by Jack Feldman

Over 800 British car owners and enthusiasts were greeted by picture perfect weather at the 23rd annual Chicagoland British Car Festival. The event took place on Sunday, September 13th at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, Illinois, just outside of Chicago.

There were nearly 600 cars in the field. All British cars no matter what condition were welcome as was anyone who enjoyed British cars. The cars ranged from a rare Morgan three wheeler to a Concours condition Aston Martin. In addition, a selection of British motorcycles was welcomed.

In addition to the joy of exploring other marques and meeting other enthusiasts, a full range of vendors, local, national and international lined the field. You could find that rare part, discover a new book or enhance your collection.

All registrants received a free special gift and many donor prized were awarded during the day. For the hungry car lover, food vendors presented traditional delights.

Mark your calendar for our next festival on September 12, 2010 when we gather again at Oakton Community College. It is an event you will not want to miss.

Sunday, September 7th, 2008 was the date of the 22nd Annual British Car Festival sponsored by the British Car Union, a consortium of several car clubs representing specific makes located in the Chicago area. The show was once again held on the campus of Moraine Valley College in Palos Hills, IL.

This is one of the biggest British Car shows in the United States attracting some 500+ cars with virtually every model produced. In addition to the vast array of vehicles on the field for viewing, a series of informative detailed discussions on the differences between models in a specific marque were presented by experts on a given vehicle.

The AMGBA was well represented with your officers staffing our "satellite headquarters tent" signing up new members and helping present members with questions and regalia purchases.

If you are in the Chicago area this is a "don’t miss" show. The 2009 event will be held on September 13th. The location will be moved back to Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, IL. Mark your calendars now!

The American MGB Association held its 31st annual Meet on June 20 - 21, 2008 at Armagh near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The event was held in conjunction with the annual Roadster Factory Summer Party. This event has been going on for many years and this was purported to be the last one. I will be sad to see it go but there were hints that it may be resurrected in a different format and not every year.

On Friday, there was a barbecue picnic for the participants which consisted of hamburgers and hot dogs. They were then treated to music by Roadster Factory employee. The traditional Summer Party bonfire and a bedsheet drive-in movie showing "Animal House" followed the barbecue.

On Saturday, many of the cars participated in a "poker rallye" consisting of 86 miles of scenic driving. Participants received a playing card at stops along the way. The winning poker won a cash prize. Technical and information seminars were given at the Roadster Factory headquarters in Armagh during the afternoon.

Late Saturday afternoon, a downtown Indiana, Pennsylvania street near the Coventry Inn was closed off for the car show. The Coventry Inn is a British restaurant owned by Charles Runyan and he also serves at its chief chef. The cars lined up on the street in various classes awaiting popular vote balloting.

A fine meal was prepared for each of the participants at staggered times so that a quality meal could be served. This also allowed for a three hour voting and display while dinner was being served.

Secretary Margie Springer and myself handled the AMGBA awards presentation.

It was great to meet many of our long time members in the this area of the country.

Margie Springer and myself were kept busy all day signing up new members and providing other member services at the AMGBA table.

The AMGBA wishes to thank Charles Runyan an John Swauger at the entire staff of the Roadster Factory and Coventry Inn for hosting the event.

Winners of the American MGB Association popular vote were as follows:

1. '77, white - James Young, Canton, OH

2. '79, black - Jeff Lee, Belle Vernon, PA

3. '79, black - Howard & Joan Henry, Indiana,PA

1. '65, white - Jim Royal, Warren, OH

1. '72, green - Marilyn Phillippi, Homer City, PA

2. '74, white - Scott Reinhardt, Spencer, OH

1. '72, red - Bud Osborne, McDonald, PA

For information on next year's event or on the American MGB Association, please contact the AMGBA, 5433 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60640; phone: 773-769-7084 ; email: meet@mgclub.org; website: mgclub.org .

1st place chrome bumper B - '65 of Jim Royal	1st place rubber bumper B - '77 B of James Young
1st place B-GT - '72 V-8 of Marilyn Phillippi	1st place Midget - '72 of Bud Osborne
2nd place B-GT - '74 of Scott Reinhardt	2nd place rubber bumper B - '79 of Jeff Lee
3rd place rubber B - '79 of Howard and Joan Henry	Charles Runyan saying farewell to his Summer Party attendees
Margie Springer announcing the winners	The Roadster Factory - site of AMGBA Meet 2008

Photos from British Motor Trade Show in January 2008 sent in by Tom Bruno.  The show was held in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The American MGB Association held its 30th annual Meet on September 29, 2007 at Mint Hill just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina.

