An icon of the British classic scene, the chrome-bumper MGB roadster has a lot to offer its owner – easy maintenance, a huge resource of parts (and panels should you need them), evergreen looks and a great drive. 

Also, the chrome bumper cars sit just a little lower than the later versions on their suspension, and perhaps handle a little better. This very sweet example’s fine condition is backed up by its thorough and diligent restoration and history record.

It comes from a knowledgeable owner, is expertly set up, and is ready for the road and the Summer.

In its thick history file, the MG retains all its MOT certificates going back to the first one in 1973, showing that the car averaged pretty low annual mileages. 

By 1990, it had been taken off the road, its owner at that time intending to undertake a fairly major restoration. 

The car languished in his garage until 2008 (by which time he had sadly passed away), before being bought by another enthusiast (with a bit more determination), who finished the car to a high standard by 2008 – and made a comprehensive photographic record to prove it. 

You’ll see invoices from both periods in the history file. 

Now in the care of a fully-trained motor engineer, and having driven few miles since the restoration, the car has yet again been well-fettled, set up and checked over.

The paintwork on this roadster really shines, showing a good, deep gloss all around the car. 

There are a couple of very small inconsistencies in the finish above rear offside wheel arch, but these are not micro-blisters. The wheel arches – which have plastic liners – are clean and appear very sound, while seams between panels and edges appear clean and healthy with no signs of discolouration or cracking. 

Panel fit too is good (probably better than many were new); with a snug-fitting bonnet and a flush boot lid.

The chrome and bright metal are a very attractive feature on the car (there was still quite a lot of it on Seventies MGs). The big bumpers with their chunky overriders boast a very deep shine – no pitting – and are securely mounted and straight with no dents. 

The grill looks equally good, as do badges, handles and mirrors all round. The beltline chrome strips on each side are likewise very neat and straight. The thick rubber mounts supporting the metal remain a healthy shade of black.

The black soft top has not shrunk and raises and folds easily. Its rear windows remain clear and have not cracked and the stitching remains largely very good. 

It wears a few scuffs and a little weathering, but remains strong and very much fit for purpose.

The roadster’s cabin continues the high standard of presentation set by the exterior. 

Immediately noticeable is the leather-rimmed, period-correct steering wheel with three drilled aluminium spokes. It’s actually rather nice to see, no matter how charming the wood-rimmed replacement ones might be. 

Behind it, the black vinyl/plastics that surround the cabin, both across the dash, and on the door cards are in good shape. They are free of any significant scratches and retain a deep black hue. In the case of the door cards, there seem to be no signs of warping.

The seats look virtually new and retain all of their shape – absolutely no saggy cushions – and their outer edges show no scuffs caused by people getting in and out of the car. Like the door cards, the colour of the vinyl remains deep with no fading or cracks.

It's also quite refreshing to note that all switches and instruments work (there’s a useful map-reading light too) and that all are clean and retain their proper markings – often not the case even on ‘nice’ cars. 

The black carpets (new at restoration) are clean and, retaining a good pile and colour. There is no sign of water ingress in the front foot wells and the door hinge areas are sound. The inside of the hood looks fine and its frame in good condition. 

By way of subtle improvements, it’s worth noting that the roadster boasts Kangol seat belts, a 12-volt power point, hazard warning lights and audible indicator signals (that’s just showing off). 

Usefully, you’ll find a battery isolation switch behind the seats.

There’s a real well-fettled, ‘taking care of business’ look to the engine when you open the MG’s bonnet. 

Everything sits in its rightful place, clean and accessible – take a good look at the up-close pictures of the motor. 

Block, head and carburettors are in fine form, while wiring, hoses and leads look exceptionally healthy and no grime or grease has been allowed to accumulate in crannies and crevices. Note there is a new oil cooler plus an electric cooling fan fitted.

The paint around the engine bay remains very good with robust seams to the wings (and a healthy rubber seal) along the upper edges. The bulkhead/firewall is rust free and, like the inner wings, appears very solid.

The underside of the car appears to be equally sound – it’s worth saying again that the inner wings have been fitted with plastic liners. There is a good degree of weatherproofing (note that the rear elliptical springs are bound with waterproof tape) and that all suspension and brake components are clean and solid. 

The brakes by the way have been upgraded with a servo and the system filled with silicon fluid. To finish the car off, the wheels have been shot blasted and powder coated. 

With their very straight spokes and bright chrome centres, they have a nicely understated look.

All very confidence inspiring.

As we know, there are a lot of Bs out there, but every now and again you come across one where you think the balance of restoration, upgrade and originality is just right, and where the seller has put the emphasis on creating a very well-presented, properly sorted and eminently driveable classic.

There may be (slightly) prettier cars out there, but if you’re wanting a dependable and enjoyable touring companion this summer, look no further.