I am the third owner for the last 12 years. The second owner, a Fire Fighter Chief from Thousand Oaks, California had it 17 years and the original owner had it for 25 years. It is a true California car sold new at Hollywood Sports Cars in Ventura, CA. late in 1964, thus titled as a 1965 model and remained with its original owner for 25 years. I purchased this car in 2006 and had it shipped from California to Florida. I "flashed" the generator to change to 12VDC negative ground so as to install a more modern radio. It can easily be flashed back to a positive ground if so desired. It has been garage kept and maintained with occasional short trips.
A folder containing 40 receipts totaling $7250 from the previous owner is with the car. Under the hood, everything is ready to show. The engine #18GA-U-H 2409 is the original factory installed, high compression engine with only 43,000 currently showing on the odometer. This power plant runs very strong. It does not drink oil, smoke or emit any unusual noises. Of course, as with all MGs there are slight oil leaks. Quite extraordinary for a Brit of its vintage. The first owner opted to install Moss Motors popular conversion to a canyon intake manifold topped by a single Weber carburetor, thus enhancing the cars driveability and throttle response while making routine tuning much easier and improving gas mileage.
The engine oil cooler is standard fare on MGB's. Note that the vulnerable front radiator support looks perfect. This fine example does not seem to have seen any kind of accident ever. This MGB's body is impressively straight and shows wonderful shut lines ("gaps") of bonnets and doors. The only trace of body filler was in the typical places, at the bottom of the passenger door and near the lower rear fender. Originally a dark red car, it was repainted tartan red. It comes with a new black convertible top. The famous early MGB metal dash is in all its black-wrinkle glory, uncut and 100% pure stock. It has the stubby shift rod with its dainty black shifter knob and chrome bezel, topping a fully synchronized 4 speed transmission. A leather wrapped banjo type steering wheel features a fancy silver and red horn button in perfect condition. Restored gauges look immaculate. The Lucas powered light switches and gauges work great. A special treat are the genuine leather seats beautifully preserved, they feature pumpkin red CONNOLLY hides piped in black.
The car has amazing leg room. The most desirable option on any classic British Roadster are genuine center lock wire wheels with knock-offs! The trunk presents itself dry and clean as a whistle with old style tire jack and lug wrench still inside the original bags. There's no rust to be found, of course, and even the matching spare is toothbrush clean. The undercarriage was inspected by Southern California Classics and they state that there is no significant rust apparent and did not find any indication of previous rust repair. Driving an early MGB at its limits is a very exhilarating experience.
It's hard to describe to the uninitiated, the pure joy you feel when putting this well maintained vintage sports car through its paces. The direct connection between man and machine that the MG delivers is just not palapable anymore with today's drive-by-wire gizmo-cars. It might also be the reason why MGBs, decades after production stopped, still rule SCCA road racing in the stock classes, giving Mazda Miatas and their likes a run for their money.
This "B"starts easily and idles smoothly right away. Acceleration takes place without hiccups, from about 1,500 RPMs all the way to redline. Steering is precise and shifting wonderfully direct and crisp. Front disc and oversized rear drum brakes slow the light Roadster down with authority. The car sounds great and responds eagerly to the driver's input. As stated by "California Classix", "this is the best-driving MGB we've had the pleasure to own"!
Additionally, the car has a beautiful body and a very a good, original undercarriage. It comes with manuals and extensive service records. Add to this the fact that it features its original black and yellow California plates (will provide those two plates if you are a California buyer), a most desirable color combination, wire wheels and leather seats and you have a true winner. Being a prime example of England's best Sixties sports car, this superbly pedigreed "metal dash/pull door handle" MGB deserves to find a new owner who will appreciate the condition of this 54 year old MGB Roadster.
Terms of this Sale
If you decide to purchase this vehicle, you declare that you have read and accept the terms of the sale outlined below:
