Highlights

Desirable early pull handle model
Previously restored, with a recent refurb and new paint
Tax and MOT exempt and ready to enjoy

The Appeal

It's all too easy to overlook the MGB's impact when the model debuted in 1962. An affordable, good-looking enthusiasts roadster built by a company that knew something about building sports cars. Off the back of that pedigree, the MGB was a hit from the start and soon became the top-selling sports car for decades. The purest, is often the best incarnation, without frivolities and closer to the designer's concept drawings. These earlier models characterised by their door handles, referred to as pull-handle models, were also characterised by the crackle finish dashboard and leather seats.

This car was first registered in February 1963, making it one of the earlier pull-handle models available. Documented as the 5,391 MGB built, it has seen a past restoration and has been subject to a recent recommissioning. Finished in red, with a white soft top ‘packaway’ roof, it retains many of its original details and comes with a current MOT.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in February 1963
Heritage certificate states that this is the 5,391 MGB built
Extensive restoration in 1990 with photographic documentation
Recent mechanical recommissioning after several years of storage
Obtained as a running project, it was recommissioned in 2022
Selection of historic and recent invoices
Originally finished in white, it has recently been re-painted red
UK V5C present
Tax and MOT exempt
MOT to June 2023 despite exemption
Elegible for Pre-1966 FIA competition use

The Interior

Black leather seats with red piping in excellent shape
Black carpets free of wear
No signs of water ingress in the car
Door cards in good condition
Very original black crackle-finish dashboard with light signs of wear but free of sun damage or cracks to the plastics
Factory-fitted heater option
Early instrument cowl, with the chrome insert
All instruments are fully legible
Switches and controls are commensurate with the age and condition of the interior
Early 4 Speed Gearbox Bent Lever in good shape with wear noted on the gear knob
Side windows wind down without too much effort
Retro-fitted Inertia belts
battery isolator switch

The Exterior

Its underside appears to be structurally sound, with a decent floor pan, inner wings, engine and boot bay
The floorpan and inner wheel wells appear to have been treated with recently applied underseal
The exterior bodywork is very clean with no signs of significant corrosion spotted
The body panels are flush, with acceptable panel gaps throughout
Doors open and close with relative ease
The chrome plating looks good, with few signs of pitting mostly on the window frames and rear over-riders
Rear bumpers retain their body colour corner fillers
The red paint finish has good coverage with a decent lustre that would benefit from a deep polish
Very little in terms of road wear or chips
Windscreen free of significant wear, with no chips
Side off-side glass shows light wear
Fitted with later-style vent window frames
Body trim generally is in good shape and well mounted, the side trims show minor marks
Headlamps and rear lenses free of damage
White “packaway” convertible roof easy to dissemble and mount
Rear screen free from discolouration and clouding
Clean steel wheels with presentable chrome hubcaps
Matching tyres are all in good shape with even tread and no sidewall cracking

The Mechanics

3-bearing crank 1.8-litre B-series engine
4-speed manual gearbox
Engine neatly presented with evidence of maintenance and new parts
Hoses, ancillaries and pipework are all very clean
Suspension, steering and brake components appear to be recent items
Starts easily, idles smoothly and is said to accelerate well
No unusual engine noises/vibrations were reported
The vehicle reported to stop without drama
Gears said to engage well
No signs of off-colour smoke from the exhaust
The fuel tank has recently been renewed

Summary

Thanks to its previous thorough restoration and recent recommissioning, the car has also seen plenty of ongoing mechanical attention and this can only encourage any potential suitor.

Early examples of the MGB tend to appeal to the connoisseurs of the brand, and while it retains much of its originality, there’s plenty of scope for absolutely anyone to bask this early cars provenance as you stretch its legs for those upcoming summer blasts.

Notice to bidders

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.*

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.