When it originally broke cover in 1962, the MGB represented a sea-change in MG’s engineering approach, eschewing the body-on-frame construction of its forebears for a new unitary structure. Proven elements such as the suspension, brakes and drivetrain were adopted and evolved from the MGA which it replaced, meaning that the MGB was able to offer an alluring fusion of new-for-’62 modernity along with dependability and affordability.

 A pure two-seater, it made better use of space than the MGA by offering more passenger accommodation and more room for luggage, and the combination of the peppy B-Series 1.8-litre motor and low kerb-weight meant that performance was pleasingly brisk. And the example we have here is particularly special: a 1971 chrome-bumper model in a desirable colour, it’s had a lot of money spent on maximising the platform’s potential, including a full engine rebuild to fast-road specs and the suspension and brakes upgraded to suit.

The car was treated to a full restoration between 2007-08, and has evidently been looked after properly since as it presents extremely well with no evident corrosion and in lovely condition throughout. What’s more, it’s properly thrilling to drive – a real gem of an MGB that’s ready and willing to be enjoyed.

 

The interior is pleasingly tidy, with comfy and thickly-stuffed seats and good carpets. There’s a tasteful Moto-Lita steering wheel, and all of the original-spec gauges are present and correct (although it’s worth noting that the speedo is in need of a minor repair, as the needle has come adrift inside the housing).

The dash is generally tidy with no cracks and just a few age-related scuffs around the edges of the dials and stereo. The audio setup is interesting, and has potential to be a very high-end and impressive setup; the head unit is a modern Pioneer CD/radio, with upgraded speakers fitted in the doors and dash. In addition to this, there’s a bespoke subwoofer housing mounted in the boot and holes have been cut for round speakers in the rear too, so with the addition of another pair of speakers, a sub and an amp, you could be approaching competition-spec audio!

 It’s all dry and solid inside the boot, with a correct spare wire wheel with a good tyre. Externally, this is one of the straightest and prettiest MGBs we’ve encountered in quite some time. The body restoration has held up impressively well over the years, with tidy paint and decent panel gaps – and what’s most impressive (and, indeed, rare in the world of chrome-bumper MGBs) is how solid and free from obvious corrosion it appears to be, both on top and underneath.

The car wears a set of lovely 14” wire wheels, which are shod with quality Continental tyres with plenty of tread. The light lenses and window glass are all good, and the chrome is all gleaming and in very good order, with the only notable blemish being a very small ding in the centre of the front bumper. The car benefits from a matching chrome luggage rack on the boot, and the soft-top is a quality item that looks to be recent, in very good condition and easy to raise, latch and lower.
 

A lot of time, money and attention has been paid to the mechanical package in this car, and this is made very obvious by the way it drives: quite simply, it’s a joy. The engine fires on the first turn of the key, idles smoothly, and it pulls really eagerly through the revs. The engine was fully rebuilt to fast-road specification in 2011, which included a rebore to 1,860cc, larger pistons, high-lift cams, reground crank, gas-flowed lead-free head with bronze guides, balanced flywheel and much more besides.

The result is a fabulous little motor, always willing to play and yet still pleasingly friendly and usable. The transmission shifts smoothly and features overdrive on third and fourth gears.

The chassis has been upgraded to suit the additional power, with the front end converted to coilover suspension and polybushed; furthermore, the brakes have been upgraded to the desirable X25 package, which features 25%-larger drilled and grooved discs and meatier EBC pads within the stock MGB calipers. It all adds up to a very impressive package indeed.
 

 
The key lure of the MGB is that the reality is every bit as good as the dream. The Roadster is an iconic and essential ingredient of British culture, but you don’t have to put it on a pedestal: it was engineered to be a joyful and entertaining open-top thrillseeker, and that’s still very much true today.

It’s especially true of this example: an impressively straight and solid car with an outstanding mechanical specification, this wonderful little tearaway is just begging to be enjoyed… summer’s just around the corner (sort of), and this lovely MGB would be the perfect companion for your hazy sunny adventures.
 
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