MG
Safety Fast! The Sports Car for the Everyman
Introduction
MG’s story is the story of the affordable British sports car. Founded by Cecil Kimber as a tuning department within Morris Garages, MG quickly became synonymous with spirited performance, sleek open-top design, and accessible motoring fun. The famous octagon badge adorned cars that offered a taste of racing pedigree to everyday drivers, creating a passionate global following. While the brand’s modern incarnation builds electric SUVs in China, its classic legacy is built on the nimble, lightweight roadsters that defined an era.
| Detail | Information |
| Founded | 1924 (by Cecil Kimber) |
| Original Meaning | Morris Garages |
| HeadQuarters | Longbridge, UK (Historically) |
| First Car | MG 14/28 Super Sports (1924) |
| Founding Philosophy | Affordable performance and style |
| Current Owner | SAIC Motor (Chinese state-owned auto co.) |
Iconic MG Engines
- XPAG Inline-4 (1939-1955): The T-Series heart. A 1.3L overhead-valve inline-four that powered the iconic pre-war TA, TB, TC, and TD Midgets.
- B-Series Inline-4 (1947-1980): The workhorse. A robust and simple OHV engine used in the MGA, Magnette, and most famously, the MGB in 1.8L form.
- C-Series Inline-6 (1961-1968): The gentleman’s engine. A smooth 2.9L or 3.0L inline-six used in the MG C GT and the larger, more luxurious Magnette saloons.
- T-Series Inline-4 (1970s-1980s): The final evolution. An updated, larger 1.5L engine used in the MGB’s final years and the MG Midget.
Legendary MG Models
- MG T-Series (TA, TB, TC, TD, TF) (1936-1955): The cars that built the brand in America. Classic, pre-war styled roadsters that became hugely popular with GIs after WWII, especially the TC.
- MG A (1955-1962): The modern revolution. The first MG with modern envelope bodywork instead of separate fenders. A beautiful and advanced design for its time.
- MG B (1962-1980): The quintessential MG. The definitive affordable British sports car. Over half a million were built, making it one of the most successful sports cars of all time.
- MG C (1967-1969): The six-cylinder MGB. A short-lived but charismatic version of the MGB fitted with a torquey 2.9L inline-six engine.
- MG Midget (1961-1979): The tiny sports car. A badge-engineered version of the Austin-Healey Sprite, offering even more affordable open-top motoring.
- MG RV8 (1992-1995): The modern retro. A limited-production, hand-built revival of the MGB Roadster with a 3.9L V8 engine, hinting at a potential brand revival.
Safety Fast!
MG’s famous slogan, ‘Safety Fast!’, perfectly encapsulated its philosophy. It wasn’t about going slowly for safety; it was about the idea that a well-built, well-handling car driven by a skilled and attentive driver was the safest way to enjoy high performance. This ethos was rooted in MG’s competition success in the 1930s. It promoted the concept that understanding your car and driving it properly was the key to both enjoyment and safety, a message that resonated deeply with driving enthusiasts.