1960s MG 1100 ADO16 - best 1960s classic saloon car?

[@spottenberger9067]

Here in Germany, British cars mostly had an exotic status at that time; only the Mini or a Jaquar were sometimes seen on the streets in the early 1970s. Although the ADO 16 was a very modern car in the late 1960s (even in comparison to the VW Beetle (Käfer) or Opel Kadett), I have never seen the ADO16 or ADO14 as a child! Such cars from Great Britain were very expensive at the time and there were hardly any dealers in Germany. Also, inch screws and matching wrenches are not common in our country and so the cars were not interesting for do-it-yourselfers like my father. But I had this car as a Matchbox car. He was a beloved companion of my early childhood. The front of the car always reminded me of my father's Fiat 1100 R. Now it's really great to see this car in original! Thank you for showing me this MG 1100.

[@RobertHaynes-kw2sk]

I did as well. It was model #64, and it was one that went with the MG-1 Service Station, the others were the Jeep Gladiator Townside Pickup (model #71), the Ford Zephyr Six Mark III (model #33), the Mercedes-Benz 230SL (model #27), the Jaguar Mark II 3.4-Litre saloon (model #65), the Ford Thames Trader wreck truck (model #13) and the Bedford petrol tanker (model #25). I had it at Christmas 1966.

[@danieleregoli812]

I had this model as well, in green. Loved it to bits.

[@spottenberger9067]

I had the later version as Superfast in blue metallic. At some point in my youth, my mother threw all the Matchbox cars in the trash or gave them away because we stopped playing with them as teenagers. A few years ago I bought these Matchbox cars from my childhood, like the MG 1100, Ford Cortina, Lotus Europa, Iso Grifo, Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow...., in "mint" condition on eBay again. Very expensive - but worth it!

[@jomaoliveira7949]

In Portugal ADO 16 were quite popular cars. In the 90's most of them finished their life as mini engine donors.

[@danieleregoli812]

They were very popular middle class cars in Italy in the 60s in the local Innocenti- guise. Very well built and quite luxurious

[@zingo2664]

Honestly ... you should be on tv .

[@nigden1]

My Father made a good living fitting rear sub frames to these and Minis, they were a major source of business for him and the two lads he employed at his small body shop. He said the cars drove brilliantly and rode well, but rotted like pears on a window ledge in summer.

[@rowejon]

I drove a 1100 & 1300 in the 70's. Lovely cars to drive

[@idriveaclassic]

They really are!

[@VauxhallViva1975]

I have a Morris 1100 on the road now, and have 2x 1300's(one of them a GT) and another 1100 in storage. I've wrecked so many, I can't remember, but I have shed-loads of parts to keep the other ones street-legal! Yes, I am a sick man.....

[@colrhodes377]

One of the best " everyman " cars ever built

[@idriveaclassic]

Hard agree 🥰

[@timjones143]

Never see any of them on the road here in South Africa.

[@timjones143]

@@idriveaclassic Well...the gearbox/transmission is awful. The driving position, the steep angle of the steering column, not very pleasant. The whine out the transmission is off-putting. There is of course surprising amount of legroom at the back. Land crab was the big "miss" for BMC.

[@terraplane49]

Lovely car. I'd just like to put in a plug for the late Alex Moulton, who designed the Hydrolastic system, based loosely on hydropneumatic version used by Citroen. He also designed the original rubber cone system used in the original Mini, enabling it to be as small as it was. I have 5 early Moulton bicycles, and they still give superb ride, 60 years on.

[@mr-wx3lv]

I liked the derivatives more than the basic models. Thought they seemed a little Spartan. That MG is really pretty..

[@Vince_uk]

My very first car Steph was one of these MG's, bought secondhand in 1972 for £200 in British Racing Green with red interior and a rear subframe that disintegrated at lightspeed. and I couldn't afford to have it repaired at the time. I loved the car and would have another one today. That example is pristine.

[@viking56379]

It would have been Conought green

[@peterowen4456]

Great review. I drove one of these (an Austin 1100 in truth) when they were a modern car. Such great design and proof we could build big selling bread and butter cars. What a tragedy, for a multiplicity of reasons, we lost our mass production car industry.

