The birth of the Wilson Labour Government (see whenever the Labour Party Governments have been harmful for the British automotive industry), called British Leyland Motor Company (BLMC), put an end to many projects; between them the of the EX234, a study to renew it already last of fashion range of products of the now extinct British Motor Company (BMC). As well as, in the new mega, is saw the need of carry to the future to MG by a new project.
The result of this research, which began in 1968, a few months after the merger was what today might be called «the MG F of twenty years earlier». Harris Mann and Paul Hughes continued this advanced proposal that was widely copied, served basic stylistic for the Triumph TR7, its rear inspired that of the Jaguar XJS, appeared in comics and animation of the 70 films (and I say «appeared», which is not inspired in, then it was copied as-is), provided surprising mechanical solutions (Fiat X 19 and their commercial success are good proof of this) and became the baseline for projects of MG sports over the next thirty years.
Why they call it «MG F 20 years before»? Easy: Fwd, transverse mid-engine with air intakes side, two-seater and suspension of the House (a technologically advanced version of the Hydrolastic). And futurism, much futurism, because few things like (the more similar, the Lamborginni Urraco) saw the light. In fact, if not for small details, the ADO21 has a complete news style.
These were drawings of these two Apostles of the industrial design:
It would be equipped with the set of transmision-motor type E BMC, which would start a modest engine only 1500 cubic centimeters, but that, through a 1.7 litres (E4), would have its greatest exponent with a 2.3 liters (E6). The size of this propeller, in concrete his excessive height, conditioned the design of the part rear that of all modes, was magnificently determined by Mann and Hughes, as can see.
He use and modification of the suspension Hydrolastic to use is a beautiful piece of engineering, mostly in it solution of the amortization of the bow rear and a recognition (deserved) for it inventive of its designer.
Despite the problem caused by the size of the propeller, the project had possibilities, so was given free rein and a model of engineering that also was a semifuncional prototype was commissioned. In particular, is can see it in these photos.
See that was designed for not seem is to no other MG that you preceded, while is note the advanced design of styling that is made for solve it window rear (an of this style has been password of identity of a model so famous as the Countach of Lamborginni) in presence of the locks imposed by the height of the engine.
But by misfortune, the tremendous pressure imposed in a principle to move forward with this project are evaporated suddenly. It right? Now, BLMC had a direct competitor: Triumph. And was this brand which became to be the girl pretty since after the adventure American of Spen King and Mike Carver and the discovery of that what the buyer American sought more a vehicle reliable and simple, the pushed is gave to the Triumph Bullet, a bet very conventional concerning this project.