Description

1968 MGB Roadster

Purchased in Singapore in '69 and owned for 33 years until imported to the UK in '02; new cylinder head in '08 and engine rebuild in 2010; only 1,000 miles covered since purchase in 2015

Dating from November 1968, this MGB roadster was purchased by the first owner, a UK national via a Hong Kong MG dealer as a RHD Export spec model in February 1969 and was originally finished in Mineral Blue with black trim. It had a black hood and optional extras of wire wheels, black tonneau cover, SP tyres, folding hood, headlamp flasher switch and black rear compartment cushion (courtesy of the British Motor Industry Heritage trust).

The car remained in Hong Kong for some 33 years before returning to the UK in 2002 when he repatriated home and registered it here. The V5C shows just three owners, the first being the original owner, the second a business, Charter Royale Ltd of Dorchester who purchased it in August 2015 and our owner who was bought the car by his daughter, as a gift for retirement in October 2015.

During his ownership, he has barely used it, but strived to keep it in good order and over the last 6 years has fitted new door cappings, had the SU carbs rebuilt in May 2018, fitted new sports coil and HT leads, a new fuel pump, new carpet, diff oil seals and fitted a new frame and hood earlier this year.

The history file also includes a 4-page summary of works from March 1969 (0 miles recorded) to July 2015 (23,534 miles ** 95,106 actual miles) when the original owner sold the car. Highlights include a full engine rebuild in 1991 at 53,005miles, a respray and re-upholster in 1986/1987, suspension rebuilt with Ron Hopkinson handling kit in 1995, a new speedometer fitted ** in September 2000 at 69,900miles; another re-spray in 2001, export to the UK in September 2002 at 3,290miles and registered PFJ24G; 4-synchro gearbox with O/D and new clutch plate fitted with different speedo gearing in January 2005 at 6,677miles, cylinder head overhauled with new hardened valve seats and new vales in October 2008 at 11,279miles.

The bottom end was also overhauled with a new ground crank and block, new bearings, rings, camshaft and followers, oil pump, timing chain and gears fitted in March 2010 at 14,104miles. Various body/underside repairs were done over the next few years and then in October 2014 the overdrive unit was reconditioned, new clutch release bearing fitted and the underside wax oil protected at 22,526miles.

Our first owner covered 95,106miles in his 33 years with a huge maintenance history as documented. We also find 16 old MOTs dating back to 2002, and a thick folder chronologically organised with invoices dating back to 1987 when the car was in Hong Kong.

With such a super history, the car certainly looks excellent value at the suggested guide price. The car runs and drives but would evidently benefit from a thorough check over given it has covered minimal mileage over the last 6 years, with less than a 1,000 of those having been covered since July 2015.

For more information contact - will.daniels@brightwells.com