Highlights

Very smart restored B Roadster
Heritage re-shelled car finished in attractive Midnight Blue
Usefully continuously MOT’d by current and previous owners
Reassuring long MOT to 26th July 2024 with no advisories
Usable overdrive model with leather seats

The Appeal

The B was a radical move for MG, its first monocoque and an aerodynamic new design. It worked, the car’s style and simplicity keeping it in production for 20 years. It remains one of the most popular classics for similar reasons. Plus there is the remarkable parts, repair and owners club experience that makes running a B inexpensive and almost as convenient as a modern car.

This beautiful Midnight Blue B was reshelled and restored around 25 years ago, but you would barely know such a time has passed. Thanks to its fastidious owners it presents as virtually fresh from that work. Further evidence of their care is its regular run of annual MOT tests - no longer legally required but proof that this car has been cared for.

The MGB is surely one of classic motoring’s easiest-to-own cars and driving one is pure joy. This looks like a very good and very well cared for example and an opportunity not to be missed.

The History and Paperwork

First registered on 1st August 1971
DVLA records indicate that the colour was changed on 1st August 1997, which appears to coincide with the restoration work
The vendor tells us that the car was comprehensively restored in the late 1990s which included a colour change to period-correct Midnight Blue
Incorrectly registered by the DVLA as a MG BGT but this is likely an easy change if the buyer wishes
Carries a DVLA VIN code for a reshelled car
The vendor tells us that the car comes with lots of history including MOTs back to 1999
Excellent run of MOTs from 2006 with just one year - 2009 - missed, likely when the car was off the road
The car has covered less than 10,000 miles since 2008
Current owner since 17th April 2018
£1,548.76 spent in 2019 by the seller on various mechanical work including brake overhaul
Mohair Stayfast hood fitted in 2018 at a cost of £850
Car comes with a full and half tonneau cover, a spare wheel cover, indoor dust cover and a selection of other items which include a workshop manual and a file comprising old invoices and MOT certificates.

The Interior

Very well presented standard interior appears to have been renovated during the older work
Smart crackle black dashboard with clear dials with clean, untarnished chrome surrounds
Clear switchgear with bright white decals
Fitted with a Pioneer stereo system and retractable aerial
Mota Lita steering wheel
Black leather seats in excellent condition with no visible wear
Black carpets appears to have been refitted and have good colour and no fading
The vendor tells us that the map light does not work - a common fault
The choke lever also does not hold, again a common in-period feature
We are also told that the ignition switch needs tightening
These seem like minor problems given the general condition of the interior of this pretty car

The Exterior

Marvellous Midnight Blue paintwork seems to particularly suit the MGB and highlights the chrome accents
New Heritage shell fitted as part of the restoration in the late 1990s
Smart dark blue mohair roof adds to the attractive set up
Bright chrome wheels with very good Continental Eco Contact 3 tyres
We are told that the car is always garaged by the owner
Matching spare wheel which apparently has never been used
The seller tells us that there are some small touched-in stone chips but we were unable to find them in the photos
Clear, unblemished seams, screen surround and rear wing tops
Excellent panel fit with consistent gaps and straight lines
Underside follows the same theme with no visible deterioration
This car has very usefully been MOT’d virtually every year providing a record of its condition since 2006
Old MOTs with the car going back to 1999
Current MOT runs to July 2024 with no advisories

The Mechanics

1,799cc MGB 4cyl engine with twin carburettors
4spd gearbox with desirable optional overdrive
Significant mechanical and servicing work undertaken in 2019 with few miles since
Both 6v batteries replaced by current owner and battery isolator fitted
Fitted with electronic ignition for improved reliability
Usefully upgraded headlights
Fitted with hazard warning lights system

Summary

The B is one of the most usable and easy-to-own classic cars which explains why good examples remain in such high demand.

This is just such a car. Sometimes the quality of a car is obvious from the photos, sometimes the history tells the story. This car delivers on both counts, its fastidious annual MOT regime providing the reassurance that the photographs clearly telegraph. This is a really lovely example and will surely reward the buyer.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.