Arkell’s Brewery, known for its rich brewing heritage, has crafted a special beer, ‘Petrol Head,’ to honor the 100-year anniversary of M.G.
This unique pale beer, with an ABV of 4.5%, is brewed using traditional Norwegian Kveik yeast, which imparts a distinct orangey flavor to the brew.
The inspiration for this commemorative beer stems from a remarkable connection within Arkell’s family history. In 1923, Oliver Arkell, an ancestor of the brewery, became the first documented individual to purchase an M.G. sports car. Oliver acquired a Raworth-bodied M.G. Super Sports model, thus making it a fitting tribute to produce this limited-edition beer on the centenary of M.G. in 2023.
Regrettably, only six Raworth-bodied M.G.s were ever made, and none of the 1923 models have survived to this day. However, thanks to the archives of The Early M.G. Society, numerous period photos of some of these cars exist, accompanied by registration dates, numbers, Oliver Arkell’s order ‘Client Copy,’ and the ‘Works Copy.’ These surviving documents hold immense significance as they represent the very first documented sale of an M.G. sports car.
Oliver’s M.G. was registered as FC5855. According to reports, a young John Oliver Arkell visited the Morris Garages Queen Street showrooms in Oxford on August 11, 1923, intending to purchase a ‘Chummy.’
However, his attention was captivated by a ‘yellow sports car in the window – an unusual yellow, the color of good butter, with black wings.’ Cecil Kimber, the garages’ manager, quoted a price of £300 for the M.G. sports car. Impressed by the offer, Oliver agreed to purchase it, considering it was not much more than the Chummy. He placed a deposit, and on August 16, 1923, his Raworth was registered. It was later delivered to the family home, Redlands Court in Highworth, Wiltshire, on September 5th.
Following the passing of Oliver’s father, James Arkell, at the age of 76 in 1925, the responsibility of Arkell’s Brewery was carried on by Oliver and his brothers, James Graham and Thomas Noel (later Sir Noel) Arkell. They were the grandsons of John Arkell, the brewery’s founder, based in Swindon.
To celebrate the M.G. centenary, M.G. owners and enthusiasts will participate in road runs, culminating in the M.G. centenary event at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire, on May 27. Four organised road runs will commence from different locations, including Arkell’s Brewery, where 16 cars are confirmed to embark on their journey from the historic Victorian brewery in Swindon.
Alex Arkell, Head Brewer at Arkell’s Brewery, expressed his delight, stating, “It is only fitting that we create a beer for the centenary, given that our brewery ancestor is recognised as the first person to have bought an M.G. sports car. We are thrilled that M.G. enthusiasts have chosen our beautiful and historic steam brewery as a starting point for their road run.”
This exclusive brew, crafted in celebration of M.G.’s centenary, will be available on tap or in bottles at select Arkell’s pubs. It will also be on sale at Arkell’s Grape & Grain Wine & Brewery Warehouse, where customers can purchase individual bottles, a six-bottle carry case, or a pack of 8 x 500ml bottles.
To purchase this special brew, please visit: https://www.grapeandgrainwarehouse.co.uk/shop.htm
