Books
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MGF
2nd Hand book, condition excellent, first published 2000
This volume is the first in the Haynes series on modern sports cars and should appeal to lifestyle customers as well as traditional MG enthusiasts. It covers the MG heritage through to the RV8, the evolution of the MGF, its launch in 1995, mainstream developments, competition performances, record breaking with the EX253 and EX255, the EX254 Super SPorts concept car, and the future of the MGF. Customizing and tuning is also covered, plus information on performance and road tests.
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Sale!
MG Midgets in detail 1929-1955
When the first MG Midget appeared at the 1928 London Motor Show few would have thought that it would be the car to save the recently established marque from closure, a fate that affected many others during the depression that followed the 1929 Wall Street Crash. Sales previously had been of relatively expensive cars to the wealthy and the other new MG on display, the 18/80 was even more costly. Right from the start, sales of the M-type Midget looked promising and soon eclipsed those of the larger MGs. These and those that followed dominated the sports car market in the 1930s and post-war, when a large proportion of the output from the Abingdon MG factory was exported.
This book gives details of each model, with a technical description, competition history and special bodied versions listed, all backed up by photographs, both period and more recent. -
Maggie, A lifelong MG Love Affair
An old MG Magnette, she was not much to look at and desperately in need of some love and attention. But to young Tom, sitting in the driver’s seat, smelling the brittle leather and gripping the huge steering wheel, what was sitting in his parents’ garage was more than just his dad’s old car.
He had never seen Maggie move or heard the engine roar into life, but the fact his dad, Will, wouldn’t let go added to the magic and mystique. Aged 14, Tom embarked on bringing the characterful car back to life with Will, but life threw diversions in front of Maggie’s journey back to the road. Tom’s new priorities – including Bon Jovi – ensured the car stayed put and Will’s dream on hold.
Told through the view from the passenger and driver’s seats of the cars throughout Tom’s life, this love affair with the road – and Maggie – has not always been smooth, as each small victory uncovered another seemingly insurmountable problem.
But with understanding, supportive and capable people around them, from family, mechanics and friends willing to push an old car up a hill, will the pieces of Tom and Maggie’s journeys gradually come together in a tribute Will would have been proud of?
For Tom, it was never about what the car was, or might be, worth but preserving something central to his family’s history, and a 36-year perseverance to finally see the job through.
This is a story of restoration in its widest sense. Not just of a classic car but a son paying homage to his father; it’s about relationships, dealing with grief and finding perspective and true value.
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MGCC Looking Back
In mid-1954 Peter applied to Morris Motor for an apprenticeship at the Cowley works. He was told he would have to wait until the new intake in September. He would then be given an interview to judge if he was suitable. Meanwhile he received a telegram to say that the MG Plant at Abingdon were looking for suitable candidates to apply for role as the Design Office Apprentice. He applied and was accepted.
Building on his Knowledge, much based on first hand experiences and talking to those involved in racing and production, he was able to do a series of thirteen articles for Safety Fast on the history of MG at Oxford and Abingdon, now pieced together into this bookazine.
A must read for any MG enthusiast.
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MGF and TF by Tim Morris
Launched in 1995, the MGF marked the rebirth of the classic British MG two-seater sports car. In this book, MGF enthusiast Tim Morris tells the full inside story of the development of the MGF and TF against the background of the seismic changes that were taking place in the British car industry. After the demise of the bestselling MGB and the closure of the Abingdon factory in 1980, it seemed as if the classic MG sports car had come to an end. An upgraded version of the MGB, the RV8, was introduced in the 1990s, but meanwhile designers and engineers were busy with an all-new car, which was unveiled in 1995. Developed under British Aerospace and launched under BMW ownership of the Rover Group, the MGF came under MG-Rover ownership after BMW divided the company in 2000. At this time the TF was developed and produced until the company went into administration in 2005. Here design features such as the mid-engine format and Hydragas suspension system are described, as well as the various model changes and re-designs and how the car fared against strong competition from cars such as the Mazda MX5.
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MG Midget – Not in that Car
Not in that Car is the story of an Englishman who drove a 32-year old MG Midget car around the world, alone.
Roy Locock travels across Europe and down to Southern India before circumnavigating Australia and following the Pan-American Highway from Argentina to Canada. Dismissing a Taliban attack as “not being personal”, he explains the intricacies of fording through Australia’s worst floods for 30 years and is badly shaken by an earthquake in Panama City.
