MG Sport Car
MG is a British company that was founded in 1924, according to the company itself, although references to MG appeared in an Oxford Newspaper in late 1923. MG originally stood for Morris Garages, which was a dealer of Morris cars in Oxford. Morris Garages began producing customized vehicles based on the designs of its sales manager, Cecil Kimber. Best known for its sporty two seater; MG also produced coupes and saloons.
The first cars built by MG were reworked Morris models built on premises in Oxford. Demand soon dictated a move to a larger facility in Bainton Road in 1925, and a further expansion in 1927 to a separate factory on Edmund Road, Cowley, Oxford. This move enabled Morris to begin a production line.
Originally owned by William Morris, the company was sold to Morris Motors in 1935. MG was later absorbed by the British Motor Corporation in 1952 and later by British Leyland in 1968. During hard times in the 70's, the factory shut down and all production continued at the Longbridge plant after MG became part of the MG Rover Group in Longbridge, Birmingham.
The earliest models for MG consisted of a new body over a Morris Oxford chassis. The first car that could be considered a new MG and not a modified Morris was the 18/80. This was in 1928 and is the first MG to feature the trademark vertical grille. The first Midget was produced in 1929.
MG established a name for itself in the early days of international auto racing. The T-Series Midgets produced just before and after World War II were highly successful and exported worldwide. These included the MG TC, MG TD and the MG TF; all based upon the earlier MG TB designs.
The MGB was released in 1962 to satisfy demand for a more modern and comfortable sports car. The MGB was produced, with many modifications, mostly to comply with stringent American emissions standards, up until 1980. MG also began producing the MG Midget in 1961. The Midget was a slightly restyled second generation Austin-Healey Sprite. As with the MGB, the Midget design was frequently modified until the Abingdon factory closed in 1980 and the last of the range was made.
The maker of MG sport cars, Rover Group recently went into receivership. All MG car production has been suspended since 7 April 2005. In early 2006, MG brand was been purchased by a Chinese company and production is due to restart in late 2006 or early 2007, so once again, MG owners will be able to get parts for their vehicles. The company, Nanjing Automotive Company, beat out Daimler Chrysler and an acquisition group known as Project Kimber, run by David James, after the company's original sales manager. Nanjing is expected to restart production of the MG TF and ZT ranges at the beginning of 2007, but the ZR and ZS models are not likely to be produced again because of copyright issues.
Long a mainstay of the British automotive industry
, MG sport cars have been known for their reliability over the years and this should no doubt continue. 2nd hand MG sport cars are now available at bargain prices. Typically the insurance for the MGF sports car is around �350 per year for 35-year-old male, making the vehicles affordable as well. With summer on the way, this is a great time to buy a sports car. Imagine cruising around the countryside, with the top down in your very own piece of automotive history. Now is the best time to get yourself a fine piece of automotive history as well as a fun and reliable sports car.
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