1985 MG Midget Concept

In 1985 the MG Midget with its classic lines, had only been out of production for 5 years when this concept was released. The brief was to create a spiritual successor to that iconic car, however there’s always a catch, it had to utilise as many existing parts as possible.

Arnolt MG

Combining British mechanics and running gear from MG and Italian styling from Betone it was design for an American market. With final assembly and sales handled by the aforementioned Arnolt in Illinois.

Gilbern Genie

This is the second offering from the Welsh manufacturer after the GT and was produced from 1966 until 1970. The Genie was a much larger 2+2 grand tourer with more chiseled modern lines. It was also more powerful than its predecessor.

MG Express

Its amazing what Rover/MG tried as the company fell further and further in its demise. But he Express has to be a serious low point. Basically they took an MG ZR (Rover 25) removed the rear seats and windows and called it a van!!!!!

Gilbern GT

Giles Smith, a butcher from Church Village near Ponypridd in south Wales, wanted a glass fibre special. At the time the choice was quiet varied due to the explosion of component kits using this new the material in the 1950’s. However a chance meeting with a German ex POW Bernard Friese, who was working for one of these companies, the possibility of building a one off was raised. After some pushing by Bernard this car was then built in the back of Giles butchers shop. As it was nearing completion and a viewing by an amateur racing driver it was decided that it was too good for a one off. This was the start of GILes Smith and BERNardFriese’s Gilbern GT.

Capesthorne Hall Classic Car Show

I had this on the radar for the last week but hadn't planned on going until Sunday evening when I saw some pictures of that days show over on Retrobeutes. With rare cars a distinct possibility, weather looking good for at least the morning (not bad for a Bank Holiday Monday in the UK) and my little one suitably bribed with the promise of ice cream and sweets we loaded the Scirocco and made the hours’ drive over to the stunning Capesthorne Hall first thing in the morning. This was not only a place I’ve never been too but also a show I'd never been too so I was looking forward to it.

Random Picture

A few months ago now I posted up the “Pizza Delivery Van” Metro test mule for the MGF, in that I mentioned the other mule which was a modified MR2 with the K series engine mid mounted, well here’s the only picture I could find of it-

Rover Metro “Pizza Delivery Van”

So your wanting to develop a 2 seat sports car, that will re-kindle a much loved brand, namely MG, yet need to secretly test it, so how do you without it being noticed???

Well since you “new” car will be based on tried and tested running gear, namely that of the Rover Metro (granted with some hydraulics mixed in), oh and will have its K-Series engine fitted why not use one of those, afterall who would suspect a brown batter 8 tear old, E reg metro of holding the future of both a company but also a brand.