MG badges are the most recognisable visual feature on any classic MG, the brown-and-cream octagon, the red-and-cream octagon, and the various model-specific badges that identify the specific car. The MGOC Badges range covers a selection of high-quality body badges in screw-on or self-adhesive fitments, finished in either enamel for the period-correct appearance or stainless steel for the harder-wearing modern alternative. The Badges section gathers the reproduction badges in the period-correct visual specifications for each classic-MG application, allowing owners to renew faded or damaged original badges with appropriate matching replacements.
The MG Octagon, Three Period Styles
The MG octagon was the central visual identifier across classic-MG production, with three principal style variants reflecting the different periods of MG visual identity. The brown-and-cream octagon (the classic 1950s and 1960s style) was used on the MGA, the early chrome-bumper MGB, the early Midget, and the contemporaneous cars. The red-and-cream octagon was introduced for the later chrome-bumper cars and used through the rubber-bumper production years. The black-and-cream octagon was used on certain limited-edition and competition applications.
Each octagon style is stocked in the appropriate diameters and mounting arrangements for the specific positions on the various cars, grille-mounted octagons being typically the largest, bonnet and boot octagons being smaller, and the various smaller octagons used on the dashboard and wheel centres being smaller still.
Model-Specific Badges
Beyond the octagon, each classic-MG model carried specific badges identifying the model name. MGB roadsters carried 'MGB' lettering on the boot lid (chrome-bumper cars) or moulded plastic 'MGB' badges (rubber-bumper cars). MGB GT cars carried 'GT' identification typically on the rear hatch or pillar. MGC cars carried 'MGC' identification with appropriate variations between roadster and GT specifications.
MGB GT V8 cars carried 'V8' identification on the rear and on the bonnet bulge that accommodated the V8 engine. Midget cars carried 'Midget' identification with style variations reflecting the production year. Each model badge is stocked in the appropriate period-correct visual specification for the specific application.
Application Coverage and Fitting
Badges are typically fitted using one of two mounting arrangements. Threaded studs are the most secure, small metal studs protrude from the rear of the badge through holes drilled in the bodywork, with retaining nuts securing the badge from the inside of the panel. Adhesive mounting is the alternative, typically a strong double-sided automotive adhesive tape that bonds the badge to the bodywork without requiring holes to be drilled.
The original-equipment mounting arrangement varies by car and badge type, with the technical team able to advise on the appropriate fitting method for a specific badge and location. For owners restoring cars to original-equipment visual specification, the matched badge style for the specific car and production year is the correct choice, the wrong-period octagon will look immediately wrong on a car restored to a specific year's specification.