MSCCC  NEWSLETTER  SAMPLER
BLURB 3-98

Updated May 20/98

Our May/June cover features a "Raymond The Cat" cartoon courtesy of Joseph DeLuca. While a sampling from this issue is available below, the May Edition also contains: Motorcycle articles, vintage Morgan photos from the Club's early days, Morgan factory photos, more of the Morgan art of Valentin Tanase of MOG Belgium, For Sale & Wanted, event fliers, other articles, and News From The West, The East, & more!

To subscribe to THE BLURB and get six complete issues each year - see the CLUB INFO PAGE.

Click on an article below (or scroll down) to sample articles from "THE BLURB"

THE CO-PREZ SEZ    May& June/98  Edition. By F. Kuzyk

SCUTTLEBUTT CORNER   By Hairy "Winston" Hogmog

EDITOR'S NOTES    By Vern Dale-Johnson

WINE TOUR REPORT (May 17/98) By F. Art Sharpenwessel

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLES FROM THE PREVIOUS EDITION                                             

THE CO-PREZ SEZ

THE CO-PREZ SEZ: Fred & Lynn Kuzyk (msccc@sympatico.ca)

Well, Spring must be here as the oxidation is in full bloom! Welcome to new members Kim & Mike Martin from Mississauga, ON and Chip & Yvonne Brown from Norwalk, CT. I'd also like to thank all those who have re-newed recently. Thanks everyone!

LAND ROVER....DELIVERS! The big news regarding the 4TH BRITISH CAR TOY RUN on Sept 27, is that Land Rover Canada has offered to pick up the tab for the awards party at the conclusion! In addition, they have offered door prize items, children prize items as part of donations to the charity, and promotional materials. They also plan to provide publicity posters to all the area dealers. Trevor Easton of the Toronto Area Rover Club has been instrumental in achieving these ends & we are appreciative of his efforts! Happy 50th "Rovers"!

ON THE TUBE: It's come to my attention that both Ray Shier & Neil Young were featured on a Halton Cable TV broadcast in regards to the Classics Against Cancer Show in Georgetown, Ontario. Neil was there with Caterham, commenting on his founding of the show, while Ray appeared with Mog as a long time volunteer & participant. Bravo, gentlemen! Tim Shier was also on a broadcast, concerning his role in local soccer. I caught glimpses of "Big Blue" the Morgan factory FIA GT2 race car on re-broadcasts of Sebring & Leguna Seca on the Speedvision cable channel awhile ago. Nice to see! Thanks also to David Rees-Potter for the photos of "Blue" used on the website, as well as those submitted by Mog enthusiast David McCrossan.

There are a couple of locally [Toronto] produced TV shows that have caught my eye. The first is "Classic Car Restorations". This new series on Speedvision (Sundays at 10 AM) has been following the progress on two cars: a ‘58 Corvette & a ‘66 Mustang fastback. Each episode has a task done at a local shop (Meadowvale Ford...I've been there!), a Pro Tip provided by Peter Klutt of the Legendary Motorcar Company (formerly the Shelby Shop - a Toy Run contributor), and a Collector of the Week (actor Don Franks was on an episode with one of his Model T speedsters from the Christie Sprint days). Neat program. The second is "The Car Guys" (Sundays at 2:30 PM, ONTV). This show does a different repair job each week, step by step, not unlike "Shadetree Mechanic". The two fellows yuk it up much the same way, too.

SPINNING THE WEB: I've been in contact with a Tony Thomas of North Carolina recently. A member of the North Carolina MG Club, and a former resident of the Golden Horseshoe area of Ontario, Tony saw the website & decided to email. He remembers fondly chumming around with our group & attending the Niagara Fall Weekend in 1988. He wondered if member Gary MacFarlane & his yellow Mog were still around! I passed on Gary's address to him. He also remembers Derrick Howe's Bugatti replica (now belonging to member Paul Whittaker) & wished to pass on a message to Derrick Howe: "The rebuild on his engine is now 25,000 miles & still going strong"! If anyone is going to Watkin's Glen this year, you might run into Tony. He's doing the 700 miles there in his MGT. Say hi for us & I'll have to take him up on his offer to drop by, when we are in the area.

Ummm .... BEER. It seems that the details reported in the last issue regarding the group program with the Guelph brewery Sleeman's was quoted in error. Oliver Dawson from Upper Canada called (Upper Canada is now owned by Sleeman's) to say that they are not allowed to give beer under such circumstances by law. He checked into this & we received a letter stating the correct terms in writing. For each case of 25 bottles of their beer purchased with a receipt, the brewery offers not face value but $4 towards regalia only. So, if 20 members bought 5 cases during the year and submit the receipts to the Club, Sleeman's would give us a credit for $400! Not quite as lucrative as I was led to believe last year, so we'll just have to become better consumers!

