Description
This is an authentic 1970 MGB Roadster called "Poppy" (i. e. little by way of modifications, but has electronic ignition, a folding, rather than packaway hood frame and a just fitted Hardi fuel pump).
Acquired in Sept 2010 from a private seller, she has done 11, 000 miles, as shown on the odometer, whilst in my care (the odometer was near 99, 999 when purchased) so she has actually done 111, 000 miles. However, the engine was remanufactured by Ivor Searle Ltd at 97, 071 miles on 26/ 7/ 2005. She has overdrive which is great for cruising. She has a current MoT - Expires June 2027 and has had a recent service, plus new battery and fuel pump. Falken tyres all round with ample tread mounted on painted wire wheels.
She has been kept in a dry garage and taken out on fair weather days. Although there has been plenty of work carried out over the years at services and MoTs, I would not describe any major works having been required in my period of ownership (unless you count a new clutch in 2010). I have basically done what it takes to keep her running well and looking good, taking onboard recommendations made at services.
Servicing and repairs have been carried out by MG Specialists, latterly Pheonix Classic Cars in Poole who described her condition as 'Good' and she runs well with no issues. Her bodywork has an aged patina i. e. it is not perfect by any means, but good for her age.
I have the full service history for my ownership period.
The previous owner purchased the car in October 2002 and passed on to me their service records plus previous service records from the previous owner dating back to 1986. The V5C shows the number of former keepers as 7.
The service records from 1986 show extensive renovation with a total cost of £2, 400. That's approx. £9, 000 in today's money.
The MoT Certificates show the car being "White" in June 2000 (Mileage 90, 904) but "Red" in April 2001 (Mileage 92, 813) therefore the patina of the current paint work probably dates from then.
Addressing known issues:
Drivers door - there is a gap between the rear edge of the drivers door and the body work. It was like this when I bought it but as the door works without issue I have not sought to rectify it. Advice from Pheonix Cars is that the door skin has been poorly replaced at some point but could be rectified at a cost of approx £600 - £800.
Hood - there are small splits to the rear quarterlights and the hood has a couple of inches splits either side where it poppers on to the top of the windscreen. Repair may be required if intending to take out in wet weather.
As well as the folding hood, the sale includes a tonneau cover that has a centre zip to allow driver use only. I also include a high quality car cover, which is waterproof and breathable with a soft lining.
Poppy was bought as a shared interest between myself and my then young adult son, who was (and still is) a bit of a 'petrol head'.
She is a fantastic car that offered us the opportunity to have a 'proper' driving experience with full connectivity to the vehicle and the road (unlike most modern vehicles) and with some great street cred whilst being relatively affordable.
Times have changed such that she doesn't get used as much as she should, or deserves, so it is now time to let someone else love and care for her.
I think what makes her special is that word I've used already - 'authentic'. It is a word I have pinched from the owner of Pheonix Cars who used it to describe Poppy. He explained that he is increasingly seeing classic cars that have been patched together with parts from other cars, and not necessarily the correct parts, so are not authentic.
As she has been mechanically well maintained she is ready to be driven away and used. As for her looks - the chrome bumpers, wire wheels and red paint - are classical MGB head turning. She is far from being concours condition but imo looks good for her age. Of course, there isalways room for improvements and it will be down to her new owner to determine what character giving patina is worth keeping and what restoration work they might want to undertake but if the latter, it will be starting from a good base.
