Don Hayters MGB Story – The birth of the MGB in MGs Abingdon Design & Development Office

This is the inside story of the MG Design office, from 1956 until its closure in 1980. Explaining how the various models were drawn, planned, and developed by the small team of engineers, it also shows how the input and control changed from Morris, Wolseley, Riley Group, Austin-Morris, and Austin Rover. The effects of the Triumph-Austin merger are detailed in model changes, alongside the effects of safety legislation, mainly imposed by the United States.
Trying to remain as individual as possible during this period, MG developed record breakers and a unique Competition Department. Special cars were built and tested, and prototypes for the MGB replacement were drawn up – all in parallel with the development of MG production cars using engines from any part of the BMC company.
The continuing support of the American market was essential and much valued, but the company’s market support prioritised the TR7 – a decision that, ultimately, led to the closure of a successful, happy company.

Features

• Written by Don Hayter, Chief Engineer MG Abingdon
• Features models and prototypes from 1956 to 1980
• Traces the development of the MGB from conception to production
• Details the challenges and restraints on the MGB design teams
• Covers the effects of USA safety legislation on the MGB
• Behind the scenes anecdotes from MG Design & Development
• A personal account of Rally team back-up in the Liege rallies
• Background to the MG record breakers
• Includes a personal account of the MG Design Department closure
• Features photographs previously unseen outside Design & Development