2012 MG National Rally

MGs at the Concours

The NZ MG National rally, was held in Masterton an hour and a half north from Wellington, our Capital city. Masterton is a pleasant farming service town and the local 'Copthorne' hotel there large enough to hold 87 MG crews and a variety of MG's.

Twenty five MGs left Auckland for the journey down with an overnight stop at Ohakune a skiing support town beneath Mt Ruapahu and not far from 'Smash Palace' scene of the NZ film of the same name. Several thousand old and modern cars end their days here and are a source for the restoration fraternity. It rained again.

Fridays arrival consisted of registration and a welcome BBQ at the Copthorne. An 'M' type MG midget adorned the foyer and has been owned by its NZ family since new in 1929.

The Hood Aerodrome just out from Masterton was the venue for several activities during the weekend including the concours.

From 1931 Hood aerodrome has been busy and has seen Harvard trainers and Kitty hawk fighters fly north to do battle in the Pacific war. Several hangers hold priceless aircraft and old cars. We wandered around admiring MGs and renewing friendships, one friend has the largest collection of VAs and SAs on his farm ( farmed since 1830) in the world. Another has a twin cam he has driven since 1967. The first MG6 to arrive in NZ was also on show too, plus seven of nine Brayshaw, NZ built factory sanctioned MG roadsters, three of them Vee eights. The factory did not produce any Vee eight roadsters due to cost factors so these are unique and rare.

Dinner attendees.

We were back at Hood for a dress up dinner in the evening, a 40's and the Services theme saw many beautifully dressed woman and their pilot escorts arrive to the tunes of Vera Lynn sung by a very good look a like entertainer. 'Charlie Chaplin' with his bowler and cane added to the fun.

Three weeks ago here in NZ a hot air balloon was lost with all fourteen passengers killed when it accidentally touched high tension wires, instantly ignited and fell to the ground. This MG weekend was the first flying of any hot air balloons since the tragedy. Mike, an American with forty years' experience was in charge on the morning we sleepily arose at 4.30 AM to breakfast and watch at close hand four balloons fill with air and slowly rise in the crisp morning dew, then it was our turn to chase after them to be given a playing card from each as they landed and make up a winning poker hand.

A first for NZ and only the third time it has ever been attempted. Great fun, excitement and a novelty. Lunch at a winery. The afternoon saw more fun with an autocross speed event. Of interest here was the participation of the world wide touring Douglas's in their much travelled MG TC. Of note also was the ex Towcester hot air balloon now flying in the Antipodes.

The final day ended with a fast grass motorkhana, fun trial and prize giving dinner. Guess who won the farthest travelled
prize?

Dave & Carol Walker