A highly recommended, readable account of an epic journey that will appeal to travellers and petrol heads alike.
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Farina MG and Riley Saloons
Based on the BMC Morris Oxford body, the Farina and Riley MG saloons were successors to the successful MG Magnette ZA and ZB. Introduced in November 1958, the MKIII was a combination of different parts, including engine, gearbox and rear axle borrowed from the ZB model and based on an A55 floor pan. The standard cars were produced as four separate models: the Austin A55 MkII, Morris Oxford Series 5, Wolseley 15/60 and Riley 4. The cars were updated in January 1961. The MG Magnette Mk3 and Mk4, and the Riley 4/68 and 4/72 were the up-market versions.
In this fascinating book, MG expert Neil Cairns tells the full story of these rare cars that caused controversy when they were launched due to accusations of badge engineering. However, they proved in many ways to be ahead of their time, as badge-engineered cars became the norm. Although the Riley and Farina MG saloons were criticised for not having the performance and taut handling of the previous MG Magnette model, they form an important part of the history of MG as well as that of Morris, Austin and Riley.
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MG Century by David Knowles
Celebrate and explore 100 years of MG cars with this impressive volume featuring expert commentary, historical images, period ads, and contemporary photography.
For many car enthusiasts, MG is synonymous with “sports car.” It is often credited with igniting a passion for European cars in postwar America at a time when roads were otherwise filled with the lumbering output of Detroit. In MG’s native England, the company’s cars filled roles from family transport to competition driving.
MG, as we think of it today, began in the 1920s, but its roots go back even further with a young William Morris. Initially working in the booming bicycle trade, he eventually branched into motorcycle and car repair with the fledgling Morris Garage (hence, MG) in 1907. By the mid 1920s, the successful Morris Garages was in a position to begin manufacture of its own cars under the MG name.
MG grew significantly in the years before World War II, building and racing its classic Midgets and Magnettes. World War II provided challenging times for the company as it did for the UK and much of the world. In the postwar period, a focus on sales outside England, and particularly in the United States, both defined MG’s product line and ensured its success. Legendary cars followed, including MG TC, TD, and TF followed by thoroughly modern MGA, MGB, MGB GT, and Midget. Magnettes and the 1100 offered options for those wanting sedans and more practical cars.
MG ownership moved through a number of UK companies in the postwar period as well as ownership by BMW and today’s SAIC, a Chinese-based company through which it operates as MG Motor. Highlights along the way included the MGB GT V8, MG Metro Group B rally car, and MGF. Based on its latest state-of-the-art EV platform, MG will soon launch an all-new roadster coming full circle over its century in business.
Authored by marque expert David Knowles, The MG Century: 100 Years of Safety Fast! is a fitting celebration of one of the automotive world’s oldest and most beloved brands-and a must-have for every car enthusiast.
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Harry Lester his cars & The Monkey Stable
Garage owner and expert tuner of MG cars, Harry Lester was one of the more successful sports car competitors in the late 1940s and early 1950s. In 1949 he designed and built his own car, with a rigid tubular chassis, lightweight aluminium body and utilising the favoured engine of many club racers of the time, the XPAG unit from the MGTC. So successful was the car in his hands that a trio of wealthy young amateur racers decided to form a team and commissioned him to build them a car each, plus a spare. They called themselves “The Monkey Stable” and enjoyed much success in their first year, 1952, a highlight being winning the team prize at the first 9 hours race at Goodwood. In subsequent years their fortunes changed, as did their cars, going to Kieft MGs in 1953,then back to Lesters in 1955. In the interim, the Monkey Stable drivers twice drove for the Bristol team at Le Mans, and one of their number, Pat Griffith, briefly became a works driver for Aston Martin, partnering Peter Collins in a number of long-distance events. It all ended in tragedy, however, when team founder Jim Mayers was killed at Dundrod in the 1955 TT race, only weeks after another team member, Mike Keen, had crashed fatally at Goodwood. Never before published in its entirety, this is the story of Harry Lester and his cars, together with the exploits of The Monkey Stable during their brief but significant racing career.
The story is told by Stewart Penfound, MG enthusiast and owner of one of the last of the Lester MGs made. Containing much previously unseen material from both Harry Lester’s and The Monkey Stable’s archives it is a story as much about the characters as the cars and is a significant addition to the record of motor racing immediately after the end of the Second World War.
