The successor to the MGA arrived in 1962 with a plan for seven years of production. Expensive tooling, and high costs meant it would take the duration of this planned life to recoup the costs and make a profit. However, the success of the MGB would nearly triple the life span and production finally ceased in 1980.
In that time over half a million units left the factory and the car became the sports car of Britain. A title that it would relinquish to overseas competition, but determined to not be laid to rest quietly, the MGB has become the classic of Britain with many owners holding on to good examples knowing that even with such a healthy production volume it is becoming harder and harder to find a clean example.
Part of the lure of the vehicle isn’t just its ability to sit outside of a country pub as casually as it could be sat outside a city office, but that such a large community exists around it. There is an industry supplying parts and servicing kits as well as dedicated repairers to ease ownership for everyone from the mechanically gifted to the ham-fisted.
The original direction of the MGB was to make a car that could be used regularly, with more legroom and luggage space than the car it replaced, the MGB became a genuine proposition for year around motoring, and weekends away to really enjoy all that the car has to offer.
After being MOT’d in 2017 it arrived at the home of its current custodian and has barely moved a wheel since, instead remaining dry and stored in the corner of the garage.
The vehicle is in a usable condition and has remained an open-ended question for restoration or an honest running example that can be parked up without constant concern for a car park dent or scratch by a careless passer-by. However, should a new owner want to get this example up to standard they have a great base here with most of the attention needed within the wheelhouse of a capable enthusiast.
Further back in the car’s history we can see that in the last seventeen years this MGB Roadster has spent only a couple of thousand miles on the road. A new owner may want to consider giving this car a light touch-up and get it back out on the road for late summer.
There was a thick folder of paperwork atop the passenger seat on our arrival, evidence of previous keepers that have loved POP 324M whilst it was in their ownership, and detailing work both with handwritten and printed receipts.
There is some great bedtime reading for the new owner as they trace its past, however, we would set expectations in place that as with any vehicle that has spent extensive time off the road or in rare use there are some time jumps between the slips of paper in the file.
Open the driver’s door and you are greeted by factory vinyl that has worn its years well, a steering wheel that has been spared the deep wear that can be imprinted by careless grubby hands, and a gear knob that has escaped the groves sometimes left behind by wedding rings rubbing their way through the shift pattern.
Glance down to the carpets as well as the door cards and again there is more evidence that whilst off the road it has been dry stored as all are in good condition.
Aside from a clean to remove some of the dust from storage little should be required to make the materials inside the cabin look fresh again.
The boot area has clean carpet and reveals no easy to spot areas of concern for water ingress with all the corners appearing to be solid.
Nearly fifty years since it rolled off the assembly line and without having received a restoration it is clear a few areas of the exterior would benefit from an owner that is willing to spend some time applying some care.
The aerial has bent over during storage and will either need repair or replacement. All four wheels displayed their age, although this will mean the new owner can choose between refurbishing them or changing to a different style and keeping the old set as spares, or possibly to wrap some track focused rubber around for use on an occasional classics track meet without risking a pristine set of rims.
The paintwork would benefit from some detailing to make it gleam again or could be kept as it is if the new owner wants to be able to use the car without worrying about getting chips and scratches. It displays as an honest looking vehicle as it stands today creating an appeal for those that want their classic to look its age.
On our arrival, the car hadn’t been turned over in months and yet on the initial turn of the key the fuel pump could be heard and with a further twist the motor turned over without hesitation. It continued to run holding oil pressure and temperature without interruption.
Underneath the long term dry storage has kept away moisture and everything that was visible showed itself to be in fine fettle. Under the bonnet appeared to be in reasonable condition and no leaks were noticeable, but again, a good clean up would be beneficial for those that want to show off the shiny bits.
Whether you are interested in the MGB because of its relative affordability to maintain, simple back to basics driving characteristics, or as a celebration of the British automotive history there will be little to disappoint. The torquey engine will keep you entertained during the times you feel like stretching its legs and although you won’t be leaving modern sports cars for dust, you will probably be having more fun.
The MGB represents something greater than its brightwork and vibrant community of owners. It is a vehicle that became as synonymous as black cabs and red post boxes to Britain, and with the convertible giving every ounce of driving spirit with a million miles of sky thrown in, this one is ready to be enjoyed this sunny season.
Notice to bidders
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.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1973 MGB Roadster
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
Bid Amount
Increment
£0 to £9,999
£100.00
£10,000 to £49,999
£250.00
£50,000 to £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.
