MGB: MG model/history question

When did the midget switch from chrome to rubber bumper?

When did they switch from the 1275 motor to the 1500?

When did the rear wheel well shape change from round to .. whatever you call it now, lol?

Thanks!

The change from chrome to rubber bumper occured in early 1974 and came along with the conversion to the 1500 cc engine. You will occasionally see an early 1974 car with chrome bumpers that have large block rubber overriders and the 1275cc engine. The rear wheel arch design changed at the same time because of federal crash standards and reverted back to the "Square Wheel Arch" of the pre 1971 cars. The only Round Wheel Arch cars were made from 1971 through early 1974 and of course the Austin Healey Bugeye sprite. The photo is from the MG Enthusiasts site where there is a good history of the MG Midget through all it's configurations http://www.mgcars.org.uk/midget.html and is of an early '74 car with the large rubber overriders and the round wheel arch in the rear.

All the above for the 1975 model year.
The last 1275 chrome bumpered round wheel arch Midget was built in late 1974 and superseded with the 1500, rubber bumpered square arch car.
It was the marque's swansong, and production ceased in '79, but sales continued into 1980 ( at least in Canada )

The car also rode impossibly high ( to meet crash regs ).Same fun, same impracticability,but for so called "purists" an abomination, as the car now had dreaded Triumph DNA in it. Almost like the "love child" of a Spridget/Spitfire affair...............unthinkable.:devil:

I still think it is a better car than the Spitfire, and it can be made to go much quicker and handle much better than the Spit'. It isn't as roomy, or perhaps as "sexy" to look at, but you can't see what it looks like when you're sitting in it:spinning: