MG is first established as Morris Garages by British motoring pioneer William Morris in 1924. Behind the scenes however, it's General Manager Cecil Kimber who proposes the idea of faster cars with a sportier look. To do this, Kimber re-bodies and tunes up existing Morris car models. In 1930, MG releases its first model: the 14/28 Super Sports. With a top speed of 65mph, the car is actually the existing Morris Oxford fitted with a two-seater body.
Kimber’s approach to develop cars which quietly challenged convention resulted in an increase in MG’s popularity. The company soon outgrew its original facilities and eventually moved to a town that became synonymous with the marque, Abingdon on Thames. Abingdon would play host to MG production for the next fifty years.
Plucky Speed Chasers
In the 1930s, a whole host of racing drivers make the Magic Midget their car of choice. In 1931, the MG EX120, nicknamed The Magic Midget, sets a land speed record by becoming the first 750cc car to exceed 100mph, logging a top speed of 103.13mph. The same year, Norman Black wins the Ulster Tourist Trophy race at Belfast where The Earl of March, who was in charge of the M.G. team at that time, congratulates him on victory.
Anecdotes from the archives George Eyston independently took on speed records at Brooklands with his privately owned cars and sought MG as partner to break the 750cc record and exceed 100mph.
Magnette Magic at Mille Miglia
In 1933, a supercharged K3 Magnette wins its class at the Mille Miglia, making MG the first non-Italian marque to win a team prize. It was driven by Earl Howe and Hugh Hamilton, George Eyston and Count Lurani, with the third car manned by Henry Birkin and Bernard Rubin. This iconic victory at an event renowned for being the toughest in racing, set the stage for countless other successes. In its class, the K3 remained at the top for a further two years, becoming one of the most successful racing cars of all time.
Anecdotes from the archives Eyston and Lurani had to replace no less than 157 spark plugs during the event and in the last 100 miles, both the Eyston and Howe needed on-road tyre changes because of punctures.
