1971 MGB Roadster
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Highlights
• Rust free - Heritage Body Shell
• New Ivor Searle Engine
• Interior Professionally Re-Trimmed
• Mechanically sound
The Background
Fancy a night out to the pub? Or a breezy summer drive through the countryside? Then this MGB Roadster is the excellent choice. Its alluring colour combination of British Racing Green with re-trimmed Green Hide interiors is sure to have people look twice as you drive around in this magnificent beauty. This car is rather special as it has been cared for extremely conscientiously, as reference to the service records will confirm.
The platonic ideal of a “sports car” is represented in this 1971 MGB Roadster. The MGBs were first launched in 1962 to replace the MGA, as a four-cylinder roadster, and a coupé with 2+2 seating was added in 1965 with production continuing until 1980. This car on offer was originally bought by the current owner in 2016 and has been carefully re-furbished to be in excellent condition. It’s basically a time machine back to 1971 as if it came straight from the manufacturer.
The History
MG Cars was a British car manufacturer named Morris Garages after William Morris. They were first made in 1962 and lasted until 1980. MGB production jumped for 1971 as some radical new colors were introduced. This was the first year that roadsters and GTs shared similar colors. Engine changes included new pistons with three rings instead of four and press-fit wrist pins instead of a fully floating design. A new standardized folding convertible top replaced both options previously available. Wire wheels were discontinued in the U.S. in June 1971 and only the Rostyle steel mag-style wheels were available.
The current owner originally purchased this car from a dealership in High Wycombe, Bucks in 2016. The owner was about to re-commission this MGB when he was offered an XK150 and decided to do a full restoration on this instead, he had registered the car in his name but never used it. The car has hardly been used in the last 15 years and has been kept mostly in dry storage. The present owner is reluctantly selling the vehicle due to declining health.
The Paperwork
The owner possess the original V5C document issued by the DVLA to confirm proof of ownership, specifications, addresses and history. The car has a full specialist service and maintenance record as well. The owner has also kept and maintained all invoices from; Gillan Garage, Helston for rebuild with new Heritage Body Shell and other parts; Midland Sports & Classics for supply of Ivor Searle Engine in 2005; P H Auto Services, High Wycombe for fitment of new engine at 89,745 miles; Lang and Potter, Plymouth for complete Re-Trim of the interior in Green Leather.
Other paperwork includes a history file containing invoices for an array of parts and services all together in a folder that will be supplied with the car. Although this car is tax and MOT exempt, a new MOT was carried out on 10/08/21 where it gained a Pass with no advisories at all. You won’t find such an appreciative automobile owner who values his car.
The Interior
Overall, this car looks like a treat - with the exterior complementing an interior professionally re-trimmed in Green Hide to include seats and the door cards; all in excellent condition with just one small blemish on the passenger seat.
The standard MGB dashboard pairs nicely with its dials giving it classy and vintage look. The carpets have all recently been replaced with high quality materials.
The standard MGB dashboard pairs nicely with its dials giving it classy and vintage look. The carpets have all recently been replaced with high quality materials.
The Exterior
The British racing green paint job done on it makes it look quite sublime, making anyone fall in love with the car on the spot, and remains in excellent condition till date. The car was professionally re-sprayed in 2016 having been completely stripped of all exterior fittings including windscreen. Following the high quality re-spray the vehicle was refitted with a number of new parts including a new hood on a re-furbished and powder coated frame.
Other professionally refurbished items include the windscreen, and re-chromed rubbered quarter lights. Much of the chrome trim was replaced apart from the bumpers. The wheels have been sand blasted and powder coated, and its new Falken Sincera 165 X 14 Radial tyres and tubes fittings and have had virtually no use. This stunning MGB has just been machine polished and professionally detailed. It looks as it should, in beautiful condition with a stunning shine and no marks at all on the bodywork. Additionally, the rear has a nice spacious trunk with a spare tyre.
The Mechanics
The Engine is a standard spec, unleaded unit built by engine specialist Ivor Searle. Boasting a 1.8 litre engine, this green beast is amazing to drive in, while not putting a dent on your wallet concerning the price of gasoline these days.
This historic car has a stainless-steel exhaust system fitted in 2016. It also benefits from a Delorto Twin Choke Carburettor and a Three Branch Sports Manifold. The car has since August been fully serviced and prepared for sale with many new parts including Brake and Clutch Master Cylinder, Clutch Slave Cylinder, Brake Servo, Alloy Rocker Box, Oil filter conversion to spin on type, New Oil Cooler and braided Pipes, Oil Changed, Plug Leads, Plugs, Coil, Rotor, Points and Distr. Cap.
The current owner advices that the only item that may need further attention is the Delorto Twin Choke Carburettor, which may need a service and has not been touched as the new owner may wish to revert to Twin SU 1-1/2” Carbs.
The Appeal
The appeal of owning a MGB Roadster speaks for itself – it is the quintessential British sports car, big engine up front and rear wheel drive, a very hard find in the modern age.
It is a superb example of the perennially popular classic coupe, which benefits from a respray in British racing green and is in excellent mechanical order. Overall, the car is now in stunning condition and ready to hit the road. A delight to drive with hood up or down, finished in the only colour a serious enthusiast would consider.
If you have been seeking an MGB that is ready to drive straight away, then this is a great opportunity to acquire a well-maintained example with working overdrive, which can be enjoyed without worrying too much about the odd stone chip or mark to the paintwork.
**Please Note this vehicle cannot be collected until 28th October onwards**
Notice to bidders
If you have been seeking an MGB that is ready to drive straight away, then this is a great opportunity to acquire a well-maintained example with working overdrive, which can be enjoyed without worrying too much about the odd stone chip or mark to the paintwork.
**Please Note this vehicle cannot be collected until 28th October onwards**
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1971
- Make MG
- Model B Roadster
- Colour British Racing Green
- Odometer 93,475 Miles
- Engine size 1798
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Devon
- Country United Kingdom
27
bids
- Al•••• £15,500 18/10/21
- Sh•••• £15,250 18/10/21
- Al•••• £15,000 18/10/21
- Sh•••• £14,750 18/10/21
- Ne•••• £14,500 18/10/21
- ss•••• £14,250 18/10/21
- Ne•••• £14,000 18/10/21
- ss•••• £13,750 18/10/21
- Ne•••• £13,500 18/10/21
- Al•••• £13,250 18/10/21
The Gallery
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|---|---|
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