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In February of this year, Sean decided to take a walk on the mild side and purchase a 1985-model Austin Montego 1.3 “Base”. ‘I quite like the old 80s cars. They offer a far more enjoyable driving experience than the modern stuff. For that reason, I seem to gravitate more toward the “base spec” cars. For example, a car with manual choke and no central locking is a real novelty’. Indeed, Mr. Greenwood has kindly provided us with an extensive list detailing his Montego’s stunning lack of luxury:

1. Painted over exterior chrome window surround trim (yes, painted - from chrome to black!).
2. 13” wheels.
3. No clock.
4. Dummy high engine temp + low fuel lights (all fixtures and fittings are in place except the bulbs themselves!).
5. Two-speed wipers (no intermittent wipe).
6. No front anti-roll bar.
7. No rear grab handles.
8. No boot light.
9. No internally adjustable door mirrors.
10. Full vinyl door cards without storage bins (driver gets one bin - but this is missing on my car)

Sean also points out that the Base subsequently ‘gained a digital clock, dipping rear view mirror, intermittent wash wipe and a glove box lamp’ but as an early model, B 226 YHG lacks these decadent items. However, it is fitted with one option – ‘a 5-speed gearbox’. The cheapest model used ‘an old VW gearbox - exclusive to the Base’.

It should be remembered that this specification was far from unusual by the standards of the day. In the mid-1980s such Montego company cars were regularly assigned to taxi drivers/“junior electives”/anyone who annoyed the company secretary at the office Christmas party. As for the stunningly beige paint finish, it serves as a reminder that provincial life circa 1985 was frequently one of modest expectations of enjoyment. This was a time when people were mesmerised by a new car with ‘stylish body colour bumpers and generous glass area’.

Naturally, Mr. Greenwood wished to restore his Austin to its full, majestic, poverty specification, but here he faced with somewhat of a challenge.  ‘I bought the car with an HL interior fitted - as the original base spec interior was very mucky. I’ve refitted it to the best of my knowledge, spruced up accordingly’. Unfortunately, while Ford PR materials would display their entry-level models with pride Sean has found only a limited amount of illustrations for their Montego equivalent.

We shall follow the refurbishment of B 226 as it is returned to the state described by Austin-Rover as breaking ‘new grounds in driving pleasure’. For now, Sean much enjoys 1.3 “Base” motoring, describing its progress as ‘steady - around town is okay. When up to speed, the motorway is fine (but loud). Slip roads, even downhill, I've never joined at over 55mph. Uphill - forget it. There's a gentle incline where I live - a 1.5 mile stretch dual carriageway. Never topped 35mph on that whole stretch.’

Furthermore, ‘when mixing with modern traffic, the beige Montego looks totally alien - as confirmed by the stares it attracts’. The Lure of the Beige clearly remains strong even after 35 years - If Howard and Hilda from Ever Decreasing Circles did not run a Montego 1.3 “Base” they really should have done.

With Thanks To: Sean Greenwood

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We have links with some of the top classic car clubs around the country and some of our policies even offer discounts of up to 25% for club members.

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• Historic rally cover
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Give your classic the protection it deserves and get a quote for your Classic Austin today.