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1975 MGB Roadster Oselli

Sold Price

£8,481

  • Mileage~59,800
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1950cc
  • LocationSaffron Walden, Essex

SOLD

1975 MGB Roadster Oselli

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Introduction

Jon Dixon
Professional Consigner

A well-restored example, with individual flourishes courtesy of Oselli and Sebring.

The MGB is a car that really needs no introduction. Since the first B rolled off the Abingdon production line in 1962, over 1/2 million examples found homes over its 18-year production run. It remains as one of the most loved classic cars in the world. It may seem like a safe choice, but the fun factor and huge parts availability go a long way to showing why there are still over 23,000 examples still on the UK roads.

However, this also means that if you want to stand out in the crowd, then perhaps an MGB isn't the car for you... That is until you investigate the car's potential for competition credentials. With the likes of Monte Carlo, Brands Hatch, Nürburgring, Targa Florio and Spa-Francorchamps wins under its belt, the car isn't short on the competitive spirit. And this is where Pravins restored 1975 MGB Roadster comes in. Tuned by Oselli Motorsport, originally founded by former BMC engineers, the company soon established themselves as an experienced multiple championship and race-winning team.

The car received a full restoration in the late '90s, where the 1950cc Oselli engine was also installed at a considerable cost. It then underwent a second transformation as a replica Sebring race car, but it's not thought to have been used in anger. This tastefully adapted MG ticks all the right boxes and could offer the perfect opportunity as a weekend track day car.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Jon Dixon after meeting Pravin the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I like the social aspect of meeting up with friends and their Classic cars, but other priorities have taken over recently.

Pravin is a car fanatic, when he moved to England he had to get a classic of some sort for those fair weather days. He misses the weekends out with friends, driving around in their cars in convoy like he used to in Malaysia, but due to family commitments the car isn't being used and is now coming to market with us.

As to be expected, the car has a huge history file documenting its restoration, with receipts and photographs to back this up. The car has seen several classic car events in its time and was used as a summer car in recent years.

Pravin
Vehicle Owner

Pravin saved £1,440* when they
sold their MG with us.

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Exterior

This red roadster has the presence of a racer without the uncompromising ride.

Wheels and Tyres

The Minator Classic Road alloys were originally silver, but have been painted satin black to match the racer styling. The paint is peeling off in parts, this is not a reflection of the condition of the wheels which appear to be in very good condition. The tyres are well above legal limits.

Bodywork

The car underwent a major restoration in the late '90s and was subsequently well used as a road car but the quality of the work still shines through, with no major issues. There are small blemishes here and there and some very small rust bubbles developing specifically around the front wings. Please see the extensive photos and video review.

Paint

The respray the car received as part of the restoration from a recommended restorer by the MG Owners Club is of a very high standard. The finish is still good, with no major hazing or flat paint.

Glass and Trim

These items are in good condition, with some signs of age, but most importantly are free from major scratches or chips. The rubber trim is in good order, with the usual age-related wear.

Roof

The roof is in good condition, with no major damage. It appears to be a good fit without any rips or tears.

Interior

The interior shows a no-nonsense approach, adorned with tasteful accessories.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in very good condition with no obvious rips or repairs. The carpets in the interior and boot are in good condition.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in very good order, wearing its year well with no major cracks or damage. The door cards are also in good condition.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The aftermarket Mota Lita steering wheel lifts the very '70s interior and is in very good condition. The wooden gear knob is in a similarly pleasing state.

Mechanics

With close to 60 years worth of engine experience, the Oselli name has created a strong connection with the MG brand.

Engine and Gearbox

The uprated engine (1,950cc giving some 40% increase in power to the standard MGB) starts up with no hesitation and burbles away with no issues, knocks or smoke. The general visual condition of the engine is very good and appears to have been well maintained.

Suspension and Brakes

The car had received uprated brakes and suspension when originally restored, and show no signs of major issues.

The Drive

The MGB is the archetypal British sports car, for better or for worse but this Sebring influenced Oselli engined car has a credible race vibe to it than the usual MGB roadster. The experience of driving these robust and reliable cars is a good enough to own one, but given the extra power and visual aesthetics, you have a car that could easily be considered for historic racing or rallying.

Electrics and Other

The electrics and main wiring would have had attention spent on them during the restoration. All items are said to be functional.

History and Paperwork

This MGB has seen an extensive amount of restoration, the quality of work still shines through.

The car started life with a typical BL yellow colour, complete with the undesirable rubber bumpers and looks like it also inherited some age-inappropriate wire wheels. However, the car had been cherished having only covered less than 15,000 miles in 23 years. The owner decided to use a decent base to completely overhaul the car. The work was carried out by Horam Classics Restoration in East Sussex in 1998, in which the car was painted red and was subject to some interesting engineering development. A 1950cc Oselli tuned engine with Weber carbs was installed, which gives an increase performance of about 40%. The braking system and a handling kit ensured that the extra power was manageable.

