A striking Flame Red MGB in a very solid condition throughout
Subject to two known restorations and fastidious current ownership
Complete with a good archive of paperwork underscoring the solid provenance
The Appeal
The MGB remains an absolute staple of the classic car scene thanks to a mix of desirable facets and qualities.
Excellent availability of parts, an engaging and enjoyable drive, and low cost of ownership are chief amongst these.
This example is a very well-presented car and has clearly been professionally restored and painted in its past. It has enjoyed very attentive ownership in the last six years with the current owner attending to a number of further improvements.
As such it represents an excellent prospect for the seasoned MG enthusiast or first-time classic car owner alike.
The History and Paperwork
First registered in January 1972 and understood to have been originally finished in white
In 1999 the car underwent some professional bodywork restoration
The colour was changed to Flame Red at this stage
In 2012 the sills were replaced on both sides and the car was professionally repainted
The current owner acquired the car in 2016 attracted by the solid nature of the car
The current owner has attended to a number of further improvements since then
He has kept the car garaged during his tenure as the previous owner did
There is a good level of provenance providing paperwork provided with the car
This includes the current V5 in the name of the owner
Photographs recording restoration work from both 1999 and 2012 are on hand
A large number of hard copy MOTs are included dating from 1999 to 2017
These detail the mileage from the mid 90,000’s to around 3,000
A number of invoices from these periods are present too
Several invoices for work undertaken by the current owner are here too
The MGB is registered as a Historic Vehicle so is understood to be MOT and VED exempt
The Interior
This MGB benefits from an entirely original interior
It faithfully evokes the British sports car experience from the early 70’s
The cabin is predominantly finished in black
The seats are box pleated and complete with textured headrests
The driver’s seat base has benefitted from some attention recently to address a collapse
The door cards are also trimmed in black with twin, red horizontal pinstripes
The black carpets are protected by some quality, full length MG rubber mats
The dash front is finished in the MG’s signature textured black finish
The white on black Smiths gauges are in good condition and understood to be working fully
The important overdrive is activated by a dash mounted switch
The boot is remains simply painted in original MGB specification
The boot floor looks very solid, and a spare wheel and tools are present
A full, zipped tonneau cover (pictured) is included in the sale
This MGB retains the original, period-correct charm of the roadster’s interior. It is in excellent condition throughout with the “black on black” colour scheme working very well indeed with the Flame Red paintwork.
Everything is as it should be and the flexible vinyl tonneau cover adds a good deal of flexibility to the hood options available.
The Exterior
The exterior is presents very well in its bright Flame Red paintwork
The paintwork appears deep and lustrous and professionally applied
It is understood to hail form 2012 and its condition is a credit to its two owners during that period
The current owner pointed out three minor imperfections to the pain
One to the bonnet leading edge, another to a wing top and a touch-in to the boot edge
Whilst we attempted to photograph them, they are minor enough to not really register
The wheels are the correct black and silver Rostyle steel articles in fine condition
The 14-inch wheels are fitted with tyres in the correct 165/80 configuration
A black vinyl hood is fitted with a removable, zipped rear window
There is one minor split in the hood at the offside window edge (pictured)
Light lenses and cabin glass all appear clear and undamaged
The car looks very of its period with all the correct badges in place
This is a great looking MGB in a popular colourway and presenting in excellent condition
This MGB is a real head-turner.
The enduring shape of this popular roadster looks really fetching in the shining Flame Red paintwork. This contrasts nicely with the extensive areas of brightwork which exhibit a deep shine. The well-presented Rostyle wheels really finish the car off perfectly.
Hood up or down this is a British roadster that will be a pleasure to travel and be seen in.
The Mechanics
Fitted with the 1.8L BMC B-series engine which has proved to be a robust and reliable unit over many years
Originally rated at 95bhp and 110 Lb-ft of torque with power delivered to the rear wheels
The current owner suggests that a BMC reconditioned engine may have been fitted earlier in the car’s life
This car has clearly been mechanically well maintained and presents well under the bonnet too
The heater box has been reconditioned by the new owner
A new Heritage fuel tank has been fitted
The current owner also replaced the front and rear springs and bushes
The owner reports all mechanical systems to be in good working order
The car has been used over about 5,000 miles by the current owner and always proved reliable
Already proven to offer robust mechanicals, this MGB has clearly received some fastidious attention will help future proof the mechanical integrity of this classic British sports car.
Given the condition of the car the new owner should enjoy a great deal of peace of mind over future ownership costs with many years of low-cost, wind-in-the-hair classic motoring in prospect.
Summary
The terms “honest and original” risk attaining cliché status when applied to classic cars. In this case, however, they seem entirely apt.
Given this MGB is now fifty years old it is no surprise that bodywork and paintwork has been attended to previously. In this case it has been expertly done and documented with photographs and invoices.
This should give the lucky new owner reassurance that this car has a transparent history and represents a really sound proposition, both physically and fiscally.
Bid today to avoid missing out on this genuine example.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1972 MGB Roadster
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