MG and Rover car enthusiasts have called on the Government to halt any plans by Chinese car maker SAIC to "cherry-pick" assets from Longbridge.

A survey of nearly 300 owners showed that most wanted immediate Government intervention to stop the transfer of any part of the plant to Shanghai.

Spokesman Steve Childs said: "There is immense anger and frustration among many MG and Rover enthusiasts as a result of SAIC's sudden interest."

Mr Childs said it was possible that the Chinese firm had delayed making a decision on a possible partnership with MG Rover, knowing it would be cheaper to access the manufacturing capability once the firm was in administration.

"It would, therefore, be wrong if SAIC, aided and abetted by the Chinese government, was able to cherrypick the remains of MG Rover Group and effectively get what they want and at the same time stick two fingers up at the thousands of workers who are now concerned about their own and their family's future.

"Some commentators have generously referred to SAIC's intentions as asset-stripping. However, for MG and Rover enthusiasts, 'grave robbery' would be a more accurate description of Chinese intent."

The enthusiasts are planning to demonstrate outside the Longbridge factory on Thursday, the day of the General Election, in a show of support to the workers who have lost their jobs.