A tour through some of the movies and series where you can see classic MG cars.
Since its founding in the 1920s, MG (Morris Garages) has been synonymous with affordable and stylish British sports cars. With their unmistakable design and dynamic spirit, MG models have found a special place not only on the roads, but also on the big and small screen.
Movies and television have taken advantage of the charisma of these vehicles to reflect different eras and lifestyles. Whether on the California coast, on a European highway or in the vibrant London of the 1960s, MGs have been the protagonists and companions of unforgettable characters. From the MG TD, which became a post-war icon, to the MGA and MGB, which symbolized the evolution of the British roadster, these cars have appeared in classic movies, cult series and even in recent productions that seek to evoke the nostalgia and glamour of decades past.
From the MG TDwhich became an icon of the post-war era, to the MGA and the MGBwhich symbolized the evolution of the British roadster, these cars have appeared in classic movies, cult series and even in recent productions that seek to evoke the nostalgia and glamour of past decades.
Join us for several episodes on a journey through some of the most iconic movies and series in which MGs have shone on screen, proving that these cars are not only a part of motoring history, but also of film culture. 🚗🎬
The MG TD at the Movies: A Post-War Classic on the Big Screen
Monkey Business (1952) – In this Howard Hawks comedy, an MG TD convertible plays a prominent role. Cary Grant’s character, under the effects of a youth serum, impulsively buys an MG TD to impress Marilyn Monroe’s character (his secretary) and invites her for a ride. This triggers several driving shenanigans on the streets of Los Angeles, including a crash into a fence during a wild youth race.
The car itself became famous: years later it was auctioned as part of Debbie Reynolds’ collection, still with the dent in the radiator from the crash scene.
Something Money Can’t Buy (1952) – British film in which an MG TD briefly appears. While not the main focus, the British convertible is seen in one scene as the vehicle of one of the characters, representing the typical post-war sports roadster that provided a touch of British elegance in the film’s setting (UK, early 1950s). (Although the role is minor, the model is recognizable by its distinctive front fenders and grille).
Sergil chez les filles (1952) – French crime thriller where the detective Sergil drives around in an MG TD. In one of the urban scenes set in Paris, the protagonist is seen driving a black MG TD, a typical English sports car of the time, which adds a stylized element to the detective atmosphere of the film.
(MG TD reinforces the cosmopolitan air of postwar Paris in this film.
In fact, the film celebrates the MG TD’s joyful traveling spirit, in line with the “typical British” image of the roadster; not for nothing does it appear on screen alongside great Italian stars such as Vittorio De Sica and Alberto Sordi.
Knock on Wood (1954) – In this Danny Kaye comedy (Spanish title: Un tocado de miedo), set partly in Europe, a red MG TD appears in a chase scene. The tiny British convertible is part of a comic sequence in which Kaye flees from international spies; its nimble size allows it to weave through traffic, adding visual humor to the chase (taking advantage of the contrast between the tiny MG and the larger American cars of the time).
Abbott and Costello Go to Mars (1953) – Despite the title, much of this comedy takes place in New Orleans. In an early scene, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello come across an MG TD during a Mardi Gras parade. The sleek open-top roadster appears briefly onscreen in festive finery, serving as a carnival vehicle before the protagonists accidentally take off in a rocket. (The MG TD adds a visual nod to the era, depicting the “earthly” and mundane life the characters leave behind as they go into space.)
On the Beach (1959) – Post-apocalyptic drama where, ironically, an MG TD figures in the last automobile race before the end of the world. At the beginning of the film (set in Australia after a nuclear war), an automobile Grand Prix is held and an MG TD with the number 29 competes on the track. The car, equipped with a roll-over hoop, is briefly driven by a stuntman. It is a melancholy scene: the characters enjoy one last moment of normality and passion for motoring, with the little British MG racing among other classic vehicles before the final catastrophe.
