Highlights
- Extensive restoration and bare metal respray
- Engine rebuilt with only 8,442 miles covered since
- Desirable factory overdrive model
- Upgraded tan leather interior with walnut veneers and Moutney wheel
- New front suspension and work to brakes, servo and fuel system
- Garaged over winter and underside regularly Waxoyled
The Appeal
This tidy B roadster demonstrates the missed opportunities Abingdon passed up in refusing to seriously evolve the car during its long life. Neat Minilite wheels, rear luggage rack and a luxurious leather and walnut cabin all tastefully dial up the already considerable appeal of Syd Enever’s aerodynamic B.
The improvements were part of an extensive bare-metal restoration in the Noughties, which included a colour change to the current Mallard Green. The work also included a full engine rebuild, and the car has covered less than 8,500 miles in the intervening decades. More recent work has included a front suspension rebuild plus attention to the brakes, servo, clutch and fuel systems. Since the vendor acquired the car in 2023 it has received a new wiper motor, new brake drums, a new alternator belt and a new battery.
As an older restoration, there are inevitably a few areas to check in the photos. But with all that recent work, the car looks ready to jump and enjoy as summer turns to autumn.
The vendor says:
“I bought this MGB Roadster because I wanted a car that turned every journey into an occasion. Modern cars may be faster, quieter and more refined, but few can match the simple joy of a classic British sports car on a sunny day. What makes this car special is the way it engages all your senses. With the roof folded away and the countryside unfolding ahead, you hear the unmistakable note of the well-tuned engine, feel the direct connection through the steering wheel, and enjoy the balance of the car as it flows through winding country roads.
“It isn't just transportation; it's an experience. It attracts smiles, waves and conversations wherever it goes, whether parked at a village pub or attending a local classic car gathering. My favourite thing about this Roadster is how effortlessly it creates memorable moments. A simple trip to buy milk can become an excuse to take the long route home. On a warm summer evening, with the roof down, the engine singing and the scent of the countryside in the air, it reminds you why people fall in love with classic cars in the first place. I offer it for sale with genuine reluctance, and I hope its next owner enjoys it as much as I have.”
Key Information
- Mileage: 8,442 miles indicated (since engine rebuild; odometer reading stated as correct)
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
- Technical specs: 1,798cc inline four-cylinder, 4spd manual with overdrive
- Paperwork: good history file, photos of engine and restoration work, handboo, 2 sets of keys, V5C
Buyers should note that as shown in the photos, this car began as a BGT and retains this chassis identity. It was restored in 2010 using a roadster shell.
The Detail
- Engine fully rebuilt by the previous owner as detailed below
- Long list of recent work detailed below
- Bare metal respray in Mallard Green; the vendor reports only the odd imperfection
- Vendor states that there are no obvious signs of body corrosion
- Underside said to be in working order and regularly Waxoyled
- Photographs of underside shown in photos
- Matching green hood with no rips or loose stitching reported
- We are told that the rear plastic windows are clear
- External chrome trim presents well overall but shows some light pitting in places
- Tan leather interior with bespoke wooden dashboard and wooden door cappings
- Mountney classic wooden steering wheel and wooden gear knob fitted
- Additional gauges for oil temperature, clock and voltage fitted in the centre console
- Some signs of wear in the cabin
- Vendor reports it is in very nice condition for its age
- Inertia seat-belts fitted
- Carpets and door cards in good condition we are told
- Carpeted boot area with non-matching Rostyle spare wheel and reported to be dry
- Minilite-style alloy wheels fitted all round
- All four tyres have plenty of tread remaining
- All lights free from cracks or water ingress
- Vendor states all electrics are working correctly
- Fitted with a rear luggage rack, spotlights and a badge bar with period club badges
- Garaged over winter and always covered when not in the garage
Summary of recent mechanical work:
- 8,442 miles since full engine rebuild
- New clutch pressure plate and bearing
- Rebuilt SU carburettors with K&N filters
- Electronic ignition fitted
- Up-rated 60 Amp alternator
- New front suspension
- New front discs with Green pads and bearings
- New foot pedal and clutch oil reservoirs
- New servo
- New petrol tank, pump and filter
- New windscreen
- New battery
Summary of engine rebuild work provided by seller:
- Re-bored
- New pistons
- Replacement rings
- New valves and guides
- Chain tensioners
- Lightened flywheel
The vendor says:
“It's full bare metal respray in Mallard Green is still in very nice condition with only the odd imperfection to be found. Rear luggage rack, spotlights and badge bar with period club badges. Wheels are all nice and free from any damage, and all four tyres have plenty of meat left on them. The matching green hood fits well and has no rips or loose stitching, and the rear plastic windows are nice and clear. The external chrome trim looks great overall, but is beginning to tire in places, with some light pitting evident. Overall, the car presents very well with no obvious signs of any body corrosion. Underneath, in working order, having been regularly Waxoyled in the past
“Nice Tan interior with leather seats. Bespoke wooden dashboard and wooden door cappings, all in nice condition. Extra instruments for oil temperature, clock and voltage fitted in the centre console. Mountney classic wooden steering wheel. Wooden gear knob. Inertia seat-belts. Carpets and door cards all good. All lights are free from any cracks or water ingress. All electrics work as they should. Some signs of wear evident in the cabin, but overall it’s in very nice condition for its age. Dry and carpeted boot area. Clean and well-maintained engine bay.”
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