Description
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
Viewing: Tues 20th May from 12pm
Auction: Wed 21st May from 9am
Location: St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
1980 MG B LE Roadster
No. 200/ 420 and just 25, 000 miles from new
Estimate
£16, 000 - £18, 000
Registration No: FDK 804W
Chassis No: GVADJ1AG522792
MOT: Exempt
A former trophy winning example that was Ziebarted from new
Retained by its first and second keepers for thirty-three years
Low mileage supported by previous MOT history
Hood, paintwork, carpets and alloy wheels renewed to return the car to 'showroom condition'
Must be one of the best LE Roadsters left!
By its eighteenth year of production, the MGB had exceeded all its parent company's expectations. The most successful British sportscar in history, its blend of practicality and character had seen off countless rivals but was seemingly powerless against the contemporary British Leyland Management. Starved of investment, the B's basic monocoque, independent coil-sprung front suspension, leaf-sprung rear axle, disc / drum brakes and rack and pinion steering were still recognisable from its 1962 launch. While in many ways this was no bad thing, after all the B was still quick (100mph plus top speed), economical (28mpg) and fun to drive, it did little to attract those looking for the next 'must have motor'. Thus, on September 10th 1979 BL gave notice of their intention to close the Abingdon MG factory the following year. By way of compensation / commemoration, the decision was taken to build (for the UK market) 1, 000 Limited Edition cars. Divided between Roadsters (420) and GTs (580), these 'LE's have retained a special place in MG circles ever since. Distinguished by their unique front spoiler, deep metallic paintwork (bronze on the Roadster, pewter on the GT) and coachline graphics, they were mechanically standard.
According to its accompanying Heritage Certificate, chassis 522792 was completed on October 19th 1980 and despatched late the following month to W. H. Alexander Ltd of Belfast. First registered as ‘FDK 804W’ on March 2nd 1981 to Mrs Elizabeth May of Rochdale, she and her successor – Clifford Forster of Manchester – kept the MG for a total of thirty-three years covering 22, 000 miles between them (though, it was apparently laid-up from 2000 – 2014). Still warranted to have covered less than 26, 000 miles from new, the LE Roadster changed hands several times thereafter. Understood to have been Ziebarted in its infancy, the two-seater had its underside treated with Lanoguard just last year. A former trophy winner that has self-evidently been cherished by its various keepers (Anthony Hindle owning it twice), ‘FDK 804W’ remains extremely presentable in our eyes. Benefiting from a full respray, new hood, fresh carpets and replacement GKN alloy wheels over time, the MG has also been sympathetically uprated with a Bluetooth / MP3 compatible stereo and halogen headlights. Starting readily and running well during our recent photography session, this sparkling LE Roadster is a decidedly rare car made doubly so by its low mileage and condition. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and history file.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
