Filed Under: News
Probably the best known MG is the “B”, the number made between 1962 to 1981 was 513,272 which made it the top of the MG cars, however both the “T” series and the “A” between them notched up 150 odd thousand units and to some extent are the true iconic MG’s, no doubt those who are into the history of MG are saying what about all the other models, the P’s, the grand touring SA the VA and the WA, then the post war Y’s and the Magnette’s.
You’ve forgotten to mention the Midget, well no, I grew up with the Midget and it’s sister Sprite with an Austin badge.
In the first place the Sprite which started life in 1958, very few use the correct name Austin Healey Sprite, this was a Donald Healey project, who had the styling by one Gerry Coker, as usual there was a complete lack of funds for a design budget and basically the little sprite was nothing more than an A35 with a sports car body.
The engine was the 948cc A series engine, the gearbox from the A35, axle rear and front suspension, the brakes and steering were our old friend the Morris Minor.
The sprite looked faster than it really was, being close to the ground also contributed to the fun factor, but a top speed of 86 mph and a 0-60 time of 20.5 seconds could not be called blistering.
These were the heydays of the sprite, competition success ensured a decent sales record and until 1961 there was no other similar competition, well the little Messerschmitt TG500 could beat the acceleration time, though losing out on top speed, but no thanks I would take the sprite anyday.
A few other comments were the extreme basics of the car, the front bumper was an optional extra and steel wheels, but the sales were about to dive for unveiled in 1961 the MG Midget, I am sorry but once again we had a new car that apart from the body and a name was no more than a rebranded Sprite.
By mid 1962 changes came about a larger engine 1098cc and front disc brakes, improvements came again in 1964 improved springing aimed to improve ride comfort and make the rear end less twitchy in the wet, a more rounded windscreen and wind up windows and lockable doors, I suppose it made for a feeling of security.
The little midget was growing 1966 saw an even larger engine the 1275cc A series, we could now reach nearly the magic ton, sales showed no sign of slowing, a proper folding hood was fitted.
In 1968 MG saw control pass to British Leyland and thankfully with only minor cosmetic changes the little Midget continued it’s success until 1974, it was still a fun car to drive.
The Americans had begun their safety and environmental crusade which had repercussions through out the motor industry, the midget’s A series engine had to go, pollution, excuse my ignorance but in a country where nearly everyone drove around in V8’s this must have been the thin end of the wedge for the Midget, not only the engine but then they decided headlamp height had to be raised by 3inches, huge polyurethane impact bumpers had to be fitted.
Come 1979 the death knell of the Midget was inevitable, the end of an era, I may be cynical but with all the safety features on today’s cars people are still being killed, why? Speed in the wrong place perhaps, a lack of driving skills, manufacturing faults only time will tell.
Ted lay
tedlay@gmail.com
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