Photos provided by the vendor

HIGHLIGHTS

Lovely Roadster converted to chrome bumpers
1,860cc Fast-Road engine
Knock-on wire wheels with recent Avon Tyres
Huge file of paperwork

THE APPEAL

If you’re looking for a classic that’s both fun to own and drive and simplicity itself to own, then the MGB is a car with a whole industry built up around its survival and a thriving owners’ scene – easy to look after and enjoy, and a delight to both personalise and upgrade.

Introduced in 1962, it instantly became Britain’s most popular sports car, enjoying an incredible production run of 19 years thanks to its stunning Pininfarina styling, affordable pricing and its simple, easy-to-maintain engineering.

This one demonstrates many of the improvements that have arisen from the vast MG specialist scene that has grown up over the past five decades, including a professional chrome bumper conversion, knock-on wire wheels and an 1,860cc ‘Fast-Road’ engine offering a helpful power increase over the standard 1,798cc unit.

It’s a really pretty and well-presented car.

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

UK V5C
Tax, ULEZ and MOT exempt
Fascinating history, manufactured in 1979, believed to have been exported to Canada initially then registered in the UK in 1981 on an X-registration, followed by a few years in Norway in the 90's before returning back to the UK
Subsequently allocated an older-style K-registration acquired by a previous owner to make it look more in-keeping with the chrome bumper look it was converted to
Massive file of paperwork with specialist invoices, repair bills and service receipts covering from the early 1980s up until to a few years ago
Service book and stamps from MG Car Club Approved specialist
Four former keepers since 1981

THE INTERIOR

Smart (albeit fitted loosely) piped leatherette upholstery showing gentle wear
Three-spoke leather sports steering wheel
Overdrive switch located in gearknob, as per rubber bumper MGs
‘Crackle finish’ black dash with rev counter and four-dial instrument pack
Later-style rotary heater controls
Spare wheel and jack
Tonneau cover
Smart overall order – generally good seat facings, door cards and carpets, with no excessive wear
Modern CD/USB stereo radio (untested)

THE EXTERIOR

Wonderful shade of Teal Blue
Professionally converted to chrome bumpers and knock-on wire wheels
Honeybourne removable hard-top
Very presentable and solid overall
Underside appears to be in good order with no obvious or evident serious corrosion, but would benefit from a wire brush and new coat of underseal as it has peeled off in places
Good chrome and trim all-round
Some minor scuffs and marks all-round, commensurate with an older restoration, but nothing of any major concern
Hood frame, but no covering
Recent full valet with ceramic paint protection

THE MECHANICS

1,860cc ‘Fast Road’ engine
Four-speed manual gearbox with switchable overdrive on third and fourth
Possible clutch judder when warm
The car starts and drives with no major faults being evident (other than any noted faults) however this vehicle is being auctioned on the basis of needing a good going over before any use as it has only been used sparingly over the past couple of years (on sunny weekends) so there may be faults which are not noted.

SUMMARY

MGBs come in all tunes and guises and this one is the perfect example to have as a weekend toy – livelier than normal thanks to the fast-road spec engine, yet not so far tuned as to be uncomfortable in day-to-day use. Far from it, in fact.

In many ways it’s the best of both worlds: an MGB Roadster which benefits from the much improved overdrive of a later vehicle and the upgraded 1,860cc “Fast-Road” engine , but with the unarguably prettier looks of an earlier example. It has improved mechanics, chrome bumpers, wire wheels, a desirable hard-top (believed to cost £1,800 new) and documentation to show it has been cared for over the years.

You could very easily use it as your daily driver (after the aforementioned "good going over"), safe in the knowledge that the MGB is the easiest classic car of the lot to own and look after, with off-the-shelf parts availability and a whole network of specialists.

Notice to bidders

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