The launch of the all-new MGF marked the welcome return of the MG marque in the field of affordable sports cars. The new model was introduced to an international audience at the Geneva Motor Show when it was announced that it would go into production and on sale later in 1995. The MGF was to become the best-selling British built sports car of its time.

The final design for the MGF was chosen from a wide range of proposals for a new roadster (one of which, MG DR2 PR5, is on display in the Collections Centre). Powered by a 1.8 litre K-series engine, with twin overhead camshafts and 16 valves, driving the rear wheels, the MGF was the first production MG to be mid-engined. Other features of the car included a Hydragas suspension system, power-assisted disc brakes with optional anti-lock system and an optional electrically assisted power steering system.

The MGF was built at the Longbridge plant where it shared the line with Rover’s 200 model. This particular car was the first to roll off the production line. It carries chassis number 251 - the phone number of MG’s Abingdon factory and traditionally allocated to the first of each MG model.