1981 MGB Roadster LE
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Very well presented
- One of 208 finished with wire wheels
- Limited edition model
- Low mileage
THE APPEAL
The MGB finally made release four years after its initial development in 1958. From there, the cars have undergone some changes over the years, the most significant being the introduction of rubber bumpers to meet the strict US impact regulations. This means cars produced after 1974 came fitted with the later style bumpers.
The final six years of the MGB ended with the LE (Limited Edition) model. There were just 1001 L.E models produced; 421 were Roadsters and finished in Bronze, and only 208 were fitted with wire wheels. This lovely example is a desirable option for anyone looking to step into MG ownership.
The car was registered in 1981 and has covered just 50,489 miles. There was a re-spray carried out between 1998-2000. It presents extremely well, appears to have been well maintained when you look through the paperwork and whilst in the current vendor's possession, it has covered just a few hundred miles.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- V5C present
- Registered 23rd April 1981
- Extensive history showing invoices for parts and work carried out over the years
- Restoration carried out between 1998-2000 with some photographs
- Owners manual
- Original service booklet
- Some previous MOT certificates
- British Motor Industry Heritage Certificate
- Ziebart certificate
- Less than 1,000 miles covered since 2006
- MOT exempt
THE INTERIOR
- Retrimmed interior is thought to have been fitted around the time of the restoration
- Beige leather seats are in excellent condition with just a small amount of creasing
- Door cards are trimmed to match the seats and are in good order, with no scuffs or damage
- The dashboard is free from damage
- The instruments are bright and clear and reported to work correctly
- The odometer shows a reading of 50,489 miles
- Switchgear is in good order with a minimal amount of wear and is said to be working
- The three-spoke Mountney steering wheel is slightly smaller in diameter than the original and is in good order
- The carpets are clean and tidy. There is a set of MG rubber mats fitted to protect the carpets
- The boot is clean and tidy, and the boot floor is well-presented
- There is a spare wire wheel complete with the jack, wheel nut, spanner and hammer
THE EXTERIOR
- Finished in the original colour of Bronze and LE stripes
- A light restoration was carried out between 1998 - 2000
- The car was Zeibart treated in April 1981
- Looking around the car, there are no dings or dents to mention
- The shut lines are good, with an equal gap
- Being the last model, the MG comes with rubber bumpers, which are both in good order
- The chrome headlight surrounds, door mirrors and handles have a bright finish with no pitting
- The windows are in good condition with no noticeable scratches
- The window seals look to be in good condition
- The vinyl roof fits tightly; there is a small tear on the nearside and a small hole in the window on the offside. With that said, these are readily available for replacement
- A full tonneau cover is present and fits as it should
- There are no splits or cracks in the rear light lenses
- The MG badge is in good condition with no tarnishing
- Wire wheels have recently been refurbished
- The tyres are all matching and have a good amount of tread remaining
THE MECHANICS
- 1.8 litre engine
- Four-speed gearbox with overdrive activated by the gearknob switch
- During the vendor's ownership, he has replaced and carried out the following:
- All the fuel pipes
- Clutch cylinder
- Clutch cylinder hose
- Water hoses
- Thermostat
- Heater valve
- Carbruettor rebuild
- Rear shock absorbers
- Annual services
- Brake overhaul
- Waxoyl treatment
- The MGB fires up without hesitation, and no issues have been reported by the vendor with the running of the car
- The gear change is smooth, and the overdrive works correctly
- On the road, the ride is smooth, with no untoward noises coming from either corner of the car
- The brakes work as you would expect and bring the car to a stop in a straight line
SUMMARY
For anyone looking for a two-seater British classic, the MGB Roadster will be one of the cars you should consider, and yes, there are quite a few to choose from. But with that said, if you want something special, there aren’t many final run models to pick from, with only 208 produced with the desirable wire wheels; this is an excellent example.
Two-seater fun in a limited edition MBG Roadster, what more could you need for this beautiful British summer?
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
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