MG has long been the by-word for sports car motoring and over its history, as illustrated in the attached listing, the proportion of roadster and sports saloon models produced runs at exactly 2:1, with the MGB itself accounting for one third in its own right.

In 1977 a similar project produced a specially prepared MGB GT finished in blue paintwork with Silver Jubilee livery, to celebrate the Silver Jubilee. This car was sold, with proceeds raising money for charity.

John Sanders, MG Rover’s group marketing director, said: "The MG marque is one of the most popular and enduring motoring marques, with a strong and enthusiastic following. The exclusivity of the MG experience is demonstrated by the 1.5 million MGs produced. This is no mainstream volume brand, but an authentic car capable of generating a rewarding driving experience for owners who demand more than just mere A-B transportation. The latest MG four model range delivers this exciting experience in a bold and dynamic way and is as authentic in its rewarding driving attitude as those that have been produced over the years."

It is significant that the 1.5 millionth MG should be the new TF, for it is the latest of a new range of MG sports cars and it currently holds the torch as the icon of the MG brand into the 21^st Century.

The 1.5 millionth MG Golden Jubilee is painted in a new paint treatment under the Monogram programme. Monogram is a range of 20 exclusive paint colours, one of which is ‘Monogram Jubilee’, a light, bright special Supertallic Gold that is available for an £800 additional charge.

Specified around the top of the range TF 160, this celebration model has been fitted with optional fog lamps and passenger air bag. The seats are uniquely fitted with Oxford leather seat bolsters and central black Alcantara cushions and seat backs, which are embroidered with the Golden Jubilee crown logo.

On the exterior, exclusive badging includes official Golden Jubilee crown logos – on the four 16" alloy wheels and also incorporated into the ‘160’ ingot badge on the rear, next to the TF identity badging. Above the mid-engine side-intakes are the words ‘THE 1.5 MILLIONTH MG’. Finally, the MG is registered MG02OTF, so that there is no mistaking its special production significance.

The Golden Jubilee TF will be participating in a motoring cavalcade that finishes in the Mall on 4 June and in between, will be used to raise money, with the proceeds going to one of H.M. Queen’s nominated Golden Jubilee charities.

May 1924 – thought to be the date that the MG Octagon was first placed on the Super Sports Morris.

The telephone number – Abingdon 251 – provided the starting point for most MG’s chassis VINs (Vehicle Identification Numbers).

MG’s competition success in the 30s was characterised by a class win with the K3 at the 1933 Mille Miglia road race – the first time a non-Italian team had won.

The most famous TC customer was the Duke of Edinburgh, who bought the MG in August 1947.

Longbridge designed and manufactured the A- and B-Series engines, 50 years ago in 1952, for the MG Midget and Z Series Magnette, MGA and MGB.

Production TF and Magnette ZAs use a *501 VIN start, from BMC’s Birmingham headquarters telephone number.

Wednesday, 16 May 1956 – 100,000^th MG was an LHD MGA 1500.

The 500,000th MG was produced in 1963.

The most famous MGC customer was HRH Prince Charles, who took delivery of his GT in 1969 (SGY 766F), which he recently passed down to Prince William.

The 1,000,000^th was built in October 1975 – a unique LHD MGB roadster finished in Brooklands Green, with Jubilee GT livery and wheels.

March 1962 – 100,000^th metallic Gold MGA displayed at New York Motor Show.

Thursday, 27 May 1971 – an MGB GT is the 250,000^th MGB and given away in USA sweepstake.

The first Longbridge built MG was the MG 1100/1300 family in 1962.

Tuesday, 9 May 2000 – MG and Rover brands returned to British ownership, with Production, Engineering, Sales and Marketing centred at Longbridge and shares held by
MG Rover Group employees and its franchised dealers.

Production of the new TF commenced with a *101 VIN after the company’s Longbridge telephone number (0121 475 2101) tradition.

Tuesday, 16 April 2002 – the 1.5 Millionth MG is a new MG TF 160 roadster (VIN 604127). The TF is icon of the current MG range, which includes the ZR, ZS and ZT.