Only sold due to to change in personal circumstance
THE APPEAL
It’s amazing to think that the MGB turns 60 later this year, such is the timelessness of its delicate, Italian-influenced styling.
Introduced in 1962, initially as an open-top Roadster only, the MGB went on to become the UK’s most popular sports car and today is the most prevalent classic car in the world with over 20,000 known survivors, multiple owners’ clubs and an entire industry built up around the car’s ongoing survival.
This one is a great example of the B’s final evolution – a 1975 ‘Rubber Bumper’ Roadster, known as such because of the large polyurethane front and rear end that were added in order to meet Federal collision legislation in the USA. The later models also sit a bit higher than their predecessors, again down to American laws, this time about headlamp height.
For some time, the Rubber Bumper models lived in the shadow of earlier Bs, but that’s no longer the case. With so many converted to chrome, a good rubber bumper car is now sought-after in its own right – and this one is a cracking example. 3oLLxqNM2Zuh4J7ThDyAfLXxrLOMABXDHpv9oJKM.jpeg1.42 MB
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Bills and invoices back to 1988
Owned by previous keeper for 13 years
Only being sold by current owner due to change in circumstance
Previously owned by MG specialist
Heritage certificate
A British Motor Heritage Certificate detailing the B’s build records shows it was assembled in December 1975 at the MG factory in Abingdon as a right-hand-drive domestic market model in Glacier White with a black interior – exactly as it is presented today, in fact.
It was despatched new to Thomas Startin and Co in Birmingham, a Leyland Cars Main Agent, and was equipped with optional Rostyle wheels and overdrive. There are invoices with the car going back to the late 1980s, including one for a ‘Blue Riband’ replacement engine in 1988, which is when the car is believed to have been restored.
The vendor has a file of all invoices for servicing and repairs from August 2009, when he bought it. The previous owner had had it since 1995 and ran a classic car specialist business in Suffolk.
It has mainly been driven in dry conditions and kept in a garage, covering just over 10,000 miles in the 13 years the previous vendor has owned it.
Current owner has added just 300 miles during their ownership which has been cut prematurely short due to personal circumstances.
Inside, everything is in good order and the dash, dials and controls all operate as they should. The seats are very good with just one small nick in the vinyl of the driver’s seat backrest.
The carpets are all very good, as are the door cards, while a 1990s CD player provides in-car entertainment.
The car also has an aftermarket custom rollover hoop – both stylish and a concession to crash safety. It has a full-length tonneau cover and a removable roof and roof frame.
Finished in original-order Glacier White with Rostyle steel sports wheels, the MGB looks the part – smart, well-presented and aside from the roll bar, totally original to look at.
It presents very well indeed, the only notable blemish being a very small amount of rust on the front leading edge of the bonnet and a couple of very tiny dings in one front wing, but nothing alarming or immediately noticeable.
The engine is a five-bearing 1.8-litre B-Series unit and it is reported to run and drive very well, while the vendor reports that the transmission, overdrive, brakes and steering are also in good order – backed up by an MOT valid until July 2023.
With the MGB celebrating a big birthday this year, this car represents a great opportunity to join the celebrations. It’s a very good example of the most accessible iteration of the MGB Roadster and has been well cared for and maintained by enthusiastic owners.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
