1963 MG B Roadster

Despite its appearance, this is not a racing car. Nor has it ever been. It is, instead, something much more interesting being one of the very earliest MGBs to roll off the production line in January 1963; the body number is 4946 (ie within the first 5000 built) and contemporary MGB Club records showed that it was the ninth earliest known to them at the time.

So, apart from the de-bumpered front and rear, white roof, and race-number roundels on the doors - a look for which the three contemporary Sebring cars provided the inspiration - what you’re actually viewing is an honest, supremely solid early MGB Roadster that’s had £2,500 spent recently on fettling it thanks to an appreciative owner who’d always intended to keep it for a long time before life and other plans got in the way…

The car has had a good respray at some point in its life in the original Tartan Red. It’s still looking very good indeed although there are a few small blemishes, including some polishing swirls and the odd touched-in stonechip. However, this is all consistent with its use over the years and should not be taken to mean that it needs anything other than, perhaps, a good machine polish.

More importantly, the doors close crisply and evenly, which further points to a solid car with no structural issues. Speaking of which, the underside is clean and solid and the online MOT history shows nothing of concern with regard to rust, rot or serious corrosion. There is a small amount of very light surface rust underneath in places but a weekend spent wire brushing it followed by the application of some black rust-proofing would improve it immeasurably and guarantee it stays looking this good for another few decades.

The chromework is all in similarly good condition, although it is mildly patinated in places. Again, none of it needs replacing but a perfectionist might want to sort it out in a few years’ time. The Le Mans-style chrome fuel filler cap is new.

The black wire wheels and chrome spinners are in very good condition and are shod with matching tyres, which were new in 2016 and so still have very good tread. Matt black door-mounted TEX mirrors have also been fitted and the combination of black wheels and mirrors is a subtle look that works well in our opinion.

The competition-style front and Sebring rear valances were bought and fitted in 2016, as was the white, works-style hardtop. It also comes with a nearly-new folding roof, giving you both options should you want to mix’n’match depending on the season and the car’s intended use.

The period black leather seats – with contrasting piping and matching door cards - are in good condition, with the driver’s seat having had a recent diaphragm and foam fitted, both of which were sourced from the MG Owners’ Club.

The rest of the interior is in very good, albeit very lightly patinated, condition. The black, crackle-finish dashboard is in very good condition, as are the dials, badging and major controls. Some of the white lettering on the switches is a little worn but the overall effect is very smart indeed.

The original steering wheel has had some restoration work carried out on it but it’s still in good used condition rather than concours.

In brief, recent work includes: a new dynamo, control box and fuel pump in 2016, followed by a new battery in 2017.

The ‘Gallery’ section features a detailed, itemized receipt for almost £2,500 showing the work that was carried out in 2018. This work included a full service, some internal and external detailing, body panel adjustment, trim repair, and the rectification of some wiring issues.

The engine was serviced and tuned as part of last year’s recommissioning. The overdrive also operates as it should, as does the main gearbox. In fact, the car starts, runs and drives very well indeed. When asked what further work needs doing, the vendor told us that the new owner will be able to just “use it and enjoy it!”

There is a good level of recent history including old invoices and bills plus some expired MOT certificates and old tax discs. (Funny how the latter look so of-the-period now, isn’t it?)

Please visit the ‘Gallery’ section of this listing where you will find a number of invoices and other paperwork.

We see a lot of MGBs here in Abingdon from concours-winning trailer queens through to barn-find restoration projects and full-bore, highly modified race cars; this example is harder to pigeonhole but we’ve been very impressed with its honesty, solidity and the value-for-money it offers.

The owner intended to develop the car’s engine, transmission and suspension to turn it into a Sebring-inspired trackday/racing car. (For those of you interested, possibly in constructing a race replica, the date of registration is contemporary with 6,7 and 8 DBL, the Works Sebring cars, and the owner has a similar number plate available by separate negotiation) As you can see, he’s made a great start and the new owner could either continue with that theme or leave it as a super-cool café racer for the road. It could even be returned to standard specification reasonably easily.

Now, the price. At a time when the very best early MGB Roadsters are going for £25,000 (and rising) we expect this one to sell for between £14-17,000. Not cheap, it’s true but this is a well-sorted vehicle with impeccable mechanical components and a very solid structure.

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.