1,500,000th MG is a Golden Jubilee TF

On Tuesday 16th April 2002 MG wrote yet another chapter of the history of the marque when the 1.5 millionth MG produced rolling off the end of the production line at MG Rover’s assembly plant at Longbridge, Birmingham. Not only was this the 1.5 millionth MG, but also the 1 millionth MG roadster. The car is an MG TF160 and will be seen on 4th June in a Jubilee cavalcade that will finish in the Mall. Between now and then it will be used to raise money, the proceeds of which will go to one of H.M. Queen’s nominated Jubilee charities.

Crown Logos on the wheel centres	1.5 Millionth MG badges on flanks, boot lid and front valance	Embroidered logo on headrest

Fittingly this car was prepared in one of the new ‘Monogram’ colours, this being Jubilee Gold, one of the ‘supertallic’ colours, and was finished with appropriate badging on the boot and wheel centres to mark the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. The TF is also labelled the 1.5 Millionth MG on the boot, front spoiler and on each flank above the engine air intakes. Especially tasteful was the inclusion of special Jubilee crown embroidered motif in the permanently fixed headrests of the specially finished seats.

Roche Bentley Secretary of the MG Owners’ Club poses for the cameras with Rob Gammage of the MG Car Club

The TF, following a very positive reception by both press and the Club alike, has seen the need for production rates to be increased by a massive 30% over the previous rate of MGF production to reach 430 cars per week, such is the demand for the MG TF. It is therefore appropriate that it is this car, which represents the current image and forward thrust of MG, to be the one that holds the MG flag up to the world at this milestone.

Jubilant MG Rover workers celebrate the completion of this landmark MG TF

In a subordinate role and purely as a result of mathematics, the milestone of the TF also means that an MG saloon also reaches a smaller but still significant milestone, this being the half-millionth saloon. In this case the car onto which this honour falls was an Anthracite MG ZT-T 190 which was with the 1.5 millionth MG TF. It is a fitting time to remind many that the MG marque is not just one of roadster sports cars, but also one which includes saloon cars. Clearly with a 2 to 1 ratio of roadsters to saloons the strength of MG is in creating sporting cars which are rewarding to own and drive.

As part of the celebrations marking the milestone of the 1.5millionth MG, MG Rover’s Chief Executive Kevin Howe made a surprise presentation to MGOC Secretary Roche Bentley and the MGCC’s Rob Gammage at MG Rover’s assembly plant at Longbridge, Birmingham. In his speech to the press and TV, Mr Howe expressed his deep appreciation to the Clubs. In particular for their superb support of the MG marque, especially so during times of gloom and more recently in the way in which they have assisted MG Rover take and re-launch the MG brand to an eager world. The closer relationship between the Clubs and MG Rover provides benefits in both directions, and clearly the best member benefit is seen in the Privilege purchase scheme. This growing relationship is set to continue and develop.