Updated August 26/98 Our July/August cover features a drawing courtesy of Valentin Tanase of MOG Belgium. While a sampling from this issue is available below, this Edition also contains: Morgan articles from 1980, vintage Morgan photos from the Club's early days, Morgan event articles, event fliers, 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 July & August/98 Edition. By F. Kuzyk SCUTTLEBUTT CORNER By Hairy "Winston" Hogmog EDITOR'S NOTES July & August. By Vern Dale-Johnson MSCCC ESCARPMENT TOUR REPORT (June 14/98) 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) Summertime & the living is easy! We'd like to welcome the new members that have joined since the last update: Ed Driver of Saskatoon, SASK; and Phil & Pat Whitehouse of Flamborough, ON. Thanks everyone! TOY RUN: Work for the 4TH BRITISH CAR TOY RUN on Sept 27 has begun. If anyone can help in any manner (door prize provision, Registration duties, judging, stuffing goody bags, etc), we can press you into service! Give us a shout. IN PRINT: The July issue of the English magazine "Thoroughbred & Classic Cars" has a lengthy story & comparison of a Morgan Plus 8, Healey 3000, and an E-Type Jag. Perhaps not surprisingly, the E-Type was favoured by the reviewers. Of the Plus 8 it was said: "The Morgan gives you a head-rush of excitement with its vigorous acceleration, its chest-beating exhaust note and the challenge of driving it quickly. You'll either get hooked on its performance and vintage manners or reject it as too much like hard work. The E-Type's superiority shone in handling, ride, and technology - but with warnings about its vulnerability to rust & its complex underpinnings. The Healey had the most simplicity & most impressive interior. The June/July issue of British Car magazine had a feature article on the rare "Plus 4 Plus" Morgan Coupe. The beautiful red coloured car pictured is owned by John & Evelyn Willburn of California, the son & daughter-in-law of MSCCC members Gerry & Barbara Willburn. Congratulations to a prolific Morganeering family! From the 1/26/98 issue of Forbes is an article about reviving dead consumer brands, they sighted Morgan, unlike AC Cobra, that is still going strong. Further, "In 1996 Morgan made only 484 cars .... and the company's pretax profit amounts to more than $3,000 per vehicle, almost ten times GM's". -Don Polak (via email). EMISSIONS PROGRAMS: In a recent newspaper article, it was revealed that the Ontario "Drive Clean" program would not be implemented this year, as expected. It seems that "all good things" takes time! So, we here get a slight reprieve from pollution testing hassles. If you'd like to learn more about what's happening in this matter in British Columbia, check out the Specialty Vehicle Association Of BC's website at: http://www.res.com/~svabc/main.html. SPINNING THE WEB: Received this recently over the web: 'OZ' In A Pontiac Imagine yourself driving through the scenic Aussie outback in a classic car, accompanied by 70 other amazing pre-1966 vehicles, all with zany themes and crews - having 10 days of fun, driving along tracks, beaches, old railway lines and across creeks, rocks and through lots of bulldust? Dream no more - the chance is real! The fourth seat in Car 888, entrant in the 1998 Swan Brewery Variety Club Bash could have your name on it. All you need do is buy a ticket (or 2, or 3) in our unique raffle. What You Can Win Tell us your nearest International Airport and we will fly you out of there to Pert, Western Australia, sign you up as crew for Car 888 and then take you along on the 1998 Bash. You will travel in style and comfort, in our 1965 Pontiac Bonneville limousine ambulance and see lots of the Western Australian countryside and many fascinating outback places that most visitors rarely see. Some nights we will camp out, others may be in hotels or motels, but where ever we are, you will have heaps of fun! We will pay all your Bash fees for food, accommodation and entertainment, including the final night Grand Ball. You can sleep that one off with up to 2 more nights in a 5 Star hotel, before flying home to tell everyone about your fantastic experience. Take a look at our Website http://www.car888.iinet.net.au and buy your ticket NOW, before the raffle closes. Incidentally, we only expect to sell about 300 tickets, so work out the odds for yourself!!! Some recent Morgan webpages discovered: Tim Cottingham's Morgan Page: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/timcott/morgan.htm Hayston Garage: http://www.hayston.demon.co.uk/ Three Wheeled Adventure. Under development. Great photos of Morgan trikes. http://users.arn.net/~lifevest/ MORGAN the World's Leading 3-Wheelers. Great page from Germany! http://home.t-online.de/home/Gerhard.Kiessling/ -For more Morgan, British car, & other links, check out the MSCCC website Link Page! NEW REGALIA: Received nice leather flying helmets & goggles recently from Bygone Era motoring accessories of England. If you are into leather jackets & such accessories, you should get their catalog. Phone/Fax: 44 181 462 0708. Or visit their website at: http://www.bygone-era.co.uk (or click on the link on the MSCCC website Links or Regalia pages.). A reminder that the Western New York Morgan Owners Group has released a 20th anniversary badge. These are made in Canada, as are the pins. Price is $35 US for the badge & $5 US for the pin. Contact: Bob Tescione, 62 Wilmington Street, Rochester NY 14620-1930 USA. RECENT EVENTS: Both the MSCCC Wine Tour & the Escarpment Run were excellent events. Reports on these events are in this issue, courtesy of Club Scribe F.A. Sharpenwessel. Lynn & I were pleased to present a President's Award to Nyal for his efforts, and thank everyone for the great attendance at both events! We also attended the British Wheels & Wings event at the Hamilton Airport. Enjoyed seeing the Morganeers there (Vern, Peter Toma, Carlos Yep, Glen Cavers & Julie, The Taylor's, The Sands') and the other folk. We went for a drink afterwards to the RCAFA Club but it was closed. So we had food & beverage at the Ancaster East Side Marios. I understand that Glen & Julie also attended the Spring Fling Weekend. While Classics Against Cancer had a fine representation of Brit cars, once again. Morgan cars in attendance were few this time - the Shier's & Dale-Johnson's Mogs. Vern has a list of the winning vehicles. As I write this, Vern is headed south for MOG 28, while I intend to make a solo appearance (Lynn is now working Saturdays) at Empire Day. UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS: July 11 & 12/98 Carriage Classics, Caledon ON. Cars, Carriages, Equestrian Events, Dog Trials. Foreign & American cars on both days! An inite has been extended by Malcolm Taylor of the Toronto Triumph Club for all Morganners to join them at their TTC BBQ following the event on Saturday the 11th! Contact: Paul Ross (519) 927-5444 or Bill (905) 822-4638. July 18/98 MSCCC Toronto Tour. Tour the Sites of Toronto. Meet at 4:00 pm at 1532 King Street (Vern DJ'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. July 19 &25 British Sports Cars at the Ontario Renaissance Festival, in Milton, Ontario. All clubs & members are invited on these dates for the special entry price of $12 per adult. Large rallying area offered on the grass, plus free turkey leg, & softdrink or ale. A tavern will be set aside for Clubs' use. See Henry VIII & other characters, musicians, shows, games of skill, period crafts, & full armoured jousting, in this re-created medieval English village! Contact: (800) 734-3779. "Long live the King". The Shiers & Kuzyks attended this venue 2 years ago & found it a fun, family day! July 19 Port Dover British Car Meet. Contact: Scott Morris (519) 426-7139. July 25-26 Brits In The Park, Lindsay, ON. Part of the Lindsay "Riverfest". Contact: Jim Nesbitt. (705) 324-5194. Aug 1-2 MSCCC Pig-Out Weekend, Pipers Hill Farm, Colgan, ON. Info: (905) 936-4341. Marlies Sands. See the flyer in this edition of the BLURB! An event not to be missed! Non-Member Guests by invitation only, which have been sent. Aug 1-7 5th Annual Maritime British Invasion. Prince Edward Island, Canada. Hosted by the British Automobile Touring Association of Nova Scotia. Contact Bob Hamilton (902) 861-3277. Aug 16 St George's Society Flea Market & Car Show, London, ON. Proceeds from this show donated to a local charity. Info: Stu (519) 453-0068. Aug 18 Car Show. Edward's Gardens, Toronto, ON. TTC (416) 410-4TTC. Aug 22 Rovers at the Rovers. Picturesque tour of Niagara area with a fun navigational contest. Starts at the Rovers Inn, Grimsby ON, about 2 PM. Open to all. Followed by a noggin & natter. Hosted by the Toronto Area Rovers Club. Aug 23 Boot & Bonnet British Car Day. Kingston ON. Info: Wes (613) 386-3797. Aug 30 Moggies On The Grass, Sunset Farms Hwy #7, Ottawa ON area. A GoMoG event. Call: (613) 839-3041. Aug 28-29 Western New York MOG 20th Anniversary Celebration. Cooper Inn, Cooperstown, NY, USA. Info: (716) 889-9414. Sep 11-13 MSCCC Fall Getaway, Mountain Springs Lodge, Collingwood ON. The 20th edition! Annual club weekend open to guests & all marques. Condo accomodations with all amenities (full kitchens,VCR's, jacuzzis, fireplaces, decks, etc). Same rates as last year: starting at $59. Tour, fun concours, gymkhanna, banquet, awards, dash plaque & goody bag, roving cocktail party & martini contest, hot tub hour, etc. Protected parking beneath the tennis courts. Registration still only $20/car. Banquet details not firmed up, probably still $25-30 per adult. Info: Lynn Kuzyk (905) 