The MG brand has been around for 100 years and is still going strong.
For over a century, MG (Morris Garages) has been synonymous with stylish, sporty cars that people love to drive. From its earliest models in the 1920s to today’s innovative electric vehicles, MG’s journey has been marked by racing triumphs, groundbreaking engineering, and timeless design.
The Birth of MG (1924–1930s)
The MG story began in 1924 when Cecil Kimber, sales manager at Morris Garages, set out to build sportier, faster versions of Morris cars. That same year, the iconic MG Octagon badge was registered, and the first MG sports car—Old Number One—was launched, embodying the brand’s DNA of being small, fast, and fun.
By the 1930s, MG had become a powerhouse in motorsport. The brand made waves at Brooklands racetrack, where nimble MGs outperformed larger Bentleys, earning the nickname “fleas” for their speed and agility. MG went on to dominate events such as the Irish Grand Prix, Isle of Man TT, and even became the first non-Italian team to win at Italy’s prestigious Mille Miglia in 1933. MG also pursued speed records, with cars like the Magic Midget and EX135 achieving groundbreaking top speeds.
Post-War Popularity (1945–1960s)
After World War II, MG returned to car production with the MG TC, a compact, fun-to-drive sports car that found immense popularity in the United States. By 1947, the Duke of Edinburgh had become one of its most famous owners, cementing MG’s status as an aspirational brand.
The MGA followed in 1955, offering a sleek, modern design, and in 1957, racing legend Sir Stirling Moss set a land speed record in the futuristic EX181 Roaring Raindrop. In 1962, MG introduced its most successful model ever—the MGB. With its shorter chassis and larger cabin, the MGB struck the perfect balance between comfort and sportiness, remaining in production until 1980 and surpassing one million units.
Modern Challenges and Reinvention (1975–2000s)
By the mid-1970s, MG had produced its one-millionth car, a unique MGB roadster finished in Brooklands Green. After several changes in ownership, the MG Rover Group was formed in 2000. Unfortunately MG did not do well in the 2000s and by April 2005, MG Rover was collapsing, threatening 18,000 direct and indirect jobs in Birmingham. In 2007, SAIC took ownership of the MG brand and opened a new production line at the factory. However, most of the parts were now being manufactured in China.
The New Era: Innovation and Electrification (2014–Present)
In 2014, MG celebrated its 90th anniversary at Silverstone, unveiling limited-edition models like the MG3 and MG6 while also winning the BTCC Manufacturer Championship. The following year, MG stopped producing cars in the Birmingham factory. By 2017, MG signaled its future ambitions with the E-motion electric concept at Auto Shanghai, blending heritage with modern EV technology.
The brand expanded rapidly with global models such as the MG ZS (2018) and MG HS (2019), followed by the first all-electric ZS EV in 2020. In 2022, MG reached a milestone of one million vehicles sold overseas, while the launch of the MG4 EV showcased its commitment to electrification.
Most recently, MG stunned enthusiasts with the Cyberster electric roadster in 2023, which debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed before embarking on a world tour. In 2024, MG proudly celebrated its 100th anniversary, unveiling new hybrids and PHEVs alongside classics, reminding the world of its enduring legacy.
From the pioneering spirit of Cecil Kimber to the cutting-edge EVs of today, MG’s history is a story of innovation, racing success, and driving excitement. As the brand looks ahead, one thing remains unchanged: MG continues to build cars that people love to drive.
