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CHAPTER HISTORY
The North
American MGA Register (NAMGAR) was organized in July 1975 to
coincide with the 50th anniversary of the MG marque.
The objective of the Register is to further the preservation and
enjoyment of the MGA which was manufactured between 1955 and
1962 and to promote the camaraderie of individuals owning these
wonderful automobiles.
NAMGAR,
founded by local Washington DC metropolitan area MG enthusiasts,
also operated as the de facto club for the Capital Beltway area
MGA owners. These founding members assumed duties as officers
of the Register and as important, provided the behind-the-scenes
support that helped make the Register successful. As NAMGAR
grew and the leadership functions began to extend to members
across the country, area MGA enthusiasts were once again able to
focus on local activities and decided in April 1978 to form a
regional chapter to be known as the Mid-Atlantic Chapter, also
recognized as The Birthplace of NAMGAR.
Present for
that first organization meeting were Jerry Fralick, Joan San,
Pat & Joe Kane and Martha & Bill Ludtke. Other supporting
members that were not able to attend that meeting included
Carolyn & W.B Edge, John & Patricia Snead, Richard & Pat Newman,
Mike & Maureen McCall, Ross Fischer, Ruth & Len Renkenberger,
John Repass, Mac & Billie Spears, Margaret Cox, Warren Authur,
Michelle & Ralph Cattaneo, Mary & Joe Schiavone, John & Linda
Wright, Jeff & Terri Surdyk, and Beverly & Bill Larkin.
Officers
elected were Jerry Fralick as Chapter Chairman, Martha Ludtke as
Secretary/Treasurer, Joe & Pat Kane as Membership Chairman and
Bill Ludtke as Technical Sessions Coordinator.
From our
beginning, the Mid-Atlantic Chapter has followed the objectives
of NAMGAR towards the preservation and enjoyment of the MGA
which included an active roll in the early national GT events.
As noted, during this time frame NAMGAR continued to serve DC
area members as the local club and local members were very much
involved with the operation of GT-1, held in Harpers Ferry, WV
in July 1976. Five years later GT-6 found NAMGAR back in
Harpers Ferry, this time organized in association with the now
established Mid-Atlantic Chapter. The Mid-Atlantic Chapter also
hosted GT-15 in Williamsburg, VA in 1990 and provided much of
the legwork and support for the NAMGAR-hosted GT-25 held in
Morgantown, WV in 2000.
The
Mid-Atlantic Chapter continues to be active in the MGA community
by hosting social events such as our Pub Nights, annual Chili
Competition, the infamous ‘Ool Party (no P in this Pool!)
and Old Town fireworks viewing on the 4th as well as
driving events with our Drives to Lunch and participation in
local car shows. Our members continue to welcome and encourage
those new to the MGA pastime by providing historical
information, technical advice and sometimes good old fashion
dirty-hands support. We are proud founding members of NAMGAR
continue to claim the Mid-Atlantic Chapter as their home club.
We are also
proud of the eclectic collection of MGAs owned by our members.
From daily drivers to nicely restored vehicles, an
original-owner Twin Cam to NAMGAR Premier Class winners, Project
Cars of the Mid-Atlantic to historical Sebring restorations,
with a few Altered As and vintage racers tossed in the mix as
well. We welcome all MGA enthusiasts and their cars and our
only standard for admission is a passion for the MGA!
Safety
Fast
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