Registration: G134 TUT
Chassis: SAXXFXND1BD880871
Odometer: 55,424
Transmission: Manual
MOT: September 2026
- Rare late-production 1989 MG Metro Turbo
- Comprehensive restoration completed in 2015
- Only approximately 5,000 miles covered since restoration
Few cars capture the spirit of the 1980s British hot hatch quite like the MG Metro Turbo. Small, lightweight and endowed with genuine character, the Turbo took the humble Metro and transformed it into something altogether more exciting. Today, surviving examples are remarkably scarce, making a properly presented, low-mileage car such as this increasingly difficult to find.
This 1989 MG Metro Turbo is an exceptional survivor, finished in the model's wonderfully period Flame Red and presenting in superb condition throughout. The car underwent a comprehensive restoration completed in 2015, during which it was stripped back to a rolling shell before being refurbished and refinished to a very high standard. Remarkably, it has covered only around 5,000 miles since that work was completed. The quality of the restoration is still clearly evident today, with the body remaining straight, clean and extremely well presented. More recently, the underside has also been undersealed, providing additional protection and helping to preserve the car for the future.
The restoration extended beyond simply applying fresh paint. The engine and ancillaries were removed to allow the engine bay to be properly prepared and refinished, while the original 13-inch Turbo alloy wheels were refurbished and new tyres fitted. Shortly after completion, the quality of the finished car was recognised with a first prize at an MG Car Club event in West Yorkshire in 2016.
Inside, the Metro is equally impressive. The distinctive grey sports interior with red detailing remains remarkably fresh, retaining precisely the sort of wonderfully period appearance that makes these cars so appealing today. The seats, carpets, dashboard, door cards and headlining all present extremely well and complement the exterior beautifully.
Under the bonnet sits the famous 1,275cc A-Series Turbo engine, employing a Garrett T3 turbocharger and producing approximately 93bhp. While that figure may appear modest by modern standards, the Metro weighs little more than 800kg, resulting in the lively and entertaining performance for which these cars became renowned. Power is delivered through the four-speed manual gearbox, and this particular example is reported to run and drive superbly.
The odometer currently displays 55,424 miles, which is understood to be genuine and is supported by the accompanying documentation. Importantly, the car comes with a history file containing previous MOT certificates, invoices and supporting paperwork, together with its owner's literature and two keys, providing reassuring provenance for what is now a genuinely collectable little MG.
Scarcity is becoming an important part of the MG Metro Turbo story. Once a familiar sight on British roads, attrition has been enormous and only a tiny number remain road-licensed today. Finding one is difficult enough; finding one with genuine low mileage, an extensive history, documented restoration and this level of presentation is considerably harder.
With its superb Flame Red bodywork, wonderfully preserved period interior, genuine low mileage and extensive supporting history, this represents an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire one of Britain's most charismatic 1980s hot hatches in genuinely impressive condition.
