MGB Roadster 1963

Welcome to the sale of my cherished 1963 MGB Roadster. This is the early pull dooor handle model. she's now 50 years old. Last week she recieved a new cluch and thrust bearing due to the faulure of the latter - it was getting a bit noisy. This car wants for nothing and has an interesting history.

October 1963

G/HN3/23840 rolled off the assembly line at Abingdon in Iris Blue. complete with optional Overdrive and Heater.

November 1963

G/HN3/23840 was collected from Abingdon by Mr Chris Deverall. an employee of Wessex Motors of New Street. Salisbury. ( a multi story car park now occupies this site) and registered 809 CWV on the 13th. with Wiltshire Count Council. on behalf of Mr Adrian Little. a Pig Farmer of Pitton. a village 7 miles north of Salisbury.

March 1966

Mr Little moved to a new bungalow in the village of Pitton.

April 1966

Mr Little ordered a brand new MGB Roadster in Mineral Blue from Wessex Motors. for which 809 CWV was to be part exchanged.

May 1966

Rod and Juan Phillimore looked at the 'B' in Wessex Motors showroom and fell for her. their Triumph Herald Estate was part exchanged and delivery was taken. Her new home was in Redlynch. 8 miles South of Salisbury. This started their long association with this car.

May 1967

A growing son meant that the 'B' was no longer big enough. and 809 CWV was part exchanged at South Hants Motor Co. . Southampton. for a 'fire engine red' Ford Zodiac Mk. 3. Two days later. Tom Allen. a colleague of Rod's from work   (who had always drooled over her) went to South Hants Motor Co. and bought her. bringing her back to Salisbury.

June 1971

Tom decided that Iris Blue was no longer the colour for him. and 809 CWV received a complete respray in Old English White.

December 1976

809 CWV was taken off the road and parked in Tom's garage. and there she lay for almost 22 years.

September 1998

Tom Allen was approached by the previous. and second owner(s) Rod and Juan Phillimore. who bought her back for the sum of £4000. 00. (I still have the receipt) she had not turned a wheel since December 1976.

A very lengthy restoration followed. this included reclaiming the original registration number. reconditioning the 3 bearing engine and 3 syncro gearbox. (including balancing the flywheel). and replacing all steering and breaking components. together with a full body restoration. The body was once again finished in Old English White. but soon after it was decided to return her to her original Iris Blue. but curiously was still white in the engine bay.

This was a rolling restoration during which time almost £9000. 00 was spent on parts alone. the 'B' was on and off the road a number of times. but the job was completed in 2006.

July 2009

809 CWV was sold to Mr S Forde of Swindon. this was the first time she had lived more than 10 miles from her original supplying dealer. Wessex Motors of Salisbury. (apart from the 2 days spent at Southampton).

April 2010

After a long search for a 'perfect' Mk 1 MGB Roadster. I found 809 CWV and brought her to my Essex home. I have improved her by returning her engine bay back to Iris Blue and either replacing or renovating her engine bay ancillaries. I have fitted a new Overdrive unit and overhauled the gearbox. while it was removed from the car. I replaced the 'minilte wheels' with original pressed steel wheels and hub caps. and replaced the tyres with the closest pattern I could find to a 'cross ply' type for added authenticity.

I also fitted a stainless steel exhaust system and 123 Electronic Ignition. The interior is still the original leather from 1963. although the carpets have been replaced and inertia reel seat belts are now fitted. The hood is the 'pack away' type which looks so much better. The hood was replaced in January this year. There is a discreet 12 volt power supply under the dashboard to run SAT-NAV's etc.

The mileage shown (18000) is the mileage she has driven since her total mechanical and body restoration. I have a large and comprehensive history file containing all of the invoices for her restoration. and a photographic montage of the body renovation process. The invoices total over £27. 00. 00!

Nower days she is just used for summer shows and has won many many concourse trophies including 'Best MGB Roadster' at the MGB 50 at Blenheim Palace (quite an achievement) and is admired by all. Most of all. she's lovely to drive!

I keep in contact with Mr Phillimore (the 2nd owner) from Salisbury. who is delighted that 'his' MG is still cherished

This is a rare oportunity to own an early pure MGB with such a known and comprehensive history. At 50 years old. she is exempt from road tax. She is an absolute joy to drive and munches miles effortlessly having been fitted with optional overdrive.

I ask for a deposit of at least £300. 00 at point of sale and the balence in cash upon collection. Viewing is welcome. I am in Great Dunmow. Essex.

Thank you for looking.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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