Description
I have owned this 1980 MGB GT for almost two years, and it has been an enjoyable introduction to classic car ownership. I have always tried to care for it with the respect it deserves. I am only selling because my work now requires regular travel between the UK and Asia, meaning I can no longer drive it as often as I would like. Rather than leave it in storage, I would prefer to see it enjoyed by its next custodian.
The car has mainly been used for weekend drives and has always been kept in an indoor garage. Throughout my ownership, it has been maintained by Beech Hill Garage, an independent MG specialist. It is hand washed, regularly waxed and always run with lead replacement additive. It also remains largely to its original specification.
Mechanically, the car is in very good health. It starts reliably from cold using the choke as intended, even in winter, and easily in warmer weather. The engine oil and filter were replaced around a month ago using high-zinc 20W/50 mineral oil. Oil pressure is healthy, the temperature remains stable, the gearbox selects gears smoothly, the brakes pull up straight and the suspension feels reassuringly tight.
Like many healthy B-Series engines, there is slight oil misting, which my specialist considers normal. They also believe the car received Ziebart anti-corrosion treatment when new, helping preserve the body well.
Soon after buying the car, I had it comprehensively inspected by Beech Hill Garage and invested in addressing age-related suspension, steering, braking, ignition and electrical components. Compression readings were an excellent 175 / 170 / 165 / 175 psi, indicating a healthy and well-balanced engine.
The car comes with an extensive history file dating back to 1989, including MOT certificates, maintenance invoices and service records collected over more than three decades. The original MGB Driver's Handbook is included, together with an official MG Owners' Club cap from an event I attended with the car.
This is an honest classic rather than a concours example. It has been exceptionally well cared for, but naturally has a few age-related imperfections. The paintwork has some light marks, the original radio is inoperative and the rear interior courtesy light does not work.
During my ownership, the car has never left me stranded and has proved to be a dependable classic. More than anything, it introduced me to classic motoring. I hope its next custodian enjoys it as much as I have and continues its story.