The Banana Trophy is one of the oldest trophies in the MG Car Club dating back to 1934. It was presented to the club by the Central Motor Institute, a London supplier of M.G. cars and accessories, hence is also known as the C.M.I Banana.
It was originally awarded as the premier trophy for the club’s Chiltern Trial on the 13th January 1935 and the winner was presented with this and a smaller replica trophy.
It continued to be awarded for the Chiltern Trial and them, by osmosis, it became one of the South Eastern Centre’s trophies and, most recently, has been awarded to the best South East driver in the BCV8 championship at Brands Hatch. It was last awarded in 2024 to Andy Young and his father, Vic Young (Vic was instrumental in setting up the championship). Since that championship moved away form the MG Car Club it is no longer awarded. It is one of the more valuable of the Centre’s trophies and is now kept at the Club HQ in Abingdon.
As to why it was called the Banana Trophy…well, that is still a bit of a mystery! Perhaps, as it was intended for trials, it referred to the slipping of the wheels?
Click here to see the MaGazine of November 1934 with mention of the trophy:-
It is seen in this list of club trophies in May 1941 along with a replica.
You must be logged in to post a comment.