Sedan/Hatch
Sports Car
MPV/VAN
100 Years of History
Iconic Inovation
Throughout the Century
1924
MG, Morris Garages is founded
Cecil Kimber joined Morris Cars in 1921 and became its General Manager in 1922. The first MG, the 14/28, was based on the Morris Oxford.
1929
A Move to Abingdon
Due to its growing popularity, MG moved to Abingdon on Thames, where it produced cars for the next fifty years.
1931
The First Record Breaker
On October 12, 1930, the MG Car Club was formed. With 30 cars at its first meeting, it grew to over 500 members by 1933.
1932
Another Record Breaker
In EX127, George Eyston broke the two-miles-a-minute barrier at Montlhery, France—setting the Class H speed records.
1933
MG Win in Italy
MG's K3 Magnette became the first non-Italian car to win its class in the Mille Miglia, establishing our reputation in motorsport.
1939
MG at 200mph
Before World War II, Goldie Gardner broke the 200-mph barrier at Dessau, Germany, in a specially engineered MG, setting and then surpassing class speed records after an engine rebore.
1945
America falls in love with MG
During World War II, American servicemen in the UK found MG T-Type sports cars and brought them home. Post-war, Britain's export drive sent many MG cars to the US, making it MG's most important export market.
1951
MGLive! is Born
The first Silverstone International Race Meeting, now known as MGLive!, began and has been held annually ever since.
1952
The British Motor Corporation (BMC) is formed
After World War II, MG was incorporated into a unified company with partners like Morris and Riley, and even rivals like Austin and Wolseley, in the British motor industry restructuring.
1955
The MGA
The MGA, one of MG's most beautiful cars, debuted in 1955 and was also available as a Twin-cam model. Over 100,000 MGAs were made, with nearly 95,000 exported from the UK.
1957
Record Breakers
EX181, based on the MGA, signalled MG's return to record-breaking at Bonneville Salt Flats. Legendary driver Sir Stirling Moss piloted the car to impressive speeds.
1959
Another Record Breaker
Two years later, MG returned to the salt flats and set more records with American driver Phil Hill behind the wheel of the fastest MG ever.
1960
Elvis Presley’s MG Car
The 1960 MGA 1600 MK1 was featured prominently in Elvis Presley’s 1961 film Blue Hawaii. He liked it so much that he purchased it after filming concluded.
1962
The MGB
The MGB roadster, MG's best-selling model, debuted in 1962 with monocoque construction, replacing earlier models like the MGA.
By 1980, 512,880 MGB roadsters were sold, with the majority of which exported to North America.
1965
The MG BGT
In 1965, the BGT debuted, transforming the MGB into a true grand tourer with a new roof design by Pininfarina—blending sporty appeal with the practicality of a hatchback.
1966
Winning the World's Longest Motor Race
The 1960 MGA 1600 MK1 was featured prominently in Elvis Presley’s 1961 film Blue Hawaii. He liked it so much that he purchased it after filming concluded.
1967
The MGC and MGC GT
The MGB's success led to the creation of the MGC, with HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, being one of the most famous owners. Production ended in 1969, yet it remains highly valued and sought after by MG enthusiasts.
1968
The Birth of British Leyland
Leyland Motors merged with BMC to create British Leyland, Under British Leyland, MG would work alongside Jaguar, Rover, and Triumph.
1973
MG BGT V8
As part of British Leyland, MG gained access to a variety of engines.
Tuner Ken Costello initially converted the MGB and GT to V8 power in the early 1970s. The factory-produced MGB GT V8 debuted in 1973 to popular reviews.
1980
The Closure of Abingdon
Despite the challenges of British Leyland in the 1970s, MG production at Abingdon persisted due to a dedicated workforce. However, financial pressures and the need for modernization led to production ceasing in October 1980, marking the end of an era for MG at Abingdon.
