A classic of its type, each model with its own special appeal
OVER the summer we delved into a 1976 Leyland cars brochure, taking a look at some of the most popular cars of that period.
We’ve seen some favourites such as the Mini, Maxi, and Princess, and some not so well-regarded models, such as the Allegro and Marina.
But a car from that period that has certainly retained its appeal is the
MG sports car, and here is the range offered in the 1977 brochure, introduced as follows ...
“Probably one of the oldest and best-loved names in British sports cars, the MG is as popular with the modern generation of enthusiasts as it ever has been in the past.
“It is a classic of its type, traditional in concept, yet as up-to-date as today with its lively style and first-rate engineering.
“The MG marque embraces three models: the Midget and the MGB, both open touring cars (there are not many of these about nowadays) and the MGB GT Saloon.
“Each one has its own special appeal and each responds willingly to good driving.
“All models have a four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox, rack and pinion steering, radial-ply tyres, disc/drum brakes, independent front suspension and 5mph impact-absorbing bumpers front and rear. “Their control is precise, their handling predictable. You’ll find that where it matters most, it takes a lot to beat and MG.” First up is the smallest ... the MG Midget: “Midget by name but far from midget by nature. It’s a nimble performer with a sturdy, twin-carbuetter engine of 1493cc capacity capable of spirited acceleration and sustained, high speed cruising.
“The cockpit is snug and businesslike with everything arranged for comfortable, satisfying control.
“You can adjust the rake of the seat backs to suit yourself, assess the situation at a glance from clear, wellplaced instruments and operate the stubby, remote control gear lever with a flick of the hand.
“If you’re sporty and young at heart, this Midget will certainly do something for you.”
The next one up the scale was the
The Midget is a nimble performer
slightly larger MGB, still with a retractable roof, but almost a foot and a half longer and with an extra 300cc of engine capacity ...
“In this great British sports car you can enjoy many of the advantages that saloon car drivers have. That doesn’t make the MGB any less of a sports car – simply a better one.
“You get good leg room, a lockable glove box, cigar lighter, dipping interior mirror, courtesy/console lamp, reversing lamps, face level ventilation and overdrive.
“You get other things as well, including the kind of fresh air motoring saloon cars can never offer. And you get some impressive power from the 1798cc twin-car-buretter engine to drive away the frustrations from the world around.”
And for those who knew the British weather rather too well to invest in a soft-top, there was the MGB GT, complete with roof ...
“For the enthusiast with a penchant for even more comfort, there’s the MGB GT. A car with all the sporting characteristics of the open model but with a stylish, enclosed saloon body.
“Handsome, adjustable rake front seats are faced in eye-catching striped nylon fabric and there’s a useful occasional seat at the back trimmed in the same material.
“With the GT body comes extra luggage room too, about nine and a half cubic feet of it, reached through the full sized, high-lift tailgate. Your touring cases go with you in this truly Grand Tourer.”