THE British Motor Museum has secured the long-term loan of eight historic MG cars which, until recently, had been stored at Longbridge.

The agreement is due to the successful relationship between MG and the British Motor Museum and will help to preserve and share these cars for future generations.

Two of the cars have now arrived in the workshop at the museum at Gaydon in Warwickshire. The mid-sized RDX60 hatchback concept from 2003, rarely seen in public before now and the first-of-line MGF from 1995.

They will be carefully cleaned and prepared by the Workshop Team ready for display in the Museum.

Six more cars will follow, including the three PR prototypes, development concepts for the MGF, the unique MG TF GT, the forward-looking Rover TCV tourer concept vehicle and the raw Mini ‘Hot Rod', which was built for the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Stephen Laing, head of collections and engagement at the museum, said: "The British Motor Museum is known for its unrivalled collection of concepts, prototypes, one-off and milestone cars so this selection of cars from Longbridge is right at home amongst them.

"They give an insight into how the engineering format and design of the MGF was arrived at, how MG Rover planned its future range of cars at the turn of the 21st century and how Rover Group was able to make a statement with a stripped back, exciting version of an automotive classic."

Guy Pigounakis, commercial director for MG Motor UK, added: "The MG Rover brand holds a place near to my heart, being the head of commerical operations for the manufacturer in the early 2000s, and so it's fantastic to see these rare prototypes on display at the British Motor Museum.

"The legacy of the prototypes are greatly valued by MG Motor UK and the specially curated collection will allow MG Rover enthusiasts and car fans alike to get exclusive access to these historic vehicles that helped shape the UK automotive industry."

Visitors can see the RDX60 and the first MGF in the museum early in 2024.