MG passenger cars (since 1952): books - history and models

MG Z Cars

The MG Z cars were introduced at a crucial time when MG Rover became independent after separating from BMW, facing a highly competitive car market. In this book, motoring journalist and Austin Rover expert Craig Cheetham explores the development of the MG Z range, created in an effort to secure the company's future. It also examines the formation of the Phoenix Corporation, the group behind MG Rover.

The book details the design and engineering work that made the MG Z cars more than just rebadged models, giving them a distinct character and lasting appeal. It covers the MG Z versions of the Rover 25, 45, and 75, explaining how each was modified to uphold MG's performance heritage.

Despite these efforts, MG Rover eventually faced financial collapse, marking the end of large-scale British car manufacturing. Including practical advice for owners and potential buyers, this book is an essential guide to the MG Z cars.

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British Leyland - The Cars, 1968-1986

In 1968, British Leyland was formed by merging most of Britain's car manufacturers to create a strong, unified group capable of competing with major European companies. However, this goal was not achieved.

Many books have explored the politics and business aspects of British Leyland, but "British Leyland - The Cars, 1968-1986" focuses specifically on the vehicles produced by the company. It covers both inherited models and those developed under its management.

During its 18 years, British Leyland produced a wide range of vehicles, often leading to confusion about their origins. This book clarifies which models were made, by whom, and when.

The book stops at 1986, the year British Leyland ceased to exist. What remained of its car and light commercial vehicle division was renamed the Rover Group.

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The Cars of BMC

Formed in 1952 through the merger of Morris Motors Ltd and the Austin Motor Company Ltd, the British Motor Corporation (BMC) rapidly expanded over the next 16 years, introducing numerous brands and models.

In this book, Graham Robson offers a complete history of BMC, including a detailed look at the early developments that led to the merger of Austin and Morris. This well-researched work provides a thorough directory of the brands and vehicles within BMC.

Robson covers the full history of the company and its formation, offering individual chapters for each brand, such as Austin, Wolseley, Metropolitan, and Vanden Plas.
Each chapter includes model histories, production dates, production numbers, technical specifications (including chassis layouts), engine and transmission details, model dimensions, and the fates of specific model lines.

This updated edition focuses on cars produced between 1945 and 1975, covering marques such as Austin, Austin-Healey, Innocenti, MG, Morris, Riley, Vanden Plas, Wolseley, British Motor Holdings, British Leyland, along with subsidiaries and international connections.

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Farina MG and Riley Saloons

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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.

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BMC 1100/1300 (ADO16) - Austin, Morris, MG, Riley, Wolseley & Vanden Plas

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ADO16 was the development code for the Austin Morris 1100/1300 range. This book covers all main models and their MG, Riley, and Vanden Plas versions. It explores the mechanical design, development, and the car's place within BMC and the market.

These cars were bestsellers in their time, offering British families a modern, stylish, and practical vehicle. Known for their reliability, efficiency, and spacious interiors, they became popular all-purpose cars.
With over a million units sold in the UK between 1962 and 1973, ADO16s were a common sight in cities, towns, villages, and on country roads. They became the defining British family car of the 1960s.

This book revisits one of the British motor industry's overlooked successes - the car that followed the Mini's legacy to offer Britain and the world a compact yet capable family saloon.

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Landcrabs and 3-Litres - BMC 1800, 2200 (ADO17) and 3-litre (ADO61) cars

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Nicknamed the Landcrab, the BMC 1800 was the largest of three models designed by Sir Alec Issigonis in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Following the success of the Mini and 1100, it featured Hydrolastic suspension and a spacious interior made possible by front-wheel drive. This large family saloon also performed well in motorsport and later had six-cylinder versions, first developed in Australia.

A modified version of the 1800 design was used for the Austin 3-Litre, a luxury car with rear-wheel drive aimed at a more traditional market. However, it was less successful, and plans for rebadged models, including a Bentley version, were abandoned.

Both the BMC 1800 and Austin 3-Litre played key roles in the British car industry of the 1960s and remain popular among classic car enthusiasts. Acclaimed motoring historian James Taylor explores their history in this well-researched and beautifully illustrated book.

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