Description
From its introduction in 1962 through to the sale of the last showroom examples almost two decades later, the MGB justified its position as ‘the worlds most popular sports car’. At last, an affordable race or rally option on the weekends that was equally happy with the daily commute and when Paddy Hopkirk finished 2nd in class and 11th overall at Le Mans in 1965, the ‘B’ confirmed it enjoyed the resilience to match. With dozens of clubs and suppliers around both the GT and ‘B’ are great options to restore, maintain and modify but understandably the roadster has proved to be the most desirable.
Country Classic Cars leapt at the chance to offer this very special MK1 MGB roadster, available to us on consignment, we feel every aspect of this example has been improved with consideration whilst maintaining the models core values. A truly impressive history file includes a 2017 DVLA information request, it documents this car travelled just a few miles from the Abingdon factory to its first owner near Oxford in August 1965. Remaining in the area until October 1998 when the current owner brought the ‘B’ to Sussex. Images from 1999 show an engine shell restoration with replacement floor pans, rear panel and o/ s rear ¼ before a repaint then rebuilt into standard form with a milage of 84893.
Most of the restoration work was completed from 99-02 although upgrades have continued over more recent years, the current owner having advanced mechanical knowledge carried out much of the work himself using genuine parts. A summary of the main items include:
Bare metal respray carried out by Gordon Keeble Centre, Northants
Engine rebuild / Gearbox rebuild / Overdrive rebuild
Suspension and brakes rebuild
Renewed castle rails, floors, boot lid, fuel tank
Re carpet and leather seat covers
Uprated cooling system and brakes … also fitted Goodrich hoses
As a 1965 vintage this MGB is eligible for certain historic motorsport events thus the current owner has prepared the car to deal with fast road and stage rally and those upgrades are as follows:
Engine: Bored to 1860cc, stage 2 cylinder head (ported and flowed). Twin SU 1 ¾ HS6 carbs with K&N filters, Piper Cam, fully balanced, sports manifold and exhaust, 123 ignition, Duplex timing gear, unleaded.
Suspension: ¾ anti roll bar, V8 suspension rubbers, uprated front springs, Adjustable Spax rear shocks, competition front lever arm shocks.
Cooling: Electric fan, oil cooling with thermostat, radiator expansion tank.
Clutch: Competition option, roller release bearing, lightened flywheel.
Brakes: Modified to accept V8 pads, rears wheel cylinders of Mini type.
Exhaust: LCB Extractor manifold, sports exhaust (under 98db threshold)
Electrical: 12v single battery conversion/ alternator
Dash mounted period timing with elapsed, current and stopped. Mechanical distance recorder and fire extinguisher.
With all that detail ‘what’s it like to drive?’ …. Under normal road use the roadster performs similarly to any other we have tested, that said, this example does everything very well. When requested the engine pulls quickly through the rev range and coupled with a very slick gearbox reaching motorway speeds happens quickly. Everything operated correctly when tested with oil pressure gauge offering over 50lbs at idle when warm. Whilst this ‘B’ is all about the driving experience the appearance it is not too far from show standard, interior trim is good with little age to the leather or carpets and the vinyl hood is good for many years we noted a small split on the nearside. The chrome is generally in good order, showing minimal age as does the Tartan red paintwork although we noted a scratch on the n/ s rear quarter, the door edge is chipped on the drivers side and n/ s sill panel under the drivers door is slightly off colour. Our inspection revealed slight corrosion on the battery carrier, the spare wheel features a 165 tyre not 175 fitted elsewhere and we replaced the fuel tank with a customer supplied new option. The wire wheels would benefit from a refurb whilst the engine bay is very clean without an oil leak in sight!
We feel most interest will come from a sporting driver looking for a ready-made entry into historic racing or road rallying/ time trials type events. That said this MG won’t look out of place at any local meet, cruise or even top-down Sunday on the seafront. There have been no half measures in regards to the restoration or modifications, the current owner (a dedicated enthusiast) invested for the long term when considering any work carried out over the 25 years he has owned this MGB; which we will happily offer with a years MOT.
For additional information please message with your email address for detailed images or a short walk-round video; we will forward the file via ‘We Transfer’ a free to use and safe service or Whats Ap if you supply your mobile phone number. Country Classic Cars operate by appointment only as our cars are kept in secure storage although currently, we are happy to offer unhindered viewings and test drives.
