Highlights
• Fresh high quality restoration
• Stripped to bare metal
• Photographic record of all work
• Large folder of invoices from restoration and earlier
• Lots of new parts and sensible upgrades
The Background
The MGB was launched in May 1962 to replace the MGA. Introduced as a four-cylinder roadster, a GT Coupe with 2+2 seating was added in 1965 with production continuing until October 1980. The MGB GT sported a ground-breaking design by Pininfarina with its sporty 'hatchback' style.
By combining the sloping rear window into the rear boot lid, the GT offered the flexibility of a hatchback while retaining coupe style and looks. Interestingly the top speed of the GT was higher than the roadster by 5mph at 105mph due to better aerodynamics.
By combining the sloping rear window into the rear boot lid, the GT offered the flexibility of a hatchback while retaining coupe style and looks. Interestingly the top speed of the GT was higher than the roadster by 5mph at 105mph due to better aerodynamics.
The History
The Heritage Certificate that accompanies the MG tells us that when it was first built in October 1972 it was delivered to Kennings Ltd in Burnley, Lancashire and first registered in December. Originally painted in Harvest Gold with a Navy interior, it was ordered with Overdrive gearbox, power brakes and Rostyle wheels.
The subject of a major restoration from 2018 until earlier this year, it appears that prior to being red the MG was painted dark blue, a fact borne out by the photographs taken during the most recent restoration. The car was stripped back to bare metal, and received new rear quarters, wings and A pillars. The inner and outer arches were also repaired.
Once the bodywork was complete the car was resprayed in red, and a new tan interior was installed. The engine was rebuilt, and an overdrive gearbox installed as it we know it had when first built. The MG is now being offered in freshly restored condition with only a few miles driven since completion.
The subject of a major restoration from 2018 until earlier this year, it appears that prior to being red the MG was painted dark blue, a fact borne out by the photographs taken during the most recent restoration. The car was stripped back to bare metal, and received new rear quarters, wings and A pillars. The inner and outer arches were also repaired.
Once the bodywork was complete the car was resprayed in red, and a new tan interior was installed. The engine was rebuilt, and an overdrive gearbox installed as it we know it had when first built. The MG is now being offered in freshly restored condition with only a few miles driven since completion.
The Paperwork
The is a nice fat folder of bills and invoices that show all the work and parts purchased during the most recent restoration, and stretching back further into the past when with previous owners. There is the folder of photographs taken during the restoration, with plenty showing the various stages during the repairs to the bodywork.
There are also a few old MoTs and the important Heritage Certificate issued in 2019. Looking at the MoT history we can trace the mileage back to 2009 when it had covered 32,000 miles, to 2017 at 35,000 miles.
There are also a few old MoTs and the important Heritage Certificate issued in 2019. Looking at the MoT history we can trace the mileage back to 2009 when it had covered 32,000 miles, to 2017 at 35,000 miles.
The Interior
Being a fresh restoration the interior shows no wear. The carpets and seats are unmarked clean, as is the roof lining and door panels. It appears that very few parts were used from the original interior, perhaps some of the switchgear and the gauges? Some could have been restored, but all the switches and instruments look fresh. Overall the interior can be described as new with no issues.
There is a JVC DAB radio CD with phone connectivity fitted in the dash, and an isolator switch installed behind the seat wired to the battery. In the boot all is equally fresh with new carpets. Under the boot floor there is a Rostyle spare wheel with an unused Barum Brillantis tyre.
There is a JVC DAB radio CD with phone connectivity fitted in the dash, and an isolator switch installed behind the seat wired to the battery. In the boot all is equally fresh with new carpets. Under the boot floor there is a Rostyle spare wheel with an unused Barum Brillantis tyre.
The Exterior
The outside of the MG is as immaculate as the interior. The bodywork has been finished to a high standard, the shut lines are pretty consistent and the paint finish is excellent. All the chrome trim appears to be new, including the bumpers. The glass is all perfect with no chips on either screen or headlights.
The wheels are 15 inch Minator alloys, and all four have Continental tyres that show very little wear. We would say that overall the finish is probably better than MG managed from the factory in 1972.
The wheels are 15 inch Minator alloys, and all four have Continental tyres that show very little wear. We would say that overall the finish is probably better than MG managed from the factory in 1972.
The Mechanics
Under the bonnet everything looks to be pretty much factory correct. The engine bay has a little road grime that shows it has been driven since the resto was completed, but the is no sign of oil leaks. The wiring has all been completed to a good standard.
There are a couple of notable upgrades present: a Revotech thermostatic fan is fitted, and an oil cooler is mounted ahead of the radiator plumbed with braided hoses to the engine. The underside appears to be clean and solid, with a stainless exhaust, and new Gaz adjustable shock absorbers on the rear axle. On the short drive to the photo location the MG drove well, with plenty of pep and a nice exhaust note.
There are a couple of notable upgrades present: a Revotech thermostatic fan is fitted, and an oil cooler is mounted ahead of the radiator plumbed with braided hoses to the engine. The underside appears to be clean and solid, with a stainless exhaust, and new Gaz adjustable shock absorbers on the rear axle. On the short drive to the photo location the MG drove well, with plenty of pep and a nice exhaust note.
The Appeal
If you stop to consider that the last chrome bumper MGB was built in 1973 it is quite amazing how many are still on the road. The reason, for those who have never owned an MGB, is that they are entertaining to drive, have superb parts availability and club support, and are easy to maintain. Once sorted they are surprisingly reliable.
The MGB is a sensible size, plus it has the performance combined with good looks to be a desirable and practical classic. Ask an enthusiast what they think of this one and they’ll get excited for sure; it’s a lovely example.
The MGB is a sensible size, plus it has the performance combined with good looks to be a desirable and practical classic. Ask an enthusiast what they think of this one and they’ll get excited for sure; it’s a lovely example.
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