M.G.: The Father of Sports Cars in America

The M.G. automobiles have a long rich history. In England during the 1920's Morris Garages (hence M.G.'s) produced an inexpensive car called the Bullnose Morris. It was called this due to the distinctive shape of the radiator. William Morris's intention of providing a small reliable car for ordinary people at low cost continued throughout the history of the company. The "M" series midgets were the forerunner of the "T" Series.

 

The "TC" was the first MG widely imported into the United States immediately after WWII. This car is credited with changing the American world of automobiles. This was the first post war "sports car" and began the trend to sports cars.

 

It was mostly the way M.G.'s handled that excited the Americans Here was a car that went where you pointed it and did not roll sickeningly at every bend. The driver was the boss, not the car.

 

Since the M.G. looked racy and handled well in cornering, their owners immediately formed and joined sports car clubs and went racing. This car was primarily responsible for the renaissance of road racing in America.

 

The TC evolved into the TD in 1949, correcting many of the shortcomings of the TC's. The TD was fatter looking, had stronger disc wheels, an independent front suspension and for export to the US, left-hand wheel drive. This was the finest "modern" sports car, as it could safely maintain US highway speeds in comfort. I particularly have respect and fond memories of the TD as this was my very first car.

 

The Td was replaced with an even more modern TF. However, the days of the "T" series were numbered. In 1953, the sleek MGA was introduced. This was a totally new design foe the MG. The silver radiator and running board trademarks of the past 30 years were eliminated. This car was larger, heavier, and lower, with a smooth envelope body. The engine displacement was increased to 1489cc and later to 1622 cc. This car was very popular with over 100,000 units being sold in the seven years it was produced.

 

The MGB was the replacement to the MGA. This car had a 1789 cc engine producing 98 HP. The 0 to 60 MPH time is about 10 seconds. This car was a very modern car with disc brakes and a unitized body chassis. The MGB's had chrome bumpers until federal regulations required the much less aesthetic black rubber bumpers in 1975. An updated version of the MGC, now appropriately designated the MGD, will soon be available in England. Perhaps, if it is successful, it will be exported to the US. The projected prices will be in the $40,000 range.

 

MGB's are widely available today are very reasonable prices. They are reasonably easy restoration projects for beginners due to the straight-forward construction and easy availability of almost any part from a variety of suppliers.

 

All models of the post were MG's are good investments when purchased at the current market prices. They have they criteria of continued appreciation. They are landmark cars, fun to drive, easy to repair and restore, and some models are still readily available. If you want to have fun while making an investment, an MG may be in your future!