Club  Meeting Minutes

Valley British Auto Club

Monthly Dinner Meeting

 

November    2021

​

November 2, 2021, 6:30PM

 

DiCicco's

Cedar and Nees

Fresno, CA

 

21 Members present.

 

Treasurers Report: $3990.71

73 paid members. 1 late.

 

President Warren reported that planning our annual car show on March 27, 2022 is progressing. He has contacted/invited about half of the British car clubs in California to attend our show. He has been trying to contact the Paradise Club, in San Luis Obispo but their website is inactive. The Moss Motors website has a link to all California British car clubs.

 

He also reported that the Velocity Invitational Vintage Car Race is November 11-14 at Laguna Seca Raceway in Salinas. Visit velocityinternational.com for more information.

 

Martin Connolly reported: Toys for Tots. Toy collection and car show is this Saturday at River Park 10AM to 3PM. If you are interested meet at Piazza Del Pane, Cedar and Nees at 9:30AM November 6, 2021. Bring a new unwrapped toy.

 

Dennis Davi attended the Gathering of the Warbirds at Madera airport this past Saturday.

 

Warren and Rebecca attended the Blackhawk British Car show at the Blackhawk Shopping center in Danville.

 

Larry Zerwig reported on the annual “Run for Sean” this past Saturday to Tollhouse Market. There were 7 cars and 11 members. Sean Connery, best 007 ever, passed away on October 31, 2020.

 

Next Meeting: VBAC Christmas Dinner. The Old Spaghetti Factory. December 7, 2021, 6:30PM.

Bring a gift for the gift exchange. Big thank you to Tammy Weber for organizing the event.

As an incentive to attend Warren and Jay have something special planned.

 

Meeting adjourned.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Jay Newsome

VBAC Treasurer

Acting Secretary

 

October    2021

 

October 10, 2021, 6:30PM

 

A.J.'s Armenian Restaurant

5048 N. Maroa Ave

Fresno, CA 93704

 

12 Members present.

 

President Warren thanked Dennis Davi for his years of service to the club as treasurer and welcomed Jay Newsome as new treasurer. Control of the club bank account has been transferred to Jay, Russ Weber is also a signer on the account.

 

Treasurer report: Balance $3,777.71 (10/5/2021)

Received from Dennis Davi $33.00 (cash) for 2 Club T-Shirts

Bills: Paid $124.00 to Warren Prouty for club name badges.

 

Club activity report:

Highland Games. September 18, 2021. Warren reported 12 member cars where at the event. Warren wore his kilt. Not to be “out fashioned” Jay acquired a kilt at the event. Virginia was disappointed Jay didn't wear his kilt to tonight's meeting.

 

Dixon All British Car Show: September 19, 2021. Scott Moseley drove and entered his Jaguar in the event. Jay and Larry attended but did not enter. Larry acquired some MG parts.

 

Ironstone Vineyards Car Show: September 24-25, Murphys, CA. Bill Bulfer, Dennis, Jay, Larry, Paul Ward and Richard Fuhrmann drove their cars and attended the show. Mike Simpson (1938 Triumph Dolomite Saloon) also attended.

 

Future Events:

Not a Show Car Show- Clovis Old Town, October 17, 2021. Clovis Old Town has asked the Club to show cars at their last antique fair event for the year. Warren will be out if town. We need someone to step up and coordinate the event or we will have to cancel for this year. Please call Warren if you can help.

 

The Official VBAC Show: March 26-27, 2021, Old Town Clovis. In conjunction with the Spring Antique Fair. Format will be same as last year. Details soon.

Meeting adjourned.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Jay Newsome

 

 

 

​

September    2021

​

Meeting Information

  • Date: Sept. 7, 2021

  • Meeting Time: 6:30pm

  • Location: DiCicco’s Restaurant. Nees & Cedar. Fresno

Officers Attending

  • Warren Prouty—President

  • Dennis Davi—Secretary/Treasurer

Officer Absent

  • Rick Rogers—Vice President

Members-at-Large

  • Martin Connolly, Russ Weber, Larry Zerwig

In Attendance

  • 23 members from the Fresno, Clovis, Sanger and Madera area.

Minutes

  • Sept. meeting attendees approved minutes from the Aug. 3, 2021 meeting.

Treasurer Report

  • As of Sept. 7, 2021 we have 67 paid members for the 2021/2022 year.

  • If you haven’t paid yet. Membership renewals are due now. $30

  • Club Insurance thru Markel Service Inc. has been paid. Check 3006 for $351.00.

  • 1 outstanding check #3007 for $27.50. Enthusiast Publications Inc.

  • Balance as of Sept 7, 2021 --$3,690.50

Members Report

  • New members

  1. Lizanne Vlasis from Clovis. Driving a Morris Minor & Thames.

  2. Alan & Victoria Campbell from Coarsegold. Driving a 1967 MGB GT, red/black

And a 1937 MG TA, red/black (which is the oldest car in the club).

 

Old Business

  • There were 10 members at the July 24 event to see Paul Watts personal collection of memorabilia. And 5 concours cars. Gloria Watts provided refreshments, and home bake goods. Afterwards we went to Riley’s Pub for lunch. If anyone has brass lamps or hubcaps Paul Watts is interested in buying.

