Highlights

One of the last MGBs built at the Abingdon works, dated 3rd October 1980
Effectively in single-family ownership from new until recent years
Comprehensive history file including original service book stamped from new, old MOT certificates and maintenance records
Chrome conversion carried out in recent years along with new wheels and tyres

The Appeal

The MGB is the stuff of legend, but even legends have an ending. Roadsters built in the final year of production at the legendary Abingdon works marked the end of an era for MG and the close of a true British tradition. It's little wonder enthusiasts get particularly excited about these final cars.

This particular Roadster was built on 3rd October 1980 and delivered to a dealer in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, before being sold to its first owner, a Mr Pearce, in March 1981. Remarkably, Mr Pearce kept the car for nearly four decades, using it regularly but modestly - a pattern clearly borne out by the extensive collection of old MOT certificates that chart its mileage from 21,000 miles in the early 1990s through to 53,000 by 2008. The car has never left Oxfordshire, and its 57,000 miles are reported to be entirely genuine.

In recent years, a backdate conversion to the original chrome bumpers has been carried out along with new wheels and tyres, and the car has benefited from a raft of sympathetic maintenance including a new hood, new oil cooler pipe, replacement wishbone bushes and bolts, a new rear exhaust section and wiring work.

Now, this final-year car is ready and waiting for its lucky new keeper. Don't let the opportunity pass you by.

History and Paperwork

Registered 25th March 1981 as KJH 240W
Built at the Abingdon works on 3rd October 1980 and delivered to a dealer in Kidlington, Oxfordshire on 14th October 1980
First sold to Mr Pearce, who kept the car until his passing approximately seven years ago, the vehicle now resides in Lancashire
Subsequently passed to family before being sold on
Showing 57,000 miles, which the vendor describes as entirely genuine
This is supported by a large collection of old MOT certificates documenting consistent, modest use
Now MOT-exempt, though not yet re-registered with tax-free Historic Vehicle status
Original service book present with dealer stamps from a Wantage dealer from new until 1990
V5C present in the vendor's name
A selection of MG books and manuals included

MGB-Roadster---Paperwork-1.jpg 192.14 KB

The Condition

The vendor describes this as a very good original survivor that presents in very nice condition and drives well
Some previous paintwork has likely been carried out; may benefit from further paintwork if pursuing concours standards
A couple of minor patches of microblistering on one side of the bonnet; no rust bubbles present
Tiny bleb-like traces on top wing seams here and there, but overall the bodywork is in fine fettle
The vendor reports that wheel arches and sills are all sound
Only the front and rear steel strips under the bumpers show any loss of paint and corrosion when viewed from underneath
The vendor notes that the valances themselves are fine
Brightwork looks good, though the MG nose badge has lost some blacking over the decades
Lamps and window glass appear smart and undamaged
Underside in very good condition with new or nearly new components, indicating up-to-date maintenance
Castle rails and outriggers appear solid behind their Leyland underseal coating
Underseal only flaking in a few places with opportunity to address before any damage occurs
Convertible hood appears new; a tonneau cover is also included
MGB hexagon-badged mudflaps fitted
Black interior with seats, carpets, dash and door cards described by the vendor as in very good condition
Interior looks original apart from an aftermarket radio head unit and Goodmans speaker pods in the door cards
Door cards slightly wrinkled with age but undamaged; seats barely look worn in
All dials, gauges and switches reportedly function correctly; sun visors in good order with no corrosion or damp swelling
The vendor reports the boot floor is in very good condition beneath a clean carpet and spare wheel

The Mechanics

1,798cc B-series engine with twin SU carburettors
4-speed manual gearbox with overdrive
Engine bay is clean and smart
Air filter housings retain Unipart stickers and the rocker cover carries the Austin Morris three blue stripes logo
Small amount of paint loss on the bulkhead under the heater box
Engine starts and runs as it should, idling nicely and revving with the characteristic B-series tone
Plastic in-line fuel filter fitted; otherwise everything in the engine bay looks standard including the wiring
Area around the base of the engine slightly moist from typical oil mist but no actual leaks reported
The vendor reports that the car is driving well

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.