Thousands of fans of the most iconic British car flocked to downtown Auckland’s The Cloud event space for the start of the MG Motor centennial rally at the weekend.

The event was one of the world’s first MG Motor centennial celebrations in 2024 got underway, hosted by the MG Car Club Auckland.

Organisers estimated in excess of 4000 people visited The Cloud on the Auckland waterfront to view almost 100 MG vehicles that are participating in the rally.

MG Car Club Auckland President, Andrew Walbran, said the eight-day-long event couldn’t have got off to a better start.

“Auckland turned on a hot summer day, there were thousands of people out and about enjoying the weather around the waterfront and spending time looking at the wide assortment of MG models.

“Our international guests from Australia, USA, Canada, England and Scotland had a fantastic introduction to the City of Sails and were impressed by the level of interest in the vehicles.

“New Zealand has a strong motorsport heritage and this really resonates with MG enthusiasts, as the brand was responsible for making small, affordable sports cars more attainable.  It’s no small wonder that one of the most popular cars on display was the late Denny Hulme’s MG TF.”

Members of the public were invited to vote on their favourite MG, with Frank Langridge and his 1935 MG NB winning both the People's Choice and the Concours d'Elegance. 

Other highlights included a 1938 MG TA Tickford drophead coupe (one of 252 produced) and a 1939 MG TB Tickford drophead coupe (one of 40 produced), two very rare cars and even rarer for them to be seen together; a 1931 MG M-Type - the first MG Midget which became the basis of MGs history; and a 1931 MG C-Type, a racing version of the M-Type available for sale to the public.  This particular car, owned by Laurie Poolman, is used as a daily driver and race car.

MG NZ Country Manager, Arek Zywot, was on hand to speak with guests whilst viewing the display on Sunday.

“This is a truly remarkable collection of cars and provides an incredible snapshot of the rich and proud heritage which is the MG Motor brand.  It’s events such as this which reinforce the passion behind the MG badge,” said Zywot.

“Whilst acknowledging, respecting and celebrating history is important, this is also an opportunity to cast an eye to the future as there are some exciting times ahead in the form of the recently launched award-winning MG4, upcoming Cyberster electric drop-top sports car and other new models awaiting debut.

“The coming months are going to provide a great start to MG’s next one hundred years.”