Highlights
- 1 of just 150 VVC Abingdon edition MGFs
- Genuine 1 owner car
- Presents in good mechanical and aesthetic order
- Comprehensive history file
The Appeal
The MGF really was a car that personified what made MG great. A punchy mid mounted engine, lightweight construction and a crisp manual transmission. The MGF is undoubtedly a car that turns the task of driving into a true pleasure.
R795 AVW presents something of a unique opportunity, in that not only is it a genuine one owner car, having been lovingly cared for since purchased from the local Rover MG dealer in early 1998, but it is 1 of 150 VVC Abingdon editions, making it a truly special, and incredibly rare machine.
In highly original condition, this wonderful little pocket rocket wants for very little and as such is ready to be enjoyed right from the first moment of ownership. For someone who wants an undeniably special MG to stand out from the crowd, or for someone who simply appreciates a brilliant dynamic sports car, this certainly takes some beating.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered on 24/03/1998
- Sold through MG Rover dealer Premier Motors of Romford at a cost of £22,995
- The car was at some point taken to the current, and only, owner’s home in France at which point the car was subject to French Registration
- The car was returned into the UK in late 2021 at which point it was re-registered in the UK
- Accompanied by the original bill of sale, detailing the car as an Abingdon edition
- Full owners folder containing various operating manuals and service booklet
- Comprehensive collection of specialist service history from throughout the car’s lifetime
- Collection of French servicing and registration paperwork
- Correct and current UK V5 registration document
- MOT valid until March 2023
- The car previously wore the registration mark OMK 1L but is now back on its original R795 AVW plates
The Interior
- Great highly original interior
- Walnut/beige leather upholstery
- Upgraded radio system
Smart, simple, and yet at the same time rather luxurious. Being an Abingdon edition, the cabin of this MG is lavishly appointed in smart walnut beige leather upholstery, embellished with contrasting green piping, and complemented with wood finish trim panels. Presenting in good, clean and largely original condition the inside of this MGF is certainly a lovely place to be and very much stands out from the average MGF interior.
The aforementioned leather seating, much like the entirety of the cabin, has borne the test of time incredibly well and presents with very minimal wear, strong bolstering and cushioning. The leather is of a good quality and still rich in its beige hue. The same can be said for the various other leather appointments in the cabin, including the two tone factory sports steering wheel, handbrake and gearstick gaiters and the excellent, neat door panels.
Sloping down through the centre of the interior, the wood finish control panel is in impeccable order. A prime example of quality MG craftsmanship, the panel still has a wonderful finish and is distinctly lacking in wear, fading or sun damage. The various switchgear housed within, including the upgraded radio head unit and electric window controls, which still operate correctly and with ease, are all of a similarly good and clean nature.
The rest of the interior plastics and dash panel are all in good standing and present as such, although there is a small crack to be seen on the top of the plastic surround over the top of the gauge cluster. There are also a selection of chrome trim pieces including the interior door handles and the centre mounted ashtray that are unique to the Abingdon edition, these are all in good order and are still present with the car.
Also, the car comes with a windbreak bought in about 2009 - an excellent extra which stops excessive wind noise and stops hair being blown.
Also, the car comes with a windbreak bought in about 2009 - an excellent extra which stops excessive wind noise and stops hair being blown.
The Exterior
- Brooklands Green paint scheme unique to the Abingdon edition
- Fold down convertible top
- Removable body colour hard top
- Abingdon alloy wheels
Arguably one of the most famous MG roadsters, the MGB launched back in 1962, it rose to instant success and still commands legendary status to this day, and so much of that was down to its wonderful exterior styling. Simple, small, and unquestionably sporty from an aesthetic perspective, the core values and the essence of the MGB are very much present in the MGF.
Whilst many may suggest that the car we see here is finished in the all too famous, British racing green, that is actually not the case. Unique to the Abingdon edition, the colour used is actually Brooklands Green, a deep glossy green hue that, in the case of the example we see here, presents in great order. The paintwork itself is in good standing with just a few general age related marks and blemishes to be seen dotted around the car, however overall, it presents well and has clearly been lovingly cared for by its one and only owner since 1998.
At the top, we find yet another piece unique to the Abingdon, the fold down convertible top, whilst the top is common to all MGFs, the colour certainly isn't. To really compliment that brooklands green paint scheme the roof fabric is beige in colour. A replacement roof was fitted circa 2006 and as such, the top is in excellent shape, the colouring is still rich and the upholstery is of a high quality, with just a small pin hole to be seen at the rear. The roof itself detracts quickly and with ease, and when down, it can be stowed away under a matching beige tonneau cover which sits within the smart rear storage area.
Perspective buyers who don't favour the wind in their hair, or are looking to drive the MGF during the more demanding winter months, will be pleased to learn that the MGF also comes with a colour matched, brooklands green hard top roof.
At ground level, sit four 16” Abingdon alloy wheels, all in good shape although presenting with some blemishing and patina. Whilst these alloys did carry over onto other MGF variants, it was here with the Abingdon edition that they were first introduced. A fifth spare wheel is also present with the car and is stored in the front storage section.
The Mechanics
- Excellent mid mounted four cylinder engine
- Regularly maintained by specialist workshops
- Great mechanical order
The MGF does a marvellous job of showing exactly what an affordable, economical sports car really should be. So much of that comes down to the 1796cc powerhouse planted in the centre of the car. The strong four cylinder is raw and peppy, and courtesy of its location in the car is a dynamic marvel.
The example in this MGF is in great order, courtesy of a new battery it fires into life quickly and with ease. A true testament to the mechanical quality, the car has seen regular longer road trips down into France, on which it performed flawlessly. Interested parties will be pleased to hear that the head gasket has already been replaced on this car alongside regular servicing by MG Rover specialists.
On the road the little MG really is a joy to behold. Plenty of power on tap, with short crisp gear changes. Light and rewarding are arguably the two words that do this car the most justice from a mechanical standpoint.
It should be noted that the current owner reports that there is sometimes a struggle to engage reverse, however it does indeed engage and move in reverse once secured in gear.
Summary
When it first launched, the MGF rocketed to the top of the affordable sports car charts and looking at this example it really is very clear to see why.
A brilliant overall package that combines good performance, with high build quality and genuine every day usability if one wishes. The MGF is very much a jack of all trades and precisely what one wants in a modern classic.
As one of just 150 VVC Abingdon editions, this car presents an incredibly rare opportunity for the avid MG enthusiast. These cars so rarely come to market, especially genuine one owner cars which present in such good original form.
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