2001 MG F 1.6

Lot details
Registration No: BU51HXK
Chassis No: SARRDMBEB2D532524
Mot Expiry: May 2007

Introduced at the March 1995 Geneva Motor Show, the MG F was the first 'clean sheet' design to wear an octagon badge in thirty-three years. Penned by Gerry McGovern, its two-door monocoque chassis was equipped with Hydragas independent suspension, rack and pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes. Powered by a transversely mid-mounted 1.8 litre K-series DOHC four-cylinder engine mated to five-speed manual transmission, the MG F could be had in various states of tune varying from 120bhp (standard) to 143bhp (VVC model). Outselling the likes of the Mazda MX-5, BMW Z3 and Toyota MR2, it soon became Britain's most popular sports car. Joined by a new 1.6 litre (110bhp, 107lbft) variant in February 2001, the same year also witnessed the finishing touches being put to its MG TF successor. Unveiled at the January 2002 Brussels Motor Show, the newcomer was more evolutionary than revolutionary but nevertheless boasted a revised coil-sprung suspension layout (double wishbone front / multi-link rear), 20% stiffer bodyshell and increased performance. Facelifted by Peter Stevens (of McLaren F1 and Lotus Elan M100 fame), its revised nose sported a more aggressive look with projector headlamps and an enlarged air intake.
According to information supplied by the vendor, 'BU51 HXK' was supplied new to its previous owner MG Rover Engineering (Birmingham) for use as a development car. Something of MG F / MG TF hybrid, it is said to combine the bodyshell of the former with the frontal styling and suspension system of the latter. Thought to have been released onto the open market only as a result of MG Rover going into receivership last year (a view apparently endorsed by the MG Owners Club), 'BU51 HXK' has reportedly covered just 1,841 miles from new. Described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its 1588cc four-cylinder engine, five-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres, it offers the purchaser an unusual dilemma. Should it be mothballed for posterity or driven as its maker intended? Either way, it is accompanied by a MOT certificate valid until May 10th 2007.