MGB Roadster
ENGINE 1798cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 94bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 111lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 106mph 0-60MPH 12.2sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 24-28mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, 4-sp man + o/d MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 45,727 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The ‘B takes some time to settle from cold but oil pressure is a healthy 50psi at idle once it’s warm. It accelerates smartly and benefits from a slick gear selection and a smooth clutch that bites at half travel; overdrive engages promptly in both third and fourth. The steering delivers ample feedback with no play and braking is assured.
BODYWORK CHECK
The Harvest Gold exterior needed a recent re-spray to address paint fade after two decades in storage, though there’s still one touch-in on the nearside front wing adjacent to the headlight. Panel gaps are perfect and the underside doesn’t appear to have been welded, but the Rostyle wheels should ideally be refurbished. Pitting to the original chrome is negligible and easily passes the five-yard test. The hood isn’t new but is clearly a quality example and both half and full tonneaus are included.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
New black carpeting has been fitted throughout, the door
cards are recent and two panels in the driver’s seat have been professionally replaced. All of the gauges and switches operate as they should, though the choke needs a peg to stay in position. The modern window winder handles look rather out of place but are easy to replace. The original seats provide ample support but the blanking plate for the passenger seat’s head restraint guide is missing and the steering column area just behind the original steering wheel needs a bit of work.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay looks original, if slightly faded and showing its age slightly; the front panel has been re-sprayed but there is no evidence of
any accident damage and the original ID tags are still riveted to the inner wings. There are no signs of coolant or oil leaks, the engine block is clean and the rocker cover, air filters and radiator appear recent. Invoices also confirm replacement ignition, brakes (including calipers), tyres and exhaust. The car’s second owner bought it in 2019 after it emerged from long-term storage and recommissioned it, with bills for paint and interior parts alone amounting to more than £1200.
THE CCW VIEW
This MGB is just the way marque enthusiasts like them – authentic and solid, with more plus points than negatives. The long-term storage has some bearing on the lack of history and the vendor says that this has been taken into account with the sale price. It feels exactly like an MGB should from the driver’s seat – mechanically sorted and boasting an above-average exterior finish – and its new owner should be left with a gem once the minor interior issues have been corrected.
PROS Little used, solid, mechanically correct CONS Minor interior issues, not much history