Books
-
Everyday modifications for your MGF and TF
The books in the Everyday Modifications series from Crowood are designed to guide classic car owners through the workshop skills needed to make their cars easier to use and enjoy. MG expert Roger Parker offers his advice on a range of modifications and changes can be applied to the MGF and MG TF, which will not impinge on the practical daily use of the cars. With important and specific safety information and advice throughout, the book also covers: body and interior changes; brake, suspension and steering upgrades; wheel and tyre options; powertrain upgrades; electrical system upgrade options and finally, setting up and specific maintenance aspects. Illustrated with over 450 images, this is a valuable technical resource for the MGF and TF owner.
-
MGs on Patrol
In the past a large number of M.G. sports and touring cars were used by United Kingdom police forces as patrol cars. This book sets out to both give full details of the cars used, compiled from surviving police, company and club records, and in their own words tell the story of the men and women who drove them
-
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/
-
Triple M book 2024
New 2024 Register Yearbook, published August 2025
Contents include:
The first four N type Magnettes down under – Andrew Flock
Frank Ashby’s flexible steering wheel – Simon Johnston
A shocker of a tale – Andrew Fock
NE Body trails revisited – Pete Thelander
The J2 that upset the camels – Graeme Jackson
How to make a steering wheel detachable – Simon Johnston
MG at the Ards TT races – John S Moore
Air Commodore and an MG Airline – Mike Long
MGCC ownership of MG Company chassis files – Mike Hawke
Summer Gathering
Competition report -
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.
-
Works Rally Mechanic – Brian Moylan’s tales
Works Rally Mechanic is the inside story of the BMC/BL Competition Department from 1955 to 1979. Brian Moylan prepared cars for international rallies for 22 years, providing service support for ‘Big’ Healeys, Minis & TR7s. This book tells of the adventures, hilarious events, hardship, winning, losing, and real danger.
-
MG by Jonathan Wood
Britain’s most popular sporting marque, MG has emerged as one of a handful of British motoring names to survive into the 21st century. From the quintessential open two-seater MG Midget, through the booming post-war years and the emergence of MG as a provider of sports cars for the world, Jonathan Wood provides an in-depth analysis of the rise and fall of a motoring legend. Examining the various models in detail, the author covers the financial and corporate traumas which afflicted the company, its brief resurgence in 1995 with the release of the MGF and the final sad chapter which saw a British icon sold off to foreign investors. As production begins again at the Longbridge factory after a three-year hiatus, this is an informative and at times touching glimpse into the history of one of the world’s most recognisable sports cars.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
AutoArchitect
This second edition of Gerald Palmer’s autobiography is published five years after his death in 1999 and Christopher Balfour, who collaborated with Gerald on the first edition, has taken the opportunity to review the impact this talented car designer had on the motor industry and to include some photographs that were not used in the first book
-
MG V8 by David Knowles
Tells the story of each MG V8 model from concept to development and production. Illustrated with 400 pictures including concept cars, design sketches and specially commissioned photography. Interviews with the original V8 design and engineering teams.
Detailed information tables of notable cars and their chassis numbers for each model, plus special editions and colour charts. Background on development and testing work on each model. Rare input and insight from many of the suppliers and specialists who helped develop the cars. Information on sales and servicing literature, production changes, product placement, celebrity stories and much more.
-
THE MGA
This book is the definitive study, for the author has gone back to factory records and to the people who worked on the car in the ‘fifties, to find out how it was conceived, manufactured and marketed. Here is the real story of the MGA’s engineering, body styling and every aspect of the car’s development and production – including MG’s strategy to beat its competitors.In seven years of production, there were major successes and sad disappointments. The MGA was the car that was “right first time” and though the Twin Cam variant was a nightmare for the factory, it is now the most sought after model.This book tells how the sleepy Thames-side village of Abingdon became a mass-production centre for the MGA, how the MGA became one of America’s best-loved sports cars and how the MGA has become one of today’s classic cars, cherished by enthusiastic owners all over the world.
-
Original MGA The Restorer’s Guide
With their strong mechanical elements, solid construction and useful performance, few classic British sports cars are quite so practical to own today as the MGAs built from 1955 to 1962. The aim of this book is to show, in words and pictures, how MGAs altered in detail through the course of production, in order to enable owners, enthusiasts and prospective purchasers to identify the parts, finishes and equipment that are correct for their car. Colour photography of outstanding specimens shows every permutation of MGA specification in remarkable detail. The MGA Restorer’s Guide is accepted by classic car owners, buyers and enthusiasts as the definitive source of advice on correct original and authentic specifications and equipment. Information has been drawn from factory records, parts lists and catalogues, as well as the accumulated knowledge of the most respected restorers.
-
MG TD / TF Buyers Guide
The essential Buyer’s Guide for the TD,TF and TF1500
-
Syd Enever The MG Man
The untold story of MG’s quiet genius.
Syd Enever helped shape some of the most iconic MGs ever made – from the record-breaking EX cars to the beloved MGA – yet his name is little known outside enthusiast circles. Drawing on personal interviews, rare archive material and over 40 years of research, this beautiful illustrated book reveals the man behind the machines A must-read for anyone with a passion for MG, British motoring history, or great engineering quietly done. -
Original MGB with MGC and MGB GT V8 Restorers guide
- Hardcover: 152 pages
- Publisher: Herridge & Sons Ltd
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1906133182
- ISBN-13: 978-1906133184
- Product Dimensions: 23.5 x 1.9 x 30.5 cm
-
MG Midget Austin-Healey Sprite Buyers Guide
Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side.
Benefit from the author’s years of MG Midget & A-H Sprite ownership, learn how to spot a bad car quickly and how to assess a promising one like a professional. Get the right car at the right price! This book is the perfect companion for the first-time or even more experienced buyer. All the information is here to help make a clear and balanced decision, to counter the vendor’s claims, and even negotiate a better price. The author has bought and sold many MG Midgets & A-H Sprites over the years, and his knowledge and enthusiasm will prove a vital resource for potential buyers. Period covered: 1958-1979 Models covered: Austin-Healey Sprite MkI,II,III,IV and Austin Sprite 1958 to 1971 MG Midget MkI,II,III and Midget 1500 1961 to 1979 Features: * Like having a real marque expert at your side benefit from years of real ownership experience. * Full coverage of all MG Midget & A-H Sprite models * Where and how to buy a MG Midget & A-H Sprite * Advice on choosing the right model and condition * Key checks spot a bad car quickly * Comprehensive inspection guide * In-depth analysis of strengths and weaknesses
-
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.
-
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.
