1972 MGB Convertible
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Highlights
• Previously restored - incredible condition
• Used sparingly by current owner
• Power steering fitted - otherwise original
The Background
Breaking cover in 1962, the MGB was produced by BMC as a replacement for the ageing MGA, with production lasting until 1980, with the MGB having gone through numerous updates and changes during this time.
Available as a two-seater roadster, coupé MGB GT, six-cylinder MGC, and V8-powered MGB GT V8, there really was an MGB (or derivative of) for just about any owner’s needs.
In total, 523,836 MGB, MGC and MGB GT V8 were produced, with the car then enjoying a brief renaissance in 1992 as the re-shelled MG RV8 with a 3.9-litre Rover V8 engine, though the majority of these were destined for Japan, and were not particularly well-received by the motoring press.
The roadster MGB was the first of the family to hit production, being a 2-seater convertible sports car, also offering the option of a rear seat for a very short time, with 2+2 cars being incredibly rare.
In 1967, numerous changes were implemented to what would become the “Mark II” MGB, including synchromesh on all gears, a new rear axle, an alternator in place of the dynamo, and the change to a negative-earth wiring system.
Later, the seats would be replaced with high-backed examples with head restraints, and numerous aesthetic changes to the front end and minor interior redesigns would take place, with US-market cars being aesthetically very distant from their UK-market cousins.
Later, the seats would be replaced with high-backed examples with head restraints, and numerous aesthetic changes to the front end and minor interior redesigns would take place, with US-market cars being aesthetically very distant from their UK-market cousins.
The History
This particular MGB Roadster was purchased by the vendor in August 2016, from the sixth registered keeper as an occasional use weekend toy or show car, with the car having subsequently been displayed at a number of small shows and gatherings - so long as the weather has been nice and dry!
Having been extensively restored by the previous owner - with a USB drive of photographs showing the work carried out - this MGB is in outstanding condition, and has been kept in a secure car park and underneath a car cover by the vendor, in order to preserve the condition of the car.
In order to make the car more drivable, our vendor chose to get power steering fitted to the car - a common upgrade - but otherwise, the car remains in its factory specification with no other known modifications.
Alongside the aforementioned upgrade, the vendor has also fitted a new starter motor, replacement heater valve and a smart battery charging system, all of which will help keep this MGB in top condition.
The Paperwork
Included with the car is the aforementioned USB full of restoration photos, an extensive service history, a plethora of invoices, and numerous old MOT certificates, along with the V5 registered keepers document and several older V5s in order to trace the car’s history.
The Interior
The phrase ‘time-warp’ is bandied around a lot in this industry, but we’d certainly say it seems applicable to the interior of this MGB.
Being a post-1969 car, the more comfortable (and safer) high-backed seats are present, and these are in outstanding condition throughout with only light creasing and wear noted to the driver’s seat in particular.
The dashboard, too, is in great shape and retains a wonderful lustre to the wooden inserts, and an impressive shine to the chrome detailing. The high-traffic areas such as the shifter and aftermarket steering wheel are in great condition with only the most minor wear, whilst the carpets look to be in excellent order with no major staining or marks that we can see.
Of course, as is common on classic cars in the 21st century, the standard stereo has been replaced, though this would be easily rectifiable or further upgraded by the next owner should they wish to do so.
The luggage compartment is also in great shape, with some light marks noted to the bottom carpet and some heavy creasing, though this may well be rectified by a thorough wet vac or steam cleaning.
The Exterior
Is there any better colour than British Racing Green for a classic British sports car? We’d argue the answer is no, so it’s a good job this example is finished in green!
From the photographs we’ve seen, and what we’ve been told by the vendor, the bodywork and paint on this ’72 MGB is in outstanding order, with only the most minor wear to be expected, such as the odd stone chip here-and-there, and perhaps some light patina or pitting to the chrome brightwork.
The wire wheels are all in excellent condition, with some minor dulling and patina as you’d expect, but no sign of any damage or kerbing. All four wheels are wrapped in matching Pirelli P4 tyres - an excellent sign of a meticulous owner.
Elsewhere, there is no sign of any impact damage, nor any damage to the light lenses across the car. Crucially, the folding green soft-top looks to be nigh-on immaculate, with no noted damage or discolouration to the rear screen, nor any reported issues of water ingress or damp.
The Mechanicals
Every so often, we come across cars that are just as clean underneath as they are up above, and this is a fine example of such a car. Just look at those chassis photos - you could practically eat your dinner off of the underside of this MGB.
The engine bay, too, is absolutely sparkling, and as far as we can see there are no signs of any oil leaks or misting, with the inside of the wings also being wonderfully clean.
The vendor reports no known faults or issues with the car, and states that this MGB is running “like a dream” during their occasional jaunts to various car shows.
If, after all that, you still need further confirmation that this may well be one of the best-kept MGB’s you’ve ever seen, the most recent MOT exam on 27 May 2021 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. In fact, not a single MOT failure, or so much as an advisory have been recorded all the way back to 2012!
The Appeal
Offering glorious top-down summer motoring, this 1972 MGB Roadster is perhaps one of the best we’ve seen in a long time, with its previous restoration holding up fantastically well to this day, thanks to the current owner’s care, attention and strict dry-storage-only policy.
In outstanding order throughout and finished in arguably the best colour combination for an MGB of this era, this Roadster would make a fine addition to any car collection, garage or driveway, ready to enjoy for the rest of this summer and for many, many summers in the future.
****Photos provided by the seller****
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 1972
- Make MG
- Model B Roadster
- Colour British Racing Green
- Odometer 35,636 Miles
- Engine size 1798
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location London
- Country United Kingdom
421
bids
- ri•••• £185,500 03/09/21
- Ma•••• £185,000 03/09/21
- ri•••• £184,500 03/09/21
- Ma•••• £184,000 03/09/21
- ri•••• £183,500 03/09/21
- Ma•••• £183,000 03/09/21
- ri•••• £182,500 03/09/21
- Ma•••• £182,000 03/09/21
- ri•••• £181,500 03/09/21
- Ma•••• £181,000 03/09/21
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