Beschreibung
If it`s history and provenance you`re after, look no further! With a detailed service and restoration log from 1988 to the present day, this fabulous Roadster in Damask Red with Black piped leather interior and genuine Happisch Mohair hood ticks every box going. Owned for the majority of this period by an aeronautical engineer (1991-2012), I guess meticulous maintenance was inevitable and certainly it has paid off. It is possibly the nicest MGB I have driven in years and at this price, won`t be with me for long!
The MGB was introduced in 1962 initially as just a 2-seater roadster with a close-coupled GT arriving 3 years later providing more space for the family man. All cars (other than the V8 variant) came with the 1798cc B-Series engine producing 95bhp and the choice of 4-speed manual gearbox or optional Borg-Warner automatic. Electronically engaged overdrive was available on all manual models, operated by a dash-mounted toggle switch on all pre-1977 cars effective on both 3rd and 4th gears. A big change came in late 1974 when US impact regulations deemed the need for heavier rubber bumpers replacing the classic chrome fitments with a consequent nose restyle and suspension tweak owing to the increased weight. Handling suffered and despite revisions to the suspension geometry in 1977, sadly the car was never quite the same. Production ceased in 1980.
Our car was registered on 1st January 1977. Sadly we know very little of the first 10 years of it`s life but by 1987 was residing with a lady keeper in Southwell, Nottinghamshire. In March 1988, it benefitted from a replacement Gold Seal engine and all ancillaries before heading to London with a new keeper in 1990 where notable work included a full body restoration (all new wings, door skins and sills), new suspension, complete brake overhaul, new carpets and replacement hood. Within a year, the MGB was sold again to our long-term engineer owner of Fleet, Hampshire who properly enjoyed the car, using it as everyday transport whilst constantly maintaining and improving it. Early highlights include the fitting of a replacement gearbox, overdrive and clutch, new carburettors, new prop-shaft and replacement fuel and water pumps. In May 1994, the car was treated to a full back to bare metal respray and new chrome whilst a year later came the Black Happisch Mohair hood, full brake overhaul and new windscreen. From this point on, the car was garaged every night until 2012 albeit still being used as a commuter daily covering around 12, 000 miles a year. The next 4 years saw continual investment with servicing every 6, 000 miles (we have a detailed schedule) using only Castrol oils and notable work to include replacement kingpins, a new alternator, complete exhaust system and replacement wiper motor and wiper boxes. The list is endless! By 1998, the MGB had been replaced by a more modern commuter and for the subsequent 14 years lead a gentler life covering around 1000 miles a year as high days and holiday transport. But the maintenance continued with all new inner and outer sills and castle sections replaced in 1998, new springs, link arms and check straps in 1999, new brake servo and rear brakes in 2002 and new front callipers and pads in 2005. Even during this later period of ownership, the annual servicing continued as well as regular greasing of suspension and prop-shaft points. Indeed, it is noted that practically every major component on the vehicle was replaced over this 21-year period other than the rear axle! In 2012, the car was finally sold to make room for a new project and after a couple of short-term keepers resided from 2018 to 2022 with a family in the Forest of Dean. Covering less than 500 miles in their ownership, the MGB was a garaged plaything once again and benefitted from new heater matrix, radiator and fuel pump. In addition, it took on a new role through the 2020 lockdown being treated to new leather seats, replacement carpets, the fitting of Minilite replica alloy wheels and brand-new Firestone tyres all `round. We subsequently acquired the car in the Spring of 2022 and sold it almost immediately to a local family who have continued to maintain and enjoy the MG, most recently fitting a new clutch. The arrival of a new (pre-war!) toy has meant reluctantly parting with the Roadster and we were very happy to take it back into the stable once again.
Today the car presents just as in the photographs. It is an older restoration with an older repaint (there are some micro blisters on scuttle, rear panel and boot lid) and to make perfect one may wish to consider a partial respray. But that`s not what this car is about. It has been well-loved and maintained to a standard second to none. And that shows when the key is turned. The B-Series fires straight into life and sounds balanced and very sweet. On the road, it is quite probably the nicest MGB I have driven for years. Eager acceleration, nice crisp gearchanges, positive steering and excellent brakes. It is the complete package and despite the paint blemishes looks and sounds every bit the classic British sports car. The recent upgrades in the cabin make it a really comfortable place to be with walnut dash and cappings, wood-rimmed steering wheel and perfect carpets whilst the Mohair hood is the best fitting on an MGB I have ever encountered. It is a superb fit and takes literally 10 seconds to put up or down.
I so enjoyed my blast across the West Dorset downs yesterday, I am seriously thinking of keeping the car for a road trip planned for July. The overdrive gearbox on 3rd and 4th gear is a joy and makes long journeys surprisingly effortless. Come and fight me for the keys!
The car comes with a substantial history file with receipts and paperwork going back to 1988 as well as a comprehensive servicing log and full list of parts used, every MoT Certificate from 1988 to 2018, MGOC Valuations, Haynes Manual and 2 sets of keys. It also comes with a quantity of spares including a full set of Rostyle wheels with part-worn tyres. It is now both MOT and road tax exempt.
If it`s all about history, this car has it in spades! A great drive too.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
Deposit now taken.
