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1973 MG MGB Roadster

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£10,700

  • Mileage~11,157 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.8-litre
  • LocationBexley

SOLD

1973 MG MGB Roadster

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Introduction

Dom Ginn
Professional Consigner

A true classic British sports car, the MG offers timeless styling, open-top motoring and plenty of character.

Perhaps one of the most iconic British sports cars ever produced, the MGB has become a true motoring legend – simple, engaging and built for the sheer enjoyment of driving. With excellent parts availability and a strong enthusiast following, it remains an incredibly rewarding classic, particularly when enjoyed on a winding B-road with the roof down.

This particular example is a real joy behind the wheel, offering the kind of connected driving experience that modern cars can struggle to replicate. There is something wonderfully engaging about being so involved in the experience, while the MGB’s characterful styling never fails to attract smiles and waves wherever it goes.

First registered in 1973, this example is beautifully presented in Riviera Ice Blue and has undergone a comprehensive bare-metal restoration between 2018 and 2023. The interior and remaining works were completed in 2023, with the car subsequently dry stored and covering fewer than ~1,500 miles since.

It benefits from a bespoke mohair hood, rebuilt HS4 SU carburettors and fully working overdrive, while an extensive history file includes photographs and invoices documenting the restoration. A full service was also completed in September 2025.

A fine example of the enduring charm of British open-top motoring, this MGB offers classic styling, straightforward mechanicals and an engaging driving experience in a beautifully restored package.

This listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Paul 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

For me, the MGB is all about simple, enjoyable motoring and it always puts a smile on my face.

We met with the current owner, Paul, who shared his experience of owning the MG, he said, “I’ve always loved the character of the MGB. It’s such an enjoyable car to drive, and there’s something really special about getting behind the wheel, putting the hood down and just enjoying the road".

Paul explains that the MGB has been enjoyed primarily for leisure and weekend driving rather than as a daily car, he went on to say, “It’s the sort of car you take out because you want to enjoy the journey, not because you simply need to get somewhere. It’s always been a pleasure to drive".

During Paul’s ownership, the MGB has been carefully maintained and restored to a high standard, with attention given to keeping the car in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition, he says, "The simplicity of the MGB makes it a particularly rewarding classic to own, with its straightforward mechanicals and unmistakable British character".

With a great amount of time and effort invested in the MG, it's a tough decision for Paul, who tells us, “The reason for sale is that my wife and I have decided that a 4-seater classic would meet our needs better. Still, I'll miss it as there’s just a lovely sense of occasion every time you take it out".

Paul will be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

Paul
Vehicle Owner

Paul saved £1,800* when they
sold their MG with us.

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Exterior

Classic British styling at its finest, the MG’s elegant lines and open-top design give it an unmistakable presence on the road.

Wheels and Tyres

Chromed wire 14" wheels are fitted and present beautifully, adding a real highlight to the MGB’s exterior. They all display very well, with no significant issues noted during our visit.

The wheels are fitted with a matching set of new Falken tyres. Front and rear tyres show with date codes from 2022 and a tread spec of 165/80.

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.

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Bodywork

The MG bodywork is in beautiful condition and it's obvious that it's been well cared for over its lifetime, especially considering its extensive restoration works.

Looking around the car, there are no major issues that we noted on our visit.

Shut lines are visually equal and matching, as is the bonnet, and both doors. The bonnet, boot and roof sections all opened and closed well.

When we looked over the car, we didn't see any major visual signs of marks to the body panels, just some minor signs of age to the drivers side rear quarter on the underside. Overall, it presented very nicely, a car you would be very proud to own and drive.

We've highlighted our observations in more detail through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take the time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

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Paint

Finished in beautiful Riviera Ice Blue with a coordinating blue roof, this MGB looks every bit the classic 1970s sports car. The paintwork presents in fine order, with a lovely metallic lustre that complements the car’s timeless styling.

Previously finished in maroon, the Roadster was resprayed in 1990 and, considering its ~53-plus years on the road, presents remarkably well. There was a very minor sign of paint cracking inside the boot underneath the carpet section.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourself. Please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car to form your own opinion about the condition of the paint.

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Glass and Trim

The windscreen and remaining glass present very well, with no chips or cracks noted during our visit. The mirrors, lights, lenses and window seals are also in excellent condition and complement the overall presentation of the car.

The Roadster is fitted with a bespoke mohair hood from Aldridge’s in Wolverhampton, complete with a brand-new foldaway frame and fasteners. It presents beautifully, with no issues noted with the headlining, just a minor mark to the inside on the drivers side. The car is also supplied with a bespoke tonneau cover.