  • Warren mention upcoming events which are,

  1. Aug. 8. A tour of the Museum of the Sierra at Shaver Lake. (Warren sent out email on this).

  2. Sept. 18. we have been invited to the Fresno Scottish Society at Kearney Park. For the annual Scottish Games. Each car will receive two free passes to the games.

  3. Sept. 24-25. Ironstone Concours d’Elegance car show at Murphys, Ca. There are 7 members going at this time.

  4. Oct. 2. Sierra Sky Park Fly-in & Car Show. Fresno. 7am to 2pm with breakfast.

  5. Oct. 3. Central Coast British Car Show at Channel Island Harbor Park, Oxnard, CA. If you need a flyer Dennis has them. Or go to www.centralcoastbritishcarclub.com

  6. Nov. 10 through 14th. Velocity Invitational Mini vs Mustang Endurance Challenge. Member Steve Phillips will be racing his Austin Mini Cooper S (full race).

(This was not mentioned at the meeting, but Sept. 23 is Gathering of Warbirds reunion at the Madera Airport.

It is a fly in and car show. For more information go to, https://www.warbirdsreunion.org Or contact Arnie Schweer (559) 816-8461. Pilots can use same number.

Also Oct 22nd is a show at the Madera Airport. A tribute to Bob Hope and the radio starts of the 1940’s. Come in 1940’s attire

 Will have Deluxe Hors D'oeuvres and Complimentary Wine. Will be a fun event.

New Business

Warren mention upcoming events which are,

  1. Sept. 11. Valley Hero’s Parade. Kiwanis Club of Fresno will host this event at Woodward Park. Parade 12 Noon to 1 PM. See attachment.

  2. Sept. 18. VBAC has been invited by the Fresno Scottish Society to participate in their annual Scottish Games. They are providing a spot in Kearney Park for us to park our cars during the games. Each car will receive 2 free passes to the games.

Tell warren (now) to add you to the list.

  1. Sept. 24. Ironstone Concours d’Elegance car show in Murphys,ca. For Info. Call Mr. Bock at (530)400-0540. Or cmbock@sbcglobal.net

  2. Sept. 25. Porsche Club of Sequoia Region will have an Oktoberfest from 5:00pm to 10:00PM. See attachment.

 

  1. Oct. 2. Sierra Sky Park fly-in and Car Show. 7am to 2pm. Come enjoy a breakfast and see planes, helo’s, and cool looking cars. Did I mention, Sky Diving also?

  2. Oct. 3. Central Coast British Car Club is having a British Car Show. 9am to 2:30pm

If you need a registration form, ask Dennis at, vbac93729@gmail.com or call 559-871-5936.

  1. Oct. 17. Mini Owners of America of San Francisco is having an Blackhawk All British Motor Show 8am to 2pm. Location-Blackhawk Museum in Danville, Ca.

Free to spectators. To enter, Motorcycle is $25. Autos is $35. Check it out on www.eventbrite.com

  1. Oct. 23. Gathering of Warbirds reunion at the Madera Airport. 7am to 2pm. This is a fly-in and car show. $10 to see airplanes and or $20 to enter your car. https://www.warbirdsreunion.org or contact Arnie Schweer (559) 816-8461.

Come enjoy a breakfast at 8am.

  1. Nov. 10 through the 14th. Velocity International will be holding a large racing event at Laguna Seca Raceway. This is Mini vs Mustang Endurance Challenge.

Member Steve Phillips will be racing his Austin Cooper. He is not fast, HE IS REALLY FAST!

Meeting Adjourned at 8:15pm

Next meeting, set your calendar Oct. 5.

 
September Member Spotlight
Michael Simpson <mluvsc0629@comcast.net>

Only 1000 were produced in 1938 and four Triumph Dolomite Saloon Six’s are left in the world.  One in Australia, two across the pond & the other in Fresno, California.  My grandfather purchased the car in 1976 from an ad in a magazine site unseen.  He owned the car for more than forty years until his death.  I was extremely fortunate to have inherited the Dolomite.  The history of the car is remarkable & incredible.  As war broke out, the original owner bought the car in October of 1938 and drove it to Manchester, England.  There he had it secured with only 250 original miles in a protective building/bunker.  He was afraid German invasion or bombardment would destroy the new car.  The car would remain in its state for twenty years as he died during the war never to enjoy it.  His family didn’t know of the car or what he had done till years later.  The car has changed hands a few times & I’m the eighth owner.  There‘s currently a little over 30,000 original miles.  I am very pleased that the car has been preserved for more than eighty years.  I’m proud to own this most historical car as the majority of the ‘38s were sent back for the war effort.  I reside in Fresno married to my wife Christina of 10 years.  I have two step-son’s, daughter-in-law & grandson.  I work for a liquor, wine & non-alcoholic beverage distributor in Central California.  I also volunteer at a local animal shelter assisting with the fostering & adoption of dogs.  I am very happy to be a member of the VBAC.  It brings me great pleasure to let people know that my 1938 Dolomite is from the Central Valley & our club.
 

