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‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On

‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On

‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On

‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On

‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On

‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On

‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On

‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On

‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On

‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On

‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On

‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On

‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On

‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On

  • ‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On
  • ‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On
  • ‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On
  • ‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On
  • ‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On
  • ‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On
  • ‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On
  • ‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On
  • ‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On
  • ‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On
  • ‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On
  • ‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On
  • ‘Old Number One’ Triumphantly Returns to the M.C.C. Land’s End Trial, 100 Years On

Press release

In a remarkable centenary celebration, the MG Car Club, British Motor Museum, and Motorcycling Club (M.C.C.) came together to return one of the most important MG cars – Old Number One – to the Land’s End Trial, 100 years after its Gold Medal-winning performance by Cecil Kimber in 1925.
 
Old Number One holds a unique place in British motoring history as the earliest MG built specifically for motor sport. Provided by the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, the car made its way to Cornwall ahead of the Easter weekend, rekindling the spirit of adventure and competition that characterised MG’s early years.
 
 
Arriving on April 17th viâ transportation arranged by the British Motor Museum, the car was hosted overnight by Hawkins MG in Truro. On Good Friday, despite heavy rain and flooded roads, Old Number One made a symbolic visit to the Land’s End signpost. As luck would have it, the weather cleared just in time for commemorative photographs.
 
The evening saw MG Car Club members brave the wet conditions to participate in a scenic drive from South Petherwin, Launceston ending at Hawkins MG, where Old Number One was showcased in pride of place inside the dealership and members welcomed with drinks and canapés. MG enthusiasts were joined by MG Car Club members Edward and Easter Kirkland—step-granddaughter of Cecil Kimber—who brought along Cecil Kimber’s 1925 M.C.C. Gold Medal. Displayed on the bonnet of the car, this historic medal represented a poignant, tangible connection to MG and the Land’s End Trial.
 
Saturday’s weather improved just in time for the much-anticipated Bluehills re-enactment. Stephen Laing, Head of Collections at the British Motor Museum, drove Old Number One down into the valley alongside assistant curator Amy Forster-Smith. The final re-enactment run was completed by the museum curator Cat Griffin and Amy Forster-Smith, bringing the centenary celebration full circle.
 
The car was later displayed at Football Lane, flanked by other historic MGs including Colin Bird’s J2, Barry Smith’s PB, and several trials-prepared MGs from the MG Car Club Devon & Cornwall Centre. Spectators and club members gathered to share stories, take photos, and admire this living piece of MG history.
 
Festivities concluded at the historic Alverton Hotel in Truro, where Old Number One greeted attendees at the entrance. Inside the former convent’s Great Hall, guests enjoyed a buffet, speeches and commemorative menu booklet. This gave a real sense of the historical placement of the car in the MG story along with period inserts relating to the 1925 Land’s End Trial and the history of Old Number One. 
 
The MG Car Club extends its heartfelt thanks to all partners and volunteers, including the British Motor Museum, M.C.C., Hawkins MG, and all club members. For those who missed the event, Old Number One can be seen at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon along with other cars from its 400-strong collection.
 
 
Published:
Tuesday May 20th, 2025

Comments

Joop Terpstra
24 May 2025, 19:16
Because of reading about Old Number One and it's reputation i bought in the 80's a rundown MG J2 and in the 90's a fine TA, TC and a TD.
Later I even had a light blue MG A. Mg's are still 'feel good' cars. Thanks Cecil for these wonderful creations ;-)
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