Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
9th October, 2024 13:00
1971 MG B Roadster
Mild competition car
Estimate £14, 000 - £16, 000
Registration No: WAM 731K
Chassis No: GHN5252748G
MOT: May 2025
‘Works replica’ for use in classic tours and track events
Subject to an extensive 3- year restoration by A J Restorations
Gas flowed Oselli head, Piper 717 cam, balanced crank, rods, flywheel and Weber 45
Moss Independent front suspension setup and 15” Minilite style wheels
Introduced in 1962, the MG B Roadster enjoyed an eighteen-year production run. With nicely balanced handling and a good turn of speed, it merited the old MG marketing slogan 'Safety Fast'. Based around a monocoque chassis featuring independent coil-sprung front suspension and a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle, its 1798cc 'B' series four-cylinder engine was allied to a four-speed manual transmission. Capable of over 100mph, the provision of front disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering greatly aided control. The MkII (’GHN5’ chassis numbers from 1969 onwards) MG B, had a 5 main bearing engine with alternator, negative earth and, at last, received a new gearbox with synchromesh on all four forward speeds.
Finished in Tartan Red with White Works style hard top which is fitted with a rare Minivan roof vent 'WAM 731K' was bought by the vendor in 2001 and from 2003 to 2006 was subject to an extensive 3-year restoration by A J Restorations of Shaftesbury. All external panels (doors, bonnet, boot and front wings) were replaced and front and rear Sebring valances were fitted. The remit was to restore and replicate the 1965 Works MGB Race cars used at Le Mans.
The impressive specification includes; Gas flowed Oselli head, Piper 717 cam, balanced crank, rods, flywheel and a Weber 45 carburretor which produced 130 BHP on Sigma’s rolling Road in Gillingham. In 2001 the whole front suspension was replaced with a Moss Independent front suspension setup and all the suspension and brake components were renewed including the discs, uprights, and hubs which cost c.£3, 000.
We are told the full roll cage took a week to adapt and fit properly and 4 new 15” Minilite wheels, tyres, racing seats and harnesses were all installed. In total c.£25, 000 has been spent. A regular attendee to Goodwood, Le Mans Classic, Silverstone Classic on the MG Owners club stand we are informed it has not been raced, although it has done a couple of track days at Castle Coombe. The MG further benefits from a trip to AJ Restorations every May for a full Service and MOT.