1970 MG MGB Roadster
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Highlights
- Comprehensively restored, in and out
- One owner for the last 43 years
- MOT to November 2023
- Stage-two tuned B-series engine
The Appeal
While the MGB may be ubiquitous, there’s a very good reason for that – it’s an excellent little classic sportscar. Parts and advice are available in vast quantities and they’re nice and easy to work on, making them the perfect usable, everyday classic. Of course, they’re excellent to drive too, with one of the best four-cylinder soundtracks around.
Here we have a cherished and beautifully maintained example, that has been meticulously restored about 20 years ago by the current owner. Now presenting in fine condition with a smart specification and the added performance of a stage-two tuned engine, this handsome little sports car is ready to take its new owner on some exhilarating road trips.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in February 1970
- Four owners from new
- Current owner since December 1979, when the car was a ‘rolling shell’
- Historic vehicle status (tax and MOT exempt)
- Owner has maintained the MOT record – current MOT to November 2023
- Full restoration inside and out, about 20 years ago
- All work was completed by the owner, except for the respray which was professionally done
- Always garaged during current ownership
- indicated mileage 15,273 – is actually 115,273 miles as the car has a five figure odometer
- Complete with a workshop manual and parts catalogues
- Two sets of keys, current V5C, MOT certificates and some service/maintenance invoices
- Lots of money spent over the years on both the restoration and rolling maintenance
- Only selling due to ill health
The Interior
- Smart cream upholstery, retrimmed about 20 years ago
- Upholstery presents very well, with minimal wear evident to the seats
- Cream carpets through the cabin, with some marking from use, but no significant damage evident
- Wood veneer to the dash fascia, centre console and door tops all look to be in good order, with no cracking or UV damage we could identify
- Cream padding to the upper dashboard looks well, with no tears or notable wear we could see
- Wooden gear knob and Moto-Lita steering wheel are very smart and look to be in fine condition
- Chrome ringed dials appear to be in very good order, and look well alongside the warmly patinated switchgear and controls
- The boot floor looks to be in excellent condition, with no evidence of corrosion or damage we could see
- A new full-size spare wire wheel, jack and toolkit are present and correct
- We’re told by the vendor that everything in the cabin works as it should, with no issues they are aware of
The Exterior
- Tartan Red paintwork was professionally resprayed during the car’s restoration
- Generally, the paint looks to be in very good condition, with just a few minor chips and blemishes, as you’d expect from the age and mileage
- The bodywork looks in fine fettle, with straight and tidy panels, and no notable corrosion we could discern
- There is a very small amount of bubbling to the upper near-side wing-top and bonnet corner
- Black fabric hood appears to be in nice condition, with no tears or UV fading we could see, although there is a small amount of surface corrosion to the frame
- All of the brightwork looks in very good condition, with some pitting from age, but generally a nice level of natural patina and no damage apparent
- As befits a sports car of this vintage, it rides on chromed 14-inch wire wheels, which are shod in a new set of matched Yokohama tyres
- Underneath, the car looks to be in very good order – we saw no evidence of damage or notable corrosion, just a small amount of surface corrosion on some components, as should be expected
The Mechanics
- 1,798cc ‘three-bearing’ B-series engine and gearbox from an earlier model
- Four-speed manual transmission, note that there is no synchro on the first two gears, so double de-clutching is required on downshifts
- The engine is ‘stage-two’ tuned, which includes: balanced crank and flywheel, high lift cam, twin 1.¾” carbs with pan filters, and a free-flowing stainless steel exhaust
- The vendor tells us a new flywheel starter ring, rear dampers and front springs have been fitted
- It’s reported to us that the vehicle produces no smoke, but there is a very slight leak on the rear engine gasket
- We’re assured that the car drives very well indeed, with no mechanical issues and an exhaust note the builds from an intoxicating burble to a roaring crescendo
Summary
Clearly much loved and cherished, this MGB roadster has much to commend it. Having been very well maintained and cared for over the years, it presents in excellent, usable condition and would make a very fine regular use classic.
The fact that the vendor has gone to the trouble to stage-two tune the engine, providing the car with both more usable power delivery and a more stirring character, tells you much about it. It’s a handsomely presented, lightly modified and well restored example of one of the most revered British sports cars from the 60s and 70s.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1970
- Make MG
- Model MGB Roadster
- Colour Red
- Odometer 15,273 Miles
- Engine size 1798
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Studley
- Location Hertfordshire
- Country United Kingdom
29
bids
- PC•••• £11,000 06/12/22
- ma•••• £10,750 06/12/22
- PC•••• £10,500 06/12/22
- ma•••• £10,250 06/12/22
- ma•••• £10,000 06/12/22
- PC•••• £9,999 06/12/22
- ma•••• £9,900 06/12/22
- ma•••• £9,800 06/12/22
- PC•••• £9,700 06/12/22
- PC•••• £9,600 06/12/22
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