Description
1985 Austin Montego 1. 6 HL - Clove Brown - Genuine 22, 694 Miles - Very Original Car
For sale is my extremely original 1985 Austin Montego 1. 6 HL, finished in the classic British Leyland Clove Brown. The car has covered a genuine 22, 694 miles, supported by DVLA records going back to 2006. I have owned the car since July 2016 and have used it only sparingly for classic shows and club meets. It remains one of the most honest and unspoilt Montego's you're likely to find.
The exterior presents very well, with a nice shine to the Clove Brown paintwork. As expected for a 40 year old car there are a few age-related marks, including a small patch of rust beginning around the rear window and a couple of cracks in the plastic rear window surround caused by this year's unusually hot summer. There is also a small crack in the front bumper on the passenger side, as shown in the photos. Earlier this year the car was fitted with four NOS “Cheese Grater” alloy wheels and matching tyres after metric tyres became unobtainable; the original Montego plastic wheel trims are included should the buyer wish to return the car to steel wheels. A spare tyre is present.
Inside, the Montego is a real standout. The caramel velour seats are in exceptional condition with very little wear, and the brown cut pile carpets are clean and in excellent shape. The dashboard, like many Montegos, has developed a couple of cracks, the largest above the instrument binnacle. The headlining has sagged but the material itself is clean, tidy, and free from rips, so it would respond well to reattaching or recovering. Aside from these typical age related issues, the interior remains remarkably original and very presentable throughout.
Structurally the car is very solid. Both the inner and outer sills are in excellent condition with no rust or any signs of previous repairs, and to my knowledge the car has never been welded. All doors and wheel arches are also free from rust, which is increasingly rare on surviving Montegos. The underside is solid throughout, though it would benefit from being undersealed if it is to be stored outside for long periods. A custom made breathable Storm Force outdoor car cover is included in the sale.
Mechanically the 1. 6-litre engine runs well, pulls strongly, and keeps up with modern traffic without issue. The car has covered just 1, 184 miles since its last service on 12/ 06/ 2024. The mileage currently reads 22, 694. The gearbox does have an intermittent crunch when going into third gear. My local garage inspected this and believes it is likely due to synchromesh wear; the car is still perfectly drivable, but the issue is mentioned for full transparency.
I have owned this Montego for nearly a decade, and aside from being off the road for just over four years before its recommissioning last year, it has always been kept in clean, dry storage and used carefully. Although the Montego came to me with no previous history/ paperwork, the DVLA mileage history and the car's overall condition strongly support the mileage as genuine.
This is a very honest, original and increasingly rare Montego that always gets attention at shows. It would make an excellent addition to any British classic collection or a brilliant starter classic for someone wanting something unusual, usable and charming.
**** SOLD AS SEEN**** Private sale - no warranty offered or implied. Independent inspection welcome.
