The first models were sold in 1960 powered by the BMC
'A' series engines (chassis numbers prefixed 'A'). Some of these were
supercharged and the Coventry Climax FWA engine was an option.
A square section
space frame chassis originally used A35 front suspension, later changed to MGB.
The rear suspension was redesigned with twin trailing arms, coil spring damper
units and a panard rod.
To the chassis was riveted a high quality one piece
fibreglass bodyshell with room for 4 people. The front and rear wings were
moulded from the A40 Farina and the doors and bonnet being hung directly from
the chassis.
In 1962 an MGA powered version became available, followed by the
1800GT in 1963, using the MGB engine, gearbox and overdrive (chassis numbers
prefixed 'B'). This proved to be by far the most popular version with some 175
cars out of a total production run of 202.
Cars with the chassis numbers
prefixed 'C' were originally designed for the Ford 2 litre V4 Corsair engine but
these were soon changed back to the more reliable MGB.
To avoid purchase tax the
car was available in component form for £948. Then, due to problems with supply
of parts from BMC, production ceased after 1966.
The chassis number can be found
under the bonnet on the nearside of the car, on the tube coming down from the
bulkhead.
