British Motor Corporation
- Industry: Motor vehicles
- Predecessor: Morris Motors Limited, Austin Motor Company Limited
- Founded: 1952 amalgamating Morris and Austin
- Defunct: 1966
- Fate: Merged with Jaguar Cars to form British Motor Holdings
- Successor: British Motor Holdings
- Headquarters: Longbridge, United Kingdom
- Key people: Leonard Lord, George Harriman
- Products: Morris Minor, Mini, 1100, MGB, Austin-Healey
The British Motor Corporation Limited (BMC) was a British automotive company that operated from 1952 to 1968. It was formed through the merger of two major British car manufacturers, Austin Motor Company and Morris Motors Limited. The British Motor Corporation was created on January 1, 1952, as a result of the merger between Austin Motor Company and Morris Motors Limited. The merger aimed to consolidate the resources and expertise of both companies to compete more effectively in the automotive market.
The British Motor Corporation brought together various brands under its umbrella, including Austin, Morris, MG, Wolseley, Riley, and others. These brands represented different segments of the market, offering a wide range of vehicles from small economy cars to larger family sedans and sports cars. The British Motor Corporation produced several iconic and popular models. The most famous and enduring of these was the Mini, introduced in 1959. The Mini revolutionized the automotive industry with its innovative design and compact dimensions, becoming an iconic British car. Other notable models from BMC include the Morris Minor, Austin-Healey Sprite, MG Midget, and Wolseley Hornet.
The British Motor Corporation had a notable presence in motorsport. The Mini, in particular, achieved significant success in rallying, including winning the Monte Carlo Rally multiple times. The Mini's lightweight and nimble handling characteristics made it a formidable competitor in motorsport events. The British Motor Corporation faced challenges such as quality control issues, labor disputes, and financial difficulties. These challenges, coupled with increased competition and changing market dynamics, led to the company's financial struggles. In 1968, the British Motor Corporation merged with the Leyland Motor Corporation to form British Leyland.
