24 October 1980 was a dark day in MG history: It was the day the storied ‘Pavlova’ works in Abingdon, Oxfordshire was shuttered, killing off the marque.
MG, then producers of the MGB and BGT, wasn’t reorganised into British Leyland’s Specialist Cars Division, which protected the likes of Land Rover, Jaguar and Triumph from money-saving programmes. Initiatives like these made the conglomerate over £30 million.
To the chagrin of sports car enthusiasts worldwide, the writing had been on the wall since 10 September 1979, and Midget production had ended that year as activities were wound down. MG was losing money on every Midget built, and BL’s corporate pockets were too shallow for the constant modifications needed to keep up with emissions standards.
The MGB soldiered on until the bitter end; late plans to convert the car to use the new O-Series engine came to nothing. The last MGB, a white roadster, left the line on 22 October 1980. The works themselves stood until 1997, when they were demolished. Today you’ll find houses in its place.
Arch MG enthusiast, John Dupont, of London, whose love of the marque began 55 years ago when he bought a new 1275 Midget, toured Abingdon two weeks before the shutters came down for good, taking his then-new MGB roadster back to its birthplace. He kept the images in his private collection until this year, when he had the means to scan the 35mm transparencies.
“I’m honoured that so many people want them,” John said, whose photos have been downloaded by more than 200 people via Facebook.
42 years later, he decided to share his 26 previously unpublished shots, rights free, on the MG Factory Abingdon remembered Facebook page – before extending the invitation to enthusiasts worldwide. John’s images are now available, and can be saved via this WeTransfer link.
On 12 October 1980, John’s then-new B roadster posed with the last batch of B and BGT shells ever to arrive at Abingdon from Pressed Steel Fisher (now MINI Plant Swindon) – an event that can never be repeated.
John’s tour that day took in the works – where we see Bs and BGTs in various stages of calm, orderly assembly, inside and out. A second visit, on 26 October 1980, shows his ‘B and ‘BGT V8 outside the now-closed factory gates. Cine footage from the time shows the ex-leather works emptied of cars.
“It’s been over 40 years, and the factory needs to be remembered,” John said.
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Thank you for all the images from MG Abingdon assembly plant, I worked there for a few years in the 1960`s and 70`s . I will add them to my MG file
Out of curiosity while I was searching to access the VIN number to get some info on my 77 MG Midget, I came across your website and found the history of the plant very interesting. I’ve had my car since the early 80’s when I bought it in California and never knew about Abingdon and the plant where MG’s were manufactured in volume. After 5 years of sitting, it’s presently getting some work done. New paint job is next and I can’t wait to drive it again. Thanks so much!! (Paul)
Paul, please let us know when it’s all finished – we’d very much like to share your story. Please email me at jmills@hagerty.com. Thanks.
I’m so glad I stumbled across this! I had a 1974 1/2 rubber bumper B when I was in high school in the early 80s. Have never forgotten it.
I recently purchased a ‘73 chrome bumper B and am tinkering with it and hope to be driving it soon!
Really enjoyed seeing the factory from whence these beauties came.
I have a 1981 MGB GT (yes you read that right, 1981, even though the factory closed in 1980!).
After the factory in Abingdon CLOSED down in 1980, all the remaining MGB GT parts were shipped to British Leyland in South Africa as CKD (Completely Knocked Down), where only 200 was ever built from imported CKD kits.
Hello,
I’am a member of the “BELGIUM MG CLUB” and we would like to visite Abindon MG car factory or museum, this on our tripe through the UK.
Do you have any information which could be relevant to out journey?
Thanks for helping me out.
P.Hillewaere
Thank you for the photos, my love of these little machines began with my first in 1960 and thirteen that followed over the years. it’s been incredible! Marvin USA Strasburg,OH
I was part of the US dealer group that were the top MG dealers in the US. Our group was awarded a trip to the UK which included a visit to the MG factory in Abingdon. We had a tour and then visited with a workers family at there home later that afternoon. The next day we travelled to London. The following morning the newspaper that was placed under our hotel room door announced the closing of the MG factory in Abingdon. Could they have planned our trip any worse?
British United Autos on Yonge Street, Toronto, December 18th, 1973. My first brand new car, a gorgeous Blaze MGB roadster. My Dad drove me there from Tillsonburg, a large snow storm was threatening our drive home but off we went north on Yonge to the 401, busiest highway in North America. The storm hit hard, blinding snow in a very low car. The road signs were nigh invisible until the last minute, A mad swerve and aha, on the way to T-burg.
Dad said later, “I hope the guy you cut off to make the swerve has help getting out of the ditch?”
I was 26 and my “B” and I became fast and furious friends to this very day, 52 years later, we still are together and best friends. She has been sitting for about 5 years needing a new fuel pump. I am 78 now and find it difficult to crawl under for the install let alone dropping the fuel tank for cleaning. One energetic day I will!
Sincerely to all British sports car owners, Edwin Dunkin, Ontario, Canada
Edwin:
If the car has sat for 5 years, it’s unlikely you’re going to work on it in future.
For Gods sake, pay someone for this not difficult job and drive it again before you die!
I loved the pics of the assembly line where all the cars are red, like mine is now, but originally white.
I’ve had my 1980 for 25 years. I’ve worked on almost all of it, and everything now works perfectly.
At 73, I have no one to will it to, and after I die someone is going to get this VERY nice car.
BTW, “Nicecar” is the handle on the MG Experience.