‘Time warp’ 1980 MG BGT to go under the hammer

A 1980 MG BGT in time-warp condition with an incredibly low mileage is going under the hammer. The sports car will be offered by Classic Car Auctions in its biggest-ever sale on 1-2 April at the NEC, Birmingham.

Presented in original condition, the right-hand drive manual example was first registered on 17 September 1980 - the very last year of production. It carries an estimate of £12,000 to £15,000.

The car has had just one registered owner and has clocked up just 1500 miles since leaving the British Leyland dealership in September 1980.

The car has spent more than 30 years in dry storage, remaining almost untouched other than to be treated with rustproofing to be serviced in April 1982. It was made ready for the road in December 2014, and shortly after passed its first MoT test with 1348 miles showing.

Finished in Brooklands Green paintwork with orange and brown 'deckchair' trim, as well as the chrome works, glass, headlining, dashboard and carpets all retained in very good condition.

‘This is a genuine, preserved, unrestored example of a much-loved and enjoyable, classic British sports car,’ explains Nigel Gough, classic car specialist. ‘Rarely do we see a car of this age with such a low mileage, and the owner has clearly kept the car this way intentionally to create what we call a time-warp example of the model, which is highly collectible.’

Included in the sale is original documentation, including the initial bill of sale, an invoice for ‘Protectol' rustproofing service costing £112, and the original service book with one entry on 26 April, 1982, indicating a mileage at that point of 984.

To find out more about the 1980 MG B GT and the full line-up of cars on offer at CCA’s sale at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show visit classiccarauctions.co.uk.