It was the year the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 4, France tested its first atomic bomb and Elvis Presley was discharged from the US Army. The August of 1960 also saw the first MG Midget come out of development – a classic of British motoring which has now turned up in rural East Yorkshire.The Midget, which had been kept in a damp lock-up in a village near Driffield for 30 years, is being restored for the model's 50th anniversary celebrations in 2011.

Owner Mark Boldry, who runs York-based Drymar Classic Vehicle Services, said: "This is an iconic piece of British car manufacturing history and a hugely significant find." Health problems had prevented the car's former owner from carrying out the restoration work. Mr Boldry expects the restoration project – which will culminate in the vehicle being resprayed its original Tartan Red – to take two years. "It's a pre-production car, the first one that was built and it still needs more research before I start restoring it as it's made from bits and pieces from the previous production and bespoke parts."

The car's provenance has been confirmed by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, which has confirmed it was built on August 17 1960 by BMC at its Abingdon plant. The company used it for 11 months as a development car before being sold and registered in July 1961.

Source: Yorkshire Post, 18 March 2009