The MG Heritage: Octagon Story exhibition at Devon House in Taikoo Place sparked an idea that could revive confidence in Hong Kong this week. Hypnotised by the chrome of a 1947 MG TC, the sheen of a 1974 MGB (right) and fascinated by the memorabilia displays of the British marque, Foot Down thought the show's organisers, Swire Properties and the MG Owners' Club of Hong Kong, should ring animal-rights expert Jill Robinson. If Robinson's Dr Dog project can work wonders with the SAR's unwell, a 'Dr Cars' concept could be equally therapeutic to the business community. Look what happened to Foot Down last week. We were a little down in the dumps when, having slashed our own budget, we learned 20 second-rank officials of the SAR Government were still driving BMW 735Lis (below), at $950,000 a pop and at 10.7 litres per 100km. Paid for, perhaps, by an imminent Budget that is expected to be 'shared' by everyone. So we popped out for a walk, and there were the classic MGs. Drawn to their glint, and high at the sight of pristine spokes and polished dashboards, we swear the MG TC, built as a postwar pick-me-up in austerity-era Britain, winked: 'Chin up, son.' Foot Down forgot the gloom in an instant, packed up our troubles and resumed work, whistling a happy tune, convinced that workers from what's left of PCCW and other recession-hit Quarry Bay-based firms must have felt a similar lift. So we think with Dr Dog's help, Swire Properties, the MG and Classic Car clubs could perform similar work for government lawyers at Pacific Place, over-rostered pilots in Tung Chung, and sandwich-class families zapped by higher credit-card fees and negative equity at Cityplaza and Festival Walk. And if Hongkong Land got on board with 'Dr Cars', who knows, the Hang Seng could hit 20,000 points by July as the gentle stroke of a Fiat 500's or the unconditional love of a classic Beetle's bonnet instils optimism among Exchange Square's lunching financiers. This afternoon's MG Concourse at Taikoo Place is another potential pick-me-up. 'There are 18 confirmed entries including one of the only two MGCs left in Hong Kong,' says event organiser Simon Clennell. 'We now have at least one example of every MG type known to exist still in Hong Kong [TC, TD, TF, MGA, MGB, MGB GT, MGC, Midget, RV8 and MGF] and can safely say it will be the biggest and most comprehensive line-up of MGs seen [in the SAR] in recent memory.' Foot Down looks forward to seeing Jay Chun's 1955 light green MG TF, Kent Luk's red 1957 MGA and Niall Stirling's red 1969 MGC, all of which are on display for the first time. And while the exhibits will compete for display prizes, the public can vote for their 'Dream MG' too, and win Uny shopping coupons, UA Cityplaza Director's Club tickets and other offers from Island East outlets. Sounds like fun. See you there. We also learn Hong Kong has Scalextric fever, thanks to Foot Down's mention of the slot-racing sets' suitability for a Christmas present. A spokeswoman of Bumps To Babes (Unit 8-18, 21/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing St, Ap Lei Chau, tel: 2552 5000) says her store's shelves emptied fast over the holidays. 'People of all ages have been coming in,' she says, adding customers who had just bought sets were coming back for more track and cars. 'One man came in and said, 'I'm 35 and I'm jolly well going to buy myself a Scalextric, because my father never bought me one',' the spokeswoman says. She added she had heard some households had even arranged Scalextric and beer parties, while David Neil of Sai Kung-based Carrera Cars, Scalextric's Hong Kong distributors, sent us 'a Caterham Cup set for you to play with, as a token of our appreciation. Please let me know if you would like it.' We sure do and, when our sub-editors have checked the set (below) is in working order, we'll offer it as a prize to the first person who can answer these questions correctly: 1. When was Scalextric invented? (a) 1952, (b) 1962, (c) 1841 2. Who is the current Formula 1 World Champion? (a) Ralph Schumacher, (b) Bob the Builder, (c) Postman Pat 3. A tie-breaker. Answer this: Could Hong Kong should stage a F1 Grand Prix? If so, where in the SAR would you set up the circuit? The first five runners-up will receive genuine Hong Kong taxi-drivers' gloves (value $3). Send your answers to Foot Down on fax 2562 2485 or e-mail william.wadsworth@scmp.com . And finally. Is a BMW 735i limousine really appropriate for Hong Kong Government officials? Would less expensive cars suffice? Tell us your views.