MGB Roadster

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

Although its engine might essentially have been that of the ‘A’, MG’s more rugged looking ‘B’ of 1962 introduced an all-new body design in line with modern monocoque construction techniques.

First produced in roadster form, a coupe followed in 1965. Both were strong sellers right from the start, offering sporting looks, decent handling and respectable performance from its 95bhp, 110lb/ft four-cylinder engine. For the 1965 Model Year it got a stronger five main-bearing engine (up from three) and, in ’67, synchromesh on all four gears when ratios were also improved.

Probably the easiest classic car to own thanks to the abundant supply of new parts and the model’s inherent reliability, they also offer a fair turn of speed and a fast cruising-gait thanks to the optional overdrive unit as fitted to this Roadster in the sale today. As with most classics, it’s the early models that tend to hold the most appeal, later examples getting flabbier and filled with ‘afterthoughts’ as the marketing department added what they thought their customers demanded.

This 1965 registered MGB roadster was turned out of the Abingdon gates in late 1964 and as a consequence has the desirable pre-facelift door handles, not to mention the useful overdrive and attractive wire wheels that were specified by its first owner. The icing on the cake is the single-digit number plate issued by those nice men at the Ministry of Transport.

Purchased by the vendor at auction in 2010 having recently been given a comprehensive restoration by Lower Barn Classics, he subsequently spent a great deal of time and effort improving numerous small details on the car, spending £5,700 in the process.

Almost immediately he fitted new discs and pads, rebuilt the carburettors, fitted a silicon hose set and a new water pump. More recently, the car has had an alternator conversion and a swap from positive to negative earth, a job which required a new rev counter as the originals tend to get a bit confused with the change in polarity.

The boot lid had a rack fitted which didn’t find favour so a new lid was acquired and fitted along with a new tonneau, tonneau bar and correct grey hood frame. The new owner was also no lover of seat belts in older cars and was able to prove to the authorities that the 1964 build date gave it exemption from such things. Although not currently fitted, a set of belts is included in the sale should its new owner think differently! The vendor advises us that although the body is in good sound condition, the red paintwork has suffered from areas of micro-blistering which could do with some attention in the future when time and funds allow.

MOTd until July 2016, this well fettled and attractive early Roadster has been driven some 80 miles to the sale and is ready for its lucky new owner to enjoy straight away.