1967 MGB Roadster, Black Plate, Rust Free California car, runs and drives great

This auction is for a black plate California. rust free. early MGB roadster. An original black car (quite unusual) that is mostly original paint (except for a few areas that have been touched up) it still retains its original aluminium hood!  It runs and drives very well. is believed to be a matching numbers car (VIN GHN3L94794 eng UH-47267) and is very straight and tidy. It is just a lovely example of an unmolested old classic. cars like this are increasingly hard to find.  It has always been garaged and well looked after and does not look like ever having been in a serious collision or driven in any harsh conditions. Underneath the floors are in pristine condition. no jack marks or the slightest indication of rust. In fact there is not a speck of rust I can find anywhere on this car. It has a clear California title. All areas inside the fenders. front and back. where you expect to find the odd ripple or incorrect hardware are amazingly straight and correct. The front valence is a bit tweaked probably from a parking lot concrete “sleeping policeman”.

     The panels are straight. the gaps are good. Even the doors do not have the usual cracks by the quarterlight although they may have been repaired at some time. The doors close very easily always a good sign.  There are a number of chips and small dents around the car. the hood has some small dents in it and the orig paint is buffed through in one spot- see pictures.  The windows wind up and down easily although the outer rubber seal on the driver side door is missing.  The original Triplex glass is in good condition all round. very few windshield chips but there is a wiper mark on the driver side that would probably buff out and the driver side window has the usual vertical scratches again could probably be polished out.

      The interior is decent. the dash being very nice. The small crash pad along the top of the dash has a few splits on the passenger side. The original seats look like they were reupholstered a while back and the carpet is quite faded. Door panels are not ripped or very buckled. A nice feature is the cigarette lighter that has been fitted behind the gear shift. The period radio does not seem to work but I could not find an antenna so that wont help! Stow away convertible top and frame are in good shape. with the windows in the top being somewhat cloudy but still functional. Also in the trunk is a toneau and the toneau supports in their original bag along with a spare tyre.

      The engine starts easily from cold (although the starter is a bit noisy and may need replacing soon) and pulls smoothly and powerfully. with no unwanted noise or any sign of smoke. It has that lovely MGB exhaust tone that lets you know you are driving a classic. It has good oil pressure and the gauges all seem accurate. Underneath the car is surprisingly dry. very unusual! It does not overheat or run on when turned off. The 4 speed gearbox is not noisy and all synchros work well (even second!) and is a joy to use the short throw and light action making shifting a pleasure. The clutch feels good. no sign of slipping or difficulty engaging gears. The steering is smooth and precise with no play. The brakes feel good. and it pulls up nice and straight without any noise or fuss. The parking brake works. holds the car on the flat but I would not trust it on a steep hill. The suspension feels fine on the road and the rear axle is quiet. There is some dirt visible in the fuel filters so the fuel system may need flushing. Overall the car drives very well.

     Electrically almost everything seems to be working. including running lights. High/low beams ( no lisc plate lights)  panel – even the dimmer-  wipers. heater fan. brake and indicators (do not self cancel) windshield washers probably need fluid.

      The Speedo works including the trip reset and the other gauges are good.

The wiring does not seem to have been modified or repaired and is extremely original and correct. The original handbook. although a bit worn. is included as well as some repair invoices from the late70's.

     To recap this car is a very sharp looking. genuinely unmolested car that drives like a charm. Due to its lack of rust. straight body and originality will appreciate well if it is looked after and driven as is or it could be the basis for a stunning restoration. you choose.

     As always I would recommend driving this car if at all possible. please call 310 833 1525 for an appointment. Bid with confidence. the car will not disappoint.   I have sold many classic British cars on e-bay with all buyers leaving excellent feedback.  

 3/7/14 The starter has been replaced and the car now starts well.

Also published at eBay.com

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