Lot details Registration No: WGB920W Chassis No: GVADJIAG519085 Mot Expiry: June 2007
By its eighteenth year of production, the MGB had exceeded all its parent company's expectations. The most successful British sportscar in history, its blend of practicality and character had seen off countless rivals but was seemingly powerless against the contemporary British Leyland Management. Starved of investment, the B's basic monocoque, independent coil-sprung front suspension, leaf-sprung rear axle, disc /drum brakes and rack and pinion steering were still recognisable from its 1962 launch. While in many ways this was no bad thing, after all the B was still quick (100mph plus top speed), economical (28mpg) and fun to drive, it did little to attract those looking for the next 'must have motor'. Thus, on September 10th 1979 BL gave notice of their intention to close the Abingdon MG factory the following year. By way of compensation / commemoration, the decision was taken to build (for the UK market) 1,000 Limited Edition cars. Divided between Roadsters (420) and GTs (580), these 'LE's have retained a special place in MG circles ever since. Distinguished by their unique front spoiler, deep metallic paintwork (bronze on the Roadster, pewter on the GT) and coachline graphics, they were mechanically standard.
Believed to be one of just 208 LE Roadsters fitted with silver-painted wire wheels in place of the standard alloys, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its 1798cc engine, four-speed plus overdrive manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork and wheels / tyres (while, he rates the paintwork as "very good" due to "two areas which have discoloured and require attention"). Purchased from Dutton Forshaw but supplied via a local BL Agent where it was undersealed prior to delivery, it has been in the current ownership from new. Only road registered in September 1996, the MG was reportedly treated to the occasional run "up and down the drive on good days to keep it in good order" but otherwise kept cocooned in a garage for the first fifteen years of its life. Stated to have covered less than 3,500 miles since leaving Abingdon, it is offered for sale with all period documentation, service history, MOT certificate valid until June 2007 and road tax until December 2006. A very low mileage MGB Roadster with the added bonus of LE provenance, 'WGB 920W' is now ready for second keeper after some twenty-five years!
PLEASE NOTE: We apologise but the description appearing in the catalogue for this vehicle is not the full catalogue description. The full catalogue description appears above.
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