Now in its fifth year, the Pride of Longbridge event took place as usual directly opposite the main entrance to MG Birmingham – the new name for the historic Longbridge plant. And with the 2011 show coming just a    few days after the official launch of the new MG6 – assembled at Longbridge – the atmosphere was even more positive than usual.

This year’s event attracted a record number of BMC and BL-related cars – more than a thousand in all, according to organisers. And a combination of private entries and club displays ensured a vast selection of Longbridge models, from 1950s and ’60s family Austins through to the last-of-the-line MG Z-series.

Among the clubs putting on impressive displays were the Metropolitan Owners’ Club, the Maestro & Montego Owners’ Club, the Rover SD1 Club, plus various organisations catering for later models – including the Rover 200 & 400 Owners’ Club and the Rover 75 & MG ZT Club.