Marque: MG - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand
MG
If there was any justice in the world, then the MG name would still be rivalling the likes of BMW and Mercedes as the brand to drive. Come to think of it, MG was more Audi in its history and outlook – and surely would have similarly prospered if the rubbish British Leyland management hadn’t starved this famous and much loved outfit of proper encouragement and cash.
The origins of MG date…
MG T Series
PRICE: TC: £5000 - £15,000
TD: £4000 - £13,000
TF 1250: £5000 - £15,000
TF 1500: £6000+ - £17,000
Fast Facts
- Produced:
TC 1945-49
TD 1949-53
TF 1953-55 - Bodywork:
Two-door open sports - Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four-cylinder 1250cc 54-57bhp
TF 1500 1466cc 63bhp - 0-60 mph:
18-22 sec - Top Speed:
75-85+ mph - MPG:
25-30+ mpg
Past: When TA Midget was introduced in 1936, it was everything a sports car should be, with flowing, open bodywork and good performance. The pre-War TB and mildly amended post-War TC evolved from the original design. The 1950 TD benefited from independent front suspension plus more precise rack and pinion steering, and the 1953 TF had lower, sleeker bodywork.
However, by then the T Series cars appeared terribly dated.
Present: T Series cars are sought-after due to of their old-fashioned charm, and prices remain high. They are relatively easy to maintain at home, and spares availability is good.
Future: Look after a T Series MG and in monetary value you won’t lose at all.
Spares should be available long into the future too, and there’s excellent club support into the bargain.
MG 1100/1300
PRICE: 1100/1300: £250 - £2500+
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1962-71 - Bodywork:
Two or four-door saloon - Engine:
Overhead valve, in-line four-cylinder A-Series
1100 1098cc 55bhp
1300 1275cc to April 1968 58bhp
April 1968 on 65bhp - 0-60 mph:
14 to 18+ sec - Top Speed:
85-100 mph - MPG:
35-45 mpg
Past: Building on the foundations of the best-selling Austin / Morris 1100 and 1300s, the sportier, MGs offered a bit more spark and popular with those who needed family transport but with Ministyle thrills. Launched in ‘62 with MKII in ‘67 and best MG1300 of them all a year later. Displaced by boy racer Austin / Morris 1300GT in 1969.
Today: Badge-engineered versions of the Austin/ Morris they may be, but they are now quite rare and desirable. They are practical family classics, with a bit more pep, especially the spy 1300.
Future: The few surviving cars will become more regarded as classy compact sporting saloons of their time.
Early twin tone 1100s or last of the line 1275s will hold the most sway valuewise but all are hard to justify full on restorations to their lowly values. Mechanical parts okay – body less so.
MG Maestro
PRICE: £100 - £1200
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1983-84 - Bodywork:
Five-door hatchback - Engine:
1600 Overhead-camshaft in-line four-cylinder R-Series 1598cc 104bhp
2.0 EFi Overhead-camshaft in-line four-cylinder O-Series 1994cc 115bhp - 0-60 mph:
8.5-9.5 sec - Top Speed:
110-115 mph - MPG:
25-35+ mpg
Past: The first MG version of BL’s five door family hatchback arrived in 1983 and was powered by a 1.6 litre ‘R’ Series engine, fed via twin Weber carbs and driving through a close ratio, Volkswagen-derived five-speed ‘box.
Replacing the 1600 in 1984 was the fuel-injected 2.0 EFI, featuring a two-litre ‘O’ Series overhead camshaft engine delivering a peppy 115bhp.
Present: Admirable performance, generous interior space and easy maintenance come as standard. Yet these models are still little known and under-rated, so are often overlooked and usually inexpensive, representing excellent value.Weber carb models were rarely ran right however.
Future: Interest in the few remaining examples is sure to increase but as novelty value mostly and as good as the car is, it won’t become a classic.
MG Maestro Turbo
PRICE: £300 - £2000+
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1989-91 - Bodywork:
Five-door hatchback - Engine:
Turbocharged overhead camshaft in-line four-cylinder O-Series 1994cc 152bhp - 0-60 mph:
6.9 sec - Top Speed:
130 mph - MPG:
23-30+ mpg
Past: Introduced in 1989, the Maestro Turbo was the fastest production MG ever yet still practical care of the dumpy hatchback body. Styling kit by the coachbuilding firm Tickford, plus 15 inch alloy sports wheels shod with low profile tyres, and a sporty interior also gave the MG the edge.