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Toby Toad Dog on the road
33 Pages of a lovely paperback book for children Toby, Toad, ‘n’ Dog on the Road has been made especially appealing for young children by using, full-colour, double-page illustrations, by R M Price-Mohr, that depict the countryside and local Worcestershire wildlife.
Take a journey with Toby, a car who loves to speed and share his cake with friends he meets along the way, Dog who likes to read maps, and a family of toads. They even journey through the night and see the sun rise in the morning. Dog has brought a map with him so they shouldn’t get lost… Discover what happens when Toby drives too fast, Dog misreads his map, and Toad almost gets squished! Find out how Toad’s family come to the rescue and Toby learns his lesson – not to drive too fast.
Author Sean Hinton
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Goldie
Dessau, Germany, 1939. A 49-year-old veteran of the Great War hobbles over to his sleek, green racing car, hands his walking stick to his mechanic and awkwardly pulls his damaged leg into the bowels of the machine. His hosts, the glamorous young drivers of the Nazi state-sponsored Silver Arrows team, share bemused grins as he rolls up his sleeves, dons an old-fashioned leather racing cap and pulls down his goggles. A few minutes later, to the astonishment of the Germans, the mostly self- funded car flashes past at over 200mph, setting a host of new international records.
Goldie moves from the brutality of an Edwardian public school, through the jungles of Ceylon and into the blood-soaked trenches of the Somme. The book follows Goldie Gardner as he emerges into the post-war world, trying to make sense of what has happened, finding friendship and love, and searching for a way to prove himself. Motor racing and record breaking seem to offer a solution, but what follows is a story of obsession that establishes him as one of the most extraordinary record breakers of all time but leads to heartbreak, betrayal and eventually taking one risk too many.
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KIM A BIOGRAPHY OF MG FOUNDER CECIL KIMBER
MG, the world’s most-loved make of sports car, was created in the 1920s by Cecil Kimber – invariably known as Kim. Rising above disability, with his energy, enthusiasm and vision, Kimber became a leading figure in the British motor industry. Initially placing sporty bodies on Morris chassis, within a few years he had built M.G. into the leading European manufacturer of sports cars with an impressive record of competition successes. He survived industrial upheaval only to fall victim to the venomous internal politics of M.G.’s parent company. Sacked from his high-profile job, he was preparing to bounce back when he lost his life in a needless accident. Respected businessman, wayward husband, fallible parent – Cecil Kimber was a man of surprising contrasts. Here for the first time is the colourful story of the man behind those famous initials, published to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the first M.G.
Kim: A Biography of M.G. Founder Cecil Kimber
by Jon Pressnellhttps://online.flipbuilder.com/uhzw/fqnw/
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MG&Triumph100 Souvenir Programme
The Official Souvenir Programme for the MG&Triumph100 at Silverstone 2023. A festival of celebration.
There was a lot to see and to do this year. For the people who missed it, they can still read up what went on during this fantastic weekend. This 90 pages Programme also contains lots of interesting articles about the MG’s and Triumphs.
A Programme to keep!
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Triple-M Yearbook ’23
20th Anniversary – D group by Ted Hack
100th Celebration at Angouleme by D Potter & J Gillet
Kimber Tour by S Broch
L2068 90th and Alpine Trial success in 1933 by D Harrison
Mike Allison a tribute
K3021 The Monaco Monoposto Magnette by O Richardson
A letter from tom Hollinrake by G Jackson
Competition report.Cover art by Ian Ross
The eagerly awaited yearbook from the Register – many will say overdue, Digby Gibbs had undertaken the editorship late 2023 and had sourced the above articles ready for publication early this year, sadly Digby passed away before he could complete his first Yearbook. It says a lot about him that it is a wonderful professional, interesting read from cover to cover just like the Bulletins he edited for many years.
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MG Y TYPE SPORTS SALOON
MG Y Type by Neil Cairns
Neil Cairns is known to many in the Club for his excellent engineering knowledge particularly in relation to the MG Type. Neil has decided to put all that knowledge down in print for benefit of owners of this amazing car.
The book starts of with the development history and covers the various models, YA, YB and YT in detail. Neil has based this on his 25 years of experience of owning and driving a Y Type.
