Highlights
- A Television star
- Restoration project
- Purple paint, overdrive gearbox
The Appeal
The early ‘80s sitcom Shillingbury Tales featured the story of two Londoners moving to the bucolic English countryside and trying to fit in with the locals. Stars such as Bernard Cribbins and John Le Mesurier made an appearance, and so did this MGB.
Owned by EMI television studios and used in their productions, this MG has seen fame on the small screen. This, along with its striking purple paintwork, makes this car stand out from the crowd and will surely be the talk of any car show it attends.
This MGB is sold as a project requiring finishing. Once complete, it will make a fantastic example of a popular classic with a bit of something different about it.
The History and Paperwork
- Registered new on 6th August 1975
- First owned by EMI television studio
- Featured in ‘80s sitcom Shillingbury Tales
- 2nd owner stored the car for 28 years
- Road tax and MoT exempt
The Interior
- Original interior
- In need of refurbishment
- Roll-bar fitted
The original tan coloured interior has survived the decades but is now in need of a good clean and refurbishment. The seat covers appear to be in usable condition and should scrub up nicely, and a thorough clean of the dashboard and ancillaries will reveal their condition.
A radio and cassette player have been fitted, along with speakers in the footwells. This system will presumably need to be recommissioned before use.
The car benefits from the addition of an anti-roll bar, secured behind the front seats.
In all, the interior is currently looking a bit sad, having stood unused for some time, but it looks like underneath the dust there appears to be a solid foundation upon which to improve.
The Exterior
- Striking purple paintwork
- Some filler work has been started
The striking purple paintwork really sets this B apart from the crowd. The paint itself is evidently need of some attention. There is blistering and small amounts of corrosion are visible. Some filler has been applied to the front right wing and both doors but has not been finished.
A thorough check-over will be required to ascertain the extent of any corrosion to the structure. The steel wheels will require refurbishment and a new set of tyres.
This work will certainly provide a satisfying project for its next owner.
The Mechanics
- 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine
- Untested mechanics
The mechanical components of this vehicle remain untested and their condition will need to be assessed to determine the best course of action.
It appears from the presence of a switch on top of the gear lever that this car is fitted with an overdrive gearbox. This is certainly a desirable feature to have on an MGB, allowing for more civilised high speed driving.
One of the enduring advantages of the MGB is that the availability of parts is second to none, so you can rest assured that anything currently not functioning will be easily remedied.
Summary
This appears to be a very complete car, so its restoration should be a satisfying project for its next owner.
And who doesn’t like a car with some TV history? This MGB’s time on the small screen gives it that extra bit of appeal, along with its bold purple paintwork.
This is one barnfind that’s certainly worth reviving.
Notice to bidders
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