A new MG is being produced at Longbridge to commemorate 85 years of one of the best-known sports cars in the world.

The MGTF 85th anniversary model, a limited-edition car due for launch this month by Chinese firm MG UK, marks a marathon eight and a half decades of MG production.

The new variant will add to the range at the Birmingham car factory following production launches of the limited-edition TF LE500 last year and the TF135 in spring 2009.

MG marketing manager Peter Brooking said: “We are now building the entry-level TF135 model at Longbridge, with production of the limited-edition MG 85th anniversary TF commencing this month.

“Both versions have been well received by dealers and customers, and we are confident they will build on the success of the TF LE500.

“The TF continues to appeal to a broad cross-section of customers, with the limited-edition nature of the LE500 and 85th anniversary models being of particular interest to MG enthusiasts and previous owners.”

The TF135 model is already in showrooms across the UK while the factory is gearing up for the debut of the 85th anniversary model.

“We fully expect the TF135 to further re-establish MG’s presence and sales volume in the small sports car segment, through its value-for-money price point of £13,511 on the road,” added Mr Brooking.

“The automotive market has been going through a very difficult time; however, we have been working hard to promote the TF and re-establish the MG brand in the UK marketplace.

“Whilst we do have a lot of interest from overseas, at present the UK market is where our focus lies.”

The launches of the MG TF135 and the 85th anniversary models will help to consolidate SAIC-owned MG UK’s Longbridge operation, although weekly production figures have not been disclosed.

The 135 launch has provided the first entry-level vehicle produced at Longbridge for UK dealers since Nanjing bought the assets of MG Rover for £53 million in July 2005.

The MG marque was originally developed from Morris models by Cecil Kimber, manager of the Morris Garage in Oxford, with the cars taking the initials from the premises.

Since 1929 a string of MG sports cars and sporting saloons have made the marque world-famous.