Registration: DJO 687R
Chassis: GHN5UH423474G
Odometer: 37,321
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt

• Left-hand-drive example imported from the USA in 2020
• Ziebart rust-protected from new
• Reported to drive superbly

Introduced in 1962 as the successor to the MGA, the MG B would go on to become one of Britain's most successful and recognisable sports cars. Its combination of handsome styling, simple and durable mechanicals and genuinely enjoyable driving characteristics made the Roadster particularly successful in North America, which became an enormously important market for MG throughout the model's long production life.

Offered here is a 1977 left-hand-drive MG B Roadster, which spent the majority of its life in the United States before being imported to the UK in 2020. The chassis sequence is consistent with a North American-specification 1977 Roadster, adding further context to its transatlantic history.

Finished in a particularly attractive shade of blue with a contrasting tan interior, the car presents extremely well and has subsequently been fitted with a number of features which give it a more traditional appearance than the standard US-market car. Most obvious are the chrome wire wheels, which suit the MG B exceptionally well, while the black rubber bumpers remain as an unmistakable reminder of its North American specification.

There are a few age related marks but nothing to detract from the value of the vehicle.

Another particularly interesting aspect of this example is that we're informed it was Ziebart rust-protected from new. This aftermarket corrosion-protection treatment was commonly applied when cars were new, with protective material injected into vulnerable cavities and areas of the body in an effort to preserve the structure. Given the importance of body condition when considering any MG B today, its early-life treatment is a worthwhile part of this car's history.

The MG has had just one previous keeper since arriving in the UK, with the current owner having enjoyed the car for more than five years. The odometer presently displays 37,321 miles, although in the absence of sufficient supporting documentation we make no claim regarding the total mileage covered.

Under the bonnet sits the familiar 1,798cc B-Series four-cylinder engine. North American 77 MG Bs were originally equipped with a single Zenith-Stromberg 175 carburettor, whereas this car now appears to be fitted with a single SU-type carburettor and aftermarket air filter, suggesting that the original US-market carburation has been replaced at some stage. Single-SU conversions are available specifically for 1975-80 MG Bs as replacements for the original Zenith-Stromberg arrangement.

The engine bay itself presents honestly and appears relatively tidy, with the body-coloured inner wings providing a useful view of the condition beneath the bonnet. There is a selection of spare parts accompanying the car, together with a spare wire wheel, which will remain with the vehicle.

Inside, the contrasting tan upholstery works particularly well against the blue exterior and gives the Roadster a suitably traditional British sports-car appearance. With the hood lowered, the combination of blue coachwork, tan trim and chrome wire wheels is particularly effective.

Most importantly, we're informed that this car drives superbly. That remains at the heart of the appeal of an MG B Roadster: straightforward mechanicals, rear-wheel drive, compact dimensions and open-top motoring without the complexity associated with many more exotic classics.

Now approaching its 50th year, this example offers an interesting variation on the familiar MG B formula. Its left-hand-drive configuration and long-term American history remain very much part of its identity, while its wire wheels, attractive colour combination and apparent carburettor conversion give it a character of its own.

With the current keeper having owned it for more than five years, just one previous UK keeper, Ziebart protection reportedly applied from new and a body that presents very smartly, this is an appealing example of one of Britain's most enduring sports cars. Add in the fact that it is reported to drive superbly, and it should make a particularly enjoyable classic for its next custodian.