Built from 1962 until 1980, the MGB Roadster was the best-selling British convertible of all time with nearly 390,000 being made, about 75% of which were exported to America. Powered by an 1800cc 4-cylinder engine producing 95 HP providing a 0-60 time of around 11 seconds.

Its sporty looks and predictable handling helped to make it one of the most popular British sports cars of the day and it still demands respect and admiration whenever they are seen on the roads today. The early MGBs with the slim chrome bumpers are amongst the most sought after models by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Originally supplied new to its first owner in the Isle of Man in 1973, it was re-imported and registered in the UK in 1974 and was purchased by the current owner in 2017.

There are no records or receipts to support the car’s restoration but judging it by its current condition it was restored to a high standard at some time by one of its many owners.

In recent years the car has been kept garaged and serviced regularly, being used sparingly on high days and holidays, and never in the wet.

The car comes with its V5c showing nine previous keepers and a couple of MG service tips and handbooks along with an MG certificate of heritage. 

There are many MOT certificates going back through the years from which it can be gleaned that the odometer has gone round the clock and now shows 39,693 miles.

The classic and functional MGB interior is in fairly good all-round condition with a few age-related but easily dealt with issues such as some minor damage to the top of the passenger door card and a small tear on the driver’s door armrest/handle. 

The chrome surrounds on a few of the gauges are beginning to show some signs of weathering and the car looks like it has had the seats and door cards replaced with black ones which were originally supplied in blue, but the seats look great and show little or no signs of any real wear and tear.

All the gauges work and the car is also fitted with overdrive on 3rd and 4th gears.

The boot interior is clean and dry and contains the spare wheel, jack and copper mallet to remove the spinners. The hood lining is free from any damage or obvious wear but looks like a good cleaning would improve its rather faded appearance.

The bodywork is straight, with no signs of dents or damage noted on the panel seams and is finished in its original colour of Blaze Red with no signs of any bubbling paint anywhere but there are a few inevitable small stone chips at the front. Doorposts and sills look solid but there are various imperfections to be found in the paintwork as you study the car’s panels closely, notably on the bonnet and the front near side wing. 

The bodywork is in very nice condition overall and the black hood looks clean and showing no sign of fading only sporting a very small nick in the outer canvas, while its plastic windows appear nice and clear. The front and rear lights are clear of the usual age-related fog and all electrics are said to be in working order.

The full hood fits well but the rubber seal at the front of the hood is beginning to come adrift and there are the usual marks on the bodywork where the hood fits to the body.

The chrome trim and exterior fittings are in fairly good condition with some showing signs of aging and pitting and the rubber seals all look fine.

The chrome wire wheels were fitted recently and look immaculate with no damage or corrosion to speak of, they also are all fitted with matching tyres with plenty available tread.

The current owner has regularly serviced the car himself changing oil and filters each year during his ownership. The car has had electric power steering fitted and also features overdrive on 3rd and 4th gear, including having synchromesh on 1st gear.

The underside of the car has been thoroughly Waxoyled and it has been regularly reapplied to the cavities over the years so the underneath all still looks pretty good.

The car is said to always start and run without issue and drive extremely well with no issues of concern to report.

The MGB still defines the very concept of the open-topped classic British sports car. Offering plenty of sporting character and having great parts availability the MGB Roadster is a car that is easy to live with and easy to work on and is a fabulous classic car to enjoy to the full every time you get behind the wheel.