Crystal River, April 21 -23, 2017
GOF South LI - Short for Gathering of the Faithful 51st annual southern rendezvous of MGs and MG enthusiasts. Above, a line of MGAs, many in the most favored color red, pose for the judging of the car show, every one a beautiful example of the marque and of the first aerodynamic bodied MG. GOF is an extravaganza of experiences. The cars, of course, are a big part of the event, but meeting people, discussing cars, sharing meals, and driving tours on back roads, including the Tail of the Gator, are what make the event enjoyable and memorable.
These two MGs and three people were at the first GOF South, in 1967. History and tradition of recognizing the marque was displayed in the cars and in stories of the original events attendees. When the GOF first began, MGs in America were not that historic as the first MG was not imported to the U.S. by the factory until 1947.
The two cars above and the line of cars to the right are MGTDs, produced from 1950 through 1953. A majority of TDs manufactured were sent to the United States. Over 94% of the production of TDs were exported, less than 6% were sold in Great Britain. The exportation numbers were part of the effort to rebuild war-torn Great Britain after WWII. The TD was the first MG to be offered with left-hand steering.
There is always a long line of MGBs at MG events. The B was the most produced MG model (over 500,000) and built for the most years, 1962 - 1980. MG ended productions of cars in 1979, closing the Abington, England, manufacturing plant on the 50th anniversary of its opening.
In contrast, there was a rare MGA Twin Cam on display. Only 2111 Twin Cams were built. The double overhead camshaft engine was engineered to produce more horsepower for racing, particularly at the 24 Hours of LeMans race.
And, while not as rare, a less often seen MGA Coupe was in attendance. The fixed hardtop gives the car a different look and it was found to provide a higher top speed in racing due to the changed aerodynamics. Ventilation was not the best and this black hardtop has been modified to care for the occupants with air conditioning.
While many MGs have some modification to make them better driving cars for higher speed modern roads, some owners have used the MG platform to create cars with major modifications. This silver MGB has about every aspect of the car modified, body to drivetrain. It was deemed the best of the cars in the modified class.
It is appropriately powered by an English Rover V8 engine. MG did produce an MGBV8 with a Rover engine, but this engine is larger in displacement and is installed in a car that came originally with a 4 cylinder. A wide variety of MGs were on display, varying in model, year produced, and the distance from stock form.
GOF South was held at the Plantation Inn, Crystal River, Florida, providing a beautiful setting along the river for cars and camaraderie. The Crystal River area also provided some great, windy roads along the shore and out to offshore islands for drives in the sporty MGs.
While not the end of the road for MGs - there will be a GOF South LII near Orlando in 2018 - this image of Road Ends Here will conclude this post.