​

August    2021

Meeting Information
Date:  Aug  3, 2021
Meeting time:  6:30 pm
Location:  Old Spaghetti Factory.  Shaw/Cedar.  Fresno
Officers Attending
Warren Prouty--President
Dennis Davi—Secretary/Treasurer
Officer Absent
Rick Rogers—Vice President
Members-at-Large
Martin Connolly, Russ Weber, Larry Zerwig
In Attendance
30 members from the Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Merced, City of Madera, Madera Ranchos area.
(we even had room for 20 more people)  Fantastic meal, good bar.  There’s even a street car in the restaurant).    
Minutes
August meeting attendees approved minutes from the July 6, 2021 meeting.
Treasurer Report
As of August 5, 2021 we have 52 paid members for the 2021/2022 year.  
If you haven’t paid yet, Membership renewals are due now.  $30
Insurance is coming due Aug. 28
Balance as of Aug. 5, 2021-$3,679.00
Members Report
New members
1. Sofia Sandoval from Fresno.  Driving a 1967 MGB 
2. Tom & Nancy Stoeckel from Sanger.  Driving a 1973 Triumph TR-6,   British Racing Green (owned since 1980).
3. Brad & Monica Clark from Fresno.  Driving a 1978 MGB, British Racing Green
As of Aug. 5, 2021 we have 75 members.  Wow.
Old Business
Warren talked about the club coming to the Fresno Fly-in & Car Show at Sierra Sky Park which was June 19.  It was a good turnout.  (Let’s thank Warren for bringing a large tent which hind the sun).   
Warren also mentions that the steering committee made a donation of $650.00 to Central Valley Veterans.  This was made possible by our club members who entered their car at the car show in March.  You may have seen their booth next to ours.  Central Valley Veterans also sent a thank you letter which warren read at last night meeting.  If you would like to see more of what they do, go to www.centralvalleyveterans.org 
Dennis talked about the July 24 club event at Paul Watts house (who is a new member) that has an eclectic collection of car memorabilia, photos, signage, rare NOS parts, brass items, tractor, and fire engine items.  All domestic, which there are 5 garages full of items from ceiling to floor?  Also 5 concours cars on display and one is a 1979 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow.  There will be items that no one has ever seen.  Some from WW2.  Warren will send out an email later for this event.  You don’t want to miss this!
Fred Peterson will have an event on Aug. 8.  More to follow.  This one is fantastic.
This summer marks the 60th anniversary of the MG Midget.  And we have 3 members who drive one.  Richard Fucillo, Diana Kirkorian, Crispen Morgenthaler.  And their all red.  How did that happen!!
New Business
There were 10 members at the July 24 event to see Paul Watts personal collection of memorabilia.  And 5 concours cars.  Gloria Watts provided refreshments, and home bake goods.  Afterwards we went to Riley’s Pub for lunch.  If anyone has brass lamps or hubcaps Paul Watts is interested in buying. 
Warren mention upcoming events which are,
1. Aug. 8. A tour of the Museum of the Sierra at Shaver Lake.  (Warren sent out email on this).
2. Sept. 18. we have been invited to the Fresno Scottish Society at Kearney Park.  For the annual Scottish Games.  Each car will receive two free passes to the games.
3. Sept. 24-25. Ironstone Concours d’Elegance car show at Murphys, Ca.  There are 7 members going at this time.  
4. Oct. 2. Sierra Sky Park Fly-in & Car Show.  Fresno.  7am to 2pm with breakfast. 
5. Oct. 3. Central Coast British Car Show at Channel Island Harbor Park, Oxnard, CA.  If you need a flyer Dennis has them.  Or go to www.centralcoastbritishcarclub.com   
6. Nov. 10 through 14th. Velocity Invitational Mini vs Mustang Endurance Challenge.  Member Steve Phillips will be racing his Austin Mini Cooper S (full race).  
(This was not mentioned at the meeting, but Sept. 23 is Gathering of Warbirds reunion at the Madera Airport. 
It is a fly in and car show.  For more information go to,    https://www.warbirdsreunion.org     Or contact Arnie Schweer (559) 816-8461.   Pilots can use same number.
Also Oct 22nd is a show at the Madera Airport.  A tribute to Bob Hope and the radio starts of the 1940’s.   Come in 1940’s attire 
Will have Deluxe Hors D'oeuvres and Complimentary Wine.  Will be a fun event. 
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm
Next meeting, set your calendar Sept. 7.

 

August Member Spotlight

​

Jenny Parchman

Greetings VBAC members.

 

My name is Jenny Parchman, many of you may not know who I am, so here is some background information on me, my husband, George, and how I came about owning two of our British Cars.

 

VBAC membership - In the ‘90s I was VP of the Fresno MG T Motoring Group. Because of aging members and dwindling participation, I worked with Marty Hardison to move the remaining members to the new VBAC club. Ted Feasel was one of the original members from the former club. Since Ted’s recent passing, Carolyn Botta and I are the last VBAC members from the MG T club.

 

George and I are both retired. In our work lives I managed real estate, lease acquisitions, building alterations and construction for the Internal Revenue Service covering the western part of the US. George supervised flight line maintenance and repairs for the Fresno Air National Guard starting with the F106 in the mid 70s to the end of the F16 era in the early 2000s. Before that he was an active duty aircraft mechanic in the US Navy where he was a certified radial and jet engine mechanic.

 

From my earliest memories I have always been a car “guy”. I can’t remember a time when I did not want an MG T series car. Even though George barely fits in them he has always humored my passion for the cars.

