1978 MGB Roadster
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Highlights
- Chrome bumper conversion
- New convertible hood
- Subject to extensive refurbishment
- Reconditioned engine with unleaded head
- Electronic ignition
- Fully Working Overdrive gearbox
- Brand new mohair convertible hood
The Appeal
The ultimate do it all classic car. If ever there was a vehicle that personified that statement it would surely be the MGB. A revolutionary design that unified style performance and economy in one small, instantly loveable package. The lightweight 2 door roadster was an absolute hit from first introduction in 1962 and still holds the title of one of the finest, most iconic classic cars in history.
The MGB we see before us is a rather special one indeed and may possibly be one of the most interesting and exciting available for purchase at present. Boasting marvellous Pageant Blue paint work, a new hood and having been subject to an extensive mechanical refurbishment, this is an MGB that really is ready to be used however the new owner sees fit.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 21/03/1978
- Later model converted to a chrome bumper car circa 2018
- Subject to engine and driveline refurbishment alongside various mechanical upgrades
- Extensive collection of specialist service history from throughout the car’s lifetime
- MOT and Tax exempt due to car’s historic status
- Correct V5 registration document present with the car
The Interior
- New interior trim and carpets
- New door panels
- New carpets
- Highly original example
Having been subject to an extensive retrim, the MG’s smart, simple and above all stylish cabin presents wonderfully. Sumptuous black leather takes precedence throughout the majority of the interior with a simply wonderful three spoke wood rim steering wall sat as a contrasting centrepiece. With very little if anything in the way of wear, tear and patina making itself known in the cabin, it’s fair to say that this interior retrim has been done to an incredibly high standard.
The two sleek black leather seats are of a brilliant standard, boasting strong cushioning and good quality upholstery, still rich in colour. The same can be said in regards to the quality of the two new door panels that have been installed in the car, now well embellished with a neat set of MGB door furniture.
An impeccable piece in its own right, the wonderful dash panel is of a marvellous quality and looks marvellous inside the MG. This naturally presents in great order, as do the neat collection of gauges and switchgear embellished with smart chrome trim that we find housed within the panel.
Opening the tailgate one is presented with a neat and simple boot area, with a spare wheel stowed under cover alongside the factory black leather tonneau coverings for the car should one wish to cover up the MG without putting the roof on.
The Exterior
- Exquisite pageant blue paintwork
- Chrome bumper conversion
- Refurbished wire wheels
It's hard not to love the MGBs exterior styling, it really does have a loveable quality to it. The example we see here is no stranger to this notion and looks dashing in its pageant blue paint scheme.
The aforementioned blue paint scheme is certainly a bold colour choice for any car, but for this little MG it really is perfect, suiting the B’s curved lines down to a tee. The paintwork itself is of a good quality and presents as such.
A later model MGB, VCS 260S has rather thankfully been converted to an earlier chrome bumper car, meaning gone are the far less favourable plastic/rubber bumpers and instead we find what are arguably the only suitable adornments for an MGB, the correct chrome bumpers. The chrome itself is of a marvellous standard and still looks almost factory fresh, exhibiting a truly excellent shine from all angles.
Later model MGBs all sat much higher to conform to safety regulations at the time, so as part of the chrome bumper conversion, this car has been lowered down to a far more suitable, and aesthetically pleasing ride height.
At the top end we find the MG sporting an excellent brand new mohair convertible top. Still rich in its deep black hue this is of a marvellous standard and looks wonderful when up on the car. However for those warmer summer drives, the roof can be retracted quickly and with ease.
Ground level presents us with four refurbished wire wheels, all befitted with new tyres. The wheels, naturally having just been refurbished, are of a brilliant quality and really do look great on the car.
The Mechanics
- Reconditioned engine with unleaded head
- Electronic ignition
- Overdrive gearbox
- Recent brake overhaul
BMC’s legendary B-Series engine really does need no introduction. Finding its way into nearly all MGBs, the mighty four cylinder may well be one of the most iconic engines of all time. Simple, reliable but with plenty of power on tap, the 1798cc motor helped cement the MG as a genuinely usable sports roadster.
The engine in this particular example has been treated to an extensive refurbishment, alongside the fitment of an unleaded head and a set of GPI silicone hoses. As a result the engine presents in impeccable order and performs as such, firing into life easily with a lovely, almost quintessentially British engine note emitting from the rear.
A large selection of new mechanical parts have been fitted alongside the refurbished engine, these include a new starter motor, new alternator, and the all important electronic ignition system. The car’s braking system has also undergone refurbishment in the car’s recent lifetime.
As a result of this truly extensive mechanical refurbishment the MGB is somewhat unsurprisingly reported to provide an excellent drive. Punchy, fun and almost raw, all of the things that make the MGB great are present when driving this particular example.
Summary
For those in the market for a stand out classic or perhaps a more interesting daily driver, this may be the ideal candidate. As MGBs go this is definitely one of the most interesting examples on the market, with its brilliant blue paint work, refurbished engine and chrome bumper conversion, this is an MGB that wants for very little, if anything, and as such is ready for many miles of enjoyment at the hands of a new loving owner.
As attested to by so many MG enthusiasts, the later models were the far superior drivers cars but lacked the aesthetic prowess of the earlier chrome bumper cars, so in this chrome bumper conversion, one really does have the best of both worlds.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1978
- Make MG
- Model B Roadster
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 39,103 Miles
- Engine size 1798
Auction Details
Message C&C Auction Team
- Seller Type Private
- Location London
- Country United Kingdom
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