HIGHLIGHTS

Three owners from new
Original interior
Sunroof

APPEAL

Launched in 1962 to replace the MGA, The MGB was lapped up by the British public and in many overseas markets too. Its popularity has made it Britain’s most popular sports car, selling over half a million units. Beginning life as a roadster where the roof could be down in an instant, the MGB was always going to be a hit in a country where the first sight of sun on an April morning had everyone donning their favourite shorts.

The MGB GT followed in 1965 and came with a fixed roof. The rear greenhouse designed by Pininfarina giving it a more sporty hatchback look and allowed for a couple of small’ish’ people to sit in the back. Their huge success is in no small part due to the availability of parts and specialist support, and as long as you’re not too demanding a driver, they’re fantastic to own and drive. The BMC B-series 1798cc engine sounds great too. It’s also strong, easy to work on and pretty simple to tune.

Sat in a garage for the last 20 years, the car did recently start after fitting a new fuel pump and battery but it will need a thorough going over before it gets back on the road.

HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

First registered in 1977
MOT and Tax exempt
This example has been sat in a garage for the last 20 years and while the intention was to use it for sunny weekends, its use became more infrequent due to having several other cars in the household
The owner set about getting it running last year and with the help of a mechanic friend, purchased a new fuel pump and battery
Connections to the carburettors were replaced and the car started fine
It was then left for a few weeks and upon attempting to start again, fuel began to leak from the front of the car. It has remained in the garage since and therefore will need to be collected rather than driven away
The car has several invoices and MOT certificates from the 80’s and 90’s
Spare wheel, jack and brace
Haynes manual
1 key

INTERIOR

The dash appears to be in good shape with no cracks. With a deep clean it should present well
All original switchgear and dials are present
Original cloth interior with vinyl headrests
Driver’s seat has large tear in it
Motorola cassette / radio appears to have a missing dial
Webasto sunroof fitted
Considerable staining to door cards and seat backing
Headlining appears good with just a few marks
Carpets appear intact with no tears but loose in places
Driver’s sun visor has a large tear

EXTERIOR

The black paintwork certainly shows its age with several scratches, scuffs and imperfections to be found as illustrated in the photographs
Significant paint bubbling where the bonnet meets the offside wing
Rust can hit just about anywhere with these cars and there are small signs of rust where the paint has come away and some early evidence at wheel arches and a few other places. However, doors and other notorious places aren’t too badly affected having been garaged for much of its life
Several paint chips to bonnet
Some of the chrome is pitting in places – headlights, door handles etc
Rubbers are perishing in places, particularly around boot seal
Original MG minilite wheels
Matching spare wheel
Small tear to the sunroof
Small dent to offside rear wing
Shut lines and lights all appear good
New set of headlights are included in the sale

MECHANICS

1798cc 4-cylinder petrol engine
4-speed manual gearbox with overdrive
Regularly maintained up to 2004
New battery and fuel pump fitted
Rear exhaust box has blown and will need replacing

SUMMARY

Practical, stylish and affordable, there’s no doubt about the appeal of these wonderful little sports cars. Available in black and with a very handy sunroof give it a slight edge and should encourage anyone that fancies getting their hands a bit dirty over the coming months. It will undoubtedly require a significant clean up inside and out, but once the mechanics have been addressed it will surely bring its new owner many hours of happy motoring.

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