MGB Roadster

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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. The convertible was a strong seller right from the start, offering sporting looks, decent handling and respectable performance from its 95bhp, 110lb/ft four-cylinder engine. In ’65, the model gained 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-gate thanks to the optional overdrive unit as fitted to this very smart Roadster in the sale today.

Its first owner kept this car for 43 years, its first visit to an MOT station in 1975 confirming that by then it had covered 12,850 miles. By 1980 this had risen to 22,750 miles and by 1994 its odometer was showing a shade over 28,000 miles.

The owner then started the process of renovating the car, purchasing a number of new panels including offside and nearside wings, sills, inner wings and a quarter panel, although these items don’t appear to have been fitted until around 2001.

Discovered by the vendor in early 2015, the car had been stuck in the corner of a garage for many years waiting for its restoration to be completed. He managed to acquire the project, becoming its second owner from new. He has subsequently spent some £2,000 completing the job, turning out an extremely nicely finished car which has still only covered 29,750 miles since it left the factory in 1972.

He went right through the brakes, effectively fitting a new system all round including master and slave cylinders. The hydraulics on the clutch were also replaced along with two new tyres, both batteries, carpets, exhaust and a new hood, a good tonneau cover and hood cover already being part of the package.

The history file includes a fair number of bills, a workshop manual and 10 old MOTs, its current ticket expiring at the end of April 2017.

Painted in its attractive and original shade of 1970s orange, this two owner, incredibly low mileage, overdrive and wire wheel-equipped, chrome bumper roadster ticks all of the boxes and is ready to enjoy.