Description
Please visit the RMC Classics Ltd website to find a full description - we can't fit enough information on here to outline what a truly special car this is.
This is a very special car that simply oozes originality – I don’t think I’ve ever had an MGB roadster in such original, unmessed with condition, and a service history that goes all the way back to new, and a car which has never needed structural restoration, with almost totally original external panelwork. Cars like this appear on the market very rarely indeed, so don’t miss out.
We bought the car recently from a long-term previous owner with the idea of making it absolutely mint. However, on assessing the car properly, it would be a crying shame to effectively remove the originality and gentle aging that the past 50 years has given to this incredibly original example. For example, the car retains its original rubber floor and sill mats in excellent order (I’ve never even seen a complete set still fitted to a car!); the dashboard has never been repainted, the door cards and sills are original – the list just goes on and on! You can see from the pictures what a truly remarkable car this is.
The comprehensive history file shows that SMY5M was originally purchased by a Mr Oliver from Stewart & Ardern in London, one of the original Morris dealers from 1911, and the foremost BMC dealer in the country in the late 60s and early 70s, eventually bought out by Henlys. The history file (two thick lever-arch files!) includes the original handbook (including the envelope it was supplied in – hen’s teeth!) along with a set of fuel rationing stamps which were given to owners of new cars in preparation for their potential introduction due to the Suez crisis. The BL ‘Passport to Service’ is also included, and fully stamped up. This is supported by various receipts spanning through the 1970s and 80s and beyond, confirming that the displayed mileage of c. 67, 000 is absolutely correct. It really is remarkable!
Painted in the rare colour ‘Citron’ which was produced for only a few months on the chrome bumper cars. The car was supplied with optional Chrome Rostyle Wheels (all 5 still present!), headrests and overdrive.
Since then, the car has clearly led a very easy life – I can’t stress enough how straight, un-messed with and genuine it is. Most MGBs have had serious restoration several times, and usually not to the best of standards – to find a car like this with all original panelwork (original sills, floors, doors, wings – and all absolutely rock solid) is practically impossible. The engine is sweet as a nut and it drives very well indeed.
Work over in the past couple of years includes:
• Full front suspension rebuild including track rod ends
• Four new tyres
• New clutch master cylinder
• New fuel pump
• Major service
• 12v battery conversion
• Carburettors stripped, cleaned, rebalanced and retuned
• Removal and strip of distributor to ensure correct ignition advance
• Rear brakes adjusted, all suspension points greased
• Compression test to ensure complete engine health (all compressions at around 150PSI)
• …and much more!
The bodywork and panelwork is incredibly straight and sound, and more importantly, ORIGINAL! For example, spot-welds still visible on the wheelarch lips, bonnet edges etc. Presents beautifully.
The interior is, quite frankly, incredible. Amazingly original – the original seat covers are in perfect condition, and the original rubber floor mats are still present and in near A1 condition. These have been unobtainable forever. The dashboard has never been repainted, and the car retains its original door cards which remain in good order. A tasteful Moto Lita wood-rim steering wheel was fitted in the 1990s.
The roof was replaced by specialist Tim Kelly around 15 years ago. It fits nice and taut with cloud-free windows, and has been folded correctly. One of the quarter windows has a minor split where it meets the vinyl but this is easily replaceable – I have recently had them replaced on another car for around £50 per side. Original full and half-tonneaus are included, along with the original tool kit and spare wheel.
Mechanically excellent. Minor mods include electronic ignition, 12v battery conversion, Kenlowe fan and a stainless steel exhaust. Gearbox, overdrive and rear axle all in fine fettle.
All in all, this is an absolutely charming little car that is ready to be used and enjoyed, and I’m determined to find a deserving owner who understands that its originality must be upheld and respected! No, this is not a freshly over-restored car; it’s a true time-warp car, something that can’t be replicated with restoration!
You will not find another car at this price that is as original and maintained to this standard, it is a credit to its previous owners. I travel all over the country to view these cars and I can assure you you’ll be hard pressed to find a car in such good order with such history for less money.
