1952 MG YB

Lot details
Registration No: UMG 662
Chassis No: YB0480
Mot Expiry: Exempt

Well known for bestowing the new cars they supplied with `MG' number plates, University Motors of London sold chassis YB0480 to none other than Gregor Grant, the founder and editor of Autosport Magazine. Road registered as `UMG 662' on 26th May 1952, the YB was bought with competition in mind and thus featured a rev counter and twin carburettors. Used as a press car on the 1953 Monte Carlo Rally, it returned as a competitor the following year and successfully completed the event only to be disqualified for not stopping at the last check point. A veteran of numerous other rallies including the Scottish, the MG also went circuit racing; a particular highlight being George Phillips' drive to 3rd-in-class during the Daily Express Touring Car Race at Silverstone on 9th May 1953.

As well as gracing both the front cover and inside pages of Autosport magazine (on 15/1/54 and 29/1/54 respectively), `UMG 662' has appeared in Dick Jacobs' book `An MG Experience' and David Knowles' tome `MG Photo Archive 1945-1964'. Boasting an almost complete ownership chain, the YB pleasingly retains its original buff logbook, University Motors supplier's plaque and key fob and glovebox lid-mounted Monte Carlo Rally badge. Deemed by the vendor to be `a well-presented car but not mint', he further notes that `the original interior is well worn and has had a certain amount of retrimming. The engine compartment is very clean and in 2002 the saloon was fitted with a 5-speed gearbox so drives very well but the original gearbox and propshaft were retained should the new owner want to return it to original specification'. Part of a private collection since 2010, `UMG 662' was last seen in public a year later as part of the MG Live Monte Carlo Rally Display at Silverstone. Running and driving but little used of late, this historic MG is perhaps overdue a return to competition? Offered for sale with large history file and period images.