Highlights

Launch year example, first registered in November 1984
First registered keeper retained the car for nearly 37 years
Garaged and unused for nearly three decades before full recommissioning
Extensive history file including original purchase invoice, order form, stamped service book, and dealer correspondence
Winner of Best British Car, Hanly Motors Cup 2026, Roscommon Car Club

The Appeal

The Austin Montego, launched in April 1984 as the replacement for the Morris Ital, represented a significant step forward for Austin Rover with its new S-Series engine and modern styling. Survival rates for early examples are very low, making any well-preserved launch year car a genuine rarity among British Leyland's later offerings.

This 1.6L was purchased new by its first owner, Mr Dodd, from Bell's Garage in Halesowen, part-exchanging his Austin Princess, also bought new from the same dealership, in the process. Serviced exclusively at the supplying dealer, the car passed to Mr Dodd's son following his death in 1995 and remained garaged and untouched for nearly three decades until the son's own passing in 2021. Discovered with flat tyres and advertised as spares or repair, it was acquired locally and subsequently recommissioned with a major service, cambelt replacement, and brake overhaul.

Finished in factory Arum White with the L-specification Brushwood Brown velour interior, the car retains much of its factory originality, from the early-style grille badge fitted only to the earliest production cars, to the supplying dealer's rear screen sticker and number plates. This Montego was awarded Best British Car at the Roscommon Car Club's Hanly Motors Cup in 2026.

Key Information

Mileage: 12,188 miles indicated
Country of registration: United Kingdom
MOT status: valid until 8 December 2026, with no advisories
Technical specs: 1,598cc four-cylinder petrol, five-speed manual
Paperwork: original purchase invoice, new car order form, stamped service book, service reminder letters, dealer invoices, MOT certificates, Leyland Cars handbook pack, three original keys including blue master key, two dealer key fobs, and launch year sales brochure reported present

The Detail

Full recommissioning carried out including major service, cambelt replacement and brake overhaul, we are told
Further oil service carried out in August 2025
The paintwork reportedly presents well with a uniform shine across the panels, which are described as straight and free from dings
Some minor paint blemishes and carefully touched-in markings noted
Body structure described as sound throughout, including the underside
Interior in Brushwood Brown Marle and striped velour appears in very good order
Dashboard is noted to be intact with no cracks, fading, or distortion
Headlining reported as intact with no sagging
Original Austin radio cassette reported to be operational
Factory labels, stickers, and body plates in the engine bay reported as intact, along with clear VIN stamping
Dealer-fitted number plates, rear screen sticker, and tax disc holder remain in place
Dealer-option mudflaps and tailored Montego rubber mats fitted
Colour-coded bumpers, halogen headlamps, internally adjustable door mirrors, and heated rear window as standard L specification

BEFORE YOU BUY

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