336-0251. PS ... Don't forget the PIG-OUT on August 1st & 2nd & call Marlies today! More events further away are listed on the MSCCC website Events Page! "It's Top Down Time" -Fred Kuzyk SCUTTLEBUTT CORNER. By Hairy "Winston" Hogmog Summer greetings! The rumour mill has been exceedingly quiet these days. Most of the spies & informants are on holidays! Perhaps the Pub Brunches should be continued through the summer, if only to get the latest scoops! Perhaps there is a volunteer to host such affairs? At any rate, your intrepid "Rumour-monger" has managed to find a few tid-bits..... A Hairy: Thought you'd enjoy the following. Rumour is Paul and Barbara have the ex-Kroninberg +8 for sale. As this brute has been extensively modified and thus won't pass the new Ontario smog regs, buyers are being sought outside Ontario, BC, and other jurisdictions where putting nasties into the air is a no-no. Seems P & B have their hands full with the new house and want to get out of cars for a few years. Latest info is it has been sold and may surface in the St Catharines area. -from "Beady Eyes" Thank you for this submission! I understand that the Past Prez position is now vacant on the Executive & that the current Co-Prez would like to assume that position for 1999. There must be someone waiting in the wings to take on the mantle of President or Events? Any suggestions, anyone????? (We're serious, folks!) Speaking of cars for sale, it seems that Bob & Gloria Poloz's car is for sale in Michigan. After putting 21,000+ km last season on their Plus 8, they need a break! After a notice of sale was posted on the Morgan internet newsgroup, a series of messages were generated, concerning "What kind of Plus 8 has wire wheels?". It was educational, as it was learned that new models do have the option of wire wheels & that they can handle the torque. It's also reported that David & Carolyn Rees-Potter have pulled up stakes from the Ottawa area & are relocating to Florida. Phantom Farms is "on the block" , thus the "Moggies On The Grass" event has been re-located. We wish them well in their new life in the "Sunshine State". Mind the fires! Meanwhile, Bob Wright's work has caused him to temporarily re-locate to Maine. Please give my regards to "Cabot Cove & Jessica Fletcher"! Please do tell us how the Morgan trike likes the ocean breezes! Darn, I've yet to see that car, for yet another season! I heard that Phil Whitehouse served as a judge at the Finger Lakes show in early June. Good stuff! We too can always use another learned judge! And Lynn Kuzyk certainly is on the mend. Completing radiation in May, she was promoted to the Manager of Holy Smokes Tobacconist at Fortinos Plains Road, in Burlington. The downside of this is that she went from about 10 hours a week to 50 or 60, with only Sundays off! She has a website, located at: http://www3.sympatico.ca/msccc/HS.HTM. It's great that someone in the family got a raise, as Fred Kuzyk missed a promotion by a scant couple of percent! Sadly, Evelyn Nigh has the same affliction as Lynn. I hope the words of encouragement in the last issue, are helpful. If there's anything you need, let us know. Glen Nigh's car almost made an appearance recently, if not for the oil cooler leak. Aw, who needs one of those, anyway. Just cap-off the ports! ALL ABOUT THE BEERS It was the accepted practice in Babylonia 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer, and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the "honey month" - or what we know today as the "honeymoon". Before thermometers were invented, brewers would dip a thumb or finger into the mix to find the right temperature for adding yeast. Too cold, and the yeast wouldn't grow. Too hot, and the yeast would die. This thumb in the beer is where we get the phrase "rule of thumb". In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts. So in old England, when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them to mind their own pints and quarts and settle down. It's where we get the phrase "mind your P's and Q's". Beer was the reason the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. It's clear from the Mayflower's log that the crew didn't want to waste beer looking for a better site. The log goes on to state that the passengers "were hasted ashore and made to drink water that the seamen might have the more beer". After consuming a bucket or two of vibrant brew they called aul, or ale, the Vikings would head fearlessly into battle often without armor or even shirts .. In fact, the term "berserk" means "bare shirt" in Norse, and eventually took on the meaning of their wild battles. In 1740 Admiral Vernon of the British fleet decided to water down the navy's rum. Needless to say, the sailors weren't too pleased and called Admiral Vernon, Old Grog, after the stiff wool grogram coats he wore. The term "grog" soon began to mean the watered down drink itself. When you were drunk on this grog, you were "groggy", a word still in use today. Many years ago in England, pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim or handle of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. "Wet your whistle", is the phrase inspired by this practice. --------------- "My god! What happened to you?" the bartender asked Kelly as he hobbled in on a crutch, one arm in a cast. "I got in a tiff with Riley." "Riley? He's just a wee fellow," the barkeep said, surprised. "He must have had something in his hand." "Aye,.. that he did," Kelly said. "A shovel it was." "Dear Lord,... didn't you have anything in YOUR hand?" "Aye, that I did." Kelly said. "And a beautiful thing it was, but that particular part of Mrs. Riley is not much use in a fight!" --------- A rather attractive woman goes up to the bar in a quiet rural pub. She gestures alluringly to the barman who comes over immediately. When he arrives, she seductively signals that he should bring his face close to hers. When he does so, she begins to gently caress his beard which is full and bushy. "Are you the landlord?" she asks, softly stroking his face with both hands. "Actually, no" he replies. "Can you get him for me - I need to speak to him?" she asks, running her hands up beyond his beard and into his hair. "I'm afraid I can't" breathes the barman - clearly aroused. "Is there anything I can do?" "Yes there is. I need you to give him a message" she continues huskily, popping a couple of fingers into his mouth and allowing him to suck them gently. "Tell him that there is no paper in the ladies restroom." ------------------ Hazardous Material Report: ELEMENT: Women SYMBOL: Wo DISCOVERER: Adam ATOMIC MASS: Accepted at 53.6kg, but known to vary from 40-200kg OCCURRENCES: Copious quantities in all urban areas PHYSICAL PROPERTIES: * Surface usually covered in painted film * Boils at nothing; freezes without known reason * Melts if given special treatment * Bitter if incorrectly used * Found in various states from virgin metal to common ore * Yields if pressure applied in correct places CHEMICAL PROPERTIES: * Has great affinity for gold, silver, and a range of precious stones * Absorbs great quantities of expensive substances * May explode spontaneously without prior warning and for no apparent reason * Insoluble in liquids, but actively increases greatly in saturation of alcohol * Most powerful money reducing agent known to man COMMON USES: * Highly ornamental, especially in sports cars * Can be a great aid to relaxation * Very effective cleaning agent TESTS: * Pure specimen turns rosy pink when discovered in the natural state * Turns green when placed beside a betta specimen HAZARDS: * Highly dangerous except in experienced hands * Illegal to possess more than one, although several can be maintained at different locations as long as specimens do not come into direct contact with each other All in good fun & bad taste..... Hairy Hogmog. EDITOR'S NOTES Editors Notes: Vern Dale-Johnson (vern_dj@msn.com) Executive Nominations: Please note all Executive Positions are open for nominations -- especially President (as Lynn and Fred have given notice this is their last year! I personally thank them for the tremendous work, effort, and imagination they have brought to the club over the last 3 years). Nominations are for President, Vice President, Treasurer, Regalia, Events Coordinator, Blurb Editor & Publisher, and Interclub Events Coordinator. Current incumbants may stand for re-election. Although nice-to-have not all executive members have to be from the Greater Toronto area. We should all realize if we don't get members to "serve" we may have no option but to essentially fold the club or moth-ball it until others pick up the standard. So..... if you can, please get involved! As friend and faithful guru Art Sharpenwessel was worn out from the Wine Tour and the Escarpment Run III, your friendly Editor reports on the 1998 Georgetown Classics Against Cancer, MOG 28, held in Emmitsburg Maryland, and Toronto Summer Run. Classics Against Cancer, June 14. The venue, as usual, was the beautiful Cedarvale Park in Georgetown Ontario with the weather cooperating as it has for 10 of the 11 years this event has been held. The "British Class" was well contested this year with well over 30 cars present -- from early Riley's through R-R's, Bentley's, Aston Martin, Triumph Herald, Gilbern, Lotus, Caterham's to the more prevalent MGA's , MGB's, and Triumph's. Morgan was represented this year by the two faithful -- Shier's 4/4 and Dale-Johnson's +4. As is normal, as "photographer", I arrived at the the ungodly hour of 6:30 to prepare for the opening of