Built from 1962 until 1980, the MGB Roadster was the best-selling British convertible of all time with nearly 390,000 being made, about 75% of which were exported to America.
Powered by an 1800cc 4-cylinder engine producing 95 HP providing a 0-60 time of around 11 seconds.
Its sporty looks and predictable handling helped to make it one of the most popular British sports cars of the day and it still demands respect and admiration whenever they are seen on the roads today.
The early MGBs with the slim chrome bumpers are amongst the most sought-after models by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
First registered in 1966 the previous owner bought the car in 1986 and kept it for the next 35 years.
During this time it was subject to a long-term full restoration through his local Audi approved bodyshop where he worked.
The speedometer indicates only 13,970 miles and, checking back through the car’s MOT history in it obviously was used very sparingly during its lifetime, recording a few hundred miles only each year from 2008. The previous owner has confirmed that he bought the car with a genuine mileage of only 11,000 when he bought the car in 1986.
Also during this period the car was fitted with the more reliable electronic ignition.
Although benefitting from a respray at some time during the previous owners 35 years there are now signs of rust and paint bubbling in some of the usual places, around the bottom of the doors and the front lower nearside wing in particular.
Door posts and sills look solid but there are various imperfections to be found in the paintwork as you study a few of the car’s panels closely.
The chrome trim and exterior fittings are in fairly good condition with some showing signs of aging and pitting and the rubber seals all look fine, but the right rear light casing is loose and may need some attention.
The full hood fits well and has no rips or tears, and the car has the benefit of being sold with a black hard-top, tonneau cover, and indoor dust cover, all of which are in good condition.
The original wire wheels finish the car off nicely and are in good overall condition while the spinners show some signs of age and being removed and replaced over the years.
The car was last serviced in January 2021 when oil, filters and spark plugs were all replaced. The heater matrix was also overhauled at this time so it now works perfectly.
This is a nice original example that could probably do with some small and light restoration work to bring it up to a very nice standard or it can continue to be driven and enjoyed exactly as it is.
The MGB Roadster is a car that is easy to live with and easy to work on and is a fabulous classic car to enjoy to the full every time you get behind the wheel.
There will always be a strong demand and interest in the early thin chrome bumper versions of the MGB Roadster and it’s no wonder that they are Britain’s favourite classic sports car.
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