[@darrenwilson8042]

What a beautiful example of the best variation of the ADO16

[@chrispenn715]

Really like these cars. My grandfather had a Morris 1100, which I used to drive occasionally when I first passed my test. This one looks fantastic.

[@antonysmith4995]

Terrazzo is the pattern on the parcel shelf. It's very Italian and is all the rage again now.

[@16jan1986]

In Denmark it was used everywhere in the foirties and fifeties and is stil plenty places including peoples bathrooms

[@markborkowski797]

My first car, bought in 1966, was a 2-door MG 1100 in this same color. I loved it.

[@davidhinkson8856]

I have a soft spot for these cars since my father's first car when i was very young was a 1972 Morris 1300. My mother had a friend whose P6 had a similar speedo to this car.

[@jimmeltonbradley1497]

My old English teacher had one. He and his wife would take me to rehearsals in it when we were doing AmDram stuff. I remember there was loads of room in the back, and it was very comfortable there. The only glitch was, like the mini, the electrics could get a bit temperamental when it rained. Although an MG, it wasn't that exciting on the performance front.

[@RobertJohnFreeman]

Ha ha, the electrics when it rained. You know it. Distributor right behind the grill. Eventually got the tip to carry a can of moisture repelling lubricant, and give it a quick spray under the distributor cap.

[@alansimpson835]

I still think these look great. I love the fin like tail lights and, as a Mini owner, the big brother of the Mini type feel to it. This one is a beauty

[@eeeandeee]

In the 1970's Mum had a Riley Kestrel 1300 (MkII). Similar to the MG but seemed slightly more upmarket with a rev counter, leather seats and walnut dashboard. For its day it was quick and handled far better than the rear wheel drive cars of the time. Very much a 'grown up' more mature Mini. Thank you for your videos 🙂

[@AndrewEdwards-t1j]

My first car was a Austin 1100 when I passed my test in 1977 I paid £150 and hand painted it blue it was a great car had no problems with it

[@stephenricketts7764]

As you say, the ADO16 was popular at the time. I would say you could find one of the variants on any street. This model is a bit posher than a standard '1100' and it shows with the wood and trim finish. BTW it is commonly referred to as the 'Ribbon Speedo' so your 'ticker tape reference wasn't far off Steph. I think David has done an excellent job in keeping this one in such good order so well done to him. Thanks Steph for another great review. 👍👍

[@paulleach2751]

A cracking video. The car you have featured has the rare factory option of leather seats, as the MG 1100 had vinyl seats as standard. The cigar lighter has been added by someone at a later date.

[@jonnycando]

Steph, I believe you are thinking of Terrazo…and yes, the parcel shelf does look very like the stuff.

[@loveisall5520]

If I remember right, in the US, this MG variant was the only one sold, and possibly only in a two door. Then, of course later on the Austin America badged car was sold. These are just such a magnificent design. Thank you, Steph, from a Texan who loves these cars also.

[@lanceferraro3781]

Hello from the states. I had a red Austin 1100, followed by a red '67 MG1100, hydrolastic and the ride was great and smooth, followed by a MGB/GT. They taught me the vagaries of British car mechanics. My favorite, delightful feature was the winker light at the end of the stalk. So cute. Now I have new Minis'. A red Mini convertible with black top that was wrecked by a texting driver, replaced by a 2013 base Mini Cooper. Listening to the engine on the drive brought back many pleasant memories. And, thanks for the drive through town, brought me back to living on the Clyde near Dunoon.

[@mikejames4540]

My father had an Austin 1100 automatic. I drove it after I’d passed my test in a manual. It was never going to give you Grand Prix starts but it was a pleasant, leisurely drive and always felt ‘roomy’. I note that this example (if still on the same plates) was registered in Grimsby.

[@JSDesign.Hongkong]

Once again, Steph does not disappoint, and she presents us with a friendly, knowledgeable and entertaining video on a characterful and important classic.