Present: This is a bargain classic offering supercar performance levels for pennies. The amount of raw power is staggering, although persuading the tyres to grip the tarmac can be a challenge – especially in slippery conditions. Respect and enjoy!
Future: This now scarce high performer will increasingly be seen as desirable by enthusiasts in search of 1980s classics although prices won’t soar as a result though. If you find an original, unmolested example, it will make a great buy. Restos are hardly viable.
MG Magnette MK III/IV
PRICE: Magnette Mark III/IV: £250 - £3500+
Fast Facts
- Produced:
Mark III 1959-61
Mark IV 1961-68 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon - Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four-cylinder B-Series
Mark III 1489cc 66.5bhp
Mark IV 1622cc 68bhp - 0-60 mph:
19.5-20.5 sec - Top Speed:
90 mph - MPG:
25-32 mpg
Past: Launched in 1959, Farina-styled Magnettes didn’t provide as sporting a drive as the previous ZA/ZBs, and so failed capture the imagination of MG fans. All the same, these upmarket if deliberately ‘badge-engineered’ Morris Oxfords were fair cruisers, comfortable and well-equipped. Improved considerably in 1961 with the MkIV and discontinued in 1968, they were built in relatively small numbers.
Present: Not a patch on the ZA/ZB to drive with far inferior running gear, the Magnette is a slightly tweaked Oxford rather than a Cortina GT rival but a nice relaxing sporty family classic. Many boast MGB power which is a good mod.
Future: As time goes on the biggest problem is going to be finding one to buy; already the earlier Mark IIIs are almost extinct. Prices of good examples bound to creep up but not for us really.
MG Metro
PRICE: £100 - £1200
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1982-90 - Bodywork:
Three-door hatchback - Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four-cylinder A Plus Series 1275cc 72bhp - 0-60 mph:
12 sec - Top Speed:
103 mph - MPG:
35-45 mpg
Past: Arriving in 1982 and powered by a 1275cc ‘A Plus’ engine (running with a single SU HIF carburettor, a higher compression ratio than Austin versions, plus Cooper S spec camshaft), the MG Metro was a modern Cooper and just as fast and economical too. Facelifted in 1989 before Rover GTA replaced it.
Present: The Metro is often overlooked but this is good news for these practical little flyers are fairly lively 100 mph hot hatches, with a supple ride and trim handling. Lack of five speeds make them as buzzy as a Mini, sadly.
Future: Despite being launched over quarter of a century ago, have yet to gain classic status. Structural corrosion has ensured that most have already turned to dust. There will only be a few long-term survivors to represent the breed into the future and we can’t see these MGs becoming coveted really.
MG Metro Turbo
PRICE: £150 - £1500+
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1983-90 - Bodywork:
Three-door hatchback - Engine:
Turbocharged overhead-valve in-line four-cylinder 'A Plus' Series 1275cc 93bhp - 0-60 mph:
9.5 sec - Top Speed:
110+ mph - MPG:
30-40 mpg
Past: Introduced in 1983 and lightly facelifted in ‘89, the Metro Turbo produced excellent performance.
By adding a Garrett AiResearch turbo, the 1275cc engine made 93bhp (the highest powered production version of the A Series unit) yet cleverly without the usual turbo lag of that era.
Present: Although not as fast as today’s pocket rockets, the Turbo is still revered for its well-engineered engine.The lack of a fifth gear annoys but the handling is still good enough to enjoy a serious punt across country.
Future: Survivors are be few, due to corrosion and cannibalisation (for the engine - they make Minis really fly!) and the car has yet to achieve genuine classic status. Perhaps it may never (it’s our favourite Metro) but as a practical run-around classic or cheap club racer the Turbo works a treat.
