A CLASSIC hatchback that broke 21 speed records doing 135mph in a 24-hour race 35 years ago could be yours for just £16,000.
Dubbed the world’s fastest MG Metro, it was one of just two motors built by the British carmaker to contest land speed records.
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Now, for the first time in 20 years, the MG, which could reach speeds of 135mph, is up for sale.
The car had been created by a voluntary team of enthusiastic Rover Group engineers in 1989 who worked with company management to produce a modified version of the Metro.
The then-new fuel-injected motor was built with the intention of contesting records in Class F, a category for engines sized between 1,100cc and 1,300cc.
MG’s Metro GTI was developed from the earlier Turbo and Metro 1300 models but with an alignment towards modern fuel-injection systems that helped enhance performance and efficiency.
The team of engineers succeeded in increasing the power of the 1,396cc twin-cam, K-series engine from 95bhp to 140bhp.
Alongside a resilient fuel delivery system, specialist roll cage, and a number of other performance variations, the car was now capable of speeds of up to 135mph.
6,500 hours of work were spent on the project, and around 500 people were involved, to prepare the car for the required level.
While it was incredibly well executed and achieved all of its objectives, the project received only limited publicity, with the team’s success remaining relatively unknown.
Only now have their efforts risen to be noticed after they previously slipped under the radar.
Records were smashed by the team in a 24 hour event that took place at Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire, supervised by the RAC.
The June 1990 test saw the two cars continuing to lap the high speed bowl, despite heavy rain as darkness fell, until all 21 Class F records had been broken.
An official list of all the records broken can be found within the car’s history file, including the 2,911 miles and 1,727 yards it covered in exactly 24 hours, doing so at an average speed of 121.33mph.
The car is the only one to survive in its original format and condition following the event, as reported by Luxury Auto News.
Its listing reads: “It presents in excellent condition, having covered just 3,356 miles from new.
“Its state of preservation is commensurate with it being kept in a dehumidified garage for over 20 years and recently mechanically recommissioned using nearly £2,000 worth of consumable parts, including replacement of the four petrol pumps and the brake servo, as well as being freshly MOT’d.
“With the exception of a new stainless steel exhaust, no changes have been made to the car.”
Car Auctions: How To Nab A Bargain
Car auctions are a way to sell vehicles based on a bidding system with the highest offer securing the deal.
Auctions aren’t restricted to the rich and famous as thousands of cars are sold at motor auctions in the UK each week.
Here’s what you need to know before attending an auction:
- Be prepared: Do your research on the car you would like to purchase beforehand.
- Check the car: Cars will usually be lined up before the start, so make sure to arrive early to inspect the desired car thoroughly.
- Have a back-up: Be ready for disappointment as your desired motor may be sold to someone else and select a few back-ups.
- Be realistic: Realise that there won’t be a “perfect” car at an auction and adjust expectations accordingly.
- Set a budget: It is easy to overspend in the heat of the moment during bidding. Ensure you have set a budget and do not go over it.
Key phrases to look out for:
- ‘No major mechanical faults’ – suggests that there shouldn’t be any issues with the car’s drivetrain, gearbox, suspension, or engine.
- ‘Specified faults’ – the auctioneer will read out specific faults.
- ‘Sold as seen’ – the vehicle is sold with any problems it may have. The auction company will rarely entertain complaints regarding the mechanical or cosmetic condition of these vehicles after sale.
- ‘Sold with a warranted mileage’ – The car is being offered based on the report, which confirms the mileage through an independent check.
The classic car’s listing continues: “It starts easily and runs at tick-over once it is warmed up a little with the petrol pumps performing as they should.
“This is an outstanding opportunity to own a record breaking MG, a unique piece of motoring history with outstanding performance for a car of its size.
“A road-going, record breaking works car at today’s guide seems remarkable value.”
The historic motor will go on auction with Iconic Auctioneers on 22 February in Coventry.
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