The MGB was launched in May 1962 to replace the MGA. Introduced as a four-cylinder roadster, a GT Coupe with 2+2 seating was added in 1965 with production continuing until October 1980. The MGB GT sported a ground-breaking design by Pininfarina with its sporty 'hatchback' style.  

By combining the sloping rear window into the rear boot lid, the GT offered the flexibility of a hatchback while retaining coupe style and looks.  Interestingly the top speed of the GT was higher than the roadster by 5mph at 105mph due to better aerodynamics.

Registered on 3rd June 1971 this MGB was recently exchanged for a Mercedes who bought the car in August 2019. 

Prior to his purchase the previous owner had the car from 2006 to 2019. In June 2019 it went for an MoT which it initially failed, subsequently passing a month later after some chassis repairs had been completed.  At the same time the MG also was treated it to a good service with an oil change, a new battery and starter motor and had the timing checked, all carried out by Stillmans of Sevenoaks, Kent.  

The current owner bought the MG in August and drove it briefly before the gloom of Covid descended across the world putting a halt to any classic car fun.  Being a chap who likes to change his toys regularly he has only managed to drive the MG a mere 300 miles during his time with the car.

There is a good size history folder with the MG showing plenty of expense over the years.  There are plenty of old MoTs and invoices stretching back to 2002. At the time of its MoT in 1987 the MG had covered 5,233 miles, then in March 2007 that had risen to 8,454.  

Over the following year it may have been a daily driver as by March 2008 the total had risen to 33,729, that’s over 25,000 miles in a year!  In the history file there is some evidence that it had a replacement engine in 2011, at 35,000 miles, and it has only covered 4,500 since.

The black interior is in nice, useable condition. The seats are clean and presentable both in the front and back.  The carpets are tidy, and have no particularly worn areas.  The MG sports a Moto-Lita 3 spoke steering wheel, and the dash area appears to be all as it left the factory with on minor age and wear.  This MGB has the 4 speed Overdrive gearbox fitted operated using a switch to the right of the steering column.  The gauges are all clear with intact glass, although they are a little grubby.

The seats tilt forward as they should to reveal more clean carpet in the rear.  There is a battery cut off switch on the floor behind the driver’s seat.  The passenger side sill plate shows a little corrosion and the MG logos have flaked off the chrome.

The boot area has what looks to be a new lighter grey carpet set, underneath which there is a Rubery-Owen 14 inch spare wheel that is probably original to the car, fitted with a Uniroyal tyre.  The boot is shows no evidence of damp and the carpet is clean.

Resplendent in Damask Red the MG may still sport its original paint.  The overall condition would best be described as useable, with room for improvement.  There are areas of bubbling beneath the paint, particularly along the bottom of the front wings, and on the lower door areas.  There is some starring and various marks, mainly on the top of the driver’s side front wing.  

Overall the MG would benefit from a good, deep polish as it we think it would look a lot more attractive. All the glass is clear with no misting, chips and cracks. The same goes for the lights although there is some age related degradation to the plastic of the passenger side rear lens.  The chrome has a good shine, with minor pitting to the front overriders and areas of the rear bumper. 

The wheels are aftermarket 15 inch Minator “Minilite” style 8 spoke alloys that, according to the history file, were fitted in 2006.  They are all in unmarked condition, with matching Dunlop Sport 200 tyres.  All the tyres show only light wear.

Under the bonnet there are some new parts, but everything appears to be standard, if a little grubby.  

As you would expect here is surface corrosion to exposed metal parts, and some flakiness to the paint mainly confined to areas of the bulkhead.  We couldn’t see any evidence of accident damage, and in general the engine bay appears to be in good overall condition.  

The MG started first turn of the key, was easy to manoeuvre with a steady tick over and good oil pressure.  Although we didn’t drive the MG any distance, nothing mechanical gave us reason for concern.

We would argue that the MGB has to be the greatest British sports car.  Not because it’s the fastest, or the sexiest, or the most desirable.  But what makes it great is the accessibility; they were an enormous sales success from 1962 to 1980 with over half a million sold, some 300,000 to the USA. 

They are fun to drive, easy to maintain, and because of that there are plenty to choose from whatever your budget.  This one is a nice, mainly original example, ready to use but equally ready to be improved if you so wished.

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*