Solid, garage-find condition with scope to use as is or improve
Good condition interior with original cloth seats
Optional overdrive model
Attractive Vermillion paintwork
MOT and tax exempt
ULEZ exempt when registered
The Appeal
The MGB’s unique combination of durability, useability and unrivalled parts and club support has sustained interest in and values of Britain’s best known sports cars despite the earliest examples now being over 60 years old.
The last owner of this pretty Vermillion 1979 model kept it for 41 years. It has been lightly recommissioned by the Vendor and appears solid in the right places with a very original and presentable interior. There is scope to improve or, after a check over and service, to use it as it is and fettle it as you go. If you fancy a summer sunshine classic and some light rolling restoration work, this late model B seems to offer a lot of potential.
Light grey cloth ‘deck chair’ seats in good, unripped condition
Later dashboard in very good condition with excellent switchgear
Period correct radio cassette, possibly factory fitted
Original soundproofing still fitted below carpets
Good carpets and door cards which appear original
Vendor states that all switches and dials work correct
This car’s very limited use – it has covered less than 800 miles since 2006 – is reflected in the interior, which is in remarkable condition for a 44 year old car. The grey cloth seats, affectionately known in MG circles as ‘deck chair’ seats owing to the relatively colourful trim compared to earlier models, are in very good condition. The fabric is a little loose as might be expected but there appear to be no tears or unsightly marks.
The dashboard, switchgear, carpets and door trims are in equally good condition and the Vendor tells us that everything works. The car is even fitted with a period correct sound system. An aftermarket rechargeable torch is also fitted.
The Exterior
Popular Vermillion paintwork appears original
Some deterioration but appears solid in key MGB areas
Vinyl convertible roof in very good condition
RoStyle wheels with chrome embellishers in generally good condition
Goodyear tyres in good condition but indeterminant age
The MOT records show that this MGB spent most of the last eight or nine years garaged and largely unused and this is reflected in the general condition of the Vermillion bodywork. The bodywork is presentable from around 10m but shows signs of localised deterioration up close.
Despite this the photographs of the bodywork and underside indicate that it appears to be solid in all of the usual MGB weak spots. This suggests that it could be used and enjoyed and gradually improved over time if the buyer wishes.
Moving around the car, the nearside shows a weld repair to the rear edge of the sill. There are also small surface scabs on the lower edge of the front wing along the sill. The rear wheel arch has some chips on the edge. The base of the passenger door shows corrosion beginning to show through.
The back of the car looks presentable and the boot floor is solid.
On the offside of the car the rear wing shows light corrosion along the seam, a common MGB weakness and there are signs of paint chips and surface corrosion at the base of this wing behind the wheel. The sill is showing signs of deterioration at the joint seam below the driver’s door. There are a few chips on the edge of the driver’s door.
The seam on top of the offside front wing is good but there are signs of poor paint repair at the base of it. This area also has corrosion.
The front bumper has a scuff on the nearside.
The RoStyle wheels are fitted with chrome embellishers and appear to be in good condition, albeit with some signs of hand painting to improve the silver finish.
The underside of the car appears solid, with only surface corrosion on the outer sills.
The last MOT ran out in May 2018 although the car has only covered 20 miles in the intervening five years. Overall, the body appears solid but with some recommissioning work likely required in the near future, probably on a running project basis.
The Mechanics
1.8litre MGB 4cylinder engine developing 90bhp
Very limited service history
Light recommissioning by the Vendor to get the car running
Service and check over recommended
Desirable optional overdrive fitted
Vendor says that the car runs well on Super Unleaded
Oil pressure at 70psi when cold and 55psi when warm according to Vendor
The simplicity of the MGB is a large part of its appeal. That and the excellent parts supply – it is virtually like owning a modern car. These are mechanically durable and generally reliable cars.
There is little history with this car so we were unable to verify the servicing and maintenance regime by the last owner of 41 years. However the mileage appears correct from the MOT records and it has covered very few miles since 2006.
The Vendor says that he has lightly recommissioned the car so that it is running but that it would benefit from a service and general check over before being used on the road. He states that the oil pressure is good when the car is warm and cold.
This car is usefully fitted with the desirable overdrive manual gearbox, which makes cruising at higher speeds much more relaxing.
This car qualifies for historic status and, once registered, this should also make it ULEZ exempt. It is tax and MOT exempt.
Summary
The MGB is a perennial of the classic car world, with values constantly strong thanks to its innate appeal. It’s reliable, very useable and a set of MGB keys gives access to a vibrant world of enthusiastic club members and suppliers.
This low owner MGB has been lightly recommissioned after being mostly garaged and largely unused for the last eight or nine years. It appears solid in all the right places. As a low-cost way into MGB ownership, it offers the rewards of making running improvements and seeing this 44 year old drop top car start a new life as summer beckons.
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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