A Spectacular Blend of Heritage and Innovation Marks MG’s 100th Anniversary
The Goodwood Festival of Speed became the epicenter of MG’s centennial celebrations, showcasing a remarkable fusion of the marque’s storied past and innovative future. The Duke of Richmond, driving his grandfather’s classic MG C-Type, initiated the festival with a parade that featured both vintage and modern MG models, weaving through the historic Goodwood House and ascending the renowned hill climb.
The Duke piloted the 1931 MG C-Type, a legendary racer that once competed at the Brooklands Double 12. Accompanying this icon were a range of MG’s most memorable cars, including the new MG Cyberster convertible, the MGA Le Mans, MGC GTS Sebring, and MG 6R4, representing the pinnacle of MG’s achievements on road and track.
Future Unveiled: MG Cyber GTS Concept
The highlight of the festival was the global debut of the MG Cyber GTS Concept. Introduced by Jozef Kaban, Vice President of MG’s Global Design Centre, this futuristic vehicle pays tribute to the MGC GTS Sebring, renowned for its 1968 Sebring 12 Hour race performance. The Cyber GTS Concept embodies MG’s commitment to combining tradition with advanced technology, offering a rear-wheel-drive electric vehicle that echoes the spirit of its illustrious predecessor while utilizing cutting-edge EV powertrains.
The Cyber GTS Concept’s homage to the Sebring model, which achieved the highest factory MG result in the prototype class, reflects MG’s identity as a quintessential British sports car brand. This new concept car is set to pave the way for MG’s future in the electric vehicle market, following the trail blazed by the Cyberster, the world’s first open-top EV two-seater to enter production.
Historic Tribute: EXE181 EV Land Speed Record Concept
MG’s stand also featured the EXE181, a striking piece of automotive art created by the London-based design team led by Carl Gotham. This concept draws inspiration from the original MG EX181, which set multiple small-engine records in the late 1950s, including a 1957 land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats, driven by legends Sir Stirling Moss and Phil Hill.
The EXE181 reimagines this legacy for the electric era, maintaining key features of its predecessor, such as the distinctive center spine and compact single-seat cabin, while introducing modern aerodynamics and a connected user interface. The design’s use of Bonneville’s iconic white and blue colors pays homage to the original ‘Roaring Raindrop’ that secured MG’s place in the annals of automotive history.
Celebratory Displays and New Model Reveal
A centerpiece of the celebrations was Gerry Judah’s stunning Festival of Speed Central Feature in front of Goodwood House, showcasing the Cyberster alongside the beloved MGB. This visual spectacle was complemented by a fireworks display, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The festival also saw the unveiling of the new MG HS SUV. This global debut introduced both petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, underscoring MG’s commitment to providing exceptional value with an array of new features, enhanced cabin space, and improved styling. The new HS models are designed to appeal to modern consumers seeking a stylish, spacious, and feature-rich SUV.
A Memorable Milestone
MG’s 100th anniversary celebration at the Goodwood Festival of Speed was a resounding success, highlighting the brand’s rich heritage and forward-looking vision. From the Duke of Richmond’s nostalgic drive in the MG C-Type to the unveiling of groundbreaking new concepts like the Cyber GTS and EXE181, MG demonstrated its unwavering commitment to innovation and its storied past. This event not only honored a century of automotive excellence but also set the stage for the next chapter in MG’s remarkable journey.
