1975 MG B Roadster

The MG has been with the current owner since 2020 who purchased it due to its great, original condition but during the last couple of years, different challenges have come up for the current owner meaning the car has not been used as much as they would have liked. 

With only 3 owners since its production in 1975, the MG previously was with the second owner for an astonishing 43 years, which goes some way towards evidencing just how well this car has been cared for and loved. Couple that with the fact this car has been used for show runs and meets and even apparently going to Norway and back, when the current owner says ‘it’s a car you can rely on to get you home’ we are inclined to believe it.

The MG remains in largely original condition with regards to colour changes or modifications and is fitted with a ‘Gold Seal’ engine, which was a factory reconditioned replacement engine painted in gold applicable to cars up to five years of age. This unit also had its compression ratios stamped on it for reference. 

The ‘Bracken’ exterior colour has been described as 'marmite' by onlookers who take a rather binary ‘love it or hate it’ approach; we happen to fall into the former camp. Matched with the chrome trim, black fabric roof and ‘Autumn Leaf’ interior this colour combination makes this little MG stand out from other examples out on the market currently. 

Paint-wise, the car is in good health having had some work completed a few years back as can be seen in the history file. The colour match on the wings is ever so slightly out however, and the current owner believes the front nearside wing to be a replacement. They report the wing lacks the Ziebart underseal that covers the rest of the car. 

The wire wheels are in good condition, wrapped in India GT tyres which look to be relatively new with plenty of tread left. Speaking of that chrome trim also, everything looks to be in good shape here, including the front and rear bumper and the side trims as well as the front grille.

Back at the top of the car then and the black fabric roof is a taught fit with no scuffs, marks, rips, or tears to speak of and the window panels look to be free from marks or rips too. 

Autumn Leaf brown leather covers the seats in this MG, and they are a rather splendid addition to the little roadster with reports of them being very comfortable to sit in. There is some minor wear to the common high traffic areas, but it is not worn through or rip or torn and we suspect could be brought back to a high standard with a little leather feed and some elbow grease. 

The door cards and carpet follow suit with two different shades of brown to break up the colours in the interior along with the black plastic dash and three spoke MG emblazoned steering wheel. 

The cabins of MG Bs were simple and straight-forward affairs but wrapped around you to give you that cockpit style feel which so many fans of the marque love. This car looks to have its original radio head unit still and the common high traffic wear and tear areas all look to have survived well. 

The Gold Seal BMC replacement unit is a big highlight here with the gold paint still showing through in most areas. The owner reports they have kept the car maintained through Kennington Motors Ltd in Oxfordshire for the past 4 years of ownership, where the car recently had a batch of work completed to the tune of just shy of £2000. This included a new alternator, wishbones and bushes, mounts and hoses along with a new lap belt and various odds and ends to ensure its all running correctly and to ensure it keeps up its reputation for always getting the current owner home. 

Underneath, the MG looks to be nice and straight with that underseal doing its job in helping to prevent the dreaded R word from destroying the metalwork. The components all look to be in good visual order and the addition of a front anti-roll bar hints at some sporting credentials from the chassis. 

There is an extensive history file with the most recent invoice for approximately £2000 being summarised in the section above. 

A V5C is present, along with a full HPI check and years worth of receipts, bills and MOT test certificates all to evidence just how well this car has been taken care of. One of the most important documents in the file however is the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate summarising the MG’s production records. Along with receipts and bills are technical sheets, certificates from shows and classic car runs showing that this car has been an enthusiast’s passion. Coming with two keys, the history file is a reassuring amount of documentation to show the car has come from good ownership.

The MG certainly has an interesting story, coming from an era of ‘buy it for life’, which is evidenced by the extraordinary long previous ownership time. It is now up for auction ready for someone to give it a new lease of life and purpose and with regular upkeep and maintenance, this MG could certainly have another joyous 40+ years to give. We estimate that it will sell for £8,000-£12,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.