Highlights

Very low documented mileage of under 66,500 miles
Highly presented and very original car in Targa Red
One of less than 10 remaining road registered in UK
Current MOT to July 2026 with no advisories
Great example of these 115bhp mid-'80s saloons

The Appeal

For fans of the '80s cartoon Mr Benn, the MG Montego will feel familiar. Just like dowdy Mr Benn, in his visits to the fancy dress shop, with his bowler hat and black suit, the MG version transformed the Montego from the humdrum, everyday saloons into something altogether more fantastic.

For proof, take a look at this 1989 car. With its body colour spoilers and side skirts and those ultra-80s lattice alloys, it is a long way from its Austin cousins, but it is far more than a fancy dress job. Beneath the bonnet was the 2L ‘O’ series engine, reworked with fuel injection to deliver 115bhp. The MG Montego was quick, its 60 dash from standstill enough to bother most hot hatches

Finished in stand-out Targa Red, the condition is impressive and also entirely factory standard, right down to the Philips radio. It benefits from the later and more reliable analogue dashboard.

There are fewer than 10 MG Montego 2Ls still road registered in the UK, which makes the opportunity to buy this one very unusual. It must be amongst the best of the remaining cars, its condition belying Austin Rover’s ‘relaxed’ approach to build quality at the time. Much of that is likely down to the very low mileage of under 66,500 miles, but also the care of its handful of keepers.

The advisory-free MOT running to July 2026 underlines the sense of a very tidy, highly presentable car.

The vendor says:

Starts on the button. No warning lights. Mechanically sound. Pleasure to drive. Brings back fond memories.”

History and Paperwork

First registered 23rd August 1989
Seven registered keepers
Current keeper since June 2022
Factory handbooks
V5C in current keeper's name
MOT to 4th July 2026 with no advisories
66,394 miles on test and 66,427 miles showing in photos
Vendor tells us that MOT tester commented that the car was "like new"
Vehicle is part of a larger collection and been stored in a heated garage

The Condition

Presents in very good order throughout factory Targa Red
Paintwork shows few indications of use mainly limited to stone chips
There is a small scratch on the nearside rear bumper as shown
Bodywork presents well with straight panels and good panel edges
Body kit in good condition with no obvious waving to plastic finish
Lattice alloy wheels in very good order as shown
Matching Kumho tyres fitted all round
Spare wheel with tool kit in boot as shown in photos
Underside presents well with no structural advisories on MOT
Vendor advises that MG badge on boot lid is discoloured
Seller tells us that he has a new badge for replacement
Grey velour interior is factory-standard and highly preserved
Seats in good, clean condition retaining their ‘2.0’ badges
Driver’s seat shows slight creasing to squab sidewall as shown
Carpets in good order through cabin and boot
Door card, headlining, switchgear and dashboard present well
Car is fitted with the later style dashboard, generally considered more reliable
No warning lights according to seller
Factory standard interior including Philips radio cassette system
Fitted with glass sunroof

The Mechanics

1,994cc EFI ‘O’ Series 4cyl 115bhp engine
0-60 mph in 8.9 secs when new
5spd manual gearbox
Vendor states that the car starts immediately and is mechanically sound
No advisories on current MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY

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