Automobiles have been part of the American dream since the earliest part of the Twentieth century. Since the birth of motorized transportation in the late nineteenth century several hundred car companies have come and gone. From the 1950’s through the late 1970s the British invasion of open air roadsters was taking place in the United States.

Many British car companies offered drivers around the world the option of purchasing a small convertible roadster with seating usually for only two persons. One common theme was that these cars were fun to drive and put a smile on the face of the drivers, passengers and those who saw them pass by. Most of these manufacturers have disappeared today and the era of the British invasion is only a memory for most persons.

Morris Garage

Morris Garage or MG as it was known during most of its history produced classic British Roadsters for several decades. From the iconic T series that began production in the 1940s through the letter series cars of the sixties and seventies MG was the manufacturer that put the British Roadster on the worldwide market. Early T series cars with rearward opening doors and the classic long hood and short tail were the first British roadsters offered around the world. This series was replaced by the MGA in 1956. The A came as a convertible or hardtop. With features such s removable side curtains and a twin cam motor this model set the bar for the roadster class. The A was followed by the MGB in 1962. The B continued on through 1981 when MG stopped worldwide sales. An MGC, powered by a six cylinder engine, was briefly offered in the late 1960s also.

Triumph

Although not as popular as MG the Triumph cars offered open motoring in the classic British style. The early TR 3 resembled the MG T series. In 1961 the TR4 made its debut, followed by the TR4 A or 5 in many markets that featured independent rear suspension for the first time on a small sports car. Triumph’s sales leader was the TR-6 which was produced between 1969 and 1976. This was a straight six powered car that provided good speed and handling characteristics. The 6 was replaced by the Wedge shaped TR7. The model was first introduced in 1974 and continued on until 1981 when Triumph retreated from the world market. A limited edition TR8, with an American V8 was produced from 1979 to 1981 also.

Although MG and Triumph were the main competitors in the British invasion several other car companies also offered models of this type.