Date Notes 1902 The business that is to become MG starts out life manufacturing bicycles and motorbikes, but quickly goes on to service and repair cars. 1913 The company officially becomes Morris Garages, and starts assembling cars. 1923 MG marquee born, based in Cowley. 1927 Morris Garages Ltd incorporated. 1930 MG Car Company business created as a separate entity. 1929 Abingdon becomes MG's home. 1935 Morris Motors buys the MG Car Company. 1952 British Motor Corporation's Austin Motor Company merges with Morris Motors and so takes over the MG brand. 1966 A Merger between BMC and Jaguar results in the creation of British Motor Holdings (BMH). 1968 Leyland Motor Corporation takes over BMH to form British Leyland Motor Corporation (BLMC). 1972 Record year - 55639 cars left Abingdon. 39393 MGBs, 16243 Midgets and 3 MGB GT V8. 1975 BLMC now nationalised and renamed British Leyland Ltd. 1978 British Leyland Ltd renamed BL Ltd. 1980 MG production moves from Abingdon. 1985 British Motor Heritage, which is part of the Rover group, is established. Best known for the remanufacture of the MGB and Midget body shells. 1986 BL Ltd renamed Rover Group. 1988 British Aerospace buys Rover Group from the UK Government for £150m. 1994 Rover sold to BMW for £800m. 2000 Rover sold to Phoenix Group for the sum of £10 and renamed MG Rover Group.