MG sports cars (since 1945): books - history (2/2)

MG Sports Cars (1949-1961) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the MG models from the years 1949-1961. Describes the MG M, 18/80, 18/100, Miles Spl, K3 Magnette, TC, TD, TF, Supercharged, 1500, MGA, Coupé, Judson, Twin Cam, 1600 and Mk II.

• The articles, published at the time in the American car magazine Road & Track, provide much information about history, model introductions and technology.
• Also technical specifications, driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, etc.

Product details

Author:	Road & Track
Details:	100 pages, 27 x 20 x 0.6 cm / 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.24 in, paperback
Illustrations:	200 photos and drawings
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 1985)
ISBN:	9780946489398

More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

MG

MG, Britain's most popular sports car brand, is one of the few British motoring names to survive into the 21st century. From the classic two-seater MG Midget to its rise in the post-war years, Jonathan Wood offers a detailed look at the history of this iconic brand.

The book explores the development of various MG models and examines the financial and corporate challenges the company faced. It also covers the brief revival of MG in 1995 with the MGF and the eventual sale of the brand to foreign investors.
This book provides a thorough and often emotional account of MG's rise, decline, and legacy as one of the world's most recognizable sports car brands.

Product details

Author:	Jonathan Wood
Details:	56 pages, 21.5 x 11 x 0.4 cm / 8.5 x 4.3 x 0.16 in, paperback
Illustrations:	20 b&w and 59 colour photos
Publisher:	Shire Publications Ltd (GB, 2008)
ISBN:	9780747806745

MG 1945-1964 Photo Archive

The first MG produced after World War II was the TC Midget, introduced in October 1945. This model marked the beginning of MG's success, eventually dominating the North American sports car market.

This book features photographs of classic MG models, including the TC, TD, TF, MGA, Midget, and early MGB. The images capture these cars both on the road and in competition, including iconic events such as Sebring, Le Mans, and record-breaking runs on the Utah salt flats.

Product details

Author:	David A. Knowles
Details:	128 pages, 21.5 x 26 x 0.8 cm / 8.5 x 10.25 x 0.31 in, paperback
Illustrations:	numerous b&w photos
Publisher:	Iconografix (USA, 1996)
ISBN:	9781882256525

MG - Made in Abingdon : Echoes from the shopfloor

This illustrated book tells the story of MG's rise from a local idea to international fame, putting Abingdon on the map. It highlights the crucial role of the factory team, including workers, engineers, racers, apprentices, and management.
Through personal memories and racing anecdotes, the book reveals the untold history of MG from those who worked at the Abingdon factory, offering both nostalgia and historical significance.

Product details

Author:	Bob Frampton
Details:	160 pages, 21 x 15 x 1.4 cm / 8.25 x 5.9 x 0.55 in, paperback
Illustrations:	81 photos
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2019)
ISBN:	9781787116085

MG's Abingdon Factory

This illustrated book explores the men and women who came from across the country to work in a rural town, building MG cars. The workforce included skilled laborers from struggling areas of England and Wales, along with a few MG employees who relocated from Oxford to Abingdon, a town with a farming background.

Over time, these workers united to create a legendary car - the MG. Featuring 160 photographs of factory life, both during car production and wartime efforts, this book offers valuable insights.

Key features:
- Includes rare employee-taken photos from private collections.
- Provides a glimpse into daily factory life.
- Highlights workers' adaptability to change.
- Documents lesser-known wartime contributions.
- Shows how factory life shaped workers' routines.
- Captions reflect in-depth knowledge of the images.
- A significant record of MG's history.
- Details MG's pioneering efforts in meeting EU & USA regulations.
- Shares stories of generations working together.
- Demonstrates Abingdon's potential to remain a leader in sports car manufacturing.

Product details

Author:	Brian Moylan
Details:	96 pages, 19 x 20.5 x 1.3 cm / 7.5 x 8.1 x 0.51 in, paperback
Illustrations:	164 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2017)
Series:	Those were the days
ISBN:	9781787111158

Making Cars at Longbridge : 1906 to the Present Day

This richly illustrated book offers a detailed history of over 100 years of car manufacturing at the Longbridge factory near Birmingham. Founded by Herbert Austin in 1905, the Austin Motor Company later became part of the British Motor Corporation, British Leyland, Rover Group, and MG Rover. The factory produced iconic British models, including the Austin Seven, Mini, Austin Metro, MG TF, and Rover 75.

From its early days, Longbridge was a key employer and an important part of the local community. However, in April 2005, MG Rover entered administration, marking a significant change for the area and prompting its long-term regeneration. Despite these changes, the community remains proud of its manufacturing heritage and looks to the future with optimism.

This updated edition commemorates both the 110th anniversary of motor production at Longbridge and the 150th birthday of Herbert Austin. It includes a new colour section depicting the car manufacturing process, from design to showroom.

Product details

Author:	Gillian Bardsley, Colin Corke
Details:	192 pages, 25 x 17 cm / 9.8 x 6.7 in, paperback
Illustrations:	220 b&w and 8 colour photos
Publisher:	The History Press Ltd (GB, 2016)
ISBN:	9780750965293

Kim: A Biography of M.G. Founder Cecil Kimber

M.G. was founded in the 1920s by Cecil Kimber, known as Kim. Despite physical challenges, Kimber's energy, vision, and determination made him a key figure in the British motor industry.

Starting by fitting sporty bodies on Morris chassis, Kimber quickly established M.G. as Europe's top sports car manufacturer, with a strong record of racing victories.

Though he overcame industrial challenges, Kimber eventually became a victim of the internal politics within M.G.'s parent company. After being dismissed from his prominent role, he was preparing for a comeback when he tragically died in an avoidable accident.
A respected businessman, flawed husband, and imperfect father, Cecil Kimber was a man of many contrasts. This book tells the vibrant story of the man behind the iconic M.G. brand for the first time.

Product details

Author:	Jon Pressnell
Details:	536 pages, 25.5 x 29 x 4.1 cm / 10 x 11.4 x 1.61 in, hardback
Illustrations:	750 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Dalton Watson Fine Books (USA, 2023)
ISBN:	9781956309119

Mr MG - A Biography of John William Yates Thornley OBE (1909-1994)

This biography, authored by his son, details the life and career of John William Yates Thornley O.B.E. (1909-1994), a significant figure in the MG Car Company.
Thornley started at MG in 1931 as a service manager. His commitment and leadership led to his promotion to General Manager in 1952, a role he held until his retirement in 1969. During his tenure, MG became renowned as a top sports car manufacturer.

The book provides an in-depth look at Thornley's impact on MG's success, offering readers insight into the company's operations during his leadership. It also highlights the personal and professional experiences that influenced his management and innovation style.

Product details

Author:	Peter J. H. Thornley
Details:	252 pages, 23.5 x 15.5 x 1.2 cm / 9.25 x 6.1 x 0.47 in, paperback
Illustrations:	b&w photos
Publisher:	Magna Press (GB, 2003)
ISBN:	9780954312107