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MG TD TF 1500 - OT - Beer

Just picked up a six pack of "Old Speckled Hen" The carton said it was the No 1 ale in the UK. On the back of the label it says:

"This ale takes its name not from a bird but from a car, the much loved, paint spattered MG factory run-around known as the "Owld Speckl'd Un"

Any idea what model it refers to? Did everyone know this but me?
Bob McLeod TD 5618

this was the best link I could find and its not so good.
Just a model.

http://www.abingdonblog.co.uk/?p=7067

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

I never gave it much thought, as far as where the name came from,, but a GOOGLE search has a lot of info and pictures,,
Thanks to Bob for bringing this to our attention!!

Steve
Steve Wincze

And that is about piss for beer...undrinkable.
8^)
Gene Gillam

See http://www.mgcc.co.uk/old-speckled-hen-at-mg90/ It was a prototype 9experimental model in 1927 called an "MG Featherlight Saloon". Bud
Bud Krueger

> VIDEO: Old Speckled Hen - as introduced by the Fox
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMk_rtdkSCA

> VIDEO: Old Speckled Henry - Coming to America!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xLHvPp6Csg

> Old Speckled Hen - Our History
http://www.oldspeckledhen.co.uk/our-history

Lonnie
TF7211

LM Cook

I just read Bud's link to the MG Car Club.

Seems the explanations by the MG Car Club and the Old Speckled Hen Brewery differ.

>> MG Car Club:
The name chosen was “Old Speckled Hen”, which took its name from an unusual car which the story goes was built as an experimental model in 1927. This car was called the “MG Featherlight Saloon” which featured cellulosed fabric stretched over a wooden frame, and was finished in black speckled with gold. It became the factory’s general runabout, and as it chugged around, people would say in their Oxfordshire tones: “There gus the owd speck’ld un….”

>> Old Speckled Hen website: (old website)
Named after an old MG car which was used as the factory run around, the chaps in the factory would park the old MG Feeatherweight Fabric Saloon outside the paint shop where it would normally get spattered in paint and so it became known as the 'Owld Speckl'd Un'. This became 'Old Speckled Hen' when the beer was unveiled.

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

They're as near as dammit though Lonnie. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Picture of it from Malcolm Allison's book 'The Magic of MG'

David

David Wardell

... and it still exists. Here it is at the timeline of MG models at MG90 at Silverstone in 2014.

David

David Wardell

As an Abingdonian that once worked at Morland's brewery I can say that the loss of the brewery from the town was very significant. They called themselves "The Artists of Brewing". What they made was not bad at all though I have tasted better. I do like Old Speckled Hen though, despite the fact it is made by Greene King in Bury St Edmunds now. It wasn't one of the traditional Morland brews either, but a special dreamt up shortly before they were acquired and shut down. I doubt it would appeal much to American taste brought up on Millers or Bud. That is unless you like the kind of beer made by St Arnold's in Houston (recommended).
Dave H
Dave Hill

I'm quite fond of OSH. A problem that I have now, since my move to Georgia, is that the nearest distributor is 40 miles away. Back in Plymouth, MA, I had three local package stores carrying it. I've heard a rumor that some tavern in this area has it on tap. Must find them. Bud
Bud Krueger

This thread was discussed between 28/11/2016 and 29/11/2016

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