Highlights
- Full high-quality respray in classic red
- Replacement Ivor Searle remanufactured engine 12,000 miles ago
- Interior fully refurbished in 2024 with new carpet throughout
- New vinyl hood purchased and installed in 2024
- Neat improvements like electronic ignition, 12V battery and SPAX dampers
- Service and safety check by MG specialist prior to sale in May 2025
- MOT to August 2025 with no advisories
The Appeal
The joy of a B is that with unrivalled parts supply, enthusiast networks and specialist support, you can make your Roadster your own. This car proves the point - it is largely factory-standard but contains a host of cosmetic and mechanical improvements that make it much better than anything that left the factory.
The bright red, well-maintained paintwork and bodywork are the result of an extensive, high-quality restoration when the vendor acquired the car in 2013. Although 12 years have elapsed since its condition is a testament to his care regime - he always dry garages it and only ever uses it in the summer on dry days. With the gleaming chromework, it amounts to a very pretty car.
Beneath the new roof, fitted last year, is a retrimmed interior in tan - the work was done in 2024 - together with a desirable wood kit for doors and dashboard.
Under the bonnet is a remanufactured Ivor Searle 1.8L B engine that was fitted in 2014. It has covered only 12,000 miles since. The clutch and radiator were replaced at the same time. Useful upgrades includes a SPAX kit to improve handling plus 12V battery and electronic ignition for improved reliability.
The car comes to market with the reassurance of an advisory-free voluntary MOT to August 2025. It is a sign of the vendor’s approach that he entrusted the car to a MG specialist for servicing and safety checks immediately prior to sale.
The vendor says:
Our MGB is a great drive, the SPAX dampers has improved the road handling. This is a reluctant sale, I have loved top down driving and talking to other enthusiasts about their cars, its incredible how many people come up to me to say, I used to have one of those!
History and Paperwork
- First registered 7th March 1974
- Five previous keepers according to DVLA records
- Current keeper since March 2013
- Car repainted from original black to red in 1989
- Full service history maintained with statements and receipts back to 2006
- Pictorial file showing major works and completion dates
- V5 document updated with new engine number
- Full safety check and service completed by an MG specialist in May
- Always stored in a dry garage
- Only used for spring and summer driving
- The vendor states this is a "much cherished member of the family"
- Bodywork restored and car repainted in December 2013
- Ivor Searle remanufactured engine fitted in September 2014 12,000 miles ago
- Engine replaced at 95,455 miles and now showing a little over 7,000 miles
- Clutch and radiator replaced during engine replacement
- Large history file according to seller
- MOT to 17th August 2025 with no advisories
- Total mileage is reported to be around 107,000 miles
The Condition
- Very smart and polished red paintwork in very good condition
- Older restoration but paintwork reported to show no marks or scrapes
- Underwent a full high quality respray in December 2013
- New vinyl hood purchased and installed in 2024
- Good overall condition underneath according to seller with no MOT structural advisories
- Floor panels are sound with no rust as verified at last safety check in May 2025
- Chromework is bright and well kept and includes stylish rear luggage rack
- Chrome wire wheels in very good order and clearly cleaned correctly
- New tyres fitted in 2020
- Neatly detailed car including grille badges
- Retrimmed tan vinyl interior in very good order with work completed in 2024
- Fitted with wood kit covering dashboard and door tops
- New carpet throughout in 2024
- All instruments and lights working correctly we are told
- Supplied with a black vinyl tonneau
- Push button starter
The Mechanics
- Ivor Searle remanufactured 1.8-litre engine fitted in 2014
- 4-speed manual transmission with overdrive
- Around 12,000 miles covered on new engine as detailed above
- Engine running smoothly with no known faults according to seller
- Oil pressure and engine temperature are stable we are told
- A couple of oil drips noted at the last service
- Exhaust system is in good condition with a bracket replaced in May
- Recent service and safety check by MG specialist in May
- Extensive history file dating back to 2006
- Useful upgrades summarised below
- No advisories on current MOT
Upgrades notified by seller:
- Electronic ignition
- 12v Bosch battery
- Rovotec cooling kit
- Engine isolator switch
- Front and rear SPAX dampers
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