Lot 014: 1974 MG B ROADSTER

Introduced in 1962, the MGB Roadster enjoyed an eighteen-year production run. With nicely balanced handling and a good turn of speed, it merited the old MG marketing slogan 'Safety Fast'. Based around a monocoque chassis featuring independent coil-sprung front suspension and a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle, its 1798cc 'B' series four-cylinder engine was allied to four-speed manual transmission. Capable of over 100mph (especially if specified with overdrive), the provision of disc / drum brakes and rack and pinion steering greatly aided control. Today, it enjoys a very strong following and with its GT sister has spawned a dedicated support industry making it among the most practical and cost effective of all classic cars. Finished in green with black upholstery, this late chrome-bumper example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual plus overdrive gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork and paintwork. Reportedly the subject of an extensive two-year restoration prior to entering the current ownership in 1995, 'PUS 738M' boasts "a stainless steel fuel tank, stainless steel straight through exhaust, leather interior, heavy spoke chrome wire wheels and Spax suspension all round". Said to have been treated to "larger carburetors and a big bore conversion which has increased its capacity to 1950cc", the engine is apparently capable of running on either leaded or unleaded petrol. Seemingly last on the road in 2004, the Roadster is accompanied by a photograph album containing sixty-five images of the restoration and various receipts "confirming that all main components used were genuine MG parts purchased from MG International".