ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox

The technical demonstrations, particularly cutaway engines and gearboxes, are a hallmark of the NAIAS. Chrysler, Ford and General Motors excelled at these exhibits. Most unusual was the longitudinally sliced Ford. You could literally walk between the sections and it was so popular that an unobstructed photo was not possible. There were more marvels than explanations about the mechanical innovations, but the pneumatically operated intake valves on several Ford production engines suggest that Formula 1 racing technology is still contributing to our everyday lives. A relatively small exhibit by ZF (pronounced in the Continental ‘zed-ef’ manner) showed a remarkably complex 8-speed automatic gearbox with a take-off for AWD and presumably available on some Chrysler models.

We all wore out by the time of the first rendezvous at the Honda Indy car and were soon in the pool back at the Greenfield Inn. We paddled about, soaked in the hot whirlpool and ventured into the dry sauna for a decent interval before abandoning all for the wooden paneling, leather chairs and favorite drinks in the lounge.

The next day began again with a large complimentary breakfast-to-order, after which some of us spent a short time looking at some of the 996 automotive prints, posters, photographs and drawings that line the corridors of the first and second floors of the Inn. But shortly thereafter it was time to be shuttled back to the train station for the ride back to Chicago. The train crew helped us prolong the trip a little by making certain we missed the 4:30 trains back to the suburbs, so we were for forced to spend an hour in the top level of the Snuggery.

Altogether, this was another very pleasant trip with congenial club members, and we cannot wait for Amtrak 2013.

--Ann and Jake Snyder

On Line Regalia:

If you have not visited our own on-line Regalia Store at "fieldhouse.com/mg" in the last few weeks, then you are in for a treat.

We have added some new items. A variety of Tee shirts especially for men, women and youth have been added. Our club logo is silk screened on the Tee shirts instead of embroidered. As is Fieldhouse's normal choice for Chicagoland MG Club Members, we can select the color logo that goes best with the color of the Tee shirt that is selected.

Another choice is the size of the logo that is silk screened on the shirt. The large size choice covers the front of the shirt while the smaller size logo covers the left breast. You can further personalize the Tee shirt by adding your name on the back.

We ordered several of the Tee shirts and they will be available for viewing and purchase at our January meeting and at our booth at the February Swap Meet. Happy buying!

--George Phariss

Welcome New Members!

The officers and members of the Chicagoland MG Club extend a cordial “MG Welcome” to the new member who has joined our club in recent months. We wish you “Safety Fast” and hope you will avail yourself of as many club activities as you can.

Sherwin Waldman	Highland Park, IL	1978 red MGB
Walter Szempruch	Gurnee, IL   1975 & 1974 white MGB
Dan Algarin	West Chicago, IL	1974 white MGB

Note: To any member whose name does not appear above, your application may have missed our deadline. If you don’t see your name next month, call our Membership Chair, Victor L’Heureux at (847) 516-3093 to verify.