The MGB is Britain’s archetypal classic car, and for a very good reason. With around 25,000 survivors, it’s both an easy and effortless classic to own, with an industry built up around its survival and a thriving owners’ scene.
Introduced in 1962, it instantly became the most popular British sports car, enjoying an incredible production run of 19 years thanks to its Pininfarina-styled good looks and its simple, easy-to-maintain engineering.
The fixed-roof MGB GT came three years after the hatch and sported a ground-breaking “greenhouse” rear end, also designed by the Italian styling house. With its hinged rear window and flat-folding single-piece 2+2 seat, it offered surprisingly useful amounts of luggage space yet maintained the B Roadster’s sporty driving characteristics.
This example is a 1974 model – one of the very last of the ‘chrome bumper’ MGBs, so it benefits from the later, more upmarket cabin, and on this example a desirable Webasto sunroof. The car was restored several years ago and was cherished by the vendor’s husband for over a decade, but is now sadly for sale due to bereavement.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Older restoration
UK V5C
Tax and MOT exempt
Huge file of invoices and receipts from restoration and subsequent maintenance, dating back to the mid-1990s when the restoration was carried out
Old photos
Some old MOT certificates
Original owner’s handbook and wallet
The MGB was purchased by the current owner's late husband in 2010. Mileage indicated on a 2011 MOT check invoice shows 28,814miles and with the current mileage reading of 28,860miles, it would appear that it was little used over the years.
The vehicle has been garaged under a protective dust sheet for the past 14 years and not used at all over the past four years.
THE INTERIOR
Ribbed velour seats with head restraints
Three-spoke sports steering wheel
Period 1990s Grundig radio-cassette
Excellent carpets and door cards
Black crackle-finish dashboard
Rotary heater controls
Lovely Webasto sunroof in working order
Rubber MGB tailored floor mats
Spare wheel and tool kit
All dials and switches work as they should do, other than the windscreen washer
THE EXTERIOR
Lovely, rich British Leyland Flamenco Red
All panels in good order with no evident rust or corrosion
Appears excellent underneath
All chrome and trim in very good, well-preserved condition
Later-style black mesh grille
Nearside door mirror requires replacement
Rostyle sports wheels in good order, but tyres are quite old
Roof-mounted aerial
THE MECHANICS
1,798cc BMC B-Series engine
Four-speed manual gearbox
Switchable overdrive on third and fourth
New battery
Starts well and runs smoothly, engaging all gears and with good brake pressure and a smooth clutch. However, potential buyers should note that the car has been standing in a garage for a few years since the previous owner’s death, so a thorough going over would be advisable before the car is driven spiritedly
SUMMARY
With a lovely colour scheme, a smart Websato roof and no excessive modifications, this is a really smart and well-presented example of an MGB GT in standard condition.
The exterior is still very smart despite being an older restoration and the interior is lovely, while it appears to be in good mechanical order. This is a car that was well and truly cherished by its late owner, and it shows. Now it’s time for it to find another loving custodian.
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.
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.
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