A striking carmine red 1979 MGB Roadster stole the spotlight as MG, a Chinese-owned automobile maker with British roots, blended its rich heritage with modern innovation at the launch of its MG HS 2025 in the Jamaican market on Friday.

The event, held at the MG Jamaica showroom on Old Hope Road in St Andrew, reinforced the brand’s reliability and lasting appeal as it continues to establish itself locally.

Nigel McFarlane, second vice-president of the Jamaica Classic Car Club and owner of the pristine vintage vehicle, drove it to the event himself in a showcase of the enduring quality of MG’s engineering. The classic roadster still boasts its original 1.8-litre BMC engine and an unaltered body, standing as a testament to the brand’s craftsmanship.

McFarlane shared his experience with the nearly five-decade-old vehicle in an interview with MG sales manager Jodi Jones Mendez.

MG Jamaica representatives pose for a photo around the MG HS 2025 at the vehicle’s launch in the island on Friday, February 7, 2025. (Photo: Sandena James)

“This particular shape debuted in 1962 and remained in production until 1980. It made a comeback in the ’90s, and today, MG continues to innovate with modern models,” McFarlane said. “I’ve owned this car for 20 years, and it still runs beautifully.”

McFarlane jokingly noted that his wife considers the classic car his “second girl,” given the time he dedicates to its maintenance. Despite its vintage status, the Roadster remains roadworthy, with its owner sourcing parts with ease, boasting a reliable two-week turnaround time from US suppliers.

“It’s a fantastic car to drive, especially on a Sunday. You can drop the top and enjoy the ride,” he said, adding that sourcing parts is surprisingly easy.

“I love the brand and I plan to apply for a British Motor Heritage certificate,” he mentioned.

With its sleek, sporty design and simple mechanics, the MGB Roadster represents MG’s legacy as a British automotive pioneer. Founded in 1924 by Cecil Kimber as a sports car division of Morris Cars, MG built a reputation for performance and innovation. Now under the ownership of SAIC Motor since 2007, the brand has successfully merged British heritage with modern engineering.

Photo combination of the red 1979 MGB Roadster at the launch of the MG HS 2025 in the Jamaican market on Friday, February 7, 2025. (Photo: Sandena James)

MG’s latest model, the 2025 MG HS, continues this tradition with advanced technology and a modern design, making it an attractive option for Jamaican drivers seeking performance and affordability.

McFarlane’s love for MG extends beyond the Roadster— he also owns a 1977 model, both of which have appeared in music videos by Romain Virgo, and Tarrus Riley and Shenseea’s ‘Lighter’. The part-time marketing lecturer at the University of Technology praised the brand’s new lineup, revealing his admiration for the black 2025 MG HS model.

“Naturally, I’m biased towards MG, but I’m really impressed with these new models. My next car might just be an MG! I love the size, the interior, and the fuel efficiency— 42 miles per gallon is impressive,” he said.

The 2025 MG HS, an award-winning SUV, is now available in Jamaica at the following price points:

Entry Spec: J$6.4 million

Mid Spec: J$6.8 million

Full Spec: J$7.39 million

The showroom began offering free test drives of the new model starting this Saturday, February 8 between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm.

Though a recent entrant in Jamaica’s automotive market, MG has quickly gained traction under ATL Automotive, the island’s exclusive dealer for the brand. The company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has positioned MG as a rising contender in the local industry.

The Jamaica Classic Car Club (JCCC), of which McFarlane is a member, is dedicated to preserving the island’s automotive heritage. Established in 1989, JCCC boasts over 100 members and showcases classic models from brands like Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, and MG.

With the MG HS launch bridging past and present, the brand proves its ability to deliver reliability, performance, and heritage—values that resonate with both classic car enthusiasts and modern drivers alike.