MGB Roadster
ENGINE 1798cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 95bhp@4750rpm TORQUE 110lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 106mph 0-60MPH 13sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 24-28mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed man + o/d MoT 12 months on sale ODOMETER 25,707 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This feels like a very well sorted ‘B, with plenty of performance from the unleaded B-series and no signs of any misfires or stutters. The steering is light and precise and the car corners exactly how Abingdon’s engineers intended. All of the ratios on the four-speed ‘box engage with a smooth click, the clutch is light and easy to use and the dash-mounted overdrive switch functions correctly. It also maintains a healthy 50psi when on a cruise, and the lack of any rattles or jolts over bumps and through corners suggests that the dampers are in good order. There’s no squealing or juddering from the brakes, which bring this ‘B to a smooth stop without any wandering.
BODYWORK CHECK
The rare Tundra Green paint looks great, with no signs of bubbling or surface rust. It’s not unusual to see MGBs with signs of corrosion along the rear three-quarters and the bottom of the A-pillars, but this one has no such afflictions and the sills and floorpan appear to be in good condition. It’s a genuine chrome bumper car, but the 14-inch wire wheels (which are in excellent condition) aren’t to original spec. There are no rips in the mohair roof, and while there are a few very minor scratches in the plastic rear screen and on the nearside win screen surround, they look as though they could be easily remedied.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
It’s not exactly original, but in very good condition. There are no marks or scuffs in the brown leather seats, no rips in the carpets and a dry, solid floorpan beneath. There are a few marks on the wooden dashboard trim – and the glovebox lid in particular – plus a slight scuff on the nearside interior door handle, but there are no signs of peeling or cracking on the dashboard top. The aftermarket three-spoke steering wheel is also in good condition, and all of the Smiths instrumentation works correctly, likewise the aftermarket Philips CD/MP3 stereo.
UNDER THE BONNET
The history file, which stretches back to the 1990s, confirms that this car has been around the clock, so the mileage is actually nearer to 125,000. However, there are receipts for many thousands of pounds worth of work from MG specialists, the engine is tidy with no signs of leaks, the oil is a healthy gold and at the right level and all of the surrounding components look as though they have been well looked-after. There’s no sign of rot on the bulkhead or inner wings and no grime on the paintwork.
THE CCW VIEW
This MGB has had a lot of money and expertise lavished on it over the years. The spec isn’t entirely original but the condition is superb, and it has plenty of history to back it up.
PROS Overall condition, drives well, history CONS Aftermarket trim won’t be for everyone
BUY IT FROM Classic Cars of Wirral, Birkenhead, Merseyside CH43 1UG. 0151 653 0100, classiccarsofwirral.co.uk