Hopefully, we in the northern-hemisphere are approaching the tail-end of what seems to have been a long winter. Thoughts are now turning to the pleasant prospect of lengthy warm days with productive time spent in the garage, while trips in our Minors will be undertaken without the need for the protective comfort of thermal underwear!

The 2017 Pre-war Prescott event was the venue for the coming together of two Coupes that surely originated via the draughting skills of the same designer. GG 3949 is the well known 1931 MG Sportsmans Coupe owned by Roger Burnett while 1932 Wolseley Hornet Coupe JH 1446 is said to have been commissioned by London Wolseley main dealer Eustace Watkins and built in the coachworks of the Folkstone based body builder, Martin Walter. Thanks goes to Hornet Coupe owner Nigel Stroud for the photograph via the good offices of Network member Keith Durston.

Geof Wilson’s Morris Minor racing special (Wilson’s Wasp) which is under construction in Nuneaton, Warwickshire now has a new nosecone. Other body panels are currently being formed and will soon be offered-up to the polystyrene mould for final fettling shortly.

In the absence of Kenneth Allen, Paul Brigden organised a highly successful Network gathering at Brooklands on 8th February. Paul reports that thanks to Bob Webb those with pre-war cars were permitted to park in front of the famous clubhouse while the club bar facilities were also made available to them. Here, some of the throng wait patiently while John Emmett answers a question from a Brooklands Museum visitor. Paul’s report can be found on the forum. (Photo – Paul Brigden)

This 1930 Minor special lives in the State of Victoria, Australia and was bodied by Ruskin of Melbourne. The original eighties or early nineties photograph resides in the Harry Edwards Collection held by the Morris Register. Just a handful of these Ruskin roadsters survive.

LV 5437 is a 1934 season Minor Saloon which was first registered in Liverpool in late 1933. This delightful autumnal image was taken by an unknown photographer and was discovered on the internet. In recent times ‘LV’ was owned by Tommy Jardine from the border country and some time prior to that by new member Guy Harris – it was he who was recently reunited with his Minor Two-seater after a a fifty year gap. (see IOTW no.414)

The Jaipur Classic Car Rally took place over the weekend of 3rd-4th February. Network member Kartik Lunia attended along with his 1930 Minor Tourer USJ 1795 the car gaining the accolade ‘Best maintained vintage car’, yet another award to add to a lengthening list. Seen here with Kartik is another sub-continental Minorist and Network member, Parth Mehd, who joined Kartik for the weekend having made the twelve-hour drive from Ahmedabad.

Following the long awaited return to roadworthiness of 1929 Minor Fabric VG 2007, when will 1930 Fabric Saloon UX 6403 appear in a similar condition? The car was discovered and purchased last May by Gareth Jerman, and its condition at that time can be seen in these images – so it’s re-appearance is not going to be anytime soon. Gareth however can count on the support and help from member’s of the Network throughout the forthcoming restoration journey.

While one Minor departs these shores bound for Malta, following its sale to Joseph Zerafa, another is being prepared for its rally debut following restoration. The Tony Gamble restored Semi-Sports, KJ 607, is seen here being loaded upon a transporter to begin a long road and sea journey to its new Mediterranean home. Meanwhile in the Nederlands, Fabric Saloon VG 2007 owned by Halbe Tjepkema is nearing the end of a ten year restoration journey and can be seen undergoing final preparations at the MG Workshop, Monster, in readiness for its hoped-for PWMN rally debut in June.