Tuning and Maintenance of M.G.s by Philip H. Smith

Tuning and Maintenance of M.G.s by Philip H. Smith, A.M.I.Mech.E., Chartered Mechanical and Automobile Engineer, was published by G. T. Foulis & Co. Ltd, 7 Milford Lane, Strand, London, and printed by The Marshall Press. First published in 1952, it went through several editions and became one of the standard workshop references for the classic M.G. This copy is an early edition, undated, with a frontispiece showing a TD tuned to Stage 2 under test at 90 mph, and the title page lists Smith’s earlier books The Sports Car Engine and Speed from the Sports Car.

Tuning and Maintenance of M.G.s is arranged in three parts. Part I covers the overhead-camshaft engines, with chapters on dismantling, examining and reassembling the P-type engine, its lubrication and ignition systems, and the P-type chassis. Part II deals with the push-rod engines of the TA and TC, again from dismantling through to engine replacement and the T-type chassis. Part III turns to performance, with chapters on cylinder blocks, overhaul, supercharging and super-tuning. Smith acknowledges help from the Nuffield Organization, Shorrock Superchargers, Wade Engineering, Renold and Coventry Chain and Autosport.

Written by an engineer who knew these cars thoroughly, it remains valued by owners and restorers of pre-war and early post-war M.G.s for its practical, hands-on approach and period tuning knowledge.

This will suit M.G. owners and restorers, T-series and P-type enthusiasts, classic sports car collectors and anyone interested in vintage motoring and engine tuning.

Condition – Poor

A poor copy, offered as a reading and reference copy. There is no dust jacket. The brown boards show heavy bookworm damage, particularly to the rear board, with holes, tunnelling and a chewed lower corner exposing the board beneath, along with scuffing to the edges and rubbing to the spine ends and corners. There is some foxing to the page edges and preliminary pages. The text block is otherwise complete and readable.