[@shaunw9270]

Very lovely example! Great video. My brother had Austin, Morris and Wolseley variants back in the late 70's & 80's as they were cheap motoring for young drivers. I loved being a passenger and the sound brought back memories..but none of my brother's were in such beautiful condition as this one ! ❤️

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

Beautiful car though I think the pattern of the door cards would send my eyes badly. I love the sound of the old BL cars, the A series and the gearboxes. Definitely a credit to the owner.

[@planetx5269]

I have several cars . One from Germany, Italy, France, America and a Morris Minor from England. I am thinking of selling the 1952 Morris Minor and getting one of these. I once drove one and it was really a lot of fun and I love ve how they look.

[@danieleregoli812]

Such a gorgeous car!!!! ( love your outfit!)

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you so much!!

[@danieleregoli812]

@@idriveaclassic you really are the best darling 💞

[@henkbarnard1553]

Yep, and it matches too.

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

Oh the memories Steph, as a raw apprentice from 55 odd years ago , an 'old school ' manager of mine had an identical MG1100 mk 1, Snowberry white , FVE 569E.He loved cars and this one in particular which he thought was like owning a sports car and told me it had twin carburettors !.Knowing I had an interest in all things mechanical , stopped in a lay- by in pouring rain to show me them - I was a bit underwhelmed to be honest !.

[@Bezart34]

Very few cars (for me) tick the 'perfect' box: this is one of that illustrious few! Interior and exterior , design, styling and functionalty, harmonise perfectly. I even remember - as a very young kid - liking the sound of the engine! All part of the package. Excellent presentation, Steph - as always. Thank you for doing these.

[@MGBetts1]

As it's an MG, it really should have had a rev counter - the later MG 1300s did I believe. The Riley variant always had one.

[@djscottfree2008]

The 1300 GT had the rev counter

[@DevonPianist]

​@@djscottfree2008as did the MG 1300, Riley Kestrel and Riley 1300 MK2.

[@profrumpo]

Another video to make me feel old 😆 As a child of the 1960's these were everywhere when I was a youngster, the estate version was especially stylish I think. The fancy versions like the MG, Wolseley and Riley were the pick, especially in two-tone paint. Such a shame the design flaw that could have been avoided meant they are so rare now. Thanks for yet another great test drive.

[@chalkyc]

Lovely review, saw you at beaulieu too, you an asset to our hobby keep up the good work.

[@harrygatto]

I used to work on these when I was serving my apprenticeship in a BMC dealer in the 60s. Happy days.

[@SorryIwasntListening]

At 13:17 Steph having a moment !! love it.

[@scroggins100]

I think you should be on the box. You have a gift. As for the 1100 it is my favorite classic without a doubt. I had four over the days. Far more useable than a Mini and great fun to drive. Last one I had was a 1300Gt and my wife, who had a golf, would steal it every chance she got. She even managed a speeding ticket in it. Thanks for your efforts and really you should be on the box.

[@19892CV]

My first car was a green Austin 1100. My 1989 2CV has single speed wipers AND a manual screen wash...very primitive

[@hannchris2762]

Steph you look as gorgeous as the MG 1100

[@terryprice7459]

Another brilliant video, we own an original 1300 1971 with just 11000 miles , lovely cars ,keep up the good work, love al you're video's.😊

[@osxwrangler]

Thank Steph! I truly enjoy your videos.

[@paulwilson7622]

I have always enjoyed the sound of the OHV engines. They sounded refined and powerful. I used to have a 1971, 1800 mk2

[@bobhopest3540]

The car is in gorgeous condition and I love the IAM badge. My parents had them as they were driving instructors.

[@DevonPianist]

They were great for mastering the clutch biting point - just a case of watching for the bonnet lifting!

[@chegeny]

Excellent. I do appreciate this era... very cool styling. Thanks so much for taking us along.

[@julianlyons711]

You do a better job on these videos than any mainstream broadcast programmes .. content , presentation the whole works is a joy to watch

[@kend.5894]

Had one of these in light blue and cream, for a couple of months in the 70's - bought as a temporary stand-in vehicle for £50. Very pleasant to drive, comfy and roomy, but a drive shaft collapsed while on the road and that was the end of this particular car.

