Highlights
- One owner from new
- Just 12,000 miles
- Virtually showroom condition
The Appeal
It’s not often that we see a car that was bought new and has had that same owner at the same home address for 24 years!
The MG was purchased new by the owner in February 1998 from Rover dealer Grays Thurrock Motors and then kept by him until just recently when he gave up driving. Obviously always garaged and used sparingly it has covered few miles in recent years.
A quick look at the faultless MoT history tells us that in 2008 it had covered just 10,000 miles in 10 years. At the last MoT it had covered a mere 70 miles since 2018!
A quick look at the faultless MoT history tells us that in 2008 it had covered just 10,000 miles in 10 years. At the last MoT it had covered a mere 70 miles since 2018!
A quick look at the photos will show you all you need to know; this is a virtually new car!
History and Paperwork
- One owner from new -24years!
- First registered 28th February 1998
- Purchased from Grays Thurrock Motors
- Original order form and purchase invoice on file
- Pre-delivery Inspection Sheet
- Ordered in British Racing Green (Metallic) with Black Leather interior
- Just 12,000 miles from new
- No MoT advisories since 2006
- MoT valid until March 2023
- Collection of old Tax Discs from 2001-13
- MG Owners Wallet with all books
- Service book with one Dealer stamp in 1999 at 1228 miles
- 2 sets of keys with remotes and MG keyrings
The Interior
- Showroom condition interior
- Excellent optional black leather
- Original MG floor mats still in place
The first thing that strikes you once you hop into the MG is how clean and untouched it looks. The steering wheel shows no wear, the driver’s seat has minor creasing, the passenger seat is untouched. As a £723 option (HAM) the black leather option wasn’t cheap but it has lasted well. The carpets have no marks, wear or stains.
Ordered from new with MG branded floor mats, it looks to us that these have never been out of the car. The ashtray is unused, as is the cigarette lighter. The glovebox, complete with cassette holders, is clean and luckily the MG comes with a selection to keep to you entertained! You can choose from Abba, Mark Knopfler, the Shadows, or a home recorded mystery ADK C90; we know what it is but you can find out once you’ve placed the winning bid!
Ordered from new with MG branded floor mats, it looks to us that these have never been out of the car. The ashtray is unused, as is the cigarette lighter. The glovebox, complete with cassette holders, is clean and luckily the MG comes with a selection to keep to you entertained! You can choose from Abba, Mark Knopfler, the Shadows, or a home recorded mystery ADK C90; we know what it is but you can find out once you’ve placed the winning bid!
The original radio/cassette works, as do all the other electricals, including the windows. The sun visors with fold out sections that are intact. Usually these are broken as the fold out sections are easily snapped off. The MG was also ordered with a fold up wind stop that is still in place behind the seats. The door panels are clean and untouched with no scuff marks.
The chrome sill plates are equally like new. At the rear of the MG the luggage area behind the mid-engine is clean and tidy with the original net still in place. Lifting the bonnet reveals a virtually untouched storage area, with just a couple on scratches to the plastic and a light dusting of oxidation in a couple of areas. It’s virtually showroom fresh with no dirt of grime to be seen.
The chrome sill plates are equally like new. At the rear of the MG the luggage area behind the mid-engine is clean and tidy with the original net still in place. Lifting the bonnet reveals a virtually untouched storage area, with just a couple on scratches to the plastic and a light dusting of oxidation in a couple of areas. It’s virtually showroom fresh with no dirt of grime to be seen.
Overall the inside of the MG is pretty near perfect, and excellent for a car approaching its 25th birthday!
The Exterior
- Excellent British Racing Green paint
- Soft top in good condition, folds easily
- Excellent and original alloy wheels with virtually new tyres
Delivered with optional British Racing Green Metallic (HAM) paint the MG also has the optional high level brake light, and MG logo mudguards. The paintwork is in excellent condition with no signs of any bubbling in the usual areas, a reflection of its pampered life and low mileage. Upon close inspection there are a few tiny stone chips on both mirrors and around the front bumper, but they are barely noticeable.
The glass is all unmarked, including the headlights that can become cloudy after years exposed to sunlight. These are clear and bright and free of stone chips. There are other nice details that corroborate the MG’s history. The supplying Dealer’s number plates are still here, looking fresh, as is the original tax disc holder.
The glass is all unmarked, including the headlights that can become cloudy after years exposed to sunlight. These are clear and bright and free of stone chips. There are other nice details that corroborate the MG’s history. The supplying Dealer’s number plates are still here, looking fresh, as is the original tax disc holder.
The wheels are standard MG 15 inch six spoke alloys and all four are in excellent condition without a mark on them. All sport the correct MG centre caps. Tyres are Goodyears on all four wheels; these look to be virtually unused although we don’t know when they were replaced.
The soft top is in good condition and folds and stows easily. The rear window is clear and free of any splits or damage. The roof cover fits well, and looks smart.
The Mechanics
- Drove beautifully on the day we visited
- Plenty of power and precise gear change
- Signs of regular maintenance
We drove the MG to and from the photoshoot and can confirm that it drives just as it should. There is plenty of power from the 1.8 litre K series engine, and the gear change is short and precise. There isn’t a great deal of service history with the MG, just one stamped Dealer service at 1,228 miles, but it’s obvious that plenty of effort has been expended to keep it as fresh as it is.
The oil has obviously been changed, but there are no invoices to show whether maintenance was carried out by a garage. But we would have to question if that is an issue on a 12,000 mile car? It drives beautifully and a simple visual inspection goes far to allay any concerns.
The oil has obviously been changed, but there are no invoices to show whether maintenance was carried out by a garage. But we would have to question if that is an issue on a 12,000 mile car? It drives beautifully and a simple visual inspection goes far to allay any concerns.
Summary
If you looking for a great example either as a driver, or to complete an MG collection this car will not disappoint. It would only take a little effort to take it to concours level; there can be very few that remain in such exceptional condition.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
