The earliest MGBs, known as the ‘pull-handle’ models among enthusiasts of the model, are arguably the most sought-after of the lot.
Pure in style and identifiable by their unique door handles – hence the name – they represent the B as it was first envisaged in 1962.
Back when it debuted, who would have guessed that the MGB would go 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 in the UK alone, multiple owners’ clubs and an entire industry built up around its ongoing survival.
In model and specification terms, this one is as collectable as an MGB gets. An early car with ‘pull-handle’ doors and a pack-away removable roof frame, its late enough to have the tougher five-bearing engine fitted from 1965 onward.
It’s an honest car that has seen some restoration work a long time ago – believed to be around 1990 – and it shows its age in places, but is a fundamentally sound and solid car that will be very satisfying to treat to a cosmetic overhaul.
The History and Paperwork
First registered 7th January 1965
UK V5C
Seven registered keepers
MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Previously painted red which was changed in September 1985 to green
Folder of bills and invoices including a used car invoice from 1990 for £6,200 – equivalent to £18,000 today, adjusted for inflation
Old MOTs and receipts for work carried out
Several parts invoices from MG specialists
Copies of all old V5s showing every previous owner
The Condition
Correct crackle-finish dash
White-piped black leather seats with some cracking and signs of wear (see photos)
Good door cards and carpets
Full tonneau cover
Wooden Mota-Lita steering wheel
Original speaker grille and rotary heater knobs, with MG radio blank
All complete and in good working order, but with a moderate patina representative to the age of the car’s restoration
British Racing Green
Appears structurally sound in all visible areas, with underseal on floor areas
Knock-on wire wheels with recent 165/14 tyres all-round
Good hood with no notable damage
Removable hood frame
Original-specification ‘pull-handle’ door handles
Marks and small dents all around the car, most notably in passenger side front wing, which has some dings in it
Various paint marks and stone chips
Some corrosion to door bottoms, worst on nearside, but no apparent structural rust
The Mechanics
1,798cc B-Series engine
Later 1965-on five-bearing engine with stronger crank
Four-speed manual gearbox
Starts and runs well with no excessive smoke
Steady and even idle and all gears engage properly
Reported by the vendor to be in good driving order
BEFORE YOU BUY
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