The Future of MG

Sir,

I was late receiving my January copy of Motor Sport and have just this very minute read Mr. Pflaumer’s letter on the future of MG. Now I have never before written to any paper or magazine, but for a long time I have been wanting to express the thoughts presented in this gentleman’s letter.

Yes, there are thousands of us, especially in the MG Car Club, who deplore the lack of vision shown by B.L. in trying to drown Abingdon in a sea of Triumph unwanted **** perhaps I had better not use the word.

Leyland seem to be completely unaware of the magic of MG. Perhaps they ought to read “Maintaining the Breed” by John Thornley to realise that the Octagon has a history unmatched by any sports-car manufacturer in the world. That Europe would welcome the MG-B and Midget with open arms if only they had the sense to get them across the Channel. Where else can you buy a sound open sports car for around £3,000. Certainly not on the Continent where the choice is limited to cars costing twice, thrice or even four times that figure.

When the MG Car Club gathered at Hausach in the Black Forest in 1973 and 1976, the Continentals were running into each other on the Autobahns with excitement at seeing such a grand sight as numerous Abingdon cars, some old some new, but all heading for a common goal where MG was the only make to be seen. Enthusiastic members from Centres in all parts of the World were there and the affection for the marque shown by all had to be seen to be believed. I can never understand why Leyland have never realised the fanaticism existing in all parts of the globe. Do they know for instance that the MGCC has had a Centre in Japan for a number of years, plus one in practically every European country, more in America than you can count and all this in spite of the fact that they will not allow Abingdon to continue to provide honest, sound and much-loved sports cars?

The MG-B has been a money spinner, indeed the greatest production run of any sports car in the World, so when one considers that Morgans have a waiting list of years, then why not let Abingdon continue to turn out the much-loved “B” indefinitely. Yes I know it is out-of-date, hasn’t got fully independent suspension, nor a short-stroke engine, but it has given a great deal of pleasure, not only to myself, who has owned five. But it is a sound and, what is more important, a very safe car. Nor has Leyland let the customers know all the recent improvements, many of which are very much appreciated, at no increase in price. Perhaps they were afraid TR7s would suffer even more.

Abingdon must be the most trouble free factory in the Leyland empire; why not let them get on with making profitable sports cars which we the public want? I say here and now, that no Triumph, even with an MG badge on the front, will ever rest in my garage. I shall keep my present ’77 MG-B indefinitely if they stop the run.

I know that this letter is signed in spirit by 220 members of the Tyne/Tees Centre of the MG Car Club. I have no doubt that the remaining 10,000 or so in other parts of the world will echo at least most of my thoughts.

Peterlee, Co. Durham GORDON DOUGLAS