1981 MG B Roadster LE

This 1981 MGB LE has covered fewer than 28,000 miles from new - and with only four previous owners, it is in stunningly original condition, with what is believed to be the original paintwork. Even the LE decals and orange striped cloth seats are present and correct, which enthusiasts will know is very rare.

It has also been in the care of the same owner for the past 17 years. Yes, that’s right; it’s had just one owner since 2001 - and it’s been used only sparingly and stored properly ever since. Now being offered for sale, it stands as a testament to just how durable an MGB can be when it has been looked after properly and protected from the elements.

The owner has been using it primarily to treat his grandchildren to al fresco rides in the sun; they in turn christened the car ‘T Rex’ thanks to the number plate, which is being sold with the vehicle. However, it’s now being driven less and less these days, and the owner now feels that the time is right to pass it on to another where he hopes it will continue to generate precious memories.

Having pretty much not seen rain in the past 17 years, the MGB LE’s paintwork is still in fabulous condition. Add in the fact that the car has only covered 27,000-odd miles from new - and has only been lightly used in the past 17 and been kept garaged when it’s not being driven - it is no wonder that it wears its years so lightly.

Its current condition, along with letters from previous owners confirming that they didn’t have any repairs carried out to the bodywork while it was with them, lead us to strongly believe that the paintwork is the original. If you're not so sure, use the Contact Seller button to arrange a visit and see for yourself.

It has, of course, picked up the odd scuff, scratch and stonechip over the years, plus one small innocuous rust patch on the seam in front of the driver's side windscreen pillar, but we think the owner has done the right thing in not having the car resprayed; we’d rather see a good, original car with a light patina than an over-restored example that has lost its character in a quest for an unrealistic perfection.

If it were ours, we’d dedicate a weekend to polishing and waxing it; after that we’d leave it well alone and simply concentrate on enjoying one of the most original LEs in the United Kingdom.

Having lived its life under cover, the folding black vinyl roof is still in very good condition and remains as water-tight as the day it left the factory, even though it does have the odd worn patch. The original tonneau cover looks unused and the black rubber bumpers are still dark in colour and free of cracks.

The underside is as solid and original as the bodywork. It still sports what is probably the original underseal and seems totally free of rust, rot and damage. You will also notice this car was given a professional coat of rust prevention from new - this can be seen most obviously under the doors and in the engine bay - it's not overly pretty now, but it has been very effective.

The painted wire wheels are in good condition and are shod with matching tyres, another sign of a careful and conscientious owner.

The orange striped seats were seen as being a bit bright even in-period; as a result, many owners chose to fit black leather replacements, which means that the original seats are now very rare - and those that do remain are often ripped and worn because they aren’t made of the most robust material.

These, on the other hand, are the rare originals and free of that kind of damage, which is further evidence of the care the vehicle has received over the years. Yes, they’re a little baggy but that’s nothing a decent trim shop shouldn’t be able to sort out at little cost - probably just a new foam insert if it bothers you.

Lifting the carpets shows clean, rust-free floor panels with no signs of rust. The rest of the interior is in similarly good, original condition; the radio, for example, is still the original - and it works! At a time when so many owners seek to ‘improve’ their MGBs with uprated, updated parts, we think it’s a real treat to be able to enjoy a car that is still in the same condition as it was when left the dealer’s showroom.

The car has needed little doing to it over the past few years as it has been used so infrequently. You’ll find receipts for a new battery in 2018, and new front brake pads in 2016 but otherwise the car has really not needed anything, which is hardly surprising as the owner has only driven it for around 4,000 miles in the time he has owned it!

We’ve taken it for a test drive and can confirm that it starts, runs and drives very well, an assessment that the car’s online MOT history would seem to support. The engine does seem to be running a bit rich and it also has a slight oil leak on the rocker cover that will need addressing (please see photos).

We also think that the car would benefit from a thorough service followed by a good run along a fast road or motorway. These kind of ‘Italian tune-ups’ can do the world of good on cars that haven’t been properly stretched for a while.

The online MOT history check shows nothing of concern other than the fact that the front trunnions will need replacing soon if frequently used. The MOT itself runs out in August 2019.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find some old invoices plus a number of expired MOT certificates and even the original sales invoice showing the purchase price of £6,426.75. The car also has the original owner’s wallet including all the dealer-supplied manuals and paperwork.

Interestingly, the car also comes with letters from previous owners confirming the car’s mileage as being genuine. These, taken in conjunction with the mileage shown on the MOT certificates, prove beyond reasonable doubt that the recorded mileage of just over 27,000 miles is accurate.

We see a lot of MGBs but few have impressed us with their originality and impeccable provenance more than this delightful LE. In the same ownership for the past 17 years, this is a rare opportunity to buy an unmolested special edition at a very sensible price.

How sensible? At a time when the very best MGB Roadsters are going for £25,000 (and rising) we expect this one to sell for between £8-11,000. Which is, in our opinion, an absolute bargain. With a few hundred pounds or so invested in a good service and the repairs to the seats, the new owner will have an MGB LE that they can be wholly proud of.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this car can be seen here at Patina HQ in Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

If needed, please remember we have a network of trusted suppliers we work with regularly and can recommend: Thames Valley Car Storage for storing your car, AnyVan for transporting it, and Footman James for classic car insurance.