Classic M.G. Cars: MG TC, MGA, MGB GT LE, GT V8, MG Midget

What Is Your Favourite Classic British Sports Car Of All Time?

MG Cars - Part 2

MG TC

This is one of many illustrated classic car guides I've created for the community. I hope you enjoy it and if you would like to find out more about the classic MG car art featured in this guide please click here.

If asked to name a model that typified the classic sports-car, then the chances are that the majority would suggest one or other of the T-series MGs. The T-Series, with their sweeping winglines, fold-flat windscreens, cut-away doors and headlamps hung on the radiator, were for many a glorious introduction to open two-seater motoring. Production of the M.G. TC began just five weeks after the Second World War had ended. Offered at a basic price of £375 the model ran until 1949 by which time some 10,000 TCs had been assembled. Fitted with a 1250cc four-cylinder engine producing 54bhp, the model's top speed was around 77mph (124km/h) with 0-60mph (0-96km/h) coming up in 23 seconds.

MG MGA

It was a proud day in Abingdon's history in March 1962 when the 100,000th MGA was produced. Total MGA production of all types amounted to 101,081 of which 2,111 were Twin-cams. The 100,000 mark of "pushrod" cars was missed by a mere 1,030 units. The MGA Mk2 was introduced in June 1961 at the same time as the Sprite - based on the MG Midget. Styling changes included a new grille with near-vertical bars and inside the car a new padded facia added to the safety of the MkII MGA. Behind the engine bay outlets the legend "1600 MkII" also appeared to identify the model further. Replaced by the MGB in 1962, the MGA remains as one of Abingdon's finest creations. Its smooth lines and seductive shape make it one of the all-time classic British sports-cars.

MG MGB

From the MGB's introduction in 1962 right up until 1980 when it was finally discontinued, the MGB underwent a number of styling changes to bring it up to date and in line with the competition and styling trends. The first major external restyling to the model took place from October 1969 with the introduction of the recessed type grille and the addition of pressed steel Rostyle wheels (wire wheels remained an option). Still designated the Mk2, atitle which was applied to post Autumn 1967 MGBs by virtue of their mechanical improvements the "Leylandization" of the model had begun and the MGB, like the other models in the range, had started to lose some of its original identity.

MG Midget

In 1974 the MGB and Midget received their last major facelift when they were fitted with massive polyurethane black bumpers dictated by the latest American regulations. Their appearance was so drastically altered that there was a storm of protests from MG purists. The Midget still designated the MkIII underwent major surgery in the engine department too, as the A-Series 1275cc Cooper based engine was replaced by a 1493cc Triumph unit coupled to a Morris Marina all-synchromesh transmission. Power was up to 65bhp @ 5500rpm with better torque, raising the top speed to a little over 100mph (161km/h), and acceleration from 0-60mph now took 12.3 seconds. Unfortunately through, changes to the suspension and the extra weight had a detrimental effect on handling and the car had lost some of its crispness.

MG MGB GT LE

Although the last MGB's rolled off the production line in October 1980, the launch of the Limited Edition (LE) models was delayed by British Leyland until the January of 1981. There were just 1,000 of the Limited Edition models divided up as follows: 420 open Tourers in metalic bronze with gold LE side livery and 580 GTs in metallic pewter with silver LE side livery. Centre-lock wire wheels were fitted to 208 of the open cars while all the others were given five-spoke cast alloy wheels were fitted to 208 of the open cars while all the others were given five-spoke cas alloy wheels and shod with 185/70 SR - 14" tyres. Prices new in the UK were £6,445 for the Roadster LE and £6,937 for the GT LE. The very last cars off the line were in fact a MGB Roadster and a MGB GT in LE livery and both of these went straight into the care of British Leyland Heritage.

MG MGB GT V8

Launched in August 1973, the MGB GT V8 replaced the MGC as the "big-engined-B" and took the model into a different league. With the lightweight 3.5 litre Rover V8 engine nestling comfortably in the B's nose, 124mph (199km/h) was possible and 0-60mph (0-96km/h) took 8.6 seconds, a far cry from four cylinder's bare 100mph (161km/h) and 12 seconds to the yardstick 60, and faster than the MGC's 10 seconds and approximately 120mph (193km/h) top speed. Built between April 1973 and September 1976, a total of 2,591 V8s were produced. Distinguishing features of the V8 were the attractive alloy wheels and of course the discreet V8 badging to the tailgate, front wings, and in the case of the chrome bumper models, on the front grille.

Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!

