Description

1964 MGB Roadster

Early pull-handle model uprated for fast road or track day use; roll-cage hoop; factory hard top and soft top; few owners, the current since 1991; ready to enjoy

First registered in London in July 1964, this early pull-handle MGB Roadster has had just four owners from new, according to the V5C, and has been with the current keeper since 1991. The Heritage Certificate shows that it left the factory on 10^th July 1964 and was finished in Tartan Red with black trim, extras including wire wheels, overdrive, heater, anti-roll bar, tonneau cover and pack-away hood.

A few years ago the owner decided to pep the car up with the occasional track day and road rally in mind. The engine was completely stripped and rebuilt with new pistons, a balanced five-bearing crank, lightened flywheel and a heavy duty clutch. A Kent cams ‘fast road’ camshaft was fitted and vernier timing gears. The cylinder head was gas-flowed and got larger valves with Kent valve springs and hardened valve seats.

Other upgrades include a Barwell inlet manifold and Weber 45 DCOE carbs, three-branch exhaust manifold, rocker spacers, competition 40819 distributor, high torque starter motor and a big bore exhaust. A roll-cage hoop is fitted behind the front seats and it has a cast aluminium Paddy Hopkirk throttle pedal and a MotaLita steering wheel.

The suspension has negative camber front bottom wishbones, ¾” anti-roll bar and Spax rear dampers. The front brakes have V8 pads and the handbrake is a ‘fly off’ type. It was also converted to a single 12v battery (which was renewed just before the auction) and it rides on 5.5” Minator knock-on wheels shod with a set of Dunlop SP Sport 185/70/14 tyres.

Currently fitted with a works hard top, it also has what looks like a new hood and frame in the boot, a spare wire wheel and a quantity of useful spares. We are told that the car has only covered around 15,000 miles since the engine was rebuilt although the odometer seems to have packed up several years ago, judging by the MOT history online. Although there are no invoices to document the work carried out, there are notes from the owner and photos of the engine rebuild.

Apart from some microblistering to the paintwork here and there, the car appears to be in good shape both above and below. Altogether an entertainingly uprated MGB which has been starting promptly and running nicely as we have moved it around on site, with good 60psi oil pressure and a pleasantly rorty exhaust note.

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email [email protected]