1967 MG B Roadster

This MGB is undeniably a looker with all the MKI car’s charms and character in evidence. Interrogating this car’s chassis number – GHD3L – 113494 – reveals the car’s origins and identity. The GHD3L prefix designates this car as a left-hand drive GT coupe originally. The car certainly started its life in one of MG’s export markets only being registered in the UK for the first time in 2000. Photographs of a restoration thought to be from around this time show the car in roadster trim and with the steering wheel on the right. We can only assume the MG was rebodied and converted to right hand drive at around this time.

Since import in 2000 the MG has been used and enjoyed by five former keepers. In June 2005 records show that the car had a Category D (or N) write off recorded against it. This denotes “minor damage that is repairable, but the insurer declined to do so. Can be repaired for road use.” At this juncture we assume the owner at that time deemed this a desirable and worthwhile route to take.

Current owner, David, acquired the MGB in February 2023 to become the car’s sixth UK keeper. David said “I just fell in love with the car and have adored it ever since. It looks amazing, drives beautifully and clearly has had much time and money spent on it in the past.” David admits that he is only now parting ways with the MG due to the imminent arrival of a Porsche with the curse of the car enthusiast striking – too many cars, not enough space!
 

With the advent of the MGB the company turned its back on its earlier predilection for re-warming old designs under the guise of “new” models. The “B” looked nothing like the “A” immediately succeeding in lending MG a newly found reputation as a progressive maker of modern cars.

The earlier MKI cars represent the B in its purest form from a time before engineers in Abingdon had to worry about the welfare of pedestrians in Aspen. This car showcases this purity perfectly, especially in its charming Midnight Blue livery. This hue was thought to have been applied around the year 2000 but could also hail from the time of its accident repair in 2005. In any event it looks great, and a nice deep shine emanates from the panels. No notable imperfections are obvious other than a few polishing related swirls and some very minor chipping on the trailing edge of the doors.

The MG’s brightwork provides a sharp contrast to the darkness of the blue. The extent of the chromed adornments are kept at just the right level for this vintage of car, being reserved for the dainty bumpers, grill, sundry trim pieces and the lovely wire wheels. These are nicely chromed making for great looks and easier cleaning. They are centrally affixed via chromed twin-eared spinners. A matching set of recent looking Avon ZT7 tyres are fitted in a 185/70 R14 configuration. 

The black vinyl hood looks like a recent addition given its condition and appropriately tight fit. The rear windows are clear and untroubled by folds, cracks or fogging. A black, centrally zipped tonneau cover is also provided.
 

The MGB’s front seats are tightly upholstered in lightly textured vinyl in black. The centres are arranged into vertical box pleats accompanying smooth bolsters and contrasting white piping. White MG Octagon logos are embroidered into the seat backs. The seats in their entirety are thought to be new additions since the car’s import. These fold forward to provide access to a small additional storage space. The carpets are finished in black and appear to be in fine order. The door cards are trimmed in black vinyl and complete with recognisably MG door furniture.

The dashboard fascia is formed from steel and finished in a crackled black paint. The top roll is formed from foam and finished in black vinyl. The MKI white on black Smiths gauge set is also fitted here. This consists of a speedometer, tachometer, a small duplex gauge measuring water temperature and oil pressure and a fuel gauge. A delightful, chrome spoked, wooden rimmed steering wheel is fitted. The condition of the interior is highly impressive overall with ono issues noted or reported.

The boot is trimmed in hard wearing black carpet and this also provides a home for the spare wire wheel and tyre. A jack, wheel brace, spinner tool and mallet are all on hand and stowed in her.  
 

The MGB Roadster 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. 

The under-bonnet presentation of this MGB Roadster sets the scene for what the copious paperwork will underscore in the next section. This seems to be a very well-tended and cared for MGB. Some of that care and attention has likely been expended under here as it is clean and well organised with plenty of newer components and braided hoses in evidence. The underside of the car fully belies its 57 years of age, too, with plenty of preservative underseal in evidence and everything presenting cleanly.

Owner David confirms that the car is a pleasure to drive, and has benefitted from a full service earlier this year, as well as replacement SU Carbs and a tune up. No known mechanical issues have been reported.

There is a reassuring depth of paperwork included with the MG. The V5 registration document is on hand. This categorises the MG as an Historic Vehicle by dint of it being over 40-years old. As such, it is MoT exempt and zero rated for vehicle excise duty in the UK. Despite exemption the MG holds a current, advisory free MoT which is valid until February 2025.

The remainder of the paperwork is predominantly invoices for work undertaken and parts procured and fitted. These relate to all periods of the car’s post-reimport history with many clearly listing the work performed and others boasting significant and impressive values.

Following comprehensive restoration the mileage is now 8500 miles.
 

It is a reliable truism to say that really successful cars aren’t really successful for no reason. That is certainly the case with the MGB. It looked great and, at launch in 1962, this was a thoroughly modern sports car ready to take on the world on equal terms. These key attributes have gone on to ensure that the MGB remains a mainstay of the classic car world. All things for a reason.

This is a great looking example in its deep blue with shiny chromed adornments. There is no aspect of it that needs fettling or repairing in order to use. It is ready now to immediately use and enjoy and is in that most desirable of MKI iterations. What a charming car and one that would enhance the motoring life of any enthusiast.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £11,000 - £13,000.

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