registration shortly after 7. No time to scrape the bugs off OLBDII -- just park it and have the bonnet propped open (a clean engine disguises the bugs and dust). Other MSCCC members who were present included Paul Whittaker in his Bugatti replica, Neil & Ruth Young with their Caterham. Old friends George Lafford with his BMW 2002 and Mike Potter in his real Lotus 7 were there as well. Winners of the class were H. Fletcher with his beautiful 62 MGA, Mark Hord with his 75 Triumph TR6, and Gordon King's beautifully finished 62 Jaguar XKE. Not judged but judged to be the "British" star of the show as an original race-prepared Shelby 289 Cobra -- Neil Young and I determined it would be a great "gift" should the Lotto come our way soon! Price, don't ask! In all there were over 400 cars on the field and $35,000 was raised for cancer research. MOG 28, Emmitsburg Maryland, July 2-5 The "rumbling of Morgans" was non-existent as the Dale-Johnson's wheeled out of Toronto on June 30 on the start of our leisurely trip down towards Emmitsburg. Non-existent as OLBDII's was on the trailer and we were in the comfort of our new Izuzu Rodeo on its shakedown run as a tow vehicle. After a relatively short drive through to Corning New York, we called it an evening, located a motel, unhitched the trailer and found dinner. The next day was a long-postponed visit to Corning Glass (they are building a new museum etc so if you've been there before check out the new facility in the year 2000). Great glassblowing, incredible museum, but all we bought was a lid for one of our Corning Ware dishes! Off through Pennsylvania that afternoon to stay just north of Gettysburg. July 2 found us with 40,000 mainly Civil war buffs in Gettysburg where we did the "quick tour" then hightailed it for Emmitsburg where with no trouble we found Mount St Mary's College. The campus was full of "young" boys at basketball camp and even "younger" boys and their coaches / parents at baseball camp. Fortunately Marissa isn't yet into "boys" but she was sure turning heads! We found our apartment-- student dorm with a kitchen (quite the change from what I remember of student dorms) and settled in to clean the dust and road dirt off the Morgan and prepare for the MOG. Back at registration, we were pleased to meet up with fellow MSCCC member Nyal Wilson who had also resisted the rumble of Morgans, using his trusty Mercedes instead. Alan Marsh, another MSCCC member arrived looking very well (after his bout with cancer). Many others were asking after the Canadian group -- including Iris Knight and Penny Bates (yes, Jenny, she did renew her membership!). Later David & Carolyn Rees-Potter rolled in with their overloaded van and rent-a-trailer headed for Florida and what they hoped would still be their new condo outside Orlando (Carolyn has accepted a teaching position at Stetson University). Friday noon and we had finished chasing grime and were as ready as we'd ever be for the Concour's field. With about 55 Morgans the numbers were down from previous years -- especially light were the DHC and trike classes while the "later +4 class" seemed to have attracted close to half the entry! Despite the odds we soldiered on being the last to be judged just before we were due at the start of the Rally. The "Log Cabin Morgan Rallye" was organized by Tony Souza (who used a Ford van to set up the mileage's!). The rally wound through the beautiful countryside around Emmitsburg -- following at times the line surveyed by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon and meandering into both Pennsylvania and Maryland. Further along we passed by the entrance to Camp David (but not marked as such!). Now, we Canadians thought we had a decided advantage as Vern and David were in the Mog with Carolyn and Marissa as back seat "help" while behind us was the Merc of Nyal Wilson with Amanda. Despite this we did manage to make no less than 3 wrong turns (rather missed turns), almost got broadsided by a State Trooper traveling at great speed with all lights flashing (definitely late for coffee), arrived 3 minutes early at the 2nd checkpoint, and over-exuberantly counted 2 too many "log buildings" -- the reason for the name. I think we ended up with over 300 points good for only about 10th (but definitely not last). I did have my Steven's circular slide-rule / rally calculator along but neither David or I could remember how to work the damn thing. Maybe next time.... Saturday morning David & Carolyn were off to the fires of Florida to see if there was still a condo to "close" the sale on. They did promise faithfully to report in on Monday but 2 weeks later we still don't know how well they fared. Nyal and Amanda made an appointment to do some serious antiquing while Marissa (who had teamed up with Thea Childress and another friend to do "10 yr old girl stuff" -- but did come back so we could run the Gymkhana -- not a bad showing but some serious competitors were out there). Concentration was on the Autocross. Course was straightforward and despite being the first car away OLBDII posted times that were to stand as the best in class for the 4-seaters and DHC's -- the new Koni kit for the rear suspension really does work! Saturday evening was banquet time. Marissa was off with friends Thea & Kelly while Amanda and I found ourselves with Hank & Stevie Giffin, hosts of a MiniMOG being planned for Oct 23-25 (see later in this issue), and another couple. On the table were some "craft materials" we were to use to craft something "Morganish". Beer cans quickly led to a decision to develop a V-twin 3 wheeler that the judges -- boys of 8-10 -- voted as "best in show". The banquet features event awards -- those beautiful 10 inch pewter plates with the theme of the MOG cast into them. These are coveted by all attendees. We were pretty sure we'd picked up the Autocross trophy (and did) but were also pleasantly surprised to receive the Concours trophy for best late model +4! So, fellow MSCCCers, just to let you know although the Canadian contingent was sparse we still held our own at the MOG. Final verdict, by Amanda & Marissa who had attended for the first time -- great event and location. Verdict from moi -- fantastic! See you next year! P.S. The 2nd edition of the "silver Morgan buckles" was sold out at the MOG, much to the surprise of Bob Hanson (regalia for the MCC DC) -- he sold the two I offered within 24 hours at US$135 each (a steal!). P.S.S. On July 19, the day after the Toronto Summer Run described below, Fred, Hendrick Rens and I were meeting at Hendrick's to discuss the Toy Run poster (we are in for a real treat this year!). On the way back to Toronto this @$%@! in a van decides to make a left turn from the right hand lane right into my path -- smack! The Concours winning +4 now has one misshapen right front wing, a damaged bumper, broken cowl, and suspension damage not to mention the broken brake pedal that snapped off (yes, I was pressing hard!). We'll now be testing out our Silver Wheels plan. More later after Steve and Martin survey and work through the damage. From Sunnyside to Rosedale (or.... how to avoid the Molson Indy traffic) The MSCCC Toronto Tour Report, July 18/98 Our Toronto Summer Run, from the Dale-Johnson's on King Street West to Martin Fisher's on Bin Scarth Road was to take us through some areas of Toronto we, as Torontonians, like to show off to visitors -- well, some of them anyway! By 4:30, Martin, Carlos Yep, and the Dale-Johnson's figured no one else was brave enough for the Molson traffic so we headed off west through the Grenadier Pond area, up through the Kingsway, across St Clair Ave and Davenport Road, past Casa Loma, down Avenue Road around Queen's Park (Ontario Legislature) on down University Ave to Queens Quay over to Parliament and Front Street onto Bayview for the blast up the Don Valley. After a tricky turnaround at the Don Valley Brick Works we were onto Rosedale Valley Road for the final run up the Martin's place. And what a place..... 1930's Tudor style mansion on a double lot with garage parking for 5 cars -- all Classics Martin tells us but this has yet to be confirmed. Sylvia arrived to ensure Carlos wouldn't get into any trouble but alas, no more Morganeers found their way. After burning off the essence of mouse nest from the BBQ, we did manage to get our salmon steaks properly poached to go with the sumptuous treats organized by Martin and his friends. After dinner, and a few quick runs to reward those who helped with the evening, we were surprised by Peter Pfahl who made a fly-by visit mid-wedding reception to say hello (yes, for those non-believers, Peter was there!). Great evening, great weather, lovely pool (reports Marissa & friend Claire despite being chased by an over-active pool cleaning robot). Thank you Martin, next year we must get more out (I'll save the instructions for the drive -- we've lots left over). Memo to: Peter Morgan Submitted by Gary McFarlane. I have recently discovered that MG people worship the Sacred Octagon and attend the Gathering of the Faithful. As a +4 owner, I wish to known why we Morgan people have no similar religious structure that could serve us in so many ways. After all, wasn't your father in the "business"? I need this as I currently am carrying around a great deal of guilt and need the cleansing that only confession can provide. For example: ? I have not pushed my one-shot for three weeks (the fact I have not driven the car for a month is irrelevant- a sin is a sin). ? I've had evil thoughts about MG drivers; visions of them being attacked by a "Winged Wheel". Same for all those who ask me if my car is an MG. (Is this Octagon envy?) ? I have coveted my neighbour's Allard. (not sure why). ? I have had erotic fantasies about my front-end shimmy and sliding pillar suspension (never mind my lever shocks!). ? I have had feelings of envy towards +8 drivers. They're so smug with all that power under the bonnet and their three windscreen wipers. ? I am angry with Triumph drivers who refuse to believe that their cars are Morgan-powered. Your immediate attention to this matter will be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, A Disgruntled Morgan +4 Owner The World Famous Great Southern Morgan Three-Wheeler International Race Team and Grit Tasting Society... Is preparing for the Pittsburgh Vintage GP (July 18). True to the Southern image, our tow vehicle is my wife's '74 GMC Suburban with only 154,000 miles on the odo, slight rust and a thirsty 454 cui V8 (8mpg & 666.9 miles to drive). It appears that our "race trailer" will be a borrowed 'dozer trailer which weighs as much as three trikes. Cars are almost ready- as soon as Pete gets his full-race axles from the machine shop (he feels that he needs more than 1/4" of threads to hold his front wheels on). As at least three Canadians (Beers, Knight & Elcomb) are coming. Four USA trikes (Towner, Olson, Jacobson & me). So we are reviving the CanAm Challange --albeit for three-wheel cars. We have a beautiful (well.....) trophy for the "Morgan Three-Wheel CanAm Challange". Not as fancy as the original CanAm trophy (anyone remember it?) as I only had a broken Piston & well-bent rod to work with- little lathe work, little torch work, little paint... still it is fitting the Marque.. I had shirts screen-printed with the team logo for team members. Of course the team logo is "The World Famous Great Southern Morgan Three-Wheeler International Race Team and Grit Tasting Society". Please note- GRIT not GRITS tasting... might get some yankees interested in joining the team & don't want to force grits on anyone (acquired taste, I guess..) Also had a few T-shirts made (XL and XXL only -- seems the team has gained girth in the last few years) with the team logo. Sand-color w/big maroon emblem. Hope to peddle these at the race to pay for the screen printing.. $10.00 each. Come see us & join the team.. Look us up if you are there -- staying at HI Select. If you are not familiar with the cars- look for the big 'dozer trailer. Not sure how we will do in the race, but we are a cinch for "The Friends of OPEC" award... Fred Sisson Dave Smith writes.... Dear Vern, Glad to know, from the May 98 Blurb, that Stu Harvey's memory is at least as bad as mine. However, maybe I can beat him with some info on the three photos. The 4 x 3-wheelers / 3 x 4-wheelers photo was taken on a run to "Terra Cotta Inn". Early 70's sounds right. I enclose a couple of other photo's of the same occasion. We met at the "Cara Inn" on Airport Road, and drove to Terra Cotta via scenic backroads. Blue 3-wheeler at the right is myself, next is Peter Whitworth, then I believe Ben Kolter, with the car now owned by Dave Elcomb, and at the left is Stu himself. sorry I can't help with the 4-wheelers (strange breed!) The other two pictures are at the ACCCC's meeting at the "Inn on the Park". The family model is George Ormsby's and the barrel back is indeed, Ken Browne's. We did the "Terra Cotta" drive two years running with the numbers of 4 and 3 wheelers reversed the next year. Regards, Dave Smith Keep the big bits out...... Ken Payne 63 +4 4-seater: I've managed to create a pair of foam element air cleaners for under $20.00. Stuff needed: air filter mesh, or some sort of stainless screen, 4 pieces about 3"x4" filter foam, 4 - 5/16 bolts with flat washers & lock nuts, 3 - 5/16 ID spacers (maybe 4 if room for 2 on front carb). Start with a cheapo standard air filter that is at least 3 inches tall. Cut the wire mesh out of it. Buy a replacement foam element for a Weiand, Holley, or ?? aftermarket washable filter. I used the base of a rectangular paint thinner can to shape 4 mesh baskets, folding up about a 3/16 inch lip around the edges. Then cut 2 pieces of foam to match the shape of the mesh. Match one mesh part up to the rear carb, roughly centered, and mark the mounting holes. Do the same for 1 piece on the front carb. On my Plus 4, it had to be shifted as far to the rear as possible to get enough clearance. Once they are both marked, drill or cut bolt holes. Then fit the foam and punch holes. With the foam in place, fit the other mesh pieces. Once satisfied with the way the 2 meshes mate, remove the foam, replace the outer mesh and mark the bolt hole locations. Again drill them out. Now make 2 1/4 inch spacers with an I.D. to slip over the filter mounting bolts. I used a bit of copper tubing to make mine. Insert spacers in rear filter foam, put foam in meshes and bolt on rear carb. I used 5/16 bolts with a flat washer under the head and locknuts. For the front filter, I only had room for a spacer on the rear bolt. For the front bolt I tightened it just enough to leave room to close the bonnet. I also had to bend the lower edge of the filter in a bit to clear things. Not fancy but they seem to work and were much less $$ than the airbox setup. Cheers THE MSCCC ESCARPMENT TOUR (June 14/98) REPORT. By F. Art Sharpenwessel Your roving scribe is pleased to report that Nyal's third installment of this event was indeed a tremendous affair! The multitudes arrived after mid day & the trick, as always, is to carefully place the cars on display in Nyal's front yard. And what an assemblage it was! About 16 member cars were marshaled onto the lawn & drive way. Many passerbys stopped to inspect the fleet, which included: Rolls, Jag, Triumph Spit, MGC GT, Miata, Volvo, Bugatti replica, BMW, and a bevy of Morgans - including the local debut of Alec Knight's 3-Wheeler! Marvelous weather would prove the order of the day, once again affirming that the Morganeers have a "direct connection" in such meteorological matters! A remarkable about-face from the local storms of the previous day. A sumptuous bounty was also offered up by host Nyal, Lois, & the family. Attendees also brought offerings to increase the variety & size of the ample spread. Nyal was apologetic at the delay for the sausage & burgs, as a new BBQ had to be procured on short notice - due to a fire in the normal BBQ the night before. I always thought that one was supposed to have fires in such devices but as Nyal's retired Firefighter neighbour stated: "This was an uncontrolled burn"! A relaxed afternoon ensued, with much talk & checking-out of the vehicles. Nyal's recent Mercedes acquisitions were of interest, as was his 1923 Rolls. After everyone was suitably full, Nyal dispensed directions for the Tour. Before departure, a President's Award was presented to Nyal in appreciation for this event & the ones of the past. While family looked after the clean-up duties, we guests "hit the road". The route took us to Dundas, then along more undiscovered back roads. Over hill & dale, then to tree-lined flat land - that reminded Audrey Beer of Virginia. Many fine homes & scenic vistas were encountered. The fine route took us through: Greensville, Mineral Springs, Copetown, Harrisburg, and ultimately to our stop in St. George. There, time was allotted for antique shopping & a pause at the St. George Arms Pub! Some obscure treasures were unearthed. These included Morgan Trike greeting cards, as well as a bird house (for indoor use only - something everyone truly needs!). As it was then becoming about 5 PM, many decided to depart at their own speed from this point. However, five Mogs decided to press on to the final stop. This was the Black Shop restaurant in downtown Cambridge. Russ & Sylvia Balfour became the tour guides as they led the remainder of the expedition into town. The restaurant is a fine stone building adjacent to the Grand River. A four piece musical ensemble provided entertainment that matched the quality faire & the opulent surroundings. As it was becoming dark, folks bid adieu & headed home after a wonderful gathering. Our thanks go to the hosts & all those who helped make this another fine day! In attendance: Nyal Wilson & Lois; Peter Toma & Ella; Russ & Sylvia Balfour; Gary MacFarlane; Lynn & Fred Kuzyk; Martin Fisher & Friends; Margot Heyerhoff & her boys; Mary & Ray Shier; George Lafford; Alec Knight & Gayle; Jenny, Steve, & Trevor Beer; Audrey & Reg Beer; Chris & Gayle Taylor; Pat & Phil Whitehouse; Paul Whittaker & Hailey; Joan & Nigel Birch. Click Here for NEWSLETTER EDITION 3 Click Here for NEWSLETTER EDITION 2 Click Here for NEWSLETTER EDITION 1 HOME CLUB INFO EVENTS PHOTOS NEWSLETTER MORGAN CARS REGALIA LINKS TOY RUN TECHNICAL FALL WEEKEND MESSAGE BOARD
Updated August 26/98
Our July/August cover features a drawing courtesy of Valentin Tanase of MOG Belgium. While a sampling from this issue is available below, this Edition also contains: Morgan articles from 1980, vintage Morgan photos from the Club's early days, Morgan event articles, event fliers, 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 July & August/98 Edition. By F. Kuzyk
SCUTTLEBUTT CORNER By Hairy "Winston" Hogmog
EDITOR'S NOTES July & August. By Vern Dale-Johnson
MSCCC ESCARPMENT TOUR REPORT (June 14/98) 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)
Summertime & the living is easy! We'd like to welcome the new members that have joined since the last update: Ed Driver of Saskatoon, SASK; and Phil & Pat Whitehouse of Flamborough, ON. Thanks everyone!
