MG

MG is a British car manufacturer from Longbridge. MG actually stands for Morris Garages, which was initially a dealership for Morris and was owned by William Morris, and later by Lord Nuffield. When Cecil Kimber became general manager in 1922, the company began making modifications to the standard Morris Cowleys, such as lowering the chassis and fitting a more sporty body.

History of MG

In 1924, Morris Garages advertised the “MG Special four-seater Sports” and adopted the famous octagonal logo. Morris Garages outgrew its premises three times before moving to Abingdon in 1929. The company was renamed the MG Car Company. During the early 1930s, the name became synonymous with the term “sports car.” Their cars were promoted through successful racing competitions. Remarkable results were achieved, particularly with the 6-cylinder models. In 1935, William Morris sold all his private companies to Morris Motors.

MG Car Company 1924.

L1 four-seater from 1933.

Purists are unhappy with this step because, in their eyes, the brand would never be the same again. Fewer models, fewer races entered, and the MG badge being placed on non-MG models such as the Morris Oxford and 1300. Realists, however, point out that even after Kimber's death in 1945, affordable sports cars were being made and sold, such as the TC, MGA, Midget, and MGB. According to them, the real death blow came from the management of British Leyland, which allegedly squandered the name in the 70s.

MGA 1600 Mk1 from 1961.

The Midget was also raced (built between 1963 and 1979).

Car production in Abingdon ceased in 1980. From 1982 to 1990, the cars were nothing more than rebadged and tuned Maestros, Montegos, and Metros. Enthusiasts were delighted in 1992 with a new RV8 and the later MGF, which were more in the style of the old models.

End of story due to Rover's bankruptcy

In 2005, the parent company went Rover bankrupt, which also marked the end for MG. In 2006, the Chinese car manufacturer Nanjing Automotive Group announced that it would resume production of the TF, among others, in both China and the United Kingdom. On May 29, 2006, the first assembled TFs rolled off the assembly line again in Longbridge. The Chinese owners had changed the meaning of MG to Modern Gentleman, but due to criticism, the meaning was changed back to the original Morris Garages.