Roll over to preview

ONE OF THE FIRST EVENTS that many MG enthusiasts write in their new diaries each year is the International MG Show and Spares Day at Stoneleigh. Held in the chill months of February or March, this is a mid-winter chance to stock up on parts and enthusiasm for the coming season. A show for erstwhile rivals Triumph has traditionally been held at Stoneleigh a couple of weeks later. However, in 2014 these two shows are being combined into one big event to be held on 2 March. No doubt many people’s first reaction is that this will water down the experience for both parties, but I think the reality could be very different. I’ve gone through in my head the list of traders who regularly support both events, as well as those who have chosen to be at one or the other but could have been at both. With the addition of a third hall for club displays, there should be plenty of room for everyone, including all those whose sole focus is on MG. I also see no reason why those MG-only traders and exhibitors should not have just as many dedicated MG customers as before, especially if the Triumph element is in addition to the regular MG show, not replacing a part of it. As for the gut reaction that MGs and Triumphs do not mix, the cars produced by both marques in the 1950s-1970s glory days have far more in common than many people like to admit. Besides, with the passage of time the interests of the two groups have only become more closely aligned on the classic scene and today the relationship has mellowed from animosity into a friendly rivalry. Time will tell if this change makes the show a bigger success, but I’d much rather have a glass that is half full than one that is half empty, so let’s get behind it, fly the MG flag proudly and see what happens.