Classic MG saloons, estates & hatchbacks 1930s - 2000s | Old MGs remembered

Today's upload turns the spotlight on non-sportscar MGs, ie classic MG saloons, estates & hatchbacks, from the pre-war gems of the 1920s/1930s (MG 18/80, SA, VA) through to those built in the post-war years, culminating with several examples built in the early 2000s that were based on contemporary Rovers.
Inevitably there will be certain MGs that didn't make it in, but most of the favourites should be in here, including the wonderful saloons of the 1930s, Y-type saloons of the late 1940s and early 1950s, the fine-looking ZA & ZB Magnette of the mid-1950s, the Farina-era replacement, plus MG 1100/1300, MG Metro, MG Maestro and the rarely-seen-now MG Montego. Later saloons, estates and hatches (ZR, ZS, ZT) will also be found in this collection of images.
Many of the classic cars featured were based on contemporary Austins, Morrises or (later) Rovers, as badge-engineering has been responsible for many an MG saloon appearing in showrooms, and indeed the very early MGs of the 1920s were based on existing Morris cars.
Are you an MG fan? Have you owned any of these classic British cars during your motoring life? Perhaps you own one now? All comments, memories etc welcomed as with all these videos. Thanks for looking in.
Channel homepage: / @oldclassiccaruk
Channel videos list: / oldclassiccarrj
If you know of anyone else who might find these vids of interest, please forward one of the above links to them.
#mg #classicmg #mgcars

[@oldclassiccarUK]

Hi, thanks for watching, a full list of the videos on the channel is here: kzbin.infovideos Channel homepage: kzbin.info/door/KaTg9fPUvmUQi94FcnDbrg If there are any petrolheads that you know that might find this kind of thing interesting, please pass on one of these links, thanks!

[@graemeburr6463]

Another good one Richard. Those big saloons from the 30's, SA's etc are gorgeous without being over ostentatious.

[@davidlutton4560]

Thanks the informative video. My Dad owned a 1964 MG Magnette Mark IV in Rose Taupe. The smell of the leather interior and that walnut dash, evoke many memories. It was our family car for 5 years and took us on many a happy family summer holiday within our home country (Northern Ireland) and also taking us down to the Vendee in the South West of France in 1968. Although a young 10 year old at the time, I recall the only issues my Dad had with the car, was a petrol leak from the twin carbs and a tyre puncture. Not bad going in my book.

[@craigsibley8161]

Nice collection of photos once again 👍👍👍

[@oldclassiccarUK]

Thanks Craig

[@davew1052]

Almost 54 years ago I passed my driving test in my Fathers 1956 Magnette. It was an old lady even then.

[@chrispritchard4676]

In my mind the pre war SA and VA steal the show. Glorious machines. A WA has always been my dream car, yet to be fulfilled.

[@oldclassiccarUK]

They are stunning cars, a great uncle of mine once owned a tourer based on either an SA or VA (I have a photo somewhere), while I like the small T-series two-seaters if I had the choice I'd go for a pre-war MG saloon.

[@peterbevan2797]

I never owned an MG but always admired the Magnette ZB having worked on a few in my garage days 60s-70s.

[@jeffking4176]

The last one was stunning. Love the color combo on it. 🚗📻🙂

[@martinwarner1178]

The Metro. any one who has taken the engine out, knows how flimsy these cars were. The engine was the only rigid part. Love the old 1950s cars. Thanks for another brilliant video. Peace be unto you.

[@oldclassiccarUK]

Thanks, yes my folks had a Metro years ago, I think it was a VdP (!) with a stage 2 tuned MG engine, it went ok but the driving position was very odd

[@maestromanification]

So did you take the subframe out too? As the engine adds no strength whatsoever. Typical anti BL comment

[@martinwarner1178]

@@maestromanification I am an old fellow, my favourite car is a Morris Marina, and Ital Russ. So I am not anti BL. Loved the Austin 1100 too. A young woman neighbour died in a Metro, the recovery mechanic told me that he had never seen anyone get out of one, turned over alive. Peace be unto you.

[@maestromanification]

Sorry Martin. As you will know being a marina /ital fan there is still a lot of unfounded anti BL sentiment about Cheers Russ

[@martinwarner1178]

@@maestromanification Dead right Russ. Was that from the Press etc (at the time)? The 1100 & 1300 was the best selling car for eight years, I had one, it was brilliant in so many ways. I often muse, if only the company had rust proofed that great model. Peace Brother.