MG Midget
Fast Facts
- Produced:
Mark I 948cc 1961-62
Mark I 1098cc 1962-64
Mark II 1098cc 1964-66
Mark III 1966-74 -1500: 1974-79 - Bodywork:
Two-door open sports - Engine:
All are overhead valve in-line four-cylinder units
BMC A-Series 948cc (Mark I) 47bhp 1098cc
Mark I 56bhp
Mark II 59bhp 1275cc (Mark III) 65bhp
Triumph-derived 1493cc (Midget 1500) 65bhp - 0-60 mph:
12-20+ sec - Top Speed:
85-100+ mph - MPG:
28-45 mpg
Past: An uprade of the of the Austin-Healey ‘Frogeye’ Sprite, in turn derived from the Austin A35; Midgets provide sports car motoring on a budget, and liked by buyers because of their affordability and willing nature. Engine capacities grew from 948cc to 1098cc then 1275cc and finally to 1493cc (Triumph unit). Mk3s 1275s are generally regarded as the best; raised height rubber bumpers least liked.
Present: More fun to punt around than the MGB, these compact classics are still available at sensible prices and provide more smiles per mile than their size and pace suggests. Not fast but crisp handling compensates although cabin is too tight, spartan for some.
Future: The future is rosy for Midgets, since virtually all components, including full bodyshells, are available.
The worry is spending too much on one.
MG Montego 2.0 EFi/2.0i
PRICE: £100 - £1200
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1984-91 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon - Engine:
Overhead camshaft in-line four-cylinder O-Series 1994cc 115bhp - 0-60 mph:
9 sec - Top Speed:
115 mph - MPG:
25-35 mpg
Past: Holding true to the MG tradition of spicing up a family saloon with a performance package resulted in the MG Montego. It had the comfort, space and practicality of the Austin version, but the MG was naturally usefully faster and more upmarket. Power courtesy of a fuel-injected, two-litre version of the ‘O’ Series unit. In late 1988 the car was redesignated 2.0i and was fitted with the Turbo version’s revised suspension.
Present: Fun to drive, practical and dirt cheap, an MG Montego can make sound sense as an alternative modern classic or cheap daily driver with good performance and handling. Rust is the enemy; check carefully when buying.
Future: Numbers dwindle as the ‘tinworm’ takes its toll, and in a few years these cars will be very difficult to find. But that won’t make any Montego saloon a true MG classic in our eyes!
MG Montego Turbo
PRICE: £300 - £2000+
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1985-91 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon - Engine:
Turbocharged overhead camshaft inline four-cylinder O Series 1994cc 150bhp - 0-60 mph:
7.5 sec - Top Speed:
127 mph - MPG:
23-30+
Past: Arriving in 1985, the Turbo version was similar in to the EFi.
However, in addition to ‘MG Turbo’ graphics, a deeper front airdam, a larger rear spoiler and wider sports alloy wheels, the newcomer’s pace was hugely impressive, due to its Garrett AiResearch turbocharger and 150bhp.
Present: This is the ultimate sporting Montego, still revered for its , supercarlike performance while at the same time providing generous accommodation for a family plus their luggage. The Turbo is ve ry much a driver’s car, but needs to be treated with respect, particularly in the wet where handling can be frantic.
Excellent value for money if you can find a good one that is.
Future: This model will be talked about for years to come, and the remaining examples enjoyed by those lucky enough to find one. A true modern MG!
MG RV8
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1992-95 - Bodywork:
Two-door open sports - Engine:
Overhead valve V8 3946cc 190bhp - 0-60 mph:
5.9 sec - Top Speed:
135 mph - MPG:
20-30+ mpg
Past: The RV8 was intended to be the most powerful, exclusive, and luxurious MG ever. Built to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the MGB, it was made by Rover Special Products (RSP), and featured Rover’s potent aluminium V8 engine enlarged to a full fat 3.9-litres, with multi-point Lucas fuel injection and was a totally different animal to the original BGTV8.
Present: The ultimate MGB, and a superb modern classic to own with a touch of modern Morgans about it – it’s fast, refined and well appointed. Many RV8s originally exported to Japan have now been have been ‘repatriated’ to UK.
Future: RV8 will always be regarded as a particularly special MG but prices little different to normal MGB. Much gen and help is available about the model RV8 specialists and this will ensure its survival for many years to come.
