The MGB is an iconic British sports car that was manufactured by the British Motor Corporation (later British Leyland) from 1962 to 1980. The roadster was the first model of the MGB to come off the Abingdon production line and was distinguished by its unitary body and chassis structure. 

The car’s popularity meant that although production was originally intended to continue for seven years, it was extended again and again until the last car was made in 1980. The basic body shape remained the same throughout the eighteen years of its production. In total more than half a million of the MGB and its variants were produced and the cars remain popular with classic-car enthusiasts to this day.  

CLS 555 G has been subject to a full bare-metal restoration, approximately ten years ago, and has covered relatively few miles since. It’s in outstanding condition throughout, and is ready to be driven and enjoyed. 

Built in 1968, CLS 555 G was first registered on 1st January 1969. It was subject to a complete restoration in 2012-13 and has done only around 5000 miles since then. The then-owner’s specification for the restoration is included with the paperwork (although the figures have been redacted) and there are photographs of the restoration in progress that testify to the high standard of this.

The vendor bought the car in 2021 and was determined to buy the best MGB he could find. Having enjoyed his tenure of the car, he has now decided to sell it to help fund the purchase of a horse-box, needed for his children’s equestrian activities. 

The car’s interior looks stunning. It’s clearly done few miles since the restoration, as there is virtually no evidence of wear and tear. 

The black leather seats are in superb condition, the driving position is comfortable and there’s a smart Moto-Lita steering wheel. The carpets are in similarly excellent condition and have been protected by MG-branded rubber mats.

The walnut dashboard, the dials, the switchgear and the centre-console are all in first-class condition.  

There are a couple of concessions to modern motoring; there’s a USB port attached to the side of the centre console, and although the radio has a ‘period’ fascia it’s a more modern unit; although the vendor admits to having never used it, it appears to work as it should.  

The vendor also reports a couple of minor issues: the retaining clip that guides the seatbelt across the passenger seat has broken (the vendor has the broken part), and the choke control doesn’t stay out when in use (a common MGB problem!).   

In the boot, there’s a spare wheel (in superb condition) and cover; the boot is lined with smart black carpet and there is also a hammer and wooden frame for removing the wheel-spinners.    

Even from a distance, it’s clear that this is an MGB in outstanding condition. The British Racing Green paintwork looks fantastic; the car was re-shelled with a British Motor Heritage body as part of its restoration. There’s no evidence of scratches, damage or corrosion – it really does look ‘as new’. The badges, grille, bumpers and luggage rack are all in similarly excellent condition. The wire wheels are gleaming, and the tyres have clearly done only a few miles. 

The soft-top looks extremely good, the rear window and quarter lights have no fogging or scratches, and there’s a hood cover also supplied.  

At some point, presumably as part of the restoration, the MGB’s 1.8-litre engine has been replaced with a 2.1-litre unit. The vendor says that this really makes a difference to the car’s performance, and reports that it drives and handles beautifully. He also reports that the overdrive makes the car a pleasure to drive. The car starts readily and sounds lovely. 

Under the bonnet, the engine bay is as clean and tidy as the condition of the rest of the car would suggest. There’s an upgraded fan and an oil cooler. 

Underneath the car, everything looks to be in great condition, including the stainless-steel exhaust.  

Described by Classic & Sports Car magazine as the ‘gateway drug’ into the classic-car world, the MGB is a true motoring icon that retains a huge following in the UK and around the world. A good-looking, well-engineered car with plenty of interior space, and with fantastic parts, specialist and owners-club support, there are few classics that are such fun to drive and yet so practical. 

CLS 555G is outstanding, both inside and out, and has clearly been restored to extremely high standards at considerable expense. Having done only 5000 miles since restoration, it has clearly been cherished by subsequent owners, as evidenced by its fabulous condition. 

It offers the prospect of trouble-free, fun motoring in a stylish and comfortable environment, and while not completely original the more modern upgrades can only enhance the driving experience and give peace of mind. This MGB is probably among the best out there, both in terms of its looks and its performance.