Description
This is amazing value. A genuine chrome bumper MGB Roadster fitted with Overdrive and presented in Old English White, fabulous Black leather interior and newly fitted painted wire wheels with chrome spinners. What`s not to like! The subject of a fully photographed nut and bolt restoration around 13 years ago to include many new panels, rebuilt engine, new interior and all ancillaries, this is the real deal and drives even better than it looks with plenty of peppy performance and a wonderfully throaty exhaust note. With restored examples now commanding five figure sums, this is a fabulous opportunity to get in and drive an iconic British sports car at a very sensible price. With plenty more sunshine promised, I don`t expect it will be with us for long.
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 built in April 1974 making it one of the last chrome bumpered examples albeit it wasn`t registered until November of that year. Sadly, we know very little of it`s history prior to 2013 when it was acquired as a complete restoration project by a gentleman in Oxfordshire. Over the following 15 months, the MG underwent what can only be best described as a nut and bolt rebuild. Photographs taken at the time show the car completely stripped to a shell, rusted panels removed, new panels stitched-in and necessary preparatory work undertaken prior to paintwork, whilst engine, gearbox and back axle were removed and subsequently rebuilt prior to refitting. Many bills and receipts from British Motor Heritage, MGB Hive and MGOC Spares document parts from panels (sills, closing panels, rear RH and LH wing repair, rear arch RH and LH repair, front inner wing repair and castle rail repair) to full suspension parts (shackles, bump stops and trunnions) and complete braking system replacement (all new hoses and lines, servo, caliper rebuild kits, wheel cylinders, discs and pads). The cooling system was completely renewed with new radiator and hoses whilst fuel tank and sender were also replaced. Once back together, the MG was repainted in Old English White and heavily detailed with new Black canvas hood, Black leather seats, new Black carpets, a wood-effect dashboard, new chrome, replacement inertia seatbelts, new windscreen, all-new door furniture and locks, all-new trims and mouldings and new stainless steel wiper arms and blades. Back on the road in August 2014, the car was MoT tested and used sparingly before being sold after 2 years to a gentleman seeking a restored example for everyday use. The following 12 months saw the car cover some 15, 000 miles before being sold again to an enthusiast who retained the car until 2024. It was then acquired by a classic car enthusiast in Dorset who has retained it to this day albeit only enjoying it on rare afternoons out. Mileage in the past 8 years has consequently been minimal (less than 200 miles). Work undertaken during his ownership has included replacing both clutch slave and master cylinders and fitting the set of painted wire wheels with appropriate hubs, chrome spinners and tyres all `round. Around £1500 just last year. Only the pressing need to raise funds for a boat restoration has now forced a rather reluctant sale. Since acquiring the MG, we have done very little but polish it and enjoy it through this current spell of fabulous weather.
The car presents just as can be seen in the photographs. Panel-fit is generally very good for a restored car whilst painted wire wheels are still as-new and trim excellent. The Old English White paintwork does display a few blemishes and as such the car is priced accordingly. Were the paintwork to be perfect, this genuinely would be a five-figure example. The Black canvas hood is in very good condition and is a great fit opening and closing with ease whilst all glass is excellent. Inside, the cabin has been beautifully finished with comfortable Black leather seats with proper inertia belts, excellent door cards and carpets, a rather handsome wood-effect dashboard and later (very user-friendly) steering wheel. Turn the key and the “B” Series fires immediately into life settling down off-choke to a typical throaty burble. On the road, the MG pulls well through the gears and with working Overdrive on 3rd and 4th (instantaneous too), it is an absolute pleasure to drive on longer runs. Excellent brakes, smooth gearchange and positive clutch inspire spirited driving and unsurprisingly after so much work, the car feels planted and well-balanced. On a hot July afternoon, I took the MG for a spin across the West Dorset Downs towards Maiden Newton and enjoyed every second. It drives and performs just how a sorted “B” should do and would make a perfect summer daily.
The MG comes with a large history file documenting the restoration and rebuild in 2013-2014 to include many bills and receipts for parts, over 40 colour photographs of the work, some useful literature relating to the rebuild, MoT Certificates from 2014-2018, recent bills, an original Handbook and current V5C. Being registered Historic, the car is both MoT and road tax exempt.
An iconic British classic ready to be enjoyed. Exceptional 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. We are happy to take a reservation fee to hold a vehicle but as a dealership, we don`t operate a structured distance selling scheme.
