Description

This 1966 MGB Roadster is finished in Tartan Red with a black interior, and has been in the Sacramento, California area with its second owner for the last 52 years. This Mark I example was purchased in March 1970 from the second owner. The car is powered by a non-matching numbers 1.8-liter inline-four, backed by a 4-speed manual gearbox with no overdrive but synchromesh 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears. This MGB is offered with original California black plate, partial service history, and a clean California title and EU import papers stating all import duties are paid.

The exterior is Tartan Red, and is described as a driver-quality repaint done in 1988. The seller reports a replacement hood was added following a 1985 accident where another vehicle backed into the car. Exterior flaws shown in gallery images include:

• General nicks, scuffs and some paint overspray
• Minor dents to the upper driver-side and lower passenger-side fenders
• Small bubbles at the bottom of both front fenders
• Cracks just below the wing windows on both doors

This chrome-bumper Mark I car has been garage-kept its entire life, and rides on 14″ 60-spoke chrome wire wheels. The Kumho Solus KR21 P185/70 tires were added in 2014, and have covered limited miles since. A VIN decode provides these build details:

• G – MG
• H – 1.8L BMC B-Series engine (MGB)
• N – 2-Seat roadster
• 3 – Mark 1 (1962-1967)
• L – Left-hand drive
• 71048 – Late 1965 production

A 2014 interior retrim included professionally installed vinyl seat covers with red piping, along with new carpet, door panels, steering wheel cover, and padded dashboard. A new black soft top and cover were installed at the same time, and a full tonneau is also included with the sale.

The BMC push-button AM radio and all gauges are functioning correctly. The 5-digit odometer shows 76k miles, which the seller believes are accurate. A dash-mounted ignition switch sits just left of toggle switches for the lights, heater fan and wipers. The seller notes the windshield has some wiper scuff marks. A recent engine tune up was performed by the seller. Work included valve and timing adjustments, carb balancing, plus installation of new points, spark plugs and  rotor and.

The 1,798cc BMC B-Series engine is a replacement which was rebuilt and installed in 2013. Rebuild work shown in accompanying receipts included polishing the crank, and fitting new pistons, rod bearings, performance camshaft, and oil pump. Twin SU carburetors just received a tune up, and original twin batteries have been converted to a single 12-volt unit. The charging system retains its Lucas generator. The seller reports the lower radiator duct panel is bent a bit downwards.

The front-end bushes, lower A-arms, steering rack boots and front shocks were replaced at 74k miles, with a work receipt provided. The seller notes the rocker panels show no corrosion, and original underside pinch welds are in place. The passenger-side floorboard is said to show some light corrosion.

Partial receipts date back to 1991, and include prior brake service, new hoses, axle seals, radiator repairs, engine tuning, and a muffler replacement.