TOY RUN:
Work for the 4TH BRITISH CAR TOY RUN on Sept 27 has begun. If anyone can help in any manner (door prize provision, Registration duties, judging, stuffing goody bags, etc), we can press you into service! Give us a shout.
IN PRINT:
The July issue of the English magazine "Thoroughbred & Classic Cars" has a lengthy story & comparison of a Morgan Plus 8, Healey 3000, and an E-Type Jag. Perhaps not surprisingly, the E-Type was favoured by the reviewers. Of the Plus 8 it was said: "The Morgan gives you a head-rush of excitement with its vigorous acceleration, its chest-beating exhaust note and the challenge of driving it quickly. You'll either get hooked on its performance and vintage manners or reject it as too much like hard work. The E-Type's superiority shone in handling, ride, and technology - but with warnings about its vulnerability to rust & its complex underpinnings. The Healey had the most simplicity & most impressive interior.
The June/July issue of British Car magazine had a feature article on the rare "Plus 4 Plus" Morgan Coupe. The beautiful red coloured car pictured is owned by John & Evelyn Willburn of California, the son & daughter-in-law of MSCCC members Gerry & Barbara Willburn. Congratulations to a prolific Morganeering family!
From the 1/26/98 issue of Forbes is an article about reviving dead consumer brands, they sighted Morgan, unlike AC Cobra, that is still going strong. Further, "In 1996 Morgan made only 484 cars .... and the company's pretax profit amounts to more than $3,000 per vehicle, almost ten times GM's". -Don Polak (via email).
EMISSIONS PROGRAMS:
In a recent newspaper article, it was revealed that the Ontario "Drive Clean" program would not be implemented this year, as expected. It seems that "all good things" takes time! So, we here get a slight reprieve from pollution testing hassles. If you'd like to learn more about what's happening in this matter in British Columbia, check out the Specialty Vehicle Association Of BC's website at: http://www.res.com/~svabc/main.html.
SPINNING THE WEB:
Received this recently over the web:
'OZ' In A Pontiac Imagine yourself driving through the scenic Aussie outback in a classic car, accompanied by 70 other amazing pre-1966 vehicles, all with zany themes and crews - having 10 days of fun, driving along tracks, beaches, old railway lines and across creeks, rocks and through lots of bulldust? Dream no more - the chance is real! The fourth seat in Car 888, entrant in the 1998 Swan Brewery Variety Club Bash could have your name on it. All you need do is buy a ticket (or 2, or 3) in our unique raffle.
What You Can Win Tell us your nearest International Airport and we will fly you out of there to Pert, Western Australia, sign you up as crew for Car 888 and then take you along on the 1998 Bash. You will travel in style and comfort, in our 1965 Pontiac Bonneville limousine ambulance and see lots of the Western Australian countryside and many fascinating outback places that most visitors rarely see. Some nights we will camp out, others may be in hotels or motels, but where ever we are, you will have heaps of fun! We will pay all your Bash fees for food, accommodation and entertainment, including the final night Grand Ball. You can sleep that one off with up to 2 more nights in a 5 Star hotel, before flying home to tell everyone about your fantastic experience. Take a look at our Website http://www.car888.iinet.net.au and buy your ticket NOW, before the raffle closes. Incidentally, we only expect to sell about 300 tickets, so work out the odds for yourself!!!
Some recent Morgan webpages discovered:
Tim Cottingham's Morgan Page: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/timcott/morgan.htm Hayston Garage: http://www.hayston.demon.co.uk/ Three Wheeled Adventure. Under development. Great photos of Morgan trikes. http://users.arn.net/~lifevest/ MORGAN the World's Leading 3-Wheelers. Great page from Germany! http://home.t-online.de/home/Gerhard.Kiessling/
-For more Morgan, British car, & other links, check out the MSCCC website Link Page!
NEW REGALIA:
Received nice leather flying helmets & goggles recently from Bygone Era motoring accessories of England. If you are into leather jackets & such accessories, you should get their catalog. Phone/Fax: 44 181 462 0708. Or visit their website at: http://www.bygone-era.co.uk (or click on the link on the MSCCC website Links or Regalia pages.).
A reminder that the Western New York Morgan Owners Group has released a 20th anniversary badge. These are made in Canada, as are the pins. Price is $35 US for the badge & $5 US for the pin. Contact: Bob Tescione, 62 Wilmington Street, Rochester NY 14620-1930 USA.
RECENT EVENTS:
Both the MSCCC Wine Tour & the Escarpment Run were excellent events. Reports on these events are in this issue, courtesy of Club Scribe F.A. Sharpenwessel. Lynn & I were pleased to present a President's Award to Nyal for his efforts, and thank everyone for the great attendance at both events! We also attended the British Wheels & Wings event at the Hamilton Airport. Enjoyed seeing the Morganeers there (Vern, Peter Toma, Carlos Yep, Glen Cavers & Julie, The Taylor's, The Sands') and the other folk. We went for a drink afterwards to the RCAFA Club but it was closed. So we had food & beverage at the Ancaster East Side Marios. I understand that Glen & Julie also attended the Spring Fling Weekend. While Classics Against Cancer had a fine representation of Brit cars, once again. Morgan cars in attendance were few this time - the Shier's & Dale-Johnson's Mogs. Vern has a list of the winning vehicles. As I write this, Vern is headed south for MOG 28, while I intend to make a solo appearance (Lynn is now working Saturdays) at Empire Day.
UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS:
July 11 & 12/98 Carriage Classics, Caledon ON. Cars, Carriages, Equestrian Events, Dog Trials. Foreign & American cars on both days! An inite has been extended by Malcolm Taylor of the Toronto Triumph Club for all Morganners to join them at their TTC BBQ following the event on Saturday the 11th! Contact: Paul Ross (519) 927-5444 or Bill (905) 822-4638.
July 18/98 MSCCC Toronto Tour. Tour the Sites of Toronto. Meet at 4:00 pm at 1532 King Street (Vern DJ'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.
July 19 &25 British Sports Cars at the Ontario Renaissance Festival, in Milton, Ontario. All clubs & members are invited on these dates for the special entry price of $12 per adult. Large rallying area offered on the grass, plus free turkey leg, & softdrink or ale. A tavern will be set aside for Clubs' use. See Henry VIII & other characters, musicians, shows, games of skill, period crafts, & full armoured jousting, in this re-created medieval English village! Contact: (800) 734-3779. "Long live the King". The Shiers & Kuzyks attended this venue 2 years ago & found it a fun, family day!
July 19 Port Dover British Car Meet. Contact: Scott Morris (519) 426-7139.
July 25-26 Brits In The Park, Lindsay, ON. Part of the Lindsay "Riverfest". Contact: Jim Nesbitt. (705) 324-5194.
Aug 1-2 MSCCC Pig-Out Weekend, Pipers Hill Farm, Colgan, ON. Info: (905) 936-4341. Marlies Sands. See the flyer in this edition of the BLURB! An event not to be missed! Non-Member Guests by invitation only, which have been sent.
Aug 1-7 5th Annual Maritime British Invasion. Prince Edward Island, Canada. Hosted by the British Automobile Touring Association of Nova Scotia. Contact Bob Hamilton (902) 861-3277.
Aug 16 St George's Society Flea Market & Car Show, London, ON. Proceeds from this show donated to a local charity. Info: Stu (519) 453-0068.
Aug 18 Car Show. Edward's Gardens, Toronto, ON. TTC (416) 410-4TTC.
Aug 22 Rovers at the Rovers. Picturesque tour of Niagara area with a fun navigational contest. Starts at the Rovers Inn, Grimsby ON, about 2 PM. Open to all. Followed by a noggin & natter. Hosted by the Toronto Area Rovers Club.
Aug 23 Boot & Bonnet British Car Day. Kingston ON. Info: Wes (613) 386-3797.