RELISH THE MOMENT** Tucked away in our subconscience is an idyllic vision. We see ourselves on a long trip that spans the continent. We are traveling by British sports car. Outside of the car we drink in the passing scenes, friendly people smiling and waving, cattle grazing on a distant hillside, the unmistakable sound of the engine purring, the smells that accompany the surroundings, of row upon row of corn and wheat, of flatland and valleys, of lakes and streams, of roads that are often forgotten, of mountains and rolling hillsides, of city skylines and village halls.

But uppermost in our minds is that final destination, that light at the end of the tunnel. On a certain day at a certain hour, we will pull into our final destination. Bands will be playing, flags will be waving. Once we get there, so many wonderful dreams will come true, and the pieces of our lives will fit

together like a completed jigsaw puzzle. How restlessly we spend our time damning the minutes for loitering - waiting, waiting, waiting for that certain time to come.
"When we reach our goal, that will be it" we cry.
"When I turn 18"
"When I get my first car"
"When I buy my dream house"
"When I get my last kid through school"
"When I get that mortgage paid off"
"When I get that promotion"
"When I reach the age of retirement I will live happily ever after"

Sooner or later we must realize there is no final destination, no one place to arrive at once and for all. The true joy of life is the trip. The final destination is only a dream. It constantly outdistances us.

"Relish the moment" is a good motto. So stop pacing, waiting and counting the miles. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot more often, watch more sunsets, laugh more, cry less, and certainly drive those British sports cars more often. Life must be lived as we go along. The light at the end of the tunnel will come soon enough.

Don't forget to enjoy those British cars this Summer and keep'em on the roads for all to enjoy!! British Car Week - May 18 - 24 Visit the web site at: http://members.aol.com/Trmgafun/britishcarweek.html
**This is an adaptation of "The Station", written by Robert Hastings, for the sole purpose of promoting British Car Week, a non profit endeavor.

BCCI. The British Car Council held a meeting on March 21. The new Directors were introduced & will assume their duties at the May 2nd Annual General Meeting. The Calendars have taken the form of an "Events List", which is the responsibility of the clubs to duplicate & distribute. The upside: a couple of international Morgan events were listed for the first time. The downside: the emphasis on open events, charitable ones, etc - has gone out the window. Debate concerning the Long Distance Award dash plaque program ensued on whether a formula be implemented so that say, a 1915 Rolls would not be required to travel as far as a 1985 Morgan. No consensus reached & deferred to the new Executive. With regards to the Awards program, debate also occurred over "what is a British car"? One assembled in Britain, like a Nash Metropolitan? Decision to defer to the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust. Their conclusion is found elsewhere in this issue of the Blurb. Mention was made of the MSCCC website, with pages for the BCCI, SVAO, events, links, etc.

SVAO. The Specialty Vehicle Association of Ontario Annual General Meeting took place on April 18 at the Ford Company HQ, in Oakville. Have received the April newsletter. The SVAO is opposed to mandatory safety inspections of specialty vehicles. The body is in favour of voluntary testing of all such vehicles at the Club level. Inspections are currently performed by: Historical Automobile Society of Canada, Antique and Classic Car Club of Canada, Canadian Street Rod Association, Model A Club, & others. All clubs are encouraged to implement safety/touring inspections. It was stated that there has been reports of rips offs already concerning emissions testing. The sale of un-needed catalytic converters. For more info on these & other concerns, contact: MSCCC member Paul Whittaker (SVAO Director) at (905) 677-9259.

THE GREAT DISGRUNTLED: I read in the Toronto Triumph Club's newsletter recently, a full page letter from a disgruntled member. This was a gutsy & commendable move on the part of this Club's Officers. The tendency among any group is for the faithful to dismiss such things as isolated & sweep them under the carpet. This person was upset about the perceived cliques in the group. No matter what he did, whether he was working on his car, or brought his car to events, he felt there was no interest in him. No one was the least bit interested, just in their established friendships. Involved in other aspects of society where he fits in, he concluded that this poor treatment is definitely the fault of the people involved in such a British car club. Well, I know a number of people with the TTC that are happy, long-time members. At the inter-club level, the TTC has been helpful and supportive of projects like the Toy Run. Chris Walker, a past Executive member, helped with the 1st Toy Run & has been a friend since, coming as a guest to our meetings & events, and we've gone to theirs, such as a TTC BBQ after Carriage Classics, etc. Support is mutual. "You'd like a Morgan for a promotion of British Car Day....Sure, I'll get one!". Clubs are not entities, they are people. As imperfect as people are. In every group, not all people are good, nor are they all bad. A club cannot be all things to all people, either. But the people skills often need work. There's as many motivations as there are people. Some want help with a restoration. Some want to have the nicest car & win trophies. Some want to do things together, while others do not. Most folks just want to have fun & to be welcome, accepted, recognized. Having been involved with about a dozen car organizations over 2 decades, I've had the different expectations & played the various roles - searcher of cars/parts, seller of the same, follower, leader, keener, grumbler, supporter of cliques, detractor of cliques, etc. With any interest or hobby there's usually stages for the enthusiast that are as predictable as the stages of a fire. 1) Keen. 2) Comfortable. 3) Ambivalent. 4) Soured/Change of Interest. 5) Parting of the ways. Some folks never reach the final stages with an activity or group. Others skip a few steps & achieve them in short order. It's very human. I think it's important for groups to encourage folk & make them feel welcome. The group should do more than ignore other than their friends & leave the outsider to adopt a clique. Likewise, there is onus on the individual, too. If one's only contribution is to show up once a year or two & complain that YOU should do this (but I'm too busy), then you will not endear yourself to those that do. Something I've learned is that people are pretty much the same all over, but the groups differ in philosophy, politics, & structure. All groups start out small & sometimes grow to a point where the "business" & policies become all consuming. It's what people make of them!

