Chasing Cars
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 August 2021 ODOMETER 61,793 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Earlier examples may deliver more engaging driving dynamics but this still an entertaining steer. There’s a pleasing weight and precision to the steering, it tracks true and is free from slop. This ‘B also rides well; the suspension is free from knocks and clunks and it doesn’t wallow in the corners, suggesting that the springs and dampers are in fine fettle. The gearchange is sharp and the B-series willing to rev. There’s a slight hesitancy to rev below 3000rpm, but this soon passes as the engine warms. Oil pressure at idle is 50psi, – rising to roughly 70psi on the move – and overdrive on third, and fourth gears clicks in and out smoothly and promptly.
BODYWORK CHECK
The Vermillion Red paint looks glossy and full of lustre from a short distance away, panel fit is good, it looks solid underneath and the hood and frame are in good condition. Chrome is presentable and the rubber seals haven’t dried out. The odd few blemishes will require eventual attention, though; there’s bubbling paint where the offside front bumper corner overlaps the wheel arch and in the metalwork surrounding each of the hood clips positioned at the tops of the B-posts. There are a couple of scratches (but no cracks) in the bumpers and the bottom three inches of the sills have been painted black. The Rostyle wheels are in good condition and wear a complete set of budget brand tyres with plenty of tread remaining on each.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The carpets are far from tired and stuck in place where they should be. Door cards are free from wear, while the fabric on the seats is not discoloured, the stitching hasn’t frayed and there’s only a small amount of sagging to the driver’s squab. The vinyl appears to be lifting from the dashboard at the offside corner but the dash itself is undamaged and all the gauges work. A general clean would work wonders in here.
UNDER THE BONNET
This engine bay certainly isn’t the cleanest, with numerous patches of flaking paint and lots of exposed wires that could be tidied. Crucially, though, there’s no serious corrosion around the inner wings or bulkhead and no evidence of current or historic fluid leaks. This two-owner car has lived its entire life in Oxfordshire – beyond this, its history is limited and the mileage unwarranted.
THE CCW VIEW
This MGB’s originality is its greatest appeal and in essence what you’re paying for, despite the cosmetic issues. The lack of history is a disappointment but it’s clearly on the button and thoroughly enjoyable to drive. In short, it’s an MGB for an owner who wants a roadster that they can drive and enjoy, rather than polish and mollycoddle.
PROS Original throughout, good to drive
CONS Some work needed to get it to the next level