Austin Austin Montego History

Launched in 1984, the Montego was the larger, three-box saloon partner to the Maestro, aimed at the Ford Sierra and Vauxhall Cavalier and replacing the Ambassador and the Morris Ital. A roomy estate followed and became a popular workhorse. Like the Maestro, early upmarket cars offered the synthesised 'talking dashboard'.

The performance flagship was the MG Montego Turbo, which made about 150 bhp and reached 126 mph. The Austin name was phased out in 1987–88, so the Montego was among the very last Austins; it carried on badge-free, and as a Rover, until 1994, with roughly 570,000 of all versions built.