Description
A fabulous example. Owned by the same family since 1980 and completely rebuilt by an MG marque specialist around 20 years ago (bills for over £14, 000), this stunning early Roadster presented in original Tartan Red on correct factory steel wheels is the real deal with nothing to hide. So thorough was the rebuild, it was photographed at every stage and actively promoted on the restorer’s website supported by literally pages of receipts. Since the rebuild, the MG has been used sparingly covering less than 2, 000 miles whilst benefitting from a further £6, 000 investment on detailing, servicing and upgrading. It is without question the best-sorted MGB that I have ever driven. Come and see for yourself.
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. Early cars featured a 3 main bearing crankshaft with a 5 bearing design introduced in October 1964 designated 18GB on the engine prefix (as on our car). 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 dates from November 1964 and according to the Heritage Certificate was supplied new through Haslemere Motors Limited of Guildford to a gentleman in Haslemere. A Home Market car in Tartan Red with Red interior, the MG came with steel wheels, a heater, Packaway hood and MPH speedometer. The original Green logbook records several local changes of ownership over the initial 10 years with the car moving to Kent in July 1974. In September 1980, it was sold to a gentleman in Brentwood, Essex for the princely sum of £280. A running car albeit rather tired, the MG was enjoyed for a year or two before heading West with it`s new custodian to reside in a barn on a rural farm in Mid Dorset. Largely forgotten about for the best part of the next 25 years, the car was ultimately pushed out of the barn in the late Summer of 2005 with one thing in mind. A full and comprehensive rebuild by a marque specialist, Mike Rolls Services at nearby Fifehead Magdalen. The MG was collected on a trailer and so began a 9-month project to bring was had become a very neglected example back to it`s former glory. The invoices for parts and labour speak volumes. Virtually every panel was replaced (3 outer wings, inner wings, door skins, wheel arches, inner and outer sills) whilst underneath floors, outriggers, castle sections and jacking points were all renewed. Both gearbox and engine were removed and completely rebuilt (all new bearings, seals and gaskets), suspension rebuilt, braking systems completely renewed and the car rewired with a new loom. All ancillaries were replaced including clutch, fuel pump, water pump and entire cooling system as well as a carburettor rebuild, new exhaust, all new chrome, new dashboard, carpet set, new tyres and batteries. The list of work undertaken runs to over 12 pages and features over 60 colour photographs of the work as it progressed many of these taken from the restorer’s website with the project forming part of a rolling blog. To call it an “no expense spared” restoration would not be an understatement.
Back on the road in the Spring of 2006, the MG was freshly MoT`d and evidently used very sparingly with annual MoT inspections recording little more than 100 miles between visits. Maintenance and improvement inevitably continued with in 2008, the fitting of electronic ignition, a full service and carburettor balance and earthing upgrading in 2009. In 2018 and now with just 1200 miles covered most-rebuild, the MG returned to Mike Rolls for minor paintwork, rebuilding of the driver`s seat and the fitting of a pair of door mirrors. Around this time, our long-term keeper passed the car onto his son who, residing in South West London, took the MG to a local marque specialist, Fisher Services of Lower Sydenham. In 2019, they replaced the ignition switch, boot lock, glove box lock and fuel filler cap whilst supplying and fitting a rear hub seal and braided fuel lines to the pump. In the same year, the car returned to Fisher for a more extensive list of work to include new king-pins, fuel pump, axle check straps, all new hoses, full service, the fitting of inertia seatbelts and conversion to a 12V single battery. Regular maintenance has continued to this day with most recently the MG benefitting from a new starter motor and thermostat housing. We acquired the car just 2 weeks ago (it was sold with huge reluctance due to lack of use) and have undertaken a full health check.
The MG presents just as can been seen in the photographs. Superb panel-work is complimented by an equally superb Tartan Red paint finish which is virtually blemish-free, indicative of a car that was properly and professionally restored albeit 20 years ago and covered very few miles since. Chrome-work displays a little light pitting but nothing that detracts from what can be only described as show-quality. Look under the bonnet, in the boot and indeed under the car - the same story applies. It is hard to find fault anywhere. The cabin too is a just as it should be with the original, now treated, Red leather seats, themselves reflecting over 60 years of fabulous patina, sitting alongside the original steering wheel, complimented by a restored dashboard with replaced switchgear and fresh carpets. Slide into the drivers` seat, turn the key and the B fires immediately into life, settling down very quickly off-choke to a low burble. After recent fettling, the car is running very sweetly and accelerates away without hesitation or drama, feeling tight, rattle-free and possibly as close to a new “old car” feel as one can achieve. It is an absolute delight and pulls strongly through the gears with positive steering, balanced handling and superb brakes. I was massively impressed. Indeed, my short bast along the coast road to Bridport was nearly enough - I have actually brought the car home to enjoy in the current sunny weather! Come and wrestle me for the keys before I`m tempted to keep it.
The MG comes with a substantial history file to include a Heritage Certificate, the original Green logbook, a sales receipt from 1980 when purchased by the existing long-term keepers, a vast quantity of photographs documenting every stage of the rebuild in 2005-2006 accompanied by pages of invoices recording the same from Mike Rolls Services, further bills and receipts from 2008-2023, old MoT Certificates from 2006-2018, 3 Drivers Handbooks and a current V5C.
A superbly restored example of an iconic British sportscar.
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.
