The MG Introduced America To The Sports Car(posted Sept 23) Walter Anderson could not resist having his picture taken standing by Speedway resident's Bill Castle's green 1926 Bentley. "The green one. It took my eye," Anderson said. Anderson was one of a few hundred people at the 19th annual Indy British Motor Day that ended on Sept 23 at the American Legion 500 Post. Although the last of MG series was made in 1981, the passion for the vintage car still remains. Bill Gallihugh of Carmel, owner of a MG T series, said "This car is the most historic of the cars here because it is credited as introducing the sports car to the US." He said the after war, GIs returned home with the T-series. Eventually the MG DT series was introduced to accommodate the American market with the driver on the left side. Hollywood help boost the American attraction for the MG. James Dean raced the TD. In 1956, Elvis Presley drove the MG A series in the movie Blue Hawaii. Gallihugh said "The car was always under powered and outdated, but it was the charm that made it. It was not until the 1960s that the car had roll up windows." Gallihugh said the MG had three series. The MG-T series, the MG-A series, and the MG-B series that finally ended production in 1980. He said in 1988, Rover, who purchased the marque (brand), started the MG F series. He said is not marketed in the in the US. He said for the goal for a MG enthusiast is to try and rent one in England. Gallihugh said the British car owners here drive once a year from London, Indiana to Brighton, Indiana to commemorate the London to Brighton Run in England that was a protest ride about speed limits. |
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