Kiss Me Deadly (1955) – Film noir where an MG TD makes a remarkable cameo in a night sequence. Towards the beginning of the film, detective Mike Hammer is driving along a dark road when he comes across a classic sports car; a brief shot identifies a white MG TD parked near a gas station, illuminated by headlights. Although it does not intervene in the plot, its presence sets the scene in the 1950s and enhances the noir tone (lights and shadows on the vintage bodywork). (Interestingly, this fleeting appearance of the MG reflects the period’s taste for European sports cars in California).
Souvenir d’Italie (1957) – Italian comedy in which three young tourists travel around Italy aboard a green MG TD, which practically acts as the “fourth protagonist” of the story. For much of the film, the girls are seen traveling through beautiful Italian landscapes in this classic convertible, living adventures and romantic entanglements on the road. In fact, the film celebrates the MG TD’s joyful, traveling spirit, aligned with the roadster’s “typical British” image; not for nothing does it appear on screen alongside great Italian stars such as Vittorio De Sica and Alberto Sordi.
Two for the Road (1967) – Romantic comedy-drama (Spanish title: Dos en la carretera) starring Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney. In flashbacks that narrate the happiest stage of their marriage, the couple travels through France in a green MG TD, which becomes the symbol of their romantic adventure. For much of the film we see them driving through the beautiful landscapes of Normandy in this classic little convertible, sharing laughter and songs. The MG TD represents their youthful freedom and complicity, contrasting with the more luxurious and cold cars they use in later stages of their relationship. (In fact, these scenes with the MG are among the most remembered, and the vehicle became linked to Audrey Hepburn’s charm in the moviegoer’s imagination).
Clue (1985) – Comedy mystery set in 1954. In the opening sequence, each guest arrives at the mansion in a car matching his or her board game alias. Mrs. White drives a two-tone (black and white) MG TD, matching her name. She is seen parking the little roadster in front of the house, along with other colorful cars of the other characters (for example, Colonel Mustard arrives in a yellow Cadillac). Mrs. White’s MG TD, classic and elegant, reflects her affluent status (her late husband was a millionaire) while bringing period authenticity to the opening scene. (This detail appears in the movie trivia and delights fans, as each car is an “easter egg” related to the Cluedo names).
Quackser Fortune Has a Cousin in the Bronx (1970) – Romantic comedy set in Dublin. Margot Kidder plays a wealthy American student who catches the heart of the eccentric Quackser (Gene Wilder). Kidder’s character travels around the city in a cream MG TD, and in more than one scene she has Quackser as a passenger.
This Irish MG TD (locally assembled in 1953) appears in key moments, including an amusing escapade through the streets of Dublin where the couple flees from streetcars. The convertible adds visual contrast: Quackser, a humble horse-drawn cart manure salesman, living an impromptu idyll aboard a refined English sports car.
Mona Lisa Smile (2003) – Drama set in 1953, in which one of the students at Wellesley College drives an MG TD. Giselle (Maggie Gyllenhaal), the more liberal-minded student, arrives on campus behind the wheel of a red MG TD in the middle of a snowy winter, mildly shocking her conservative classmates. The car appears in several scenes, for example parked outside the dorm and taking the girls for a ride. The MG TD underscores Giselle’s transgressive personality – it’s an unconventional foreign sports car and convertible for a young woman in the 1950s – and adds authenticity to the period setting with its classic styling.
Model Shop (1969) – French-American drama directed by Jacques Demy. The protagonist, George (Gary Lockwood), is an unemployed young man who drives across Los Angeles in his car, a white 1950 MG TD, as he searches for meaning in his life. The MG TD is practically George’s “companion” throughout the film: we see him drive down Sunset Boulevard, stop at gas stations and diners, and even learn that they’re going to repossess his car if he doesn’t pay $100 – which drives part of the plot. Thanks to this vehicle (small, without a top), the director shows us the city of Los Angeles in 1969 from the open perspective of a classic roadster. (The constant presence of the MG TD and the emphasis on saving it from repossession reflect George’s attachment to the freedom the car represents.)
Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood (2019) – In this recreation of 1969 Hollywood by Quentin Tarantino, classic cars of the era abound, including an MG TD. During the party at the Playboy Mansion, a black MG TD is seen parked in the mansion’s courtyard, among other luxurious cars of famous guests【42†】】. The convertible appears in a wide shot adorning the driveway next to the fountain, bringing authenticity to the scene – many wealthy young Los Angeles men drove European sports cars in the 1960s. Although it’s a background detail, motoring fans can identify the MG TD as part of the carefully selected props to revive the 1960s atmosphere. By the way, in the movie trailer video, you can see a VW Karmann Ghia at the 00:40 second mark.
The Queen of Spain (2016) – Spanish film set in the 1950s. In a sequence showing the hustle and bustle of filming at Cinecittà studios in Rome, a dark green MG TD is seen driving around the set among the technical crew and actors. The classic convertible serves as a utility car to transport star Macarena Granada (Penélope Cruz) around the studio, reflecting the glamour of the era. The MG TD adds a touch of vintage realism, as in 1950s Spain these English sports cars were a symbol of distinction and often used in international film productions coming to the country. (Its appearance is brief – in the second 00:22 of the trailer I attach, but remarkable for classic car enthusiasts).
Rocketman (2019). – Musical biopic of Elton John. In scenes recreating the 1950s and 1960s in England, several vintage cars are included, including an MG TD. For example, when Elton John (Taron Egerton) was a child in the suburbs of London, a neighbor shows off a blue MG TD parked in front of the houses, catching the curious gaze of little Reginald Dwight. Later, in a fantasy sequence to the tune of “Saturday Night’s Alright,” an MG TD is fleetingly spotted amid vintage traffic. Although not central to the story, the MG TD contributes to the historical setting – a nod to the British car culture that surrounded Elton John’s childhood and youth.
Celia (RTVE, 1993)A Critical Look at Early 20th Century Spain – Celia is a RTVE series broadcast in 1993, based on the novels of Elena Fortún. Although its protagonist is a girl, it is not a children’s story, but a sharp portrait of the bourgeois society of the early twentieth century, with a strong criticism of rigid education, the role of women and class differences.
Directed by José Luis Borau and starring Cristina Cruz Mínguez, the series stood out for its careful setting, although it introduced some artistic licenses, such as the appearance of an MG TD from the 1950s, anachronistic for the time of the story. Its inclusion adds a touch of sophistication and reinforces the visual aesthetics, prioritizing the evocation of a style over historical fidelity. This series has the curiosity that our MG TD unit was used.
School Ties (1992) – Drama set in an elite school in 1955. One of the wealthy students arrives on campus with a cream MG TD convertible. In the welcome scene, as the other boys unload trunks, Charlie Dillon’s character (Matt Damon) shows off his MG TD, symbolizing his privileged and somewhat presumptuous status.
The car appears parked in front of the dormitories, attracting the attention of everyone, including the protagonist (Brendan Fraser), who comes from humble origins. The MG TD functions as a symbol of social class in the film – a luxury reserved for the school’s “good kids” – and reinforces the story’s underlying conflict of envy and differences.
MG TD - Other appearances
Brief mention of other appearances – In addition to the above, the MG TD has been seen in numerous films and series over the decades. For example, it appears in small cameos in racing or youth films from the 1950s such as Hot Rod Girl (1956), Dragstrip Riot (1958) or Teenagers from Outer Space (1959); also in espionage and action scenes such as Experiment in Terror (1962), Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine (1965) or the parody James Dean: Race with Destiny (1997). In recent cinema, an authentic or replica MG TD has appeared in titles set in the mid-20th century such as Relative Values (2000), The Aviator (2004) – briefly on a Hollywood film set – and even in animation(Sir Billi, 2012, where Sir Sean Connery lends his voice to an old man driving an animated MG TD). In short, the MG TD – an iconic 1950 British roadster – has left its mark on the big screen: whether as the main vehicle for nostalgic or rebellious characters, or as a period detail to lend authenticity to post-war settings, its presence adds an unmistakable classic charm.
This compilation includes some of the most notable appearances, but there are many more. In the video “Classic Cars in Movies”, from which I have selected some excerpts here, you can discover more moments in which these iconic vehicles shine on the big screen. I invite you to watch it and continue exploring the presence of classic cars in movies.