Classic MG Cars: MGB, Magnette, MGA, MG Midget, TF, MGC

What Is Your Top British Sports Car?

MG Cars - Part 1

This is one of many illustrated classic car guides I've created for the community. I hope you enjoy it. If you wish to find out more about the classic MG car art featured in this guide please click here.

This guide celebrates the classic modern MG models.

MG Magnette

Launched in 1953 the M.G. Magnette was the first MG saloon to be built following the formation of the British Motor Corporation. Sharing body pressings with the Wolseley 4/44, it was powered by a new 1,489cc. BMC engine, which untuned produced approximately 60bhp and gave the car a top speed of 80mph. The Magnette saloon showed its paces in international rallying and production-car racing and within two years of the launch MG were building six ZA saloons to every one TF two-seater. The ZB appeared in 1956 and with an increased output of 68bhp, 90mph (145km/h) was achievable with 0-60mph (0-96km/h) taking 18.5 seconds. 12,754 ZAs and 23,846 ZBs were built before being dropped in favour of the Cowley built Farina-designed Magnette Mk3.

MG MGA

The MGA introduced in 1955 did much to restore the marques' sporting reputation. It was essentially an all-new design featuring full width bodywork mounted on a substantial separate chassis. Low slung and aerodynamic, the general road-holding was excellent with high speed cornering being very positive via the rack and pinion steering. Fitted initially with a BMC 1,489cc (81cu.in) ohv engine, the top speed was 98mph (158km/h). Later cars were 1,588cc (97cu.in) and 1,622cc (99cu.in) but the hottest MGA of them all was the Twin-cam appearing in 1959, capable of 115mph (185km/h). Due to continual service problems it was discontinued in 1960; only 2,111 being built, making it the most desirable model. Over 100,000 MGAs were built before giving way to the MGB in 1962.

MG MGB

Representing a natural progression along traditional lines, the MGB made its debut in 1962 and although it was not the leap into the future some had hoped for, the new model was well received. Chief departure from previous MG practice was a monocoque construction with an integral body/chassis forming an immensely rigid structure. The familiar B-series engine was employed but was now bored out to 1,798cc (110cu.in) raising output to 95BHP at 5,400rpm. 0-60km/h (0-96km/h) took 12.2 seconds with a top speed of 105mph (169km/h). By comparison to the MGA, there was greater comfort and space for the driver and passengers, more comprehensive instruments and winding windows. Over 500,000 examples make it Britain's most successful sports car.

MG Midget

Introduced in June 1961 and produced for eighteen years, the M.G. Midget was a car that recaptured some of the charm that was so endearing in the pre-war M.G. models. From the outset a runaway success, it offered fun motoring on a budget and for many an introduction to the sports car scene. Early Midgets were fitted with 948cc (58cu.in) capacity engines, but these were soon replaced by the Minor-type 1,098cc (67cu.in) unit (Mark one and a half). The Mark 2 from March 1964 used a similar, but substantially redesigned 1,098cc engine and from October 1966 Mark 3 cars used a completely redesigned (but still A-series) unit of 1,275cc (78cu.in). The last Midgets built between October 1974 and November 1979 used a Triumph 1,500cc (91cu.in) engine.

MG TF

To many people the T-series MGS are the classic example of the marque. Last of the line, the TF, was built between October 1953 and May 1955 and represented a swift but masterly "facelift" of the TD model for the 1953 Motor Show. Lower and sleeker, it sported a slanting imitation radiator with dummy cap and headlights mounted directly into the wings. Initially fitted with a 1,250cc (76cu.in) engine, this was later replaced by the 1,500cc (91cu.in) XPEG unit which BMC had just developed for Magnette saloons and as a result top speed was increased to about 90mph (145km/h). Only 9,600 TFs were built before being discontinued to make way for the new shape MGA. By the end of production, a total 52,649 M.G. T-series cars had been produced.

MG MGC

The MGC was proudly announced at the 1967 Motor Show as a larger engined alternative to the MGB. Using a re-designed version of the familiar BMC six-cylinder C series engine, the three-litre MGC offered a good deal more performance than it's four cylinder brother. With this larger engine almost 120mph (193km/h) was possible and the 0-60mph dash (0-96km/h) was now around the 10 seconds mark. On the road the MGC was virtually indistinguishable from the MGB. The give aways were the bulge on the bonnet accommodating the necessity of a larger radiator, and 15" instead of 14" road wheels. Failing to sell respectable numbers, the model was discontinued in the August of 1969 after only 8,999 had been built. Of this total 4,542 were tourers and 4,457 GTs.

Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!