2011 News
To provide a complete history of all our News items over the years, here is the complete thread from 2011.
19 December 2011: Costello Cartoon cards ready "Abbott and Costello"
Cartoonist Richard Wade has generously commissioned some wonderful framed Costello prints (and smaller greeting cards) in a limited run of 100. The prints depict two Costellos parked outside the Abbaye d'Orvalwatched over by a monastic figure with the strapline "Abbott and Costello". If you would like either a print of a card contact David Wiggins (MkII GT) who can explain how to pay and arrange delivery. They will sell quickly so grab one while you can. Priority will be given for Costello owners.
16 December: First Costello in Czech Republic.
Marek Skok has exported Peter Collis' MGB 88V MkII Roadster to his home in the Czech Republic - which we believe is a first. We await news on his plans for the car and hope to see him in the New Year at our Gatheringevents.
12 December: New Zealand Costello sold.
Barry Keene is now the proud new driver of Iain Barraclough's one-owner MkII Roadster. Barry will be investing in a Costello Certificate of Authenticity and will update us on his plans to fettle the car. New photographs will also be forthcoming.
3 December: Costello Barn Find!
Another Costello has surfaced, this one being unearthed in a barn in the Forrest of Dean. It's a red Mk I GT and you can find more details about the car and owner Mark Dew in the Restorations section.
17 December: Costello Cartoon cards ready "Abbott and Costello"
Cartoonist Richard Wade has generously commissioned some wonderful framed Costello prints (and smaller greeting cards) in a limited run of 100. The prints depict two Costellos parked outside the Abbaye d'Orvalwatched over by a monastic figure with the strapline "Abbott and Costello". If you would like either a print of a card contact David Wiggins (MkII GT) who can explain how to pay and arrange delivery. They will sell quickly so grab one while you can. Priority will be given for Costello owners.
16 December: First Costello in Czech Republic.
Marek Skok has exported Peter Collis' MGB 88V MkII Roadster to his home in the Czech Republic - which we believe is a first. We await news on his plans for the car and hope to see him in the New Year at our Gathering events.
12 December: New Zealand Costello sold.
Barry Keene is now the proud new driver of Iain Barraclough's one-owner MkII Roadster. Barry will be investing in a Costello Certificate of Authenticity and will update us on his plans to fettle the car. New photographs will also be forthcoming.
3 December: Costello Barn Find!
Another Costello has surfaced, this one being unearthed in a barn in the Forrest of Dean. It's a red Mk I GT and you can find more details about the car and owner Mark Dew in the Restorations section.
30th October: Rutland Gathering a success!
In all, eight MGB Costellos made it to Rutland for an autumnal run in the glorious English countryside. Many thanks to Alison Johnson for organising this one. Read more about the event here.
3rd October: Costello Fuel Tanks now available
Now available to special order: Costello extended-range fuel tanks (circa 14 gallons) for post 1966 cars. These tanks are laser cut and beautifully fabricated in high-grade 1.2 mm stainless steel, so they will never rust out. They are fully baffled and available in two versions, for both carburated and, with integral swirl pot, for injected engines. Very competitively priced as compared to aluminium, they cost £375 for the carburettor version and £425 for the injected one. Prices are plus VAT and shipping. Contact Lawrence if you require one of these gems.
5th October: Latest news on the Rutland Gathering
Numbers for this Midlands get together are increasing with now 10 cars confirmed in attendance. ContactAlison Johnson for more details or see earlier News items for a downloadable guide to the event.
30 September: Costello restoration underway in France
Judith Goertz has been in contact from Northern France with the great news that her Costello restoration is now finally underway. Her Autumn Leaf MkI GT looks set to be a fabulous car when finished in 2012. Read her updated profile in the Restorations section.
20 September: Costello For Sale in Devon
Peter and Wendy Collis' car has undergone some cosmetic enhancements (rubber to chrome and other updates) and is now back up for sale on eBay and this site. Take a look at the end of the Roadsters section and For Sale page for more details.
03 September: German Costello Restoration continues apace
Bodo Aden's car is taking shape nicely - yet another German Costello soon to hit the road. Pictures of his car have been uploaded to the Gallery pages.
15th August: Read about Bodo Alen's restoration project in Germany
We now have word from Bodo on his impressive MkII GT restoration work on this original Brighton car. Have a look atop the Restorations page. Many thanks to Peter Brodt for his translation services :)
11th August: Rutland Costello Gathering taking shape for 22/23 October:
Plans are now taking shape for the annual UK Costello Gathering, this year around Rutland Water, Leicestershire. Please right-click and open the attached PDF information booklet and if you are interested in attending, email Alison Johnson or Lawrence Wood as numbers will be required soon in order to book dinners and lunches. Get involved and let's make this the biggest ever gathering of MG Costellos!
27th July: Dates announced for second Costello Gathering on 2011 - in Rutland, UK
Calling all Costello owners! Please put aside the 22nd and 23rd of October 2011 to attend the Rutland Costello Gathering. This second meeting of the year will take place around the idyllic English countryside close to Rutland Water. More details will be forthcoming, but rest assured there will be plenty of rolling hills over which you may test your Costello, plenty of English pubs to refresh the driver and passenger, and a few stately homes by which we can relax and enjoy the view. Drop Alison Johnson or Lawrence Wood a line if you wish to know more, or simply to register your interest.
13th July: Cartoonist to Commission limited edition prints for MG Costellos
MkII GT-driving and regular Gathering-attendee David Wiggins has commissioned the motoring cartoonistRichard Wade to compose some cartoons of a selection of our cars outside the Abbaye d'Orval during the Ardennes Gathering: a pun around the theme of "Abbaye and Costello", as it were. See some of Richard's work at www.richardwade-art.com.
