In 1939 Goldie Gardner piloted this vehicle to over 200 mph, the first of its engine size to do so, on the Dessau autobahn in Germany (now the A9), breaking the 1100cc speed record.

This car started life as a K3 Magnette and was modified for George Eyston into a single-seater for racing and speed records, and nicknamed ‘Humbug’ due to its striped livery. Breaking speed records was a vital part of the motorsport scene and could earn a manufacturer a huge amount publicity, so in 1938 MG created an all-enveloping streamline body, designed by Reid Railton.

MG engaged racing driver Goldie Gardner to pilot EX135. After smashing the 1100cc record on the autobahn in 1939, EX135’s engine was rebored overnight and Gardner broke the 1500cc class records as well. Post-war, he achieved many other class speed records by swapping engines, including a Jaguar prototype unit.

In 1952, with EX135 fitted with a supercharged 1250cc XPAG engine, Gardner attempted a speed record run on Utah’s salt flats, but due to wet salt he only reached 190 mph. On one attempt, Gardner lost control and hit a marker post which smashed through the cockpit and hit him on his head, but he continued driving!