For our part, we're imperfect too. The Executive have been trying, though. Lynn & I try to avoid the formation of damaging cliques. The meetings & events are small enough that we try & mingle with all folks. We don't use every opportunity to "sell" the club like zealots that solely wish to sign people up & increase revenues. (Someone was looking for help with a webpage for his club, but if it doesn't bring in memberships, then the Club wasn't interested). The dollar is not our motivator. Another $25 here & there is really immaterial. People communicating, interacting & enjoying themselves is most important. We try to make members & guests welcome. If someone has a problem, we try & act on it. We answer our mail, make activities known, recognize those that are doing (inside & outside), and encourage anyone with an idea that they want to develop. Anything that anyone submits, Vern will only be too glad to publish it! And externally, if any group wants good relations with ours: it's easily done. Yep, bettering people skills is required right across the board! Bravo to the person who voiced his feelings. Bravo to the TTC for printing them & hopefully acting on the issue!

SOME LOCAL EVENTS:

MSCCC Wine Tour, May 17. Meet at "Chez Kuzyk" for a Continental Breakfast at 11:00 AM. We depart at 12:30 PM for a leisurely tour to Kittling Ridge Wine & Spirits in Grimsby, Ontario. Free tour & tasting! Open to friends. RSVP to Lynn to confirm numbers, at (905) 336-0251 or E-Mail.

Lions Club Cruise Nights, Wednesdays, Mapleview Mall, Burlington, ON. Starts on May 20, 6-9 PM. Proceeds help the Lions Club to do community projects, such as defibrillators for the Fire Dept last year. Always a couple hundred cars, even a few Brits (start a trend). Mapleveiew & the Lions have been British Car Toy Run contributors.

British Wheels & Wings, May 24. At the Hamilton Airport, Mount Hope, Ontario. The Canadian Warplane Heritage is a neat place . I know as a past member, airman, and from car stuff there in the past (I've got a photo of me in the cockpit of the CF-100 taken in 1976! Another story...). Those interested, strap on your leather helmets & goggles & wing it there. Hosted by the Healey Club (519) 426-7139. Registration $15.

MSCCC ESCARPMENT RUN III June 14. Host Nyal Wilson is opening his home once again to members for a lunch, followed by a scenic tour of Dundas, Ancaster & beyond. Starts at Noon. Please call Nyal to RSVP, at (905) 648-0888 or Fax: (905) 304-0888. This is always a good day!

Euro Car Day V, June 14. For those who would rather "Show" than "Go" to Nyal's on this date, we've received word that the organizers of this show have added a Morgan class among the European marques. Takes place at the Rose Garden Restaurant, (2753 Wehrle Drive), Williamsville, NY. Info: (716) 634-6079. Hosted by the British Car Club of Western New York. $10 gets you in.

11th Classics Against Cancer Show June 21, Cedarvale Park, Georgetown, Ontario. The classic show for a good cause! $25 Registration with a charitable receipt from the cancer society. Entertainment, photo of your car, British Car class, etc. This Morganeer will be having the traditional picnic there! Open to cars 1978 & older. I'll give you a tip: if you'd like to fib about the age of your car & not have it judged (as some of us have done), who's to know? Alternative for Morgans, Caterhams, Bugatti replicas, etc is to enter under Hand Crafted vehicles. Several hundred cars with some very rare & expensive examples.

Empire Day, July 4, 50 Point CA, Winona, Ontario. Those not venturing to Maryland for MOG 28, should consider this non-profit family day. Those of us who did last year had a splendid time! Phil Miller & Ken Baker have put a lot of work into this celebration of things British. And they have also been helpful to the Toy Run project, and we're grateful. Given the interest from the Clubs this year, there should be a gizzilion cars & bikes! Last year, along with Jimmy Lomax, we had a display promoting Operation Santa Claus & the Toy Run. This year, I'm promoting fun. Wanna have some?

