MG Cars (since 1945): Books - History

MG 1945-1964

The first postwar MG was the famous TC Midget launched in October 1945. From small beginnings the MG marque went on to conquer the North American sports car market.
This book contains photographs of the TC, TD, TF, MGA, Midget, and early MGB captured on the road and in competition that includes Sebring, Le Mans, and record-breaking runs on the Utah salt flats.

MG Sports Cars (1949-1961)

Brooklands Portfolio book about the MG models from the years 1949-1961. Describes the MG M, 18/80, 18/100, Miles Spl, K3 Magnette, TC, TD, TF, Supercharged, 1500, MGA, Coupé, Judson, Twin Cam, 1600 and Mk II.

• The articles, published at the time in the American car magazine Road & Track, provide much information about history, model introductions and technology.
• Also technical specifications, driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, etc.

▶  More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

MG Y-Type & Magnette ZA/ZB

Brooklands Portfolio book about the MG Y-Type and Magnette ZA/ZB passenger cars. Describes the MG 1 1/4 litre YA, YB and YT as well as the Magnette ZA and ZB.

• The 51 articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

▶  More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

MG Y Type Sports Saloon

In this book, MG Y Type owner and expert Neil Cairns provides the reader with a detailed history of the development of the MG Y as well as descriptions of the different models - the YA, the YT and the YB.
Based on his own twenty-five years' experience of owning and driving an MG Y, the book is packed with advice, hints and tips for buying and owning this classic post-war MG saloon.

Although based on a pre-war body design, the MG Y Type was more radical than it looked. It was the first MG with independent front suspension, the first MG with rack and pinion steering and the first with a left-hand drive option.

This book covers the development of the XPAG engine as well as other mechanical information covering the gearbox, chassis and rear axle. There is also a chapter on restoration and how to deal with corrosion.

MG Magnette

The MG Magnette ZA was launched in 1953 at the London Motor Show to a mixed reaction. It had obvious similarities to the Wolseley 4/44, on which it was based, but it also had a revolutionary monocoque body and subtle design and styling cues that set it apart as an MG.
It was the first MG to be powered by the BMC B-series engine that would later power the MGA and MGB.

In this revealing book, Paul Batho covers the development of the Magnette, going back to the original MG philosophy and examining the advantages, constraints and compromises under the new ownership of BMC, including badge engineering.

The book details the model developments over the years - including the Magnette ZB and the Magnette Six - and how it managed to encompass speed, comfort, handling, style and practicality for ordinary owners, foreshadowing the sporting family cars of the future.
The author also covers owning and restoring a Magnette in the post-production era, bodywork and mechanical restoration as well as how to cope with typical faults and failings.

Farina MG and Riley Saloons

NEW

The MG and Riley saloons, based on the BMC Morris Oxford body, followed the successful MG Magnette ZA and ZB. Launched in November 1958, the Mk III combined various components, including the engine, gearbox, and rear axle from the ZB model, built on an A55 floor pan.
The standard versions included four models: the Austin A55 Mk II, Morris Oxford Series 5, Wolseley 15/60, and Riley 4. These models were updated in January 1961, with the MG Magnette Mk3 and Mk4, and Riley 4/68 and 4/72 representing the premium versions.

In this book, MG expert Neil Cairns explores the history of these controversial cars, which were criticized at launch for "badge engineering." Despite initial backlash, they set a precedent, as badge-engineered models later became common. While the Riley and MG saloons lacked the performance and handling of earlier MG Magnette models, they are significant in the histories of MG, Riley, Morris, and Austin.

British Leyland - The Cars, 1968-1986

In 1968, British Leyland brought together most of Britain's motor manufacturers, with the intention of creating a robust unified group that could equal the strength of the big European conglomerates. But this was not to be.

There have been many books about the politics and the business activities of British Leyland, but "British Leyland - The Cars, 1968 - 1986" looks deliberately at the cars that came from the company, both the models it inherited and it created.

The eighteen years of the corporation's existence saw a confusing multitude of different car types, but this book resolves these confusions, clarifying who built what, and when.
The book takes 1986 as its cut-off point because this was the year that the old British Leyland ceased to exist and what was left of the car and light commercial business was renamed the Rover Group.

Making Cars at Longbridge : 1906 to the Present Day

Lavishly illustrated with unique images from the official company archive, this book charts more than 100 years of car-making at the Longbridge factory, near Birmingham. Herbert Austin founded the Austin Motor Company here in April 1905 and it was subsequently home to the British Motor Corporation, British Leyland, Rover Group and, latterly, MG Rover. Its products include some of the most famous British models ever produced, such as the pioneering Austin Seven, the innovative trend-setting Mini, the popular Austin Metro and, in later years, the best-selling MG TF and elegant Rover 75.

The factory was a major employer and an integral part of the local community from its beginnings until the sad events of April 2005, when MG Rover went into administration. This radically changed the landscape, spearheading the long-term regeneration of the area. The community is looking to the future with confidence, never forgetting its long and proud tradition of manufacturing.

This fully updated version honours the 110th anniversary of the first motor production at Longbridge as well as the 150th birthday of Herbert Austin. It includes a new colour section showing various stages in the life of a car, from the design studio to the showroom.