Save MG from "Bumbledom"

Sir,

As a taxpayer, Mr. J. L. Bloxharn (Vol. 11, No. 10 October issue) should surely mourn the fact that Abingdon may face the total absorption into “Bumbledom”. For one minute I don’t suppose your reader has ever owned an MG in his life, if so he would have realised that even the current “dodgem car” range possesses a finish that reflects a certain amount of pride in workmanship and affinity to the end product (a quality lacking in large scale production)—far superior to other members of the Leyland conglomerate. Could this possibly have something to do with MO’s continued successful sales figures overseas? I have owned a 1275 Midget Mk. III and currently own a 1500 Midget and despite the controversial “new image” and rationalised engine and gearbox—I don’t wish it the same fate as the recent “lemon award” received by the Leylarrd “Spitfire” in Germany.

With reference to celebrating the Centenary of Singer cars perhaps reader Bloxham would remind himself of the exact year of the demise of Singer “badge engineered” cars (Singer Chamois?) not to mention the end of Singer production as a separate entity from Rootes Group.

Norwich M. P. SPICER