Solved - NEH 5331: Proposed MGB replacement by Harris Mann

[Carnut]

What's this, for 1 point?:

Remember - solving puzzles using 'Google Search by Image' is BANNED on AutoPuzzles!

[norberthanke]

Triumph TR 7 prototype

[Carnut]

Surprisingly, no (or not so surprising since this is AutoPuzzles and that would be just a bit too easy!)

[Brock05]

Triumph project Broadside?

[Carnut]

Triumph project Broadside?

Not that.

[Carnut]

Experts?

[gte4289]

Triumph Bullet

[Carnut]

That's a picture of the same car.
But the thing is, that's not a picture of the Triumph Bullet!
This is the Triumph Bullet:

https://www.autopuzzles.com/forum/2009-37/solved-djetset-17-michelotti-triumph-bullet-prototype/msg46586/#msg46586

[gte4289]

That's a picture of the same car.
But the thing is, that's not a picture of the Triumph Bullet!
This is the Triumph Bullet:

https://www.autopuzzles.com/forum/2009-37/solved-djetset-17-michelotti-triumph-bullet-prototype/msg46586/#msg46586

The design in that previous puzzle was one version of the Triumph Bullet. Here's another:

[gte4289]

As for the car in this puzzle, I have different sources that refer to it either as another version of the Bullet, a version of the MG Boxer, or a version of the MG Magma. The lettering on the back could not read "Boxer" or "Magma," which is why I went with the third Bullet option. I guess I will continue to look...

[Carnut]

Your picture of the Bullet is almost, but not quite, the same car as Djetset's puzzle Bullet.
You're on the right track though with your MG thoughts.

[gte4289]

I found it, but only as an unnamed TR7-based MG design proposal by Harris Mann (similar to the MG Boxer and MG Magna). Interestingly, the script on the rear says "TRIUMPH."

[Carnut]

Yes, that's it!
It must have started out life as a Triumph, possibly another version of the Bullet, but it seems it became a possible replacement for the MGB.  Looks far too much like the TR7 to be seriously considered as another production model to me; they might just as well have stuck and MG badge on the TR7 and called it a new car, just like in their older badge-engineering days!