The story of the MGB's concept, design and development, as told by MG’s Chief Design & Development Engineer, Don Hayter.
This book covers models and prototypes from 1956 up to the close of the factory in 1980. Featuring behind-the-scenes anecdotes and personal accounts of MG in its heyday.
This is the inside story of the workings of the MG Design and Development Office in Abingdon, from 1956 until MG's closure in 1980, as told by Chief Design & Development Engineer, Don Hayter.
This book explains how the various models were conceived, drawn, planned and developed by a small team of engineers. It also shows how the constant evolution of BMC, including the Triumph-Austin merger, frequently changed input to, and control of, the department.
Safety legislation, mainly imposed by the United States, could have killed MG, but detailed here are the design changes that allowed the MGB, and other models, to survive.
Trying to remain as individual as possible, MG developed record-breakers and a unique Competition Department during the period covered by this book. Special cars were built and tested, and prototypes for the MGB replacement, using engines from any part of the group, were drawn up.
The continuing support of the American market was essential and much valued, but holding company, British Leyland, prioritised the TR7 – a decision that, ultimately, led to the closure of a successful, happy MG company.
Written by Don Hayter, Chief Engineer MG Abingdon
Features models and prototypes from 1956 to 1980
Traces the development of the MGB from conception to production
Details the challenges and restraints on the MGB design teams
Covers the effects of USA safety legislation on the MGB
Behind the scenes anecdotes from MG Design & Development
A personal account of Rally team back-up in the Liege rallies
Background to the MG record breakers
Includes a personal account of the MG Design Department closure
Features photographs previously unseen outside Design & Development
