"Following the Second World War in which MG at Abingdon-on-Thames made the centre section of the Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle aircraft and overhauled battle tanks, getting back to sports cars was a priority. Some pre-war lines such as the Jaguar-like SA VA and WA were unsuitable, but the T-series was brought back to production in September 1945. Returning American servicemen ensured it received a good reception in an export market crucial to a country whose reserves were exhausted by war. The TC was followed by Y-series, modest quality saloons and convertibles perfectly in tune with the austere times. By the 1950s MG was back in motor racing at Le Mans and nurturing clubmens' sport in Britain. TD, TF and Magnette were landmarks as Nuffield was assimilated into the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and the 1950s MGA was replaced in 1962 by the definitive unitary construction open 2-seater the MGB. Abingdon also made Rileys and Austin-Healeys, returning to its roots with the development of the Sprite and Midget based on derivative principles established by founder Cecil Kimber after the First World War. When BMC resolved to get back into motor sport, MG headquarters at Abingdon was quickly designated home of a Competitions Department that made Britain a world class player."--Page 4 of cover.