Inside, the matching dashtop and door cards are in fine condition, complemented by bespoke walnut door handles which add a particularly classy finishing touch.

The chrome surrounds to the exterior shows well, just a couple of pin dings on the side trim.

We've taken you around the car in greater detail in our exterior review video, please take the time to look over the video and see how the glass and trim look from different perspectives.

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Interior

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a smart, simple and well presented interior that perfectly captures the character of classic motoring.

Seats and Carpets

The contrasting blue leather seats with cream piping present beautifully, retaining their shape very well. We noted very few concerns here, just some slight wear to the bolster sections.

The cabin is complemented by a bespoke tailored carpet set with underfelt and soundproofing, along with matching blue Securon inertia seat belts and a replacement seat belt housing.

The carpets and interior trim are similarly well presented, creating a clean and well-cared-for cabin. We also looked beneath the carpets and noted no issues.

We've captured high-resolution photos and a full interior video tour through the car. This covers off the angles inside the car for you to review and appreciate the condition of what's on offer here in our interior review section.

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Dashboard

The dashboard presents very well, with the walnut trim complementing the interior nicely and remaining in keeping with the car’s character.

The centre section is smartly presented and appropriate for its age. The odometer showed ~11,157 miles during our visit.

All gauges, controls and switches were functioning as expected both on start-up and during our drive out. The instruments are clean and legible, with clear dial faces free from fogging, and no warning lights were noted while driving.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A classic and clean, wood rimmed, Motalita 3-spoke steering wheel is designed with simplicity in mind and to keep you focused on the road ahead.

The gear selector looks good, aligning with the quality of the interior and only minor marks.

Overall, a nicely presented cabin space to take on any journey.

We've captured high-resolution photos for you to review and check over the condition of the interior in our gallery section.

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Mechanics

At its heart is a lively 1,798cc engine, delivering the characterful performance that makes these British sports cars so enjoyable.

Engine and Gearbox

Powered by its 1.8-litre B-Series four-cylinder engine, this MGB starts, idles and runs smoothly, delivering a strong and engaging driving experience.

The clean engine bay presents in excellent order, while the HS4 SU carburettors have been fully rebuilt by Yorkshire Classic Parts. Power is delivered through a four-speed manual gearbox with fully working overdrive, which has also benefited from a synchro overdrive gearbox gasket upgrade.

Paul reports no issues after all the restoration works completed. On the road the transmission performed well, moving cleanly through the gears and reinforcing the car’s enjoyable character.

Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold, driving around some local roads, and for a closer look underneath the MG and the engine bay.

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Suspension and Brakes

We noted no knocks, bangs or other issues from the suspension when we were driving, and it gave us no concerns in its performance or handling. The underside also presented in very good order, with no obvious areas of corrosion noted.

The brakes performed well on the road, with no noticeable pulling or vibration and bringing the car to a stop without issue. The car is fitted with slotted and drilled front discs with upgraded pads, while the rear brake shoes have been replaced and the drums and handbrake lever adjusted. There was some slight paint fade on the face of the painted callipers.

Overall, the MGB performed as expected throughout our drive out.

Please take a look over the mechanical videos and photographs to see close-up images from under the car.

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The Drive

The MGB Roadster remains an approachable classic, equally at home on a leisurely countryside drive or tucked away in a collection of significant British sports cars.

It's a car that encourages you to slow down, lower the hood and enjoy the journey, offering the kind of direct and uncomplicated motoring that has become increasingly rare.

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Electrics and Other

The MG is simplistic in its nature, coming from an era where enjoyment of the road was more of a focus. What sets this car apart from the rest however, is the vast amount of restorative and upgrade works completed.

As part of the restoration, completed around ~two years ago, the MG was supplied with an extensive range of new parts and upgrades, including a chrome boot rack, stainless-steel wiper arms and blades, door mirrors, bonnet catches, a vintage-style rear fog lamp, Airax wind deflector and bespoke chrome trim.

The car also received new wire-wheel inner tubes and cone kits, along with various new interior and electrical components, further completing the comprehensive restoration.

As well as all this, the MG is equipped with a retro radio with USB connectivity, and finished with a tailor made blue indoor car cover, matching storage bag and bespoke mohair hood with new foldaway frame and fasteners.

We weren't able to fully test all of the functions when visiting the car, although Paul told us everything else was in working order.

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History and Paperwork

Beautifully restored, the MGB combines timeless style with a comprehensive restoration, stunning 'Riviera Ice Blue' finish and fewer than ~1,500 miles covered since completion.

