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gearshift lever
effectively divide the seat. I have, however, seen several of these cars rigged
up with an extra windscreen to provide protection for children riding in the
luggage locker behind the seat. Judging by what I've been able to cram into
that locker I'll take an oath that it stretches.
It will hold three small suitcases and an
incredible amount of odds and ends stuffed into the nooks and crannies. The
cubby locker (that's the dash compartment, Son) is larger than those on most of
the cars produced here.
Upholstery is genuine leather and, in the
usual forward and back slide, there is provision for changing the angle of the
back of the seat. The wheel, as on the Jaguar, has an in-and-out adjustment.
The usual, complete tool kit is furnished along with an instruction book that's
a marvel of completeness and clarity. The top material may be extremely durable
but its a masterpiece of ugliness, nonetheless. The side curtains, as on any
sports car, provide token protection against the rain. While the factory
provides no heater, the MG heater made in this country is of such capacity that
it is rarely used to its full capabilities. Buy one, and you'll never have a
frigid Midget.
With one exception, I think the MG is one of
the safest cars on the road today. Contrary to the current American practice,
its roadability exceeds its performance potential. Its sturdiness has turned
many a potentially dangerous roadracing accident into a mere incident. Most
important of all, these cars are very dear to the hearts of their owners and a
loving owner will go far out of his |
way to avoid an
accident.
The exception I mentioned is the unfortunate
placing of the windshield wiper motor and its switch in line with the
passenger's forehead. With such powerful brakes, a panic stop could well be
fatal to an unsuspecting companion.
Last year the factory announced the Mark II, a
hotted up version of the standard job. Eight shocks, instead of the usual four,
improved cornering, while larger carburetors, oversize valves, heavier valve
springs and two fuel pumps, added some 10 HP. The factory then proceeded to
nullify these advantages by fitting a higher rear end ratio (4.875 instead of
the standard 5.125), resulting in less acceleration than the standard model
albeit producing a few more miles per hour at the top of the scale. I was not
impressed except with the one owned by a friend who managed to get delivery
prior to the time he actually turned his trade-in, a standard job, over to the
dealer. It was only a few hours work to swap the rear ends and the result was
wonderful to behold. I often wonder, though, about the poor chap who bought the
trade-in.
The Arnolt Corporation, which up to now has
made a good thing of MG accessories, has recently announced an MG coupe and a
convertible. These cars carry Italian coachwork of a high order and retail for
about $3500. A few years ago the Arnolt would have been as popular as a blonde
on a desert island but, at this stage, I can't help thinking of the Porsche in
the same price range and possessing near-Jaguar performance. We'll see about
that, but in the meantime its safe to forecast a happy future for the less
expensive versions. |