1964 MG B Roadster

This is a pretty early example of MG’s stalwart B, and one that has managed to retain its three main-bearing engine (rather than being replaced with the later five). Notably, the car was owner restored in the late Eighties. All rust was cut out of the bodywork and panels replaced where necessary. Looking at the pictures in the photographic record, the wings looked to be completely new, while the doors came from a donor car. The engine was rebuild and the interior renovated. Subsequent owners have looked after the car – mileage averages out at less than 1000 miles per year – and, post-restoration, the car would certainly look to be a dry days only motor.

That’s certainly true for its present owner David, who keeps the car warmly garaged when not in use. Local forays have been its staple in the nine years he’s owned it. He says it hasn’t really been out of the county.

Even so, the MG is very much ready to go. It starts easily and the motor idles smoothly with no audible complaints, nor any signs of smoke. (This reviewer also drove and photographed the car).

On the road it feels taut and stable, its steering direct and its braking confident. A solid example.

The MG presents very well, in a shade of white that suits the age of the car and is consistent across all panels. Coming close, you can see that this is an older restoration, but blemishes are quite minor. There are a handful of small chips along lower edges and some touched-up scuffs, such as on the edge of the passenger door, but the overall impression is very good.

MGB panel fit was never the best, but this example fits together well. The bottom of one door is perhaps a little proud, but the bonnet and boot lid fit much better than a lot of far newer Bs.

The brightwork remains a great feature on the roadster, the bumpers being especially nice. The mirrors too retain a deep lustre and the headlight surrounds are likewise good. The rear light surrounds show the lightest pitting, but they don’t let down the car’s overall appearance. It’s nice to see the quarter light chrome looking good, with catches looking like they will actually open and close the window, rather than being sealed shut with grime.

The rubber seals and mounts supporting the brightwork look a healthy shade of black and show no cracks or overspray from repainting. Similarly, the chrome coachlines are not ‘glued’ to the bodywork with paint. There is a good separation to all materials, showing a proper dismantling of the car before respraying. This is a smart, tidy car.

The black seats with their smart white piping have obviously been recovered. The cushions and bolsters maintain their original shape, showing only the gentlest patina and no scuffs to the edges. The tonneau appears to be original, showing a more weathered look. Even so, its stitching is tight and it shows no significant tears.

The carpets are very acceptable and, like the mats, retain a good pile and colour. The edges of the latter aren’t frayed and don’t curl. The carpeting in the boot is similarly good. The B also sports an MG-logo’d spare wheel cover that is in very good condition.

Going back to the cabin and looking at the metal around this area, the areas around the door cavities are in good condition. The hinges show a little surface corrosion here and there, but, like their supporting structures, they appear appears very robust.

The doors themselves open and close freely with handles that work smoothly (notice that the outer ones are the early ‘pull’ type. The inside door furniture looks to be original and shows a gentle patina, though the door cards look to be newer.

The dashboard and instruments also appear to be original. It’s interesting to notice that the MG still has some Jaeger instruments alongside the Smiths dials.

Should you want to put the top up, you’ll find this early B is properly equipped with the slightly ‘do-it-yourself’ hoop frame of the MG A. It’s a little chipped, but there is no rust and it operates fairly smoothly. The hood itself is in good condition, with no rips or tears, and windows that are pretty decent. Also it remains a nice, contrasting shade of black.

This MG boasts quite a tidy engine bay. The red-painted block and head show no stains from leaks, and the spark plugs fit into recesses totally free of accumulated oil or grime. The carburettors and their attendant assemblies appear similarly well-serviced and clean with levers and components that are free-moving. Their attendant HT leads, along with the other cabling and hoses, are supple-looking and clean. Reassuringly – and tellingly, their ends and junctions are tidy, showing no splits or cracks, and are secured by clean ties and jubilee clips. Bolts and nuts look as if they will loosen/tighten without any drama.

Similarly, the bolts retaining the wing panels are clean, and there is no corrosion in this potential moisture/rust trap area. The paint around the engine bay generally looks good and the bulkhead very sound.

Radiator and oil cooler in the nose look to be tidy – and yes – their hoses do too. It’s also heartening to see the (good) condition of the screws and brackets holding the radiator grill. Again, this potential dirt and rust trap is quite clean.

The underside of car is looking pretty sound, with a good, if slightly older coat of undersealing. Understandably, this area shows a few chips and the odd spot of surface rust, but in general everything appears very healthy and robust. The front suspension arms and steering components look especially healthy. We think it’s safe to say that the MG has not been out in bad weather in quite some time.

The wire wheels all round are shod with Dunlop tyres with plenty of tread. They are generally very sound, though could perhaps do with a deeper clean and detailing (maybe a job over the Winter)..

The MG comes with a thick file of papers. There is a sheaf of MOT certificates dating back into the Eighties and evidence of regular servicing in the Nineties and Noughties. There are similar invoices from the present keeper’s watch, suggesting a thorough and diligent approach to maintaining the roadster. There is also a photographic record of the car’s restoration. Although no dates are given, there is a thick wad of invoices from the late Eighties, itemizing many of the parts that would have been needed. It’s all pretty reassuring.

Collectors and enthusiasts often favour early examples and while this car is no concours queen, there are many who will appreciate its ’64 build date. They will also appreciate its condition; solid, with a ‘buy it to drive it’ air. It’s reassuring to know how it’s been maintained – mainly in these latter years – and good to know what went into its restoration.

All aspects considered, we think this MG B will command a value of between £12,000 and £16,000 for which you will get a very ready to drive British driving icon. It will remain a characterful sporting tourer for its next owner. And there is enough time to enjoy it in the Autumn before putting it away for the Winter.

Viewing is always encouraged and as stated this car is located with the vendor in Chesterfield.  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’.