Here’s a nice roadster that I never thought I’d ever see in America.
When the MGF was introduced in 1995, it was touted as the first all-new MG since the 1962 MGB. And this new car was a huge departure from the vintage roadster. The engine was returned to a center rear arrangement, the car ran on a hydrolastic suspension and even got electric power steering.
Oh yeah, that hydrolastic suspension is an interesting piece of kit. Instead of separate springs and dampers, you get space-saving displacers filled with liquid. I’ll let Classic Motorsports explain:
This unique suspension system, designed by Alex Moulton, uses hydraulic displacers filled with water, which is essentially antifreeze. Lines run between the forward and aft displacement units; when one wheel hits a bump, the fluid raises the other end to lower the pitch. This system completely replaces the conventional springs and shock absorbers found on most cars.
One of the benefits of a system like this is the reduced rolling motion, perfect for a sporty roadster.
Power comes from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that pushed 120 horsepower to a manual. This one is known for being rust free and fairly clean. However, the hydrolastic suspension needs maintenance. It’s $9,500 at Sodo Moto in Seattle, Washington.
