A historically important model of the famous MG record-breaker EX135 – the first car with an 1100cc engine to break 200mph – has been acquired by the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon and is to go on display beside the full-sized car.
The silver model was originally presented to daredevil driver Goldie Gardner by William Morris after the slightly lesser feat of 186mph was achieved in Germany in 1939.
Gardner received the gift during a celebration lunch at the Trocadero Restaurant in London. Among the guests were fellow record-breaking drivers Malcolm Campbell, George Eyston and John Cobb, three of the fastest men on earth at the time.
The purchase of the model by HMC was made possible by a grant from Arts Council England’s PRISM Fund and it will go on display together with the full-sized car at the Heritage Motor Centre during the autumn.
James Elliott is a former Editor of Classic & Sports Car