MG's departure from the sports car market had been quite the shock for the motor industry. The closure of Abingdon had put to rest one of the greatest sports legacies on the planet, with the company's swathe of open-top B-road tacklers having become a chief British export. It wasn't until 1992 when the Rover Group restarted production of the classic MGB - as the new RV8 - that the new top bods at Longbridge realised there was potential for a new roadster. 

The car they came up with was the MG 'F' - a two-seater, simple and characterful little sports car that hit the zeitgeist perfectly. From the moment it launched in 1995, it shot to the top of the affordable sports car charts in Britain and remained there until it was replaced in 2002. These cars really did scratch that itch for legions of enthusiasts, and only more so with the Variable Valve Control iteration, which offered 143bhp thanks to the clever tinkering they'd done with the K-Series in its nose. Needless to say, they're a real modern classic now - and still pretty brilliant on those B-Roads, too. 

This particular example is a one-owner car, purchased new from Priests of Chesham in 1999 by the vendor. Having been garage-stored when not in use throughout its life, it's complete with its original purchase invoice and the removable hard top. A great base for restoration and an eminently drivable little car. 

 

BEFORE YOU BUY 

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..