Verona

Way back in 1982 and 1983, the MG Car Company of Australia had an unbeatable MG Midget race car. Peter Lawson and Geoff McGrath prepared the car, and it was exceedingly well driven by a young lady named Verona Larkin. During 1983, Verona set a lap record at every circuit the car was entered, and finished the year (if I recall correctly) as the New South Wales Sports Car Champion. The car was then retired, and Verona retired to Queensland. (Verona, where are you?)

The Midget has sat in the MGCC workshop since 1984, occasionally being moved around, having things fall on it, all the usual things that happen over 21 years.

Much to my Bride's "surprise" (to use a polite word) I bought the car just yesterday, 23 December, for my Christmas present!

As you can clearly see, there is a bit of work required before Verona hits the track again, but I can see now why it was so fast in 1983.

Triumph 2500cc flat top pistons, 2.940" bore (that's .160" oversize) with stroked crank giving 1491cc

split 45DCOE Webers

fabricated upper and lower front suspension arms

  

giant ventilated brake discs with 4-spot callipers, on what looks like Triumph Herald uprights

split circuit braking system with balance bar

Detroit Locker MGB diff centre grafted into Midget housing. Sorry no picture - it's dark under there.

UPDATE 25 January 2005

Well we found the real Verona, as cheeky as ever.

Here's what she had to say:

"I am living halfway between Kenilworth & Cooroy in Noosa hinterland on 5 acres and have a small wholesale citrus nursery producing container grown grafted plants for the retailers. Pretty casual lifestyle. I've haven't sat my bum in a car since 1985 with the exception of going to Sydney & Oran Park with Bernie Cashin a few years ago for the celebration of 35 years of Formula Vee Racing before the national titles. Have swapped four slicks for four hooves with two horses - a quarterhorse which is 19 years old and I have had her from a foal and an Arab mare on which I have been doing a few endurance rides -80-100klms in a day. Could become quite addictive if you let it I think, just like motor racing.

Was great to go to the track again, courtesy of my old mate Bruce and had a great time. Bruce wanted me to drive his midget but I chickened out - maybe later on."