But while it looked futuristic, it was directly inspired by a famous MG from 67 years ago, the EX181 ('EX' standing for 'experimental').
And to tell this story properly, we have to go even further back. In 1930, engineers and racers George Eyston and Ernest Eldridge conspired with MG founder Cecil Kimber to snatch top-speed records in the 750cc class from the Austin Seven, using a blower by Eyston's Powerplus supercharger company, to score an invaluable marketing tool for both of them.
The basis was MG's new M-Type sports car, with its engine tripled to 60bhp and its body streamlined to create the EX120, or Magic Midget - and it indeed became the first 750cc car to surpass 100mph at France's Montlhéry GP track.
Undeterred by a fiery crash that put him in hospital, Eyston set to work on the EX127, which was made yet more aerodynamic by way of a wind tunnel and had a lower driving position. It would extend the 750cc record to 120mph.
In 1934, Eyston set his sights on the 1100cc class record too, transforming an MG K-Type sports car into the EX135, nicknamed the Humbug for its cream-striped green livery. It hit 120mph.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 08, 2024-Ausgabe von Autocar UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 08, 2024-Ausgabe von Autocar UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
RENAULT SCENIC LONG RANGE
COTY winner lands in the UK promising space for all the family and up to 388 miles
BMW i5 TOURING
New-generation 5 Series steals a march on electric estate car rivals
ABARTH 500E
Urban pocket rocket? B-road blaster? Actually, it's neither
POLESTAR 2
Sensing deja vu? Yes, the 2 is back on our fleet, but now a much different prospect
Lexus LBX
Lexus challenges the notion that there is insufficient demand for plush small cars
FORD E-TRANSIT CUSTOM
Al-electric van aims to turn Britain's workforce on to zero-emission running
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT
V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain replaces trademark Wi2 for grand tourer’s fourth era
FORD MUSTANG
American icon proudly preserves the marriage of manual gearbox and atmo V8
Europe-focused EV3 for under £30k
Kia's new electric model to rival Volvo EX30 and VWID 3 gets 370-mile-plus range
BMW revives Z8 as flagship V8 GT
Concepthints at plush 8 Series replacement and has BMW's most powerful” engine