A change in car priorities has caused me to put my own MGB up for sale. A car I purchased around ten years ago and was advertised as a ‘rotisserie restoration’ which I found accurate (other than the slight rod knock when first started). And over the years, proceeded to build my concept of a ‘dream’ MGB.

Started with what I felt was the most collectable B, a pull handle, steel dash 1965 B. No rust underneath, beautiful red with black piping leather seats, lovely bright red paint (no longer flawless but sufficiently clean for most any show other than, maybe, Pebble Beach), all new chrome, new tan cloth top, new tan tonneau, very nicely detailed steel dash.

Engine: at a cost of over $10,000, bored a late model V block to near 2 liters, balanced, ported and polished aluminum cross flow cylinder head, roller rockers, ‘rally’ camshaft, new 40 DCOE Webers, tubular headers, electronic ignition, twin fuel pumps, new high output alternator, alloy rocker cover, Ford T9 five speed transmission (with advantages that include MUCH stronger, close ratios, a true 5th gear, all synchromesh, and can be easily removed without removing the engine as in any stock MGB), aluminum radiator, electric cooling fan, oil cooler, guessing around 140hp, car pulls wonderfully and have seen 125 mph on a calibrated speedo. And coupled to a later (and much stronger) tube type back axle. Starts easily, smooth idle, pulls strongly from surprisingly low rpms, my goal was NOT a race engine but a rather exotic MGB engine with fabulous performance.

A pedal assembly from a 1980 MGB, dual master cylinder, power assist, slotted/cross drilled rotors, high performance pads, even a racing bias control to adjust brake pressure front and rear.

All new front suspension with proper upper and negative camber lower control arms, tube shocks front and rear, 14” chrome wire wheels with 175/70 radials. And a front sway bar.

LOTS of little details….calibrated matching Smiths 140 mph (I thought the higher speed speedo was a nice touch) speedo, rebuilt tachometer (converted to negative ground), LED lights in all gauges, new high output heater core with a larger blower motor, AND a new high output supplemental heater assembly under the right side of the dashboard, new wood steering wheel, alternator, stereo/CD, extra 12v outlet with USB output, Lucas driving lights wired to high low switch via relay, interior door pockets, center arm rest, battery switch behind passenger’s seat, quick connect jumper terminals at the same place (makes jump starting a snap), on board battery maintainer, hydraulic hood and trunk lid struts, fire extinguisher in front of passenger’s AND an automatic fire system in engine bay, new 3 point belts, working electric washer pump, working interior light, electric clock on dashboard, removable luggage rack, tried to add most every conceivable improvement I could imagine. Even the engine’s oil drain plug is drilled and safety wired.

On the road, maintains around 80 psi oil pressure (as good as a B engine typically runs) when warm (engine only has around 5,000 miles since a complete overhaul), zero smoke, with its five speed gearbox, can easily cruise at 80, 90, even 100 mph or more. With the battery maintainer plugged in all Winter, starts effortless every Spring, at times when driven in the Winter, the TWO heaters keep the occupants cozy even at 15 degrees, And at 100 degrees, it runs cool in traffic. Handling isn’t exactly comparable to any Lotus Elan I have owned but directional stability is FAR better, and the steering is light, precise, the power brakes are sensational, and gets around a corner quite well.

I tend to install a quart of oil once a season, it has not had the slightest mechanical or electrical malady for the near ten years I have owned it. And with the (aluminum) bonnet open, it impresses most anyone who crowds around it at local car shows.

If I have forgotten any details, I am certain they are minor. The idea for this special project began when I was rewarded with a chunk of money when I sold my 1966 Lotus Elan S2 s/e BRM. I thought ‘well, an MGB can never equal an Elan in light weight or nimble handling BUT the trade off might just well be far more reliability, a similar feel in straight line acceleration, the wonderful 5 speed transmission, and far easier service and far less expensive parts.’ So, we plunged into the project……….a reason, Frontline in England has been building replica MGBs with modern drive trains…..but their prices are often around $125,000. And my car, a fraction of that price.

I never had the slightest worry in taking the car for a 300 mile trip. And it has never let me down. So there it is, now in our company showroom and available for immediate sale. And yes, might consider a part or full trade.