1969 MG MGB Push Button

I have owned this car since June 2021 when I bought it from a good friend and fellow Classic car enthusiast - we are still good friends as the car is everything he promised it to be and more. In its early life there were several owners but since 1987 there have been only four, all of them enthusiasts. It last had an MOT in 2021 (no advisories) and is, of course, MOT exempt. Since then at regular servicing the car has been safety checked to above MOT standard. As the car is also road tax free it is very inexpensive to run. Classic car insurance is also very reasonably priced. Spare parts are easily and widely available, often by next day delivery and the MGB is one of the best served Classics in this respect.
Even better this car is in very good condition overall and ready to drive anywhere. Nothing needs fixing, it has all been done.
Mechanically the vehicle is standard and as you would want to find a 1969 Roadster. The exceptions - all improvements - are an Ivor Searle 1960cc engine with ‘fastroad’ cam and stainless steel manifold and tuned exhaust system all fitted along with a new clutch some 6000 miles ago. Just nicely run-in. The car sits on 72 spoke ‘Competition’ wire wheels with good tyres. The engine improvements are not essentially about top speed but about improving torque and flexibility. In direct 4th gear the car comfortably pulls away from 20mph. As the gearbox has overdrive on 3rd and 4th gears there is little need for gear changing once underway. Although rebuilt quite extensively in 1991 and then treated to a full respray the car was again scrutinised for any necessary bodywork repairs in 2023 and then fully resprayed again in Pale Primrose Yellow as it has been since new. New twin 6 volt batteries supplied through the MG Car Club were fitted in October 2024. Finally topped off with a full service - some 500 miles have been covered since.
The car has a standard hood cover on a folding frame, a tonneau cover and a period Lenham hard top with rare pop-up glass sunroof in excellent condition. Additionally, a set of standard 60 spoke wire wheels with very good tyres is also included in the sale.
Of course, no 56 year old car is ever going to be perfect. There is some light speckling on both front and rear bumpers and though not unsightly these would be suitable for re-chroming as they are original heavier metal bumpers. The hood cover is showing signs of wear though it fits well and does not let in water. I have taken this car to many Classic Shows and meetings and it has never let me down, indeed it is widely admired. I have never intended it to be ‘Concours’ standard - it is pre-eminently a beautiful drivers car.
I shall be sorry to see it go but have reluctantly come to the conclusion that my age, health and some physical limitations mean that it is no longer suitable for me. I have been using it infrequently and the car deserves to be with someone who will drive it more often and get the enjoyment that I have had from it in past years.
Some of my photos attempt to give a snapshot of the paperwork that will come with the car. There are extensive invoices and full evidence of the work I have described and more. I bought this car to have fun and enjoy driving it on the beautiful open roads of the Scottish Borders. It has been a joy to own and with the top down on a bright day there a few greater motoring pleasures to be had. In poorer weather the hood works well but the hardtop, as well as looking good, provides a really snug environment for a journey. I have been in the habit of fitting it around early November and taking it off again in early March. It’s easy to do and only takes about 10 minutes.
For me, Pale Primrose Yellow is one of the very best colours for an MGB and it really is quite a satisfying car just to look at. The best moments are from the drivers seat - accelerating away uphill you get one of the best soundtracks available in Classic motoring.
With its various mechanical improvements, near immaculate bodywork and list of extras provided this must represent an outstanding package for the MGB enthusiast.