PS ... Don't forget the PIG-OUT on August 1st & 2nd!

"It's Top Down Time"

-Fred Kuzyk

 SCUTTLEBUTT CORNER.   By  Hairy "Winston" Hogmog

The March Pub Brunch was a splendid affair. Observers in the parking lot
must have thought that this was a meeting of the Toronto Triumph Club,
as the only "Little British Cars" (LBCs) were three Triumphs belonging
to guests! Al Sands had his Mog out at the Christmas party, and Nyal
Wilson had his out in Winter, yet despite beautiful weather, members had
various reasons for the absence of their steeds (I needed a license sticker).
Perhaps adverse weather provides a new challenge? The final
gathering before the summer pub hiatus, in April, had a mix of cars,
however. Also at the April meeting, I overheard a member with a Jag say
to a Triumph-owner guest, that ours is "A No Bull Shit Club"! A finer
tribute I have never heard! Perhaps that should be the Club slogan? It
matters not that we are small, or odd-ball, or that few outside would
appreciate our open example or would emulate the kindness extended -
but a few members & guests do. That's good enough.

At the April gathering, Margot & Peter Heyerhoff displayed a marvelous greeting card obtained from the German Morgan dealer. When the card is opened, you are treated to the sound of a Morgan running through all its gears! Speaking of gears, Vern Dale-Johnson was the only Morganeer to bring out his trusty steed, despite fighting off the "cold of the century" -- glad he stayed away from us!

I neglected to ask Margot about her trip to Hong Kong & China. Hellen will love to know the details! Another time, yes? Speaking of meanderings, Peter & Dorothy Pfahl, as well as Reg & Audrey Beer, have returned safe & sound from their southerly sabbaticals. Russ & Sylvia Balfour have also returned from the "Vacation From Hell" in Antigua!

I don't have the details as to the mishaps, but from my own experience, strange things can happen in The Third World (Did I ever tell you about the revolution I helped spawn in a certain banana republic? -Another time, perhaps)! Anyway, any trip south for this HOG beats time spent nestled next to the smoke stacks of HAMilton! It's also rumoured that Russ will be retiring shortly, which should yield more time for car trips & travel!

It seems that the Hogmogs have not lost a cigar partner afterall, as reported last time. Although Bob & Gloria Poloz have put down stakes in Michigan, they have renewed with our Club. And given that they racked up an extraordinary 27,000+ km last year on their Mog, we expect to see them in the neighbourhood this year!

Chris & Gayle Taylor have had some car woes of late. After the Toy Run, they dropped their rear axle. After putting the car on the road this season, they lost the clutch. Hopefully, the red Spitfire will be in fighting trim shortly to sally forth once again. Chris, would you like to consider the purchase of a "unreliable" Morgan....? They may ride like a buckboard, but they go on like the "Energizer Bunny"!

It seems that Fred Kuzyk has come up with a come-back for Lynn. He protests what she fondly refers to as his "gut", and instead refers to it as his "hard drive of nutritional information" - remembering every meal he has had the pleasure of knowing! It's not growing, instead "upgrading to higher capacity"!

Meanwhile, I'm pleased to report that Lynn Kuzyk is on the mend. As I write this, her radiation therapy will soon be over. Her hair is growing, or "upgrading to a higher capacity", and now is about the length of a crew cut. Energy levels are increasing & she's looking forward to the Wine Tour on May 17, & hopes to have a "Wig Burning Party" this summer! Al can also burn his, too!

I can't verify this but I've heard that our own "international curmudgeon", Alan Sands, is being courted by the producers of a TV program, so that they may feature him as a "Curmudgeon of the Week". It seems that they've heard of his longevity in the hobby & his numerous acquisitions. This is too much! The thought of Al as "Curmudgeon of the airwaves", beaming into my living room, & preserved for posterity on video tape in numerous re-runs! Watch the skies....be afraid, very afraid!

It seems that everybody wants to make the "Empire Strikes Back Part 2" (Empire Day) "theirs" this year. The festival "For the people, by the people" ("Soylent Green" is people) seems to be becoming a gathering of separate & divided conclaves this time, at no fault of the organizers, but due to the growing interest of the car clubs. The MG's are doing their own picnic, Land Rovers are trying to arrange off-roading for their folk, the Healey's are employing the venue for their celebration of 100 years of Donald Healey's birthday, some others wanted separate classes with trophies, etc. There may not be so much a celebration of things "British" but rather "our own class & kind", this time. Well, this only mirrors the dis-unity evident among the British Car Council. Separate & unequal! You can't fight city hall or human nature. So, Lynn Kuzyk, I'm told, has proposed that the Morganeers celebrate in their own way, too. How about "The Titanic Costume Picnic". This "big one going down" has nothing to do with Bill Clinton! Rather, costumes from the Diamond Jubilee/Boer War/Edwardian/Gatsby/Caranaby Street/Beetles eras. The grandeur of another age, when there was an Empire! Why not? Shades of the Christie Sprints in 1993 when the Morganeers were among the few to get in the pre-war costume spirit.

