Sold 1963 MG MGB 2146359563 Tweet

With the MGA of 1955 BMC finally shed MGs antiquated image once and for all. The long-running T-Series served the marque incredibly well and the cars helped create the foundation of the British sports car craze in America. However by the 1950s the TF was long in the tooth and the quaint prewar-inspired styling grew dated in the eyes of some buyers. With all-new fully enveloped bodywork and graceful curvaceous form the MGA arrived with much celebration. Power came from the new B-Series pushrod inline-four from BMC and the MGA was an instant success propelling MG into the next decade. Creating a successful follow-up to the MGA was bound to be a challenge but designers felt buoyed by the momentum they created with the car and their confidence reflects in the MGAs replacement which debuted in the second half of 1962.Introduced in September of 1962 the MGB picked up where the MGA left off and it turned out to be an even greater success than its predecessor. It had crisp slab-sided styling that was simple yet sophisticated with an overall more upscale and modern appearance. Engineers employed unibody construction for the first time with the live rear axle supported by leaf springs bolted to the shell and a sub-frame supporting the independent front suspension. The arrangement was simple but highly effective giving the MGB predictable handling that was more than a match for the 95 horsepower 1.8-liter inline-four. While the B wasnt notably faster than the A it offered superior comfort build quality and high-speed handling. In the first full year of production MG saw more than 30000 cars sold representing a whopping 75% increase in output over the MGA. The following year was even better with nearly 40000 cars built and the vast majority of them destined for export. Sales remained healthy for most of the MGBs impressive eighteen-year production run. From May of 1962 through April 1965 the MGB had pull-style exterior door handles which then changed to the more conventional pushbutton type. Enthusiasts consider pull-handle cars to be the purest form of the MGB roadster and count among the most desirable of the whole range. Over the years and through numerous variants the MGB earned a place as one of the most iconic widely cherished British roadsters of all time with over a half-million produced and a loyal following of passionate enthusiasts.This 1963 MGB is a rare and desirable early pull-handle model from the first full year of production. This beautiful car is the recipient of an extensive high-quality restoration finished attractively in black over a red interior. It has seen regular enjoyment and attentive maintenance in the hands of the most recent owner and remains a marvelous example. The black paintwork is smooth and glossy with some minor polish marks in the finish and one small bubble noted near the beltline molding. Body fit is exemplary and the panels are superbly straight and crisp pointing to a very high-quality preparation. Doors open and shut with a precise feel and panel gaps are tight and consistent. Bumpers body side-moldings and exterior trim are in superb order adding a bright pop against the black paint. Chrome knock-off wire wheels with black wall radial tires round out the beautiful presentation.The MGB offered vastly improved interior accommodations over the MGA with roll-up windows roomy seats and a considerably more modern feel overall. This cars gorgeous red upholstery features black piping on the seats with matching red carpets in factory-correct materials. A notable feature of early cars such as this is the body-color steel dash housing an array of toggle switches and simple easy to read Smiths instruments. Switchgear and controls all appear in excellent condition including the heater controls which move smoothly and easily without binding. The factory-correct three-spoke banjo steering wheel and shift knob maintain the period-correct charm in the cockpit. Lastly there is a newer black vinyl top in excellent condition with a matching top boot to keep things neat and tidy.The engine bay is superbly detailed with correct hardware labels and detailing on the original numbers-matching 1798 cc four-cylinder. A chrome Coopers air cleaner feeds two SU carburetors and a stainless steel exhaust system delivers an addictive and throaty note. Presentation under the bonnet is outstanding with just some slight baking-off of the paint here and there from regular heat cycling.Given the MGBs long production run and cult-like popularity it has long been one of the foundational cars of the car collecting and restoring hobby. Many enthusiasts cut their teeth working on MGBs and a good many have amateur level refurbishments of varying degrees. This example by contrast has a superb professional-quality restoration maintained in excellent condition by a dedicated collector. It is a marvelous example of the quintessential British roadster gently mellowed and ready for fun on rallies tours and club-level concours events.Offers welcome and trades considered