It’s great to have classic MGs back in contemporary conversation thanks to companies like Frontline. If you’re anything like us, an MG A probably hadn’t been given much thought for a long time; then along comes the Factory Edition and it’s hard to think about very much else. Because it’s brilliant. Similarly with the Bs; there’s little to make MGs great again like beautifully redone bodies and screaming Duratecs.
But a Frontline MG doesn’t come cheap - lavishing hours of expertise on a rebuild of anything never is. What’s still rather more affordable is a plain old MGB; despite production having ended more than 40 years ago, and a good number having succumbed to rot over the years, a decent amount remain. They really did sell that many. And unlike seemingly every other classic car, the B remains cheap - there are four-cylinder cars from five grand. That just doesn’t happen elsewhere. And if a B has made it to 50 years old, it mustn’t be too bad.
Oh sure, anyone accustomed to cars from the past 30 years will be in for a bit of a shock (assuming they fit), but the appeal as a starter classic is plain to see: pretty, simple to fix, manual, and with a huge, knowledgeable community behind them. Plus there’s a V8 if you fancy…
This one, of course, won’t be as racy as the firebreather in a Frontline LE60. Assuming the 3.5 V8 here is standard, it once mustered something like 140hp. Which isn’t very much, but then it’s not very much car either. Those after something more potent shouldn’t have to look very far; every mechanic and his dog must know about the Rover V8. There’s plenty of space in that engine bay - if a 4.8 version can be made to fit, then there are options aplenty.
Chassis 1761 is believed to be one of the last chrome bumpered Bs, registered in June 1975. Probably the most interesting bit of its past is the fact that the third owner owned the MG for almost 30 years, keeping the keys from 1984 until 2013. In that time the car was restored as well, with new sills, floors, wings, doors and arches all fitted. Accordingly, the B still looks great to this day. As it’s aged, presumably this has been kept from the worst weather and therefore its vulnerable areas better protected. Rust is always something to be aware of, but there’s plenty to be encouraged by here. Along with a smart colourway, the wheels and tyres look good, as does the engine bay. There’s plenty of history to accompany it.
It’d likely be a lovely accompaniment to a sunny Sunday as is, V8 burbling and windows down. Or there’s scope to sharpen the experience further, with better suspension and brakes to really bring a B to life. After all, there might be some budget remaining when the car itself is little more than £20k…
SPECIFICATION | MGB GT V8
Engine: 3,528cc, V8
Transmission: 4-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 139@5,250rpm
Torque (lb ft): 193@2,900rpm
MPG: Maybe
CO2: Nope
First registered: 1975
Recorded mileage: 31,582
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £21,995
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