1996 MG MGF

OK, OK – there’s really no such thing as an MGf Special, but this one’s had so much done to it that it almost qualifies ... almost.... but it is quite a special MGf !

Owned by two members of the same family since new and the current owner for 27 years, ‘The Flying Tomato’ - as it was christened by the dealer that spec’d it - has been in constant use (Covid apart) proving just what a fabulous model MG produced. It’s been all over Europe, been the daily commute and yes, it’s done track days - for which it’s none the worse. In fabulous condition, it has many more miles and days of fun left in it.

As a part of general improvement for appearance, safety, longevity and track day performance, it has had a considerable amount done to it -

• The standard brakes replaced with 280mm front and 240mm rear grooved discs and EBC ‘Yellow Stuff’ pads. The most cost-effective way of getting round a circuit faster is to improve the brakes !

• Brake hoses replaced with braided stainless steel hoses for a noticeably firmer pedal ‘feel’.

• Suspension modified by Techspeed, lowered by 10mm and Bilstein shock absorbers fitted. It was Techspeed who set up the MGF race series cars.

• The steering rack replaced with higher geared item as used on MG TF for more responsive steering

• K&N air filter replaced standard – it’s supposed to increase the power a bit, but the greatest effect is on the induction noise – a beautifully restrained ‘roar’ !

• Orange indicator covers replaced with clear ones – just because they look better

• Plastic fuel injection body replaced with aluminium equivalent (same size)- for durability

• Wheels powder coated – to look better for longer.

Last year’s work, costing £3,250 and performed by the MGF Centre in Wolverhampton – real MGF specialists – included-

• Replacing the head gasket – with the latest and proven Land Rover type. The head was skimmed – just in case

• Replacement of the oil rail with strengthened version

• Replacement of the big end shells – at the car’s mileage a sensible precaution as the engine was open anyway

• Full cam belt service including cam belt and tensioner, water pump

• New plugs, HT leads, distributor caps and rotor arm

• Replacement of engine coolant rail with stainless steel version –for longevity

• Replacement of coolant pipes (that run under the car from engine to radiator) with stainless steel version –for longevity

• New ‘Yellow Stuff’ brake pads all round

As my local garage who’s looked after the car for years said ‘ it’s been kept perfect, regardless of cost’. Maintenance and modification has always been to keep the car safe, reliable, fun and long-lived. It’s 29 years old now and will last long into full ‘classic’ status. Next job to be done is refurb of driver’s seat.

Car comes with MoT, a minidisc / radio unit, lots of minidiscs and a minidisc deck for recording favourite tunes – also the original OEM radio/cassette unit. Draught stop, hardtop and hardtop wall-mounting brackets, indoor car cover, boot rack, touch-up paint, huge file of bills, MoTs etc from new.

Call me for details – above all, I want it to go to a good home. NB - photos show two reg numbers - it's the same car - the PGS plate is a 'personal' registration and is not on the car now.