A return of a ‘proper’ MG sports car had been mooted for a long time, after the MGB’s demise in 1981, but it would be another 14 years before a two-seater drop-top once again wore the famous octagon.
Developed on a shoestring budget by Rover Group engineers, the ‘F’ used as many parts as possible from the existing parts bin, including the K-series engine and a platform made up of two Metro subframes, with interconnected Hydragas suspension - not the most obvious choice for a sports car. Its mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout made the MGF great fun, while its styling certainly bore cues from MGs of old.
In the MGF’s 25th anniversary year, MG Enthusiast spoke to Gerry McGovern. the man responsible for its looks. He is currently design chief at Jaguar Land Rover and has been in the news a lot lately for leading the styling of the new Land Rover Defender.
Prior to his time at JLR, McGovern styled a number of Rover Group cars including the R3 200 and Land Rover Freelander as well as the MGF. Here’s his story of the MG sports car’s return.
MGE: What were the key design themes with MGF and how do you feel that you and your team executed them?
GM: As I remember, it was a very small design team, certainly nothing that compares with the design organisations of today. However, there was a passion to create an MG sports car that was modern, simple and fun
This story is from the February 2020 edition of MG Enthusiast.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2020 edition of MG Enthusiast.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Love and devotion
Bob Nason waited eight years to get the car of his dreams and, 19 years later, he’s still smitten with it...
Tidy-up time
Craig continues his quest to save the modified ZS 120 he told us about in December’s issue of MGE and takes advantage of a break in the weather to focus on its bodywork.
XPress power
MGs on Track regular, Dave Pearce, has a range of MGs at his disposal including this rather special XPower SV-R.
Sparking memories
MGE reader Peter Morrey recalls his very first MG, his family’s experiences of the then-new MGA and advice from a chap with a bit of MG insider knowledge.
Gerry McGovern
When the MGF appeared, in 1995, it marked a return to the market for MG sports cars. MG Enthusiast caught up with the man responsible for the car’s styling.
MG's Twin-Cam engine
The Twin-Cam engine arrived in 1958 but was it a success?
Eyes peeled
This month Roger looks at other drivers’ habits and ponders whether autonomous vehicle lighting helps or hinders road users?
Dear Sir...
Paul Moran’s beautifully restored 1933 Midget J2 comes with some interesting documentation which illustrates just how the privileged new car owners of the 1930s dealt with the absence of a warranty.
CHEQUERED FLAG
THE ROADS LESS TRAVELLED... AND WHY THEY ARE WORTH SEEKING OUT
2019 HSRCA SPRING FESTIVAL
The 2019 Historic Sports and Racing Car Association Spring Festival was run during a brilliant spring weekend, between 28-29 September, in Goulburn (regional New South Wales).
