The project that was to become the MGF started in 1991, and was initially called PR3. The 'F' was destined to become one of the classic MG's almost straight away - it's handling and performance, coupled with it's cheeky looks captured the hearts of many as soon as it was released. Although only a few years old, a great many facts and figures have already emerged, a number of which can be found below. Born in 1959, Nicholas Fell was the Project Director for the MGF from December 1992 until the car entered production in 1995. Brian Griffin (born 1940) was the Project Manager from 1991 to 1992, and after Nicholas Fell joined, he became Chief Engineer. The person who styled the MGF is Gerry McGovern - he was born in 1956. The MGF project was initially called PR3, and a Metro 1.4L twin cam engine powered the early concept car. MG Cars, the company that manages sales and marketing for the MGF, is now located Bickenhill offices, near Birmingham's NEC. Established in 1995, it was initially based in Longbridge. Before a dealer could become part of the MG franchise network, they had to submit a business plan to the Rover Groups subsidiary MG Cars. As a result, 120 Rover dealers were awarded the MG franchise. The MGF body is produced for Rover by Mayflower Vehicle Systems who are based in Coventry. They produce a maximum of 20,000 bodies a year, and ship them to Rover, 8 at a time. They arrive white and are painted in a paint plant at Rover. The MGF is manufactured at Rover's largest manufacturing site, Longbridge in Birmingham. The CAB2 plant where the MGF is made was last used in 1989, but now shares the facility with the Rover 200 cabriolet & coupe, and the 400 estate. The MGF entered volume production on August 4, 1995. It was the first purpose built MG since MGB production finished in 1980. The MGF Abingdon limited edition was announced in 1997. This was restricted to 500 cars, of which 350 were VVC powered, and 150 using the 1.8i engine. They were finished in BRG with traditional leather upholstery. The MGF Abingdon Trophy was launched in 1998, allowing owners to compete in a 12 round competition using their own cars. Administered by the MG Car Club, subsidized motor sport race kit is available to registered competitors. The MGF cup, which was initiated by MG Cars, has a prize fund of £90,000. Drivers compete in one of 30 200bhp cars, with the overall winner taking home a brand new MGF VVC. The fastest production MG to date is the MGF VVC, with a top speed of 130 mph.