HIGHLIGHTS
- Rebuilt 1,798cc engine
- Driven just 3,120 miles in the last 17 years
- Proper chrome bumper conversion
- MOT until November 2022
THE APPEAL
Arriving on the motoring scene in 1962, the MGB was the first Monocoque sports car to roll out of the Abingdon factory. It soon became one of Britain’s best selling and most loved Sports tourers with more than half a million being made during its 18-year production run.
This roadster looks resplendent in Tartan Red and is sure to attract attention wherever it goes. Having been restored in 1998 at considerable cost, the bodywork and interior still remains in great condition.
Benefitting from a brand new hood and well maintained mechanicals, this classic could be the perfect all-year round companion.
Benefitting from a brand new hood and well maintained mechanicals, this classic could be the perfect all-year round companion.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Six previous owners
- Extensively restored in 1998
- Decent history file
This delightful MGB Roadster was first registered on the 12th May 1976 and was originally a rubber bumper model.
It was the subject of an extensive restoration in 1998 and was properly converted to chrome bumpers. The current engine also appears to have been rebuilt to factory specification at around the same time and has covered very few miles since.
It was the subject of an extensive restoration in 1998 and was properly converted to chrome bumpers. The current engine also appears to have been rebuilt to factory specification at around the same time and has covered very few miles since.
The previous owner of this ‘B’ lived in the Woking area and sold it to the current owner in May 2022. He has subsequently given the car a thorough check over, fitted new door cards and hood, and tuned it to ensure it runs well.
Reassuringly, a ‘Pass’ MOT runs until the 14th November 2022, and looking online, the exempt tax has been renewed and is valid until the 1st June 2023.
Accompanying paperwork includes:
- The V5 (in the previous owners name)
- Current MOT certificate and a host of older ones
- Invoices for a new hood, parts and fitting
- Extensive restoration records and photographs
- Engine rebuild parts lists
- Numerous servicing invoices
THE INTERIOR
- Original spec.
- Really nice leather upholstery
- New door cards
This classic black interior is in good condition and features red piping and a nice 3-spoke Moto-Lita steering wheel, wooden ‘MG’ gear knob and attractive early chrome bezel gauges.
The dash top is very good and the crackle-finish facia, whilst not perfect, is acceptable. The instrumentation and switchgear is fine, and we are told, all functions as it should.
The comfortable leather seats and head restraints have a pleasing patina and appear free of any scuffs or tears and the sill plates, centre armrest, carpeting, and of course, new door cards are all very presentable.
Inertia seat belts are fitted along with an electrical cut-off switch above the battery compartment.
Lifting the front carpets reveals sound floors, and at the rear, the boot contains a spare wheel, jack, wheel brace and hood cover and also appears solid under the glued-in sound deadening material.
THE EXTERIOR
- Glossy Tartan Red paintwork
- Great chrome
- Brand new hood
We all love a red sports car don’t we, and the gorgeous glossy paintwork on this ‘B’ shouldn’t disappoint. T
he restoration work was clearly carried out to a high standard and has stood the test of time extremely well.
he restoration work was clearly carried out to a high standard and has stood the test of time extremely well.
The body looks very straight and free of dents, dings or even stone chips and the panel and door gaps look spot-on. The sills and wheel arches are also in very good condition.
The front grille, bumpers and other brightwork is nice and shiny and the lights and trim are good. The windscreen has become a little fogged around the edges and has some wiper scuff marks (see photos).
Peering underneath, we can see a very clean, body-colour painted floor with a strong looking chassis, outriggers and jacking points. Befitting Rostyle wheels complete the picture and are fitted with a matching set of Firestone F-590 tyres with plenty of tread.
THE MECHANICS
- Rebuilt engine
- Presentable engine bay
- Tuned and ready to drive
The trusty B-Series 1798cc engine produces around 95bhp and should get you to 60mph in just over 11 seconds, and combined with the overdrive, should be a pleasure to drive.
Lifting the bonnet reveals a very clean repainted compartment with tidy components and electrics. Relatively new brake and clutch master cylinders have been installed and the radiator looks fairly new.
Although the odometer has gone around the clock, MOT records indicate that, following it’s rebuild, this engine has only travelled 3,120 miles in the last 17 years.
The owner assures us that this later 5 bearing engine starts and runs well with good oil pressure and coolant temperature.
The 4-speed gearbox and overdrive (on 3rd & 4th) is said to operate smoothly and the rack and pinion steering, suspension and the servo-assisted disc/drum brakes are effective and predictable.
The 4-speed gearbox and overdrive (on 3rd & 4th) is said to operate smoothly and the rack and pinion steering, suspension and the servo-assisted disc/drum brakes are effective and predictable.
SUMMARY
It goes without saying that the enduring MGB roadster package of wind-in-the-hair fun, beautiful looks and great handling is irresistible. Affordable running costs and ease of maintenance also make it an easy classic to enjoy.
This “very nice example” has fantastic bodywork, is mechanically sorted and “drives really well”.
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