The MGB is one of the best-loved classic cars in the UK and for a very good reason. There are few other classics that enjoy such a brilliant amount of support through clubs and parts back-up, while they’re also sprightly and great fun to drive.
It was a formula so successful that the B enjoyed a 19-year production run, with this example harking from the peak of its popularity – the late Sixties and early Seventies being very much the MGB’s glory years.
It’s a 1970 MGB, the first chrome bumper facelift, with a black grille insert and Rubery Owen ‘Rostyle’ sports wheels. The vendor is a young enthusiast who works in the classic car industry himself, and is a member of the MG Car Club Young Members section. He adores the car (his first classic) and has loved owning it for the past three years, but has now acquired an MGB Roadster to enjoy as his next classic and doesn’t have room to keep both. iJYvxX3et4mZce2NqQ5pc0tKnfYWQRhe3OQUiunC.jpeg1.35 MB
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Huge file of paperwork
British Motor Heritage Certificate
Restoration and ownership history
UK V5
Tax and MOT exempt
The B comes with a large history file detailing a restoration completed in the early 1990s, where it was painted in the British Leyland Teal Blue it is today.
Since then, it has benefitted from a brand-new Ivor Searle engine fitted only 8,000 miles ago and a recent cosmetic refresh with new bumpers, chrome trims and some light paint correction.
Due to its age it is TAX and MOT exempt with the last MOT carried out in March of 2021, the only advisory being a defective wiper blade, which has now been changed.
Included in the history file is a British Motor Heritage Certificate detailing the build specification and dates. It has the rarer recessed grille (commonly known as the ‘fish-mouth’) which was only available between 1970-72. Given that it was built in October 1969 and sold in January 1970 this makes it one of the very first ‘fish-mouth’ cars
The B is in great condition inside, with excellent black vinyl seats and equally smart matching carpets.
This particular example benefits from a hidden Bluetooth entertainment system with USB charging points, along with a Moto-Lita steering wheel complementing the wooden veneer dashboard.hQY7F9pb530yZLszc4DcVdEyvwnXhXVQxwbNc3JS.jpeg1.26 MB
THE EXTERIOR
Teal Blue
Early “fish-mouth” grille model
Structurally excellent
Most of the restoration work was carried out in the 1990s and the car remains wonderfully sound to this day, with straight and seemingly rust-free panels and no signs of deterioration underneath. Indeed, the vendor (who works in a garage environment) describes the underside as ‘incredibly good’. He knows his cars.
It was painted some time ago and the finish isn’t perfect – there are areas of dullness and the finish isn’t as glossy or as smooth as it could be, but it looks good from every angle and the Teal Blue colour really suits the car. The chrome is all good and has been recently renewed.
The vendor has also fitted a new bonnet and it needs some fettling to fit perfectly. Overall, though, it’s a very smart and well-presented – and, critically, very solid – example of the MGB GT. Ou8SRQlGDLCoGuH1pDQ9G1rQrnu3IKv96uP5HWjb.jpeg1.48 MB
THE MECHANICS
1.8 B-Series
Ivor Searle engine
Well-maintained
Not long after the exterior restoration was completed, there’s an invoice from a recovery company who retrieved the MGB from the roadside with ‘loss of power and rattling from the engine’. Just a couple of weeks later, there’s a separate invoice for a new Ivor Searle remanufactured engine, so you cand raw your conclusions about what happened! It’s good news for the next owner, though, as the new engine has only covered 8,000 miles since it was installed.
It runs well and holds excellent oil pressure, while further bonuses include a Revotec cooling fan ( a desirable MGB upgrade) and electronic ignition.
This is a supremely solid, accessible and extremely sound example of the classic MGB GT and a terrific car to use and enjoy, which has been thoroughly loved, cherished and properly maintained by the owner, who says he’ll be devastated to see it go. A good home for the car is important, as it really deserves one!
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