Description
A little cracker. With just 42, 790 miles from new and 1-registered owner (a retired engineer) to late 2025, this stunning top-specification MGF VVC presented in Metallic British Racing Green with Ash Green trim comes with one of the largest history files I have ever witnessed on a modern classic. With every receipt for maintenance from the original Sales Order in June 1997 to the last service in August 2025, it has needed for nothing and unsurprisingly drives as well as it looks. Fully optioned from the factory with Black Hardtop, luggage carrier, Dark Wood veneer trim and front fog lights, this is the real deal and has clearly been cherished and enjoyed sparingly. With a market now waking up the charms of these diminutive mid-engined British roadsters, now perhaps is the time to buy and a Mk. 1 VVC model in the right colour with exemplary history surely must be the way to go. Come and experience it for yourself. It genuinely doesn`t disappoint on any level.
Launched in September 1995, the MGF was a mid-engined 2-seater sports car that was aimed to directly rival Mazda`s MX-5 in terms of both ability and affordability. Initially just available with one engine choice, a 1. 8 litre 120BHP unit, a performance version soon followed offering 143BHP through variable valve control. The VVC, as it was known, now had proper sports car credentials and with a sprint time to 60MPH around 7 seconds was quicker then virtually any of its rivals. Another unique feature of the “F” was Hydragas suspension employing interconnecting fluid and gas displacers, offering a comfortable ride with excellent handling. The car proved an immediate hit and by the late 1990`s was Britain`s best selling convertible car. In 1999, a styling facelift saw further engine choices including the Trophy with 160BHP with further changes coming in 2002 with the introduction of the all-new “TF” model. Albeit based on the “F” platform, it was an entirely different car in every other way and to many the original sporting character had been lost. Production of the “TF” was suspended in April 2005 when sadly MG Rover collapsed. Of around 77, 000 “F”`s built, it would seem that just over 1, 000 are currently licensed on UK roads today.
Our car was supplied new through Marshalls of Peterborough on 2nd August 1997 to an engineer residing in Stamford in Lincolnshire. Ordered in the previous June, this was a fully optioned top specification VVC model presented in Metallic British Racing Green with Ash Green trim and came with factory-supplied Black Hardtop, luggage carrier and front fog lights costing an additional £1765 on top of the £20, 898 paid for the MG itself. All early servicing (up to 2010) was undertaken by Marshalls themselves and documented by 13 service stamps in 2 consecutive Service Portfolios and considerable bills and receipts. Notable highlights over this period include a full brake overhaul in 2002 and a cambelt service at 20, 815 miles in 2003. In 2009, the car visited the MGOC Workshops at Swavesey for more detailed work to include another cambelt change, new radiator, replacement stainless steel exhaust manifold, new front wishbones and replacement dash trim kit. Mileage at this point was 33, 245. Around 2 years later, with retirement beckoning, the car and it`s owner headed South to the Dorset coast and has remained there until this day being maintained religiously by KRS Motors (part of BB Cars) in Burton Bradstock. Over the past 15 years, the MG has visited their workshops on no less than 26 occasions. Once again, all work has been fully documented with key moments to include a new clutch, water pump and cambelt at 37, 524 miles in 2015, replacement Hydragas units and recharge, full brake overhaul, replacement head and taillights and front wheel bearings in 2016, minor paintwork in 2018, a cambelt and water pump replacement in 2022 at 41, 747 miles and new window regulators and front stereo speakers in 2024. In addition to this, the MG returned to the MGOC Workshops in 2018 for a full braking system overhaul and upgrade to include the fitting of a combined servo and master cylinder assembly with stiffening bracket, new front and rear callipers, Mintex pads and the fitting of a snorkel heater air intake. KRS Motors last saw the car in August 2025 for servicing and MoT inspection, since when the car has been garage-stored owing to the poor health of the owner. Very sadly he died at the end of 2025 and whilst his widow has transferred ownership into her name, the car has not been driven until now. With an imminent move back to Lincolnshire on the cards, the MG is now seeking a new loving home.
The car presents just as can be seen in the photographs. It is a superb example of a top specification “F” that has been fastidiously maintained in the hands of just one long-term keeper. It has had some minor bodywork and paintwork and displays a few age-related blemishes but the overall presentation is stunning with very clean and original VVC alloys (with as-new Toyo Proxes tyres) and an excellent hood with heated glass rear `screen. Inside, the cabin tells a similar story with barely any wear apparent to the Ash Green trim and everything as it came from the factory. Even the original MG radio-cassette. Turn the key and the engine fires immediately into life sounding sporty and purposeful. On the road, the MG is an absolute delight and I had forgotten just how much fun these diminutive roadsters can be. Especially this version with approaching 150BHP on tap. It is genuinely fast and handles superbly with excellent brakes and a surprisingly comfortable ride thanks to the Hydragas set-up. On a hot July afternoon, I drove back from Burton Bradstock towards Weymouth and took full advantage of every twist and turn in the coast road. It is without doubt a car that could be used and enjoyed daily (as indeed I am at the moment!) but could be polished up and taking to a show at a weekend. These early cars, especially in this specification, are definitely one to watch for the future.
The MG comes with a large and detailed history file going right back to the original Purchase Order of June 1997, supplying dealer literature from August that year, a full Book Pack with stamped-up Service Portfolio Book, Handbook and Service Guide, bills and receipts from all maintenance undertaken by Main Dealer, Marshalls of Peterborough, MGOC Workshop receipts from 2009 and 2018, extensive bills from 2011 to 2025 recording all work undertaken KRS Motors, old MoT Certificates, a current V5C and 2 sets of keys. In addition, the car comes with its original Black factory Hardtop, luggage carrier, some spare parts, a Workshop Manual, several books and a framed picture of the car itself. Currently benefitting from an MoT Certificate to 18th August 2026, a fresh 12-month MoT will be issued at point of sale.
Essentially 1-owner from new with super-low mileage and full and extensive history. What an opportunity.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today. We are happy to take a reservation fee to hold a vehicle but as a dealership, we don`t operate a structured distance selling scheme.
