Description
Author: Paddy Willmer, Hardbound, 176 Pages, ISBN: 9780954106362, - 2012 Reprint of 2005 Original
TA - TF Models covered, 1935 to 1955, Photography by Simon Clay
The T Series MGs, starting with the TA introduced in 1936, represent the absolute archetype of the British sports car. They are recognised on the road by more people — including 'non-motoring' people - than any other model of classic car. They provide the authentic experience of sports car driving: the snug two-seater cockpit, quick steering, firm suspension, flat cornering, snappy gearchange and lively engine. In terms of acceleration and maximum speed they were never outstandingly quick. Instead it was the way they behave that has won so many enthusiastic owners. Then there are the looks: the long bonnet, swept wings, cutaway doors, slab tank and rear-mounted spare wheel together established a unique style.
In addition, the T Series MGs opened the door for the British sports car's conquest of the United States market.
This book opens with an introduction highlighting the pleasures of T Series driving, followed by an exposition of the background that led to the introduction of the TA model, including the changes brought about by the influence of the Nuffield Organisation. Then comes a highly detailed technical analysis of the TA, covering every aspect of the chassis, running gear, engine and transmission. This sets the scene for the chapters which follow, on the rare TB, the TC which relaunched the family in 1945, the outstandingly successful TD, of which some 30,000 were made, and the final TF models. Each of these receives comprehensive treatment, including information on differences from previous models, production changes, performance and behaviour.
The author, who for many years was editor of the MG Car Club's magazine Safety Fast!, provides a chapter on MG Ts in competition from the 1930s to the present day and takes a look at the T Series' competitors in the market, from BSA in the 1930s to the Triumph TR in the 1950s.
For owners, present and prospective, there is also a section devoted to the practicalities of owning and using these cars today, including advice on parts availability, maintenance and preservation.
Outstanding examples of all models have been specially photographed for this book and are featured in some 80 colour shots. There are also more than 140 black-and-white photographs drawn from archives as well as from MG sales and publicity material.
Born and educated in Cambridge, Paddy Willmer bought his first T-Type, a TA, in 1961. He got his second, a TC, the following year, and prepared it for racing. With this car he won the T-Register's Drivers Championship in 1972, and has taken various other class and series wins. Other TCs passed through his hands in the meantime, and in 1968 he bought a TB. which remained in his hands until 2004.
A founder member of the T-Register in 1963, he was on its committee in various capacities until 2002. He edited its Bulletin and Newsletters at various times in the '60s, and then again from 1979 to 2002. Editor of Safety Fast!, the MG Car Club's magazine, from 1985 to 2001, he was a director of the club from 1985 to 1996. He is also a member of the MG Octagon Car Club.
Paddy, a lawyer, lives in Wales. This is his first book.
