FOR SALE
One of 420 Limited Edition cars The MGB Bronze Roadster LE with 14,290 miles.
MODEL HISTORY
Introduced in 1962, the MGB can be described as the worlds most successful sportscar with over half a million examples produced during its 18-year span of continuous production. Integral to the success was the two derivatives, the open top roadster and closed GT able to accommodate a family. Towards the end of the 1970’s, MG announced the end of MGB production and in 1979 commenced the build of a Limited Edition run of 1,000 cars only consisting of The Silver GT LE (580 cars costing £6,756) and The Bronze Roadster LE (420 cars costing £6,108). Available only in Pewter Metallic for the GT and Bronze Metallic for the Roadster and each with special distinguishing livery. Two cars (one of each derivative) were retained by the BL Heritage Collection (now the British Motor Heritage Trust at Gaydon). This left the remaining 998 cars available to the dealers who fought to stock the cars and even luckier members of the public who managed to acquire one.
EQUIPMENT
Two-seater Roadster body, opening front quarter lights, halogen headlamps, twin reversing lamps, twin horns, laminated windscreen, chrome waistline, chrome lamp surrounds, chrome air intake surround, polyurethane bumpers, stainless steel sill plates, cigar lighter, clock, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, tachometer. Special Limited-Edition Equipment: Bronze Metallic paint, Orange and Brown cloth trim, Gold LE livery stripes, black front spoiler, passenger door mirror. Factory Options: Overdrive, Painted wire wheels (no cost option), tonneau cover. Dealer Options: Anti-corrosion injection treatment, Unisef FM radio cassette, rubber MG over mats. Accessories: Comfort headrests with seatbelt holders, (original headrests included), Coolex Heat Transfer aluminium radiator, (original radiator retained).
EXTERIOR
This outstanding unrestored example is one of the 420 ‘The Bronze’ Roadster LE cars produced and boasts amazing credentials of just two owners and 14,290 miles from new. Finished in original and only colour available, Bronze Metallic, (Code BMC), the paintwork is quite remarkable with a beautifully polished uniform finish. Close scrutiny will reveal some carefully touched in chips and a few very light dings, utterly insignificant and absolutely forgiven on an unrestored car. The bumpers, chrome trim and special Bronze livery are in excellent condition and all badges are present and correct. Factory fitment Sicursiv door glass and Triplex laminated windscreen with label remains fitted, the latter even still displaying the very first 1981 issue tax disc! Door apertures are clean with plug holes relating to the wax injection carried out when new, a process that has also helped preserve the excellent underside. The hood, an exact specification replacement, is perfect in fitment and condition and the original hood in good condition has been kept. A highly collectable MG.
INTERIOR
The correct Special Limited-Edition Orange Brown ‘deckchair’ trim, (Code AMH), is preserved in amazing condition. The two fastidious owners from new have ensured the car was always garaged and the interior condition reflects the obvious protection away from harmful UV light. The orange and brown colours are super bright and the fabric is spotlessly clean and free from sagging, commensurate of the very low mileage. The black vinyl door cards are immaculate and carpets, along with all interior trim, is in exceptional order including the steering wheel which shows no visible wear and has the correct LE red centre badge. The gauges and fascia controls all function perfectly with healthy readings and both the dealer fitted radio cassette and quartz clock are fully operational. The original MG badged radio blanking panel has been kept. The boot area is spotless with evidence of dealer applied wax protection as well as the VIN stamp even having the clear plastic strip covering it! A beautifully kept retro MG interior exactly as the maker intended.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The BMC B-Series engine needs no introduction and its time-tested longevity saw it fitted to all MGB’s with exception of the MGC and V8 models. This 1798cc four-cylinder OHV unit features twin SU type HIF4 carburettors and SU electric fuel pump to develop 97bhp and 142Nm of torque. A top speed of 105mph and 0-60mph in 12.1 seconds are respectable performance figures even today. The beautifully clean engine bay houses the factory fitted engine with identity plate matching that of the heritage certificate along with vehicle data plates and stickers all corresponding. An expensive Coolex Heat Transfer aluminium radiator has been fitted with the original item retained should a fully standard engine bay be desired. The four speed all-synchromesh gearbox is factory fitted with the desirable electronic overdrive on third and fourth gears and is perfect in operation.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The rarest of all the Roadster Limited Editions are those who opted for the silver painted wire wheels, just 208 produced! In remarkable preserved condition, the unrestored rims and spokes look superb and the chromed centre hub nuts boast a mirror finish. Sourced at great expense in 2019 are a set of four correct specification Michelin XAS 165HR14 tyres which have covered approximately 1000 miles. The spare silver painted wire wheel still wears the factory Michelin XZX tyre which is unused with red banding still visible! The servo assisted braking system incorporates 10.75in front discs and 10in rear drums to offer steady and capable straight line stopping power.
HISTORY FILE
A Heritage Certificate issued by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust confirms that this example was built on the 11-12th September 1980 and despatched from Abingdon on the 26th November 1980. The destination dealer, Mann Egerton Limited in High Wycombe, registered the car new on the 6th March 1981 to the first owner, esteemed Company Director, Mr D J W Penrose. The dealer supplied handbooks and guides are present along with the original Service record booklet stamped by the selling dealer and with first owner information entered. Mr Penrose specified personalised number plates with his name in small letters at the bottom of the plates, still fitted. Remaining with the first owner for over 35 years, there has been just one further private owner since 2016, Mr Cornwell-Menzies. A large history file holds early documentation including previous MOT records dating back to the first in 1984 as well as a large folder of receipts and invoices dating back to early servicing checklists. There are two sets of keys with supplying dealer fob. A collectors quality example of the final MGB Roadster tribute and a true slice of MG motoring history. A pinnacle example not to be missed.
MOT July 2026, HPI Clear.
Original
