Lot 204: 1962 MGB Roadster

Designed in-house at MG, with final styling by Farina, the new MG MGB was launched at the 1962 Earls Court Motor Show. Its appeal was instant, offering a huge increase in interior space while having overall dimensions less than those of the MGA. Capacity was enlarged from 1,622cc to 1,798cc and via twin SU carburettors it developed a respectable 94bhp at 5,400rpm and 107lb/ft at 3,500rpm which, allied to a four speed gearbox, allowed the handsome new MG to achieve 0-60mph in 11.4 seconds and a top speed of 105mph. Universally acclaimed, the MGB was to become a symbol of the Swinging Sixties. And as with all MGs, it was soon very active in competition. After an inauspicious two car entry at Sebring in 1963, an Abingdon works car won its class and finished 12th overall at Le Mans in the same year, courtesy of Paddy Hopkirk and Alan Hutcheson. The MGB on offer here is a very fetching right-hand drive example finished in red with a black interior accentuated by red piping. Recently restored, the car comes complete with detailed pictorial documentation of the restoration process and all EU taxes paid. A superb and desirable early example of one of Britain's greatest open-top sports cars.