 

Our first MGTD - In the mid-70s we saw a restored MG at Wall & Eades right after they had finished the upholstery. We looked it over and decided — we could do that! Youth and energy is all you need! I found our first 1952 MGTD in Santa Clara and we embarked on a two-year restoration where we disassembled and re-did everything. It was a great California car with no rust, a smoking engine, no dents or past wrecks and had been painted EVERYWHERE with primer. George and I quickly got into what I call our car rhythm, he does all of the mechanical stuff and I do the upholstery, sanding and all of the polishing and cleaning. We make a good team. You might say we get a perverse pleasure doing things ourselves. It was an easy restoration. When the car was finished it was red with red interior.

 

In the late ‘70s I received a call about a right-hand drive late 1953 MGTD basket case that was shipped to the US from England by an active duty Air Force fellow and he had moved it around from base to base and decided to sell it. We jumped on it. It was a much more difficult restoration because of all the rust, etc. from its British origins. We had to search for and acquire many replacement parts such as fenders, a tub, etc. Everything had to be tweaked to make it all fit together. Also along the way we put the restoration on the back burner for things like our daughter’s braces, private school, etc. before we got around to completing the restoration.

 

To make room for the new project we sold the 1952 MGTD and bought a partially disassembled 1955 TF 1500, which we reassembled, to drive until the TD was finished. We still own the MGTF.

 

My 1953 MGTD is named Genevieve. It’s a family name and seemed appropriate she carry on the family tradition. She is red with red interior and is restored as a driver that can also be shown at a Concours event. As with the first TD we did all of the work ourselves except for the paint. I entered Genevieve in the 1990 Greater Valley Concours d’Elegance at Fresno State before the restoration was completed and then frantically worked on the car until 3 a.m. that morning finishing up, polishing and getting the car ready for the drive to the event. George was on active duty military that week so I was on my own. It was a fun, exciting and very exhausting few days. I took second place and it felt like Best of Show. After 31 years of entering different types of car events and shows I have a room full of awards, but that first little silver plated tray has a very special place of honor in my MG room.

 

I’ve been very fortunate to have had some wonderful MG advisors and mentors along the way including Mike O’Connor, Lawrie Alexander, Barry Briskman and Gene Roth. Gene, originally from Ridgecrest, had a magnificent black with red interior TC that he both showed and drove many, many miles across the country. Gene lost his right arm in a work accident at an early age, but that did not stop him. Gene knew exactly what to do to keep his TC a driver and a show car for over 40 years. I met Gene and his wife, Deana in the early ‘80s when he became my mentor. I have always aspired to “be like Gene”. I believe I made him proud.

 

I have driven my MGTD many miles, taking numerous trips to the Central Coast, Northern and Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona with George being a stoic and reluctant passenger. I have driven her over Tioga Pass from Lee Vining twice. Genevieve is a great hill climber. I also drove her from Seattle to Whistler, BC for an MG gathering after towing it to Seattle. I even convinced the Canadian guards to take my picture in Genevieve at the border crossing (insert smiling face here).

 

Genevieve is on her second engine rebuild and in 2011 we installed a 5 speed Datsun transmission that was rebuilt and customized to fit a right-hand drive MGTD by an engineer in Maine.

 

I try to show Genevieve at least once a year. It allows me to go over and under the car with a fine tooth comb and identify all of the things that need to be fixed, replaced or re-painted. I’m pretty fanatical about my cars, much to the chagrin of my mechanic/tuner (insert another smiling face).

 

In the 40+ years I have owned Genevieve, George has never driven her. He doesn’t fit in the drivers seat.

 

2003 MINI Cooper S - I have always liked original Minis and have casually looked for an original Mini Cooper over the years. When they first came out with the new MINI, I decided I would buy one when the pricing settled down because it drove like a go kart and had air conditioning! As all ladies of a certain age know, AC becomes important later in life! During the early part of 2003 my sister developed early onset Alzheimers. It was fast developing and very devastating. I decided then and there I would order a new MINI because if I didn’t, I might not remember that I ever wanted one. It was delivered in August 2003 and has been going strong ever since.

 

I am not a MINI tuner. My MINI is not modified. I am an unapologetic MINI decorator. In early 2010 I worked with a graphic designer in Texas and had a custom vinyl roof wrap made for the MINI. I couldn’t decide if I wanted a British flag or a checkered flag so I had him combine both. It is reminiscent of a British flag peeling back during a race and revealing a checkered flag underneath. Unfortunately, only truck drivers or very tall people get a good look at the flag peel.

 

In the summer of 2010 we took the MINI on the MINI Takes the States rally coordinated by MINI. Along the way MINI arranged for the rally to go on the Bonneville Salt Flats to “race” on the track before Speed Week. They also filmed the event for a MINI commercial and promotion. There were hundreds and hundreds of MINIs on the rally, but only these MINIs drove on the salt flats. We actually “raced” on the side of the track because they didn’t want us messing up the groomed track — which looks more like a runway that goes forever. It was an incredible experience and if you ever get the chance to drive out there, don’t hesitate, just do it!

 

 

The picture above is from the MINI website. My MINI is towards the back of the picture. This is about 3 miles from the Wendover entrance. It took over an hour to move all of the MINIs exactly where the photographer wanted them so he could this picture. What you can’t see in this picture are the porta-potties they were placing or the speed week groups that were already there setting up their camps.

 

 

Miscellaneous Stuff -

 

  • George likes airplanes, especially older ones. However, he doesn’t like to fly. EVER.

 

  • In our home I have car rooms and George has airplane rooms.

