Canelas (Portugal) - AllCarIndex

The Canelas MG Special is a striking example of Portuguese craftsmanship and innovation in automotive design from the 1950s. Built in 1954 by José Jorge Canelas, this vehicle stands out for its advanced engineering and bold aesthetics, characteristics that still impress over 50 years later.

What sets the MG Special apart from other race cars of the era is its custom-built tubular chassis, a rare and innovative feature at the time. The car's foundation was based on the MG TC, but Canelas significantly enhanced its performance by upgrading the engine to a 1500cc, boosting its output to an impressive 90 horsepower.

The car made its racing debut at the Monsanto International Circuit in 1954, where it finished 7th. While it achieved modest success in several secondary competitions, its most notable result came in 1956 at the Boavista Circuit, where it placed 5th, following three factory-backed Porsches.

This MG Special is a testament to the skill and creativity of Portugal’s coachbuilders, embodying a unique blend of mechanical ingenuity and timeless design.