Proudly topping the list of the most popular British sports cars of the 1960s, MG's "B" Roadster, launched in 1962, was built for 18 years and sold over 365,000 times to happy customers all over the globe. Of unit-body construction, the 94 hp Roadster was not only very light and fast, easily topping 100mph, but roomy and reliable as well.
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A pure-bred member of Her Majesty's empire, the MGB, with its timeless British Roadster design, is coveted to this day by countless collectors and fun-loving folks, young at heart, who love going like the blazes in a lithe, stylish sports car. Always easy to maintain, an abundance of inexpensive spares is available even today, 25 years after the venerable manufacturer's demise.
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Nearly 40 years have passed since this particular car left the Abingdon works. A very desirable "metal dash" MGB, it was built before government-mandated laws watered down the B's performance and good looks with smog pumps, plastic dashboards, and rubber bumpers. To many aficionados, a '67 MGB is the creme de la creme; finding one that has survived without any rust or accident damage and--after 38 years--looks like it's just a couple of years old is a rare occurance, indeed, since most of the early cars have long ascended to the big boneyard in the sky.
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The fully pedigreed example presented here, VIN *GHN3L/122749*, was sold new on June 25, 1967 at
The car has never left Southern California and still proudly wears its original-issue black-and-yellow license plates, VDC 209, as documented by the authentic 1967 registration certificate that is included, along with a host of important documents, among them a facsimile of the original California pink slip.
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This fabulous MGB is accompanied by many of the seldom-seen items that make a collector's heart beat faster: miraculously, there's the original Driver's Handbook (still protected by its clear vinyl pouch), metal Protect-O-Plate (have you ever seen one of those?), Passport to Service book, and Radio Warranty card.
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In addition to the stamped service book, 34 maintenance records have been chronologically filed in a large ring binder with clear sheet protectors, going back to 1978, totalling $4,307.61 and further establishing the car's ownership and true mileage record. Furthermore, this B is known as # 2-1109 at the North American MGB Register; the small metal dash plaque is included.
Now, let's examine this FUNtastic survivor closely, beginning with the engine compartment.
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Under the hood, everything is ready for show. In fact, you might bring home a trophy for "Best Engine Bay," it's that impressive. The engine # 18GBUH/76622 is the original, factory-installed unit, of course, as noted in the Service Book. With only 75,727 documented miles currently on the car's odometer, this power plant runs very strong, indeed; it doesn't drink, smoke, or make any unusual noises, quite extraordinary for a Brit of its vintage. Piston rings and bearings were replaced @ 49,983 miles; the carburettors were rebuilt more recently, @ 74,654 miles.
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Commission plate still shows the small black plastic tag with white "BMC 67" lettering; supposedly, those were only affixed to cars slated for California delivery. Above right, a picture of the car's body tag.
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Q-tip clean, correct, and original. The vulnerable front radiator support looks perfect; there's not the tiniest wrinkle anywhere. Engine oil cooler is standard fare on MGBs. This fine example does not appear to have been in any kind of accident, ever.
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As good as they come, this MGB's body is impressively straight, totally rust free, and shows excellent shut lines ("gaps") of bonnets and doors. All original sheet metal looks great displaying its factory-prescribed "Tartan Red" color.
The car was expertly re-painted back in the early 1990s as part of a sympathetic restoration and has only been used as a show car since. Mostly trailered and driven very little, it looks superb, being free of annoying dings, dents, or scratches.
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Inside the cockpit, originality reigns, too. This being a low-mileage MG, the interior presents itself in a fabulously well-preserved state throughout. The seats have been re-upholstered in black with white piping.
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The famous early MGB metal dash in all its black wrinkle-finish glory, uncut and 100% pure stock. Note the gorgeous banjo steering wheel; it's in perfect condition.
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Details, details: silver-on-red horn button, original BMC radio (long silent) with console speaker, stubby shifter with dainty black knob and chrome bezel, ergonomically correctly-placed ashtray. All lights, switches, and gauges work great, by the way.
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Primarily conceived as an open-air car, this MG is one of the last "real" roadsters with a removeable convertible top. For those among us who not completely indulge in the British way of driving topless in the rain, this particular example comes with two tops:
- A tonneau cover, zipper down the middle, hides the interior from prying eyes when the car is parked and provides a modicum of protection during sudden cloud bursts.
- In case of a serious storm, there's a superbly crafted convertible top, which, with the side windows rolled up, creates a cozy tent-like space.
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Speaking of space, there's plenty of leg room in this MGB. Even drivers of 6'6" will be able to find a most comfortable driving position, guaranteed. Try this in an Alfa Romeo, Fiat, or even Jaguar!
What's next on our inspection list? Oh, yes, the trunk!
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Luggage compartment presents itself dry and clean as a whistle, with tool roll and hood sticks still inside the original bags.
Note original whitewall tyre on spare and old-style tyre jack. There's no rust to be found, anywhere. And, yes, even a lead hammer and even some touch-up paint are included!
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Another angle, showing off the MGB's fantabulous body. All the exterior chrome is in excellent condition as well. Did we mention the car has the correct Lucas headlights?
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Top left: The undercarriage presents itself immaculately preserved, totally rust free, protected from new by a very thin layer of black, rubberized undercoating.
Top right: Speaking of rubber, this MG's floors are covered by the correct rubber floor mats. They are absolutely perfect. No stories, no excuses!
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We took it a step further and removed the rubber mats, only to find perfectly preserved floors.
Again, there's no rust--and no rust repairs were ever needed--on this life-long SoCal resident!
Note the correct dual 6-Volt batteries. Car still features positive grounding, as original.
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A true British roadster has to wear a set of spoke wheels. Extremely attractive chrome knock-off wheels complement this red B in superb fashion, sparkling like new. They are shod with correctly-sized PIRELLI 185/70-14 tires all around.
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Driving an early MGB is an exhilarating experience, to put it mildly. It's hard to describe to the uninitiated the pure joy you feel when putting this outstandingly maintained, vintage sports car through its paces. The direct connection between "man and machine" that the MG delivers is just not palpable anymore with today's drive-by-wire gizmo-cars.
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It starts easily, idles smoothly, steers and shifts wonderfully crisp. The lack of a synchronized first gear is a rather endearing trait. The car sounds marvellous and responds eagerly to the driver's input. Wherever you park, a crowd of admirers quickly forms; this car receives nothing but most favorable compliments.
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Only through a lucky confluence of circumstances could a 1960s MGB survive in such amazing condition: it always lived in California, it features all matching numbers, it's a low mileage car that has not been driven more than 2,000 miles annually, on average. It has never been in an accident or suffered from corrosion, and it comes with wonderful books and records. Add to this the fact that it features a most desirable color combination plus chrome wire wheels and you have a true winner!
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As you might imagine, being an irreplaceable example of England's best Sixties sports car, this superbly pedigreed MGB is not exactly cheap. We have not seen one like it before, and we doubt we'll ever find one like it again, at any price.