Continuing the QI Facts from pages 1, 2 and above, here are your QI Facts 21 through to 24
21)
15th January 2002 MG unveiled the new MG TF at the Brussels Motor Show.
The first TF built had 0101 as the VIN suffix, following an MG tradition that has used the last three numbers of the company’s telephone number - Longbridge is 0121 475 2101. Abingdon MGs from 1930 were started at 0251 (Abingdon 251), with MG Magnette ZAs and TF Midgets using a 0501 VIN following the company’s BMC Headquarters in Birmingham having the 1501 telephone number.
The actual VIN suffix of the first MGTF was 600101
22)
From its launch the MGF was
Britain's best selling small sports car of that period. The TF continued that trend and the TF in March 2003, reached their highest production level since its introduction and that of the MGF. Production increased by 130 to 430 units per week.
23)
In 2003 The MG TF was judged the
'World's Most Beautiful Cabriolet' at the awards ceremony held by L'Automobile più Bella del Mondo, in Milan. A panel of 13 international judges, made up from design experts outside the automotive industry, credited MG TF with the class win 'for blending great originality and typical elements of MG tradition, with a strong casual and dynamic character'. The previous year the MG TF was awarded 'Cabriolet of the Year' at the Geneva Motor Show.
24)
On 3 Feb 2005 a bespoke MG TF 160 car was sold for £100,000 in a charity auction at the Retail Trust Ball, hosted by Ruby Wax.
"As the UK’s best-selling sports car, the MG TF is clearly a very popular car. I’m naturally delighted, though not surprised, that individuals are keen to acquire one at any price. This particular highly specified MG is available to order at a value comfortably below £100,000!" said Rod Ramsay, managing director of worldwide sales & marketing, MG Rover Group
The MG TF 160 auctioned was specially painted in the bespoke Monogram Shot Silk paintwork – a colour that ‘travels’ from purple through to green dependent of lighting conditions. Sumptuous Oxford leather trimmed interior, with wood steering wheel and a body-coloured hardtop were key elements that drove the Baugur UK Group to bid successfully for the MG.
You can find many more interesting MG related facts by taking a look at the
MG Quiz thread