The largest ever gathering of Longbridge-built motor vehicles will take place for a weekend of celebrations beginning on July 8, 2004 to celebrate the founding of the Austin Motor Company and 100 years of continuous motor vehicle production at the plant.

The event at Crofton Park, near the plant, is being organised by the Federation of Austin Clubs, Registers and Associations in conjunction with Greenwood Exhibitions of Bromsgrove.

Birmingham City Council has approved a parade of 100 Austin and Longbridge built vehicles spanning the one hundred years, from the earliest known surviving examples right up to the latest MG and Rover products, to drive in a procession from the heart of Birmingham, via the factory site and onto Cofton Park where they will remain on view as part of a display for the public.

At the park, visitors will be able to see many examples of Austin vehicles assembled by the 22 clubs affiliated to the federation: Sheerline limousines, Austin Sevens and Minis, taxicabs, military vehicles, Devons, Cambridges, 1100s, 1800s, Maxis, Allegros, Montegos, sporty Austin Healeys, Princesses with their distinctive wedge front and even a replica Austin Whippet biplane from the 1920s.