The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is celebrating a centenary of the MG car marque as it exhibits rarely seen archive photographs from the Museum’s collections. The Magic of the Marque – 100 Years of MG in the museum’s In-Focus Gallery will feature a special selection of images celebrating 100 years of the famous automotive brand and Britain’s leading sports car manufacturer founded by Cecil Kimber.

Photographs and film clips on display depict the early years of MG. Oxford based Morris Garages, owned by motor manufacturer William Morris, began selling re-bodied versions of the popular bullnose models in 1923. Led by General Manager Cecil Kimber, the firm soon abbreviated its name to MG and developed its own distinct identity. Within a decade MG was building a whole range of cars at a factory in Abingdon. Other photographs in the exhibition include private motoring, class speed records, motor sport and personalities associated with the MG marque. Although famous for sports cars, the octagonal badge has adorned everything from racing cars to hatchbacks, record breakers to family saloons.

Andrea Bishop Director of Collections & Engagement says, “This exhibition offers a rare chance to see a selection from our extensive photographic archive. Visitors to the Museum will be familiar with the MG cars in our collection, but these images capture the magic associated with this iconic marque.”

The Magic of the Marque – 100 Years of MG will be in the National Motor Museum In-Focus Gallery from the September 16, 2023, through January 6, 2024.