of 2015.
I took along my MG YB, out for its first run since the Mini Tour Britannia last May. It performed faultlessly although it’s less than inspiring reward on arrival was to be parked on some muddy waste ground between the Bus Museum and the old circuit banking. Apart from the somewhat variable quality of the parking spaces available, the other disappointment was the lack of catering provision which meant waiting 15 minutes, even for a cup of tea. But these logistical problems highlighted what a popular event Brooklands Museum now have on their hands. They must have made a lot of money, which is excellent news as every penny of profit will go towards their work to preserve Britain’s first motor racing circuit and aircraft factory, and the machines that raced or were built there.
A new feature this year was the open day held by the Brooklands Motor Company whose works occupy the old Members Restaurant at the top of the Test Hill. This historic building had been decaying until BMC acquired and restored it. Where well-heeled BARC members once took tea, BMC now fettles and restores AC cars.
Below are some of the more interesting cars that caught my eye.
March 23, 2014
Brooklands Breakfast Meeting February 2014
Posted by morewheelspin under brooklands, Lancia, Uncategorized | Tags: Brooklands museum, Lancia Flaminia GT |Leave a Comment
The first breakfast meeting after the New Year’s Day washout was thankfully a much drier affair. Along with the usual mix of MGs, Jags and Porsches there were some interesting gems, in particular this gorgeous Lancia Flaminia GT. The body is all aluminium and was made by Touring of Milan. The engine is Lancia’s sweet triple carb’d 2.8l V6. Only 1700 were built. This car was built between 1962 and 1965.
January 11, 2014
Brooklands Soggy New Year
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The Brooklands Museum New Year’s Day classic car breakfast has gone from strength to strength over recent years. Last year over 1000 cars attended providing a useful boost to the Museum’s finances.
After an absence of several years I was looking forward to getting my ’52 MG YB out and spending a relaxing morning in the company of fellow old car enthusiasts. Unfortunately the weather conspired against both me and the Museum. For over a week prior to New Year’s Day the rain fell and the wind howled. On Christmas Eve the nearby River Wey burst it’s banks and parts of the Museum, including the Club House, were flooded. Mindful of the big event coming up Museum volunteers and staff worked hard over Christmas to tidy up the site in time for the meeting. They did a magnificent job and there were no traces of the flood water come the big day.
Unfortunately the weather had not finished with the Museum. Whilst New Year’s Day dawned dry but overcast, the forecast was for heavy rain. I decided not to risk the YB and instead took my Jaguar XKR. On the way to the Museum, on early morning deserted roads, I was shamed by my cowardice when I passed a 1920’s Alvis, with little in the way of lights or weather protection, gamely heading for the meeting. But when I turned up it became apparent that I was not the only coward. Instead of the expected 1000 plus cars there were barely 100. This must have been a real blow to the Museum as they clearly catered for many more people than had attended. To try and help them, and to make up for my lack of moral fibre, I had two bacon butties and three cups of tea. I doubt it helped the Museum or my waistline much but it was vital insulation once the rain started hammering down shortly after I arrived..
The weather had deterred many of the more interesting cars but there was still the odd curiosity to be seen. In particular there was a good showing of American Muscle. A bout of rain wasn’t going to put off those good old boys!
I suspect the Museum made a substantial loss on the day. So please, if you can spare the time, pop in and see them. Brooklands is a fantastic place, reeking of the history of motor sport and aviation. It’s well worth a visit. For details see their website http://www.brooklandsmuseum.com