How interesting that someone is looking for information on these cars because
at this moment I'm hunting for one.
Basically, for a few brief years, MG was a real full fledged car company
with a full line of cars. On the top was the MG Magnette Mk. III and IV,
based on the Morris Oxford This was a large car with leather and wood and all
that and four doors. Next down was the MGB, then the MG 1100 based on the
Morris 1100 and then the Midget based on the Austin Healey Sprite.
The MG 1100 could be had in two or four door version with either a stick or
a 4-speed automatic which was actually IN the oilpan! These cars were
revolutionary in that they were the first and probably the last cars that
could have the ultimate space-economizing layout of VERY short hood, VERY
large body (proportionally), and wheels at the extreme corners. Later,
crumple zones prevent cars from having such maximized space economy.
These cars were pretty technical in thier day, with transverse engines and
hydrolastic suspension and rack and pinion steering, disc brakes, and a bus-
like steering wheel. Also, they were pretty good looking especially in two
tone, thier body having been designed by Pinninfarina. Later cars even had
neat walnut dashboards and sporty guages.
We will have to wait until Niel Cairns picks up on this thread I'm sure he has
much valuble information to add.
John
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