[@nzmax]

Another fantastic video Steph. Here in New Zealand, the Morris 1100 did actually replace the Morris Minor saloon in 1963, with local assembly beginning in March 1963, and the Austin variant arriving later in the year from memory. The Morris Minor ute/van did continue through into the late 60s or early 70s, just not the saloon. My parents had an early locally assembled 1963 Morris 1100 in the mid 70s, which wasnt the most reliable car they ever owned, with it regularly needing some form of attention to keep it on the road. On the other hand, my grandfather had a late 60s Austin 1300 which just went and went with no issue at all.

[@SimonNoina]

Absolutely lovely - with Riley Kestrel mk1 wheel trims!

[@a11csc]

ADO16 sure made an impression Steph

[@austinado16]

Wonderful job on this, and a beautiful example!! I found a wrecked 1970 Austin America (you would call it an Austin 1300 Mk2) in 1984, restored it to as-new and it's still an absolute joy to own and drive. The Austin America version (sold in the US and Canada) was a 2 door model, with a single carburetor, 1275cc engine. Many of the Americas (approximately 75%) were sold with AP Automatic Transmissions, which ran in the engine oil. Ultimately, this was the death of the Americas, due to the bad reputation that they soon gained. Mine is a 4 speed manual transmission with syncro 1st, and it's an absolute joy to drive.

[@dieselfunk65]

Another great video Steph, lovely example this MG 1100, it also sounds lovely. You’re an excellent driver, slotting into 2nd gear before a roundabout is something I always do and was taught by my driving instructor many years ago.

[@chmeeeschannel8355]

Happy to see this. We had a green MG 1100 Sport Sedan when I was very young, but I do remember it.

[@bikersreview383]

Hi Steph can I challenge your geeky fact with my geeky fact please. The only car that where the vehicle replacing it, essentially didn’t replace it, they sold them at the same time. The Austin miniMetro was designed to replace the Mini when it was launched in 1980 and was in production for 18 years until 1998. The original Mini was in production from 1959 until 2000. Which means it outlasted it's successor! But you are still our classic car queen.

[@fruitychink]

A friend of mine had one in duo tone green as I remember and I was really jealous of it . I had a bog standard Austin 1100 which was a joy to drive but boy did it rot

[@darrensmith6999]

Beautiful little car! My Mum had an Austin 1300 GT in the 70s in fact it was the first car i drove , on a private road as i was only about 13 at the time (:

[@jeffecko1]

Absolutely wonderful video Steph engine and gearbox are spot on 😁

[@jeffecko1]

I always called ours happy cars due to the gear whine and the sound from the metal cooling fan

[@kevinhirst4108]

That's a beautiful car, lovely well maintained condition 👌👌👌

[@chrislee2221]

Great little car, I once fitted a 1098 engine from an MG 1100 into a 1963 mini pick up a little flyer.

[@darrinslack1269]

If you like that MG 1100 you should see the Innocenti version that was used to carry the late Duke around the Innocenti works , every BMC design Innocenti got they improved it

[@chillyspoon]

Really interesting video - and you got my "like" at the ashtray sound effects! xD

[@gradese]

I had one of these in two-tone cream and sky blue back the late 70s. I drove it down to Vienna on holiday with my wife and two year old daughter. It died there, and ended its days rotting quietly away in a Viennese friend's garage. He eventually sold it for scrap. We drove back in my friend's Triump 2.5 PI, which he no longer wanted. I would love to have the MG now as a "cheap" classic. But I learned how expensive a cheap classic can be, when I bought a 1978 Fiat 124 Spider here in Italy a few years back. It cost me thousands, but it is the only car I have ever owned which I sold for more than I paid for it.

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

The Morris and Austins were everywhere in the streets of 70’s Denmark, but are nowhere to be seen today. They’re completely vanished.

[@SuperMikado282]

Corrosion was a big problem.

[@Bezart34]

@@SuperMikado282 Sadly, that is the one elephant in the room, concerning so many great British cars of that era.

[@SuperMikado282]

@@Bezart34 I agree with you 💯.

[@jonsimmons4150]

EEC. that torpedoed most of the UK presence overseas. Australia for one, 80% of cars in Australia came from the UK that went to near zero upon "joining" the EEC.. funny isnt it? how we were told how much better off we would be in the EEC, and within a few years british cars dissapeared, then french golden delicious tasteless apples were all you could seem to get in the shops in the uk.