He also covers hints and tips for buying a car together with many technical tips that are invaluable for an owner. He also covers the development of the XPAG engine, covering the gearbox, chassis and rear axle. For those with a restoration project on the go, he even includes a chapter on this with detailed information on how to go about restoring and dealing with the dreaded rust.
This is a gem of a book, not only for an owner of a Y Type but also for anyone with a general interest in MG’s.
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A life by the Poole
Alec Poole: A book with short stories, mainly about what you might call my varied, colourful and (hard to believe, I know) sometimes mischievous life in motor racing.
Unsuprisingly, in this age of political correctness, I had difficulty in finding a publisher either willing or brave enough to take on the task! However, thanks to help from my mates along the way, “A life by the Poole” has made it into print – hopefully for your enjoyment.
(Parts of the proceeds are going to Katharine House Hospice, Banbury, Oxon)
321 pages, all signed copies
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Mouse, the man and the MGB
A mouse, a man, and an old car…what could possibly happen?
A heart-tugging story about a curious little mouse who falls in love with an old car and the challenges he faces when he tries to help. Written as a reminder that when little ones watch from a distance, they may just be waiting to be invited to share in the very thing we enjoy.
Readers young and old, especially MGB enthusiasts will enjoy just turning the pages to look at the illustrations.
Also available with the French translation – please email ineke@mgcc.co.uk
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MG Z Cars
The MG Z cars were produced at a pivotal time when the MG Rover Group separated from their previous owners BMW and stood alone in the highly competitive mass car market. In this readable book, motoring journalist and Austin Rover expert Craig Cheetham reveals the inside story of the development of the range of MG Z cars that were designed to save the company.
The book explores the formation of the Phoenix Corporation, the holding company for the MG Rover Group. It also looks at the design and engineering initiatives that would make the MG Z cars more than just a clever rebranding exercise, producing cars with lasting appeal.
The book describes the MG Z versions of the Rover 25, the Rover 45 and the Rover 75, providing insights into how each of the models was re-engineered to meet the demanding standards of MG’s heritage. It also describes the fortunes of the Z cars in motorsport, in particular the British Touring Car Championship.
The book reveals how, despite all these efforts, MG Rover eventually ran out of money, bringing an end the British-owned mass car industry.
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The MG Story 1923-1980
The first MGs were a small number of cars sold with special bodywork by Morris Garages, but by the 1930s the MG had come to be recognised as the archetypical sporting car. The rapid development of the marque, and the cars’ domination in their class of competition entry lists, is down to the energy, enthusiasm and skills of a small number of key personalities. Here, as well as in-depth studies of all models produced, there are biographies of those most involved with MG development, record breaking and motor sport. This book sets out to recount, in the form of a series of articles, the story of the marque from 1923 until the Abingdon factory closed in 1980. At that time this small market town housed what was probably the world’s largest producer of sports cars. Many of the competition efforts by both factory-supported entries and private owners are covered in detail and help show why MGs became so well known. To illustrate the text there are both black-and-white archive photographs from the author’s collection and a great many modern colour pictures of restored cars. Period advertising material has also been included. The wide range of topics covered gives the reader a real insight into the evolution of the company and its cars, and into the unique character of MGs that is the reason why they remain so popular.
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RV8 The Manufacturing Story
The authors have produced a detailed, factual description of the RV8 manufacturing process together with an outline of the staff involved. The content is based on material in the Club’s archives, interviews with the management and production staff involved with the RV8 production and ensures that this fascinating detail of RV8 history is not lost to posterity.
The book begins with an interesting outline of the formation of the 16 strong production team involved in RV8 manufacture and their duties. It then covers the manufacturing process from body shell build, painting, to vehicle assembly. Further chapters also describe the assembly facility layout, build documentation produced and vehicle production dates. A later chapter on anecdotes told to the authors by the various production team members adds further human interest to the story. Also included is a timeline of RV8 production, five detailed appendices (eg monthly production stats and colour totals by market) and a glossary of terms. The book contains many quality photos of the production process and staff which have never been published before.
The book is not intended to be the equivalent of a Haynes maintenance manual. It provides the reader with a detailed description of the RV8 manufacturing process and its human side and consequently will become a valuable future record.
For an MG focused book it is probably unique in its approach to the subject and is an interesting read in terms of content and style. It is an A4 sized book with a quality feel to it, although it is not a hardback. There is a contents page but no separate index although it is debatable whether one is necessary considering the nature of the book.
