Highlights

Over £5,000 recently invested in thorough mechanical preparation at Sussex Bespoke Motorworks
Recent work documented by a detailed invoice
Recent 1,000-mile trip through France, reportedly without issue
MOT valid until April 2027, no advisories

The Appeal

The chrome-bumper MGB roadster is one of the most beloved British sports cars of its generation, and early 1970s examples with their slender bumpers and classic grilles remain the most sought-after among enthusiasts. Affordable, enjoyable and endlessly characterful, they reward those who invest in keeping them properly sorted.

This 1971 example has benefited from exactly that kind of attention. Purchased by the current owner late last year with the intention of preparing it for a rally through France, over £5,000 was spent at Sussex Bespoke Motorworks earlier this year on a thorough mechanical overhaul covering the cooling system, fuel system, brakes, drivetrain, clutch hydraulics and a full engine tune, among numerous other items. Questionable wiring was also rectified, and an LED headlight conversion carried out. All of this is documented on a detailed invoice.

That preparation was put to the test on a 1,000-mile trip through France, which the car completed without issue. The vendor states the car is mechanically in very good order, fun to drive and economical. It wears a fixed hard top in the classic rally MG style, lending it a purposeful and distinctive appearance, and the bodywork is reported to be free from rust. A small dent on the driver's door chrome trim and door linings that could benefit from replacement are the only cosmetic items of note. With a current advisory-free MOT running until April 2027, this is an MGB that has been properly gone through and is ready to be enjoyed.

Key Information

Mileage: 46,000 miles indicated
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT valid until April 2027, no advisories
Technical specs: 1,798cc four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual
Paperwork: Detailed invoice from Sussex Bespoke Motorworks documenting recent mechanical overhaul
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The Detail

Cooling system overhauled earlier this year, including new radiator, thermostat housing, heater valve, cooling hoses and antifreeze
Radiator repositioned, having previously been incorrectly installed
Fuel tank and static fuel line replaced due to excessive corrosion, along with sender unit and fuel pump pipework
Fuel pump repositioned, having previously been incorrectly oriented
New front brake discs and pads fitted with new mounting hardware
Front wheel bearings re-shimmed and greased
Front anti-roll bar D bushes replaced with upgraded polybush items and new brackets
New axle check straps fitted
New propshaft assembly fitted, replacing the original which had significant play in the universal joints
Differential cover gasket replaced and cover straightened; refilled with correct EP90 oil
New clutch master cylinder fitted and clutch system re-bled
Engine service carried out, including oil change, new spark plugs, new HT leads, new distributor cap and tappet adjustment
Engine timing corrected; distributor had been 180 degrees out, causing incorrect HT lead routing
Carburettors balanced and tuned; new choke cable fitted
Gearbox oil changed
Washer pump system converted to electric using a period-correct switch
Questionable wiring connections rectified with new terminals, heatshrink and soldered joints
LED headlight conversion fitted and headlights aligned
The vendor states the car is mechanically in very good order
Fitted with a fixed hard top in the classic rally MG style
Small dent noted on the driver's door chrome trim
Door linings noted as the next item to replace
Interior described as looking fine by the vendor
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BEFORE YOU BUY

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