The Works MGs second editon

This is the first major reprint of the MG War Time Activities book and is now produced in glossy artwork paper complete with additional pictures and information. The book was originally produced after the War and given to some members of the work force as a memento of the great work they had done during the dark years of the Second World War. Originally the author was unknown, but due to a chance phone call from Peter Watson to the Club offering to donate some MG memorabilia, it was discovered that his Grandfather, George Propert, General Manager of MG during some of the war years, was in fact the author of the original book. This has now been credited to him and the reprint is now produced with the full permission of Peter.

For those who have not already read a copy of the photocopied reproduction, the book covers each year at the factory during the war. They had to deal with some insurmountable problems which the diligence of the workers and the initiative of management saw them through. An example of this was the building of the Albemarle fuselage (the main fuselage of a relatively unknown medium bomber). The time taken in testing all the circuitry took days, but due to the initiative of two radio technicians working at the factory, a test rig was built which not only cut the time to test the system, but did it far more accurately. This is just one example of how difficulties were overcome.

This is the inside story of the MG Design office, from 1956 until its closure in 1980. Explaining how the various models were drawn, planned, and developed by the small team of engineers, it also shows how the input and control changed from Morris, Wolseley, Riley Group, Austin-Morris, and Austin Rover. The effects of the Triumph-Austin merger are detailed in model changes, alongside the effects of safety legislation, mainly imposed by the United States. Trying to remain as individual as possible during this period, MG developed record breakers and a unique Competition Department. Special cars were built and tested, and prototypes for the MGB replacement were drawn up all in parallel with the development of MG production cars using engines from any part of the company.

Here, from the memories of many men and women, is an intimate account of what it was like to work in MG’s Abingdon factory.

From tea trolley to production line and from apprentice to manager, this book includes memorable events, romance, tragedy, humour, motorsport, and the lead up to factory closure.

MG was a home-grown concept that became an international success, bringing the small market town of Abingdon onto the global map. MG – Made in Abingdon recounts the inside story of the famous factory, recognising that the most important aspect of MG’s success was its team – the tea-boys and girls, the shop floor workers, the engineers and racers, the apprentices and management. From memories of the production line to recollections of racing incidents, the untold story of MG from the men and women who worked in the Abingdon factory is revealed for the first time in a book that is both nostalgic and historically important.

Period Covered:
1929-1980

Those were the days…MG’s Abingdon factory. The 160, many never seen before, pictures in this book chronicle every aspect of the factory from its opening amidst great euphoria in 1930 to its closing amidst great recriminations in 1980

Brian Moylan started working for MG in 1950 as a mechanic in the service/repair shop. In 1955 he was drafted in to the Racing Department. which was the centre for all BMC competition work. During his time there he was fortunate enough to work on several rally winning Minis including the 1967 Monte Carlo Rally winner. Just before the factory closed in 1980 Bryan was offered the position of manager of a small satellite Morris Garages outlet. Bryan has always been involved in the MG Car Club, serving on the committee of the local Centre in various capacities