Fans of the MG were flocking to a Black Country Rover dealer today as it became the first garage in the western world to take delivery of the new model.

Summit Garage has the car for sale following the return of its production to the Longbridge plant in Birmingham.

A total of 75 cars have rolled off the production line destined for a number of garages around the UK and further afield.

Enthusiasts can choose from bright orange, red and black models today, priced at £16,399.

Boss of Summit Garage in Himley Road, Lower Gornal, has been inundated with calls from drivers keen to take a test drive in one of three MGs which left the factory.

John Newey was hopeful of clinching a sale on the first day.

“We have got a lot of people coming out for test drives,” he said. “There’s a lot of enthusiasts who want to see how this car compares with other MGs.

“I’ve been here for 28 years and seen various important new car launches over that time but I’ve never seen as much interest in a new model like this.”

The return of car production to Longbridge has been hailed as a huge boost to business in the region after well publicised troubles resulted in its closure in April last year.

SAIC/Nanjing, the Chinese owner, began production in Birmingham last month.