1972 MG B

This MGB’s chassis number prefix of GHD5 confirms it left Abingdon-on-Thames as a MKIII MGB GT in the Spring of 1972. In many ways, however, the stunning MGB Roadster we see before us today is more a product of 2010 than it is 1972. It was in 2010 that this MG underwent not so much a reinvention as a full transmogrification. The keeper at that time commissioned MG Specialists, Surrey Sports & Classics (who would become MGB Hive), to source a donor car and completely re-shell and rebuild it to create, in essence and all intents and purposes, a 2010 MGB Roadster.

In this instance the donor car was a 1972 MGB GT with the subsequent re-bodying, re-trimming and re-just about everything else-ing transforming it, phoenix like, into the vibrant looking MGB Roadster offered here today. A new Heritage shell formed the basis of the re-working with every other key component either replaced, rebuilt or refurbished dependent on its condition. This most thorough of conversions wrought upgrades and improvements to every facet of this MG – be they aesthetic or mechanical. To report that the work cost a shade under £30,000 in 2010 should tell you all you need to know about the depth and breadth of this undertaking.

Current owner, Russell, acquired the MGB in May of 2023. At that stage the odometer, which was zeroed at the point of restoration, was thought to be showing around 4,800 miles. On the day of our shoot it stood at 5,377 miles underscoring its very modest mileage since 2010 and its sparing use in current ownership. For those looking for an MGB Roadster to immediately use and enjoy, why not choose one that was rebuilt and reengineered from the ground up a mere 5,000 miles ago or so? 

Whilst ‘B’ inevitably follows ‘A,’ the MGB looked nothing like its successful predecessor and marked MG’s arrival as a maker of modern and competitive cars for a new era. This earlier MK III car showcases the breed in its most popular, pre rubber bumper configuration exhibiting a daintiness, and ride height, entirely appropriate to a 1970’s British sports roadster. The owner that commissioned this car’s transformation in 2010 specified its “Belgian Racing Yellow” livery, the vibrance of which has one immediately mentally transported to winding country roads flanked by sun kissed fields of corn. Even if that’s not the case, it’s a great shade for an MG roadster.

Pretty much everything on display here dates from 2010.The paintwork is commensurate with a car that has covered just 5,000 miles or so since being rebodied and resprayed and the Heritage shell endows this MG with pin sharp panel gaps, the like of which an untouched 1972 car could only dream of. The brightwork, black vinyl hood, tonneau cover and much else all find a place on the MGB Hive’s £10,000 plus schedule of parts for this conversion.

And so it is with the 14-inch Minilite style Minator alloy wheel. These are finished in a classy anthracite shade and feature black and silver MG octagons at their centres. A matching set Uniroyal Rallye tyres are fitted in a 165R configuration. These too are thought to have been fitted in 2010 so have covered just 5,000 miles or so but are now 15 years old.

An owner moving from an MGA to an MGB would immediately notice the benefits delivered by the unitary construction in terms of cabin space. It is also easy to forget what a contemporary space the B’s cabin was compared to its predecessor, too. Inevitably enough, this MG’s interior was extensively restored and refreshed in 2010 making it a thoroughly nice place to spend time.

New seats trimmed in supple black leather have been fitted. The centres are arranged into vertical box pleats and well-padded and supportive headrests are fitted. These fold forward to provide access to a small, carpeted additional storage space. The carpets are also recent looking, edge bound and finished in complementary black. The front footwell carpets are protected by heavy duty, fitted rubber mats with raised MG motifs. The door cards are trimmed in black leather complete with signature MG door furniture.

The dashboard fascia is formed from steel and finished in familiar crackled black paint. The top roll is formed from foam and finished in black. The Mk III white on black Smiths gauge set is also present. This consists of a speedometer, tachometer with orange and red segments, a small duplex gauge measuring water temperature and oil pressure and a fuel gauge. A three spoked, alloy and leather steering wheel is fitted with rubber boss and an MG octagon picked out in red. The all important, switchable Laycock Type LH overdrive is situated behind the wheel on the dashboard. The original Bakelite style gear knob has been charmingly re-purposed as the opening mechanism for the glovebox.

That aforementioned revolutionary space utilisation of the MGB extends to the boot as it is commodious, well-shaped and easy to access. In this example a matching edge-bound black carpet set features as does a fifth Minilite style spare wheel and unused spare tyre. A fetching MG branded, green tool roll is also noted.

The MGB utilised an enlarged version of the MGA’s erstwhile B-Series engine but now bored out to 1,798cc. Fed by twin 38mm SU carburettors the output was quoted at 95bhp and 110 Ib-ft of torque. A four speed manual transmission was standard, but the switchable Laycock overdrive was a desirable option fitted to just 20% of cars from the factory. Present here, the overdrive acts on third and fourth gear essentially delivering six distinct ratios and greatly improving usability and economy on motorways and fast A-roads. During its 2010 reworking a reconditioned B-Series was fitted complete with an unleaded head conversion. Numerous ancillaries were replaced at this time also as was the clutch working in tandem with a reconditioned gearbox. In 2013 an electric power steering system was also fitted. During Russell’s tenure a new brake master cylinder and wheel cylinders have been fitted.

One of the benefits of the re-shelling of the MG is that everything can be properly painted as it would have been in the factory. As such the under bonnet presentation is notable for the bright, straight and clean inner panels. The block and cam cover are finished in black with just some minor deterioration to this finish noted. Plenty of new looking componentry and upgraded braided hoses are in evidence. The underside of the MG looks great, too. The 2010 schedule of works included waxoyling and undersealing as required which has clearly had a positive impact on its condition in 2025.

The current V5 Registration Document in the name of the owner is present. This classifies the MG as and Historic Vehicle and, as such, MoT exempt and zero rated for vehicle excise duty in the UK. The MG was last MoT’d in April 2019 at an indicated 4,782 miles. It achieved an advisory free pass at that time, and the hard copy certificate is on hand together with numerous earlier examples.

Key amongst the accompanying documents are the invoices relating to the extensive re-shelling and restoration in 2010. This provides a detailed schedule of works undertaken and parts fitted and should bring great reassurance to the next owner. A few other invoices and some pre and post restoration photographs are also present.

Syd Enever retired soon after the launch of the MGB following a storied 50 year career at Abingdon. He lived until 1991, however, so would have seen what a success the MGB became. He, no doubt, marvelled at the 500,000 plus built, making it one of the most successful sports cars of all time. He deserved to be proud.

This vibrant looking example is a real find given its Heritage re-shelled history and accompanying spend of close to £30,000 just a few thousand miles ago. Given this its is an MGB that’s hard to fault and will deliver its next owner a highly desirable amalgamation of 1972 originality and 2010 condition. Who said you can’t have your cake and eat it? 

Our estimate for this car is £8,000 - £12,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.