THE MG marque has always had a special place in the hearts of motoring enthusiasts.

In the 1930s MG Midget versions raced to new records, some of them were supercharged, some were large, fairly stately machines, all of them were fun and all of them were uncom-fortable.

But that was to change when, in September 1962 the British Motor Corporation (BMC) launched their replacement for the MGA sports car, the MGB.

It was larger and far more comfortable, designed to suit the British sports car driver and, most importantly, with an eye on the American market, where discomfort was not appreciated.

At a basic price of £690, plus £259 purchase tax, it was a lot of money.

Fortunately, just two months later on, the then Chancellor of the Exchequer reduced the rate of purchase tax from 45 to 25 per cent, making way for a more affordable British car.

It was the era of the sports car with the Austin Healey 3000, E-Type Jaguar, Lotus Elan all available at a higher prices.

The MGB was able to make headway with the best combina-tion of a top speed of 103 mph and overall fuel consumption of 28mpg and an affordable price of £834.

Arguably, competition at the time came mainly from the Rootes factory with the Sunbeam Alpine, which was not quite so fast or economical.

Then there was the Triumph TR4 and, although this model was a slightly faster car, it was thirsty on fuel.

This I know, having enjoyed and raced several in my time, not that I could fit in one these days! But in truth, the TR had more brute power which I favoured.

But it was the MGB that won the day when it came to the popularity stakes.

Indeed, nobody envisaged that the MGB would be so popular, surviving 10 years after its natural car life, spanning 18 years and half a million cars.

Inevitably, the MGB became a classic in its own right, also becoming, as BMC originally hoped, the most popular British car to be sold in America.

And today the enthusiasm for the B is still growing and there are dozens of British MG clubs and most will be at the special celebrations to be held at the Heritage Motor Centre in Warwickshire on Sunday.

Special guest on the day will be Don Hayter who joined the MG Company from Aston Martin in 1955 as chief body design draughtsman, and was respon-sible for the styling of the MGB.

He will be sharing many of his memories and experiences from this period at the celebrations.

The Heritage Motor Centre is home to the world's largest collection of British cars and archive material and is located one mile from the M40 at junction 12. Gates open at 10am.

Free entry for MG drivers and £1 discount for their passenger off normal entry fees of adults £8, concessions £7, children 5-16 years £6 (under 5 years free).

Family ticket £25 (includes two adults and three children).

For general enquiries ring 01926 641188.