[@user-ye5cg8he7q]

Mum had an MG 1300 in the mid 70’s. She loved it. Great car. I started to learn to drive in it, and yes, no synchro in first 😂

[@AlistairJohnston-z5b]

My first car was a Wolseley version of this. LLF 629D. It had the same twin carb 55bhp engine and the same dashboard as this MG, was great fun to drive and never let me down. I wouldn' t mind another one now, but like Steph, cant really afford a good one unfortunately.

[@davidwinthrop7077]

What a beautiful 60s classic Wolseley! Lovely colour, a simple but very well laid out walnut dash and lovely designed features like the door handles, hub caps and of course the famous Wolseley light up grill badge! As always Steph your outfit is just a perfect match for the period and the icing on the cake! Fantastic video as always!

[@philhawley1219]

Good comments, except this Wolseley is the MG variety!

[@markchandler1130]

For a short time my uncle had an MG 1100 and later on an Austin America bought new. Neither were really suitable for USA driving conditions…. Don’t think the Austin made it 4 years. CV joints were a problem.

[@marcopaluello2496]

They were also popular in Italy. Innocenti used to make them in Lambrate (Milano) until 1972. They were marketed as IM 3 (IM stands for Innocenti-Morris), J4, J4S and J5.

[@jaybee1921]

Hi Steph, I to liked all if these variants, as you say, so easy and simple to drive, coupled with comfort as well. The one I once owned was a Morris 1100. Quite a reliable daily driver at the time. The only downside was the rear floor pan which did rot and split right across the width of the car, however it was a fairly easy repair welding wise. Love your drive outs which bring back past memories. The one I always fancied owning was the Vanden Plas version, they were like a mini Rolls Royce both in looks and style. Thanks for sharing. Take care, Jon B. 🙂

[@andyarmstrong1493]

What a lovely vehicle. In the 70's my friend had an Austin 1100, in Buckingham Blue, I think. The boot floor rusted and we jacked the car up and put a metal plate in place and lowered the car back down. It drove on for many miles.

[@markbate5583]

Watching away another fascinating video and suddenly realised you are driving through Thrapston which know well 😀

[@fepatton]

My dad had the Austin America version, bought new, when I was little. They are such lovely cars. Unfortunately, his was a lemon and he didn’t have it for long. One interesting “feature” he complained about was the side mounted radiator that allowed rain coming through the grill to play havoc with the electrics. The dealer put some kind of shield over the grill, ending the shorts but causing overheating from lack of airflow!

[@ericcriteser4001]

Really cool. I have two MGBs and love the marque; I've secretly always wanted one of these saloons, as well. Thanks for sharing.

[@peterriggall8409]

Had two Aussie 1100s as my first cars. Great little cars and this MG version is a ripper. Agree Steph. about the door cards, very smart. Wood grain dash and grille, lovely. The Riley Kestrel version nice too…..plus the VDP version….++. They were everywhere in Australia. Not many left now. Thanks for great video on a lovely example.

[@wilburytwist6683]

Thank you Steph. 😁 Beautiful car. 😍 I've owned all the ADO16 badges apart from the MG. The Mk1s were more solid cars They reduced the gauge of steel in 1967 which coupled with quality control issues accelerated the rotting. Stories of vehicles failing first MOT's with rotten sills abounded. The way they grip the road and go around corners as if they are on rails is brilliant, it needs to be experienced. I often wonder, with the return of the Mini, Fiat500 and now Renault 5 etc, is it time for a revival ? 😉😄

[@asa1973100]

They were absolutely everywhere in Rhodesia , When I returned back to Zimbabwe to visit family in 2020 I couldn’t believe how many of those were still on the road . And in extremely good condition

[@mrv7080]

Great to hear to mention the Apache and thanks for the tip to visit AR online. It’s the first time I have good info on the Apache and it’s history in SOUTH Africa where I grew up. My dad had three of these cars as runabouts - they were more reliable than my mother’s Cavalier (Chevair in SA).

