1964 MG MGB Roadster |

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1964 MG MGB Roadster

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£8,215

Mileage~11,064 on clock
TransmissionManual with overdrive
Engine1.8L
LocationTring

SOLD

1964 MG MGB Roadster

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

A much-loved British classic in its purest form; the MGB Roadster.

As one of the most recognisable classic cars ever to be produced, its familiarity and ubiquitous presence somewhat overwhelm the fact that MG were masters when it came to mass-produced sports cars. During its heyday, the MG was considered a wise choice for open-top motoring. Its robust mechanics, pretty styling and exceptional parts availability helped elevate the car into the modern age as the perfect solution to nostalgic motoring. First seen in 1962, it remained in production for ~18 years without any significant changes. Later models lost much of the chrome but added a little more provision for practicality. However, it's these early pull-handle versions that offer the ultimate MGB experience, with its simple uncluttered styling, wire wheels, leather seats and steel dashboard. The MGB became a best seller, helping the British car industry before fell into itself. A memento of the UK’s proud heritage of building charismatic, affordable and compact roadsters, the MGB is the definition of a classic car.

This 1964 Roadster has been with its current owner since 2005 and has only covered ~3,000 miles since then. The car underwent a strip down and restoration in the late '90s and has been well maintained ever since. Much of the car is original, in what we believe is its original pressed steel frame and engine. Documented by the MG Club as a genuine pull-handle model, it is well-presented inside and out. It comes with restoration documentation, as well as 30 years' worth of invoices, MOTs and provenance.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Keith 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

With the hood down, it is very raucous and feels much faster than it actually is!

The car has been lightly used over Keith's ownership and has always been garaged while he's owned it. He tended to use it as a sunny day car, or treated it to the occasional longer journey. He bought it as a retirement present to himself, as he always hankered over these earlier MGBs in his youth.

Having thoroughly enjoyed the experience of owning it for almost ~19 years, a lack of recent use and plans to build on his property are the main reasons for its sale. Keith will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Keith

Vehicle Owner

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

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The appeal of a well-restored and maintained MGB, particularly in this early guise, is irresistible.

Wheels and Tyres

The wire wheels are in good shape, with tight spokes and only minor signs of age noted.

The front tyres are Nexen brand which were fitted around ~2,000 miles ago, with the rear pair of Champion brand tyres being older. They all have a healthy level of tread. Take a look through the images to see more detail.

Bodywork

Externally, the car presents well too. The doors open and close without issues, but the driver's door needs a little more encouragement. The door panel shut lines are goods, with the body panel all fitting flush. There are a couple of minor and very treatable dents on the aluminium bonnet, but otherwise, the metalwork is free of dent damage. The structure of the car is positive, with no discernible signs of damage. The floor pan, inner wheel wells, chassis rails, engine bay and boot floor appear to be solid.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The BMC "Colorado Red" paint finish is of a good standard, with a decent lustre and even coverage. There are a handful of minor marks and scuffs, mostly due to the car's garage storage. There are a few minor under-paint blemishes on the front wings, mostly confined to the off-side and a smaller series of bubbles on the near-side. There are also a handful of touch-up paint dabs noted elsewhere.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

All of the glass and lights are in good shape, with intact seals.

The trim appears to be correct for the model year, with a little age-related pitting noted on some chrome but still presents very well. The windscreen frame pillar is intact, again showing some age-related wear.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Delightfully restored to its original specification, the interior is exactly as you'd wish for in a MGB.

Seats and Carpets

The leather seats with red piping are in decent shape, with some signs of wear mostly confined to the driver's seat. They retain a good firmness.

The MG motif rubber mats and black carpets are in good condition, with no signs of dampness. The boot too is free of any form of water ingress. Watch the video to take a look around the cabin and boot.

Dashboard

The crackle-finish dashboard paint is very nicely presented, complete with a decent array of toggle switches. The dials are all legible, with mild signs of age on the bezels. The odometer was replaced 5 years ago but appears to continue on from the previous recorded mileage. All of the other dashboard functions are said to work.

The passenger door card has a small blemish and there is mild wear noted on the driver's side door seal. The roof lining is in good shape and the car is fitted with inertia seat belts.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The car is fitted with a wooden Moto Lita steering wheel, which is in good condition. The gear lever and its gaiter finish off a pleasingly unspoiled and original cabin. Take a look through the images to see more.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Its robust engine and proven mechanics goes hand in hand with a charismatic soundtrack and driving experience.

Engine and Gearbox

The car started up with no problems, firing up with no unwanted engine noises. Once the engine warmed up, it idled smoothly with no hiccups or excess exhaust smoke. The 18GA engine presentation is good, with evidence of regular maintenance and we didn’t notice any evidence of fluid leaks on the day.

There are no reported issues with the clutch or gearbox, the gears where worked up and down with no obstructions.

Suspension and Brakes

The car handles well, with the suspension dealing with the roads with no knocks or creaks.

The braking is effective and free from grinding or squeals during the test drive.

The Drive

The low-down seating, twin-carb set-up and throaty thrum from the stainless steel exhaust help to elevate the MGB driving experience, as Keith demonstrated its agile handling and precision around the country lanes.

Warmed up nicely after a spirited 15-minute blast, there was no issues in terms of the engine temperature or oil pressure. There is a manual cooling fan switch installed, but it wasn't needed on the day. Generally used for shorter journeys, Keith rarely uses the overdrive, but it was demonstrated to work well. He has been running the car with a fuel additive.

Electrics and Other

The "Coventry" folding hood is a good fit, lowering and raising without any issues. It is in very good condition with some fogging noted on the rear screen.

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History and Paperwork

This early MGB Roadster with desirable pull handles has a documented restoration, and ~30 years worth of invoices, all pointing to careful ownership profiles.

Documented by the owners' club as being registered as a May 1964 pull-handle car, the body and 18GA engine also appear to be factory, with the body still retaining its factory-pressing data stamp. It was sympathetically restored with photographic evidence in the late 1990s, including a gearbox, differential, suspension, and brake rebuild. The body was also stripped down, welded and repainted from its original blue to the current Colorado red.

Keith obtained the car from Croydon Classics in late 2005 and has continued to maintain the car, which includes structural welding in 2014. This has also been photographically documented. It comes with a folder of invoices and documentation, which go back to the 1990s, including a batch of MOTs. The car is tax and MOT-exempt, having passed its last MOT - just ~800 miles ago in 2018. It comes with two sets of keys. Collection of the car will be at a slightly later date after the auction ends as Keith will be on holiday until the 13th of May.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned an HPI check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
15-05-2018	MOT	10,256
19-04-2017	MOT	10,116
07-04-2016	MOT	9,961
02-04-2015	MOT	9,768
09-04-2014	MOT	9,593
10-04-2013	MOT	9,346
03-11-2011	MOT	9,183
08-11-2010	MOT	9,003
09-11-2009	MOT	8,720
06-11-2008	MOT	8,461
09-11-2007	MOT	8,257
01-11-2006	MOT	8,010
11-11-2005	MOT	7,352
21-06-2004	MOT	7,018
01-07-2003	MOT	6,877
26-05-2003	Service	6,542
09-05-2002	Service
05-01-2001	Service	5,619
03-01-2001	MOT	5,619
21-07-1999	MOT	4,400
04-04-1998	MOT	1,702
02-07-1997	Servo Assembly
30-06-1997	Clutch Slave
24-04-1997	MOT	15
08-02-1997	Service - New Timing Chain
1996	Restoration
21-01-1987	Gearbox Recondition
28-02-1986	MOT	75,777