Beschreibung
This is terrific value. The subject of a comprehensive older restoration, this remarkably sound chrome-bumper GT has been a young lad`s daily driver for the past 5 years and genuinely it has wanted for nothing. Benefitting from over 40 years of service receipts and history, the car boasts an excellent Webasto sliding sunroof, working overdrive and tidy painted Rostyles with almost new Goodyear NCT tyres. What`s not to like! And not surprisingly, it runs and drives as well as any car at twice the price. A superb entry level GT, the MG offer scope for further improvement but is more than ready for the summer ahead.
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 registered in January 1974 to supplied new to a gentleman in Lincolnshire. By the early 1980`s, the MG had moved south and was residing in Theale, near Reading with a local businessman. The history file documents considerable work over the next 20 years commencing with a full engine rebuild in 1983 by Oxford Engine Services and partial restoration in 1985 and 1986 with replacement front wings, new castle rails, inner and outer sills and headlight bowls. Other notable receipts document the fitting of a Peco exhaust system, Spax adjustable suspension, new chrome front and rear and paintwork. Not entirely satisfied with the end result, in 1991, the car was taken to Brook`s MGs in Woodcote, Oxfordshire and subsequently underwent a full restoration to include new front wings, replacement rear arches, new boot floor, chassis legs and front valance as well as the fitting of a Webasto sunroof and replacement Spax suspension. Throughout the 1990`s, the MG was used and enjoyed sparingly covering around 1, 000 miles annually, returning each year to the same garage for MoT`s and servicing that had maintained it since the early 1980`s. An MGOC Valuation from this period (with photographs) reflects a valuation of £4000. In February 1999, the car benefitted from the fitting of an unleaded cylinder head at The Cylinder Head Shop in Wimbledon whilst just a year later, MG specialists, Beech Hill Garage, rebuilt the braking system. Mileage from this point on dropped considerably with less than 2000 miles being covered in 9 years before the MG was sold in 2009 after almost 30 years of single ownership. The only notable work done prior to sale was the fitting of electronic ignition in 2006. Now residing with another gentleman enthusiast in Bournemouth, the car was used and evidently enjoyed regularly covering around 25, 000 miles before being sold again in 2018 to a lady keeper in nearby Poole. She retained the car just 12 months before selling to an enthusiastic young Naval Officer seeking a classic British sportscar as his first car. For the past 5 years, the MG has served as regular transport in all winds and weathers between Sherborne and Portsmouth covering around 10, 000 miles whilst being maintained by his father, a competent classic car enthusiast in his own right. Only the acquisition of another GT has meant the reluctant sale of this much-loved example.
Today the car presents just as can be seen in the photographs. Whilst an older restoration with some 35, 000 miles covered since 1991, the bodywork and paintwork have survived remarkably well with just a little bubbling around front wing seems. The outer edge of both front wings and nearside roof displayed light surface corrosion historically but this has been treated and lacquered. It is a surprisingly solid shell and the underside tells the same story. Chrome-work is still very good as are the painted Rostyle wheels. The cabin is still largely original with Black cloth seats and carpets all tidy and very presentable and benefits from a later stereo system. Door cards and headlining are commensurate with the rest of the cabin whilst the Webasto sliding sunroof fits well and opens and closes with ease. Turn the key and the B-Series fires immediately into life sounding purposeful, settling down off-choke to a typical MGB burble. On the road, the car is a delight with very positive handling, a firm but not uncomfortable ride, excellent brakes and plenty of peppy performance. With optional Overdrive fitted on 3rd and 4th gears, the car has great touring capabilities and my short test drive on a bright Saturday morning reminded me of just how much fun a sorted, well-maintained GT can be.
The car comes with a good history file with bills and receipts going back to 1983, a large quantity of old MoT Certificates from 1982 to 2008 and online history up to 2016, MGOC Valuations from 1993 and 2006 with photographs, a Haynes manual and current V5C. The MG is naturally both MoT and road tax exempt.
A cracking entry level chrome-bumpered GT ready for its next adventure. Great value 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.