MG YA/YB/YT
PRICE: YA/YB saloon: £1000 - £6500+
YT tourer: £2000 - £10,000
Fast Facts
- Produced:
YA 1947-51
YB 1951-53
YT 1948-50 - Bodywork:
YA/YB four-door saloon
YT two-door open tourer - Engine:
Overhead-valve in-line four-cylinder 1250cc 46-54bhp - 0-60 mph:
25-28+ sec - Top Speed:
70-75 mph - MPG:
25-30+
Past: The YA sports saloon of 1947 featured bodywork based on the Morris Eight Series E and Wolseley Eight, but featured a prominent vertical grille and a longer bonnet. Power was from an overhead valve XPAG four-cylinder, 1250cc engine (Morris Ten derived).
Rack and pinion steering plus independent front suspension ensured sports car-like handling.Variations included the updated YB saloon of 1951 and the attractive, rare YT Tourer.
Present: Respected for their elegance, practicality and comparative rarity, the Y series MGs remain enjoyable to drive (but in truth are not fast cars) and still provide pretty good value for money.
Future: Interest and prices are sure to rise as supply is outstripped by demand.
The solid reputation of these models is set to continue and their desirability long into the future is fairly well assured.
MG ZA/ZB
PRICE: £1500 - £8000
Fast Facts
- Produced:
ZA 1953-56; ZB 1956-59 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon - Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four-cylinder 1489cc B-Series ZA 60bhp ZB 68.5bhp - 0-60 mph:
18.5-22.5 sec - Top Speed:
85-90 mph - MPG:
26-33 mpg
Past: In 1953 the ZA was regarded as a thoroughly modern sporting saloon, featuring clean styling and BMC’s torquey, B-Series engine, equipped with twin SU carbs. Rack and pinion steering plus independent front suspension meant trim handling, and the cars were well liked as a poor man’s Jaguar.
Higher compression ZB Magnette of 1956 was the fastest 1.5-litre saloon of its time. Revise with upmarket Varitone model featured that year.
Present: Still highly regarded, not least because the ZB’s successors were nothing like as sporting. The Z series models remain eminently practical for a family – a beginners’ MK2 Jaguar? – although performance isn’t notable.
MGA tune or later MGB engine are popular retro fits, plus Ford gearbox.
Future: Asking prices are set to increase as good cars become coveted.
MGA
PRICE: 1500 fixedhead: £1500 - £9000+
1500 roadster: £2500 - £11,000+
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1955-62 - Bodywork:
Two-door open sports/fixedhead coupé - Engine:
All except Twin Cam units overhead valve in-line four-cylinder B-Series
1500 1489cc 68bhp
1600 Mark I 1588cc 80bhp
1600 Mark II 1622cc 93bhp
Twin Cam: Twin overhead camshaft 1588cc 108bhp - 0-60 mph:
11.5-15 sec - Top Speed:
98-114 mph - MPG:
Overhead valve models 22-26
Twin Cam 20-24
Past: A rebodied and refined TF, the MGA was sleek, attractive and fast, courtesy of a tuned 1.5-litre B-Series engine, enlarged to 1.6-litres in 1959.
The 108 bhp Twin Cam versions were ahead of their time, but these complex units tended to be troublesome, if powerful (now coveted and sorted).
Conventional powered TCs soaked up the range until MGB arrived in 1962.
Today: More than 50 years since their introduction, the sleek MGAs still look impressive and buyers are attracted by the overall competence of the design and many drivers prefer it to the softer MGB. Spares availability is excellent for such an oldie, too.
Future: Quite simply, the MGA has always been seen as one of the finest British sports cars ever and popularity will continue, as will the inexorable rise in asking prices, especially TCs!
MGB
PRICE: 'Chrome bumper' GT (fixedhead): £1000 - £6000
'Chrome bumper' roadster: £1000+ - £8000+
'Rubber bumper' GT: £750 - £4000+
'Rubber bumper' roadster: £1000 - £6000
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1962-80 - Bodywork:
Two-door open sports/fixedhead coupé - Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four-cylinder 1798cc 98bhp - 0-60 mph:
12 sec - Top Speed:
105 mph - MPG:
24-30+ mpg
Past: Replacing the much-loved MGA, the new, unitary construction 1.8-litre MGB roadster was well-received if hardly cutting edge, even for 1962.
