Highlights
- Superbly presented
- Three owners from new
- In current ownership for 25 years
- Impressive history file with around £25,000 worth of spending since 1977
- Hardtop included
The Appeal
As the definitive all-round classic car, the MGB’s stylish design, the ease of maintenance and the huge volume of specialist help and parts go some way into ensuring its status as one of the UK’s most iconic roadsters has not diminished with age. Originally designed as the Everyman sports car, the MGB has not lost any of that appeal.
This 1973 roadster is one of the later MK2 cars retaining the desirable chrome bumpers, it benefits from the purity of design finesse of the original 60’s models combined with the improvements to help the car compete in the 1970s. Retaining much of its original specification, this well-looked-after example comes with a hardtop, overdrive and a rather impressive provenance.
Purchased by the current owner in 1998, over decades of dedicated ownership, he systematically addressed almost every issue, using local classic car specialists to carry out the work. Used as an occasional car, it was mostly enjoyed for meets and the occasional show. With evidence of almost £25,000 worth of documented spending since 1977, this car has not strayed too far from its original birthplace in Abingdon. This very original and pampered example comes with an impressive file of invoices, 2 keys, its current V5 and a fibreglass hardtop. The sale is being conducted by the family of the owner.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered BL supplier F.M Motors LTD of Witney in January 1973
- Original sales invoice included
- Subsequently remained in the local area since then
- Invoices back to 1977
- A selection of MOTS dating back to 1990
- The previous lady owner bought the car in 1989
- In current ownership since 1998
- Regular upkeep and maintenance
- Diligent and ordered organisation of invoices and documents
- Invoices under the current owner's name totalling £20,000
- The last service and MOT were carried out less than 400 miles ago
- Engine, brake and bodywork renovations carried out over the last 5 years
- Consistently stored in a garage for 25 years
- Several previous V5 documents
- MG owners club car
- The Bucks Sports and Classics Car Centre who maintained the car are more than happy to vouch for the car
- MOT and Tax-exempt
- V5c Present
- 2 keys
The Interior
- Original cabin with no significant blemishes
- No signs of dampness or water ingress in the cabin
- Cloth seats are in good shape, with no significant wear
- The carpets appeared to have been fitted in 2019, all in good shape with no dampness
- MG branded rubber mats
- Dashboard padding and painted fascia in decent shape - free of significant damage, subject to a recondition with LEDs in 2010
- Dials and switchgear in good order, with mild signs of age noted
- Original AM/MW radio installed
- All functions are said to work
- Mild wear on the wooden steering wheel but intact
- Tonneau is in excellent order
The Exterior
- The engine bay is in excellent order, having seen a refurb in 2019
- Invoices suggest that the front scuttle, rear section and sills have all seen attention since 2015, with several other invoices suggesting others metal renovation
- The floor pan, chassis rails, jacking points and inner wings appear to be solid
- The boot floor, suspension mounts and sills are decent
- Bodywork appears to be in very positive order, with a decent panel fit and even shut lines
- All doors open and close with ease
- No discernible signs of body corrosion observed, with the panel work free of dents
- Paint in decent order with a good lustre, some minor scuffs in places but overall an even colour coverage
- Minor under-paint blemishes were noted around the nearside headlamp
- Chrome trim in good shape, with no outstanding issues noted on the grill or bumpers
- Lights and lenses free of blemishes
- Glass commensurate with the age of the car, with no cracks or chips
- Soft top in very good condition with a minor tear noted on the offside quarter screen
- Honeybourne Mouldings Hardtop in decent shape, with minor seal wear and a few outer scuffs
- 14” Restyle wheels and trims in presentable condition, with minor signs of age
- Full set of matching tyres date from 2017, all in good shape with even wear
The Mechanics
- The engine starts up after a few cranks due to the cold start, but once fired up, idles smoothly with no misfiring
- Factory overdrive operated by a switch on the gear knob
- No oil leaks or excess exhaust smoke were observed on the day
- The engine ticks over with no undulations
- Said to drive well with a decent gear change
- No other outstanding issues were reported in the way it drives or stops
- Engine subject to extensive attention over the last 20 years including:
- Rebuild in 2003
- New starter motor in 2009
- Aldon electronic ignition system in 2013
- New fuel pump in 2015
- New water pump in 2016
- New Clutch and Master cylinder in 2019
- Carb refurb in 2020
- Consistently serviced and checked over by The Bucks Sports and Classics Car Centre
- Invoices suggest that the suspension and braking have also been regularly maintained
- Mild signs of age were noted on the rear springs
- Exhaust and fuel tank in excellent order
Summary
With 5 decades' worth of invoices, and plenty of evidence that this example has been exceptionally treasured, this car must tick a lot of boxes for someone looking for a useable and well-maintained MGB. With an impressive file of provenance, as well as the useful addition of a hardtop this beautifully presented example also has the unusual novelty of being a car that has not strayed much more than 30 miles from its birthplace.
Perhaps not the key criteria for buying a solid MG, but it certainly adds to the romance and story of this superb example.
Perhaps not the key criteria for buying a solid MG, but it certainly adds to the romance and story of this superb example.
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 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.