Sure, others will ridicule but ANYONE can where their Club jacket & hat-full-of-pins! "Cedric" The Butler will not appear this time, but perhaps Johnny Hooker from "The Sting" or F. Scott Fitzgerald, or John Lennon, will. I know a few ladies that would make good "Flappers"! Think on it. I also propose that we celebrate an anniversary as well. For on that date (July 4) the 13 Colonies became independent. We could celebrate the Empire's loss (or some would say gain)! Fly your stars & stripes upside down! Anyone remember the US Marines & the upside down flag at the Blue Jays game? Revenge is ours! Then again, we could DO NOTHING. Nothing other than enjoy the various entertainment & ambiance, and thus enjoy the day!  Well, these are just thoughts. Wouldn't want anyone to think that the Morganeers are common & conventional....

I read a column in the Toronto Star recently. The author was commenting on a recent visit by noted physicist Stephen Hawking & the Theory of Everything. The author, Jim Coyle, is trying to figure things out, too. Not at the cosmic level. I quote: "These seem to be times both exceedingly lonely and suffocatingly structured. Technology makes it easier to communicate, but harder to connect". Amen to that! Take the MSCCC website, for instance. The Webmeister reports that there has been about 24,000 visits in the 3 months that it has been running, at the end of April. Quite a few people surfing in to get whatever, and then get out. These 24,000 visits have yielded 26 entries in the Guest Book for feedback! Only a handful of folk have taken the time to say: "good stuff", or "I'm looking for a car", etc. Event submissions = 0. It would seem that feedback is work. People want to mindlessly surf, they don't want to communicate. The site was envisioned as a free service of benefit to all, with info on the British Car Council Clubs, SVAO, Events, links to other sites, etc. I'm told while there has been requests for links, in some cases, these requests are one-way only. They only wish to transmit their message & cannot receive yours. An email request for a link exchange to a west coast MG club was ignored at their end. It may be because the message they send is: "Only MG", "We're the greatest", and "we want your money". The webmaster may still add a link to their site, as they are a Canadian group.

The article author goes on about complacency. "Perhaps this is why stories of Grand Passion, ‘The English Patient' or ‘Titanic', or on a smaller scale that beer ad [the one with the impromptu adult hockey game amongst the concrete canyons of Toronto & its street cars], met with such enthusiasm, such welcome relief from the pinched world view, the stunned emotional range, the dreary aspirations that seem to define the decade". Indeed, there is dreariness - and the struggle is not to be overcome by it all. Far too much structure, barriers, and policy-makers, & gate-keepers. Not enough child-like fun! Not enough escapism or higher ideals. This author too continues to search for the "why", as I try to figure it all out!

Instead of closing with the customary jokes, herewith are some suggestions on "How To Be Rich & Happy Internally", submitted by Lynn Kuzyk from the Cancer Society's newsletter "Between Us". I need to work on a number of these!

1. Live your ideal life ... now.

2. Accept people the way they are and the way they are not.

3. Forgive and love everyone.

3. Believe that: If it is to be, it is up to me.

4. Do what you feel is best, no matter what people think of you.

5. Think BIG. Dream lofty dreams. Plan. Act immediately.

6. Catch people "doing it right"!

7. Keep in contact with the best, meet people engaged in the best, experience the best.

8. Save 10% of your net income.

9. Give something away daily....... a postcard, letter gift, smile, hug, compliment.

10. Be your own boss. Do what you love and get paid for it.

11. Collect pictures of what you want to be, do, and have in life.

12. Take self inventory annually on your birthday.

13. Increase your income daily...... whether you work, play or sleep.

14. Do not criticize, condemn or complain.

15. Act as if it were impossible to fail.

16. Do what you do so well that people enthusiastically refer others to you.

17. Dine at the finest restaurants.

18. Dress to look and feel great! Mostly solid-colored clothing.

19. Inspire others by your example.

20. Build your reputation for honesty, integrity, quality and superb service.

21. Collect quotes that motivate you.

22. Speak and write only positive words.(there goes my column)!

23. Aim for excellence in your field.

24. Carry a crisp $100 bill with you at all times.

25. Support others in achieving their goals.

26. Learn something new everyday.

27. Develop influential friendships worldwide.

28. Exercise at least 20 minutes daily to achieve and maintain your ideal body.

29. Take total responsibility for your past, present, and future experiences.

30. Two rules to success: A) Deliver the goods! B) Forget the rest!

31. Avoid saying: can't, hard, difficult. Say: I can, it's easy, it's simple. 32. Be open to new ideas, relationships, and new experiences

