Hour rule: MG Could-Have-Been edition

"BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires" (biturbo228) 05/09/2016 at 07:14 • Filed to: None

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Just discovered this lovely little car, the MG EX234. It’s a prototype made as a replacement for the MGB in 1964. In size it was between the Midget and the B (although more spacious inside than the B, despite its smaller size).

It could be fitted with an A-Series to replace the Midget and a B-Series to replace the B, and had hydragas suspension and the IRS from an Austin Gipsy (a Series Land Rover competitor with independent suspension). According to John Surtees who tested the prototype it was a nifty little handler.

Unfortunately, it was delayed for release as both the B and the Midget were still selling well, and by the time they needed replacing BMC was in dire financial straits and couldn’t justify the cost of replacing the B that was aging, but still a relatively strong seller.

It’s a shame as an IRS equipped B/B GT, especially with a Rover V8, would have made an excellent competitor to the Datsun 240Z in ‘69 and could have kept British sports cars relevant as the 70s rolled on.

BvdV - The Dutch Engineer > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 05/09/2016 at 08:19

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Wow, that looks a lot like an Alfa Romeo Spider, which is not a bad thing!

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > BvdV - The Dutch Engineer 05/09/2016 at 08:23

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It does, especially the series 2 camm-tail ones :)

Chinny Raccoon > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 05/09/2016 at 08:31

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The 60's were a bad time for cocking up fantastic concept cars.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 05/09/2016 at 08:49

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I note from the first pic that it appears to be at a meet and still operational. Well done, that man.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 05/10/2016 at 05:55

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Yep :) apparently it’s coming up for auction soon.

I was thinking that if I became filthy stinking rich I’d start a company (in partnership with BMH) that would make limited production runs of all these could-have-been BL cars under the kit car rules.

Things like this and the Rover P6BS would be ideal candidates :)