MGB prices being pulled up by ‘restoration inflation’

MGB roadster prices seem to chasing MGC values. Over the last year good chrome bumper drop-top MGBS have started to move towards £15k – it looks like that the much-maligned B is appealing to a younger demographic who are pushing prices upwards. The strongest money goes for well restored pre-facelift cars with the classic period features like leather seats, bakelite steering wheels and chrome wires. In March CCA sold a Tartan Red ’68 roadster, fully restored, but on steel wheels for £15,540 while in February Brightwells knocked down a very honest and nicely patinated ’66, again in Tartan Red and with an Oselli cylinder head plus history going back to the Nineties, for £10,528.

Even very good facelift cars can make all the money if they’re proper. In November last year

Mathewsons drew £15,318 for a restored ’74 in Bracken (orange) with Autumn Leaf interior and chrome Rostyles. Not the ideal colour combo but in really spanking condition.

I’ve lost count how many classic rebirths the MGB has had in its life cycle but we’re definitely witnessing another now. All the virtues that we’ve respected in the past – mechanical solidity, simplicity, ease of maintenance, decent performance and pretty looks – are now having the same resonance for thirty-something buyers who don’t want the predictability of an MX5. There’s also the effect of what I call ‘restoration inflation’. Even at fifteen grand a well-restored, shiny MGB is still a fraction of what you’d pay to buy the car and have the work done professionally. These days bills from a specialist to restore an MGB could easily add up to £60k. Now wonder prices are on the move.