Description
What better way to enjoy the September sunshine than in a stunning MGB Roadster and this one is amazing value. The subject of an older bare-shell body restoration and repaint (with photographs) and benefitting from considerable recent recommissioning and detailing, this gorgeous MG, presented in original and very period Bracken Gold with freshly replaced Black leather interior is the real deal. Boasting working Overdrive, excellent chrome, newly refurbished painted Rostyle wheels with virtually new, matching branded tyres, a Walnut dashboard and excellent hood, the car comes with extensive recent history and is ready to be shown-off at classic car events this coming Autumn.
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 built in mid-1973 but not registered until November 1974, making it one of the last original chrome-bumper examples to be registered. Sadly, other than starting it`s life in Lancashire, we know very little about the car until the early 1990`s when it was evidently taken off the road for what was to become a full strip-down, bare-shell restoration. Colour photographs in the history file record a car stripped to a rolling shell and missing three wings that was ultimately rebuilt with new panels and subsequently repainted. The photographs are dated 1993 but later images were taken for insurance purposes up to 1999. By the early 2000`s, the MG had moved south to Surrey and by 2016 had been acquired by an MG enthusiast near Shaftesbury, Dorset. Over the next 8 years the car was re-commissioned, fettled and heavily detailed making it in essence the MG you see here today. Early invoices from this period document the purchase of a complete service kit from the MGOC Spares Department together with the acquisition of a set of stainless-steel sill covers, new seat belts, a Walnut dashboard and matching door handles. Later the same year, the seats were removed and replaced with a newly refurbished set in 1970`s style with Black leather facings. The armrest was subsequently recovered in Black leather to match. More parts came from the MGOC in 2017 whilst Mike Rolls, a well-known MG restorer in nearby Fifehead Magdalen, supplied a new hood and head seal. A year later he further supplied a replacement propshaft and this was fitted simultaneously to the replacement of all 4 tyres with branded tyres. Both headlights were replaced in 2019, together with fuel lines with once again, the acquisition and fitting of a full service kit from the Owners Club. In 2023, the car was sold and moved north to Chippenham where it has remained until very recently in the hands of retired gentleman and serial classic car enthusiast. Over the past years, it is evident that the MG has been enjoyed sparingly and maintained correctly, a notable highlight being a recent (May 2026) full clutch replacement with all new gaskets, seals and ancillaries at a cost of £1100. Lack of use since and loss of storage has meant that the car had to be sold albeit with much reluctance. Since acquiring the car, we have undertaken a deep clean and full check-over.
The MG today presents just as can be seen in the photographs. Despite the body restoration being undertaken some 35 years ago, both panels and paintwork have survived remarkably well. Fit is generally excellent and whilst the paint does display a few age-related blemishes (touched-in chips and light scratches), it has stood-up to the test of time with a deep lustre to the Bracken Gold evident on all panels. Chrome-work is near perfect (the bumpers look practically new) whilst polished stainless-steel sills, refurbished Rostyle wheels and a tidy, serviceable hood (itself less than 10 years old) complete the package. The cabin tells a similar story with refurbished and supremely comfortable Black leather seats taking centre stage, complimented by matching door-cards and Black carpets whilst a period-style Walnut dash and door handles enhance the 1970`s feel. Turn the key and with a little choke, the ever-eager “B” series fires immediately into life settling down to a low burble. Select 1st and the MG pulls away smartly with gear selection coming swift and fast as the car gathers pace. On a blustery September afternoon, I took the MG for an extended road trip across the Downs of West Dorset and enjoyed it immensely. Despite the lack of much recent use, the car performs extraordinarily well with nice, positive gear-change, excellent brakes and working Overdrive on 3rd and 4th (and it`s instant!). I can honestly say that it is quite possibly the nicest Roadster I have driven for some time. No dramas, easy controls and it just feels right. A true” get in and go” example.
The MG comes with a photograph album of over 30 colour prints documenting the body restoration and repaint of 1993 and it`s life in the 1990`s, a large quantity of bills and receipts from 2014-2026, old MoT Certificates from 2013-2017, an MGB Handbook, current V5C and set of keys. Registered as Historic, the car is naturally both MoT and road tax exempt.
A nicely sorted older restoration perfect for daily use or show. Great value too.
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. We are happy to take a reservation fee to hold a vehicle but as a dealership, we don`t operate a structured distance selling scheme.
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