MG is best known for its open two-seater sports cars with engines up to three litres in size. 

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The name apparently originated from the initials of Morris Garages, William Morris' private retail sales and service company. The marque was in continuous use, except for the duration of the Second World War, from its inception in 1924 until 2005, and then from 2007 under Chinese ownership.

 

MG underwent many changes in ownership over the years.

• 1924–1930: Morris Garages Limited

• 1930–1952: M.G. Car Company Limited

• 1952–1967: British Motor Corporation

• 1967–1968: British Motor Holdings

• 1968–1990: British Leyland

• 1990–1992: Austin Rover

• 1992–2000: Rover Group

• 2000–2006: MG Rover Group

• 2006–2011: Nanjing Automobile Group

 

From its earliest days, MGs have been used in competition and from the early 1930s a series of dedicated racing cars such as the 1931 C-Type and 1934 Q-type were made and sold to enthusiasts who received considerable company assistance. This stopped in 1935 when MG was formally merged with Morris Motors and the Competition Department closed down. After the Second World War record-breaking attempts restarted with 500 cc and 750 cc records being taken in the late 1940s.