Customers buying a used car from the MG Rover Direct supersite at Longbridge might get an unexpected bonus – a car that has been driven by a celebrity.

“Our cars come from a variety of sources. From fleets, management, the press fleet, or even VIPs,” says Kevin Jones, MG Rover communications manager. Celebrities supported by MG Rover in recent years include Coronation Street actor Johnny Briggs, singers from former girl group Atomic Kitten and Wigan Athletic footballer Geoff Horsfield.

Jones says MGR will tell buyers whether they are considering a celebrity-driven car, which could help secure the sale.

“When we sold a car driven by John Nettles we gave the customer a photograph of the actor,” he adds.

The Direct outlet this month celebrates its first year’s trading since opening at Longbridge. Jones would not reveal exact sales figures, except to say it amounted to “several thousand” units. “The site is most definitely doing its job, without question, in helping to stabilise our used car market and protect residual values,” he adds.

Cars are typically six to 36 months old with up to 50,000 miles.