Recessed grille cars (1969-1972):

A number of style changes were introduced for the 1970 model year, the most important being a black recessed radiator grille instead of the traditional chrome one which had been MG’s trademark for many years. It certainly gave purists a shock ! Other changes included period Rostyle wheels, different seats which now had vinyl facings, new rear lights and a British Leyland badge on the front wings which at most isn’t a very glamorous feature. American cars also had a split rear bumper. Contrary to popular belief this model sold extremely well; in its first full year of production, more that 36’000 came out of the Abingdon factory