Highlights
- One owner from new since 1974
- Originally ordered for a British embassy with numerous factory options
- Extensive history file including New Car Order form and sales invoice included
- Over £6,000 recently spent on comprehensive recommissioning
- Work included gearbox overhaul, new radiator, clutch and tyres and brake overhaul
- MOT until 17th September 2026
The Appeal
When you consider the enduring demand for Abingdon’s fastback GT it is a surprise to be still discovering cars like this. It is a one keeper ‘74 that has just emerged from storage after 26 years.
The car was originally ordered with an array of options, including a ‘Jack Kent Weathershield roof’ by the British Embassy. That deal apparently fell through and the current keeper bought it. He used it regularly and serviced it similarly until 1999, when it was put into storage at 96,000 miles. Shortly before lay up it was treated to a bodywork refresh, including sills and rear wings, by a classic car specialist.
The vendor recommissioned the car in August 2025 at a cost of £6,000. Most of the work was done by specialist MG Motorsport and included brake overhaul, new radiator, clutch and tyres and a full gearbox rebuild.
This very original BGT is finished in black with matching fabric interior and smart Rostyles. The bodywork and paintwork present well. The interior is presentable but ideally would benefit from a retrim as the fabric is a little loose. The car also benefits from a fresh MOT until 17th September 2026.
History and Paperwork
- First registered 1st August 1974
- One UK registered keeper
- Acquired by current keeper for £2,009.32
- Originally ordered for a British embassy with numerous factory options as below
- Features "Jack Kent Weathershield roof" option as specified from new
- The original embassy deal was not completed, leading to the current keeper's purchase
- Original New Car Order form and sales invoice remain with the car
- MOT until 17th September 2026
- Significant recommissioning work has been completed at a cost of over £6,000
- Details of recent recommissioning in August 2025 shown in photos
- Sills and wings repaired in 1997
- Dry stored 1999 to 2025
- History file includes various old MOTs and recent invoices for work
- Recommissioning by vendor and MG Motorsport as detailed in photos
The vendor says:
Ordered new by a British embassy with black paint, black velour upholstery and the options of a heated rear window, overdrive, hazard flashers, chrome wheels and a “Jack Kent Weathershield roof”. An extra £39.00 was paid for rust proofing and door mirrors were included, ‘free of charge’ (saving £8)!
“The deal was, however, not completed, and the current keeper purchased the car instead on the 1st August 1974, paying £2,009.32 to become the first and only owner. We know this because not only has he told us but the original New Car Order form and the original sales invoice remain with the car.
“Whilst the body remains in excellent condition significant work was needed to recommission the car by both ourselves and MG Motorsport at a total cost of over £6,000. This included new brakes, new radiator, complete rebuild of the gearbox, new clutch, four new tyres etc. Whilst the car’s interior would benefit from a refresh this MG is now in fine fettle.
“We also have the car’s documented history starting with the bill for the first service on the 22nd August after 1,000 miles completed free of charge other than £1.80 for oil.
The MG’s “Passport the Service” shows that the car was serviced strictly in accordance with the recommended schedule at 6,000 miles, 9,000 miles, 12,000 miles etc until the 30k service undertaken in December 1977 at 30,105 miles. The ‘vehicle diary’ shows that servicing continues throughout the 1980’s with copy invoices, mainly from The Abingdon Classic Car Company and through the 1990’s with other garages.
“In 1997 Bucks Sports & Classic Car Centre replaced both sills and both half rear wings for the sum of £4,645.93 which according to the subsequent MOT certificate was at 95,807 miles. Over the next 2 years the car covered just 1,054 miles and in 1999 the car was garaged at the current keeper’s home and remained there unused until now.”
The Condition
- Largely original and unmolested 51-year-old car in good condition
- Black paintwork presents well with only minor points to note in photos
- Bodywork appears in smart condition for its age
- Sills and rear wings replaced in 1997 with little road use since
- Sits on smart Rostyle wheels with chrome finish
- Underside as shown in photos
- Large folding vinyl sunroof
- Chromework in good order as shown with light age due to originality
- Black fabric interior with some age to note to seats, door cards and trim
- Vendor advises that interior would ideally benefit from refresh
- We are told that the front seats are a little saggy and door cards could be improved
- Interior features various extra gauges as shown
- Period radio cassette fitted and three-spoke leather wheel
The Mechanics
- 1,798cc 4cyl engine
- 4-speed manual transmission with overdrive advised by seller
- Engine emits no smoke and oil pressure sits at 60psi, we are told
- Starts easily, both hot and cold and runs smoothly says seller
- Vendor states that gearbox works well with functioning overdrive
- Recent £6,000 mechanical recommissioning by specialists as below
- MOT until 17th September 2026
Summary of recent work (more details in photos:
- Brake overhaul
- New radiator fitted
- Complete gearbox rebuild carried out
- New clutch installed
- Four new tyres fitted
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