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CSMA Club Motor Museum and Cottages

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MG Y

Please select a car...   Austin BantamAustin ChummyAustin CliftonAustin NippyAustin SwallowAustin TaxiBMW 327Jaguar XK140Jaguar MK VMG 1100MG J2MG TDMG YMorris MinorRiley AdelphiRiley KestrelRiley RMD 21/2 litreRover 8 VanStandard 8Sunbeam AlpineVolvo P1800 ES

This MG looks like it was designed in the '30s!
That's because it was. Shortly before the outbreak of World War Two, a small saloon had been designed to replace the old Morris Eight. Originally scheduled to appear in 1941 it was finally launched in 1947. The all-welded chassis constructed from box-section steel provided a very sturdy frame, something that had only really been seen in the big pre-war saloons. Indeed the chassis even provided the basis for the next MG sports car to replace the TD.

What made the MG different from the Morris?
Certainly the interior was considerably more luxurious than that of the Morris, with walnut dashboard and door trims, octagonal instruments, an adjustable steering column, and plush upholstery. On the outside there was a longer bonnet with a traditionally tall MG radiator grille, together with elegant swept wings and running boards. It looked different but it wasn't much faster than a Morris as the heavy car could only just manage 70mph.

Did MG make any more sporting versions of the Y Type?
Well, late in 1948, a four-seat open tourer version, the YT, was launched. This tourer had the twin-carburettor engine of the TC, so performance was slightly improved, particularly since the car was quite a lot lighter than the YA. However, there was little demand for such a car so the YT was dropped in 1950.

What improvements were made to the Y-Type?
In 1951, an uprated version was announced and it was called the YB. The suspension was revised and together with smaller diameter wheels transformed the way it drove. In addition fitting twin-leading-shoe brakes at the front meant that stopping was no longer an issue. Production of the YB continued until 1953 when a new MG saloon appeared. Again the MG had to rely on other components and the Magnette ZA had an Austin engine and suspension with a body and chassis structure from a Wolseley.