MG Sports Cars by Autocar

A superbly illustrated book traces the history of MG sports cars from their origins in the 1930s right through the difficult days of the 1980s. Detailed close-up shots, historical pictures and technical information in the form of data tables and sidebars

This bookazine is aimed at owners and enthusiasts of MGs. MG remains one of the UK’s most highly regarded marques, with membership of Clubs in excess of 50,000 people. And as 2009 is the 85th anniversary of MG, this bookazine covers the complete history of MG, from Old Number One to the launch of the brand-new TF in 2009.

The MGA, based on Goldie Gardner’s pre-war record breaker. was an instant success from its introduction in 1955. More than 100.000 were sold before it was replaced by the MGB in 1962. To date more than half a million MGBs have been made and the car has become a classic in it’s own lifetime, although now, tragically it’s under sentence of death in a British Leyland re-organisation. Faster cars such as the MGC and MGBV8 should have ousted the MGB, but both failed and today they are cult cars such is their rarity.

The MGs were conceived by two of the most brilliant minds in British Motor manufacturing, John Thornley and Syd Enever. The interesting stories behind all these cars are covered in great detail in this book. Production and competition histories and a great deal of practical information on owning and running the cars are also included. In company with other books in this series, the picture research has been done painstakingly to provide a superb collection of both colour and black and white photographs.

In the wake of the demise of the MG Midget and MGB, there seemed little prospect for the MG badge beyond being used as a kind of ‘GTi’ badge for various Austins and Rovers. However, thanks to the determination of a few people – and an enduring affection in public hearts – the tale has had a happier ending. This is the story of that journey – from desolation to rebirth, just like the phoenix from which the project that created the MGF took its name.