The MG B really needs no introduction, being a famous site on British B roads and of course most every car show. Famous for its simplicity, attractive looks and sporty nature with racing pedigree, the roadster is designed for the more “care-free’’ driver, offering the same driving experience as the GT but the with the added extra of a “Top-Down” thrill for the warm summer days.

The vendor purchased this beautiful little car in 2004 and subjected it to a thorough restoration. He told us that since it has wanted for very little, just the usual maintainace one would expect to give a near 50 year old car and has been a reliable drive to the links and for the wonderful roads around the Borders. 

Prior to purchase the roadster was evidently well kept by the huge stack of paperwork that came with the car. Having only covered 8,000 or so miles in the last 18 years, this really shows, but the need for space forces the sale of a wonderful example of a true British classic sports car.

Nothing short of extensive, this MG has a receipt for almost every penny spent. In the time we got to examine the history file we saw receipts as far back as the early 90’s and we suspect there to be more. 

MOT certificates for years back are also present, although not every single one but nice to see nonetheless. As stated before, the car has not wanted for much in the vendors long ownership. The V5 is present and up to date also.

Probably the best part of this excellent little car was the interior, beautifully restored nearly 18 years ago it hardly looks a day past new due to the low usage. The seats are really nicely finished in period correct vinyl and are un-damaged and not sagging or faded whatsoever. 

One thing that tends to be a bit suspect on MG B cars is how well the carpets are fitted and we are pleased to say these have been fitted exceptionally well in black, matching the seats perfectly.

At the time of restoration the vendor optioned a Burled Elm finish with a matching steering wheel with a brass inlay, and we thought it was very classy and individual , setting this interior apart from the crowd.

Everything seemed to work, the dials being nicely original and clear. The passenger window at first seemed reluctant to move but a little persuasion let it roll up and down freely. 

We were pleased to find the car has stood up well since its restoration in 2004. First appearances the car was well presented donning a crisp and glossy metallic green taken from an MG C. Most of the exterior trims seemed well kept, slight surface corrosion and blemishes that a quick polish would remedy but overall looked more original than anything. 

Overall the paintwork was really nice. A short session with a machine polisher or quality wax would make a good bit of difference but nothing particularly bad to report. The mini lite wheels could use a coat of paint in places but just cleaned up look nice and presentable .

Here and there some blemishes were appearing under the paint as one would expect after a long time, and as this is not a heritage shell its all the more so nice to see it in such nice nick. We did notice on the sill below the drivers door a crack in the paint, perhaps a slightly failed repair, yet nothing we thought to worry about and a fairly simple body shop repair at best. 

The Hood was only replaced last year, and this is in wonderful condition with a nice clear rear window and no damage on the vinyl.

This little British classic fired right up on arrival, no fuss or smoke and ran really quietly with a subdued sporty note from the exhaust. 

Under the bonnet was ‘oily rag’ clean, nothing over polished or faffed about with and nicely in keeping with the overall honest look of the car. A slight leak from the radiator was there, and a simple fix for an enthusiast. 

Going under the car was a reassuring sight, with very little in the was of visible corrosion and this is likely due to being garaged and never driven in wintery conditions. Well protected with a coat of underseal, everything looked in good fettle with nothing short of slight oil weeping from the sump gasket.

The vendor took the car our prior to our viewing to ensure everything such as the overdrive was working as it should and all was reported to be spot on.

Summer is well on its was and top down motoring has always been a dream for most. This wonderful roadster will not disappoint and will satisfy the need for a fun drive! Ideal for someone who is happy to tinker with the car at the weekend and enjoy it when the need arises.