MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - The Fall and Rise of MG

For those of you oblivious to the machinations of the demise and possible resurrection of MG-Rover, there have been some significant movements on the issue. Here’s a very brief outline of recent happenings, but the situation changes virtually from minute-to-minute.

Basically, a UK consortium has offered to purchase some of the critical assets of MGR from the present owner, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), to restart the Longbridge factory, again producing MG and Rover cars. Have a look at their “Project Kimber". Project Kimber's website (couldn't find it) says it would produce three models, including a new MG midget and an MG "Flagship" model to compete with the likes of the Porsche Boxster.

One interesting thread entitled “A revival of the MG Midget”, ends with "We wanted to get back to the car Cecil Kimber produced - affordable roadsters. Everybody knows what an MGB or Midget looks like”.

There was even an approach to the trustees PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), by a UK arm of Magna Industries, an enormous Canadian enterprise and major player in the supply world-wide of auto parts to all manufacturers, with world HQ in Aurora, Ont.

More information on these, and other bids can be found at http://www.carpages.co.uk/mg_rover/news.asp?switched=on&echo=10783834

In addition, there are two bids from (mainland) China, but as I understand it, some of the financing looks flaky and it will be interesting to see what SAIC will accept for financial terms. The Chinese seem interested in getting a hard currency from its successful bidder(s).

As one might imagine, its not that simple, in fact, it appears to be quite complex and may not be resolved as quickly as I’m sure the laid-off workers in Longbridge, and we enthusiasts, might like. And what part Phoenix, one of the original partners with the British government in MG Rover, will have, if any, still remains a mystery.

It also appears that Honda, the supplier of technology to build certain Rover models, has recently removed the actual chassis-making machines from Longbridge, as well as destroying all related paper-work, drawings, etc. to support it/them.

There was even an earlier thread to resuscitate the (original) T-Series TF, but this has not been pursued. Maybe this is the ‘third’ model not detailed in the Kimber project! (My speculation). After all, there is already a TD2000 being produced in or near HK, c/w air cond, and very modern in specifications (see Bud Kruger’s web-site for more info)

But it appears almost certain that North America will be included in the revival plans.

Be informed. Go to the MG Car Company in the ‘Jump to’ window (above). Makes for interesting reading.

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.
Gordon A. Clark

This thread was discussed on 22/07/2005

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.