 

  • I first met Joe Baba at the Greater Valley Concours while I was standing in the porta potty line. He stepped out of a porta potty wearing a woman’s large brimmed straw hat with a large pink flower on the hat band. He started chatting with me about my car and then introduced himself. I think he noticed that I kept looking at the big pink flower on his head. He explained it was a hot day and he had borrowed the hat (Another big smiling face).

 

  • We are air races fans and have attending the Reno Air Races every year except 9/11 and 2020 since the mid-‘80s. Our seats are directly behind the announcers.

 

  • The highly modified P-51 that crashed in the Reno Air Races spectator area in 2011 came directly over our heads and hit the ground approximately 50-70 feet from where we were sitting.

 

  • We became acquainted with Robert Goldman, co-owner of Moss Motors, because of the air race plane crash. He was sitting approximately the same distance from the point of impact, but in the opposite direction from us. The majority of debris went in the direction of his box seat. His account and pictures of the event were pretty incredible. He also documented his experience in the Moss Motors magazine.

 

  • I collect car products. I have a very large collection of custom and boutique products.

 

  • The most common question asked of George at a car show is, “What wax do you use?” He tells them he doesn’t know and they need to ask me because I do it. Their reply is more often than not, “No. Really. What do you use?” Can’t begin to tell you how many guys won’t ask me about car products. Must be a “Y” chromosome thing (smiling face).

 

  • The next most often asked question is, ‘What color is your paint?” George can never remember so I will tell them it is 1978 Volvo Cherokee Red. Which it is. I am happy to share the color with anyone that asks. We painted both MGTDs the same Volvo red. To this day I believe it is the perfect MGTD red. If they continue to probe because they don’t believe it could possibly be a Volvo color I will finally tell them it is 1978 Mercedes Signal Red (wayyy too much purple/blue in the red). They always walk away happy that it is a Mercedes color. Which it is NOT.

 

  • Our daughter decided at the age of 39 to get married and have a baby at the age of 40. We had given up years ago that we would ever have grandkids. We now have the world’s cutest grandson who was born a few weeks before my retirement.

  • Greetings VBAC members.

  • My name is Jenny Parchman, many of you may not know who I am, so here is some background information on me, my husband, George, and how I came about owning two of our British Cars.

  • VBAC membership - In the ‘90s I was VP of the Fresno MG T Motoring Group.  Because of aging members and dwindling participation, I worked with Marty Hardison to move the remaining members to the new VBAC club.  Ted Feasel was one of the original members from the former club.  Since Ted’s recent passing, Carolyn Botta and I are the last VBAC members from the MG T club.

  • George and I are both retired.  In our work lives I managed real estate, lease acquisitions, building alterations and construction for the Internal Revenue Service covering the western part of the US.  George supervised flight line maintenance and repairs for the Fresno Air National Guard starting with the F106 in the mid 70s to the end of the F16 era in the early 2000s.  Before that he was an active duty aircraft mechanic in the US Navy where he was a certified radial and jet engine mechanic.

  • From my earliest memories I have always been a car “guy”.  I can’t remember a time when I did not want an MG T series car.  Even though George barely fits in them he has always humored my passion for the cars.

  • Our first MGTD - In the mid-70s we saw a restored MG at Wall & Eades right after they had finished the upholstery.  We looked it over and decided — we could do that!  Youth and energy is all you need!  I found our first 1952 MGTD in Santa Clara and we embarked on a two-year restoration where we disassembled and re-did everything.  It was a great California car with no rust, a smoking engine, no dents or past wrecks and had been painted EVERYWHERE with primer.  George and I quickly got into what I call our car rhythm, he does all of the mechanical stuff and I do the upholstery, sanding and all of the polishing and cleaning.  We make a good team.  You might say we get a perverse pleasure doing things ourselves.  It was an easy restoration.  When the car was finished it was red with red interior.

  • In the late ‘70s I received a call about a right-hand drive late 1953 MGTD basket case that was shipped to the US from England by an active duty Air Force fellow and he had moved it around from base to base and decided to sell it.  We jumped on it.  It was a much more difficult restoration because of all the rust, etc. from its British origins.  We had to search for and acquire many replacement parts such as fenders, a tub, etc. Everything had to be tweaked to make it all fit together.   Also along the way we put the restoration on the back burner for things like our daughter’s braces, private school, etc. before we got around to completing the restoration.

  • To make room for the new project we sold the 1952 MGTD and bought a partially disassembled 1955 TF 1500, which we reassembled, to drive until the TD was finished.  We still own the MGTF.

  • My 1953 MGTD is named Genevieve.  It’s a family name and seemed appropriate she carry on the family tradition.  She is red with red interior and is restored as a driver that can also be shown at a Concours event.  As with the first TD we did all of the work ourselves except for the paint.  I entered Genevieve in the 1990 Greater Valley Concours d’Elegance at Fresno State before the restoration was completed and then frantically worked on the car until 3 a.m. that morning finishing up, polishing and getting the car ready for the drive to the event.  George was on active duty military that week so I was on my own.  It was a fun, exciting and very exhausting few days.  I took second place and it felt like Best of Show.  After 31 years of entering different types of car events and shows I have a room full of awards, but that first little silver plated tray has a very special place of honor in my MG room.

