MG is a British automobile manufacturing company with an impressive track record of building high-performance cars. The MG logo has undergone several changes since the company came into being in the early 1920s. It has adapted to changing styles, technologies, and cultural trends. This article explores the history and symbolism behind the MG logo and examines how it has transformed over the past century to remain relevant.
The Genesis of the MG Logo (1924 – 1927)
The first MG logo was introduced in 1924 as a simple circular badge in blue (outer) and purple (inner) colours with a red and silver crest in the centre. It was surrounded by the words “Morris Oxford” in uppercase and written using an elongated sans-serif typeface. The outer periphery of the badge had the words “The M.G.” and “Super Sports” arched and separated by two miniature rings.
(1927 – 1952)
In 1927, the logo featured an octagon in brown and golden hues with the “MG” monogram at the centre. The octagonal framing and the bars of the letters were of similar thickness and colour (brown). The inside of the octagon displayed the golden hue with a gradient, which looked sleek and elegant.
(1952 – 1962)
In 1952, the MG logo became minimalist by removing the brown and golden colours with a gradient. Instead, it adopted a black-and-white colour palette, which evoked a sense of power and professionalism.
(1962 – 1990)
In 1962, the famous octagonal badge encapsulated the MG initials in silver on a bold red background. It also added volume to the whole logo by introducing matte and gradient to the colour palette. The silver-framed octagon was placed inside a solid black crest with a flat top and a double white and black outline. This logo ensured recognisability and individuality for the brand when placed on any background or bonnet.
(1990 – 2010)
In 1990, the outer crest was removed, and the octagon became the main element of the logo. However, this time around, it was refined with a new colour palette and a few arched lines. Resplendent in brown and gold, reminiscent of the colour scheme of the 1927 logo variant, the shades were elevated. The “MG” lettering was given a thin silver outline and a golden background with a horizontally striped pattern. The glossy gradients made the logo look sleek and fancy.
(2010 – 2021)
The 2010 logo iteration retained the previous design but changed the colour palette. In fact, designers used visual tools, such as highlights, colour transitions, and light and shadow, to make the logo look three-dimensional. The monogram “MG” was written in glossy gradient metallic silver against a white background.
(2021 – Present)
The present logo exudes minimalism and features the octagon with a thin light red outline. The monogram “MG” in a custom typography appears in a similar colour palette against a white background.
(2021 – Present) (United Kingdom)
Another logo was designed exclusively for the United Kingdom and which more or less retained the previous design. The only difference is the thicker octagonal outline and the monogram “MG” rendered in a bright scarlet red colour palette against a white background.
The Elements of the MG Logo
Font
The Morris Garages logo from 2010 uses custom-wide uppercase letters. They have medium-thick bars with slightly softened ends of the lines. The font was made just for MG. It is based on Stereo Gothic 700, Organetto Bold, or Ateros Regular.
Colour
The MG logo colours are simple but sophisticated. Silver, black, and white are sleek and reflect timeless values. Apart from reflecting quality and style, they show MG’s approach to making iconic car models. However, the latest logo elements appear in a bright scarlet red colour.
The History of MG
The roots of MG are traceable to Oxford, England. It started when William Morris started building bicycles in Birmingham. By 1911, Morris was selling and repairing cars and had renamed his business Morris Garages. In 1922, Morris appointed Cecil Kimber as manager, who used to design special bodywork for cars under repair. The MG name first appeared in 1923 on a Morris with Kimber’s bodywork. This car is seen as the first MG prototype. But the first recognised MG is a different two-seater.
By 1924, Morris and MG cars with Kimber bodies were sold. In 1928, an MG Six debuted at the London Motor Show. Soon after, MG moved to Abingdon. In 1930, the MG Car Company was incorporated. Morris owned it but later sold it to Morris Motors. Morris Motors was part of the Morris Organisation.
Before joining Morris Motors, MG made successful cars in Abingdon. These included Midgets, Magnettes, and Magnas. After joining Morris Motors, one of MG’s first new models was the 1936 TA Midget. This began the T-Series sports car. By 1939, Morris Motors and MG had joined the Nuffield Organisation. Nuffield also included Riley, Wolseley, and SU Carburettor. Today, the brand is owned by one of the biggest automobile corporations in China, SAIC.
Interesting Facts About MG
- MG was founded in 1924 in the UK and became famous for its sporty, lightweight roadsters. Today, it is owned by SAIC Motor Corporation, a Chinese automotive giant, but still retains British engineering and design influence.
- MG was one of the first car manufacturers to offer affordable sports cars to the general public, which made performance driving accessible to many.
- In 1957, MG set a land speed record when Sir Stirling Moss drove an MG EX181 to a top speed of 245.6 mph (395.3 km/h) at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
- The MG logo, which is of an octagon shape with the letters MG, has remained mostly unchanged for almost a century. This symbolises the brand’s long legacy.
- Classic MG roadsters have appeared in several movies, including James Bond films and Hollywood classics, to make them timeless collectibles.
- MG has transitioned into the electric vehicle (EV) market, with models like the MG4 EV and MG ZS EV. These have made MG a key player in affordable electric mobility.
- MG has a deep motorsport history. It has competed in events like Le Mans, the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), and rally racing.
- The MG MGB, launched in 1962, became one of the most popular sports cars in history. It sold over 500,000 units worldwide!
- After MG faced financial troubles in the early 2000s, the brand was revived by SAIC Motor, which now produces modern MG cars with a blend of British heritage and Chinese innovation.
- MG re-entered the Indian market in 2019 with the MG Hector, which became a massive hit due to its bold design and smart technology.
Finally
The journey of the MG logo dates back nearly a century. From its origins in Britain’s early motoring culture, it has become a symbol of sports cars and freedom. Today, it is a globally recognised heritage. By skilfully embracing both tradition and modernity, the MG emblem reflects an intrepid spirit that has driven the brand since the outset.