Fastback GT arrived in 1965, and Mark 2 revisions came in 1968. The strange rubber bumpers and increased ride height on later versions were due to catering for vital USA. market. Further detail changes were made until the model’s discontinuation in 1980.
Present: The ‘B’ is still widely regarded as the most practical classic sports can you can buy. Handling is a little ‘soft’ and Bs are not quick but lots of upgrades are available. Rubber bumper cars ride better and top value.
Future: Will always be loved, but with so many around prices will only increase for genuinely top cars. Fine club and spares support so are always easy and cheap to own and run.
MGB GT V8
PRICE: 'Chrome' bumper: £2000 - £9000+
'Rubber' bumper: £1500 - £8000+
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1973-76 - Bodywork:
Two-door fixedhead coupé - Engine:
Overhead valve V8 3528cc 137bhp - 0-60 mph:
8.5+ sec - Top Speed:
125 mph - MPG:
20-25 mpg
Past: The ‘official’ MGB V8 eventually surfaced in 1973, but not until racer Ken Costello had showed MG how to do it (better) years before. Sadly launch was at the start of the Middle East conflict and resulting fuel price hikes hardly help the model and just 2591 were produced (all in GT guise). Rubber bumpers and raised suspension for 1975 but few of these survive.
Present: Naturally the MGB V8 is highly valued now for its rarity, performance and understated style. Even now, the V8 is bloody quick and while the lighter engine helps handling, some reckon Costello cars were better sorted plus the ride on all is too hard.
Future: Amazingly, the most complete MGB costs surprisingly little more to buy and run as a 1.8 but as the years pass this MG is sure to increase in iconic status and a price gap will form.
MGC
PRICE: GT (fixedhead): £2000 - £7000+
Open roadster: £2500 - £9000+
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1967-69 - Bodywork:
Two-door open sports fixedhead coupé - Engine:
Overhead valve in-line six-cylinder 'C' Series 2912cc 145bhp - 0-60 mph:
10 sec - Top Speed:
120+ mph - MPG:
20-27 mpg
Past: Successor to the Big Healey, the three-litre, six pot MGC of 1967 was produced in roadster and GT forms but they didn’t sell in huge numbers. Press criticism of nose-heavy handling and lazy performance largely killed it.
Revised gearing in ‘68 only real change to the car’s short lifespan.
Present: MGC is easy and pleasant to drive but is no hot rod. These cars are highly prized today by MG enthusiasts, because of their lazy nature and fine touring abilities while good modern tyres have negated many of the handling quirks. Good as autos, too.
Future: The rarely encountered MGC will increasingly be seen as more desirable than the MGB on which it was based and so prices are destined to rise due to rarity and its notorious past.
Not as easy to restore as an MGB however. Period tuning gear coveted.
MGF
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1995-2001 - Bodywork:
Two-door sports - Engine:
Twin overhead-camshaft in-line four-cylinder K-Series
1.6i 1589cc 110bhp
1.8i 1796cc 118bhp
1.8i VVC 1796cc 143bhp
1.8 Trophy 160 1796cc 158bhp - 0-60 mph:
7.2-9.5 sec - Top Speed:
116-130 mph - MPG:
25-48
Past: First all new MG sportster since the B, the mid-mounted MGF was bang up to date when launched in 1995.
Hotter VVC a real goer but CVT auto a damp squib. Range revamped in 2001 where entry level 1.6 was introduced with hot 160bhp Trophy flagship.
Replaced in ‘02 by far more orthodox TF equipped with normal suspension.
Present: A modern classic, providing affordable mid-engined fun. Precise, predictable handling plus Metro gas suspension works well with supple ride.
Poorly maintained ‘cheap’ examples plentiful but poor buys. Potential problem areas include the valve gear and cylinder heads/gaskets, duff suspensions and thrashed track cars.
Future: Prices are on the floor for the MGF but it will become an MG classic although that’s a fair way off still. Buy on condition above all else.
