1966 MG MGB Roadster

Highlights

  • A period faithful example of the sought after first series of MGB Roadster
  • Presenting in great looking Mineral Blue which has been more recently reapplied
  • Complete with pristine, period correct wire wheels and twin eared spinners

The Appeal


The MGB remains an absolute staple of the classic car scene thanks to a mix of desirable facets and qualities. Excellent availability of parts, an engaging and enjoyable drive, and low cost of ownership are chief amongst these. The car was launched in 1962 in Roadster form and remained largely unchanged until the MKII version was introduced for the 1968 model year. These early cars are certainly considered the purest interpretation of the MGB and, hence, perennially popular.

This example is a very well-presented car and has clearly been professionally maintained and re-painted in its past. It seems to have enjoyed very attentive ownership over all periods of its history. As such it represents an excellent prospect for the seasoned MG enthusiast or first-time classic car owner alike.


The History and Paperwork

  • This MGB Roadster was first registered in September 1966
  • Over its 57-year history it has been enjoyed by a total of 8 keepers
  • Spending in its current tenure is documented at nearly £3,400
  • The car was known to originally leave the factory in Mineral Blue
  • It seems it may have been repainted twice since in its original hue
  • The current owner acquired the car in April 2021
  • Since then, the car has covered less than 600 miles in total
  • The car comes complete with a great depth of provenance providing paperwork
  • This includes the current V5 registration document in the name of the owner
  • The MGB is registered as a Historic Vehicle
  • As such it is MOT and VED exempt in the UK
  • A high number of previous MOTs are included in hard copy
  • Two original sale invoices dated 18 years apart from Croydon Classics are included
  • Many interesting invoices from all periods of the car’s history are on hand



The Interior

  • This MGB benefits from a highly original looking interior
  • It faithfully evokes the British sports car experience from the mid 1960’s
  • The cabin is predominantly finished in black
  • The seats are box pleated and finished in blue piping
  • There is a nice level of patina to the seats and a couple of minor marks to the driver’s side
  • No rips, tears or wear holes were noted, however
  • The door cards are also trimmed in black vinyl and are fitted with surface mounted speakers
  • The black carpets are protected by some quality, full length MG rubber mats
  • The dash front is finished in the MG’s signature textured black finish
  • The white on black Smiths gauges are in good condition and understood to be working fully
  • The important overdrive is activated by a dash mounted switch
  • A Moto-Lita three spoke alloy, wooden rimmed steering wheel is fitted
  • This is matched by a wooden, MG badged gear knob
  • The radio aperture is covered with an MG badged blanking plate
  • The boot is finished in sound deadening material to the sides
  • The boot floor is protected with a heavy, fitted carpet mat
  • A spare wheel appears to be stowed under the carpet mat

The Exterior

  • The exterior is presents very well in its bright looking Mineral Blue paintwork
  • The paintwork appears deep and lustrous and professionally applied
  • The car appears to have been fully repainted twice in its history
  • Most recently this appears to have been in 1998
  • The previous time seems to date from 1989
  • Further repairs and paintwork to front wings were recorded in 2008
  • Consequently, the paint and bodywork condition look good overall
  • A deep and lustrous shine is evident and chromed brightwork looks fresh
  • The car sits on 14-inched, chromed 70 spoke wheels
  • These are centred with chromed, twin eared spinners
  • A set of 165/80 radial type tyres are fitted with decent tread levels remaining
  • A new looking black vinyl hood is fitted presenting in an excellent condition
  • Light lenses and cabin glass all appear clear and undamaged
  • The car looks very of its period with period with all the correct badges in place
  • This is a great looking MGB in a popular colourway and presenting in excellent condition



The Mechanics

  • The MGB is fitted with the 1.8L BMC B-series engine 
  • This has proved to be a robust and reliable unit over many years
  • Originally rated at 95bhp and 110 Ib-ft of torque with power delivered to the rear wheels
  • Power is fed to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox
  • A switch operated overdrive is available on third and fourth gears
  • This car has clearly been mechanically well-maintained judging by its paperwork
  • Spending in its current tenure is documented at nearly £2,000
  • This work includes work on the electrics, suspension and fuel system
  • The under-bonnet presentation looks clean and original
  • The side panels of the engine bay appear to be in decent condition
  • The expected original data plates seem to be present and correct
  • The underside of the MGB looks well preserved
  • A good level of protective underseal appears present 
  • No leaks or significant deformations were noted
  • New clutch was fitted in 2022
  • Full recent service and MOT including:
    • New fuel pump
    • New front springs and shock absorbers
    • Tuned and balanced carburettors


Summary

The MG MGB was built in significant numbers over its long production life. Something like 386,000 were built and sold worldwide. Consequently, the MGB remains one of the most ubiquitous classic sports cars enjoyed today. This can generally be considered a good thing for owners. Whilst this may be felt to constrain values a little it also means the cars are very well supported in a number of ways. Parts are generally readily available, and many specialist sources of support and maintenance are on tap. The early, so called, Series I MGBs (pre-model year 1968) are certainly the ones to have, generally considered to be the purest interpretation of the MGB concept.

This example is one such early model and appears to be in a great overall shape. It looks very tidy indeed and remains period faithful in its original hue and riding on the correct cross-spoked wire wheels. The extensive paperwork would suggest it has been nicely maintained and preserved throughout its history. It is now ready for the summer months in the hands of a new owner.

BEFORE YOU BUY 

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies. 
A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. 

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1966
  • Make MG
  • Model MGB GT
  • Colour Blue
  • Odometer 11,308 Miles
  • Engine size 1800
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Shrewsbury
  • Location Shropshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
5 bids from 4 bidders
  • ne•••• £8,300 15/04/24
  • Wa•••• £8,200 15/04/24
  • Wa•••• £8,100 15/04/24
  • ma•••• £8,000 10/04/24
  • ty•••• £1,000 10/04/24
Message C&C Auction Team

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