The MG badge had long been identified with simple and affordable roadster. But when the ageing MGB was canned in 1980, the badge was used on sporting versions of Austin Rover hatchbacks. Rover Group staged a sales revival at the end 1980s and showed a big leap in engineering competence, particularly with the K series engine and re vamped Rover Metro supermini.
The upshot was that Rover’s thoughts turned to the revival of the classic MG roadster. The idea was given extra impetuts by the success of the Mazda MX 5. Although Rover’s image was in the rise, it was still short of money. In the end, Rover engineers simply adapted the floorpan and clever interlinked Hydragas suspension from the Rover Metro Supermini. While the front end structure was carried over, the rear half was re-engineered to take the Metro’s K- series drivetrain, which fitted sideways between the rear wheels.
The MGF was styled by Gerry McGovern and simplicity was the keyword. It was powered by a series of 1.8 liter K series engine and the project was noted for its exceptionally low development costs. The car was well received at launch (under BMW ownership) in 1955 and was modestly successful, delivering s significant profit margin.
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