1971 MGB Roadster

Highlights 

• Recent MGOC inspection and overhaul

• Earlier restoration

• Heritage shell

• Many new parts 

• In excellent condition both inside and out

• Impressive history file

• Tax and MOT exempt

Overview

Handsome, fun to drive, affordable and easy to maintain are just a few of the characteristics that the humble MGB has in spades and it's those very same attributes that made it so popular, not just upon release but consistently throughout its almost 20 year production run. Even then the car's acclaim didn't stop there and it remains a well-respected stalwart of the classic scene to this day.

Beautifully styled, MG's new two-seater sports car followed on from the success of the MGA but employed a more advanced monocoque construction along with a 1.8-litre version of BMC's venerable and robust B-Series four-cylinder engine. It was a match made in heaven and people couldn't get enough of it. 

Should you choose to get involved today, and you most certainly should, not only will you be in proud possession of one of Britain's favourite classics but you'll also enjoy a thriving club scene and more support than Thor Bjornsson's lower back at a World's Strongest Man competition. With help from the likes of the excellent MG Owner's Club and MGOC Spares (along with many others) providing you with everything you could possibly need to fix, maintain and modify your MGB to your heart's content, there are myriad reasons for buying and owning one of these great little cars.

Speaking of which, this particular 1971 MGB Roadster has benefited from a fully documented rebuild in 1988, including a brand new heritage bodyshell, and its engine was also rebuilt by renowned engine builders Oselli ten years later. Not only that but just last year the car was inspected by the MGOC before a full overhaul, including the fitment of many new parts. The full details are listed below but suffice to say this is one solid, well-sorted MGB that comes with reams of history, presents in excellent condition throughout and is reportedly running well with no issues whatsoever.

History and documentation

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• First registered 13 Jan 1971

• In current ownership since 22 Jun 2023

• Registered as an historic vehicle

• Tax, MOT and London ULEZ exempt

• Full rebuild history with photos

• Log of hours spent during rebuild with new heritage shell from 1988-1991 plus cost breakdown

• Invoice for new heritage shell from 1988

• No service book but two large folders of bills for parts and maintenance

• Rebuilt engine by Oselli in 1998 at 13,714 miles with engine spec and supporting receipts

• MGOC vehicle inspection and overhaul in 2024, including fitting brake servo, new rear springs and a set of new tyres, plus various other works required

• Various workshop manuals plus information instruction

• MOT certificates to 2016 

• The vendor informs us that they bought the vehicle from the wife of an old MG enthusiast friend following a bereavement and have covered very few miles since

• Kept in a heated garaged throughout current ownership as reported by the vendor

• HPI clear

• 31,556 indicated miles 

Interior

• Black interior is in very good, clean condition throughout

• Minimal wear and tear

• All new mats have been fitted

• Vendor reports that everything works as per the original car, including the heater

• Has seat belts fitted

• After market three-spoke Moto-Lita steering wheel

• Dashboard remains intact

• Fire extinguisher fitted on passenger side

• Door cards are in great shape

• Seats present well

• No signs of any water ingress

• Rear boot fitted out with tool kit and spare parts

• Matching spare wheel and tyre

• Tidy, well-presented engine bay with no evidence of any corrosion or fluid leaks

Exterior

• In excellent condition across all panels

• Damask red paintwork presents well and retains a healthy shine

• All shut lines appear uniform

• No evidence of any major corrosion or damage

• Fitted with alloy bonnet hood (much lighter in weight)

• Chrome trim pieces, including the boot-mounted luggage rack, all look to be in great shape with no pitting

• Windows and light lenses appear free from damage

• Cibie head lamps fitted

• Classic style number plates are in fine fettle

• All 14” chrome wire wheels are in great condition with new Falken Sincera tyres fitted Mar 2024

• MG-branded mud flaps all round

• Black hood appears to be in rude health and fits well

• Has full water proof cockpit cover for occasional outside use if needed 
• Vehicle has full soft dust cover for garage use

• Underneath looks to be in superb clean and straight condition with no signs of rust

Mechanical

• 95bhp, 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine 

• Four-speed manual gearbox with working overdrive

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 11.0s

• 101mph top speed

• New starter motor fitted recently

• New exhaust system fitted
• For security a battery isolator has been fitted
• A trickle charger is available with vehicle

• The vendor reports that the car starts well (needs choke from cold), the battery seems good, it brakes evenly and sounds like an MGB should

• No mechanical issues to report 

Summary

Not only does the MGB represent the perfect starter classic but it can also admirably hold its own next to much more exotic fare in any collection. Not only that but the MGB can be all things to all people. From concours events to classic motorsport it remains one of the all-time great classic cars. This rather charming Roadster is a bit of a peach thanks to the care and attention that has been lavished upon it over the years so if you're after a well-sorted, mechanically sound and beautifully presented example then call off the search.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Buntingford, Hertfordshire