  • I’ve been very fortunate to have had some wonderful MG advisors and mentors along the way including Mike O’Connor, Lawrie Alexander, Barry Briskman and Gene Roth.  Gene, originally from Ridgecrest, had a magnificent black with red interior TC that he both showed and drove many, many miles across the country.  Gene lost his right arm in a work accident at an early age, but that did not stop him.  Gene knew exactly what to do to keep his TC a driver and a show car for over 40 years.  I met Gene and his wife, Deana in the early ‘80s when he became my mentor.  I have always aspired to “be like Gene”.  I believe I made him proud.

  • I have driven my MGTD many miles, taking numerous trips to the Central Coast, Northern and Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona with George being a stoic and reluctant passenger.  I have driven her over Tioga Pass from Lee Vining twice.  Genevieve is a great hill climber.  I also drove her from Seattle to Whistler, BC for an MG gathering after towing it to Seattle.  I even convinced the Canadian guards to take my picture in Genevieve at the border crossing (insert smiling face here).

  • Genevieve is on her second engine rebuild and in 2011 we installed a 5 speed Datsun transmission that was rebuilt and customized to fit a right-hand drive MGTD by an engineer in Maine.

  • I try to show Genevieve at least once a year.  It allows me to go over and under the car with a fine tooth comb and identify all of the things that need to be fixed, replaced or re-painted.  I’m pretty fanatical about my cars, much to the chagrin of my mechanic/tuner (insert another smiling face).

  • In the 40+ years I have owned Genevieve, George has never driven her.  He doesn’t fit in the drivers seat.

  • 2003 MINI Cooper S - I have always liked original Minis and have casually looked for an original Mini Cooper over the years.  When they first came out with the new MINI, I decided I would buy one when the pricing settled down because it drove like a go kart and had air conditioning!  As all ladies of a certain age know, AC becomes important later in life!  During the early part of 2003 my sister developed early onset Alzheimers.  It was fast developing and very devastating.  I decided then and there I would order a new MINI because if I didn’t, I might not remember that I ever wanted one.  It was delivered in August 2003 and has been going strong ever since.

  • I am not a MINI tuner.  My MINI is not modified.  I am an unapologetic MINI decorator.  In early 2010 I worked with a graphic designer in Texas and had a custom vinyl roof wrap made for the MINI.  I couldn’t decide if I wanted a British flag or a checkered flag so I had him combine both.  It is reminiscent of a British flag peeling back during a race and revealing a checkered flag underneath.  Unfortunately, only truck drivers or very tall people get a good look at the flag peel.

  • In the summer of 2010 we took the MINI on the MINI Takes the States rally coordinated by MINI.  Along the way MINI arranged for the rally to go on the Bonneville Salt Flats to “race” on the track before Speed Week.  They also filmed the event for a MINI commercial and promotion. There were hundreds and hundreds of MINIs on the rally, but only these MINIs drove on the salt flats.  We actually “raced” on the side of the track because they didn’t want us messing up the groomed track — which looks more like a runway that goes forever.  It was an incredible experience and if you ever get the chance to drive out there, don’t hesitate, just do it!


  • The picture above is from the MINI website.  My MINI is towards the back of the picture.   This is about 3 miles from the Wendover entrance.  It took over an hour to move all of the MINIs exactly where the photographer wanted them so he could this picture.  What you can’t see in this picture are the porta-potties they were placing or the speed week groups that were already there setting up their camps.


  • Miscellaneous Stuff -

  • George likes airplanes, especially older ones.  However, he doesn’t like to fly.  EVER.

  • In our home I have car rooms and George has airplane rooms.

  • I first met Joe Baba at the Greater Valley Concours while I was standing in the porta potty line.  He stepped out of a porta potty wearing a woman’s large brimmed straw hat with a large pink flower on the hat band.  He started chatting with me about my car and then introduced himself.  I think he noticed that I kept looking at the big pink flower on his head.  He explained it was a hot day and he had borrowed the hat (Another big smiling face).

  • We are air races fans and have attending the Reno Air Races every year except 9/11 and 2020 since the mid-‘80s.  Our seats are directly behind the announcers.

  • The highly modified P-51 that crashed in the Reno Air Races spectator area in 2011 came directly over our heads and hit the ground approximately 50-70 feet from where we were sitting.

  • We became acquainted with Robert Goldman, co-owner of Moss Motors, because of the air race plane crash.  He was sitting approximately the same distance from the point of impact, but in the opposite direction from us.  The majority of debris went in the direction of his box seat.  His account and pictures of the event were pretty incredible.  He also documented his experience in the Moss Motors magazine.

  • I collect car products.  I have a very large collection of custom and boutique products.  

  • The most common question asked of George at a car show is, “What wax do you use?”  He tells them he doesn’t know and they need to ask me because I do it.  Their reply is more often than not, “No.  Really.  What do you use?”  Can’t begin to tell you how many guys won’t ask me about car products.  Must be a “Y” chromosome thing (smiling face).

  • The next most often asked question is, ‘What color is your paint?”  George can never remember so I will tell them it is 1978 Volvo Cherokee Red.  Which it is.  I am happy to share the color with anyone that asks.  We painted both MGTDs the same Volvo red.  To this day I believe it is the perfect MGTD red.  If they continue to probe because they don’t believe it could possibly be a Volvo color I will finally tell them it is 1978 Mercedes Signal Red (wayyy too much purple/blue in the red).  They always walk away happy that it is a Mercedes color.  Which it is NOT.

  • Our daughter decided at the age of 39 to get married and have a baby at the age of 40.  We had given up years ago that we would ever have grandkids.  We now have the world’s cutest grandson who was born a few weeks before my retirement.
     

