Description

MGB Roadster – One Owner/Utterly Original

The original MGB Roadster is one of the most recognisable British sports cars ever manufactured. It brought affordable fun to the open road when launched in 1962 and over the next 18 years over 500,000 cars were sold.

Our 1974 MGB is a local car purchased from Hill Barn Garage, Lancing by Mr Peter Etheridge on 26th September 1974. The MG was for Mrs Etheridge to use and she stipulated that her car had to have chrome bumpers although, by September, the rubber bumper cars had been introduced and stocks of chrome B’s were virtually non-existent. After many phone calls Hill Barn Garage confirmed that they had just one chrome bumper roadster left in stock (it was the last car in Sussex/Surrey) and the deal was done.

The MG was fitted with the optional sports pack that included overdrive, oil cooler and headrests. Mr Etheridge also had the car undersealed by the garage as he intended to keep the car for an extended period and wanted to protect his investment.

Over the next 44 years the ‘B’ was simply part of the Etheridge family used for shopping, the school run, golf etc. Mrs Etheridge passed away around fifteen years ago but Mr Etheridge, for sentimental reasons, simply could not let the MG go. Recently the car has been used sparingly, covering just 200 miles in the last four years and the family have now decided that their beloved ‘B’ needs to find a caring new custodian who will use and enjoy their pride and joy.

Today the car is simply one of the most original examples that you could wish to find. The body work presents extremely well with sills/wings replaced in 1987 by Thornley Engineering Co. and mechanically the car has most recently been cared for by Robin Lackford Engineering.

The interior is like stepping back in time with original autumn leaf seats, rubber sill mats still in place and factory steering wheel. On the road the MG drives like a two year old car with lovely smooth engine/gearbox and no unwanted rattles – a testament to the regular maintenance and careful use the car has always received

The history folder contains original bill of sale, BL Passport to Service, old MOTs, invoices & guarantee’s (inc Rust Guard) and even the original Hill Barn sales brochure from 1974 when the Etheridge’s collected the car

Classics with provenance and in this condition rarely come to market. We recommend early viewing in order to fully appreciate this remarkable MGB.