4/7/20 4/75 1997 MGF 1.8i

On a rare occasion there is one model in the series that is different for each regional line and for 2000 that would be #4: for the U.S. they get the Plymouth Prowler concept, but in ROW they get the MGF roadster that was first released worldwide in 1998.  MG has been a legendary British brand of fun-to-drive roadsters and was looking for a way to continue that tradition in the modern-day 1990’s.  With help of the Rover group they created a mid-engine MGF for 1995 designed to go after the Mazda Miata and Lotus Elan with a 1.8L I-4 placed just behind the front seats for a balanced, fun-to-drive sports car.  This 2000 release in red with detailed front lights and grille really shows off the beauty of this casting that could not be seen with the yellow orange graphic 1998 design.  The round styling is typical 1990’s roadster look with excellent details, an interior with seating for two and a dashboard that lacks much detailing outside of the 3-spoke steering wheel, and handing that is quite fun but not as swift as, say, a Mini Cooper or Alfa 4C and one of the problems with this casting is that the mid-section of the car is too long, making the bottom of the front seat cushions rather huge.  Still, this is one stellar casting that finally got its proper deco, continued in 2001 with the new flower pedal wheels, and then disappeared after a few years and few uses.

Specifications:

· Engine: 1.8L SOHC I-4, 120 hp.

· Transmission: 5-speed manual

· 0-60 mph: 8.5 sec. est.

· Real vehicle price: $20,000 est. 1995

Rating:  4.3 out of 5 stars