Basic information and history

The MGB was introduced in 1962 and quickly became one of the post-war era's most beloved British roadsters. Unlike its predecessor the MGA, which was built on a separate frame, the MGB received a monocoque body, giving both lower weight and improved torsional rigidity. Under the bonnet sat the B-series 1,798 cc four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, a simple and durable four-stroke with overhead valves well suited to tuning. 1965 in particular is an interesting model year, as the engine had by then received the five-bearing crankshaft that provided increased durability at high revs, while the car still carried the early body's clean lines without the later years' bumper and ride-height adaptations.

This example was sold new in Sweden and has had four owners in total. The current owner bought the car in May 1970 and has thus owned it for a very long time. The car was driven frequently during the first years, was then taken off the road, and over time ended up in storage, where its condition gradually deteriorated.

In 2004, a thorough restoration was begun in collaboration with BSCC, starting from a bare-metal blasted body. The work was completed in 2007 and, according to the seller, comprised new or rebuilt components throughout. The odometer reading is stated as 22,550 km and can be guaranteed according to the seller. The car has passed a registration inspection with the modifications carried out and is today exempt from periodic inspection, with the most recent inspection dated 2015-11-20.

Equipment and options

• 1,798 cc four-cylinder B-series engine
• HRG cylinder head
• Twin Weber 45 DCOE carburettors
• Racing pistons
• Kent camshaft, 286 degrees
• Spax shock absorbers
• Five-speed manual gearbox from a Ford Sierra
• Original gearbox included

The car is thus not in original condition, but has been built with a clear focus on performance. The combination of HRG cylinder head, twin side-draft carburettors, racing pistons and a sharp Kent camshaft gives, according to the seller, very good power, and the five-speed Sierra gearbox lowers the engine speed at highway pace compared with the original four-speed gearbox. The fact that the original gearbox is included means the car can, if desired, be returned closer to factory specification. The chassis has been upgraded with Spax shock absorbers. The modifications have been approved at registration inspection.

Condition

Exterior: The paint is described as being in excellent condition, as is the body, which should be seen in light of the completed bare-metal restoration. The glass is also said to hold the same standard.

Interior: The upholstery is assessed to be in excellent condition. The same applies to the instrument panel and headliner. All seatbelts function and the instrument panel is free of warning lights. The trip counter works.

Tyres and wheels: Tyres and wheels are described as being in excellent condition.

Mechanics and function: The engine is stated to be in excellent condition and starts and runs faultlessly. The gearbox is described in the same way and, according to the seller, shifts without issue, and the clutch works as it should. The brakes are also assessed to be in excellent condition. The car is drivable as it stands.

Service history

The vehicle is stated to be fully serviced. From the restoration, which took place between 2004 and 2007, there are receipts and complete documentation that accompany the car and confirm both the scope of the work and the parts that were replaced or rebuilt. The service history can also, according to the seller, be verified with receipts and documentation. The car has passed a registration inspection with the modifications and is today exempt from periodic inspection, with the most recent inspection registered on 2015-11-20.

Summary

A 1965 MGB sold new in Sweden with the same owner since May 1970 and a documented full restoration from bare metal, carried out in collaboration with BSCC and completed in 2007. The car has been built with a clear performance focus through an HRG cylinder head, twin Weber 45 DCOE carburettors, racing pistons, a Kent 286-degree camshaft, Spax shock absorbers and a five-speed Sierra gearbox, with the original gearbox included for anyone wishing to return closer to the original specification.

All assessed points, from paint and body to engine, gearbox, brakes, and tyres and wheels, are stated to be in excellent condition. With a guaranteed odometer reading of 22,550 km, complete documentation and an approved registration inspection of the modifications, this is an option for the enthusiast seeking a thoroughly gone-through and drivable MGB with a clear history.