[@allanriches9381]

The S and Y series MG are stunning cars.

[@peterward3965]

The amount of MG ZAs & ZBs destroyed as stock cars at Aldershot stock car stadium, and all around the country. I'm amazed any have survived, as they were a popular car for stock car racing.. Number 77 Foxy Dance was the driver we cheered on, he always drove a ZA or ZB, circa late 60s early 70s. Strange how looking at a car brings all sorts of memories flooding back. And I really do like the Rover/ MG 75 estates. Some MG owners didn't like you to know that MG stood for Morris Garages for those of you who don't know. Bit of snobbery. Enjoyable video as always, thank you.

[@OldCarsNewVan]

Great vid 👍 Had a Montego Turbo for a short while in my early 20’s when they were worthless - bonkers torque steer 🤣🤣

[@oldclassiccarUK]

A bit lary eh!?!! :)

[@septiccalling8341]

I prefer the older, rounded MG Magnette to the Farina style, personally. You mentioned a possible video on MGA’s.....yes please!

[@jonathangriffin1120]

You're spot on there, fifty years ago I had a '56 ZA, much better steering and handling than the later Farinas.

[@colinmuddell9672]

Love the Y-type saloons, which I have to admit are new to me. Thanks for introducing them to me! Now a strong contender in my affections with, for example, the Riley Kestrel, Monaco and Adelphi.

[@oldclassiccarUK]

Decisions decisions eh!

[@briandobson9272]

thank you once again for the video,it was great to see so many m g ys,one of my first cars,,,,,,,, thanks. brian d.

[@michaelarchangel1163]

My uncle Ronnie changed his mk1 two tone Zodiac for a Farina Cambridge. It looked like a slab of margarine on wheels next to my grandfather's dark green Magnette ZB.

[@oldclassiccarUK]

Nice those Zodiacs aren't they

[@michaelarchangel1163]

Yes, and I believe won the East African Safari Rallye, so were pretty robust as well.@@oldclassiccarUK

[@keithlazell9681]

I think that the orangy-red colour on the MG Metro was called vermillion. I had a new Morris Ital as a company car around that time in that colour.

[@Vince_uk]

My very first car in 1972 was a 1963 MG1100, British racing green with a red interior,, wood dashboard, I loved it. Problem was I was sold a pup and although it looked fabulous the subframe was bad so it had to go. They did rot at Olympian speed. I couldn't afford the repair back then. I will find another one someday just like it I hope. The Magnette ZA, ZB and the MK IV Farina always struck me as lovely cars. The Chinese company SAIC in Shanghai who own the brand now are producing electric and hydrogen powered versions of both Roewe (Rover) and MG's, I supply hydrogen stack systems and controllers for them from my factory in Suzhou. I have been many times and driven a hyrdogen powered Roewe. They virtually stole the company because of the absolute ineptitude of the UK management at the time. If I recall correctly SAIC bought the whole MG and Rover tooling etc for the equivalent of £60M a mere snip. They were being produced in Shanghai in a matter of months. A first rate collection RJ.

[@giulianomarco]

Never knew there were such things as classic MG saloons! My mate's rebuilt a good few MGs, but they've all been open-tops. 😁👍

[@retrobrid2784]

I like your profile pic,, it's like Clark Kent superman,,,, I didn't know that mg,s came in a saloon body,,,, how can I make this known to the world with muscle??

[@stephenricketts7764]

A friend had a very nice MG Magnette in light green. I cannot remember the year but it was a ZA or ZB. It was off the road for quite a while and he fully intended to restore it but being self employed I don't think he found the time. I do prefer those to the later Farina versions. Not so keen on Maestro and Montego era but that's just me. On the other hand I don't mind the Rover based cars. Any of the 'Y' cars are just grand in to are so nice, Thanks once again Rick for putting together this collection.👍👍

[@philipwebber4433]

I restored yco360 some years ago lovely car

[@AnthonyWaites-wh2ds]

The first picture of the MG SA you described is I believe an MG WA the bumpers were different straight on the SA bent in the middle on the later WA. Many thanks for a super site

[@eliotheasman5378]

Brilliant

[@oldclassiccarUK]

Thanks Eliot

[@dennisrobinson7587]

I like the MG saloons from the fifties era.In my opinion they are the classiest design.The ones prior to Farina design.Although I used to own a 1964 Oxford.

