Top 10: MG saloons
Mention MG to most enthusiasts and they’ll conjure up images of a two-seater roadster of some description. Whether it’s an early T-type or a later MGB, it’s what most folk think of when the famous Abingdon brand is mentioned. And yet MG has also enjoyed major success with its sporting saloons over the years, with the most popular models now highly sought after on today’s classic scene.
Let’s get one thing sorted straight away, though: in this particular instance, when we refer to MG saloons we’re also including the odd hatchback. In fact, we’re talking about pretty much any MG that isn’t a two-seater sportster. And there have been a surprising number of them.
The popularity of the best MG saloons is understandable. Most have possessed at least a modicum of sportiness, whilst managing to provide the kind of four- or five-seater practicality demanded by many buyers. In most cases it still makes for a tempting combination, whether your preference is for an MG YA of the late ’40s or a last-of-the-line ZT of the 21st century.
Even better news is that you don’t need a massive bank balance in order to afford a classic MG saloon that’s capable of providing practicality and entertainment value in equal measure. So which will you choose?
By Paul Guinness
Wed, 21 May 2014
MG YA/YB
The earliest post-war MG saloon was the Y-type, despite being a pre-war design originally destined for launch in 1940. World War II prevented that, which is why the YA didn’t appear until seven years later, sharing most of its structure with the Morris 8 Series E but with MG styling tweaks, independent front suspension and a 1250cc T-type engine.
It might have seemed dated by the time the last was built in 1953 but the Y-type oozed charm. Excellent cars are available now for £10,000 – or half that for an MoT’d but cosmetically less perfect example.
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