Longbridge was world famous for its car production - and at its height the company employed 25,000 people.
A factory first opened in 1905 and went on to become one of Britain’s largest car plants and home to world famous brands including Austin, the Rover Group and MG Rover.
Models produced included, the MG 3 & 6, Rover 25 and MG ZT, among almost 20 products.
During World War Two the main plant produced munitions and tank parts, while the nearby East Works of Austin Aero Ltd at Cofton Hackett produced Short Stirling and Hawker Hurricane aircraft.
Things didn’t always run smoothly. There was industrial action throughout the years as workers and management clashed.
Here is our snapshot of some of Longridge’s fascinating car making history and World War Two effort from 1930 to 1979
1. 1930s Production
The Austin Motor Company factory at Longbridge
2. 1936 Sir Herbert Austin
1st Baron Austin of Longbridge, English car manufacturer and Chairman of the Austin Motor Company who lived from 1866 - 1941
3. 1942 Second World War effort
The fuselage and wing components for the Short Stirling four-engine heavy bomber being assembled for service with Royal Air Force Bomber Command at the Short Brothers aircraft assembly plant on 9th February 1942 in Longbridge, Birmingham. The Short Stirling was the first four-engined bomber to be introduced into service with the Royal Air Force (RAF).
4. 1945 Car production during World War Two
Men working on 10 h.p car engines at the Austin Motor Company’s Longbridge plant in Birmingham, 28th August 1945