33. Keep your home, desk, closets, car... clean, neat and organized.

34. Realize that all events happen for the best.

35. Use a simple time management system.

36. Plan to do two significant things each year.

37. Listen to music which motivates you.

38. Build a personal development library.

39. Spend more time with nature.

40. Take calculated risks to get ahead.

41. Act as if all your goals are already accomplished.

42. Read books by and about exciting people you admire.

43. Take a winner to lunch.

44. Simplify your life; have more fun per hour.

45. Know that you are equal to everyone and everyone is equal to you!

46. Strive to Accomplish more with less time, money, and energy.

47. Do things that are extraordinary & nearly impossible.

48. Do and say things that benefit all concerned.

49. Know that you are equal to everyone and everyone is equal to you.

50. Constantly escalate your goals.
-Author Unknown

 All in good fun & bad taste..... Hairy Hogmog.

EDITOR'S NOTES

Editors Notes: Vern Dale-Johnson (vern_dj@msn.com)

From the internet Morgan chat line, Charlie Harris to Fred Sissons......"Yes Fred, it is a religious issue. And as a born again, evangelical 4/4 follower, I am aware that a study of the old religion is necessary to understand how things got to the glory that Morganist find themselves in at the present time. Since there is a possibility that God did tell P. H. G. Morgan the true way, and that even Moses did not follow His will, God must most certainly intend for me to study three wheelers and thus if any are known to be available, and are willing to live in abject poverty, succor unto me. It may be that 4 wheels are just an effeminate affectation, that any conveyance with more than three wheels are a social adjustment that was made just to conform to the laws of man, except for pick-up trucks, and should be abandoned upon re-examination. Surely we must do this , or at least me, if such a vehicle could be obtained". Faithfully, Chuck Harris

"Chuck, it IS a religious issue! If God wanted cars to have four wheels... don't you think that he would have told HFS's father & don't you think that he would have told his son? However, I must admit that there is a chance that he didn't cover the number of wheels in the original devine inspiration, that may have been HFS's human decision. Maybe the devine word was just "wood"." Fred Sisson

New Event -- July 18, Tour the Sites of Toronto. Meet at 4:00 pm at 1532 King Street (VDJ's place), 1532 King @ Roncessvales. Depart at 4:30 for a tour through the highlights of west and east Toronto ending in Rosedale (Martin Fisher's place) for a picnic dinner, swim, and refreshments. Bring your own everything! Including bathers. Call Martin Fisher (416-961-9548) or Vern Dale-Johnson (416-530-4599) to confirm.

MOG 28 (MCCDC) will be held at Mount Saint May's College in Emmitsburg Maryland starting on July 2 with a wrap-up and good-byes on July 5. Rooms must be booked by May 26 either at the College or in area Motels. If booking at the College, consider the 3 room apartment option (sleeps 5). Contact Sara Corbett 804-593-3590 or Lee Ridgeway 610-458-7540 for details on the event. Call Bob Hanson for housing information (7-10 pm only at 703-820-3496).

Autumn MOG (3/4 Morgan Group) is planning their Autumn MOG over the same weekend as the MSCCC Fall Weekend. For those in Eastern Canada who won't be coming over for "our" weekend, give Stu Ross a call at 908-876-3688 or stuross@nac.net for details of the event at Jiminy Peak. Concours, rally, autocross and banquet are being planned plus a visit to Hemmings Motor News. Cost, including banquet and accommodation in condos or 3 room suites, is expected to be under US$350.

I recently purchased a couple of Morgan lithograph's by Bill Stroud through the "Western Driver" (stewartp@direct.ca). Priced at $80 each "Three Wheelin" and "Morgan Sport Racers" are both about 15 in X 21in in size. I'm impressed -- contact Patrick Stewart at Westco Marketing in Vancouver -- fax 604-736-6750 if you're not on the net.

Speaking of purchases, over the winter I sourced some halogen bulbs to replace my turn indicators (single filament) and combination running-stoplight bulbs. The turn indicator bulbs take you from 8 watt to 50 watt (designed to be reversing bulbs) while the combinations take you from 5w & 20w to 8w & 30w. The difference -- incredible. Although not cheap I feel more brightness is definitely a plus, you will be seen and your intentions duely noted! I ordered mine through JC Whitney but understand these are also available through our friendly Canuk Tire or other parts distributors. If you can't find them locally, contact DesignTech International, fax 703-866-2001. The bulbs have a limited lifetime warranty.....

