Description

1972 MGB Roadster

Few owners, the first for 47 years; only 9,000 miles on rebuilt Ivor Searle engine; Minilite wheels; ready to enjoy

This MGB Roadster was bought new in May 1972 from main dealers Jack Richards of Nelson, Caerphilly, by a local gent who was to keep it right up until his death in 2019. He used the car to commute the 4 miles to work and back for many years, keeping it well maintained by a local garage (as confirmed by correspondence on file) although sadly most of the early history has gone astray.
By 1998 the car was looking a bit sorry for itself so it was treated to a bodywork restoration with new front wings, new sections in the lower rear wings, new castle rails and new inner and outer sills, the parts being supplied by The Welsh MG Centre in Wrexham (invoice on file). It was then resprayed in Rover Brooklands Green, the original colour being Harvest Gold. New stub axle assemblies were fitted at the same time along with reconditioned brake calipers, new front springs plus a few other bits and bobs.
In 2006 it was fitted with a rebuilt Ivor Searle 18V 5-bearing engine able to use unleaded fuel, since when it has covered around 9,000 miles, as shown in an MOT history print-out. Recently fitted with electronic ignition and a sports coil, it was rolling road tuned in April this year with a dyno sheet showing 97bhp and 108lb/ft – up from the 79bhp and 94lb/ft that MG claimed as standard.
It has also recently been treated to a new set of 5 Minilite alloys, the spare wearing a new Bridgestone Potenza tyre. The hood also looks to have been renewed fairly recently and there is a battery cut-off switch behind the driver’s seat. It also benefits from factory-fitted overdrive. Now MOT-exempt, the last MOT expired in September 2020 with no advisories recorded, since when it has only covered some 1,600 miles.
As you can see in the photos, the car looks to be straight and solid throughout, the only thing that lets the side down being the somewhat indifferent paint finish here and there. Starting promptly and running well as we have moved it around on site with good 60psi oil pressure, it is ready to enjoy over the long hot summer that undoubtedly stretches ahead of us!
For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com