The car was then extensive enjoyed, covering around 57K in less than 10 years, suggesting that restoration and the uprated engine gave the owner confidence to use the car on a regular basis. However, upon a change of owner, it started to live a more leisurely 'retirement' in the last 10 years or so. The car has service records from shortly after its restoration to 2008.

A further transformation of the car occurred in 2014, to convert the MGB into a Sebring car replica. At the same time, additional restoration work was carried out to ensure the car was structurally sound. As a useable and well-presented car, there is potential for its journey under the imagination of a new owner to take that pedigree further.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
31.03.1999 Service 21,635
23.09.1999 Service 29,353
21.02.2000 Service 33,337
01.06.2000 Service 4,677
10.11.2000 Service -
31.03.2001 Service -
24.07.2001 Service -
22.04.2002 Service 33,000 (approx)
05.10.2002 Service 42,565
31.01.2003 Service 48,740
30.08.2003 Service 53,186
16.10.2004 Service 53,244
02.11.2005 Service 54,928
13.03.2007 Service 55,024
03.07.2008 MOT 55,156
26.09.2016 MOT 58,370
Key Details
  • ModelMGB Roadster
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date1975
  • CC1,950
  • Mileage~59,759
  • ColourRed
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • RestoredYes
  • Engine RebuildYes
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers13
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned2 years
  • Key FeatureOselli engine







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Ask Questions
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14 Comments
igloo113
igloo113
3 years ago

Morning Pravin,
Does she run on unleaded and what do you estimate the total mileage to be?

pravin K
pravin K
  igloo113
3 years ago

Hi, she does run on unleaded as when the 2.0litre oselli engine is compatible with unleaded fuel as it has hardened valves etc. etc. Going through the paperwork I would say that the mileage is correct as she didn’t and doesn’t get driven too far. If you check past MOT’s, the mileage tallies. Thanks.

igloo113
igloo113
  pravin K
3 years ago

Thanks Pravin,

Not sure about the mileage though? The commentary shows ’15k in 23 years’ then ’87k in 10 years’ neither does the service history seem right. Please make sure the facts are correct.
Thanks,
Ian

Kulraj Salh
Admin
  igloo113
3 years ago

Hi Ian, that mention of 87k was an inaccuracy on our part, and should read (now amended) 57k. You’ll see from the service records that the car likely had the clock replaced/reset in 2000. As there are missing gaps in the history, it’s hard to accurately gauge the mileage, you could do a crude calculation of ~33k + current count of ~59k to come to ~92k, but there isn’t the paperwork to substantiate/warrant that mileage. We’d say it is best to judge the car on its current merits, condition as it stands and the Oselli upgrades that have been actioned. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

Ian Lindsay
Ian Lindsay
  Kulraj Salh
3 years ago

Thanks Kulraj – maybe you should amend the body copy of the listing to reflect more accurate mileage?
regards,
Ian

Kulraj Salh
Admin
  Ian Lindsay
3 years ago

Hi Ian, we’ve tried this before, it’s a lose lose situation. When we put the “guesstimate” mileage in, we get complaints that the mileage doesn’t match the mileage shown on odometer. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

pravin k
pravin k
  igloo113
3 years ago

Hi Ian, I think Kulraj answered it best. With regard to service history it comes with reams of receipts and invoices of work done. On my end when I bought it she had full MOT with no advisories and she was if fine fettle so all I did was basic servicing and maintenance with mr page down the road as he is a retired British Leyland mechanic.

Ian Lindsay
Ian Lindsay
  pravin k
3 years ago

Thanks,
Pravin

John Biggs
John Biggs
3 years ago

May I view the car today?

Kulraj Salh
Admin
  John Biggs
3 years ago

Sure thing John, should be a chance to view today. Give us a call on 01926 426 635. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

Graham smith
Graham smith
3 years ago

Hi Pravin, I trust you are well. I’ve been looking for a British Classic for some time now and she looks like she may tick my boxes.

In your opinion is there any work required to bring her up to speed as a safe, roadworthy drive?

If you were to invest any money in her to improve her overall condition what would you consider doing?

Have a great evening and stay safe,

Graham

Pravin
Pravin
  Graham smith
3 years ago

Hi Graham, you can actually check her previous MOT history online if you like, her last MOT didn’t even have any advisories, and if you go further back you will find very minor issues that all classic cars have from time to time. Her registration is JNA 788N. She is over 40 years old so does not require an MOT.

She is more than road worthy and safe as I have kids and take them for drives once in a while, I would not do that in a car that didn’t inspire confidence. I would get the rims repainted, or put on chrome wire rims if you like, maybe treat her to a thorough valeting? more than £20,000 has gone into this car so it doesn’t really need anything much done to it, purely up to the individual. As is she turns heads, drives lovely, sounds amazing and pulls like a train.

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