As you've prepared your chariot for the summer season, how are the brakes? A note from the group at Little Hallingbury pertaining particularly to cars with cast iron wheel cylinders: "Brake fluid wears out -- 3 years or 36,000 miles -- due to the high water content of modern brake fluid it become corrosive as it wears out. If you change your brake fluid on a regular basis there should be no need to replace master, clutch & wheel cylinders -- although they may require new seals from time to time. We [read many local garages] have an electronic gadget that dips in the master and slave cylinders, checking the water content. In excess of 50% of the vehicles that come through our workshop [read Melvyn Rutter] need the brake and clutch fluid changing. With Mogs we suggest changing at least every 2 years. Standing for long periods of time the brake fluid doesn't separate, but all the debris (dust and metal particles) in the fluid settles and ends up in the wheel cylinders causing the seals to leak."

The Feb/Mar 98 issue of British magazine Race Tech has a very good article on the Morgan GT2 racer Big Blue.

Thanks to Marlies Sands for sending through the Feb 98 "Practical Classics" article "Make Mine a Morgan". In respect of the copyright, I'll wait before reprinting! If you can, look for it at local dealers or order a copy from the publisher -- it's worth the read and addition to your library. A good synopsis of history with a mix of old and new (factory and cars) photos. Also sidebars on the current 4/4 (vs +8) as daily transport -- priced in MGF territory, on Sir John Harvey-Jones publicity for the MMC, and some great Morgan Miscellany, example: "During the early Eighties, when continued supply of Ford engines looked in doubt, Morgan started to use Fiat twin-cam units instead. A senior Ford exec happened to have a new 4/4 on order, and when he realised his car might end up being powered by Fiat, he puledl out the stops to have Ford's new transverse CVH engine made suitable for use in the Morgan". ‘tis truth!

Member Stu Harvey wrote: "I see from the Blurb that two club members have recently acquired British motorcycles, one Triumph and one Matchless. I should add to the list by noting I recently picked up a BSA (69, 250cc model) that was stored in a neighbour's garage since 1973. If any one is familiar with this bike, I would welcome suggestions on what would be required to put it back on the road. With one four-wheeler and one two-wheeler in the garage, I guess I now have on average two three-wheelers!"

"On unrelated matters, I enclose 3 pictures that may be of historical interest. One is a Morgan three-wheeler Super Sports that was displayed at a meeting of the ACCCC back, I think, in the 60's or early 70's. If I remember correctly it belonged to Ken Brown. The second picture is of a Family model. Does anyone know its owner? The third picture is a Morgan club outing with similar dating. Note there are four three-wheelers as opposed to three four-wheelers, thereby displaying at least a degree of symmetry. Does anyone recall the time and place of this outing?"

"It's always a pleasure to receive the latest issue, thanks."

Stu, with that letter how can I pass up the enclosed articles, one from the Sept 96 issue of the Financial Post on the then new "Triumph Thunderbird", the other on "Classic Routes for Two Wheels" from the Nov-Dec 92 Men's Journal.

With regards to publications, "Morgan Life" published in Holland by Peter Ijsseldijk got off to a rocky start when shortly after the first issue Peter took ill. Happy to say he's now back at it with contingencies in place to continue the regular publication of this new journal. I've received my copy of Issue 2 -- thanks, Peter.

Books?? I did order Alderson and Chapman's book "Morgan Sports Cars: The Early Years" from Win Sharples. It arrived days later along with the book on trikes -- "Morgan Sweeps the Board". Almost (repeat, Alec Knight -- almost) makes me want to build up a trike! Win has pleaded for us to re-run his ad, as the deal is a good one I have obliged.

Murphy's Law As It Relates To The Garage: (Peter Egan - Side Glances - Road & Track September 1997)

The floor pan of an indifferently welded British roadster left abandoned in someone's backyard will hold up to 4 inches of water for three years without leaking a drop, but the water pump won't. Neither will the radiator, heater core, freeze plugs, hose clamps or heater valve.

A very slightly tarnished battery post or wiring terminal will pass no current at all until you carefully sand or scrape the surface to a high shine, free of all oxidation-and even then it won't always work until you wiggle it just so....while a stray horn wire, blowing around in the wind under your car, will somehow find a solid connection on a rusty, undercoated frame rail and either blow a fuse or melt your entire wiring harness.

One drop of brake fluid spilled on your newly painted fender will dissolve the 2-part acrylic finish in seconds and leave a big ugly spot, but a half gallon of Professional Strength Paint Stripper will have no effect on an old TR-4 fender painted by Earl Sheib in 1971.

A propane torch will not light unless you have exactly the right gas flow and hold the match just so, but a pile of oily rags will burn your garage down with no outside help.

No floor jack lifts high enough unless you use a wood block.

A car body will reject paint on any spot of primed metal you've touched with your supposedly oily fingertips, but the same paint will stick to the undersides of your fingernails for a month.

Packing fresh grease into wheel bearings by hand makes the phone ring.

Large springs are always 5% stronger than the person trying to install them.

Any toolbox you are able to lift by yourself is missing the tool you need.

