Lot details Registration No: HWW660C Chassis No: GHN369928 Mot Expiry: May 2010
Introduced in 1962, the MGB Roadster enjoyed an 18-year production run. With nicely balanced handling and a good turn of speed, it merited the old MG marketing slogan `Safety Fast'. Replacement for the much-loved and still competitive MGA, it took the concept a stage further by adding a degree of comfort and refinement to the good performance and handling characteristics which had made the MGA so popular. The new car was powered by the 1798cc B-Series unit producing 95bhp giving very sprightly performance of 0-60 in around 11.5 seconds and a top speed of over 100mph. Also featuring front disc brakes and luxuries such as wind-up windows (although a heater was still listed as an optional extra at £6), the MGB came close to matching the comfort offered by its major market competitor the Sunbeam Alpine, while offering stronger performance and better handling. Early development saw the introduction of a more robust five-bearing engine in September 1964 and a larger 12-gallon fuel tank in March 1965. Today, the B is one of the cornerstones of the classic car movement and, with its GT sister, has spawned a dedicated support industry making it among the most practical and cost effective of all classic cars.
This much-loved car is being sold only because its owner considers that at the age of 65 he is getting "too old for MG motoring". Subject of an older restoration which reportedly included a replacement overhauled engine and later bucket seats for comfort, it is understood to have "No rust or dents", while the vendor describes the paint as "excellent" and the electrics and mechanicals as "very good". He adds: "It has been to France and Spain, touring without fuss and reads 65psi oil pressure while consuming very little oil. It has a boot rack and a new hood would really set it off". This charming MG comes with a V5C, Heritage Certificate and new MOT, but is of course eligible for historic class (free) tax.
PLEASE NOTE: Since the catalogue went to press we have been informed that this vehicle (a) has a MOT certificate valid until April 2010 and (b) is accompanied by a British Motor Industry Heritage Certificate. The vendor also tells us that the car's replacement engine was sourced from a 1965 MG B of similar specification.
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