Aug 30 Moggies On The Grass, Sunset Farms Hwy #7, Ottawa ON area. A GoMoG event. Call: (613) 839-3041.
Aug 28-29 Western New York MOG 20th Anniversary Celebration. Cooper Inn, Cooperstown, NY, USA. Info: (716) 889-9414.
Sep 11-13 MSCCC Fall Getaway, Mountain Springs Lodge, Collingwood ON. The 20th edition! Annual club weekend open to guests & all marques. Condo accomodations with all amenities (full kitchens,VCR's, jacuzzis, fireplaces, decks, etc). Same rates as last year: starting at $59. Tour, fun concours, gymkhanna, banquet, awards, dash plaque & goody bag, roving cocktail party & martini contest, hot tub hour, etc. Protected parking beneath the tennis courts. Registration still only $20/car. Banquet details not firmed up, probably still $25-30 per adult. Info: Lynn Kuzyk (905) 336-0251.
PS ... Don't forget the PIG-OUT on August 1st & 2nd & call Marlies today!
More events further away are listed on the MSCCC website Events Page!
"It's Top Down Time"
-Fred Kuzyk
SCUTTLEBUTT CORNER. By Hairy "Winston" Hogmog
Summer greetings! The rumour mill has been exceedingly quiet these days. Most of the spies & informants are on holidays! Perhaps the Pub Brunches should be continued through the summer, if only to get the latest scoops! Perhaps there is a volunteer to host such affairs? At any rate, your intrepid "Rumour-monger" has managed to find a few tid-bits.....
A Hairy: Thought you'd enjoy the following. Rumour is Paul and Barbara have the ex-Kroninberg +8 for sale. As this brute has been extensively modified and thus won't pass the new Ontario smog regs, buyers are being sought outside Ontario, BC, and other jurisdictions where putting nasties into the air is a no-no. Seems P & B have their hands full with the new house and want to get out of cars for a few years. Latest info is it has been sold and may surface in the St Catharines area. -from "Beady Eyes"
Thank you for this submission! I understand that the Past Prez position is now vacant on the Executive & that the current Co-Prez would like to assume that position for 1999. There must be someone waiting in the wings to take on the mantle of President or Events? Any suggestions, anyone????? (We're serious, folks!)
Speaking of cars for sale, it seems that Bob & Gloria Poloz's car is for sale in Michigan. After putting 21,000+ km last season on their Plus 8, they need a break! After a notice of sale was posted on the Morgan internet newsgroup, a series of messages were generated, concerning "What kind of Plus 8 has wire wheels?". It was educational, as it was learned that new models do have the option of wire wheels & that they can handle the torque.
It's also reported that David & Carolyn Rees-Potter have pulled up stakes from the Ottawa area & are relocating to Florida. Phantom Farms is "on the block" , thus the "Moggies On The Grass" event has been re-located. We wish them well in their new life in the "Sunshine State". Mind the fires!
Meanwhile, Bob Wright's work has caused him to temporarily re-locate to Maine. Please give my regards to "Cabot Cove & Jessica Fletcher"! Please do tell us how the Morgan trike likes the ocean breezes! Darn, I've yet to see that car, for yet another season!
I heard that Phil Whitehouse served as a judge at the Finger Lakes show in early June. Good stuff! We too can always use another learned judge!
And Lynn Kuzyk certainly is on the mend. Completing radiation in May, she was promoted to the Manager of Holy Smokes Tobacconist at Fortinos Plains Road, in Burlington. The downside of this is that she went from about 10 hours a week to 50 or 60, with only Sundays off! She has a website, located at: http://www3.sympatico.ca/msccc/HS.HTM. It's great that someone in the family got a raise, as Fred Kuzyk missed a promotion by a scant couple of percent!
Sadly, Evelyn Nigh has the same affliction as Lynn. I hope the words of encouragement in the last issue, are helpful. If there's anything you need, let us know. Glen Nigh's car almost made an appearance recently, if not for the oil cooler leak. Aw, who needs one of those, anyway. Just cap-off the ports!
ALL ABOUT THE BEERS
It was the accepted practice in Babylonia 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer, and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the "honey month" - or what we know today as the "honeymoon".
Before thermometers were invented, brewers would dip a thumb or finger into the mix to find the right temperature for adding yeast. Too cold, and the yeast wouldn't grow. Too hot, and the yeast would die. This thumb in the beer is where we get the phrase "rule of thumb".
In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts. So in old England, when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them to mind their own pints and quarts and settle down. It's where we get the phrase "mind your P's and Q's".
Beer was the reason the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. It's clear from the Mayflower's log that the crew didn't want to waste beer looking for a better site. The log goes on to state that the passengers "were hasted ashore and made to drink water that the seamen might have the more beer".
After consuming a bucket or two of vibrant brew they called aul, or ale, the Vikings would head fearlessly into battle often without armor or even shirts .. In fact, the term "berserk" means "bare shirt" in Norse, and eventually took on the meaning of their wild battles.
In 1740 Admiral Vernon of the British fleet decided to water down the navy's rum. Needless to say, the sailors weren't too pleased and called Admiral Vernon, Old Grog, after the stiff wool grogram coats he wore. The term "grog" soon began to mean the watered down drink itself. When you were drunk on this grog, you were "groggy", a word still in use today.
Many years ago in England, pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim or handle of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. "Wet your whistle", is the phrase inspired by this practice.
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"My god! What happened to you?" the bartender asked Kelly as he hobbled in on a crutch, one arm in a cast. "I got in a tiff with Riley." "Riley? He's just a wee fellow," the barkeep said, surprised. "He must have had something in his hand." "Aye,.. that he did," Kelly said. "A shovel it was." "Dear Lord,... didn't you have anything in YOUR hand?" "Aye, that I did." Kelly said. "And a beautiful thing it was, but that particular part of Mrs. Riley is not much use in a fight!"
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A rather attractive woman goes up to the bar in a quiet rural pub. She gestures alluringly to the barman who comes over immediately. When he arrives, she seductively signals that he should bring his face close to hers. When he does so, she begins to gently caress his beard which is full and bushy. "Are you the landlord?" she asks, softly stroking his face with both hands. "Actually, no" he replies. "Can you get him for me - I need to speak to him?" she asks, running her hands up beyond his beard and into his hair. "I'm afraid I can't" breathes the barman - clearly aroused. "Is there anything I can do?" "Yes there is. I need you to give him a message" she continues huskily, popping a couple of fingers into his mouth and allowing him to suck them gently. "Tell him that there is no paper in the ladies restroom."
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Hazardous Material Report:
ELEMENT: Women SYMBOL: Wo DISCOVERER: Adam ATOMIC MASS: Accepted at 53.6kg, but known to vary from 40-200kg OCCURRENCES: Copious quantities in all urban areas
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES: * Surface usually covered in painted film * Boils at nothing; freezes without known reason * Melts if given special treatment * Bitter if incorrectly used * Found in various states from virgin metal to common ore * Yields if pressure applied in correct places
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES: * Has great affinity for gold, silver, and a range of precious stones * Absorbs great quantities of expensive substances * May explode spontaneously without prior warning and for no apparent reason * Insoluble in liquids, but actively increases greatly in saturation of alcohol * Most powerful money reducing agent known to man
COMMON USES: * Highly ornamental, especially in sports cars * Can be a great aid to relaxation * Very effective cleaning agent
TESTS: * Pure specimen turns rosy pink when discovered in the natural state * Turns green when placed beside a betta specimen
HAZARDS: * Highly dangerous except in experienced hands * Illegal to possess more than one, although several can be maintained at different locations as long as specimens do not come into direct contact with each other
All in good fun & bad taste..... Hairy Hogmog.
EDITOR'S NOTES
Editors Notes: Vern Dale-Johnson (vern_dj@msn.com)
Executive Nominations: Please note all Executive Positions are open for nominations -- especially President (as Lynn and Fred have given notice this is their last year! I personally thank them for the tremendous work, effort, and imagination they have brought to the club over the last 3 years). Nominations are for President, Vice President, Treasurer, Regalia, Events Coordinator, Blurb Editor & Publisher, and Interclub Events Coordinator. Current incumbants may stand for re-election. Although nice-to-have not all executive members have to be from the Greater Toronto area. We should all realize if we don't get members to "serve" we may have no option but to essentially fold the club or moth-ball it until others pick up the standard. So..... if you can, please get involved!
As friend and faithful guru Art Sharpenwessel was worn out from the Wine Tour and the Escarpment Run III, your friendly Editor reports on the 1998 Georgetown Classics Against Cancer, MOG 28, held in Emmitsburg Maryland, and Toronto Summer Run.
Classics Against Cancer, June 14.
