The British Motor Museum tells us:
(All words and photographs from The British Motor Museum).
The British Motor Museum exhibited at the NEC Classic Motor Show in Birmingham from 7-9 November when it displayed the PR3, a landmark prototype for the Rover Group, which served as the blueprint for the MGF. This is the first time in decades that this car was on view to the public.
The Museum was exhibiting with the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs in the Federation Village alongside the Federation Skills Trust, Genus – ArchiveDigitise, Transport Museum Wythall, plus the musical group Symphonic Six on Saturday. The Museum’s new CEO, Peter Armstrong, visited the show on the Friday.
It is fitting that the PR3 made its very first appearance at the Classic Motor Show in the 30th anniversary year of the MGF, after many years in hibernation. For much of the past 25 years, the prototype was shuffled around the Longbridge plant, as operations dictated, spied only by the occasional visitor. With the inevitable deterioration in the condition of what was only a concept model, the British Motor Museum secured the car for its collection in 2023 after years of lobbying to MG, alongside several other MG and Rover concept cars, which also included PR1 and PR2.
During the 1980s, Austin Rover turned its attention to reviving the MG brand, with the prospect of an all-new small sports car. In 1991 three ideas were put forward. PR1, a front-wheel drive, front engine model styled very much in the F-16 mould; PR2, rear wheel drive, with a V8 engine in the front and finally this car, PR3, with the engine amidships driving the rear wheels. By 1995, the MGF ’s final design made its debut on the world stage, to enthusiastic reception.
Staff from the Museum were on hand to talk, not only about the PR3, but also the recent additions at the Museum including the fascinating new sound-based exhibition “Beep-Beep, Yeah! – The Sounds and Songs of the Motor Car”, featuring John Lennon’s iconic white Rolls-Royce and a Bentley Bentayga showcasing its high-tech sound system.
Visitors to the stand were able to enter an exclusive competition to win a ride in the stunning Metro 6R4, pick up details of the extensive 2026 events programme, discover how the collections are expanding through recent partnerships with the likes of Vauxhall, Ford, Lotus and Autocar, and pick up some great Christmas gift ideas such as Heritage Certificates, ‘Adopt a car’, plus Gift tickets and memberships – all available online.
To find out more information about the British Motor Museum, please visit the website at https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/. For more information about the show please visit https://www.necclassicmotorshow.com/
Follow The British Motor Museum on social media:
Twitter @BMMuseum Facebook www.facebook.com/BritishMotorMuseum