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.

Rover P9

We’ve had several of Rovers "what could have been" prototypes on this site over the years, this one though in 1969 is quite the departure.

Rover 75 Coupe

There are many, many concepts that were put forward that if put in to production could have turned around the fortunes of Rover. This Coupe concept from 1998 for the 75 is one of those cars and celebrated 100 years of the marque.

Frazer Metro Tickford

Tickford took the humble family run around of the early 80’s and dramatically combined it with a luxury interior, more power and that sporty body kit. Back in the hot hatch days, what was not to love!!!

Minki

The mini was in production for an impressive 41 years which just proves hoe versatile and loved the design, hell Rover even worked how to fit airbags to it in 1994. It even was sold against and beyond its replacements, the Metro. In 1992 though Rover planned probably its biggest shake up/ modernisation to date.

Rover TCZ

The name of Rover, thanks to the last 20 or so years of its life, is now linked with outdated cars, poor sales and that buyout!!!! However go back 40 years and Rover was a proud marque, with the Rover P6 the ultimate status symbol for the aspiring middle classes. It was at this time the concept car below was produced, and what a departure from our thoughts of Rover it was.

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!!!!!

ADC Scout

I know what you’re thinking, “There’s a Rover Metro in there isn’t there!!!” and you’d be right. Back in 1991 ADC (Automotive Development Consultants) drew up 6 concepts all based upon the humble 5 door Metro, out of those a concept car of the Scout was built.

Austin AR6

When you talk about “what might have been” then British Leyland/Austin/Rover had more chances of success than failure. A brand generally loved by the UK but failed to keep up with the competition and relied too much on nostalgia and being “British” rather than investing in new cars. One example of that, which to be honest by 1984 may already have been to late, was the final AR6 concept.

GTM Libra

At first glance I thought this was just a modern Mini based kit car due to its proportions. To an extent I was right, well its DNA goes back to the Mini, but this thing is all bespoke. GTM started with mini based kits. This though is all lightweight sports car with thoroughly modern construction that had 3 years of development in it designed for the "ultimate performance". It was built around a fiberglass monocoque tub that everything was bolted to, just like a Ferrari.

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.

Metro Saloon

When anyone from the UK goes to Europe one of the things that you notice straight away are the strange car variants that our European counterparts have. I not talking about the steering wheel being on the wrong side but the strange bulge that’s hangs of the back of conventional hatchbacks. I talking about small runabouts with boots!!!!!!