Doug Price Award: Nominations for the Doug Price Award are now open. The criterion for the Award is "most enthusiastic member", recognizing contributions to the club. The judging is informal -- fill in a ballot (see below) and send to Fred Kuzyk (address on back page). Nominations will close the end of August with the award presented at the Morgan Fall Getaway. Note nominees/nominators can be from anywhere in Canada:

Morgan Sports Car Club Canada "Doug Price Award" Nomination:

I would like to nominate ___________________ for the Doug Price Award as the "most enthusiastic member" of the Morgan Sports Car Club of Canada because (print in 25 words or less...) _____________________________________________________

Your name:_____________________________________________________________, Member of the MSCCC in good standing.

THE MSCCC WINE TOUR (May 17/98) REPORT.  By F. Art Sharpenwessel

Although officially a day early, the MSCCC "did its bit" for the Internet proclaimed "British Car Week", on May 17.
Seventeen British vehicles took part in a celebration of Spring, with a breakfast, wine tour convoy, & BBQ.

As someone present said: "Who do you call for your weather requests"? Indeed, the weather was splendid , as was the company. Eleven Morgan Club vehicles came to sample the bubbly, a great attendance! Among the faithful: Peter & Ella Toma (Mog), Glenn & Evelyn Nigh (In Peter's MGB), Nyal Wilson & Lois (Mog), Peter & Margot Heyerhoff (Mog), Chris & Gayle Taylor (Spitfire), Alan & Marlies Sands (Mog), Brenda & Brian Morgan (Mog), Paul Whittaker & grand-daughter (Bugatti replica), John Collins & Sonia Kokal (Jag),  hosts Fred & Lynn Kuzyk (Mog), & new members Phil & Pat Whitehouse (MGA).

In addition, several guests were present, representing several Clubs - their cars adding to the mix! These were: Malcolm & Brenda Taylor (TR3), Chris Walker & Gertha Griffiths (Spitfire), Derek & Sheila Fletcher (Healey 3000), Trevor Easton (Land Rover), Rob & Caroline Stewart (TVR), & Mike & Yolanda Potter (Lotus 7). Besides the host Morgan Sports Car Club of Canada, membership from the local: Toronto Triumph, Toronto Area Rover, British Saloon, Lotus, British Sportscar, & Healey Clubs, were also represented. Guests were by invitation, breaking the trend of the "Come-one, come-all" format of the last two annual Wine Tours. This was only proper as the event started & concluded at the organizer's home & some control of the guest list, rather than the vagaries of whim & chance, was appropriate.

Attendees met at the Kuzyk domicile for some "palate cleansing" pastry, fruit & such. At 12:30, late-comers were surprised to see the entourage actually ready to depart on time! The lead car led the convoy via the Hamilton Beach & North Service Road to the destination - Kittling Ridge Wine & Spirits, in Grimsby, Ontario. There we were met by our enthusiastic guide, Eileen. Although we only saw two areas of the facility ( the fermenting vats for the wine & the stills for the spirits) there was no shortage of info, as Eileen loved to tell of the craft & as she stated herself: she tends to digress! We learned that vodka is made primarily these days from corn. That the quality of the local wines have improved since the days when only domestic varieties of grape were used. That the "bench" of the Niagara Escarpment provides a unique micro-climate for wine production (including the unique "ice wines"). And that this distillery is the only Canadian one left, as many of the famous, large spirit producers, are now controlled by foreign interests (so much for "Canadian Club")!

After the formal education, it was on to the bar for tastings! The sheer variety of their product line was outstanding! From merlot to cream liqueur, to exotic delicacies such as tea whisky, and an affordable ice-wine & brandy combination. Needless to say, many folk decided to take something home!

After everyone's curiousity was satisfied, it was time for the return convoy to Burlington. The group was held up by two Laker Freighters at the Burlington canal lift bridge. Mike Potter had to detour around, as he might miss his flight for Cleveland. Beverage & a BBQ topped off the day. There was some high-jinx, as Al Sands fooled a few people with his fake "gashed finger" which he supposed caught in a car door. As night fell, the last of the revellers departed. Fred & Lynn, as well as "Bentley" the yellow Lab, lit off fireworks to commemorate Queen Victoria's Birthday, on this holiday weekend. I understand the hosts wish to thank: Chris & Gayle for the sausages & buns, Nyal & Lois and Al & Marlies for the salads; as well as the Malcolm & Brenda, the Potters, and Pete & Ella for the unexpected gifts! A warm, sunny day, good friends, and a fine gathering in tribute of British Car Week & the Queen. "We are ammused"!

 Malcolm & Brenda Taylor (Past President of the Toronto Triumph Club) have extended an invitation to all Morganeers present at the "Carriage Classics" event on July 12, to join them at their home for the TTC BBQ, following the event. Hope to see you there!

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