1973 MG MGB Roadster

Highlights

A period faithful example of the chrome bumper version of the “B” with much clearly spent
Over £3,500 spent in 2024 restoring body and paintwork
Despite being historically exempt it holds a long, advisory free MOT

The Appeal

The MGB is a firm staple of the classic car scene thanks to a mix of desirable qualities. Excellent availability of parts, an engaging and enjoyable drive, and low cost of ownership are chief amongst these. The car was launched in 1962 in Roadster form and remained largely unchanged until the MKII version was introduced for the 1968 model year.

This example is a very well-presented car and has clearly been professionally maintained and re-painted and re-trimmed in its past. It seems to have enjoyed very attentive ownership over all periods of its history. As such it represents an excellent prospect for the seasoned MG enthusiast or first-time classic car owner alike.

The History and Paperwork

This MGB Roadster was first registered in June 1973
Over its 51-year history it has been enjoyed by a total of 11 keepers
This equates to an average tenure of over 4.5 years on average
The car was known to originally leave the factory in a red hue
At some point it was refinished in purple but was returned to red in 1986
The current owner acquired the car in February 2024 to become the 11th keeper
Since then, the car has covered just a few hundred miles
The car comes complete with a good depth of provenance providing paperwork
This includes the current V5 registration document in the name of the owner
The MGB is registered as a Historic Vehicle
As such it is MOT exempt and zero rated for VED exempt in the UK
Despite that the MG holds a current, advisory free MOT
This is valid until May 2025
A high number of previous MOTs are included in hard copy
Many interesting invoices from all periods of the car’s history are on hand

The Interior

This MGB benefits from a highly original looking interior
It faithfully evokes the British sports car experience from the early 1970’s
Despite this it is clear that the car has enjoyed a retrim somewhere in its history
The cabin is predominantly finished in black
The seats are box pleated and finished in body matching red piping
These present in excellent condition and the covers are tightly fitted
The door cards are also trimmed in black vinyl and carpet
The junction of these finishes is described by red piping
The black carpets are edge bound in red and look quite new and in excellent condition
These are protected by some quality, full length MG mounted rubber mats
The dash front is finished in the MG’s signature textured black finish
The white on black Smiths gauges are in good condition and understood to be working fully
A Moto-Lita three spoke alloy, wooden rimmed steering wheel is fitted
This is matched by a wooden, MG badged gear knob
The more modern Sharp radio cassette head unit is fitted
The boot presents in uncovered body-coloured steel
A spare wheel is present as is a tool bag containing the spinner remover and other tools

The Exterior

The exterior is presents very well in its bright looking Pimento Red paintwork
The paintwork appears deep and lustrous and professionally applied
The car appears to have been fully repainted at least twice in its history
Most recently the car has benefitted from nearly £3,500 worth of body repairs and paint
This was undertaken by Summit Motors in Maidenhead in May 2024
Consequently, the paint and bodywork condition look very good overall
A few minor imperfections are noted and photographed
These aren’t outside of the norms for a 50-plus year old car, however
A deep and lustrous shine is evident and chromed brightwork looks fresh
The car sits on 14-inched, 70 spoke wheels
These are centred with chromed, twin eared spinners
A mixed set of 165/80 radial type tyres are fitted with decent tread levels remaining
A new looking black vinyl hood is fitted presenting in an excellent condition
Light lenses and cabin glass all appear clear and undamaged
The car looks very of its period with period with all the correct badges in place
This is a great looking MGB in a popular colourway and presenting in excellent condition

The Mechanics

The MGB is fitted with the 1.8L BMC B-series engine
This has proved to be a robust and reliable unit over many years
Originally rated at 95bhp and 110 Ib-ft of torque with power delivered to the rear wheels
Power is fed to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox
This car has clearly been mechanically well-maintained judging by its paperwork
The under-bonnet presentation looks clean and original
The side panels of the engine bay appear to be in decent condition
The expected original data plates seem to be present and correct
Plenty of new and recent components and braided hoses are evident here
The underside of the MGB looks well preserved
The exhaust appears to be a more recent system with stainless steel boxes
A good level of protective underseal appears present
No leaks or significant deformations were noted

BEFORE YOU BUY

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