FINELY waxed bonnets shimmered in the autumn sun this morning as more than 50 MGs gathered for a final rally before the winter arrives.

From classic 1934 P-Type models to a 1973 police car and a modern 2002 MG TF, proud owners gathered to enjoy a ride from Notcutts Garden Centre in Nuneham Courtenay to The Dog House pub in Abingdon. 

Richard Martin, chairman of Abingdon Works Centre, said the organised rallies were a "great way to be sociable and explore amazing parts of the country."

He and his wife Gail, brought their 1964 MGB, to the event, which carried Olympian gold medalist the 'fastest man in the world' Usain Bolt during an Olympic event in July 2015 in London.

Oxford Mail:

Richard and Gail Martin with their three-year-old granddaughter, Alice.

Mr Martin, from Abingdon, said he had got his first taste of MGs when he was eight-years-old.

He said: "I grew up in Abingdon and have spent my whole life there.

"The MG factory was there from the 1920s until it closed in the 80s.

"I remember when I was about eight  I used to go down and sit in the cars at the export gate, which were going off to America. 

"It was inevitable I would get sucked into this as I got older."

Standing next to their pre-war, racing green four-seater 1934 P Type, was James and Diana Page from Appleton.

Oxford Mail:

James and Diana Page from Appleton

Mr Page said he had the vehicle since 1972 and had done major restoration on the car.

He added: "It really is a beautiful car but it is also the social aspect which we really enjoy.
"Everyone is so friendly and you can always get tips from other drivers."

Colin Wallace travelled from Surrey to be involved in today's rally and said that he had inherited his 1934 P Type two-seater from his brother who had written it off.

He said: "I've had it for about 50 years now.

"It was given to me by my brother because he went abroad and had completely written it off.

"I think I've done about three major restorations to it now."

Oxford Mail:

Mr Martin said he hoped that they would be able to have a car show next July in partnership with the garden centre.

The next rally will be on Boxing Day in the town square in Abingdon. 

For more information visit: mgabingdon.co.uk