The Early days.

The MG 1 1/4 litre Series “Y/YB” cars were the MG Car Company's first sporting saloon cars to be produced after the Second World War, although much of the design and development had been completed prior to the outbreak of hostilities. The car’s launch had originally been scheduled for the 1939 London Motor Show, but production did not commence until 1947 and continued through to 1953 when the larger ZA Magnette replaced the Y-Type. The original production version has become known unofficially as the “YA”. The series “Y Tourer” was introduced in 1948 and continued until 1950; most were exported to Australasia and the USA. The YB was introduced in 1952 and contained several mechanical modifications including an improved braking system and a new rear axle.

The car was well equipped, had contemporary performance, a comfortable ride, and excellent handling: it was, and still is, great fun to own and drive. You can take the family along to those "rainy" MG events and keep them dry as well!

The Y-Type Register of the MG Car Club was officially formed in 1991, having been a subsidiary part of the T-Register for many years. Two Y-Type owners, Dennis Doubtfire and Colin Rea realised that, although the model had been well represented by former Registrars, too many Y-Types had been “lost” to the ravages of the metal moth and misguided T-Type restorers. A higher profile was needed to encourage restoration, wider Y-Type ownership and use of the cars into the future. Hence, the MG Car Club Y-Type Register was born, and has not looked back. In 1991 we knew of just over 500 cars, today the number of cars on the MG Car Club Y Register is about 1,033 with “new” cars still coming forward all the time (during 2001 one was registered from Brazil)! Through co-operation with other clubs and registers, we now know the details of nearly 1,300 Ys!

In the ten years to date, the Register has seen a remarkable growth in interest from MG enthusiasts for the Y-Type models, yet sale prices have remained at reasonable levels and Y-Type ownership remains eminently affordable. In 1997 the Y-Type celebrated its Golden Jubilee and, as recognition of the efforts of its committee and members, the Y-Type Register became only the second register ever to be awarded the MG Car Club's premier trophy, ‘The Nuffield Gold Cup’.

The Register's principal aims are:

• To promoted and encourage the ownership, use, restoration, and enjoyment of the MG YA, YB YT, specials and coach-built models.

• To develop and maintain an up-to-date register and photographic record of cars, whether running, in restoration, or consigned to the graveyard.

• To provide an information service to owners needing spares or technical information and other forms of assistance world-wide.

• To develop a range of data sheets covering frequently asked questions and requested services on maintenance queries, components etc. which are specific to the model.

The Register actively supports principal MG Car Club events in the UK and visitors will always find that a warm welcome awaits them on visiting its stand.  Club events in the UK have seen attendance of 15 to 20 cars, where previously you would have been lucky to see even a single car.  Many cars have been restored to regular, even daily, use and several are currently known to be under restoration both in the UK and other countries.

The future?

 The Register aims to develop further its knowledge and records of cars in use or under restoration, to further promote the continued use of Y-Types and to increase our international contacts in the MG community world-wide.

• To download a reproduction of the first ever Register Notes as published in Safety Fast February 1992 where the completion and Main Club ratification of our independence from the T Register was first announced to the members, click here.

• To download a reproduction of the Agenda for the MG Car Club AGM November 1992 for the ratification of the formation of the Register, click here.

• To download a reproduction of an extract of the Minutes for the MG Car Club AGM November 1992 for the ratification of the formation of the Register, click here.