Highlights

Professionally stored from new
Only 73 Delivery miles
Fully recommissioned
As-new condition
With the option to purchase the second identical car

Purchase Options

Here we have the first of two near-identical MGB LEs for auction.

The winning bidder of this car (VLW 135X) will be given the option to buy the second car (VLW 136X) or to declare no interest in doing so.

If the winning bidder does not wish to purchase the second car, then the second car will be made available for auction.

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The Appeal

You are bidding on the first of two MGB LE (Limited Edition) roadsters, which were manufactured simultaneously, then bought and registered at the same time, so they have successive license plate numbers: 135 and 136.

Just about the only difference between the cars is that the first offered here is fitted with wire wheels, while its companion wears alloy wheels.
These Limited Edition MGBs were released to celebrate the end of vehicle production at Abingdon-on-Thames. Only 1001 Limited Edition MGBs were produced: 421 in Roadster form and 580 GTs form before car production ceased, so they are highly sought-after by collectors.

Displaying just 73 miles on the odometer, and having recently undergone a thorough recommission, this is a rare opportunity to acquire one (or both) of these elusive end-of-the-line cars.

The History and Paperwork

Purchased by the present owner in April 1982
Road licenced in 1982 in the name of the owner's Company
Name of registration changed from owners Company to personal ownership in October 2014
Supplied by Henlys of London
Just 73 delivery miles
Original 4 keys, two ignition, one boot, one interior glove box.
Extensive recommissioning carried out this year, fully documented
MoT passed in 2014, car stored off road since
Professionally stored to preserve originality

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The Interior

Original cloth interior
Time-warp condition
Everything works perfectly

This lovely example of the Limited Edition MGB looks like it did the day it came off the production line in 1982. There are no signs of wear to any part of the interior as you would expect from a car with only delivery miles.

The original orange and brown ‘deck-chair’ upholstery, unique to the Limited Edition cars, is bright, crease free and in as new condition. It has probably only been sat on for a couple of hours in total). There is an unused matching wire spare wheel located in the boot, along with the original jack and toolkit, still wrapped up.

As the car has been in professional storage for its whole life, there has never been any moisture on the upholstery or carpets so they are untouched and original.

Nothing has been altered or added to this car’s interior. It’s as original as it was in 1982

The Exterior

Original Pewter Bronze paintwork in excellent condition
Refurbished alloy wheels powder coated
Original licence plates with Henlys branding
Fittings and trim in wonderful condition with no wear

The exterior of the car is original and has been weather protected from new. We doubt very much if this car has ever been out in the rain in its life.

None of the plastic, including the black bumpers, shows any fading. This car has spent so little time in daylight, as it has been in long-term storage.

The car is equipped with its original tonneau cover, which has not been used other than for occasional inspection and testing.

As you would expect, this car has tight, even shut lines and the doors close with a reassuring click.

The wheel arches and undercarriage show no sign of weathering. The full Ziebart protection applied after assembly in the factory appears to be totally sound.

The glass is all unmarked, and the light lenses are near perfect.

We subjected the MG to close inspection, trying to find fault with the paint or body but it’s all exactly as the day it was made. All we could see were a few paint runs in the boot and door edge from the factory.

The original hood folds down easily and there are no signs of shrinkage.

The Mechanics

Extensive recommissioning - Anything perishable such as rubbers and hoses have been replaced
New exhaust pipes fitted to ensure no internal age deterioration
Still a chalk mark on the differential
Manual gearbox with overdrive in 3rd and 4th

This MG has benefitted from fluid changes over the years, but it is obvious upon lifting the bonnet that you are looking at the original engine complete with all the factory labels still intact.

The car was only driven a short distance from storage, but the vendor tells us that it drives like new with everything working as it should.

The vendor informs us that the car has been extensively recommissioned, with new perishable items such as rubber hoses throughout, and documentation of this process can be supplied

Summary

Throughout its forty years of ownership, this MG has been fastidiously maintained and stored.

The vendor feels that both cars can be realistically described as being in showroom condition. We’re quite sure that this pair of cars are among the most original ever to be seen on the open market.

Will both these cars be future concours winners, museum pieces or a collector’s dream keeping them as a pair?

A physical inspection of the cars will be available on request. The cars are in professional storage near Belfast.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.