Time warp MG B LE for sale

It would be reasonable to say that some last-of-the-line limited editions are rather more significant than most. Typically a run-out model is loaded to the gunwales with kit for not much more money to flog the final few ahead of life cycle renewal. On occasion they can be quite good, especially if the car going out of production is a good one and the jury remains out on the replacement. Which seems to be happening more and more these days. 

The MG B LE was rather more important than just marking a model nearing retirement. Once the LE was done, the Abingdon factory would close, and with it would end almost two decades of MG B production – as well as 50 years of MGs being made there. So it was a momentous occasion. Living not far from Abingdon now, the signs for the MG Car Club are a nice reminder of what used to be made around the corner. The last B spent some time in Abingdon County Museum, and Frontline isn’t far away for those after a modernised MG fix. 

While a good amount of special Bs were made before the factory was closed in October 1980, a lot went to America. They had a black and silver Limited Edition, of which more than 6,500 were produced; the UK LE only totalled 1,001, split between 580 GTs in Pewter and 421 Roadsters, just like this one, in Bronze. Rare cars, then, and some of the most desirable four-cylinder GTs. Even with the rubber bumpers. 

This one must have been one of the very last, registered in 1981. All LEs received the deeper chin spoiler, decals on the sills, red MG badge like the classics (this one has faded now) and deckchair seats. The ad for this LE suggests that they all also benefitted from a unique steering wheel, LE plaques and uprated suspension for better handling. To modern tastes, it’s probably riding about 20cm too high, but this was sporty back in the day kids. Once on wire wheels, it subsequently had the GKNs fitted.  

So it seems like a nice old MG. But there’s additional significance to this B beyond the limited edition status and cute private plate. Because it’s covered fewer than 10,000 miles in half a century. 9,256 is the overall tally, a remarkable return given the age. And, let’s be honest here, the fact that it’s a B. While it was a notable MG, it wouldn’t have been unreasonable to expect buyers to use their £6,445 sports car. Just not this one. The MOT history backs it up, the first digital record in 2008 showing 2,949 miles, and then a few hundred added each year from then. The past tests are a sea of green; the worst thing that’s happened is a dodgy exhaust in 2010. It really is as good as it looks.

Given how universally adored the MG B remains, it’d be a shame if the LE didn’t get out every now and then with the next owner. Even just for a couple of weekends a year, because you just know people would love to see one. Especially around Abingdon way. Currently the price is POA, though when we last wrote about an LE £15k bought an 18,000 mile one. And if originality isn’t sacrosanct to you, imagine how cool this could look with a little input – and a honking great Duratec – from our friends at Frontline…