Highlights
- Very smart restored B Roadster
- Heritage re-shelled car finished in attractive Midnight Blue
- Usefully continuously MOT’d by current and previous owners
- Reassuring long MOT to 26th July 2024 with no advisories
- Usable overdrive model with leather seats
The Appeal
The B was a radical move for MG, its first monocoque and an aerodynamic new design. It worked, the car’s style and simplicity keeping it in production for 20 years. It remains one of the most popular classics for similar reasons. Plus there is the remarkable parts, repair and owners club experience that makes running a B inexpensive and almost as convenient as a modern car.
This beautiful Midnight Blue B was reshelled and restored around 25 years ago, but you would barely know such a time has passed. Thanks to its fastidious owners it presents as virtually fresh from that work. Further evidence of their care is its regular run of annual MOT tests - no longer legally required but proof that this car has been cared for.
The MGB is surely one of classic motoring’s easiest-to-own cars and driving one is pure joy. This looks like a very good and very well cared for example and an opportunity not to be missed.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered on 1st August 1971
- DVLA records indicate that the colour was changed on 1st August 1997, which appears to coincide with the restoration work
- The vendor tells us that the car was comprehensively restored in the late 1990s which included a colour change to period-correct Midnight Blue
- Carries a DVLA VIN code for a reshelled car
- The vendor tells us that the car comes with lots of history including MOTs back to 1999
- Excellent run of MOTs from 2006 with just one year - 2009 - missed, likely when the car was off the road
- The car has covered less than 10,000 miles since 2008
- Current owner since 17th April 2018
- £1,548.76 spent in 2019 by the seller on various mechanical work including brake overhaul
- Mohair Stayfast hood fitted in 2018 at a cost of £850
- Car comes with a full and half tonneau cover, a spare wheel cover, indoor dust cover and a selection of other items which include a workshop manual and a file comprising old invoices and MOT certificates.
The Interior
- Very well presented standard interior appears to have been renovated during the older work
- Smart crackle black dashboard with clear dials with clean, untarnished chrome surrounds
- Clear switchgear with bright white decals
- Fitted with a Pioneer stereo system and retractable aerial
- Mota Lita steering wheel
- Black leather seats in excellent condition with no visible wear
- Black carpets appears to have been refitted and have good colour and no fading
- The vendor tells us that the map light does not work - a common fault
- The choke lever also does not hold, again a common in-period feature
- We are also told that the ignition switch needs tightening
- These seem like minor problems given the general condition of the interior of this pretty car
The Exterior
- Marvellous Midnight Blue paintwork seems to particularly suit the MGB and highlights the chrome accents
- New Heritage shell fitted as part of the restoration in the late 1990s
- Smart dark blue mohair roof adds to the attractive set up
- Bright chrome wheels with very good Continental Eco Contact 3 tyres
- We are told that the car is always garaged by the owner
- Matching spare wheel which apparently has never been used
- The seller tells us that there are some small touched-in stone chips but we were unable to find them in the photos
- Clear, unblemished seams, screen surround and rear wing tops
- Excellent panel fit with consistent gaps and straight lines
- Underside follows the same theme with no visible deterioration
- This car has very usefully been MOT’d virtually every year providing a record of its condition since 2006
- Old MOTs with the car going back to 1999
- Current MOT runs to July 2024 with no advisories
The Mechanics
- 1,799cc MGB 4cyl engine with twin carburettors
- 4spd gearbox with desirable optional overdrive
- Significant mechanical and servicing work undertaken in 2019 with few miles since
- Both 6v batteries replaced by current owner and battery isolator fitted
- Fitted with electronic ignition for improved reliability
- Usefully upgraded headlights
- Fitted with hazard warning lights system
Summary
The B is one of the most usable and easy-to-own classic cars which explains why good examples remain in such high demand.
This is just such a car. Sometimes the quality of a car is obvious from the photos, sometimes the history tells the story. This car delivers on both counts, its fastidious annual MOT regime providing the reassurance that the photographs clearly telegraph. This is a really lovely example and will surely reward the buyer.
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 highly 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.
