1972 MG MGB Roadster |

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1972 MG MGB Roadster

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

Sold Price

£10,000

Mileage~108,181
TransmissionManual O/D
Engine1.8L
LocationSwindon

SOLD

1972 MG MGB Roadster

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

The MGB might be simple and sensible but it's always fun, a proper British classic.

The phrase ‘familiarity builds contempt’ is often bandied around some cars but there is a reason why the MGB deserves a little more respect. As a hardy perennial, the MGB has always been known for its supple ride, road-holding and sporting nature. Over the years, it has become something of a safe choice but when parts and advice for these cars are so plentiful it’s hardly surprising that the ‘B’ maintains its status as the UK’s most popular classic sports car.

The MKII is often said to be the best of the breed, retaining its original 95bhp twin SU fed engine with progressively improving equipment. Many were looked after from day one and as the owners grew with the cars, they were cherished like a member of the family.

This 1972 example has the considerable advantage of being completely rebuilt in 1990, using a Heritage bodyshell. It has also seen the benefit of subtle but appealing upgrades, including a delightfully clean interior as well as a handful of useful mechanical upgrades including an all new suspension to ensure better running and reliability. As a great example of a summer car with bags of accessible yet affordable thrills, this car can be summarised as an MG with a solid 1990s body shell with the charm and character of a 1960s tourer.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Darren Rungasamy after meeting Bob 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've really enjoyed driving my MGB but only used it sparingly - it's only done around ~5,000 in the last 11 years!

Living in the rural countryside with access to good A-roads is as good a reason as any to own an MGB roadster. Bought off Oselli engineering in 2010, Bob has enjoyed the open-top experience selected for his weekends and summer evenings. Alas, due to a house move combined with the retirement of his trusty mechanic, he has decided to sell the car.

Bob

Vehicle Owner

Bob saved £1,800* when they
sold their MG with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Hosted within a Heritage body shell, the presentation of the car is very appealing.

Wheels and Tyres

The wire wheels appear to be free from kerb damage but show some signs of ageing, with some surface corrosion being evident mostly on the front nearside rim.

The tyres are in good condition, with all four items not older than 5 years old.

Please review to detailed images and videos to further assess the condition.

Bodywork

The Heritage supplied body shell was the focus of the 1990 restoration - we haven't noticed any significant flaws. The panel gaps are good, with all doors opening and closing with ease.

There are no significant signs of surface corrosion and the structure appears solid with the engine bay, boot well, floor pan, chassis rails and inner wings looking good. The panelwork is free from dents.

Please refer to images and videos in the external media pack for further details.

Paint

The car was subject to a full respray prior to its 1990 rebirth, and in line with the low recorded mileage since then the paint has retained nice lustre.

The finish is of a high standard, with no significant blemishes, other than some minor marks noted on the rear nearside wing (which appear not to have damaged the paintwork) and a light paint edge blemish closer to the door on the same panel. There are a handful of minor road use marks elsewhere.

High-resolution images show the paint in detail - please have a look.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good all-around condition - the windscreen has a minor wiper scratch in front of the passenger side. The sales pitch from Oselli when Bob bought the car mentioned a brand new hood as well as all new trim.

The main trim appears good, although some parts such as the headlamps' bezels are showing their 50 years of use. The windscreen frame and sections of the front bumper show light pitting.

Side trim, grille, badges and handles along with the door and glass rubbers present in good order.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The tasteful biscuit-coloured interior complements the lush British racing green body.

Seats and Carpets

The biscuit coloured seats were subject to a refurb in 2003 and to this day present very well, without any notable issues.

Both seats tip forward revealing a dry and solid rear section of the cabin. The carpets are also recent items and therefore in good condition, with no signs of damp.

The boot is the same, all fully carpeted, not hiding any horrors and suggest sympathetic use.

Dashboard

The dashboard had been covered with a non-original mock vinyl finish, which has been mostly removed - only the centre console retains it now. The top of the facia presents in good condition, we haven't spotted any cracks. The black plastic dashboard is in good order, with some minor signs of wear.

The dials, switch and controls are well presented, with the instruments all said to be functional. The car has been fitted with CD/Stereo system with door-mounted speakers. The door cards are in good condition, with minimal wear.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The appealing Moto-Lita steering wheel and wooden gear-knob help maintain the cosy sportiness of the interior and are both in good condition, with a little wear observed on the steering wheel.

All interior item can be seen in more detail in out interior media pack .

VIEW ALL

'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Subject to regular maintenance, the durable B-Series engine still shines.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine has been subject to regular servicing, with hundreds of pounds worth of receipts on hand since the rebuild. The owner has not needed to resolve any significant issues other than a starter motor renewal over his 11 years of ownership, it's worth noting too that this is a lead free engine.

The car starts well with and idles with no misfiring. There is no excessive engine smoke and the car reaches and remains at temperature with no issues, Bob assures us. The gearbox with overdrive was rebuilt by Osseli prior to his ownership and is said to perform with no issues. The slave and master cylinders were replaced four years ago.

We have recorded a cold start video - please watch this to see and hear for yourself.

Suspension and Brakes

The car has seen a fair amount of attention over the recent years to its steering and braking components, with shoes, pads and cylinders replaced. Prior to 2010, it also saw regular steering, suspension and brake maintenance.

The Drive

The MGB is a simple but highly evocative machine for many, and its durability and hardiness is why the car is so sought after. With regular attention to car's drive train, it is said to run well with no significant issues.

Bob reports no knocking from the steering or suspension, with the brakes performing as well as you would expect for a car of this vintage.

Electrics and Other

The car has received a number of electrical modifications, and the basic electrics are said to be sound.

The canvas roof and tonneau cover appear in very good condition, with no evidence of wear, rips or damage.

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History and Paperwork

The car has seen regular servicing for 30 years - a little piece of British history, beautifully restored and ready for the new custodian to enjoy.

Originally registered in Middlesex in 1972, the car started its life in teal blue. It appears to have been owned for several of its earlier years by the same owner, with most of its ownership changes occurring over the last 30 years.

The car was subject to a major restoration in 1990, which is where the paperwork starts. The overhaul, which includes a new Heritage body shell, as well as a gearbox overhaul which was carried out by Oselli engineering, who Bob had bought the car off in 2010 with the car has covered a mere ~5,000 since then. In addition to the bodywork, the interior was refit too, and a complete mechanical overhaul that included the engine running lead free, gearbox rebuild and new suspension to name but a few of the major items.

The paperwork also includes recent sundry jobs dealing with any issues that needed attention, such as an electric ignition and coil, a new electric fuel pump and an oil cooler, as well as regular servicing since the rebuild. It comes with an MOT to June 2022.

We have done our usual checks on the seller, V5 and HPi clear.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
02-06-2021	MOT	108,088
29-05-2020	MOT	107,869
08-05-2019	Service	107,600
08-05-2019	MOT	107,600
02-05-2018	MOT	107,282
09-05-2017	Service	107,022
09-05-2017	MOT	107,022
11-05-2016	MOT	106,768
02-05-2015	MOT	106,470
10-05-2014	MOT	105,712
19-07-2013	MOT	105,550
19-07-2012	MOT	105,094
15-06-2011	MOT	104,754
23-06-2010	MOT	103,813
22-07-2009	MOT	103,233
20-09-2008	MOT	103,128
23-08-2007	MOT	100,953
23-08-2007	Service	100,953
24-08-2006	MOT	100,315
10-05-2006	Service	99,771
05-08-2005	MOT	97,970
05-08-2005	Service	97,970