MG Sports Cars (Enthusiast Color Series) [Paperback]

John Heilig (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 26, 1996

In this colorful work Heilig profiles the post-war sporting model T-series, the MGA, MGB/GT, MGC and Midget, plus the MGV8, MGRV8 and the MGF. Filled with model histories, evolution, specs, technical notes and more.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Motorbooks; 1st edition (May 26, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760301123
• ISBN-13: 978-0760301128
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 8.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,546,515 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An affordable general guide to the history of the MG, November 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: MG Sports Cars (Enthusiast Color Series) (Paperback)

Although Mr. Heilig doesn't get much into what to look for when purchasing an MG,( I would have liked more information on what problems or benefits to look for on certain years and models) he does give a clearly written history of the MG, and for those who are considering buying one, this is as good as any place to start. I brought my first MGB over a month ago, and found a picture of my same year and color on page 61. That most of the pictures are in color was a great incentive to purchase the book, and it was affordable too.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Text is a good overview, but needs more examples of cars., January 5, 2003

By 

Johnny L.A. (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: MG Sports Cars (Enthusiast Color Series) (Paperback)

I bought this book because my first car was a 1966 MGB roadster which my mother bought new, and which she gave to me in 1980. That car is long gone, but I've recently bought another 1966 MGB to restore. I thought this book would be a good reference. Since I am primarily interested in the MGB roadster, I'll confine most of my comments to that model. There are 17 photographs of MGB roadsters in the book (i.e., that number does not include GT, MGC, or V8 variations). Of these, four are from ads or brochures leaving 13 photos of currently running cars. But these photos only represent three cars: a 1968 (2 photos), a 1970 (5 photos), and a 1980 Limited Edition (6 photos). This is hardly representative of a model that was built for 18 years!

Two dashboards are shown. One is shown next to the 1970 car, and the other next to the 1980. However both photos are of the 1980 LE. Clearly the intent was to show that starting in 1968 the cars' dashboards were padded. For whatever reason though, the author or editor has the wrong photo for the 1970 car. Before 1968, MGBs had nice crinkle-finished metal dashboards. These are not shown in the book, and in my opinion they are the best-looking dashboards of the model.

There were several changes over the years. We do get to see the early grille that was used from 1962 to 1969. And we see the 1970-1972 grille and the 1975-on rubber bumper. But the 1973-1974 grille is absent. Also not shown are the early-style (1962 to mid-1965) door handles and the various types of hood frames.

The text was a decent overview of the MGB line, but the photos did not provide enough diversity to provide useful details unless you happen to be specifically interested in the 1968 -- and especially the 1970 -- year models.

This small book also covers the rest of the marque, from its beginnings to the new (and not-available-in-the-U.S.) MGF. I found the text and photos to be informative as a general overview and enough to satisfy my curiosity about other MGs than the 'B. Would I recommend this book? I would answer a qualified "Yes." For a casual reader, or someone with a passing interest in MGs, the book is fine. For those who are looking for a complete history that shows changes within the entire run of each model, this book will not be adequate. Still, just about any book that gives more than a couple of pages to this fantastic classic sports car is worth having.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have For Any MG Enthusiast, June 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: MG Sports Cars (Enthusiast Color Series) (Paperback)

This is a great book and a must have for anyone interested in British Sports Cars and especially MGs. It has great information , as well as great photographs.