Best of British: MG released on DVD

THE LITTLE CAR COMPANY WITH THE BIG HEART

The British car builder MG has endured a turbulent history, from the early popularity to its collapse and on to the hoped-for resurgence. On the eve of the arrival of a new-for-‘09 MG, Duke has updated its hugely successful profile of the marque and made it available on DVD for the first time.

This is the definitive story of the little car company with the big heart, tracing the turbulent history of MG and taking a fascinating look at many of the iconic models which won a special place in the hearts of motorists.

MG is one of the most famous and best-loved brands in British motoring, for decades punching well above its weight in long distance sports car racing and world record breaking.

In the 1920s and ‘30s, MG broke records and won races at Brooklands, roared to victory in the Ulster TT, secured a 1-2 class finish in the Mille Miglia and topped 200mph on a German autobahn as the climax of a world record-breaking bonanza. The success continued into the ‘50s, with the sleek little MG-A and more record-breaking – this time at over 250mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats – and through to the ‘70s with the biggest-selling British sports car of all time, the MG-B.

Despite success and public goodwill, MG frequently faced financial failure, often treated as a ‘poor relation’ by executives at major automotive groups like the British Motor Corporation. So, there must be some satisfaction for MG enthusiasts to see the famous octagon badge still being fitted to the only cars now built at the old BMC factory in Birmingham – the MG brand and the neat little MG-F sports car were top of the new Chinese owners’ shopping list when they bailed out the remnants of BMC.

With MG’s centenary approaching, we tell the whole story. From a close-up look at the very first car to roll out of Morris Garages in Oxford to the 2009 models rolling off the line at Longbridge.

The record breakers, the racers and the whole range of road models – they are all featured in this programme.

This DVD includes a bonus feature celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the most successful MG racing and record-breaking car of all time – the supercharged K3 Magnette models.

Explore the whole story of MG, a true Best of British.

Best Of British MG is available now, priced at £14.99 on DVD from leading video outlets or direct from Duke Video: Tel 01624 640000, fax 01624 640001 or email mail@dukevideo.com. Visit www.dukevideo.com online.