Lot details
Registration No: F498GNX
Chassis No: GVADJ1AG519068
Mot Expiry: March 2011

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.

Purchased new as a future 21st birthday present for the vendor's son but not road registered until April 1989 when the landmark date occurred, chassis number '519068' has covered just under 2,500 miles from new. Riding on optional wire wheels, it is said to have been "serviced regularly and used only in dry conditions". Further understood to have had "work carried out as and when needed" including a new fuel pump, brake hose and exhaust system, the MG carries a minor dent to its rear panel but is otherwise highly presentable. In single family ownership from new, this low mileage MG B LE Roadster is offered for sale with sale with nine old MOT certificates (dating back to 1993), assorted invoices and current MOT certificate valid until March 2011.

The MJF Collection

The letters M, J and F equate to the initials of a charming Scottish gentleman and lots 50 - 54 are offered for sale from his private collection. MJF started his working life in the Clydeside shipyards at the age of just fourteen. Thereafter, a prodigious talent for football saw him embark on a career as a professional goalkeeper which culminated in two championship titles and a FA Cup win. Paid the princely sum of £6 per week to begin with, MJF's first motorcar was a Singer Nine Le Mans. While, time spent as a RAF driving instructor during National Service only cemented his love of motoring.

Farsighted enough to take various polytechnic courses as his football days were coming to an end, he founded a steel stockholding company upon 'retirement' which supplied metal to a good proportion of the British car industry during the 1960s and 1970s. Able to fund his passion for motor cars on a somewhat grander scale, MJF bought the 1977 Triumph Stag (lot 50) new and has since covered some 120,000 miles aboard it; proof that a well-maintained example can be reliable. The 1959 AC Ace Bristol was next to join the stable followed by the 1963 Aston Martin DB4 Convertible and 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS.

The 1980 MG B LE Roadster was purchased new as a twenty-first birthday present for MJF's son but not road registered until the landmark date occurred in April 1989. Sadly, the son died last year and it is this bereavement which has prompted the collection's dispersal. During MJF's ownership the cars have been kept garaged and indeed have had the benefit of their own in-house curator. It may sound trite but we believe the quintet to have come from a good home. Though, the last word goes to MJF: "I will be sorry to part with them, of course, as they have given me such a lot of pleasure. But you can't keep them forever and I will be hanging on to one or two."