The 1930s MG overhead camshaft engines
were all descendents of a Wolseley design. Morris Cars purchased
Wolseley Motors in 1927, and the engine for the Morris
Minor and 'M' type Midget was the first
result. The six- cylinder version of that engine was used in the
Wolseley Hornet of 1930. After suitable modifications, it appeared in the 'F' type. Like the
Midget, it was given twin S.U. carburettors, a special alloy
valve-cover and sump, and other modifications. Pundits claim that the
engine side cladding-panels - as fitted to luxury cars at the time -
were used to disguise its provenance. The truth is that Wolseley produced the castings for all MG engines in the '30s until the Morris unit of the 'T' types, as well as many other items used in MGs such as gearboxes. MG added numerous parts to differentiate the marque but it was a lot more than 'badge engineering'! Wolseley had a good reputation before the takeover. They had produced Hispano-Suiza fighter-plane engines in World War 1 - the external vertical drive
for the overhead camshaft remained from that design. MG developed the engine in different ways from Wolseley and kept that feature. The Wolseley Hornet 'Special' and MG Magna were aimed at similar customers and William Morris disliked in-house competition. The sporting potential of the Wolseley was discouraged in favour of MG. The Hornet was still a success, and 'F' type owners would later be thankful as early 1271cc engined cars would be a
useful source of second-hand spares. (For more on Hornet Specials see the Wolseley Hornet Special Club)
The 1930s MG overhead camshaft engines
were all descendents of a