Highlights

Engine fully rebuilt in 2022
Over £6,500 spent in past 18 months
Some well executed upgrades to ensure reliability
Drives well and starts easily

The Appeal

The MGB is the archetypal British sports car manufactured in numbers to cater for the insatiable appetite for open top motoring in the 1960s and 1970s. Built with rugged mechanics and powered by the un-burstable, all-iron BMC B-Series 1800cc engine, it remains as popular today as it was when first launched. The MGB offers the perfect balance of classy styling, spritely performance, first-rate handling combined with reliability. Every true motoring enthusiast should sample the delights of an MGB, ideally a roadster, to learn why they have such dedicated fans. Excellent parts availability, a lively and welcoming club scene all combine to provide the best value in classic car ownership.

History and Paperwork

Built and first registered in September 1972
Seller purchased the MG in 2021 at 11,636 miles
Previously owned from 1983 to 2021,-38 years
Driven just 1,853 miles between 1983 and 2021
Lots of old MoT certificates on file
Earliest MoT from 1997@ 9,783 miles
V5c last private owner’s name
Fully restored between 1996-97 by Cleveland Sports Car centre
Photos on file of restoration
Large folder of invoices
Major mechanical overhaul including new rear suspension and springs by Robin Lackford Engineering in March 2022 (£4,404)
Engine overhaul including unleaded head conversion and full engine rebuild by Sussex Sports Cars in August 2022 (£1,664)
Comprehensive service performed by Sussex Sports Cars in May 2023 (£603)
All invoices on file with expenditure totalling £6,672 in last 15 months
MGB Haynes Repair manual
2 sets of keys

The Interior

Smart and presentable black and red interior
Black leather seats with red piping in lightly worn and creased, but undamaged condition
Clean black carpet, front wool mats with car
MG logo rubber floor mats
Factory black MG dash with correct switches and instruments, all functioning properly
MG blanking plate over radio hole, speaker below in place
Astrali 3 spoke aluminium steering wheel with leather rim
Black door cards with red piping, all tidy with no damage or scuffs
Folding hood with Perspex windows in acceptable condition with cover
A small weld required to hood frame which will be completed prior to auction
Hood may require some fit adjustment before regular use
Sun visors and front carpet mats with the car
Clean boot with solid floor, no corrosion
Spoked spare wheel, properly mounted with jack , hammer and tools

The Exterior

Driver quality red paintwork with small areas of wear
Light bubbling on top of both wings behind headlights
Small paint cracks on boot area behind seats and front scuttle
General wear and small blemishes on some panels
Smart undamaged chrome trim, both front and rear bumpers in nice condition
Front grille intact with no dents and good shine
All glass and lenses intact with no stone damage
All lights work correctly
Knock-off spoked 14 inch wheels, painted in good condition
Lightly worn matching set of Blockley tyres
Correct MG badging and trim in good condition

The Mechanics

B-Series 1800cc engine, with unleaded head conversion, fully rebuilt in 2022
Four speed manual gearbox with working overdrive in 3rd and 4th gear via switch on dash
Good oil pressure showing on tick over
Revotech electric fan thermostatic fitted with dash mounted switch for manual operation
Oil cooler mounted behind grille with quality braided hoses
Clean and solid, corrosion free underside
Tidy and presentable engine bay, all factory appearance with no aftermarket parts
Lots of mechanical work completed in recent months at vast expense
Drives well, with good power and no knocks or clunks, and a pleasant exhaust note

Summary

There is always a good number of MGBs available and thus plenty to choose from, but the wise buyer will seek out one that has had plenty of documented work completed to ensure reliability.

This example has had just that, plus it incorporates some thoughtful upgrades to further ensure the MG is dependable. We drove the car when we visited and can say it is very pleasant and enjoyable. There are plenty of examples that have more impressive paintwork, but few that will likely prove to be as fun to drive and reliable to own as this.

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.

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