Glut of quality MGBS heralds a downturn in prices

June auctions saw MGB prices take a downward dip. Barons dispatched a red ’78 roadster with a chrome bumper conversion, fresh MOT, 43k miles and £1600-worth of bills for a giveaway £2915.

CCA also had mixed results, with five MGBS all knocked down for tempting money. An as-new 1970 Bronze Yellow roadster subject to a total bare bodyshell resto made only £9350 – probably half the rebuild cost. A 1980 rubber-bumper GT in Glacier White with 5200 miles made only £9k, while an as-new 1980 GT in BRG with a tiny 1540 miles didn’t sell. Neither did a completely restored 1970 roadster in red. Even a nicely mellowed ’72 roadster with Oselli-tuned engine and 20-year ownership made just £5740.

Anglia Auctions struggled too, with no fewer than 14 MGBS. The best pair, both older Heritage bodyshell total rebuilds, made only £8904 and £13,780, eight others averaged out at £4600 each and two were no-sales. There’s tremendous value in MGBS right now. Over-supply is putting pressure on values and even very fine ’Bs are around 40% down from 2015. MGBS may be a bit clichéd, but they’re still uncomplicated, good to drive and infinitely more interesting than an MX-5. There could also be a softening in MGC and MGB GTV8 prices. CCA’S 1970 older restoration MGC GT made only £12,320, while H&H’S very original white ’73 V8 with 84k was unsold. Track the market carefully – a totally rebuilt MGB complete with new Heritage bodyshell for around ten grand is cracking value. And looking at today’s market, finding one shouldn’t be hard.