Beschreibung
This is amazing value and priced to sell. A genuine chrome-bumper GT in Midnight Blue with Webasto sunroof, working Overdrive and recent bills for partial restoration and recommissioning for over £5000. What`s not to like! With scope for cosmetic improvement (mainly paintwork), this surprisingly straight and solid MGB is on the button, mechanically very sweet and drives beautifully. All the hard work has been done and it can either be enjoyed as it is or improved over time. Currently my daily driver, I will be sorry to see it go. Come and wrestle me for the keys.
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 dreadfully and despite revisions to the suspension geometry in 1977, sadly the car was never the same. Production ceased in 1980.
Our car was first registered in August 1971 to a gentleman in Hertfordshire and still carries it`s original and distinctive single digit registration number. Unfortunately, we have little history after that until around 10 years ago when it was purchased as a running project by a gentleman near Taunton, Somerset. Over the next 5 years, the car underwent a rolling programme of restoration and recommissioning. The history file from this period is substantial but notable highlights can be identified as follows:
Body Restoration and Paintwork
Replacement Webasto Sunroof
Complete Brake Overhaul with new Lines, Cylinders, Calipers and Pads
Replacement Alternator
Replacement Powerspark Electronic Distributor
New Petrol Tank , Sender Unit and Replacement Fuel Lines
Upgraded Suspension with Spax Krypton Gas Rear Shock Absorbers
Carburettor Overhaul
Replacement Headlight Bowls and Indicator Light Assemblies
New Fuse Box
Replacement Exhaust Brackets
Fitting of Alloy Rocker Cover
Replacement Bonnet, Windscreen, Tailgate and Door Seals
New Starter Motor
New Fuel Pump
New Oil Pump
New Water Pump
New 3-piece Clutch and Clutch Master Cylinder
Replaced Sound Deadening
New Chrome Door Handles and Locks
Replaced Door Cards with New Window Winders and Chrome Handle Bezels
New Inertia Seat Belts
New Footwell Trim Panels
Bills and invoices from 2014-2019 run to a whisker under £5000 and predominantly this is for parts only with the owner, an engineer by trade, undertaking most of the work. If this were costed too, it would extend to literally hundreds of hours.
In the Spring of 2021, the car was put up for sale and instantly sold to a father and son in Charmouth on the Dorset coast. MG enthusiasts, the car was shared between them and enjoyed year `round until sadly the father passed away in 2023. Now with other family commitments, the son just hasn`t had the time since to give the car the attention and use it deserves and hence it was put up for sale with some reluctance. Since acquiring the car, we have done little but polish it and enjoy it. It is currently my daily driver and I would genuinely take it anywhere.
The photographs hopefully tell the story. This is a car that quite evidently has benefitted from some significant recent investment but sadly has been somewhat neglected in the past 12-18 months. Whilst bodywork is still generally good, the Midnight Blue paintwork has gone rather flat in areas (especially rear wings, tailgate and leading edge of the bonnet) with very minor surface rust now showing beneath the chrome swath-line on both rear wings. But all wing seams are very sound with just minor bubbling present on the front seams whilst bottoms of doors, sills and floors are solid and very presentable. It is very much a “get in and go” example and whilst not going to be a show-winner would clearly be welcome on any classic car run or local show this coming summer. Inside, the cabin is very tidy with Black vinyl trim and replaced door cards with new furniture in excellent order whilst matching Black carpets are likewise very good and evidently replaced in recent years. The Webasto sunroof operates exactly as it should albeit the rear frame has become detached from the headlining. Turn the key and the ever-reliable B-Series engine fires immediately into life settling down to that low burble MGB`s are known for. On the road, the money invested mechanically is apparent straightaway. The MG pulls really well through the gears and offers a comfortable ride with balanced handling and reassuringly firm brakes. The optional Overdrive clicks in and out instantly on both 3rd and 4th gears, providing the little car with great touring ability. Since collecting the car last week, I have thoroughly enjoyed having it around and am currently using it as my daily car of choice. With windows down and sunroof back, it almost feels like a convertible and it is very easy to forgive it`s few cosmetic issues and just relish the raw driving experience and almost infectious exhaust note of this most iconic of British classics.
The MGB comes with a large file of bills and receipts principally covering the period from 2014-2019, old V5C Registration Documents and a current V5C. It is naturally both road-tax and MoT exempt.
A very useable MGB with most of the hard work done. Priced to sell.
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.