The venue, as usual, was the beautiful Cedarvale Park in Georgetown Ontario with the weather cooperating as it has for 10 of the 11 years this event has been held. The "British Class" was well contested this year with well over 30 cars present -- from early Riley's through R-R's, Bentley's, Aston Martin, Triumph Herald, Gilbern, Lotus, Caterham's to the more prevalent MGA's , MGB's, and Triumph's. Morgan was represented this year by the two faithful -- Shier's 4/4 and Dale-Johnson's +4.
As is normal, as "photographer", I arrived at the the ungodly hour of 6:30 to prepare for the opening of registration shortly after 7. No time to scrape the bugs off OLBDII -- just park it and have the bonnet propped open (a clean engine disguises the bugs and dust). Other MSCCC members who were present included Paul Whittaker in his Bugatti replica, Neil & Ruth Young with their Caterham. Old friends George Lafford with his BMW 2002 and Mike Potter in his real Lotus 7 were there as well.
Winners of the class were H. Fletcher with his beautiful 62 MGA, Mark Hord with his 75 Triumph TR6, and Gordon King's beautifully finished 62 Jaguar XKE. Not judged but judged to be the "British" star of the show as an original race-prepared Shelby 289 Cobra -- Neil Young and I determined it would be a great "gift" should the Lotto come our way soon! Price, don't ask! In all there were over 400 cars on the field and $35,000 was raised for cancer research.
MOG 28, Emmitsburg Maryland, July 2-5
The "rumbling of Morgans" was non-existent as the Dale-Johnson's wheeled out of Toronto on June 30 on the start of our leisurely trip down towards Emmitsburg. Non-existent as OLBDII's was on the trailer and we were in the comfort of our new Izuzu Rodeo on its shakedown run as a tow vehicle. After a relatively short drive through to Corning New York, we called it an evening, located a motel, unhitched the trailer and found dinner. The next day was a long-postponed visit to Corning Glass (they are building a new museum etc so if you've been there before check out the new facility in the year 2000). Great glassblowing, incredible museum, but all we bought was a lid for one of our Corning Ware dishes! Off through Pennsylvania that afternoon to stay just north of Gettysburg. July 2 found us with 40,000 mainly Civil war buffs in Gettysburg where we did the "quick tour" then hightailed it for Emmitsburg where with no trouble we found Mount St Mary's College.
The campus was full of "young" boys at basketball camp and even "younger" boys and their coaches / parents at baseball camp. Fortunately Marissa isn't yet into "boys" but she was sure turning heads! We found our apartment-- student dorm with a kitchen (quite the change from what I remember of student dorms) and settled in to clean the dust and road dirt off the Morgan and prepare for the MOG. Back at registration, we were pleased to meet up with fellow MSCCC member Nyal Wilson who had also resisted the rumble of Morgans, using his trusty Mercedes instead. Alan Marsh, another MSCCC member arrived looking very well (after his bout with cancer). Many others were asking after the Canadian group -- including Iris Knight and Penny Bates (yes, Jenny, she did renew her membership!). Later David & Carolyn Rees-Potter rolled in with their overloaded van and rent-a-trailer headed for Florida and what they hoped would still be their new condo outside Orlando (Carolyn has accepted a teaching position at Stetson University).
Friday noon and we had finished chasing grime and were as ready as we'd ever be for the Concour's field. With about 55 Morgans the numbers were down from previous years -- especially light were the DHC and trike classes while the "later +4 class" seemed to have attracted close to half the entry! Despite the odds we soldiered on being the last to be judged just before we were due at the start of the Rally.
The "Log Cabin Morgan Rallye" was organized by Tony Souza (who used a Ford van to set up the mileage's!). The rally wound through the beautiful countryside around Emmitsburg -- following at times the line surveyed by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon and meandering into both Pennsylvania and Maryland. Further along we passed by the entrance to Camp David (but not marked as such!). Now, we Canadians thought we had a decided advantage as Vern and David were in the Mog with Carolyn and Marissa as back seat "help" while behind us was the Merc of Nyal Wilson with Amanda. Despite this we did manage to make no less than 3 wrong turns (rather missed turns), almost got broadsided by a State Trooper traveling at great speed with all lights flashing (definitely late for coffee), arrived 3 minutes early at the 2nd checkpoint, and over-exuberantly counted 2 too many "log buildings" -- the reason for the name. I think we ended up with over 300 points good for only about 10th (but definitely not last). I did have my Steven's circular slide-rule / rally calculator along but neither David or I could remember how to work the damn thing. Maybe next time....
Saturday morning David & Carolyn were off to the fires of Florida to see if there was still a condo to "close" the sale on. They did promise faithfully to report in on Monday but 2 weeks later we still don't know how well they fared. Nyal and Amanda made an appointment to do some serious antiquing while Marissa (who had teamed up with Thea Childress and another friend to do "10 yr old girl stuff" -- but did come back so we could run the Gymkhana -- not a bad showing but some serious competitors were out there). Concentration was on the Autocross. Course was straightforward and despite being the first car away OLBDII posted times that were to stand as the best in class for the 4-seaters and DHC's -- the new Koni kit for the rear suspension really does work!
Saturday evening was banquet time. Marissa was off with friends Thea & Kelly while Amanda and I found ourselves with Hank & Stevie Giffin, hosts of a MiniMOG being planned for Oct 23-25 (see later in this issue), and another couple. On the table were some "craft materials" we were to use to craft something "Morganish". Beer cans quickly led to a decision to develop a V-twin 3 wheeler that the judges -- boys of 8-10 -- voted as "best in show". The banquet features event awards -- those beautiful 10 inch pewter plates with the theme of the MOG cast into them. These are coveted by all attendees. We were pretty sure we'd picked up the Autocross trophy (and did) but were also pleasantly surprised to receive the Concours trophy for best late model +4! So, fellow MSCCCers, just to let you know although the Canadian contingent was sparse we still held our own at the MOG. Final verdict, by Amanda & Marissa who had attended for the first time -- great event and location. Verdict from moi -- fantastic! See you next year!
P.S. The 2nd edition of the "silver Morgan buckles" was sold out at the MOG, much to the surprise of Bob Hanson (regalia for the MCC DC) -- he sold the two I offered within 24 hours at US$135 each (a steal!).
P.S.S. On July 19, the day after the Toronto Summer Run described below, Fred, Hendrick Rens and I were meeting at Hendrick's to discuss the Toy Run poster (we are in for a real treat this year!). On the way back to Toronto this @$%@! in a van decides to make a left turn from the right hand lane right into my path -- smack! The Concours winning +4 now has one misshapen right front wing, a damaged bumper, broken cowl, and suspension damage not to mention the broken brake pedal that snapped off (yes, I was pressing hard!). We'll now be testing out our Silver Wheels plan. More later after Steve and Martin survey and work through the damage.
From Sunnyside to Rosedale (or.... how to avoid the Molson Indy traffic) The MSCCC Toronto Tour Report, July 18/98
Our Toronto Summer Run, from the Dale-Johnson's on King Street West to Martin Fisher's on Bin Scarth Road was to take us through some areas of Toronto we, as Torontonians, like to show off to visitors -- well, some of them anyway! By 4:30, Martin, Carlos Yep, and the Dale-Johnson's figured no one else was brave enough for the Molson traffic so we headed off west through the Grenadier Pond area, up through the Kingsway, across St Clair Ave and Davenport Road, past Casa Loma, down Avenue Road around Queen's Park (Ontario Legislature) on down University Ave to Queens Quay over to Parliament and Front Street onto Bayview for the blast up the Don Valley. After a tricky turnaround at the Don Valley Brick Works we were onto Rosedale Valley Road for the final run up the Martin's place. And what a place..... 1930's Tudor style mansion on a double lot with garage parking for 5 cars -- all Classics Martin tells us but this has yet to be confirmed.
Sylvia arrived to ensure Carlos wouldn't get into any trouble but alas, no more Morganeers found their way. After burning off the essence of mouse nest from the BBQ, we did manage to get our salmon steaks properly poached to go with the sumptuous treats organized by Martin and his friends. After dinner, and a few quick runs to reward those who helped with the evening, we were surprised by Peter Pfahl who made a fly-by visit mid-wedding reception to say hello (yes, for those non-believers, Peter was there!). Great evening, great weather, lovely pool (reports Marissa & friend Claire despite being chased by an over-active pool cleaning robot). Thank you Martin, next year we must get more out (I'll save the instructions for the drive -- we've lots left over).
Memo to: Peter Morgan Submitted by Gary McFarlane. I have recently discovered that MG people worship the Sacred Octagon and attend the Gathering of the Faithful.
