Project Description
MGB Roadster
An honest 1977 MGB Roadster (ex US now German registered)
Price
SOLDYear
1977Mls/Kms
104,477 milesSold in
GermanyHistory File
Our ubiquitous MGB was dispatched, like so many, to the United States in 1977 before returning back to Europe in 1997. Ironically, so many have returned which begs the question what were we all missing at the time? The car was imported to the Netherlands where it was enthusiastically played with for some 16 years. An organised A4 Folder contains many invoices but sadly not so much from the cars overall restoration and change of colour. It’s then imported to Germany in 2013 where the new owner clearly sets about creating a nicely maintained car; the History File is literally packed with parts and maintenance invoices from marque specialists, in particular from two prominent classic car garages local to the first German owner’s home town in Bielefeld, northern Germany. All in all, this is a well maintained example with the second German owner, in particular, spending thousands on the car, all neatly documented confirming his dedication to his investment. Do not underestimate these good rubber bumper examples as they are – chrome or not – still an MGB!!
Exterior
The car was dispatched from the factory in the obscure colour of Chartreuse which, for those not in the know, is a mix of green and yellow! It’s not clear when, but at some stage, the car is painted in the usual Retail Red – Vermillion which is well suited to the infamous rubber bumpers. The overall paint finish is perfectly acceptable without being perhaps the best ever point job. Visually, the car sits a little lower than most rubber bumper models with a slightly lower suspension setting, which also suits the car. It’s capped with a fairly new, well fitted mohair soft top roof and a recent addition is a new half tonneau cover. Interestingly, the car appears to still have its original steering wheel. There is no radio fitted and the clock is functioning. The roof frame is in excellent restored condition.
Interior
It’s a fairly honest, original interior now indicating 104,477 miles (4477 showing) which we believe to be correct considering the matching numbers confirmation received from Heritage Trust. The top of the dash does shows a repair which was clearly sun damage from its stay in the US, but it’s nothing dramatic. The car still retains its US style dashboard with vertical central air vents. Both PVC perforated seats are in excellent condition, as are the carpets which look quite new and are accompanied with red decaled MG over mats.
Engine & Transmission
If well maintained, the vast majority of B engines will simply go on forever, as long as they receive servicing and care. British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, has confirmed that our engine number: 18V883AE – L8685 is the block that left the factory and therefore matches the cars chassis number: GHN5UH427324. Probably the most significant improvement to the car is the addition of twin carburetors combined with stainless steel exhaust, both fitted by specialist C J Automobil-Service in Bielefeld Germany. During the same period in 2017, a new alternator and starter motor were also fitted. Recently, the second owner has completed a full carburetor service with the car now running as it should. A new fuel pump was fitted in May 2022. This is non overdrive model.
Wheels, Tyres & Brakes
Quality Marangoni 175/70 R14 Tyres with plenty of tread are covering the painted wires with chrome knock-ons. Importantly, the second German owner has recently completed a comprehensive brake overhaul in May 2022.
Underneath
