What would make a group of fifteen 54 to 67 year olds want to drive forty plus year old MGs from Beijing to London from April to July 2010 along unfamiliar roads and through 16 countries some of which have a degree of political instability, one might ask???? 

Is this the Bucket List Syndrome in action or is this symbolic of the new wave of baby boomers????

Well the team member’s motivations are varied and interesting and here’s what they said............

Dave Godwin: “I started dreaming of driving from Peking to Paris soon after returning from touring Europe in my MGA in 2005 – I met an avid MGA traveller on the internet in 2008 who had driven from Peking to Paris previously in his MGA, then drove around USA, New Zealand and Australia on his way home!!!”

“What I want to get from the trip? – To quote Harry Hickling - To finish is to Win! Other wishes?  To finish with happy memories – happy friendships – as much exposure as possible for the MG Marque – make MG friends around the world – make it into a true Trip of a Lifetime!!!” 

Ian Besley: “Because of our interest in the Silk Road we have always wanted to travel it. At our age time is running out. We hope to gain a better understanding of the cultures of the various countries visited and an insight into their history whilst having FUN.  

Peter Buckingham: “After 15 years of car rallying we decided that the Beijing to London would be the ultimate rally but if you are racing you don’t see anything. Therefore this should be the perfect alternative ...seeing a lot of interesting countries and cultures over 94 days and having time to take it all in. We are delighted that we convinced two other couples to join in this great adventure... funnily enough, we (all three couples) had to go out and buy suitable cars...ALL MGBGT's”

Ken Slater: “When the Buckingham’s asked us to consider the opportunity to join them and an unknown guy from Queensland, in this trip, we looked at each other and instantly said yes. How could you say no to the adventure of a lifetime? We are keen travellers who look for challenge and excitement. Famous last words!!! We reckon life is no dress rehearsal so you have to embrace life while you are fit and well ....so we were in”

Simon Boadle:  “Our motivation for the trip is to continue the greatest adventure of all; which is just living life to the full and trying to cram as many different experiences in as possible. How lucky are we all just to have this opportunity?  I am looking forward to raising the biggest rooster trail of dust over the Gobi desert that has ever been seen. Apart from confirming that 50 year old MGs are not as comfortable as today’s modern transport (goes without saying) we are really looking forward to being part of a team of mature adventure seekers and proving that even if you do have a Seniors card*, there are better and more exciting ways to travel than half price on Victorian country rail.”

Ian McCleave: “Reading an MG Car Club magazine after a few glasses of good red and thinking this sounded like a fun thing to do.  The opportunity to drive through all the countries along the Silk Road and share the challenges of border crossings etc. with a group.......  Not something I would want to take on solo! 

Reg Bowran: “I could not resist the idea of driving through these countries which would normally be off the radar and seeing different life-styles, including local skills (hand-work, pottery, materials etc).  We are looking forward to a complete change of life during this trip, seeing and meeting the local communities and how they live, make a living, also the different terrains and having fun and exploring with our new friends. 

ANYWAY LET’S MEET THE TEAM

Dave and Laurel Godwin and Dan Casey driving 1961 MGA

Dave Godwin arranged to “lead” Pen Yew (Chinese born Malaysian) through South and Central Africa in 2008 and in return, PY was to “lead” Dave from MG China to MG Britain in 2010.  Unfortunately, Pen Yew withdrew from this plan after the African Odyssey due to ill health so Dave advertised worldwide for interested people to join him.  “I advertised in various magazines in the USA, the UK, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia and the only positive response I received was from Australia!  That was a shock to me!  Maybe Australians are more adventurous than most…?  The group now consists of 15 Australians in 6 MGs - one MGA roadster, one MGB roadster and 4 MGBGT fastbacks (two couples are sharing one car – they are referred to as The Tag Team)”

Dan Casey will drive from Beijing to Istanbul with Dave and will be the resident mechanic to the team.

He will depart the tour in Istanbul. Laurel will join Dave in Istanbul through to England.

Dan bought his first MG in 1960 – a 1500cc MGA – and has never been without an MGA since. He says “I have lost count of how many I have owned, raced, restored and sold but am sure it runs into the 40’s…I started as a mechanic’s assistance, but when the Boss hadn’t paid me after 3 months, I decided to look for a job that at least paid something!  Coming off the land, I went out West and spent 3 years wool classing before meeting Jill in Brisbane. We settled down, had a family and started a 40+ year career with the South East Electricity Authority – on the administrative side.  So, my MGA passion was; and still is; a hobby – even if a seriously sick one…”

The Car: 1961 MGA

• 1961 Monza Red (Australian colour) MGA Roadster
• First classic car – purchased in 2004 - 26, 000miles on Odometer but no history to substantiate mileage
• Rego RIP – Rest in Peace – How else would anyone want to rest?
• Toured UK and Central Europe in 2005 for two and half months
• Rebuilt from ground up in 2006
• 17,500km trip around Australia towing a Coffin trailer in 2007 – what other shape would suit RIP?
• RIP ‘N Coffin toured New Zealand in early 2008
• RIP toured South and Central Africa later in 2008
• 2009 - Undergone another mini rebuild for the Big One – MG China to MG Britain

Summary of Preparation 

• MGB motor -wanted a little more power
• 5 speed gearbox - wanted longer leg
• Ute tyres - wanted higher ground clearance and resistance to pot holes
• Firmer springs for  higher ground clearance
• Bambi hood – didn’t like the restrictions of a “normal” hood
• Cigarette lighter - to power a 6-pack fridge, GPS, computer, phone charger, iPod
• Flag pole - for visibility in traffic and to fly the Aussie flag with pride
   

