1985 MG Montego EFi

Highlights

• Very early production car in launch specification with pre-facelift styling and features
• Highly original; the vendor believes this to be one of the best early examples remaining
• 25,542 indicated miles believed accurate based on condition, originality, and known history
• Recommissioned between 2009 and 2011 with many new parts and a full glass-out repaint
• Original handbook, service book and extensive recommissioning receipts present

The Appeal

When did you last see one of these?! We'll wager it's been a long time, and we'll bet the last Montego you encountered wasn't in anything near such good condition as this 1985 example. It's like stepping back in tie forty years.
The MG Montego EFi paired British Leyland's fuel-injected 2.0-litre O-Series engine with a sporting chassis and well-appointed cabin, offering a genuinely capable alternative to the contemporary sporting saloon establishment. Early pre-facelift examples in launch specification are now very scarce, and finding one in this condition is rarer still.

This 1985 car was used sparingly in its early years before being laid up in dry storage for almost two decades. It was recommissioned between 2009 and 2011, and the vendor states the paintwork presents with only a couple of very minor imperfections visible up close. The interior, featuring red carpets and seat belts, is described by the vendor as the car's best feature, preserved in unfaded condition by years of storage away from sunlight. Mechanically, the exhaust and timing belt have been recently replaced, and the vendor reports no known faults. Owners club enthusiasts are said to consider this one of the finest remaining examples.
Reluctantly offered due to a change in personal circumstances, this is an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire a highly original early MG Montego EFi.

Key Information

• Mileage: 25,542 miles indicated; believed accurate based on condition, originality, and known history
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• MOT status: valid until 13th May 2027
• Technical specs: 2.0-litre petrol, five-speed manual
• Paperwork: original handbook and service book present, along with extensive recommissioning invoices

Service book stamps:
07/06 – Guards Automotive (Inv #1001143)

• Replaced front exhaust pipe and gasket
• Replaced fuel pump and filter
• Removed and refitted fuel hose

02/89 – 17,332 miles – Gowrings of Highcliffe Ltd

• Carried out 24,000-mile maintenance service and Supershield annual inspection

04/88 – 10,250 miles – Robin Payne (Motor Engineers) Ltd

• Carried out 18,000-mile maintenance service and Supershield annual inspection

05/87 – 5,950 miles – Gowrings of Highcliffe Ltd

• Carried out 12,000-mile main annual service and Supershield annual inspection

01/86 – 1,047 miles – Westover Motors Ltd

• Carried out 1,000-mile maintenance service

09/85 – Delivery Miles – Westover Motors Ltd

• Completed factory pre-delivery inspection (PDI) and vehicle handover on 16/09/1985

The Detail

• Purchased last year through a fellow MG/Rover club enthusiast who is described as knowledgeable about Montegos and particular about his cars
• Laid up in dry storage for almost 20 years before recommissioning
• Exhaust and timing belt recently replaced for peace of mind
• The vendor reports no known mechanical faults, though idle speed is slightly higher than preferred following a stepper motor adjustment and may need further tweaking
• The vendor states the underside and wheel arches present in equally good order as the exterior
• Seats reported to be in good condition with no material degradation
• Non-standard Pioneer CD radio fitted; the vendor states everything works
• The vendor describes the car as stunning to drive, with decent turn of speed and acceleration
• The vendor states that restoring an average example to this standard would cost £10,000–£15,000
• A set of refurbished lattice-style MG alloys with hardly used tyres and Fastcheck diagnostics are available by separate negotiation

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. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.