1982
The Return of the Octagon
Following Abingdon's closure, MG launched the MG Metro 1300 in May 1982, followed by the MG Metro Turbo in 1983. These models underscored the enduring popularity of MG cars and paved the way for the MG Maestro (1983) and MG Montego (1985).
1985
MG Joins Group B
With the rise of rallying in the 1980s, Austin Rover unveiled the MG Metro 6R4 at the 1985 Gwynedd Rally. The 6R4 secured third place at the 1985 Lombard RAC Rally of Great Britain, and it continued to excel in rallycross, remaining popular among MG and rally fans.
1985
MG EXE Concept
In the mid-1980s–to revive interest in MG sports cars–Austin Rover worked with renowned designer Roy Axe to introduce the MG EXE Concept.
1986
A Song About an MG Car
Keyboardist and bass guitarist of the Monkees, Peter Tork owned an MGB GT and even wrote a song about his car in 1986.
1990
The MG Car Club opens Kimber House
After 20 years, the MG Car Club returned to Abingdon, MG's spiritual home, to open Kimber House. Named after the founder of MG, Kimber House is located near the original factory, through which every MG car from 1929 to 1980 once passed after production.
1992
A Legend Reborn
During a resurgence in popularity for classic sportscars, MG, then part of the Rover Group, introduced the MG RV8 to reconnect with the MG community. Based on the MGB bodyshell, the RV8 boasted an amazing engine and luxurious interior.
1995
The MGF
The MGF, MG's first all-new sportscar since 1962, was highly anticipated with its mid-engine design and gas suspension—becoming a global best-seller.
2000
A New Range
In 2000, BMW sold its stake in Rover Group, forming the MG Rover Group—launching the MG ZR, ZS, ZT, and ZT-T in 2001, and revamped the MGF into the MG TF.
MG Rover also debuted the XPower sub-brand to compete in the World Rally Championship with the MG ZR, the British Touring Car Championship with the MG ZS, and the Le Mans 24 Hours with the MG Lola.
2001
MG Returns
MG returned to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2001 with the MG-Lola EX257.
2003
Setting World Records
The MG TF was voted the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Cabriolet’ in 2003.
In the same year,
The MG ZT-T set a record as the world's fastest estate car, achieving a top speed of 225.609mph, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.
2007
A New Opportunity
After MG Rover collapsed in 2005, Nanjing Automotive Corporation (NAC) revived MG production. They established a new factory in Pukou, rebranded the MG ZR (MG3 SW) and the MG ZT (MG7), and restarted limited production of the MG TF at Longbridge.
2009
MG6
The first new MG under the new ownership debuted in 2009 with the
UK-designed MG6 GT launching in 2010, followed by the MG6 Magnette. The GT reached Britain in April 2011, and the Magnette followed in June 2011 after its initial unveiling in China.
2012
A Return to the British Touring Car Championship
MG returned to the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) with Jason Plato finishing third overall in 2012 and 2013.
2013
MG3
MG Motor introduced the MG3 to the UK market in 2013 with the slogan 'Fun is Back'. Designed at Longbridge, the compact supermini offers extensive personalization choices and has been a successful model for MG in the UK.
2014
Bagging the Manufacturer’s Championship
In 2014, MG placed second in the British Touring Car Championship and won the Manufacturer’s Championship.
2015
MG GS
MG, known for its diverse car lineup over 90 years, introduced its first SUV, the GS, in China in early 2015. This marks a significant move for MG into the SUV segment, aligning with trends seen among other sportscar brands.
2017
MG ZS
MG introduced the ZS crossover SUV, which quickly became the brand's most popular model to date.
2019
MG ZS EV
The first all-electric MG launches, the ZS EV, moving MG into the world of electric vehicles.
2024
Cyberster
MG continues to integrate new technologies and innovate with platforms to deliver performance vehicles for the electrified era. The launch of MG Cyberster signifies a growing confidence and attitude to the enormous potential of the MG brand, aiding the storytelling behind the badge and celebrating the past, present and future for years to come.
