1972 MG B Roadster

This MGB is undeniably a looker in its fresh looking Tartan Red livery. Interrogating this car’s chassis number prefix – GHN5– reveals the car to be a Mk III MGB which covers cars built between 1970 and 1979. This example was first registered in June 1972 and was known to have left Abingdon in a red hue. Clearly this MGB has enjoyed a more recent respray and wider restoration to present so well in 2024.

Thought to be a UK specified and supplied car, this MGB has been cherished and enjoyed by six keepers to date, the last registered keeper acquiring the ‘B’ in January 2022. Today it is being offered for sale by an independent and well respected classic car repair and restoration company.

No wonder then that this MGB is being offered with the benefit of many recent improvements and enhancements. These include a full respray, new bright work, new seats, upholstery, carpets, door cards, new hood, lights, door handles... and the list goes on. Reported to “drive brilliantly” this appealing 1972 MGB is ready for a new, lucky owner.

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 with plenty of bright chrome on hand to add glamour and interest.

The reapplied Tartan Red paintwork looks smooth and evenly applied and exudes an admirably deep and lustrous shine. The MG’s newly fitted brightwork provides a sharp contrast to the red and is equally gleaming. The extent of the chromed adornments are kept at just the right level for this vintage of car, being reserved for the dainty bumpers and sundry trim pieces.

A black finished matrix style grill is fitted in place of the divisive moulded plastic item that became standard on the Mk III cars. Being a 1972 car, this ‘B’ would have been an early recipient of the black and grey painted Rostyle steel wheels. These are present today in 14-inch form and appear to have been repainted to present well. Chrome beauty rings are fitted as are MG inscribed centre caps. A set of 165 sized, period look radial type tyres are fitted.

The new black vinyl hood looks striking against the red paintwork and appears an appropriately tight fit. The rear windows are clear and untroubled by folds, cracks or fogging. A black, centrally zipped tonneau cover is also provided as is a hood tidying cover. Period style, new looking silver on black numberplates round off the look and lend the MG a high degree of 1970’s charm and authenticity.

The MGB’s modern unitary design made for a surprisingly spacious cabin when compared to the MGA’s with the car’s packaging proving very competitive for the period. In keeping with this example’s fine external condition, the interior has also been extensively restored and refreshed making it a thoroughly nice place to spend time.

The MGB’s seats are tightly upholstered in lightly textured, black seat covers. The centres are arranged into vertical box pleats accompanying smooth bolsters and contrasting red piping. The seats in their entirety are thought to be new additions at the recent restoration. These fold forward to provide access to a small, carpeted additional storage space. The carpets are also new, edge bound and finished in complementary black. The door cards are trimmed in black vinyl and complete with recognisably MG door furniture, and horizontally dissected by chrome trim pieces.

The dashboard fascia is formed from steel and finished in the familiar crackled black paint. The top roll is formed from foam and finished in black vinyl. 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 spoked, leather rimmed steering wheel is fitted with rubber MG octagon boss.

The all important, switchable Laycock Type LH overdrive is situated behind the wheel on the dashboard. The lid to the central cubby appears to be missing but no other significant issues were noted.

That aforementioned packaging prowess extends to the MGB’s boot as it is commodious, well-shaped and easy to access. In this example it appears untrimmed and finished in body coloured paint. It will certainly clean up somewhat but provides a great view of the MG’s solid looking floor and side panels.

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.

The under-bonnet presentation of this MGB looks highly original with the expected data plates appearing present and correct. There is some potential here for further aesthetic improvement, but it looks complete even down to the under bonnet insulation. The underside of the car fully belies its 52 years of age, too, with plenty of preservative underseal in evidence and everything presenting cleanly.

No known mechanical issues have been reported and the seller fully inspects and services all cars they supply using their expertise as respected classic car mechanics and restorers.

No accompanying paperwork was available at the time of our shoot. The current V5 registration document is known to be on hand.

This classifies the MGB as an Historic Vehicle. As such it is MoT exempt and zero rated for vehicle excise duty in the UK.

The seller can also document the work undertaken by themselves which includes all the upholstery, bright work and other replacements already mentioned. An invoice is thought to be on hand detailing the earlier respray from around 6 years ago.

If Syd Enever felt the pressure of replacing the popular MGA, he shouldn’t have worried. The MGB was the right car at the right time and appealed the world over for its archetypal sportscar lines and simple and rugged mechanicals. Syd lived until 1991 so would have seen what a success the ‘B’ was and, no doubt, marvelled at the 500,000 plus built, making it one of the most successful sports cars of all time. We hope he was proud.

This is a great looking example in its vibrant red livery with new, shiny chromed adornments. The interior is no less impressive with many new additions adding to the appeal of this nicely appointed British sports car. With the surprisingly rare switchable overdrive this is an example that should demand your attention.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £8,000 - £12,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Reading, Berkshire. To arrange an appointment to inspect this vehicle, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.