[@lawrence5117]

I like the MG YB's. Many years ago I knew someone who bought one for restoration but I've no idea what happened to it.

[@jeffking4176]

I really like the ‘50’s Magnets. The 2-tones are really nice. I also like the style of the 1100/1300. Another great video. [ it’s 2:39 AM Eastern] 07:39 - your time. I’ve got work tomorrow, and here I am watching this.😁 Fortunately I don’t have to be there too early.] Yeah, they [ most all British cars] do look better 2-tone. 🚗📻🙂

[@menfallinloveandwomenmakeplans]

I do apologise about my comment on MG ZA, ZB and Varitone. If I had watched your tape all the way through I would not have needed to comment.

[@davidneale5821]

I prefer the early MG Magnet in black 😀

[@allanriches9381]

The two tone ones look very nice too

[@menfallinloveandwomenmakeplans]

Forgive my ignorance, but is the MG Magnette at 1:28 a ZB? As I recall it, is a Varitone. These were usually finished in two colours and so this example is confusing, being in one colour. The distinct feature of the Varitone is the chrome strip, running the length of the car from the front grill and curving over the rear wheel arch. The ZA had a short chrome strip running curved around the edge of the front wheel arch and then along the front wing. The ZB was distinguished by moving the chrome strip away from the curve of the wheel arch and running it just as a straight line.

[@retrobrid2784]

Didn't know that the magnette came with 2 different rear window types

[@paulbennell3313]

I like the Farina Magnettes. Many say "It's not a proper MG" and "It's just a tarted up Austin Cambridge" but I love the radiator grille, the tail lights and the interior. Obviously it isn't a sports car or even a particularly sporting saloon, I just like the treatment they gave it. I remember seeing them when I was a kid in the 70's, they weren't common even back then. I suspect that's because they weren't a huge seller when they were current. Same story with the Riley 4/72. At least the Riley had a rev counter which was a glaring omission on the Magnette!

[@oXBakkaXo]

Long time watcher of you and your son's videos love them. Look i am a old guy a bit hard of hearing this latest MG video I'm afraid was impossible for me to hear what you were saying the background music was drowning you out. Any chance it can be turned down somewhat so old guys like me can here you. Thanks keep up the good work love the new Dodge.

[@oldclassiccarUK]

I'll see what I can do

[@adoreslaurel]

Did the ZB share the same body as the Wolsely 4/44? with the 4/44 having the "old ' XP engine?.

[@oldclassiccarUK]

The ZB body was based on the 4/44 body yes (both designed by same person), yes the 4/44 had the old engine and when it was revised to become the 15/50 it had the BMC B series engine.

[@adoreslaurel]

@@oldclassiccarUK Yes BMC had a lot of old stuff from each manufacturer they had to use up, Always wondered if the last of the Wolseley 6/90's with the Pathfinder type right hand floor shift used the same gearbox, reason for wondering, did the bell housing of the 4 pot have the same bolt pattern as the "c' series engine, considering the BMC stuff tended? to have bell housing and gear box as one casting.

[@joezanella8949]

Why oh why the background noise?

[@oldclassiccarUK]

The fans on my PC

[@johnstonstewart9683]

Always lusted after a ZA or ZB,possibly more so the ZB. When I was in my twenties they were just a rotten old car ,still liked them but hadn't the money restore a car that had no real monetary value even in reasonable condition . Oh well..............

[@nickytrelour580]

G day were magnets ever made in a coupe or wagon 👍🇦🇺

[@oldclassiccarUK]

Hi, not that I know of

[@adoreslaurel]

The one disappointing thing about this type of display [its a British thing] and that is, unlike an American type show, if the bonnet is open, please give us a look at the engine compartment.

[@nealjones7771]

STOP THE MUSIC

[@captainhookrecovery5580]

Why the constant whine on the soundtrack of your videos? Spoils the videos......

[@oldclassiccarUK]

Sometimes my PC makes a bit of a racket, I've tried various microphones but still not fully sorted yet

[@johnkennett6013]

Please dont waste time reading out number plates