Description
Extensively upgraded for fast-road and rally use
Blueprinted 1950cc engine and overdrive gearbox
Full Safety Devices roll cage and OMP harnesses
Eligible for Historic Rally Car Register events
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION
The MGB is among the most accessible and versatile of all classic cars, with a vast support network of clubs and specialists, and this attractive 1969 example has been superbly prepared to fast-road and rally specification.
Having previously been restored to a very high standard using a new Heritage bodyshell, thechrome-bumper MGB was extensively upgraded in 2018 by Stephen Clegg of AMK Engineering, the intention being to use it in Historic Rally Car Register events.
The work involved going all the way through the car, which is now powered by a blueprinted 1950cc engine with a ported and polished cylinder head, Omega pistons, a Kent 717 camshaftand a Maniflow exhaust system. It drives through a competition clutch to a reconditioned gearbox with overdrive on third and fourth gears.
The suspension was rebuilt and uprated with Polybushes throughout, and the fuel lines were rerouted to the inside of the car. A new wiring loom with 16 fuses was installed, the rear axle was rebuilt, and guards for the sump and fuel tank were fitted.
The interior features a full Safety Devices roll cage, Mazda MX-5 seats that were adapted to fit, and OMP harnesses. A Brantz International 3 Pro tripmeter now sits in front of the co-driver, who can also make use of the map light and POTI map magnifier. A handheld fire extinguisher has been fitted, too.
Since the work was completed, the MGB has been campaigned in only a handful of meetings, including the VSCC Pomeroy Trophy in 2024, and is in excellent condition inside and out. Not only is it eligible for a wide range of competitive events, it also makes a highly entertaining road car, with strong performance from its uprated engine.
Presented in the evocative combination of British Racing Green with a works-style hardtop, it’s offered for sale as a well-sorted MGB that’s ready to be used and enjoyed.
MODEL HISTORY
The MGB has become one of the most popular classic cars ever built. Introduced in 1962, more than 500, 000 left the factory over the course of its 18-year production run, and it continues to attract a strong following to this day.
The MGB was a more practical and modern car than the MGA that it replaced and featured monocoque construction, but it carried over the B-Series engine that had been used in its predecessor. It was enlarged from 1622cc to 1798cc, and the robust four-cylinder unit produced 95bhp on twin SU carburettors.
Although the MGB was originally launched in roadster form only, a Pininfarina-designed MGB GT coupé was added to the range in late 1965. Its improved aerodynamics made it slightly faster than the open car, with a top speed of 105mph.
Not only was the MGB a successful road car, it also had a superb competition career that included class victory in both the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Monte Carlo Rally. A works-entered car driven by Julian Vernaeve and Andrew Hedges won the 1966 Marathon de la Route, while further class wins were scored at the Targa Florio and the Spa 1000Km.
Various updates were applied during the MGB’s long production run. A Mark II model arrived in 1967 with an all-synchromesh gearbox, then the British Leyland era ushered in plastic seats instead of leather, plus Rostyle wheels and a revised grille. Safety legislation led to the adoption in 1974 of the distinctive ‘rubber bumpers’, and in late 1979 it was announced that MGB production would end the following year and the Abingdon factory would be closed.
