*** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT C insurance loss in 06/2003 ***

Highlights

Ultra rare Tickford-tuned MG survivor
Factory standard car in classic Flame Red
Bodywork and mechanical overhaul by the seller
MOT to April 2025 with no advisories
Only four registered keepers

The Appeal

It was a great idea. The timing less so. Austin Rover’s belated decision to push the Maestro, blinking and bewildered, to the front of the hot hatch wars made sense, but it was too little, too late.

By the time the Turbo arrived the Maestro had been around for a while and the car’s loud and lairy body kit was out of step with the more subtle, insurance-premium-dodging times. It was good though, its Tickford-tuned 150bhp O-Series delivering 60mph in under 7secs and roundly trouncing oncomers from Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen. There were plans to build more but only the initial run of 505 cars were ever built.

All that makes this 1989 car one of the rarest and most distinctive survivors of the hot hatch era. Classically finished in bright Flame Red, it is in great order thanks to comprehensive bodywork and mechanical restoration during the seller’s twenty-year tenure.

The vendor tells us that the car starts first time and the turbo spools up as it should. The Maestro Turbo is one of the boldest - and fastest - MGs ever built and you’re unlikely to find another outside of a club event. This one has MOT to April 2025 to no advisories, so you can jump in and enjoy one of the 80s most entertaining hot hatches.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1st December 1989
Only four registered keepers
First keeper form 1989 to 1996
Second keeper from 1996 to early 1998
Third keeper to 2004
Car is number 399 in the series
Vendor acquired car in April 2004
He acquired car with superficial panel damage resulting in insurance write-off
On purchase he set about restoring the car across bodywork and mechanicals
A summary of the work is provided below
Originally supplied by Foxfield Garage, Shavington, Lancashire and retains the dealer plates
Vendor reports the car has received an oil change using fully synthetic oil every 4,000 miles
Old tax discs and MOTs to verify mileage
Service book stamped from delivery to mid-'90s
MOT to 24th April 2025 with no advisories
122,493 miles on test and now showing 123,188 miles
Over £3,000 expended on recent servicing and maintenance

Restoration and maintenance by seller:

New door seals
SIlls replaced
Engine mounts replaced
Brake lines
Wide alloy intercooler
SAMCO silicone hoses
Carburettor overhauled
New radiator
Clutch replaced
Regular servicing every 4,000 miles

Service history:

Foxfield of Shevington Wigan (22.12.89) - 1,300 miles
Foxfield of Shevington Wigan (20.03.90) - 6,120 miles
S. Hall Motors Chorley (08.08.90) - 11,900 miles
S. Hall Motors Chorley (11.04.91) - 23,546 miles
S. Hall Motors Chorley (03.01.92) - 32,900 miles
H. Atherton & Son, Wigan (06.07.92) - 39,383 miles
H. Atherton & Son, Wigan (19.03.93) - 48,773 miles
H. Atherton & Son, Wigan (12.10.93) - 56,657 miles
H. Atherton & Son, Wigan (05.04.93) - 63,208 miles
H. Atherton & Son, Wigan (22.09.94) - 70,066 miles
H. Atherton & Son, Wigan (24.02.95) - 76,464 miles
John J. Wilkinson, Crewe (15.10.17) - 103,276 miles
John J. Wilkinson, Crewe (07.05.09) - 109,988 miles
John J. Wilkinson, Crewe (20.10.10) - 112,349 miles
John J. Wilkinson, Crewe (19.10.11) - 112,887 miles
John J. Wilkinson, Crewe (09.10.12) - 114,251 miles
John J. Wilkinson, Crewe (21.10.13) - 115,002 miles
John J. Wilkinson, Crewe (24.10.14) - 116,084 miles
John J. Wilkinson, Crewe (15.10.14) - 117,898 miles
John J. Wilkinson, Crewe (25.10.16) - 119,115 miles
John J. Wilkinson, Crewe (27.10.17) - 120,563 miles
John J. Wilkinson, Crewe (28.02.19) - 121,665 miles
John J. Wilkinson, Crewe (06.04.23) - 122,533 miles
Austin Garages Burton, Staffs(25.04.24) - 122,593 miles

The Condition

Flame Red paintwork with stand-out factory body kit and Turbo decals in good condition
Paintwork presents well with light swirl marks noted by seller but ‘no scratches’ advised
Sills and fuel filler pocket have been replaced
Bodywork in good order but with nearside rear arch showing some bubbling
Underside in good condition with no underseal but some engine oil protection
Vendor tells us that the box sections have been treated with WaxOyl
Black six spoke alloy wheels in very good condition
Quality Continental tyres showing plenty of remaining tread
Original wheels have been refurbished and are included
Well kept grey fabric interior in original and largely unmodified condition
Some light wear visible to driver’s seat and some switchgear but presentable
Fitted with a boost guage to centre console as shown
Quality Kenwood Bluetooth head unit, Pioneer amp and good quality speakers
Headlining in good condition with vendor reporting it does not sag
Fitted with electric sunroof and windows and remote central locking

The Mechanics

1,998cc O-Series 150bhp turbocharged engine developed by Tickford
Single carburettor overhauled during seller’s tenure
Original matching numbers engine according to seller
5spd manual gearbox
Starts first time and boosts as it should according to the seller
No mechanical or running gear advisories on current MOT
No reported running or driving issues
Always run on superunleaded and serviced using fully synthetic oil
£3,000 recently spent on engine mounts, brakes and suspension
Long list of ongoing maintenance detailed above

BEFORE YOU BUY

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