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MG MGA - Possible Origin of the MGA Oval Cowl Vent

I have posted this on the MGExperience Forum, but thought it might also be of interest here:

I am certain this has been noticed by many folks, but I have not seen anything written about it in the various MG or MGA books.

Have you noticed the similarity between the oval MGA cowl vents and the larger, oval cowl vents that were used on George Phillips special-bodied TC - the car he ran with number 43 at Lemans in 1949 and 1950?

The special-bodied TD that Syd Enever produced (which was, of course, a first step to the MGA) was constructed for Phillips' use in the 1951 Lemans race - again wearing number 43. The UMG 400 car did not have the vents - but the EX175 (HMO 6) proposal car that followed had them. Phillips' 1949 special TC certainly had them - in an almost identical position as can be found on the production MGA.

I will post some photos for those not familiar with the Phillips TC. Given the link between Phillips and the factory, I feel it may be very likely that the oval cowl vents were inspired by the 1949 Phillips car.

I thought Barney Gaylord may want to add this as a side note on his nice website. It is interesting to note that a wooden model that was produced by MG as a wind tunnel mock up - actually had vents on the sides of the front fenders. If they had only placed them there in production, we might be a bit cooler!
DLD

Here is the photo


DLD

I just found some pictures of an earlier MG Marque with a similar cowl - The 1931 MG Montlhery midget.

Steve


Steve Gyles

Hi Steve - thanks - that cover serves a different purpose of course, but is somewhat similar. I am afraid that the M Type front splash apron grille is not related to this.

I feel pretty certain that there is a link between the Phillips car and the MGA.

Beautiful car though! Merry Christmas!
DLD

Wish it was mine! I was browsing through an MG book when I spotted the vent/intake on the Abingdon production line. Rather than scanning the picture I found that one on line. I also saw something similar in the same position on the 14 racing C-Type cars that have the cowled radiators.

Good spot by you. It would not have brought it to my attention and registered in the back of my brain without your input.

Steve
Steve Gyles

This thread was discussed between 22/12/2015 and 23/12/2015

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