Description
Quite probably the nicest GT I have seen and driven in years. Finished in rare Mineral Blue and boasting a correct Dark Blue hide interior piped Light Blue, this fabulous MGB benefits from a recent Ivor Searle 1950cc Stage 2 engine upgrade with all recommended ancillaries and comes with substantial supporting paperwork. With desirable factory Overdrive, this car not only looks the part but performs on a different level, sounding absolutely glorious in the process. This is a serious, well-sorted example of an ever-popular British classic and I don`t expect it will be with me for long. Come and experience it for yourself.
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 despatched on 10th October 1966 and was first registered in Greater London via MG dealers, University Motors Limited. The Heritage Certificate confirms both colour and trim today are correct from despatch, the car originally sitting on wire wheels with Dunlop tyres and benefitting from a heater and Overdrive gearbox. Other than the wheels and tyres, the MG retains this specification. Little is known of it`s life prior to the late 1990`s, when it seems to be residing in Oxfordshire with consecutive MoT Certificates documenting around 10, 000 miles over the following 14 years. In July 2012, with a recorded mileage of 43, 210, a new odometer was fitted and just a year later, in September 2013, the car was sold through MG Specialists, Mike Rolls Services of Fifehead Magdalen to a local enthusiast near Sturminster Newton. With the new odometer displaying just 653 miles, the car was immediately enjoyed on regular MGOC events with a hand-written log detailing every journey (this has carried on to the present day). Notable events include some lengthy Club runs and regular maintenance including servicing, replacement gearbox bushes and mounts, new fuel pump and water pump and annual MoT inspections. In October 2018, the MG was taken to APH Classic Car Restoration in Marnhull for what was to become major surgery - the fitting of an Ivor Searle Stage 2 1950cc engine with all ancillaries and recommended upgrades to include high-torque starter, Revotec cooling kit, Lumenition electronic ignition, new high-specification radiator, silicone hoses, full stainless steel exhaust system, fuel pump, breather catch tank and K&N filter kit. Over £7300 invested in just 3 months, the car being collected in late January 2019 only to be pressed into action with immediate effect as a display at the Footman James Classic Car Show at Shepton Mallet Showground. During the Spring of 2019, further improvements were made with new brakes all `round (discs, pads and shoes) and a rolling road set-up later that year. The Club runs continued into 2020 and beyond with little subsequent fettling required other than servicing and MoT inspections (last undertaken in August 2021). In February 2024, now with just 7155 miles showing and around 3250 on the new engine, the car was sold to a couple in Dorchester keen to replace their beloved Morris Minor sold the previous year. A year later and with less than 1000 miles covered, the MG headed to Shore Classics with a view to looking at another Minor. With two dogs very much part of the family, the MG was proving too much of a squeeze and a deal was done. Since acquiring the car, we have undertaken a full health check and can confirm that the MG is immediately ready to be enjoyed.
The car presents just as can be seen in the photographs. Seemingly an older restoration, panel-work is excellent and the Mineral Blue paintwork polishes up beautifully. Other than some age-related blemishes on the roof and nearside rear arch, it is very good throughout with nice chrome, tidy steel wheels with chrome caps and perfect glass. The cabin tells the same story with Dark Blue/ Grey leather seats piped Light Blue in superb condition, excellent Blue door-cards and Grey carpets and a wonderful period dash with evocative 3-spoke steering wheel. Turn the key and the clearly evident high-torque starter fires the tuned “B” Series into life with an immediate roar settling down quickly off-choke to a low but very purposeful burble. On the road, this car is a revelation. Acceleration is eager and combined with a beautifully smooth Overdrive gearbox, is an absolute joy with endless pulling power. Balanced handling and excellent brakes complete the package - this is a car to be driven and it gets better the harder it`s pushed. Tight and responsive, this is an MGB to be enjoyed and genuinely drives better than any other GT I have driven in recent years. I will be sorry to see it go.
The car comes with a Heritage Certificate, a bill of sale from Mike Rolls Services in 2013, a substantial history file documenting all work undertaken from 2013 to 2020 to include a detailed breakdown with invoices of the engine replacement in 2018-19, Ivor Searle Warranty, home service sheets, details of Club runs and MGB model information, consecutive MoT Certificates from 1998 to 2021, a hand-written log of all miles covered and all work undertaken from 2013-2025, a Haynes Manual, MG Club Parts Manual, current V5C and 3 sets of keys. The car is naturally both MoT and road tax exempt.
Right year, right colour and right specification. Just superb on every level.
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.
