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Mike Eliman-Brown and I first met in about 1955 when we were both regulars at the South-Eastern Centre's natter at the Sugar Bowl, Burgh Heath. Even then he was more interested that the rest of us in the sidelines of M.G. interest. His cars had unusual and easily-remembered number plates, AJ 88, JJ 88 etc. They nearly always had something about them which marked them as special. I remember a Park Ward-bodied TA of which he was very proud but most youngsters in those days would have preferred the normal TA as it was lighter - and hence faster. It was from Mike that I learned of the pre-1939 M.G. Car Club magazines, The M.G. Magazine and The Sports Car. Fortunately such items were not in great demand and cheap to buy - when you found them. Now he has out his experience of over 40 years down on paper and created his own M.G. Collectible in the shape of this book.
The categories of M.G. "things" covered are;-

This could be defined as the definitive tome in the history of M.G. David Knowles, V8 owner and Club member, has produced a studious, yet entirely readable, story, decade by decade, of the behind the scenes and human interest side of a motor car factory's development from the semi agricultural methods of the 1920's to the electronic and computerised methods of the 1990's. He describes the factories, the cars and the men and women that combined to form the amorphous creation that became the Abingdon Spirit. Quite what this is is hard to define, but it formed in the late 20's and early 30's, grew in the immediate pre-war years and reached its apogee in the 1960's. It remained in the gloom of the 70's and 80's, and is now manifesting itself in Longbridge, after flowering briefly in Cowley in the early 90's, as M.G. Cars gradually came to life again.
The author relates this history, warts and all, with lots of photos, many never seen previously, of people, cars and prototype and development M.G.s, especially those that led to the production MGF. It is a superb publication, my only gripe being the lack of full stops in M.G.. Cecil Kimber would not have liked that either, but otherwise I think he would have approved of this book. An essential to any self respecting M.G. owner, or student of the wider scene.
A.P.W.

The two volumes cover 1929 to 1955, and then 1956 to 1992. There are both fine compilations of the various advertisments that appeared throughout the motoring press during those years. "The Light Car & Cycle Car", "The Motor", "Autocar" and M.G. Car Company items are all featured. Most of them are well known but one or two will make you think. It is interesting to see that the phrase "space, grade & pace" was originally used by M.G. in 1937 before it was kidnapped by Jaguar, and some of the artwork is a sheer delight.
They would make a fine addition to any M.G. library. Originally issued in 1992 at £9.95 each, they are now available from M.G. Car Club HQ for just £7.25 (including p&p). When ordering, please ensure you indicate which volume you require. Please allow 14 days delivery.

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