Description
This is absolutely stunning. The subject of a full bodywork restoration in 2012 involving many new panels and considerable mechanical work since, this cracking GT in freshly repainted Harvest Gold with Black leather interior is a sight to behold and comes with considerable history going back to the early 1980`s. Benefitting from desirable Overdrive on 3rd and 4th gears and excellent Webasto sunroof, the MG drives as good as it presents and offers a superb opportunity to acquire a properly restored and mechanically sorted example at a very sensible price.
The MGB was introduced in 1962 initially as just a 2-seater roadster with a close-coupled GT arriving 3 years later providing more space for the family man. All cars (other than the V8 variant) came with the 1798cc B-Series engine producing 95bhp and the choice of 4-speed manual gearbox or optional Borg-Warner automatic. Electronically engaged overdrive was available on all manual models, operated by a dash-mounted toggle switch on all pre-1977 cars effective on both 3rd and 4th gears. A big change came in late 1974 when US impact regulations deemed the need for heavier rubber bumpers replacing the classic chrome fitments with a consequent nose restyle and suspension tweak owing to the increased weight. Handling suffered dreadfully and despite revisions to the suspension geometry in 1977, sadly the car was never the same. Production ceased in 1980.
Our car was first registered in Dorset in August 1972 and by the early 1980`s was residing in Bristol with evidently a keen MGB enthusiast. Bills and receipts from this period detail extensive restoration work including a full engine rebuild and rebuilt Overdrive, panel replacement including drivers side wing and front panel, new chrome and exhaust system. By the late 1980`s, the MG had moved to a new home a few miles away to Radsock near Bath and sadly thereafter the trail goes cold until around 12 years ago when the car was acquired by a newly retired MOD Ordnance Expert living locally seeking a project to fill his days. With bodywork now in a rather sorry condition, the MG was stripped back and completely rebuilt with all new wings, sills and door-skins whilst mechanically it would appear that everything was refreshed from hoses to gaskets. There are scores of bills documenting what became a thorough “no expense spared” exercise. Seats were rebuilt with new Black leather covers, carpets replaced with a matching Black set and the whole car repainted in its original factory colour of Harvest Gold. In 2015, the car was sold again to another enthusiast in Sussex who with the subsequent and last keeper continued to fettle and improve the car to create what it is today. Receipts confirm a new clutch, thrust bearing, rear engine oil seal, oil cooler and rebuilt carburettors in 2018 whilst more recently, the brakes have been rebuilt with new master cylinder and servo, pads and shoes, rear cylinders and front callipers. The car was then largely stored indoors for the next 5 years under a car cover and unfortunately developed some micro blisters in the paintwork. As a consequence, it was stripped back and repainted again in the Summer of 2023. Since acquiring the car, we have undertaken a full health-check and have replaced the windscreen washer pump.
The MG presents just as can be seen in the photographs. Bodywork is quite superb and the recent Harvest Gold repaint is virtually blemish-free whilst all external trim including chrome, glass and that ever-popular Webasto sliding roof, are excellent. The interior with Black leather seats and matching Black carpets, is both smart and functional displaying just light wear from 10 years of enjoyment. Turn the key and the B-Series fires into life settling down quickly off-choke to a typical MGB burble. Select 1st and the car moves away swiftly with clean and precise gearchanges encouraging press-on driving with Overdrive working quickly even from cold on both 3rd and 4th gears. On the road, the MG feels really planted with nice neutral handling, positive steering and reassuringly excellent brakes. On a damp Saturday morning, I took the B for a run out towards Dorchester and had forgotten just how user-friendly a good MGB can be. It is little wonder that it remains one of the most popular British classics and has a terrific Club and superb Parts availability.
The car comes with a large history file with bills and receipts going back to the early 1980`s, photographs of the recent strip and repaint, old MoT Certificates including the most recent from 2018 and a current V5C. Registered as Historic, the MG is naturally both MoT and road-tax exempt.
A properly restored and well-sorted example of a true British great. What`s not to like!
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
