Africa Rally Maestro progress thread

[F825 UBD]

Could this amazing exploit get entered into the MG Car Club magazine? So far they've devoted all of 10 lines, but the feature article for the last two months has been some guy driving his Midget through Africa for fun.

It would be great if they would cover this story in detail, not least to remind people there are other modern MG's other than Z-cars and F's!

[Guest]

Good idea, there are photos from a professional photographer who was trying to serve the mags - whats the contact info? Will run it past them if you email me the email or phone no (Im on Mail@endurorally.com )

MG Enthusiast have previewed the rally and since run a couple of pages, each time using pictures of the Maestro.

Patrick Roberts of the MG M Group has sent a PM to suggest the car goes on show to MG Saloon Day at Shuttleworth, Beds, on July 8, a good idea.

Who in the club would decide on taking out a stand at the NEC next November?

[F825 UBD]

The editor's email, as published in the magazine is andyknott@mgcc.co.uk tel 01235 555552

[G51 NAV]

I know Andy and I'm sure he would be delighted to receive an article to feature in MGCC Safety Fast. At the end of the day, the MGCC are largely dependent on whatever articles people send them. In all my time with them I never came across any agenda and if it seems the only post-1980 MGs they feature are Fs and Zeds, then that's probably because that's what they're receiving from their contributors and Register Scribes.

[Guest]

How about a lunch at the Ace Cafe for all those who followed the adventures of the Africa-Rally Maestro, its around the corner from the workshop of Tony Fowkes - he can put the car on the ramp for all to see the damage. The car is back on around March 3, a day or so to do the paperwork of customs, and it should be back home.

MG Mal, and MG David (who drove the car on a test run and provided the brake pads that lasted the whole way), and others came in at a crucial time with parts, when we were all getting a bit worried about the lack of time left to finish the job, and this help proved essential. When we have the car home we will let you know, given the support and following on this Forum we ought to have a big meet up to look over the car.

[G51 NAV]

I think a lot of people love that Philip

[Piggy Bank]

I like to come over for this nice opportunity.

[Guest]

Tony Fowkes called into the Ace Cafe today, to bolt this down.... the Ace are in big demand for all slots by all sorts of car and biker event organisers, but it might be possible to do a "late breakfast" of around 10.0am on a Saturday or a Sunday - watch this space, something might emerge for mid-March. The car parking is limited to around 40 cars and they are rather concerned at overlapping events. (Hence trying to get us in before the rival Lunchtime attraction).

[Piggy Bank]

Ace Cafe okay, thanks, but to look around and under the Cape Town Maestro and to hear some details from you, Tony and others involved has priority for me.
Even a simple consumption in the workshop will do.

[Guest]

This is how its shaping up.

....All meet up at the Ace Cafe, 9.30am to 10.30 March 10, and then move on to the workshop down the road at Tony Fowkes Autos, to look around the car on the ramp, and hear the tales of derring-do from the Girls. We are bringing jars of coffee and sausage rolls for added survival-rations. All welcome. Maestros and Montegos get their own parking slot.

The Ace is east of the Hanger Lane tube-station junction of the North Circular Road, by the turn off for Park Royal (which is convenient, given Tonys place is Corby Road, Park Royal, NW10 7AH). Easy to remember, NW as in the Frontier, the 10 as in Morris, the 7 as in Austin Seven.... and AH stands for Austin Healey.

Near Middlesex hospital for the forgetful.

Keep an eye on this site in case of any last minute route-ammendments.

[Guest]

It's on. The girls have confirmed they will be there - here's a chance to talk to Jane Edgington and Gill Cotton on their drive and experiences. Tony Fowkes is knocking up sandwiches for late-comers at the workshop. The car will be as it comes, direct from the shipping.

[Piggy Bank]

Well organised, sounds great!
Do we have to sign in so you know the numbers turning up?

[John C]

Here are some useful websites FYI:
http://www.ace-cafe-london.com/

http://www.tonyfowkesautomobiles.com/


Philip came to our MG Maestro stand at Race Retro and kindly invited us to bring this car along to the event:
http://www.maestro.org.uk/forums/sho...t=15649&page=3

Who/how many people are intending to be there?

[Guest]

The Ace Cafe (you see it regularly on the Fifth Gear motoring programme as its often based there with Vicki Butler Henderson and Tiff Needel drinking the coffee), is on the North Circular Road, chequered flags fly from the roof tops, opposite a large black building with D-Link across the front on the other side of the North Circular (south side). A fascinating cafe, interesting to browse around and see what is hanging off the walls. (Nearly as good as the Lenham Cafe on the A20 in Kent).

Any idea of numbers? - we are all meeting up on Saturday, March 10th, from 9.30to 11.0am, for a late breakfast, then moving on to the Tony Fowkes workshop in Corby Road, nearby (Park Royal). Links from John Clayton above should help if you want to dial in Tom Tom.

Jane Edgington the driver, Gill Cotton navigator, and Tony Fowkes and Co will be there to meet up with Maestro enthusiasts.

Ive sent E.T.V. a few photos not previously published...can someone give him a nudge to put them up here please? (or maybe he didnt get them!). There are some other pictures up on the girl's site at www.girlsacrossafrica.com

[Piggy Bank]

Why not opening a participants list?
I'll be there with a friend.