World famous MG dubbed The Old Speckled Hen to be auctioned with guide price of £50k to 60k

One of the world's most famous saloon cars known as The Old Speckled Hen is to be auctioned with a weighty estimate of between £50,000 and £60,000.
The original WL 3450 Old Speckled Hen is to be auctionedThe original WL 3450 Old Speckled Hen is to be auctioned
The original WL 3450 Old Speckled Hen is to be auctioned

The 1927 MG, which began life as a 14/28 model but was updated to 14/40 when Morris Garages was formed, is one of just three with an expensive Salonette coachwork.

Described by auctioneers as the best-known MG in the world, having lent its name to the beer, it was its distinctive silver and black livery which saw it christened 'Speckled Hen'.

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It's seen a fair history, having survived a major fire shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War, and passing through the hands of several owners before being discovered in Wales in the late 1990s by an acknowledged 'flat rad' MG specialist.

The original WL 3450 Old Speckled Hen is to be auctionedThe original WL 3450 Old Speckled Hen is to be auctioned
The original WL 3450 Old Speckled Hen is to be auctioned

Still fitted with a lowered back axle for competitive events and having served as the subject of several articles in MG World, auctioneers say its condition is testament to seller's skills, making it a collectors item for any enthusiasts.

“There can be few vintage cars that have had a beer named after them; Morland Brewery first concocting ‘Old Speckled Hen’ in 1979 to mark the 50th snniversary of MG and fewer still that have led such an interesting life," said Damian Jones, head of sales for H&H Classics which is coordinating the auction at the Imperial War Museum Duxford on October 14.

"A fascinating car in its own right, ‘WL 3450’ has been pictured with the likes of petrolhead and AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson and is surely a ‘must buy’ for anyone compiling the ultimate MG collection."

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