1968 MG 1300

Vendor Geoff has owned this intriguing and unique (more on that below) little MG for two years now. “The ADO16 historian and author of ‘The Story of the BMC 1100’, the ADO16 bible, Chris Morris is of the opinion that this car is a unique build spec”, he explains. 

“Certainly, MG’s archives indicate that a MkII 1300 four-door MG never saw production, as the introduction of the 1275cc engine marked the end of the four-door bodyshell as far as MGs were concerned. However, the car’s Heritage Build Certificate persuaded him that such a car had been built after all! It’s safe to assume that there isn’t another one in existence”.

The proof of the production pudding can be found in that certificate (issued on 22 May 2021), which shows the following information:

• Chassis number: G-AS4/125566-M

• Engine number: 12H-115-A-H/1361

• Body number: 88351

• Specification: RHD, Home Market

• Colour, exterior: Tartan Red

 Trim: Black

 Hood (top): not applicable

• Date(s) built: 2 January 1968

• Date despatched: 1 February 1968

• Destination: Joseph Cockshoot & Company Limited, 

                                    Manchester

• Other numbers (where recorded): 

Commission Number: 911188

Key Numbers: FS.893, FS.934

• Details of equipment: Automatic gearbox

• Other information: The Registration Mark UHN 566F dated to 1st March 1968 and was issued in Darlington

Geoff the vendor really is a font of knoweledge on all things MG, which is as good an indication of its condition as any; it’s in excellent nick and remarkable for its age. The 1300 isn’t concours, as some would define that, but definitely a car to be displayed and one that with a little detailing under the bonnet would be a Club cup winner. It attracts admirers wherever it goes – indeed, we had to field questions from passersby when photographing it for this listing”.

So why is Geoff selling? Well, he has five MGs, and his advancing years mean that he can no longer afford the luxury of running all of them. “Sentimentally, I would love to hang on to it but it’s time to simplify my life, so four of my MGs have to go!”

The ADO16 profile is a proper charmer with its somewhat upright front view giving way to a semi-pugnacious side one and then a grown-up, pert derriere. Terry and June may be best remembered for driving a Leyland Princess, but this little tyke would have slotted straight in as cheeky second-hand steed for the lovable duo. 

Panel fit looks to be very good and the car has benefitted from a respray at some point. The Tartan Red paint generally still presents very smartly, although the upper section of the boot-lid can look a little faded from certain angles – perhaps a paint correction may bring it back in line with the others in terms of vivacity. 

In terms of rust/corrosion, there doesn’t appear to be a spot anywhere to be found on the exterior. Wheel arches are all nice and solid, as are the sills; roof gutters are clean, as are all door-shuts and boot/bonnet drainage channels. Geoff has even included photographs of the door undersides to show just how solid they are. 

Brightwork too is excellent, as are the wheels which are a pleasant combination of cream-coloured steels with MG badge-endowed chrome hubcaps. 

Best bits? We love the centre-exit pea-shooter tailpipe, MG badges front and rear, and delicate ‘automatic’ script on the latter.

Lovely.

The car’s simple two-spoke steering wheel proudly wears its octagonal MG badge, which in period would have lent a sporting soupcon to the ADO16 formula. 

With pleasant details such as the wood fascia, horizontal speedometer and tall gear-lever it’s an enchanting cabin. The black carpets/seats and light headlining combination works to ensure a bright interior ambience.

Talking of seats, and door-cards, they are in excellent rip-, graze- and tear-free condition. The headlining, and sun-visors, have one or two small marks on them but are generally clean. Carpets remain excellent… heck, even the rubber handbrake grip remains so, as well. 

You will the original radio in situ with speakers fitted to the rear parcel shelf. A full set of grey mats, piped red, are included as is a car cover which can be found in the boot. There, you also find a matching spare wheel. Lift that, and it’s glorious clean body-coloured metal. 

This car’s cabin has a definite, and highly pleasing, time-warp feeling

“It drives like its new – honestly, it’s like a magic carpet ride,” says Geoff. “I would defy anyone with any classic car experience to drive this car and not break into a smile at the brilliance of its suspension. The ADO6 outsold every other car on the market in the UK for FIVE years between 1965 and 1974, and over 2 million variants were sold. Driving this little MG is a clear reminder as to why.

“The history file provides quite a comprehensive record of what has been spent on the car. Essentially, it has clearly been looked after for its entire life and hasn’t been given a hard time. The respray is probably the most significant expenditure”. 

Under bonnet condition of the MG is first class with a pleasant level of originality present; it’s also nice and clean. The underside too appears to be in similar condition with well protected metal. There are one or two areas where the underseal has cracked slightly with some light surface corrosion forming, but this should be easily rectified with a wire brush and some fresh rust-proofing product. 

There is a hint of overspray in one or two places from the re-spray, however, it’s generally been carried out neatly. 

As well as the car’s British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, you will also find two display boards that vendor Geoff put together; these include model information and were used at the Silverstone Live MG100 timeline (a 100-car line-up of MGs, with each vehicle representing a year from 1923-2023), and MG Car Club display at last year’s NEC Classic Car Show, respectively.

The MG’s V5c document is also present as are various invoices, some expired MOT test certificates, a handwritten receipt for its last sale (July 26th, 2021 @ £10,650) and a valuation letter from the MG Owners’ Club (dated 28th September 2021 for £12,000). 

Finally, a recent online vehicle check is present and notes no known issues with outstanding finance, having been written off, imported/exported, theft or road tax. 

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos to support our claim that this unique MG 1300 has been maintained to an excellent standard.

This is a wonderful opportunity to buy an absolute Abingdon rarity. Believed to be the only four-door MG 1300 in existence, this stunning survivor is guaranteed to provide its next owner with a unique ownership experience. 

It has been well maintained, comes with a nice history and presents in a lovely condition. As such, we think it will sell for somewhere between £6000 and £11,000.

At the bottom end we are talking bargain territory for a car that will surely gain its owner entry to a multitude of concours shows, club events and the like. Even at the top end the price is still reasonable given its provenance (i.e., being one of one produced).

Fancy a lovely, rare slice of British family motoring with a mildly sporting twist? Then get bidding... 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Witney, Oxfordshire. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.