My late Dad, Ted White, was a life long MG enthusiast and during the 1950s owned a well worn M type. It is this particular midget - 2M 0715 - with a build date of September 1929 - that I would like to trace. It was red with black wings and holds important memories for me; in fact it was the first car I ever travelled in. Unfortunately, despite evidence that the car has been restored - therefore unlikely to have been scrapped - it seems to have disappeared.
Registered UW 5990 the M type was first owned by a Mr JR Andrews but no subsequent history is known until it was purchased by my Dad by which time, the M Type was very second hand... and the engine (MG493A) had suffered a seriously cracked block. I can remember my Dad - who was an engineer - "stitched" the crack with brass. He thought at the time the result looked too good to be painted over! Dad also replaced the bevel gears which drove the overhead camshaft via the vertical dynamo and fixed the notorious oil leak from that area with some clever machining and seals.
Meanwhile, in what was common practice in those days, my Grandfather (a cabinet maker) rebuilt the body with a "bob tail" and slab tank plus a fold flat screen - to give the car a more contemporary appearance!.
As a small child, I could squeeze into the little area behind the seats. On one holiday I remember the car broke down... When I was older I learned that the flywheel had come loose on Porlock Hill.! In an act of generosity and trust that would be unheard of today, the local garage owner agreed to my Dad using his workshop and tools on a Sunday to fix the car. The garage still exists as a classic car 'oily sanctuary'.
On another occasion I remember my Dad towing home an abandoned Morris Minor OHC as a spares car for the M type (they shared mechanicals) and an image that has stuck in my mind was seeing this donor car on it's side on the front garden!.
The arrival of my baby Brother saw the departure of the MG to be replaced by a more practical Morris 8. The MG acquired something of a legendary status over the years so, naturally, I would like to know if it has survived.? A photo of it at a VSCC trial in 1950 always held pride of place in my Parents home. I have the VSCC to thank for establishing Bisley, Surrey, as the venue. My thanks must also go to the MMM Register for their assistance in establishing some facts about UW 5990 including the fitting at some time of a replacement engine (MG779A).
Forward to 1980 and UW 5990 was photographed in a parade of historic MG cars travelling through Abingdon as part of the MG Golden Anniversary celebrations. The car appeared to have been restored with the correct body and windscreen reinstated. The M Type later featured in a classic car article about the anniversary.
( Older members of this forum will recall how in an act of needless vandalism the then Government Minister, Michael Edwards, announced the closure of the MG plant... THE VERY NEXT DAY!.
It was a decision he later admitted was probably mistaken.)
UW 5990 is still on the MMM Register. The owner is listed as a Mr John P Butt (Veterinary Surgeon)although It is believed the car may have changed hands in 1987 however nothing has been heard of it since.
I know it is. a long shot but the World of Classic MG cars is a small one and who knows what information our little gathering of like minded friends may produce?
Please either respond here or to:
raywhite750@btinternet.com
THANK YOU.
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