July 2021

Meeting Information

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  • Date: July 6, 2021

  • Meeting Time: 6:30 PM

  • Location: Dicicco’s Restaurant. Cedar and Nees. Fresno.

 

Officers Attending

  • Warren Prouty—President

  • Dennis Davi—Secretary/Treasurer

 

Officer Absent

  • Rick Rogers—Vice President

 

Members-at-Large

  • Martin Connolly, Russ Weber, Larry Zerwig, Jon Brothers, Steve Phillips

In Attendance

  • 23 members from the Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Madera and Exeter area.

Minutes

  • July meeting attendees approved minutes from the June 1, 2021 meeting.

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Treasurer Report

  • 1 outstanding check #3002 for $275.34

  • As of July 7 we have 36 paid members for the 2021-2022 year. Renewals are due now.

  • Balance as of July 7, 2021--$3,024.05

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Members Report

  • New member - Greg Weirick from Exeter. Driving a 1962 Austin Healey Sprite (gold).

  • As of July 7, 2021 we have 72 members.

 

Old Business

  • Warren mention the Fresno Fly-in & Car Show Event is June 19, 2021. From 8am-2pm. The club will drive in as a group. This is an Experimental Aircraft Association event. Free pancake, sausage, egg breakfast and coffee, orange juice, IF you enter your car. Otherwise it’s $8. There will be aircraft and a lot of cars to see. Plus CHP and Sheriff Helicopters their also. Did I mention it’s FREE to enter? Go to www.eaa376.org or call Steve LaFerrera at 559-906-4478 for more info. This is a neat event; you don’t want to miss it. Warren will be emailing everyone as this gets closer.

 

  • Martin talked about the breakfast run to Bass Lake on May 16 was a big hit. Ducey’s Restaurant turned out a fantastic meal. And of course driving the mountain roads was fun. Fantastic scenery.

  • Warren is going on a personal motorcycle run with his buddy. Going to Twain Heart, Sonora Pass, Markleeville, hwy 88, to Truckee, Downsville, and Auburn. At total of a whopping 1,000 miles. (Hope he has good padding)!

  • Also the Dixon British Car Show and Swap meet is Sept. 19, 2021. This is at the Dixon Fairgrounds. Check it out, www.ubscc.org Presented by United British Sports Car Club, of Sacramento.

  • Also for TRIUMPH owners. Triumphest is around the corner. Plan now. It’s October 14-15-16-17, 2021. A BIG event at Flagstaff Arizona. Go to the website www.triumphest.com Elevation is 6,910 feet.

 

New Business

  • Warren talked about the club coming to the Fresno Fly-in & Car Show at Sierra Sky Park which was June 19. It was a good turnout. (Let’s thank Warren for bringing a large tent which hind the sun).

  • Warren also mentions that the steering committee made a donation of $650.00 to Central Valley Veterans. This was made possible by our club members who entered their car at the car show in March. You may have seen their booth next to ours. Central Valley Veterans also sent a thankyou letter which warren read at last night meeting. If you would like to see more of what they do, go to www.centralvalleyveterans.org

  • Dennis talked about the July 24 club event at Paul Watts house (who is a new member) that has a eclectic collection of car memorabilia, photos, signage, rare NOS parts, brass items, tractor, fire engine items. All domestic, which there are 5 garages full of items from ceiling to floor? Also 5 concours cars on display and one is a 1979 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. There will be items that no one has ever seen. Some from WW2. Warren will send out an email later for this event. You don’t want to miss this!

  • Fred Peterson will have an event on Aug. 8. More to follow. This one is fantastic.

  • This summer marks the 60th anniversary of the MG Midget. And we have 3 members who drive one. Richard Fucillo, Diana Kirkorian, Crispen Morgenthaler. And their all red. How did that happen!!

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:00pm

Next meeting, set your calendar Aug. 3.
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July Member Spotlight

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Richard Fucillo


Okay, here's my bio, so to speak: I am a Per Diem CT (CAT Scanning) and MRI Technologist. I
work for Adventist Health in Hanford and Tulare. Everyone calls me FUGE. Sorta rhythms with
stooge and it all sort of fits... I am married to Dawn and we have a blue nose pit bull dog
named Ivey. Very docile dog. I have two boys from my previous marriage. My wife passed
away from metastatic breast cancer. Dawn has a son and a daughter from a previous
marriage. So, we have four grown children all told. And, we have four grandkids. Her son has
a daughter and my youngest son has three kids, two boys and a girl. I have a 1971 Chevrolet
Chevelle SS. It is black on black. I have had it for 15 years, bought through EBAY from a
gentleman in San Fernando Valley. Have put a lot of work into it. I have a 1977 MG Midget.
Again, bought it through EBAY from a gentleman in Las Vegas, Nevada. It has been a project
car. Got it very cheap as it needed a lot of work. Engine is in the final stages of a rebuild and
will put a five-speed transmission in it. I had a 1969 MG Midget when I lived in Hawaii in
1969-70 and loved it. Nice little car to zip around in. It should be done in the next month or
so. Hope this is okay. Richard (Fuge) Fucillo

 

June 2021 Monthly Meeting Report

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Meeting Information

  • Date: June 1, 2021

  • Meeting time: 6:30pm

  • Location: Papi’s Mexican Restaurant, Fresno. On E. Champlain / E. Shepherd

Officers Attending

  • Warren Prouty--President

  • Dennis Davi--Secretary/Treasurer

Officer Absent

  • Rick Rogers—Vice President

Members-at-Large

  • Martin Connolly, Russ Weber, Larry Zerwig

In Attendance

  • 17 members from the Fresno, Clovis, Sanger and Madera area.