Ian and Denise Besly driving 1977  MGBRoadster

The Car: 1977 MG B Roadster   

• The car was imported from the USA and converted to right hand drive by the previous owner. It may have been better to leave as left hand drive as all the countries we are travelling through drive on the right hand side of the road.
• The red colour should please the Chinese people.
• The Classic Car Clinic on the gold coast fitted new springs to raise the car 35mm. Many new parts have been fitted.
• The car runs on Yokohama Delivery Star 878 light truck tyres
   
  

Peter and Kerrith Buckingham driving a 1978 MGB GT

The Car: 1978 MGB GT

• Chosen for structural integrity compared to an open car. Also, we felt GT gives weather protection from sun, wind and rain. It should be a little more secure than an open car and has more storage room.
• Chose a rubber bumper model because of its extra ground clearance and later modifications like dash-level fresh air vents, steel wheels (more durable) and general improvements made through the model years.
• Fitted new clutch, and had front and rear main seals replaced. Radiator out and cleaned. Diff overhauled with new bearings, shims and seals. New rear axle bearings. New bushes in all suspension components. Replace LH front suspension assembly.
• Fitted driving lights and 100 watt high beam headlight bulbs. General Service. Remove and checked Carbies. Checked ignition components. Replaced head gasket. Oil pressure gauge checked and excellent oil pressure.
• Fitted MX5 seats. Removed rear seat and fitted floor panel in lieu. Fitted "bulk-head" behind seats to enable efficient use of luggage space. Fitted water bottle holder brackets to front of bulk-head between seats. Fitted plastic bins in rear to carry "non-daily required items". Have a soft cover zippered carry bag each for daily clothes and toiletries.
• Air conditioning due to be fitted. Welding up own tow-hook brackets as the originals are not designed to tow without damaging the body and bumpers. (Originals OK for strapping the car DOWN onto a tray truck). Foil insulation to reflect sun from rear hatch window.
• Not fitting LT tyres but heavy duty passenger tyres (195/70R14 Dura plus Goodyear tyres) which will ride and handle better we believe. Fitting 12 litre aluminium auxiliary fuel tank in space where second 6 volt battery used to go. New battery going in. Last job.... put on the stickers!!!!

Ken and Sue Slater driving 1967 MGB GT

The Car: 1967 MGB GT  

In July 2009 purchased from Ross Holt in Euroa. He spent countless hours rebuilding the vehicle.  Although there were 3 other MG’s in the family they are all roadsters and we felt that the GT would offer a little more protection from the elements on such a long trip.    

• Everything has been thoroughly checked and rechecked. 
• All shock absorbers have been reconditioned or replaced whilst the rear spring has been raised to improve clearance. 
• The carburettors have been totally reconditioned and balanced whilst the brake and clutch master cylinders have been replaced.  
• All hoses on the vehicle have been removed and replaced with new so that the old ones can be taken as spares.
• The engine has only done 2,000 kilometres since being reconditioned but as the vehicle has had little use in recent times the head gasket was replaced as a precaution.
• Mazda MX5 seats have been fitted to cushion some of the “bumps” and air conditioning has been added.
• The only addition to come is a “bloody loud horn” to warn the Chinese truck drivers that we are around.

The Tag Team: Simon and Madeleine Boadle and Ian and Lorraine McCleave driving a 1978 MGB GT  

Simon and Madeleine Boadle

Ian and Lorraine Mc Cleave

Simon and Madeleine Boadle will drive through China and then Madeleine will fly back to Australia. Ian McCleave will join the tour in Urumqi, China. Simon and Ian will drive through the Stans.  Simon will leave the tour in Istanbul and Lorraine McCleave will drive with Ian from Istanbul to London 

The Car: 1969 MGB GT

• The MGB GT was purchased for the trip in December 2009.  It is a 1969 Mk 2 model which underwent a major body and mechanical restoration around 1995 and has had very little use since then. 
• The two most attractive features of the car apart from its excellent body are the overdrive and original specifications.
• Because this team joined the trip relatively late there hasn't been time to undertake major rebuilds so efforts have been focused on safety and reliability. 
• Brake and Clutch hydraulics have all been replaced as have all the cooling, fuel and oil hoses. 
• An electric fan and coolant recovery bottle have been fitted so the car will survive in heavy traffic. 
• Ignition system and starter have also been replaced and wiring checked and repaired so that everything works as it should. 
• Serious oil leaks have been fixed but the team says “will have to live with a few minor leaks which we have been told the clever British engineers designed into the car to avoid the need for under body corrosion protection”. 
• Fitted MX5 seats and new retractor seat belts for long distance comfort

Reg and Mary Bowran driving 1968 MGB GT

The Car: 1968 MGB GT

• MGB-GT, (1968) Snowberry White
• Red leather seats and sun roof
• Started life in Australia in Hunter Region
• Good history file back to 1984 
• Preparation, checking and fiddling doesn't seem to stop 
• Had wheels checked
• Spokes good and new tyres.
• Rechecked where possible the many items refurbished in major service works by prior owner on purchase 9/03 (odometer third time around and showing 3,646 miles) and sale 11/09 (33,660 miles)
• Last owner had car 2 years and drove 1660 miles. The car has averaged around 5900 miles per year over its lifetime.