The event was held in conjunction with the annual Mint Hill Madness and MGs on the Green.

The Metrolina MG Club was formed as a result of several years of MGs on the Green. The original founders, Hank Rippert and Tom Cotter promoted MGs on the Green and now the MG Metrolina MG Club manages the event.

Many of the cars participated in the parade activities through downtown Mint Hill and then came onto the show fairgrounds. By later that morning the entire park area was filled. MGs represented the majority of the show cars but other marques such as Triumph, Sunbeam and a rare Alvis also joined the field of cars. One of the most viewed MGs was the 2003 Z3 owned by AMGBA member Michael Grosso. This was the first time that many of the attendees had seen this model as they have not been imported to the U.S.

The location of the event was at a park near the site of the annual Mint Hill Madness. Mint Hill Madness is an annual festival of regional arts and crafts featuring local cuisine. In addition, the festivities included a carnival, dog show and local business displays. Recorded British invasion music over the loudspeakers added to the ambiance.

There were rows and rows of MGs from early Bs through Limited Editions. President Frank Ochal, Secretary Margie Springer and myself handled the AMGBA awards presentation.

It was great to meet many of our long time members in the Southeastern part of the U.S.

Frank Ochal, Margie Springer and myself were kept busy all day signing up new members and providing other member services at the AMGBA table.

The AMGBA wishes to thank Kyle Kirby and Lynda White and the Metrolina MG Club for hosting the event.

Winners of the American MGB Association popular vote were as follows:

For information on next year's event or on the American MGB Association, please contact the AMGBA, 5433 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60640; phone: 773-769-7084 ; email: meet@mgclub.org; website: mgclub.org .

27th ANNUAL SAN DIEGO BRITISH CAR DAY

by David Johnston

The 27th Annual San Diego British Car Day took place at the Bonsall Farms on October 1, 2006. The featured marque was the DeLorean which had 16 cars at the show. There were, of course, hundreds of MGs of all types. The best of show was a Rolls Royce Phantom IV limo that had beautiful picnic side boards attached to the front wings. 
Lyle and Claire Abel took 1st place in the rubber bumper MGB roadster category again this year. The picnics were all enjoyed, the food and souvenir vendors did a great business.

 The American MGB Association held its 28th annual Meet on September 30, 2006 at Rocks State Park just north of Baltimore, Maryland.

The event was held in conjunction with the 27th annual MGs on the Rocks. Cars started arriving very early despite threatening skies and a light drizzle. By later that morning the entire park area was filled. MGs represented the majority of the show cars but other marques such as Triumph, Jaguar and Riley also were in appearance.

The site of the event was scenic in a hilly, wooded area. Despite the continuous rain, participants enjoyed the food and the numerous vendors that were present The show included a special area for cars that had won in previous shows and cars the were for sale. A deejay provided lively music which added to the festivities.

There were rows and rows of MGs from early Bs through Limited Editions including Midgets. President Frank Ochal, Secretary Margie Springer and myself handled the AMGBA awards presentation.

It was great to meet many of our long time members in the mid-Atlantic area. I also had a chance to talk with Tom Bridges whom I first met in 1979 at the Ithaca AMGBA Meet.
Frank Ochal, Margie Springer and myself were kept busy all day signing up new members and providing other member services at the AMGBA table.

The AMGBA wishes to thank Richard Liddick and the MGs of Baltimore for hosting the event. Winners of the American MGB Association popular vote were as follows:

RUBBER BUMPER MGBs
1. '75, red - Harry & Fay Walmer
2. '79, black - Fritz & Adele Warner
3. '77, yellow - K. Speakman

CHROME BUMPER MGBs
1. '72, red - Jeff & Bert Shank
2. '62, red - Brooks Amiot
3. '72, dark blue - Dale Giatfelter

MGB - GTs
1. '71, green - Lem Burnett
2. '71, yellow - Bob Courtot
3. '67, yellow - Elizabeth Edelen

MG MIDGET
1. '79, red - Karl Kaminski
2. '72, green - Lisa Aleen
3. '74, orange - Krist Liebel

For information on next year's event or on the American MGB Association, please contact the AMGBA , 5433 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60640; phone: 773-769-7084 ; email: meet@mgclub.org; website: www.mgclub.org.

Bruce Magers