Highlights

Well-kept car in dark green metallic with chrome wires
Documented 34-year history with comprehensive service records
Unleaded short block engine fitted at 10,000 miles ago
Gearbox rebuilt and new clutch fitted at same time
Converted to 12V battery, electronic ignition and solid-state fuel pump for reliability
Upgraded for classic rallying with Brantz meters and brake servo
Professionally steam cleaned and waxed underside
Complete with works-style hard top and brand new (unused) hood package
Will be sold with fresh 12-month voluntary MOT

The Appeal

The MGB is so bloomin’ usable and this car proves the point perfectly. The vendor acquired this pretty dark green metallic convertible in 2022 to use on HERO rallies with his daughter. He set about applying various sympathetic modifications to improve reliability including electronic ignition, 12V battery, Kenlowe fan and solid state fuel pump.

These changes built on what was already a well-maintained car. The new unleaded short block engine was fitted 10,000 miles ago and the gearbox rebuild and clutch replaced at the same time. The history file covers 34 years, including a carefully typed list of all maintenance over 20 years.

Not surprisingly the car presents very well in photos, sitting prettily on its chrome wires. Inside there is an upgraded interior that features Brantz rally equipment, leather seats and a walnut dashboard kit. We are told that the rally equipment can be easily removed, including a simple modification for the glovebox.

The car comes with a fibreglass hard top in white and unused removable roof and tonneau. Buyers will note the last voluntary MOT was in June 2023 which showed no structural issues and one single minor advisory. It will be sold with a fresh 12 months MOT.

The vendor says:

“This is a very genuine, enthusiast-owned MGB convertible that offers excellent value for someone looking for a road-ready classic with rally potential. The vehicle presents well and benefits from tasteful upgrades, while retaining originality where it matters. It will be sold with a fresh MOT, adding confidence to the complete mileage history. Whether you’re looking for a characterful weekend cruiser or a competitive classic rally car, this MGB—affectionately named "Gilbert"—represents a rare and well-sorted opportunity.”

History and Paperwork

First registered 10th February 1971
Current keeper since September 2022
Previously painted orange, which was changed in December 1984
Large history file with detailed invoices covering maintenance and improvements
Vendor reports that the history file covers 34 years
Acquired by current keeper for classic car rallies
Has participated in the HERO Summer Trial
Short block engine with lead-free cylinder head fitted at 52,000 miles
Overhauled gearbox and a new clutch installed at the same time as the engine work
Converted from twin 6V batteries to a single 12V battery system
Will be sold with a fresh MOT
Typed list of maintenance to 2003 as shown
V5C in current keeper’s name
Handbooks as shown
Last MOT ran to June 2024 with one single advisory

The vendor says:

This 1971 MGB Convertible (registration TDW682J) has a rich and meticulously documented history spanning 34 years, complete with detailed invoices. With just 64,000 miles recorded on a five-digit speedometer, the car has been cherished by enthusiast owners who invested significantly in its upkeep. A short block engine with a lead-free cylinder head was fitted at 52,000 miles, along with an overhauled gearbox and a new clutch. It was also converted from twin 6V batteries to a single 12V battery system and benefits from electronic ignition and a solid-state fuel pump for reliability.

“I bought the car in 2022 for my daughter with the intention of participating in classic car rallies. After participating in the HERO Summer Trial, our plans were curtailed due to work commitments. Despite this, the car has remained insured, taxed, and exercised occasionally to ensure continued good mechanical health.

“To prepare the car for rallying, numerous enhancements were made, including the addition of Brantz rally meters, an upgraded Kenlowe electric fan, a brake servo conversion, and professional steam cleaning and waxing of the underside (£633 cost). All rally equipment remains fitted but is easily reversible with original parts provided.”

The Condition

Resprayed in deep metallic green some years ago and remains very well kept
Some minor points to note to paintwork in photos
These include some stone chips, panel edge chips and areas of touched-in paint
Touched-in scratches on the nearside rear wing top and nearside front lower wing
The n/s/rear lower wing shows a slight colour variation under certain lighting
Minor filter cracking is visible where the sills meet the rear wings
Works-style hard top in very good condition both inside and out as shown
Brand-new hood, hood rails, tonneau cover and hood bag included
Vendor states that the above parts have never been fitted
Chrome wire wheels fitted as shown
Painted wire spare wheel which the vendor says is unused
Stainless steel luggage rack
Upgraded with halogen headlamps
Small dent (approximately 50p coin-sized) on the bonnet
Two small dents present on the offside rear wing top
Chrome trim and bumpers show patina consistent with age
No serious rust issues in typical MGB problem areas according to vendor
No structural advisories on last MOT in 2023 and the car will be sold with a new MOT
Interior upholstered in black leather with green piping
Some light age to the driver’s side bolster as shown
Carpets in nearly new condition, protected by MGB rubber over-mats
Walnut veneer dashboard kit fitted
Centre-console rally meters fitted for competitive events
Auxiliary dial fitted under dashboard as shown
Vendor reports that these can be easily removed if the buyer requires
Chrome trim and bumpers display a patina, consistent with age

The vendor says:

“The MGB has been resprayed in a deep metallic green and fitted with chrome wire wheels, stainless steel luggage rack and exhaust, and upgraded halogen headlamps. The works-style hard top is in very good condition inside and out. A brand-new hood, hood rails, tonneau cover, and hood bag are included—none of which have ever been fitted, though they may require cleaning after storage.

“The interior is in excellent order. The seats are upholstered in supple black leather with green piping. The carpets are virtually as-new, protected throughout by MGB rubber over-mats. A walnut veneer dashboard and centre-console rally meters enhance the cabin’s character and functionality. The original glovebox and heater vent are included for easy restoration to stock appearance if preferred.”

The Mechanics

1,798cc ‘short block’ engine fitted at 52,000 miles (10,000 miles ago)
Rebuilt 4-speed manual transmission with overdrive
Fully functioning overdrive with bespoke floor-mounted switch
New clutch fitted when engine and rebuilt gearbox installed
Various upgrades to improve reliability as detailed below
Converted from twin 6V batteries to single 12V battery
Electronic ignition and solid-state fuel pump
Upgraded Kenlowe electric fan and voltmeter
Brake servo fitted in 2023
New rear leaf springs installed in 2023
The vendor states that the car drives very well
All systems and components reportedly function as they should according to seller
Stainless steel exhaust fitted
Single advisory on last MOT in 2023
Car will be sold with a new voluntary MOT

The vendor says:

“Mechanically, the car is outstanding and has been well-prepared for reliability and spirited driving. Drives exceptionally well and everything functions as it should.”

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