MG hadn't forgotten its success with smaller, cheaper sports cars, however, and 1961 saw the launch of a new Midget. This was based on the existing Austin-Healey Sprite and for its first year, had the 948cc, 47bhp engine; this was uprated to 1098cc and 55bhp a year later, when it also received an improved gearbox with synchromesh on all but first gear, and disc brakes. 1962 also brought the Longbridge-built MG 1100 four-door saloon, a tuned version of the front-wheel drive, Issigonis-designed Morris 1100 complete with Hydrolastic suspension and Mini-like handling. Most early MG 1100s were finished in two-tone paintwork, though sadly, few have survived: just fifty or so of the 157,400 GT(two-door, twin-carb, 70bhp), 1100 and later 1300 (1275cc, 58bhp) models built between 1962 and 1971 are thought to still be on the road, most succumbing to rampant rust.
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| 1963 MGB Roadster |
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The MGA was replaced by the MGB in 1962; first offered as a roadster, it boasted independent front suspension, disc brakes and a twin-carb, 1.8-litre version of the B-series engine which gave 94bhp. Overdrive was optional on the four-speed gearbox. Although less kind critics dubbed it the two-seater (Austin) A60, as it shared many of that car's components, it met the brief of affordable, stylish, simple sports car perfectly. The handsome fastback GT coupe joined the range in '65, and racing versions of the MGB went on to compete at Le Mans, Sebring and the Nurburgring. Both the MGB and the Midget went on to set MG production records, with over half a million Bs and 225,000 Midgets built up until their final discontinuation in 1980.
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| 1965 MGB GT |
Mk 2 MGB models were introduced in 1967, with engines revised for 95bhp, an all-synchromesh manual gearbox or optional auto. One criticism of the MGB was still that it wasn't quite quick enough, however. An expedient solution was to fit the six-cylinder 2912cc engine from the Austin-Healey 3000 - 145bhp, 120mph and 0-60 in 10 seconds - to create the MGC. This entailed a redesign of the front suspension to cope with the extra weight, with the coil springs replaced by torsion bars: though quick in a straight line, its handling was less than agile, steering response slow and just 9000 were made from 1967-1969, including one for Prince Charles, now handed down to Prince William.
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| 1967 MGC Roadster |
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MG had further organisational concerns at this time, though: BMC was merged into British Leyland (now including Jaguar, Triumph and Rover) in 1968. To bring the range into the 1970s, all that was managed for the Mk 3 MGB was the addition of standard Rostyle wheels, reclining seats and a matt black grille with chrome surrounds.
