The 60th birthday of the very rare MGA Twin Cam will be a special focus of Brooklands Museum’s annual MG Era day on Sunday 8th April, when all models of this iconic marque from 1924 to the present day will be celebrated.
The new Twin Cam was launched after years of engine development but only ran to 2,111 models being produced until it was withdrawn in 1960. A special display in the Paddock has been reserved for a selection of Twin Cams along with other pre-War MGs. Even rarer, is what many consider to be the first true MG, the 18/80 Tourer or MG Six as it was first known. Introduced in 1928, it celebrates its 90th birthday this year and with only 736 ever built through to 1933, the organisers are pleased to learn that at least one is confirmed to appear at the event.
Ever since this early period, MGs have been a familiar sight on British roads, in rallies and on the international racing landscape. Modern styles have spawned interest from new and younger drivers making this one of Britain’s most enduring marques making this event a must-see for all classic car enthusiasts. The other areas of the historic site with be populated with examples of MG ‘T’ series and MGAs of all variants as well as the MG ‘Y’ Type which was produced from 1947 to 1953, the iconic MGB through to the modern MGF. The later British Motor Corporation-era MG Midget will also be celebrated. Now in its 57th year, it remains perhaps one of the most iconic and well-loved MGs of all. Almost 225,000 of these cars were produced between 1961 and 1979, through the formation of British Leyland and with countless cosmetic changes throughout its existence, and there will no doubt be plenty of examples to see on the day.
Club displays will have allocated space on the Finishing Straight section of the original Brooklands Race Track and this year include the MGB Register and Maestro and Montego Owners Club. Under the Race Bays will be traders selling spares and memorabilia.
At 1pm there will be a cavalcade of a wide variety of MG models on the circuit at Mercedes-Benz World and, back on the Museum site at 2.15pm, the “Pride and Joy” Awards will be presented from the Clubhouse balcony. At 3pm the Test Hill sessions will be open for those brave enough to ascend motorsport’s most punishing climb.
Visitors to this extravaganza will also be able to see the Museum’s incredible collection of classic cars, motorcycles and aircraft, including the only Concorde open to the public in the region. The 4D Theatre will be running a choice of three exhilarating Experiences, taking visitors back in time to race on the Brooklands Circuit, at Le Mans in 1956 or flying as part of the Red Arrows Air Display Team. Both the 4D Theatre and the Concorde Experience require separate booking, so to avoid disappointment, they should be booked on arrival. The Sunbeam Café will be open all day for refreshments and the Museum Shop will be stocked with books, DVDs, models and lots of Brooklands and MG-related memorabilia.
Gates open to the public at 10am and entrance fees are as follows: Adults £13.50; Seniors £11.50; Children (5-16 yrs) £7.00; Children Under 5 FREE; Family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children), £35.
For full details visit Brooklands Museum or telephone 01932 857381. The half-hour Concorde Experience is an extra £5 each for adults, £3 each for children while the 8 minute 4D Theatre rides are £4 each for adults and £2 for children. Height and other restrictions apply.
Access to the Museum site for MGs is via the Campbell Gate off Brooklands Road (the B374). Parking for visitors who are not arriving in MGs will be in The Heights off Wellington Way – please follow event signage.
