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1970 MG MGB Roadster

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  • Mileage~26,851 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.8-litre
  • LocationBath

AUCTION CLOSED

1970 MG MGB Roadster

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Introduction

Jacob Boodrie
Professional Consigner

A pleasure to look at and even better to drive, this is the quintessential British roadster, ready to be enjoyed throughout the summer months.

First produced by MG in 1962 and remaining in production until 1980, the MGB retained a simple and effective soft-top sports car formula throughout its lifespan. Powered by the B-Series engine, producing ~95 BHP at 5,400 rpm, it marked a notable step forward from its predecessor. Its attractive styling, honest character, and straightforward mechanics contributed to its success, quickly becoming Britain’s best-selling sports car.

This attractive red roadster comes to market following ~2.5 years of ownership, during which Phil has enjoyed countryside drives, particularly in the warmer months. The car underwent a restoration and rebuild in 2020 and has been carefully stored and maintained since.

This listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting Phil 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

Owning and driving an MGB Roadster has long been a personal ambition, and it has proven to be every bit as enjoyable as expected.

Phil has always had a passion for 1960s and 1970s classics. His first car was a 1967 VW Beetle, complete with metal bumpers and sloping headlights, and he fondly remembers its distinctive sound and smell. At the time, a friend owned an MGB, which left a lasting impression and sparked Phil’s desire to one day own one himself.

He has thoroughly enjoyed using the car regularly, appreciating how it handles like a large go-kart, along with the characteristic smell of leather and petrol. Now retired and planning to travel over the coming years, Phil knows the MGB is unlikely to see as much use. Currently garaged, he has decided the time is right to pass on custodianship of this lovely car to someone who will enjoy it just as much as he has. Phil will be happy to answer any questions in the comments section.

Phil
Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

Styled by Pininfarina, the bodywork is complemented by desirable chrome detailing and wire wheels, giving the car its unmistakable classic appeal.

Wheels and Tyres

The 14” wire wheels with MG centres present in good condition, in line with the overall restoration of the car.

The tyres are Blockley items on the front, dated 2020, and RoadX on the rear, dated 2023, all of which show a good amount of remaining tread. No obvious signs of cracking or general age-related wear was observed on the outside sidewalls.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

The bodywork appears to be in good overall condition, with panel gaps aligning well visually around the car. The passenger door requires a firm push to close. There are a few scratches that have been touched in, along with some minor wear noted on the front bumper, the edges of the doors, and the boot.

We’ve provided detailed observations through our high-resolution images and videos.

Please take the time to review all media files to assess the condition for yourself.

Paint

Finished in red, the paintwork presents well, with even colour and coverage across all panels. We did notice some light swirl marks, which would benefit from a professional detail.

Once again, we've captured high-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good condition for the car’s age, although some minor scratches were noted on the side windows. The window seals appear in good order and consistent with the overall condition of the car. The door handles and window surrounds also present well.

We noticed a small dent in the front chrome bumper during our visit.

Interior

The interior presents in classic MG style, with a well-matched colour scheme and the classic MGB dashboard layout creating a refined and characterful space.

Seats and Carpets

The black leather seats have retained their shape well over the years.

The door cards and carpets present consistently, matching the overall condition of the interior. We did note that the internal passenger door handle is loose and would benefit from a new fastener.

For a detailed view of the cabin, please take a look at the extensive media.

Dashboard

The dashboard shows no major damage or scuffs, and no warning lights were displayed during our visit.

The odometer read ~26,851 miles at the time of visit.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The Mota Lita MG steering wheel and the manual gearstick present in good condition.

For a closer look, check out the image gallery to see the detail.

Mechanics

For those seeking an authentic classic motoring experience, this fully restored MGB delivers charm, engagement, and timeless appeal.

Engine and Gearbox

Phil reports the engine was completely rebuilt during the restoration in 2020. Last year Phil had a new clutch, release bearing and flywheel fitted which cost ~£2,150.

On the day of our visit, we started the car from cold and it performed well on the road, pulling strongly, idling smoothly, and running as expected.

Phil reports that the car starts from cold without issue and drives well, with the manual gearbox transferring the power smoothly to rear wheels.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension providing a smooth ride around the streets of Bath.

We did notice a slight noise under acceleration, which Phil has highlighted in the video. You'll hear in the on the road video, please take a look at the video to see and hear the car being driven around the local area.

The Drive

Phil has greatly enjoyed owning the car over the past ~2.5 years, using it as often as possible. He notes that every journey feels like an adventure, thanks to its engaging handling and characterful sound.

The car handled the roads, with the suspension providing comfort, again, please watch the On the Road video to see the car in action.

Electrics and Other

We didn’t test all the electrics during our visit, but Phil reports that everything is functional and operational, aligning with the overall condition of the car, he did tell us the speedometer is around 10mph optimistic, reading 40 when doing 30 and so on.

History and Paperwork

Fully restored and offered after almost ~2.5 years of ownership, this bright red MGB Roadster represents a great opportunity to enjoy a well-sorted classic.

This 1970 example remains largely original, featuring its 1.8-litre engine, black leather interior, and 14” wire wheels. Having been recently restored, the car presents in good condition on the road and is sure to turn heads wherever the new owner goes.

The car underwent a bare-metal restoration in 2020 and has since benefitted from an extensive list of works. These include a new wiring loom, ignition leads, radiator and pipework, oil cooler, front and rear springs, rebuilt dampers, fuel tank and fuel lines, copper brake lines, brake discs and callipers, master cylinder, clutch, fuel pump, and electronic ignition.

Further updates include new carpets, seatbelts, steering rack, gaiters, track rod ends, headlamps with partial LED bulbs, a stainless steel exhaust, seat squabs, choke cable, boot and bonnet insulation panels, hardtop rear window and seals, door cards and internal chrome door pulls, leather gear lever gaiter, clutch master and slave cylinders, indicator switch and lamps, steering column cowl, overdrive solenoid and dash switch, door mirrors, accelerator cable, axle check straps, handbrake cable, washer jets, side trim, window, bonnet and door seals, tank fittings, hoses and filler cap, as well as a battery cut-off switch.

This comprehensive restoration also included a full bare-metal body strip and respray, along with a complete engine strip-down and rebuild.

Take a look at this history and paperwork media to see the parts this MGB has received over its restoration.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
07.06.2023 MOT 16,161
13.08.2020 MOT 14,738
22.07.2020 Bare Metal Rebuild
Key Details
  • Year1970
  • ModelMG MGB
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date01.08.1970
  • CC1798CC
  • Mileage~26,851 on clock
  • HistoryGood
  • ColourRed
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #GHN5209756G
  • Engine #18GGRWEH14654
  • RestoredYes
  • Engine RebuildYes
  • MOTNo. Exempt
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers10
  • Tyre BrandRoadX / Blockley
  • Tyre Age2020/2023
  • # of Keys2
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~2 years, 4 months
  • Key FeatureRestoration
  • Vehicle RegistrationATG 932J
  • Driver’s SideRight
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body TypeConvertible
  • Auction ID3629






Auction Closed

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Vehicle Location

Bath

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