THE biggest single-marque meeting in the world - the 2004 event drew some 32,000 visitors - the MG Car Club's 55th consecutive Silverstone International Event (July 22, 23,24) breaks new ground for 2005. The meeting, which is the high point of the club's 75th anniversary year, provides a 17-race programme, a sprint, concours, register gatherings, huge Traders' City, autotests, rally rides and themed displays with support from leading marque specialists.

For 2005 the scope of the event has been widened. In a major recasting of activities the 50th anniversary of the BMC Competitions Department will also be celebrated. What will certainly be the largest-ever gathering of 'Comps' cars and personnel will be reunited, providing an unrepeatable opportunity to honour their achievements.

There will be a main marquee display of some of the most famous competition cars from the Abingdon stable, including Austin-Healey, Mini Cooper S, MGA, MGB, MGC GTS, TR7 V8, Austin A40 and 1800, Riley and Triumph 2.5Pi, supported by track demonstrations, invited ex-works drivers and team personnel. It is planned to reunite the three competitions managers - Marcus Chambers, Stuart Turner and Peter Browning - who made the Abingdon team arguably the most successful ever - at a special evening reception.

"This is a hugely ambitious event," said MGCC chief executive Robert Gammage. "We are setting out to deliver an event which will not only have the widest appeal but which we are determined will be the most outstanding club event in the world. That would be a fitting achievement in the MGCC's 75th anniversary year. We are, of course, mindful of the uncertainty over the future of the MG marque in the light of the MG Rover administration and we are determined that the international event will project the octagon in the strongest possible manner."

One of the most widely campaigned models in the early days of the BMC Competitions Department was the MGA, the car that officially brought MG back into international competition. This also celebrates its 50th anniversary and will be strongly featured, with at least five of the US-domiciled Sebring cars being freighted in for the event.

Two limited edition prints by acclaimed Austrian artist Klaus Wagger have been commissioned and, stocks permitting, will be on sale at the event. They feature a Works MGEX182 at Le Mans to celebrate the MGA's 50th anniversary and, 40 years on, the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally-winning Morris Mini Cooper S of Timo Makinen and Paul Easter. Ticket prices are two or three day £30 (£25 advance), one day £15 (£13 advance) on 01235 555552, or book online at either www.bmc50.com or www.mgcc.co.uk.