MGB Roadster

ENGINE 1798cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 94bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 111lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 106mph 0-60MPH 12.2sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 24-29mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, 4-speed man + o/d MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 38,170 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

It fires instantly from cold with 60psi oil pressure, the clutch is smooth and light while gear selection is precise. Everything from the direct steering to the positive brakes feels tight and performance is brisk. Although the history file doesn’t guarantee the low recorded mileage, this matching numbers ‘B feels anything but tired. The overdrive snicks in and out as it should, there’s negligible body roll and even rough surfaces fail to elicit any knocks or rattles.

BODYWORK CHECK

The vendor converted this car from ‘rubber’ bumpers to replacement glassfibre panels from RPS. The gel coat units were fitted by a body shop together with a stainless-steel mesh grille and new indicators. To complete the transformation, the car was repainted in its original Brooklands Green, which complements the recent sand/ beige hood cover. Underneath, the floor is protected and shows no evidence of corrosion or welding and the refurbished Rostyle wheels sit on recent Firestone tyres. There’s some light pitting to the chrome rear light surrounds and door handles, but panel gaps are good and the paint is difficult to fault.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

Gone is the original striped cloth, replaced by black vinyl. The door cards are original and feature small aftermarket speakers. The carpets are clean – if slightly worn – and lifting them reveals no sign of water ingress. The dials operate correctly, but the rather dull crinkle-finish dash and alloy windscreen surround would benefit from a little extra polish to lift their appearance. The door mirrors are new, but the vendor is planning to replace the rather aged interior mirror.

UNDER THE BONNET

The new alloy rocker cover and windscreen washer bag add some bling, but the inner wings would benefit from a polish and refinishing the heater box, servo and air filter covers in black would be beneficial. The engine shows no evidence of fluid leaks and appears to be well-maintained. Unfortunately, the history file is limited. The previous owner apparently invested thousands in recommissioning the MG after it had spent 20 years in dry storage. The current MoT contains no advisories and the car comes with the original tool kit.

THE CCW VIEW

There’s little to criticise and much to praise about this car’s smooth, responsive drivetrain and competent handling. The respray and all-new bumpers give more of an RV8 appearance than the original rubber options and while there is room for further enhancements, they’re mainly of the ‘weekend improvements’ variety. Best of all, all of the costly work has already been tackled.

EXTERIOR Recent paint/hood RPS bumper panels INTERIOR Upgraded seats Tidy cabin MECHANICALS Well-sorted Handles well