Hmm, I see what you're getting at, Barney, but my thinking was that this
was more in line with the 70s practice of identical-but-for-the-badges
MG/Wolseley/etc saloons, than the time-honored tradition of using
humble-origin parts to create a unique, performance-oriented package.
After all, I'm sure Rover was going to introduce "performance" variants
on these models, anyway (standard procedure to renew interest in the
second or third year of a model), and the only difference is now they get
an MG badge and grill. Call me a cynic...
However, I am totally with you on the concept of a "bare-bones"
two-seater. I am particularly appalled at the idea of power windows in a
roadster (as in the Miata) -- I mean, what, am I supposed to be totally
helpless or something? Not to mention power tops, power seats, and other
price-inflating, weighty and unnecessary fripperies.
Max (shamelessly luxuriating with roll-up windows)
Barney Gaylord had this to say:
>At 10:41 AM 7/26/2000 -0700, Max Heim wrote:
>>Whoop-dee-doo. More "badge engineering" from a British carmaker. Sorry if
>I manage to contain my enthusiasm.
>>
>>Really, I suppose it's good that they're trying to get the marque back in
>the public eye, but wake me up when they announce a real MG.
>
>Shucks, I don't have any (immediate) interest in this at all, just a
>personal observation. It seems to me that this is indeed in the true
>tradition of MG engineering. At least another 50 bhp added (anyone
>remember twin carbs?), better suspension and tires (MGs do represent good
>handling, yes?), nifty styling changes to make the mark uniquely
>recognizable (you can always spot an MG), and done mostly with off the
>shelf parts to keep the price reasonable (so us commoners can afford one).
>I believe the '50s vintage Magnettes were done up with this very same
>philosophy, and quite well received by the public.
>
>If this move gets the MG mark back into the public eye, the MG dealership
>chain back into operation in a big way, and a goodly amount of cash moving
>in the right direction to support future MG operations, then I'm all for
>it, and even somewhat enthused about it. I would however like to see the
>next significant NEW model of MG being a good quality base model two seater
>in the lower end of the price range. Roll-up side windows would not be
>required, but I don't suppose they'd sell too many without that feature, so
>I could swallow my pride and put up with them in a pinch if meant getting
>the proper model to public availability.
>
> O-
>(8^)-V---/,
>
>Barney Gaylord
>1958 MGA with an attitude
> http://www.ntsource.com/~barneymg
>
>
--
Max Heim
'66 MGB GHN3L76149
If you're near Mountain View, CA,
it's the red one with the silver bootlid.
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