A review of the MG Sports Car, focusing on the development, important features, and technical data of each model in the MG range, from the MGA to the MG RV8.
In this Article, I offer a nostalgic look at the MG Sports Car, one of an elite group of classic cars, which was manufactured during the period 1955 to 1995.
In 1955, the MG T-series was finally phased out in favour of the MGA, which symbolised a styling breakthrough in respect of its predecessors. The MGA 1500 sports car mounted a separate body to a rigid frame, and used a 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder engine with two carburettors. It was a two door, two seater model, available as a convertible or fixed head coupe. There were drum brakes on all four wheels.
In 1958, the MGA Twin-Cam sports car was introduced. It used a 1.6 litre, high compression, double overhead cam, aluminium cylinder head engine. An unreliable engine, which suffered from detonation problems and burning oil. A low compression version developing 100bhp was later added.
In 1959, the MGA 1500 had its engine uprated from 1498cc to 1598cc. It was renamed the MGA 1600. Apart from minor changes to the trim, the two cars were similar, externally.
Finally, in 1961, the MGA 1600 Mark 2 was introduced. It used a larger 1622cc engine, a higher back axle ratio for smoother high speed driving, and a grille that was inset.
The introduction, in 1962 of the MGB sports car represented a radical change in design. It used a monocoque structure, instead of the body being attached to a chassis as was the MGA and MG T-types. The result was a more resilient assembly. It was a two door, two seater convertible. Later, in 1965, a 2+2 version was added. It incorporated a 1.8 litre engine, with two SU carburettors, and a four speed gearbox. The suspension was softer for a smoother ride, and there was an optional overdrive unit.
In 1965, the MGB GT was introduced. It had a fixed roof, and was marketed on the basis of its distinctive hatchback style. It was, essentially, a 2+2 design combining a rear bench seat and substantially more room for luggage, compared with the roadster. The only difference was in the suspension springs and the addition of anti roll bars. The specification and performance was as per the roadster.
In 1967, production of the Austin Healey 3000 was scheduled to end. Accordingly, a suitable replacement could involve adding its 2.9 litre, straight 6-cylinder engine into the MGB. This heralded the birth of the MGC sports car, available in both GT and convertible versions. From the outside, the only difference was a noticeable bulge in the bonnet to allow for the relocated radiator. The heavy engine and revised suspension had an adverse effect on handling.
Near the end of 1967, the MGB Mark 2 was launched following a number of technical changes, including:
- A gearbox with synchromesh on all forward gears
- An optional automatic gearbox
- A new front grill
- The use of an alternator instead of a dynamo
- The addition of reclining seats
Otherwise, the specification and performance was as per the original model. Additional changes in 1972 led to the introduction of the MGB mark 3. These included:
- A new facia
- The chrome bumper over riders being substituted by rubber one
Furthermore, US emission regulations resulted in the power output being reduced to 84bhp. Production of the MGB ended in 1980 with nearly 90% being exported, mostly to the USA.
In 1973, a version of the MGB GT, incorporating the Rover 3.5 litre, V8 engine, with an aluminium block and head, and two SU carburettors, was launched. It was designated the MGB GT V8. Since this unit was lighter than the 1798cc engine, it only required minor chassis changes, and handling was unaffected. This model was never exported to the USA.
In 1992, the original MGB was updated by the addition of new body panels and a modified suspension. The chosen power plant was a 3.9 litre version of the Rover aluminium 3.5 litre V8. The result was the MG RV8. Sadly, it retained rear drum brakes and leaf spring suspension, and as such was regarded as old fashioned. Over 75 % of production was exported to Japan.
This marked the end of the classic MG sports car.
Perhaps this stroll down memory lane might have answered, or at least shed light on, a possible question:
Which MG Sports Car Is Your Favourite
However, should this question still remain unanswered, I will be reviewing, in some detail, in future articles within this website, the entire range of MG sports cars which were featured in the memorable era spanning 1955 to 1995.
I hope you join me in my nostalgic travels "down sports car memory lane".
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