MGB Roadster

ENGINE 1798cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 83bhp@4900rpm TORQUE 94lb ft@2500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 94mph 0-60MPH 13.6sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 22-28mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual + o/d MoT September 2019 ODOMETER 61,825 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The engine starts instantly and sounds nice and throaty, as if it’s raring to go. The car doesn’t feel as if it’s lacking in power or tautness; the gearchange is slick and the overdrive steps in without fuss. Nothing feels sloppy; the car handles exactly as it should, with steering that’s more communicative than it is on many an MGB. In short, this ‘B is great fun to drive. There’s nothing whatsoever to mark this MGB down for – drive it and you’ll see why these cars remain so popular.

BODYWORK CHECK

Being of 1978 vintage, this car began life as a plastic bumper model, but has been expertly converted to resemble an earlier chrome bumper car, which is a more complex and expensive project than you might think. The car has also received a good quality respray in red and with pristine Minilitestyle wheels that really do look the part. Panel fit is more than acceptable and we could find no rust bubbles anywhere on the car. All looks good underneath too, and the same goes for the chromework.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The cream leather seats clearly aren’t to original factory specification, but they certainly look the part and are in excellent condition. They’re extremely comfortable too; you certainly wouldn’t be put off by the prospect of a long journey in this car. The door trims finished in matching material and, like the seats, are finished to the highest of standards. The carpets are in good order, too. All the instruments do what they’re supposed to do and there’s absolutely no damage or signs of wear on the dashboard or (original) steering wheel. The modern radio/CD player isn’t cosmetically offensive and the hood looks almost new.

UNDER THE BONNET

The familiar BMC B-series engine starts and runs extremely well, though it’s in honest rather than showprepared condition. There are no visible signs of damage or leaks (there’s no staining on the radiator, for instance), all the fluids are clean and to the correct level and some of the coolant hoses appear to be recent replacements. The wiring isn’t pristine, but looks as though it’s in good condition.

THE CCW VIEW

This MG won’t be for everyone – it’s pretty obvious that it isn’t exactly as it left the Abingdon production line, and red MGB roadsters aren’t exactly a rare sight – but even the greatest stickler for originality would have to admit that this is a very pleasing overall package. The interior works really well and there’s nothing wrong with having plenty of comfort in your MG. The car comes with a huge service file stuffed with old MoT certificates and receipts for much work done, too, so this looks like a sensibly-priced and well-sorted car.