These Are The Coolest MG Cars Of All Time

Few auto brands conjure memories of the classic two-seater sports cars from the ’50s and the swinging 60s like MG. The British carmaker began as Morris Garages and gave us both the MG and the Morris motor that produced the famous Morris Minor and the Mini. While MG remains a minor player in the UK market, their story can be considered a success for several reasons.

In retrospect, MG is far less mighty than it was in its heydays, when they produced truly legendary cars. But they seem to be slowly driving themselves back to the big time, having rejuvenated with their B-segment SUV that saw strong sales to become the fastest-rising car brand in the UK. While we enjoy the reinvention of one of Britain’s most beloved brands, let us dive in and reminisce on some of the coolest MG sports cars of all time.

10 MG TA


1938_mg_ta
via bring a trailer

The MG TA proved a game-changer for the British brand from 1936 to 1939. It ushered in the legendary T-series cars that would span five generations. The vehicle was among the first to open up sports car ownership to a wider market. Powering the TA was a robust 1.3-liter pushrod four-cylinder Morris engine with twin SU carburetors that powered many other Morris and Wolseley cars.


1937_mg_ta
via bring a trailer

The car delivered pre-world war thrill and was good for a 80mph top speed. It came with a folding convertible top, leather bucket seats, wire wheels, a long louvered hood, and several gauges.

RELATED: 5 Classic British Sports Cars We Stay Away From (5 That Are Worth Every Penny)

9 MG ZS EV


Blue MG ZS EV
Via: MG

There wasn’t a better approach by MG to reinvent themselves as a relevant modern automaker than with this all-electric crossover. While it is designed and built in China, it has the same underpinnings as the Roewe RX3 crossover and is quite a formidable car despite its background. The latest 2022 model is a refreshed car and a huge step forward for MG. it features bigger batteries, an upgraded user interface, and much sharper looks.


via mg

On a full charge, the EV is good for 198 miles on the standard model and a 273 miles range from the Long Range trim. Also, it comes with fast charging, which MG claims can charge from 10 to 80{e3fa8c93bbc40c5a69d9feca38dfe7b99f2900dad9038a568cd0f4101441c3f9} in 38 minutes. This vehicle is a good, affordable option to other European EVs with heftier price tags.

8 MG RV8


MG rv8
Via: MG

It is 1989, and the first MX-5 hits the market. MG has not produced a sports car since they stopped making the MGB in 1980. So, what do they do? They took a sixties MGB and upgraded it to 90s standards. It came with a 3.9-liter Rover V8 engine, rear-wheel drive, five-speed transmission, and limited-slip differential. The resulting car wasn’t really a direct Miata competitor, but more of a TVR alternative.


mg rv8
Via: MG

While the initial reception was cold, seeing it was largely old-fashioned and expensive, today it is a formidable MG classic to own.

7 1985 MG Metro 6R4


1986-mg-metro-6r4
via Silverstone Auctions

MG built 205 examples of the MG Metro 6R4 to qualify for the famous group B international rally as a homologation car. It went head-to-head with the Audi Quattro Sport, Ford RS 200, Peugeot 205 T16, and Lancia Delta S4. All these used turbocharged engines, but the Metro 6R4 went a different direction with a large displacement naturally aspirated V6 engine, with the intentions of going round the many shortcomings of the turbos of the time.


1985_MGMetro
via hargety

However, using a non-turbo engine made the car lose the competitive edge, and although it didn’t win championships, it was a quick and desirable car.

RELATED: 5 Super-Reliable Classic Sports Cars (5 Modern Ones That Cost A Fortune To Keep Running)

6 MGF/TF


mg mgf
via hagerty

We already mentioned the MG RV8 as MG’s earliest answer to the Miata, but the true competitor to the Japanese sports car was the MGF and its MG TF sibling. The MGF was mechanically ahead of its time, and for a tangible spell during its run, it outsold the MX-5. It featured a mid-engine layout instead of the front-engine rear-wheel-drive format in the Miata. Other advanced goodies included an electrically assisted steering that was at its early stages at the time and a Hydragas suspension.


mg mgf_
via hagerty

In 2000, MG replaced the MGF with the MG TF with several upgrades, including more conventional coil springs and dampers, resulting in a more secure handling feel. This car received rave reviews, with Autocar claiming it was the best MG car since the Second World War.

5 2004 MG SV And SV-R


MG_SV-R
nakhon100

MG’s finances were in the mud when they started building the SV and SV-R halo cars. Many argued it was a project the company could have avoided. However, both cars gained much love from enthusiasts and are considered icons in MG’s all-time lineup. It features a full carbon fiber body built on an Italian-sourced chassis. Under the hood is a 4.6-liter V8 motor borrowed from the Ford Mustang.


2005_MG_XPower_SV_Front
vauxford

Although the long gearing made the SV feel sluggish, it quickly sprinted from a stop to 60mph in 4.9 seconds. Also, the relatively low cabin noise made it a great cruiser.

RELATED: Ken Block Turns An Audi Sport Quattro Replica Into His 736-HP Ultimate Daily Driver

4 MG MG3


via indian autos blog

The MG3 was among the first MG cars to sell under the new management. It currently comes in a low-cost sporty styling and is one of the best-value superminis you can buy today. It is a good throwback to when MG offered fun, sporty cars that anyone could afford.


mg mg3
via mg

The first generation of the MG3 was practically a rebadged Rover Streetwise. It came with a peppy 105hp engine, a wide range of cosmetic personalization, and attractive sticker prices that attracted younger buyers.


3 MG MGA


MG MGA Roadster
Via Mecum Auctions

By the beginning of the 50s, MG was desperate to find a new shape for its sports cars range. The T-series was aging, and it could easily blend in with the 30s open-fender cars with its shape. The release of the beautiful MGA in 1955 helped MG catch up with the streamlined ponton styling adopted by rivals.


MG MGA Roadster - Rear Quarter
Via Mecum Auctions

A long-slung chassis and well-crafted interiors make this roadster one of MG’s coolest cars ever made. Today, the MGA offers an exotic and fun alternative to the rare Healey Hundred.

2 1948 MG TC


1948 MG TC
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The MG TC was so successful throughout its four-year run after the war that it sold over 10,000 examples as a “stop gap” in a market lacking options. While the car came with an outdated appearance and mechanical underpinnings, it found a ready market. Its popularity might have benefited from a lack of post-war options or its familiarity with pre-war days.


1948-MG-TC-1
via bring a trailer

However, what makes the MG TC a great car is its potential to customize, with plenty of aftermarket racks, removable windshield, and its open-top nature. Its curves also inspired a generation of designs by other brands.

RELATED: Watch This Guy Build An RWB Style MGB GT In His Garage

1 1965 MG MGB


1964 MG MGB
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If you had to choose a superstar from the long lineup of MG cars, then it ought to be the MGB. This is the car that comes to mind when MG comes up in a conversation. It was once the most popular sports car globally, with over half a million units sold between 1962 and 1980. A 1.8-liter engine was only good for 95hp, but it was enough to propel it past 100mph, which was a big deal back in the 60s.


1964-MG-MGB-1
via bring a trailer

The MGB was a simple, practical, and reliable sports car. Today, there is strong support for parts thanks to the huge number of copies brought to life, which makes it a great choice for a classic car that you can actually drive often.


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