RICHARD DICK
(1924-2019)
Richard Dick, a long time lover of automobiles in general and M.G.’s in particular, sadly died on Thursday 31st January at the age of 94, just four months after his wife Nicole pre-deceased him.
Richard was a pilot during the 2nd World War and his thoughts on that topic alone could fill a book.
Although he had a passion for fast sports cars and saloons and especially for M.G.’s, it was the Y Series of saloons and tourers that he had a soft spot for.
In his own words he was `devoted’ to the Y ever since he purchased new his first one, PKJ 570, in 1952. He used the car not only for business purposes but also pleasure through extensive rallying. He became a member of the London Motor Club (and the badge is still displayed on the impressive badge bar on his current YB) and one of his ventures was on an LMC rally in 1953 that included timed acceleration and braking tests.
Richard continued to rally a range of cars, whether competitive or not, after selling his YB. These included Z Type Magnettes, Triumph TR2’s, Sunbeam Alpines, Jaguars and many others over the next 50 years or so.
Following retirement Richard decided to see if he could find his original YB (PKJ 570) but this proved to be a fruitless search. He eventually came across his current YB. Registered USV 420 (originally LED 51) was purchased in 1987 and was discovered after having been in storage for over 30 years, the car had been on the road for little more than four years. It was very original, with the interior untouched and having only 30,000 miles on the clock when Richard bought it. He then had it resprayed and rechromed.
The final thoughts on Y ownership are captured in Richard’s words, which I am sure will resonate with many of those fortunate enough to have driven or owned such a model. This was in 2011.
`USV 420 has been my pride and joy for the last 24 years and at the age of 87 pottering around our local lanes with the present (April) beautiful weather is the perfect way to enjoy fully my Y Type’
I am fortunate enough to have known Richard for over 25 years, a friendship that was forged when I too acquired a Y Type in 1992. Richard invited me to come with him to Abingdon and drive the YB.
Well it was a journey to remember and was the first time that I had driven a Y for more than 14 years. I became more than aware of Richard’s ability as a raconteur and his knowledge of many of the impressive sports that I had lusted after as a school boy. It was more than that as he had actually driven many of the models.
In 1997 Dennis Doubtfire, the then Secretary of the MGCC Y Register, asked if I would like to build on the success that we had had at the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the `Birth of the Y’. I said that I would be more than happy but would need some help…. enter Richard.
Richard participated in many local events and became my guide in developing the Spring Run routes for nearly 10 years. Richard chose the route, whilst I acted as the interpreter and translated this into the route books that always form part of the events that Jo (my wife) and I have put together.
Richard’s knowledge of the Cotswolds emerged from his weekly rambles over many years, following his retirement, when he selected the routes and led groups of enthusiastic walkers, something that he continued to do until just a few years ago. This intimate knowledge proved to be a godsend in setting out our annual event. I owe Richard a huge gratitude in sharing his unique appreciation of this particular countryside and making the Spring Runs the success that they have become over the years.
Richard’s YB is now safely looked after by his son Patrick who lives in Australia.
Richard with son Patrick
Richard had a broad range of interests. These covered not only classic cars but also his involvement with the Vulcan Project, work at Coventry Air Museum and the Wellesbourne Flying Club.
He had a great thrill in flying model aircraft including indoor flying in his local village hall. Occasionally these flights came to grief and Colette, his daughter, recalled the rebuilding process that arose as a result!
Like many of us I will miss Richard and extend our sympathies to his four children Robert, Patrick, Colette and Annick and their families.
Jerry Birkbeck