1972 MG B

This MG has lived two lives and comes with a very detailed and interesting history after its reincarnation. It was originally a GT made in November 1972 but in 1996 it became a donor car being professionally rebuilt into a roadster heritage shell by Goldsithney Garage in Marazion near Penzance at a cost of £14,000 at the time.

There is no known history of the 7 owners prior to the car’s rebuild and its only had 5 since it was turned into a roadster 28 years ago. The current keeper has owned the car since 2020 and has recently commissioned a fair amount of work on the suspension.

Needless to say, this MG has clearly been loved and cherished for much of its life and remains in great overall condition as can be seen in the photo gallery.

The exterior of the MG looks to be in great condition even considering it’s been nearly 30 years since it’s rebuild. There are some very minor issues worth noting such as the chrome around the car which has some pitting, on the bumpers for example and is looking a little worn, around the windscreen.

The owner reports that there are no know issues with rust or with the paint, nor do they report are there any issues to do with the chassis or body work. There is a small crease in the boot-lid on the near side, where a passenger of a previous owner closed it on a suitcase. The boot has been adjusted so it closes well but it is not entirely flush with the bodywork. At the other end of the car the bonnet fit could be a little better too and the tonneau doesn’t quite fit.

The wheels and tyres look to be in good condition too and the hood for the car was new as of 2010 but in the owner’s own admission hasn’t been used since they have had the car as it’s a sunny day car.

The cabin of the MG is perfectly functional and complete, there might be the odd section here and there that could be improved upon but it’s certainly in a useable condition. The seats do have some scuffs and the piping is showing some wear as is some of the rear carpet. We’d assume that this interior was perhaps new upon its rebuild so it’s had near 30 years of use and enjoyment, and with that in mind, it’s not in bad condition for its service.

Dials and gauges work reportedly but the fuel guage markings are faint, the stereo is also untested as the owner prefers the soundtrack supplied by the B-Series engine up front. The cables to the speakers in the doors however look to be severed.

The engine of the MG is reportedly standard and from the looks of things in the bay, whilst it might not be the prettiest engine bay, it is all functional and reportedly working well. There appears to be no signs of fluid leaks, split hoses or pipes or exposed wires.

Under the body, the underseal and cavity wax has clearly done its job well, there is the odd spot of what looks to be surface rust, but the main structure of the car seems to have avoided much of the ravage of time and the UK’s salted roads. The owner also reports there to be no known issues of rust as mentioned.

The engine reportedly pulls strongly and drives well, the suspension has had recent work so should be refreshed and ready to go.

The car is also fitted with overdrive, which is said to be working well and is a very welcome feature on a B, making high-speed cruising much more pleasant.

The service history is complete going back to 1998. During the ownership of the last 2 vendors (since 2005) servicing has been entrusted to Tim Kelly MG in St Agnes, Cornwall, a renowned local MG specialist.

The MOT history is complete from 1997 to present day (the latest formal MOT was conducted in 2020). These support the current odometer reading of 46,000 since the rebuild (an average of less than 2,000 miles per year since and less than 1,000 per year in recent years).

Car has been Waxoyled in 1999 and 2005 (see also notes of more recent wax work below). It was also resprayed British Racing Green in 2013 – with the engine bay and boot floor remaining the Brooklands Green it was painted during the rebuild).

Work undertaken by the current vendor relates mainly to the running gear as follows (with all parts supplied by MGOC):

• Uprated front disks and pads
• Uprated front anti-roll bar
• New bearings all-round
• Complete poly-bush set all-round
• New rear parabolic springs and telescopic dampers (which has greatly improved the ride)
• New front coil springs and uprated dampers
• Wire wheel (painted) conversion (less than 1,000 miles on the tyres, new in March 2023)
• Reconditioned carb set and new K&N air filters
• New hoses and fuel lines and filter in the engine bay
• Oil change, new oil filter and spark plugs in 2022

In addition to this Tim Kelly undertook a major service in 2020 to double-check the work outlined above. This work also included a re-application of cavity and underbody wax as well as the fitment of a battery cut-out switch and second-hand roll-over bar. In May 2023 Tim conducted a further service including a check of all wheel bearings and a retune.

The MG comes with a current V5C, photos of the rebuild, the car’s Handbook, a clean HPI check and two sets of keys, as well as a huge stack of history and paperwork evidencing all that has been done to the car since its rebuild in the 90s.

This MG has led an interesting life, shedding its old skin and becoming something different much like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. Its current owner has clearly cherished and loved the car for what it is and have enjoyed their time with the car.

The huge stack of paperwork and detailed history all serve as evidence that this MG has been well taken care of which should be a big ‘green flag’ for potential bidders.

We estimate this car to fetch between £8,000 - £12,000 in auction.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, 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’.