12th Nov, 2023 12:00
The Bolesworth Castle November 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction
1998 MGF 1.8 VVC Abingdon Roadster
*** NO RESERVE*** Special edition of just 356, powered by the larger-capacity VVC engine
Registration - L14 HAM
Chassis Np - SARRDWBTCWD036617
M.O.T. - May 2024
Odometer - 88,677
The MGF and TF have something in common with the venerable Triumph Stag – now that enthusiasts know how to avoid possible problems with the cooling system, their popularity is increasing year on year, and they certainly offer a lot of smiles per pound. This tidy 1998 example is one of just 500 Abingdon special editions, and one of only 356 equipped with the punchy VVC version of the 1.8-litre K Series engine. All examples were finished in Brooklands Green and trimmed in black-piped beige leather. ‘L14 HAM’ was purchased new from the Douglas Graham dealership in Windsor on May 2, 1998 for £23,950, and the original purchase invoice forms part of the lot. So too does the cherished registration ‘L14 HAM’, which was added to the car in 2005 by a Major D K Hamilton who has been one of the MG’s 10 keepers to date. We understand the car’s cylinder head was upgraded in 2007, and the vendor now classes the four-cylinder engine, five-speed manual gearbox, bodywork and upholstery as ‘good’, and the paintwork as ‘average’. He is selling the TF at No Reserve, complete with leather hood cover, fly screen, pair of keys, extensive history and a current MOT valid into May next year.
The MGF was penned as early as 1991 by Steve Harper of MGA Developments and then honed over the next few years by Rover’s in-house design team. The result was a pretty, sharp-handling, mid-engined two-seater powered by a 1796 cc version of the company’s K Series engine, mated to a close ratio five-speed manual gearbox. The impressive ride was courtesy of Hydragas suspension similar to that of the Metro. The hood mechanism was a modified version of the Mazda MX5 unit built under licence. Performance was lively – for the VVC (Variable Valve Control) version, think around 7.0 seconds for the 0-60mph sprint and top speed of 130mph. Some 77,269 MGFs had been built by the time the model was supplanted by the TF in 2002.
In summary:
- One of only 356 Abingdon special editions built with the VVC engine
- A 10-keeper example displaying 88,677 MOT-supported miles
- Features upgraded head and comes with history and current MOT
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Sold for £1,406
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)
Registration - L14 HAM
Chassis Np - SARRDWBTCWD036617
M.O.T. - May 2024
Odometer - 88,677
The MGF and TF have something in common with the venerable Triumph Stag – now that enthusiasts know how to avoid possible problems with the cooling system, their popularity is increasing year on year, and they certainly offer a lot of smiles per pound. This tidy 1998 example is one of just 500 Abingdon special editions, and one of only 356 equipped with the punchy VVC version of the 1.8-litre K Series engine. All examples were finished in Brooklands Green and trimmed in black-piped beige leather. ‘L14 HAM’ was purchased new from the Douglas Graham dealership in Windsor on May 2, 1998 for £23,950, and the original purchase invoice forms part of the lot. So too does the cherished registration ‘L14 HAM’, which was added to the car in 2005 by a Major D K Hamilton who has been one of the MG’s 10 keepers to date. We understand the car’s cylinder head was upgraded in 2007, and the vendor now classes the four-cylinder engine, five-speed manual gearbox, bodywork and upholstery as ‘good’, and the paintwork as ‘average’. He is selling the TF at No Reserve, complete with leather hood cover, fly screen, pair of keys, extensive history and a current MOT valid into May next year.
The MGF was penned as early as 1991 by Steve Harper of MGA Developments and then honed over the next few years by Rover’s in-house design team. The result was a pretty, sharp-handling, mid-engined two-seater powered by a 1796 cc version of the company’s K Series engine, mated to a close ratio five-speed manual gearbox. The impressive ride was courtesy of Hydragas suspension similar to that of the Metro. The hood mechanism was a modified version of the Mazda MX5 unit built under licence. Performance was lively – for the VVC (Variable Valve Control) version, think around 7.0 seconds for the 0-60mph sprint and top speed of 130mph. Some 77,269 MGFs had been built by the time the model was supplanted by the TF in 2002.
In summary:
- One of only 356 Abingdon special editions built with the VVC engine
- A 10-keeper example displaying 88,677 MOT-supported miles
- Features upgraded head and comes with history and current MOT
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Auction: The Bolesworth Castle November 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction, 12th Nov, 2023
Our November auction of classic and performance cars
Viewing Days:
Saturday 11th November,12 noon - 6pm
Sunday 12th November, 9am - 12 noon
If you wish to consign your vehicle to this auction, you can request a valuation here or by calling one of the Hampson Auctions team on 01606 828124
Fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch with a no-obligation valuation. We will also take you through the consignment and valuation process, to enable you to make an informed decision.
If you prefer to contact us directly please call 01606 828 124 or email info@hampsonauctions.com