David has generously agreed to fund the original, whilst prints - framed or not - will be offerred to sale for any Costello owner. Cost will depend on the size of the work but are expected to retail at less than 80 pounds. Ken will of course be sent one gratis, accompanied by a donation from each sale.
26th June: Plans underway for next Costello Gathering in the UK, 2011
We always endeavour to create two Gatherings per year - one in Europe in Spring and one in the UK in Autumn to attempt to provide a meeting place for as many Costellos as possible. Plans are underway for the cars to meet in Leicestershire/Rutland in late September or October. Thanks to Alison and Andrew Johnson for taking this on. More news soon....
18th June: Jurgen Hauber sends an update on the history of his Mk II Roadster
This car is the only Costello known to be on the road today which has the original 5-speed Ken Costello gearbox in place. Read more about the car on the Roadsters page.
15th June: Updates to Lawrence Wood's Mk I Roadster.
09 June: Ardennes Gathering report now live!
Click here to read a short report on the recent gathering of 9 MG Costellos in both Namur and Spa Francorchamps.
03 June: Record attendance at the 2011 Costello Gathering in the Belgian Ardennes
In the end it was 9 MG Costellos that gathered at the majestic Chateau Namur in the Ardennes region of Belgium. Two further Costello owners also arrived in modern vehicles - unable to bring their own respective GT and Roadster. A full report and gallery of photographs will be uploaded in a few days time. Thanks once again to Ben, Pierre and Lawrence for organising this successful weekend.
19th May: Peter Brodt - owner of TWO Costellos!
As if owning one of these fabulous cars is not enough, Peter has just bought James Ostler's black MkII Roadster. This car will be expatriated to Germany where it will sit alongside Peter's other Costello - a MkI GT. Congratualtions to both James and Peter on the sale and we look forward to seeing the GT in Belgium in a couple of weeks' time.
18th May: Costello Roadster to feature in David Knowles' new book.
Lawrence Wood's MkI Roadster will be featuring in a photo shoot at Beaulieu, UK, on the 27th May as part of a new publication by David Knowles (published by Crowood Press) on the history of the MG V8. Lawrence will then have to drive from Beaulieu across Britain to Folkestone to catch a train to the Ardennes for the annual Gathering - and what better car in which to do it!
17th May: Record ELEVEN Costellos gathering in Belgium.
A new record will be set on the 28th May when eleven Costellos will meet in Namur, Belgium for a weekend of driving, beer tasting and lapping of the Spa Francorchamps F1 circuit. This number of Costellos represents more than were at the other Gatherings in Tilford and Runswick Bay and probably represents the greatest number of cars gathered together at one time - even when the Costello Engineering workshops were at full capacity in the early 1970s. Keep an eye on this website in early June for a full report and plenty of great photographs.
05 April: Ardennes Gathering popularity soaring!
Some 8 Costellos are now confirmed as attending our Gathering in the Ardennes region of Belgium. Pierre Damiron has also succeeded in finding allocated Club parking for us to show our cars at the Spa Classic on the Sunday. We also hope to be able to drive the Formula One circuit itself as part of some parade laps! Sign up now by emailing Lawrence Wood - please also let him know the number of passengers in your Costello..
02 March: Another TWO Costellos join the site.
Please take a look at both Steve Minns' Racing Green GT - which perhaps we will see in Belgium at the Costello Gathering in May - and Bodo Aden's German restoration project, which we won't! Ken Costello has recently authenticated the latter as one of his own and the car is currently being re-shelled and completely rebuilt.
07 February: Another Costello sold...
Roger Anderson has purchased Chris Ward's fabulous MkI GT. Fresh from restoration this car is looking as good as new, and can be found gracing the streets of coastal Kent. Take a look in the GTs section
27th January: Coupes de Printemps, Autodrome de Monthlery, Paris, France - Saturday 26th March.
This friendly track-day will use the 3.3-kilometre track, which includes the banking and its three chicanes. A French Costello owner has been in touch with the organiser, Flavien Marcais - a noted classic racer - who is happy to open this event to Costello owners. Click here to download the application form, where explanations are in both French and English. Payment is possible via bank wire. In case of assistance contact Flavien via email.
To take part and drive this legendary circuit, you must revert directly to Flavien for individual confirmations. The event starts at 0800 and is located 20/30 km south of Paris. To date, three Costellos (2 from UK) are registered. Hope to see you there!
26th January: Details for 2011 Costello Gathering Announced - 28th to 30th May.
This year will see a (hopefully!) record number of Costellos gather in the Ardennes forest, Belgium. We will be meeting in the town of Namur and driving to the Gaume region, including a visit to the Orval abbey for a beer and some cheese tasting. Further details will be forthcoming in April. There will also be a bag of goodies and a plaque to commemorate the occasion for all participants!
24th January: Pierre Damiron purchases Stephane Vanoverschelde's white GT
Pierre and Claire Damiron have been in touch with news of their purchase of Stephane's Old English White restored GT. This is a popular Costello, residing in Northern France, and enjoyed an appearance at theChampagne Gathering in May 2010. Read about Claire's purchase in the GT section.
22nd January: Watch Out for Octane!
The next issue of this great magazine carries a splendid seven page spread on Ken Costello and three of his creations - Andrew Johnson's MGC, Roger Cook's Mk III GT and Lawrence Wood's Mk I Roadster. Well worth ordering from your newsagent!