First registered in 1973, this MGB has enjoyed a comprehensive restoration carried out between 2018 and 2023, with the body, chassis and suspension restored back to bare metal before being finished in the stunning 'Riviera Ice Blue' livery.

The interior and remaining restoration work were completed in 2023, and the car has been kept garaged ever since, covering fewer than ~1,500 miles since completion. The restoration is supported by a detailed pictorial file, invoices and a large history file, while the car has always been dry stored and was recently serviced.

Further highlights include a fully rebuilt pair of HS4 SU carburettors by Yorkshire Classic Parts, overdrive system and a bespoke mohair hood fitted with a brand-new folding frame in 2023. This is a beautifully restored MGB with a well-documented history, fully serviced in September 2025, and clear evidence of the work carried out.

Mechanical restorative upgrades include; K&N air filters, a new radiator and hoses, electronic ignition, ignition coil, spark plugs, heater components, battery and isolator switch, stainless-steel braided fuel pipes, throttle cable and a stainless-steel locking fuel cap.

Over the last ~ 12 months, the MGB has benefited from a number of remedial works, all undertaken by LMG Kent in Bexleyheath. This included new exhaust clamps, a new horn push switch, replacement of the nearside front shock link arm spring plate and top trunnion nut, and securing of the calliper lock tab.

The mixture, choke RPM and tappets have also been adjusted, while the aftermarket oil temperature gauge was replaced with the original unit. A bespoke wind deflector has also been made and fitted, alongside a new battery and replacement CNH gauge.

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
18.06.2025 MOT 10,834
22.08.2017 MOT 7,378
05.06.1999 MOT 6,096
17.06.1998 MOT 5,661
02.06.1997 MOT 5,050
21.05.1996 MOT 3,690
03.12.1986 MOT 2,164
Key Details
  • Year1973
  • ModelMGB Roadster
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date16.01.1973
  • CC1,798
  • Mileage~11,157
  • HistoryGood
  • ColourRiviera Ice Blue
  • Interior ColourBlue / Walnut Wood
  • Interior TrimWalnut Wood / Leather
  • Chassis #GHN5306317G
  • Engine #18VF-H220326647
  • Last Service01.09.2025
  • RestoredYes
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes - all clear
  • Former Keepers12
  • Tyre BrandFalken
  • Tyre Age2022
  • # of Keys2
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~1 year, 2 month.
  • Key FeatureRestoration Completed and Large History File
  • Vehicle RegistrationRMU 705L
  • Driver’s SideRight
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body TypeRoadster / Convertible
  • Auction ID4001







Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions
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14 Comments
drtim
drtim
10 days ago

Very frustrating I’ve done everything I can from my end trying to attempt contact information and arrange of viewing, but trade Classics have gone quiet despite my own proactivity in this. With only two days to go, I doubt there will be time. I noted the question from Ian below and had a look myself at the leak issues… can you just confirm whether the car actively leaks? Visible oil underneath? How much top-up does it need? Thanks, Tim.

Adam Purrier - Trade Classics
Adam Purrier - Trade Classics
Admin
11 days ago
IanRummey
IanRummey
  PaulMGB
10 days ago

Thanks very much for the detailed response.

IanRummey
IanRummey
11 days ago

Hi, i’m hoping you can help me with a question in relation to photo 165.

Within the invoice it states there are leaks from the Engine, gearbox, overdrive and clutch slave. Have you resolved any of these (with evidence) or did the garage give you an indication as to costs for fixing the multiple leaks?

Thanks in advance.
Ian

drtim
drtim
11 days ago

Thanks I’m getting there and will hopefully see before auction end. I’m keen to understand when the bodywork restoration was done… recently as indicated by the ad? Or back in 1991 as indicated by the respray invoice? I’m sure you must know from somewhere and it is important to be clear. Also I do not note a recent MOT, I know it’s not a “requirement” but has one been done? Best Tim

drtim
drtim
12 days ago

Hello again, Paul. I would like to come view but there is no indication of how we make arrangements… can you please set me up with whatever contact and viewing arrangements are managed through trade Classics please? Also, I quite like to look at the invoices associated with the rebuild and respray – can you point me please to the numbers of those invoices which are I believe from 2023?

drtim
drtim
13 days ago

Hello there, Paul the car looks lovely, I had the impression you must’ve had it for the significant time, but it seems less than a year…? Could you describe where you got it, what Maintenance it has had in your ownership and whilst I did read your reason for sale… Why so soon?! I would love to arrange to view sometime, and it would be good to chat over the phone if that is possible

Kendo
Kendo
19 days ago

Hi, could you tell me know how long you have owned the MG.
Thanks.

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Bexley

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