[@TalesFromTheBlahSide]

I remember in the 70s and probably even in to the 80s there were so many BMC and later BL dealers. Just in Altrincham area we had Arden & Bull in Altrincham, and Timperley, Wood Lane garage in Timperley, Drabble & Allen in Hale. My Grandpa bought his Austins from Arden & Bull and my Dad was even their accountant at one time. I worked at their garage in Timperley when I was 18, and I bought my Mini second-hand from Drabble & Allen. Only one of them is still a "garage" and that's just a petrol station now.

[@bigjohno242]

Great review Steph of a beautiful car

[@1aikane]

Cool car. Classy lady

[@DenisHuaHin]

That car should have been developed slowly with some thought, It was a great car I had one and road holding was second to none, ride, comfort and space inside were all so good. Then they built the Allegro, no more to say.

[@madibadudeman2154]

Impeccable timing to end at a red light

[@michaelstaunton1632]

Enjoying the content on the channel keep up the great work 👍👍👍

[@michaeltreadwell777]

What a great video Steph. Brought back many memories. My friends mother had one of these MG 1100s - LGU 636D. Same colour as this, but complete red interior. I think this one has had replacement seats and door cards though - looks a bit odd to me having red door trim and carpets and black seats and door cards. Anyhow - I learned to drive in an Austin 1100. The gear lever was a bit like a stick in custard, but I passed my test in it - albeit second time around. Thanks for these videos Steph, they are such fun to watch. Take care 🙂 X X

[@BigM2525]

I had a 2 door MG1300 for many years.

[@rcaive0875]

I have one of these...made by Lesney!😁

[@peterchapman8357]

when i was a child my mum had a lovely Austin 1100 in white with red seating but sadly it was stolen and never found i always wonder if its still around

[@jamesconnors4297]

very enjoyable presentation . thank you

[@iansutherlandcraig]

Great video. I still want one of these.

[@gabriel.954]

I really enjoyed this video! thank you

[@eamoneejit]

An older friend once told me many years ago, that UK car parking spaces are based around the size of the Austin 1100, because it was the best-selling car of the Sixties. I’ve always wanted to believe it, especially because British Standards in some trades can seem bonkers to an outsider.

[@russelmaclean4416]

Very nice video . Lots of the Austin and Morris 1100s here in the day. In 1966 dad and I took an 1100 out for a test drive. He didn't buy it he bought an Austin 1800 instead. The dealership was in the country twenty miles from town. They sold both Studebaker and BMC at the same dealership. The 1100s were nice and sold well here. The Wolseley and MG and Riley badged versions were scarce. Great video as usual. Hope to see videos where you are working in your car or helping a friend. The more you work on your own car the better you understand it and the more confidence you have in the car. Also when you have trouble you have a much better idea of what's wrong.

[@Bernd-sb2sh]

I had one in blue colour as a Matchbox toycar. It had a towbar, a driver was sitting on the right side and a dog looked out of the left back side window. Unfortunately I lost it somehow when I was playing with my toycars on the beach those days in a summerholiday in Italy.

[@MacklandsMotors]

Brilliant video Steph, a gorgeous car. Love the GCCG sticker 🌈

[@kasseyr1]

Had a Austin 1300 GT with a Copper S motor in it, in my young days…What a little flyer

[@Plattyboys]

Honestly one of the best cars ever made, it's the only car I would ever give up my current classic for,

[@Koulis_]

The first car I ever drove was my driving instructor's beige Austin 1100.

[@chrisowen738]

Steph you so suite ado16s. I think you should get one day.

[@DarrenWalley]

A little beauty. ❤

[@chriscansdale6389]

I've always wanted an ADO16 as well. They were only sold here as Morris 1100's and seem to be quite scarce even though they were hugely popular. I ended up settling for an Austin 1800 because they were easier to find and surprisingly less desirable. It was my daily driver for a few years and turned out to be a car that belonged to my childhood neighbours 35 years prior! It's now waiting patiently in the shed for me to get around to fixing it up and recommissioning it once I've repainted it..

[@gaufrid1956]

My late Dad's first brand new car was a black 1965 Morris 1100. A great car!