Books
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The Works MGs second editon
The Works MGs now in a redesigned and better illustrated second edition, this is the authoritative story of all the MGs prepared for international competition events with the support of the MG Car Company. The coverage ranges from the classic trials of the mid-1920s, pre-war racing and record-breaking, to the post-war achievements of the works cars entered in races and rallies by the BMC Competitions Department. Co-authored by well-known MG experts, this much-admired book was described by Classic & Sports Car magazine as ‘an excellent, entertaining read’.
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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
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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&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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MGA Buyer’s 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 MGA 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! Judged by many to be the most attractive MG ever produced, the MGA is not only good-looking, but also fun to drive, coping very well with modern traffic demands. In this book you will find advice on choosing the right model, and discussion about potential ownership costs. Practicality and comfort are considered, allowing you to assess suitability for touring, and issues of legality, originality and roadworthiness are also raised. With information for a quick and easy condition evaluation, leading if required to a more serious one with a unique marking system, plus 100 colour photographs, this is a must-buy for anyone thinking of purchasing an MGA. Features: * See through the eyes of experienced MGA owners, and bring 40+years of expertise to your search for the perfect MGA * Full coverage of all 1500, 1600 and Twin Cam roadsters and coupés * Where and how to buy an MGA * Advice on choosing the right model and condition * Key checks how to spot a bad car quickly * Comprehensive inspection guide * In-depth analysis of strengths and weaknesses * Discussion of desirable upgrades, as well as modifications to avoid * Market and value data predicts which models will become collectable * Details of club back-up and support organisations
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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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MGB The illustrated History
The MGB was Britain’s most successful ever sports car, with sales of over half a million. And the truth is, that more than three decades after production ceased, the MGB’s classic lines, affordability, fun factor and certain ‘rightness’ mean that its enthusiastic following remains undiminished. In ‘MGB: The Illustrated History’ the authors, self-confessed ‘B’ enthusiasts both, recall the remarkable history of this remarkable car. Originated with full co-operation and contributions from key members of the original design team, including John Thornley, Syd Enever, Don Hayter and Roy Brocklehurst, this book takes the reader behind the scenes at the world-famous MG factory at Abingdon, which closed its doors in 1980 with the demise of the MGB after 18 years in production. The background to the MGB roadster’s development is first recalled in the context of its immediate predecessor, the MGA, the various famous EX experimental models, and the heritage of MG as a whole. Separate chapters then follow the development, introduction and production of the GT, MGC and V8. Further chapters on the MGB’s competition successes and the RV8 complete the story. Along with a feast of colour photographs and contemporary brochure material – enough to satisfy even the most ardent MGB lover – the book also features full-colour cutaway illustrations of the three main ‘B’ variants. Copiously illustrated with contemporary colour photographs and brochure material, and featuring colour cutaway illustrations of the MGB roadster, MGC, MGB GT V8 and MG RV8, this book not only charts the production life of Britain’s best-loved sports car, but also takes the reader behind the scenes at the world-famous Abingdon factory.
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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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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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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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MG ZT Workshop Manual
Essential workshop manual covering the MG ZT from 2001 to 2005. Please note this manual does not cover the V8 ZT 260.
