Lot 390: 1965 MG B Roadster

This chrome-bumpered MGB, first registered on 28 July 1965, was discovered in an Earls Court basement where it had lain dormant for four years, the last tax disc having expired in the summer of 2004. Seemingly largely original and with evidence of only minor refurbishment at some time, the Iris Blue roadster with blue piped leather interior on painted wires started and ran when catalogued, the 52,772 miles displayed possibly being the total mileage. Present are an oil cooler behind the grille, a canvas pack-away hood, original steering wheel and Motorola radio.
The vendor advises us that a recent inspection prior to possible submission for an MOT test revealed a perhaps surprisingly simple list for the workshop which included outer sills replacement (the inner ones reportedly being remarkably sound for the year), resolving minor steering rack wear, replacing rear wheel brake cylinders, and renewing exhaust and mountings, wiper blades and one indicator lens. A major service would also be advisable, of course, before a return to the road were undertaken.
The car could either be cosmetically revived relatively easily and enjoyed as it or regarded as a mainly sound restoration project with paperwork that is most definitely worthy of a full makeover. Being of 1965-manufacture, an early B like this would be eligible for both FIA and MSA pre-1965 category competition and, once prepared for racing or rallying, could comply with international regulations.