MG was a home-grown concept that became an international success, bringing the small market town of Abingdon onto the global map. MG - Made in Abingdon recounts the inside story of the famous factory, recognising that the most important aspect of MG’s success was its team – the tea-boys and girls, the shop floor workers, the engineers and racers, the apprentices and management. From memories of the production line to recollections of racing incidents, the untold story of MG from the men and women who worked in the Abingdon factory is revealed for the first time in a book that is both nostalgic and historically important. “This is social history at its best.” (Classic Car) “The real treasure is without a doubt the stories ... a valuable piece of social history.” (Classic and Sports Car) “Opens a window on aspects of MG life that rarely get an airing in public.” (MG Enthusiast)

Brian Moylan started working for MG in 1950 as a mechanic in the service/repair shop. In 1955 he was drafted in to the Racing Department. which was the centre for all BMC competition work. During his time there he was fortunate enough to work on several rally winning Minis including the 1967 Monte Carlo Rally winner. Just before the factory closed in 1980 Bryan was offered the position of manager of a small satellite Morris Garages outlet. Bryan has always been involved in the MG Car Club, serving on the committee of the local Centre in various capacities. Since his retirement he has started giving slide shows on MG history and writing articles for the leading Classic Car magazines, plus three books on MG and rally connected subjects. Bryan also works closely with the Abingdon Museum setting up MG Exhibitions and is currently working towards having a permanent exhibition in the Museum.

This is the inside story of the MG Design office, from 1956 until its closure in 1980. Explaining how the various models were drawn, planned, and developed by the small team of engineers, it also shows how the input and control changed from Morris, Wolseley, Riley Group, Austin-Morris, and Austin Rover. The effects of the Triumph-Austin merger are detailed in model changes, alongside the effects of safety legislation, mainly imposed by the United States. Trying to remain as individual as possible during this period, MG developed record breakers and a unique Competition Department. Special cars were built and tested, and prototypes for the MGB replacement were drawn up – all in parallel with the development of MG production cars using engines from any part of the BMC company. The continuing support of the American market was essential and much valued, but the company’s market support prioritised the TR7 – a decision that, ultimately, led to the closure of a successful, happy company.

The MGB was a great British success story, a product largely conceived, designed and produced by a small team of dedicated people who genuinely cared about their work. Of course, the MGB came from a proud, successful sports car tradition, and the model it replaced - the revolutionary aerodynamic MGA - had been an unprecedented success - so the new car had big shoes to fill. Launching in 1962 and in production for eighteen years, the MGB became one of the most successful sports cars the world has ever known. This book describes how the MGB arose principally from the ideas of one man, MG's Chief Engineer, Syd Enever, how it was designed and developed, how it survived and thrived, and how it became the classic car still highly regarded today. There have been many previous books about the MGB, and the related MGC and V8 variants, but MGB - The superlative MG reaches a new level of detail together seasoned with fresh insight. David Knowles has been researching and writing about the MGB for more than thirty years. Prepare to be surprised at some of the stories you will have never read before, and new twists on some you possibly thought you knew well.

The story of the marque from 1923 until the Abingdon factory closed in 1980. As well as in-depth studies of all models produced, from Old Number I to the last of the MGBs, the book has biographies of those most involved with MG development, record breaking and motor sport. Book jacket.

The MGB was Britain’s most successful ever sports car, with sales of over half a million. And the truth is, that more than three decades after production ceased, the MGB’s classic lines, affordability, fun factor and certain ‘rightness’ mean that its enthusiastic following remains undiminished. In ‘MGB: The Illustrated History’ the authors, self-confessed ‘B’ enthusiasts both, recall the remarkable history of this remarkable car. Originated with full co-operation and contributions from key members of the original design team, including John Thornley, Syd Enever, Don Hayter and Roy Brocklehurst, this book takes the reader behind the scenes at the world-famous MG factory at Abingdon, which closed its doors in 1980 with the demise of the MGB after 18 years in production. The background to the MGB roadster’s development is first recalled in the context of its immediate predecessor, the MGA, the various famous EX experimental models, and the heritage of MG as a whole. Separate chapters then follow the development, introduction and production of the GT, MGC and V8. Further chapters on the MGB’s competition successes and the RV8 complete the story. Along with a feast of colour photographs and contemporary brochure material – enough to satisfy even the most ardent MGB lover – the book also features full-colour cutaway illustrations of the three main ‘B’ variants. Copiously illustrated with contemporary colour photographs and brochure material, and featuring colour cutaway illustrations of the MGB roadster, MGC, MGB GT V8 and MG RV8, this book not only charts the production life of Britain’s best-loved sports car, but also takes the reader behind the scenes at the world-famous Abingdon factory. This long-awaited 4th edition now includes brand new illustrations of model variants and an original road test report.

A fascinating insight into the production and career of the MGC GTS lightweights, this well-researched text is generously illustrated with rare photographs, race programs, and original artwork. In early 1968 a works competition MGC GTS scored the MG Car Company’s best ever result at the Sebring 12-hour race, finishing in tenth position. Buoyed by this success a second car was built, with both entered on the Marathon de la Route but without success. Closure of MG Competitions Department at Abingdon was not far off, however the team gallantly prepared both cars for their final race in 1969. Under the banner of the American importer the newer car finished in fifteenth position. The MGC GTS Lightweights covers the development of the production road car, its conception, compromised design and subsequent failure to attract loyal MG customers. This is followed by an in-depth technical analysis of the development, construction and build of the MGC GTS. Specific attention is given to the specialised components utilised, particular emphasis placed on the unique aluminium bodyshell that for the first time is laid bare. The competition history and race results are comprehensively covered, and lastly the subsequent fall from grace and rediscovery of these last and much loved MG competition cars to emerge from Abingdon.