Description
First registered in Cardiff in September 72, this chrome bumper Old English White MGB Roadster is presented in glorious order throughout, following significant recent works to the mechanicals, interior and bodywork, with comprehensive Frontline upgrades and attention to detail.
The overdrive equipped MGB was purchased by my grandfather in 2018, whose working life was spent developing underbody protection and wax oils for classic vehicles. His career meant that the car was underbody sealed almost as frequently as it was washed and waxed. Because of this, it is still on its original body shell and remains in outstanding condition.
The car sat idle for the last two years of my grandfather’s ownership due to an unknown ‘non-start’ fault. There was no urgency to remedy it, as by this point my grandparents found it uncomfortable to get in and out of.
I took the car on and set about repairing the fault (which turned out to be faulty wiring to the starter motor and a failed relay). Once running, I did a couple of hundred miles before deciding that the car deserved some love, with the help of some Frontline upgrades.
The most notable mechanical servicing and upgrades completed in 2024 are;
¾ ARB Kit with polybushes, full front suspension polybush set, castor correction kit, 350lb street springs, Frontline front suspension kit, Frontline 4-pot alloy brake kit with ventilated cross-drilled discs, braided brake lines, 2. 3:1 brake servo, adjustable electronic power steering kit, Frontline panhard rod kit, Frontline rear suspension kit, Revotec electronic fan, electronic ignition with performance coil and leads, new spark plugs, engine oil, gearbox oil, axle oil, new heater valve, adjust tappets, new alloy rocker cover with gasket, replacement coolant, new thermostat and heater valve.
The most notable cosmetic works completed in 2024 are;
Removal of chrome sill protectors to investigate condition of outer sills. Sills were found to be corroded in conjunction with partial rear quarter panels and the passenger door skin – all replaced with new Heritage panels. Touch ups were required on most panels, which resulted in a complete vehicle strip-down and paint refresh (excluding interior and engine bay). A new Frontline front valance installed and painted, all brightwork replaced with new, including front and rear bumpers, side-strips, Frontline mirrors, pressed number plates, grills and light assemblies.
Notable interior works completed in 2024 are;
The interior was equipped with three sheets of Dynaliner sound insulation and some custom trim work by Frontline was carried out, including the dash-top, crash rail, door cappings, sills, wheel arches, gear gaiter, handbrake and gaiter, rear rail, binnacle and steering cowl. These items are finished in black leather with a body coloured stitch throughout. A new Bluetooth radio was installed with hands-free functionality. My grandfather installed seats from MGOC when he purchased it, which are far more supportive and comfortable than the originals, and benefit from adjustable back rests and head restraints. The wooden Mota-Lita wheel is paired to a 1940's teardrop MG gear-knob, which has the most wonderful patina.
The car has four matching Falken tyres which are in as-new condition and fitted to pristine 14” MWS Chrome wire wheels. The hood is a replacement Mohair which seals well with no rips or tears, and fits on all fasteners perfectly. The lights have been upgraded in the dash instruments and the headlight bulbs have been changed to 200% brighter OSRAM bulbs. Everything on the car works flawlessly and it is an absolute joy to drive. It is always garaged and waxed regularly, and never used in the wet. It's only ever filled with Super Unleaded and the engine boasts an unleaded cylinder head.
I have a Heritage certificate, which certifies it was an original RHD, home market vehicle, equipped with overdrive, built from 12th – 23rd August, before being sold in September 72’ by City Motors Limited, Cardiff. The car passed an MOT in October and has been MOT’d every year of its life, aside from a year-long break during the time of my grandfather's ownership where it was out of action.
I have absolute trust in the car and would not hesitate to take it on long road trips or drive across Europe. It performs perfectly and is a total joy to drive. The upgrades not only improve performance and handling, but also drastically reduce the fatigue of driving a classic, while retaining all its charm. The car attracts love and attention absolutely everywhere you drive it, with utmost respect from other road users. This Old English White Roadster really does put a smile on everyone’s face, in or out of the car.
Located in Oxfordshire and available for viewings, this charming MGB is entirely ready to drive away and to be enjoyed for many happy years to come. I would keep it forever if our home renovation costs weren’t spiralling out of control.
