The secret to Abingdon's most famous son's success is in its simplicity. 

Because of its ease of maintenance, balanced good-looks, and genuinely fun driving behaviour, the design had stayed largely constant over its 18-year existence. 

The car industry owes a debt of gratitude to the 1962 design for keeping open-air motoring accessible to the general public at a time when many manufacturers had given up on such basic pleasures. 

Not generally described as an out-and-out sporting car, the MGB was still a hoot to drive, handling with verve, while powered by a torquey and reliable B-Series engine. As a result, it became a fine low-cost touring car that was continually recognised by its largest market, the United States, right up to the original brand's extinction. 

This 1969 roadster might well be one of the best MGB’s the current owner has owned. It has seen something of cherished life, all pointing towards a car that has been garaged since its restoration and has continued to have received a positive level of mechanical sympathy.

The owner has a passionate knowledgeable interest in classic cars and has a particular appreciation for the MGB.

His original plan was to retain this example, quite simply due to its beautiful presentation. Lined up as an occasional use summer car, ongoing space issues forces him to place the car for sale. It has invoices stretching back to the early 90s, which shows evidence to suggest it had seen a significant amount of renovation around this time.

The previous owner bought the car in 1994 and kept it for 27 years before it ended up in the hands of the current owner. Along with more recent receipts for various sundry and servicing items, there is a collection of MG owners club journals and books, indicating the high regard in which they held this car.

This is supported by a large body of past MOTS, which shows substantial use in the 1990s, but following 20 years show the car hasn't covered much more than 3,000 miles.

Although the car is tax and MOT exempt, the owner has placed an MOT on the car which runs to October 2022.

It has also been recently treated to service and seen a replacement hand brake cable, rear-wheel cylinder and brake pipes.

The near-perfect veneer finish facia along with the it radio blanking plate and speaker gives it a fairly unique cabin presentation.

The dials, controls and instruments are all said to be functional and in good condition, with no damaged noted on the facia padding. A neat touch is the installation of a locking glove box and a Wharfedale MP3 Bluetooth player, with a pair of front-mounted speakers.

The gear knob is a wooden item and is in good shape, complemented by its original-style steering wheel which shows no signs of wear or significant cracks. The seats are rip-free and only displays the lightest of signs of wear.

The car is also fitted with inertia seat belts. The carpeting and mats have been well cared for, with no major damage and all are free from dampness. The door cards are in good shape, with their original padded cappings and the boot shows no suggestions of heavy use.

The structural aspect of the car is very positive, and while it cannot be verified, the general presentation of the car strongly suggests it has been treated to an extensive restoration. 

The excellent visual condition of the underside, engine and boot bay, inner wings, body seams and panel joints may also provide further clues towards the possibility of a re-shell. 

The body alignment is very clean and all panels fitting flush with even panel gaps. There are no suggestions of sagging passenger doors concluding a pleasingly visual presentation. All doors open and close without resistance, with the boot and bonnet operation well up to the task. 

There are no significant signs of body damage observed, other than very minor blemishes noted around the off-side headlamp. 

The old English white paint has been well applied, with no flat spots and a balanced lustre evident on the panels. The chrome work is in good condition, with some areas such as the rear bumper and the windscreen frame showing minor signs of age, but certainly, nothing to distract the positive presentation. 

The rest of the trim is in good shape, with the wire headlamp covers, aftermarket bullet racing type door mirrors and original option-fit wire wheels giving the car an element of class. 

The chrome grill is correct for the model year and is in very good condition.  Both passenger windows lower and raise with no effort. All of the door and glass rubber seals are good, offering a reassuring feel when closing the doors. 

The soft top is in very good shape, with no significant suggestions of wear. The rear plastic window has a good seal, with the frame in good condition. It raises and lowers without trouble and also has a hood cover. 

The rear tyres are recent fitments, with the front items in good condition with plenty of life left in them.

The engine presentation is pleasingly original, with evidence that the car has seen a regular servicing schedule.

The car runs well, with no issues with the start up and no evidence of untoward noises or clunking coming from the engine.

While the engine was idling, there was no excessive smoke or observation of blowing from the exhaust, which sounds crisp and clean. The oil pressure and engine temperature remained stable throughout the drive, with the owner confirming that a recent run on the motorway, aided by the overdrive, presented no issues with the performance of the car.

The twin SU’s appear to be well-tuned and didn't hesitate upon acceleration or while idling. There are no reported issues with the clutch or gear change. The car is compliant on the roads, with no drama while the car is braking, with no reports of sponginess.

The steering remains stable and light at low speed with no major play. No grinding or clunking was noted during the short test drive, with the dampers appearing to be doing their job.

The car sits well at town speeds, with no signs of an uneven ride or shaking, which is confirmed by its compliant perky handling and lack of creaking on the move.

In a classic car market dominated by the ubiquitous MGB, the choice can be bewildering but potential buyers have the added benefit of being able to practically specify their MG without sacrificing.

The key elements to a good MGB are dependent on the structural and mechanical elements of the car, and this is where this 1969 example really shines.

With this solid foundation, topped off with a tastefully finished interior with a handful of useful modern fittings and the bonus of a very recent service, this car is near on perfect for a summer of MGB fun.


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