1972 MGB Roadster

Highlights 

  • A striking Flame Red MGB in a very solid condition throughout
  • Subject to two known restorations and fastidious current ownership
  • Complete with a good archive of paperwork underscoring the solid provenance

The Appeal


The MGB remains an absolute staple of the classic car scene thanks to a mix of desirable facets and qualities. 

Excellent availability of parts, an engaging and enjoyable drive, and low cost of ownership are chief amongst these.
This example is a very well-presented car and has clearly been professionally restored and painted in its past. It has enjoyed very attentive ownership in the last six years with the current owner attending to a number of further improvements. 

As such it represents an excellent prospect for the seasoned MG enthusiast or first-time classic car owner alike.

The History and Paperwork

  • First registered in January 1972 and understood to have been originally finished in white
  • In 1999 the car underwent some professional bodywork restoration
  • The colour was changed to Flame Red at this stage
  • In 2012 the sills were replaced on both sides and the car was professionally repainted
  • The current owner acquired the car in 2016 attracted by the solid nature of the car
  • The current owner has attended to a number of further improvements since then
  • He has kept the car garaged during his tenure as the previous owner did
  • There is a good level of provenance providing paperwork provided with the car
  • This includes the current V5 in the name of the owner
  • Photographs recording restoration work from both 1999 and 2012 are on hand
  • A large number of hard copy MOTs are included dating from 1999 to 2017
  • These detail the mileage from the mid 90,000’s to around 3,000
  • A number of invoices from these periods are present too
  • Several invoices for work undertaken by the current owner are here too
  • The MGB is registered as a Historic Vehicle so is understood to be MOT and VED exempt

The Interior

  • This MGB benefits from an entirely original interior
  • It faithfully evokes the British sports car experience from the early 70’s
  • The cabin is predominantly finished in black
  • The seats are box pleated and complete with textured headrests
  • The driver’s seat base has benefitted from some attention recently to address a collapse
  • The door cards are also trimmed in black with twin, red horizontal pinstripes
  • The black carpets are protected by some quality, full length MG rubber mats
  • The dash front is finished in the MG’s signature textured black finish
  • The white on black Smiths gauges are in good condition and understood to be working fully
  • The important overdrive is activated by a dash mounted switch
  • The boot is remains simply painted in original MGB specification
  • The boot floor looks very solid, and a spare wheel and tools are present
  • A full, zipped tonneau cover (pictured) is included in the sale

This MGB retains the original, period-correct charm of the roadster’s interior. It is in excellent condition throughout with the “black on black” colour scheme working very well indeed with the Flame Red paintwork. 

Everything is as it should be and the flexible vinyl tonneau cover adds a good deal of flexibility to the hood options available.

The Exterior

  • The exterior is presents very well in its bright Flame Red paintwork
  • The paintwork appears deep and lustrous and professionally applied
  • It is understood to hail form 2012 and its condition is a credit to its two owners during that period
  • The current owner pointed out three minor imperfections to the pain
  • One to the bonnet leading edge, another to a wing top and a touch-in to the boot edge
  • Whilst we attempted to photograph them, they are minor enough to not really register
  • The wheels are the correct black and silver Rostyle steel articles in fine condition
  • The 14-inch wheels are fitted with tyres in the correct 165/80 configuration
  • A black vinyl hood is fitted with a removable, zipped rear window
  • There is one minor split in the hood at the offside window edge (pictured)
  • Light lenses and cabin glass all appear clear and undamaged
  • The car looks very of its period with all the correct badges in place
  • This is a great looking MGB in a popular colourway and presenting in excellent condition

This MGB is a real head-turner.

The enduring shape of this popular roadster looks really fetching in the shining Flame Red paintwork. This contrasts nicely with the extensive areas of brightwork which exhibit a deep shine. The well-presented Rostyle wheels really finish the car off perfectly.

Hood up or down this is a British roadster that will be a pleasure to travel and be seen in.

MG_MGB_Roadster-032.jpg 3.12 MB


The Mechanics

  • Fitted with the 1.8L BMC B-series engine which has proved to be a robust and reliable unit over many years
  • Originally rated at 95bhp and 110 Lb-ft of torque with power delivered to the rear wheels
  • The current owner suggests that a BMC reconditioned engine may have been fitted earlier in the car’s life
  • This car has clearly been mechanically well maintained and presents well under the bonnet too
  • The heater box has been reconditioned by the new owner
  • A new Heritage fuel tank has been fitted
  • The current owner also replaced the front and rear springs and bushes
  • The owner reports all mechanical systems to be in good working order
  • The car has been used over about 5,000 miles by the current owner and always proved reliable

Already proven to offer robust mechanicals, this MGB has clearly received some fastidious attention will help future proof the mechanical integrity of this classic British sports car.

Given the condition of the car the new owner should enjoy a great deal of peace of mind over future ownership costs with many years of low-cost, wind-in-the-hair classic motoring in prospect.

MG_MGB_Roadster-148.jpg 3.21 MB


Summary

The terms “honest and original” risk attaining cliché status when applied to classic cars. In this case, however, they seem entirely apt. 

Given this MGB is now fifty years old it is no surprise that bodywork and paintwork has been attended to previously. In this case it has been expertly done and documented with photographs and invoices.

This should give the lucky new owner reassurance that this car has a transparent history and represents a really sound proposition, both physically and fiscally. 

Bid today to avoid missing out on this genuine example.


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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.

As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1972
  • Make MG
  • Model Roadster
  • Colour Red
  • Odometer 3,220 Miles
  • Engine size 1798
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Location Northamptonshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
23 bids
  • ni•••• £9,300 22/08/22
  • jo•••• £9,200 22/08/22
  • ni•••• £9,100 22/08/22
  • jo•••• £9,000 22/08/22
  • ni•••• £8,900 22/08/22
  • jo•••• £8,800 22/08/22
  • jo•••• £8,700 22/08/22
  • ly•••• £8,600 22/08/22
  • jo•••• £8,400 22/08/22
  • ly•••• £8,300 22/08/22
Message C&C Auction Team

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