As a +4 owner, I wish to known why we Morgan people have no similar religious structure that could serve us in so many ways. After all, wasn't your father in the "business"? I need this as I currently am carrying around a great deal of guilt and need the cleansing that only confession can provide. For example:
? I have not pushed my one-shot for three weeks (the fact I have not driven the car for a month is irrelevant- a sin is a sin).
? I've had evil thoughts about MG drivers; visions of them being attacked by a "Winged Wheel". Same for all those who ask me if my car is an MG. (Is this Octagon envy?)
? I have coveted my neighbour's Allard. (not sure why).
? I have had erotic fantasies about my front-end shimmy and sliding pillar suspension (never mind my lever shocks!).
? I have had feelings of envy towards +8 drivers. They're so smug with all that power under the bonnet and their three windscreen wipers.
? I am angry with Triumph drivers who refuse to believe that their cars are Morgan-powered.
Your immediate attention to this matter will be greatly appreciated. Sincerely,
A Disgruntled Morgan +4 Owner
The World Famous Great Southern Morgan Three-Wheeler International Race Team and Grit Tasting Society... Is preparing for the Pittsburgh Vintage GP (July 18).
True to the Southern image, our tow vehicle is my wife's '74 GMC Suburban with only 154,000 miles on the odo, slight rust and a thirsty 454 cui V8 (8mpg & 666.9 miles to drive). It appears that our "race trailer" will be a borrowed 'dozer trailer which weighs as much as three trikes.
Cars are almost ready- as soon as Pete gets his full-race axles from the machine shop (he feels that he needs more than 1/4" of threads to hold his front wheels on).
As at least three Canadians (Beers, Knight & Elcomb) are coming. Four USA trikes (Towner, Olson, Jacobson & me). So we are reviving the CanAm Challange --albeit for three-wheel cars. We have a beautiful (well.....) trophy for the "Morgan Three-Wheel CanAm Challange". Not as fancy as the original CanAm trophy (anyone remember it?) as I only had a broken Piston & well-bent rod to work with- little lathe work, little torch work, little paint... still it is fitting the Marque..
I had shirts screen-printed with the team logo for team members. Of course the team logo is "The World Famous Great Southern Morgan Three-Wheeler International Race Team and Grit Tasting Society". Please note- GRIT not GRITS tasting... might get some yankees interested in joining the team & don't want to force grits on anyone (acquired taste, I guess..) Also had a few T-shirts made (XL and XXL only -- seems the team has gained girth in the last few years) with the team logo. Sand-color w/big maroon emblem. Hope to peddle these at the race to pay for the screen printing.. $10.00 each. Come see us & join the team..
Look us up if you are there -- staying at HI Select. If you are not familiar with the cars- look for the big 'dozer trailer. Not sure how we will do in the race, but we are a cinch for "The Friends of OPEC" award...
Fred Sisson
Dave Smith writes....
Dear Vern,
Glad to know, from the May 98 Blurb, that Stu Harvey's memory is at least as bad as mine. However, maybe I can beat him with some info on the three photos.
The 4 x 3-wheelers / 3 x 4-wheelers photo was taken on a run to "Terra Cotta Inn". Early 70's sounds right. I enclose a couple of other photo's of the same occasion. We met at the "Cara Inn" on Airport Road, and drove to Terra Cotta via scenic backroads. Blue 3-wheeler at the right is myself, next is Peter Whitworth, then I believe Ben Kolter, with the car now owned by Dave Elcomb, and at the left is Stu himself. sorry I can't help with the 4-wheelers (strange breed!)
The other two pictures are at the ACCCC's meeting at the "Inn on the Park". The family model is George Ormsby's and the barrel back is indeed, Ken Browne's.
We did the "Terra Cotta" drive two years running with the numbers of 4 and 3 wheelers reversed the next year.
Regards,
Dave Smith
Keep the big bits out......
Ken Payne 63 +4 4-seater: I've managed to create a pair of foam element air cleaners for under $20.00. Stuff needed: air filter mesh, or some sort of stainless screen, 4 pieces about 3"x4" filter foam, 4 - 5/16 bolts with flat washers & lock nuts, 3 - 5/16 ID spacers (maybe 4 if room for 2 on front carb).
Start with a cheapo standard air filter that is at least 3 inches tall. Cut the wire mesh out of it. Buy a replacement foam element for a Weiand, Holley, or ?? aftermarket washable filter. I used the base of a rectangular paint thinner can to shape 4 mesh baskets, folding up about a 3/16 inch lip around the edges. Then cut 2 pieces of foam to match the shape of the mesh. Match one mesh part up to the rear carb, roughly centered, and mark the mounting holes. Do the same for 1 piece on the front carb. On my Plus 4, it had to be shifted as far to the rear as possible to get enough clearance. Once they are both marked, drill or cut bolt holes. Then fit the foam and punch holes. With the foam in place, fit the other mesh pieces. Once satisfied with the way the 2 meshes mate, remove the foam, replace the outer mesh and mark the bolt hole locations. Again drill them out. Now make 2 1/4 inch spacers with an I.D. to slip over the filter mounting bolts. I used a bit of copper tubing to make mine. Insert spacers in rear filter foam, put foam in meshes and bolt on rear carb. I used 5/16 bolts with a flat washer under the head and locknuts. For the front filter, I only had room for a spacer on the rear bolt. For the front bolt I tightened it just enough to leave room to close the bonnet. I also had to bend the lower edge of the filter in a bit to clear things.
Not fancy but they seem to work and were much less $$ than the airbox setup. Cheers
THE MSCCC ESCARPMENT TOUR (June 14/98) REPORT. By F. Art Sharpenwessel
Your roving scribe is pleased to report that Nyal's third installment of this event was indeed a tremendous affair! The multitudes arrived after mid day & the trick, as always, is to carefully place the cars on display in Nyal's front yard. And what an assemblage it was! About 16 member cars were marshaled onto the lawn & drive way. Many passerbys stopped to inspect the fleet, which included: Rolls, Jag, Triumph Spit, MGC GT, Miata, Volvo, Bugatti replica, BMW, and a bevy of Morgans - including the local debut of Alec Knight's 3-Wheeler!
Marvelous weather would prove the order of the day, once again affirming that the Morganeers have a "direct connection" in such meteorological matters! A remarkable about-face from the local storms of the previous day. A sumptuous bounty was also offered up by host Nyal, Lois, & the family. Attendees also brought offerings to increase the variety & size of the ample spread. Nyal was apologetic at the delay for the sausage & burgs, as a new BBQ had to be procured on short notice - due to a fire in the normal BBQ the night before. I always thought that one was supposed to have fires in such devices but as Nyal's retired Firefighter neighbour stated: "This was an uncontrolled burn"!
A relaxed afternoon ensued, with much talk & checking-out of the vehicles. Nyal's recent Mercedes acquisitions were of interest, as was his 1923 Rolls. After everyone was suitably full, Nyal dispensed directions for the Tour. Before departure, a President's Award was presented to Nyal in appreciation for this event & the ones of the past.
While family looked after the clean-up duties, we guests "hit the road". The route took us to Dundas, then along more undiscovered back roads. Over hill & dale, then to tree-lined flat land - that reminded Audrey Beer of Virginia. Many fine homes & scenic vistas were encountered. The fine route took us through: Greensville, Mineral Springs, Copetown, Harrisburg, and ultimately to our stop in St. George. There, time was allotted for antique shopping & a pause at the St. George Arms Pub! Some obscure treasures were unearthed. These included Morgan Trike greeting cards, as well as a bird house (for indoor use only - something everyone truly needs!).
As it was then becoming about 5 PM, many decided to depart at their own speed from this point. However, five Mogs decided to press on to the final stop. This was the Black Shop restaurant in downtown Cambridge. Russ & Sylvia Balfour became the tour guides as they led the remainder
of the expedition into town. The restaurant is a fine stone building adjacent to the Grand River. A four piece musical ensemble provided entertainment that matched the quality faire & the opulent surroundings. As it was becoming dark, folks bid adieu & headed home after a wonderful gathering. Our thanks go to the hosts & all those who helped make this another fine day!
In attendance: Nyal Wilson & Lois; Peter Toma & Ella; Russ & Sylvia Balfour; Gary MacFarlane; Lynn & Fred Kuzyk; Martin Fisher & Friends; Margot Heyerhoff & her boys; Mary & Ray Shier; George Lafford; Alec Knight & Gayle; Jenny, Steve, & Trevor Beer; Audrey & Reg Beer; Chris & Gayle Taylor; Pat & Phil Whitehouse; Paul Whittaker & Hailey; Joan & Nigel Birch.
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