Minutes

  • June meeting attendees approved minutes from the May 4, 2021 meeting.

Treasurer Report

  • 1 outstanding check #3002 for $275.34. Barricades for car show.

  • Balance as of June 1, 2021-$3,000.64

Members Report

  • As of June 1, 2021 we have 72 members

Old Business

  • Warren said Steve Phillips is experiencing motor trouble with his Mini. He will not participate in the British Extravaganza at Buttonwillow May 15-16, 2021.

  • Warren E-type (frankin-jag) thinks he might have forgot to install a 0-ring in the transmission which leaked and smoke came inside. Just in case, fire extinguisher in the front seat.

  • Warren asked if anyone would like to suggest the next car run, email him.

Jim Parnagian had reserved parking spaces for club members at the dinner meeting at A.J. Armenian Cuisine. Thank you

New Business

  • Warren mention the Fresno Fly-in & Car Show Event is June 19, 2021. From 8am-2pm. The club will drive in as a group. This is an Experimental Aircraft Association event. Free pancake, sausage, egg breakfast and coffee, orange juice, IF you enter your car. Otherwise it’s $8. There will be aircraft and a lot of cars to see. Plus CHP and Sheriff Helicopters their also. Did I mention it’s FREE to enter? Go to www.eaa376.0rg or call Steve LaFerrera at 559-906-4478 for more info. This is a neat event; you don’t want to miss it.

Warren will be emailing everyone as this gets closer.

  • Martin talked about the breakfast run to Bass Lake on May 16 was a big hit. Ducey’s Restaurant turned out a fantastic meal. And of course driving the mountain roads was fun. Fantastic scenery.

  • Warren is going a personnel motorcycle run with his buddy. Going to Twain Heart, Sonora Pass, Mark eVille, hwy 88, to Truckee, Downsville, and Auburn. At total of a whopping 1,000 miles. (Hope he has good padding)!

  • Also the Dixon British Car Show and Swap meet is Sept. 19, 2021. This is at the Dixon Fairgrounds. Check it out, www.ubscc.org Presented by United British Sports Car Club, of Sacramento.

  • Also for TRIUMPH owners. Triumphest is around the corner. Plan now. It’s October 14-15-16-17, 2021. A BIG event at Flagstaff Arizona. Go to the website www.triumphest.com Elevation is 6,910 feet.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30pm

Next meeting, set your calendar July 6.

 

 

 

June Member Spotlight
 
Stuart Hendricks

Occupation: Architect, also a Certified Access Specialist.

Hobbies: Enjoying, maintaining, repairing my British cars.

VBAC Membership: I have been a VBAC member since around 2003 or 2004. I do not participate in many Club activities due to living in Visalia (Just the round trip to Fresno in a LBC is a long ride!). I usually attend the Clovis Roundup, but have missed it the last few years due to schedule conflicts or the cars being down for one reason or another.

British Car Background:

  • The first British car I remember riding in was my stepmother’s 1954 Jaguar XK120 MC, need I say more? I was around 5 years old at the time. It was black with red interior and wire wheels. It had a plaque on the dash stating it was a replica of the car that did 140 mph. My father and stepmother owned the car until my early twenties and I did get to drive it several times.

  • I had a 1965 Triumph TR4 live axle in the mid-1970’s when I was in college. I went thru it mechanically, rebuilding the engine with a big bore kit and a mild cam, installing new synchros in the transmission, and getting the overdrive working. The cosmetics were not the best, but it ran very well. The car was unfortunately a victim of a hit and run accident and I ended up selling it as a running parts car.

Currently Owned British Cars:

  • 1974 Triumph TR6: Black on black with a chrome roll bar. I acquired the car in 2002, purchasing it from a friend who had owned it since the mid-1980’s. The car was originally sold new in Visalia to a gentleman in Tulare, he sold it to a young woman in Visalia in the Late 1970’s or early 1980’s, and my friend purchased it in the mid-1980’s. The young woman, who was the second owner, and her significant other (now husband), put the car in its current condition, black with black cloth interior. I have run into them a few times since I have owned the car. I have essentially just maintained the car since I have owned it.

  • 1969 MG B GT: Red with black interior and chrome wire wheels. I purchased the car in the spring of 2005 and it has been my daily driver since then. My philosophy regarding having a British car that is driven regularly, is that a person must have two British cars so that when one is not working, you can drive the other one (Although the MG has been fairly reliable). Work I have done to the MG: New wire wheels, new front suspension bushings, reupholstered seats and new door panels, GM alternator, re-wire 50% of the car and installed multiple relay switches, alarm with remote locks, rebuilt front suspension, new clutch, and I had it repainted in the spring of 2020.

  • 1967 MG B GT: Project car. I acquired the car 8-10 years ago as a shell (body plus suspension). I grew up in the American muscle car era, and am a hot rodder at heart, so my grand plan is to install a small block Ford for power (SBF in lieu of Rover V8 due to aftermarket parts availability). Progress is very slow. If you are interested in British car engine swaps, check out http://www.britishv8.org and look at the photo galleries.

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