John Thornley’s team at Abingdon crafted a complete replacement for the MGTD, code named the EX175. Because of the organisational changes that occurred when BMC took control of the MG Car Company, the EX175 was in direct competition to the Austin-Healey 100. Since the Healey was already committed, BMC did not want a new MG to dilute possible sales so MG was left high and dry without a replacement for the MGTD.