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1973 MG MGB 1.8 Roadster.

1.8 Roadster.

Price

£12,995

Used Car
★ GB
YWU500L

Dealer: RFH Classics Ltd

19 vehicles listed

Central Bedfordshire, East of England
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Vehicle Specifications

Year
1973
Fuel
Petrol
Colour
Orange
Registration
YWU500L
Seller
RFH Classics Ltd
Mileage
84,790 miles
Transmission
Manual
Body Type
Convertible
Location
Central Bedfordshire, East of England

Description

With us here now at RFH Classics we are delighted to offer this very attractive 1973 (L) MGB Roadster 1.8, finished in the very period colour of Blaze and complete with a contrasting Weave style Black Vinyl interior with matching Black hood. This is a colour synonymous with the 1970s and one which particularly suits the flowing lines and chrome detailing of the MGB, giving it a distinctive appearance entirely in keeping with its era. Accompanying the car is a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate confirming that it still retains its original factory colour.

It also records that YWU was originally supplied through Thomas Greenwood & Sons Ltd of Halifax, Yorkshire back in 1973, confirming another interesting detail to the car's early history. The car comes with an extensive paper and photographic history that has now been collated into one of our RFH Classics History Folders. The paperwork includes a selection of earlier MOT certificates together with invoices and receipts dating between 1987 and 1993, with an additional separate folder containing an extensive collection of photographs illustrating the car's restoration process and providing a valuable visual record of the work undertaken.

While not every year of its life is documented, the combination of Heritage Certificate, historical paperwork and restoration photographs provides a tangible record of this MGB's past. Externally, the Blaze paintwork presents extremely well and is complemented by bright chrome bumpers, excellent exterior trim and chrome-finished Rostyle wheels, all of which give the car the authentic period appearance that suits an early 1970s MGB so well. Weather protection comes in the form of a Black folding vinyl hood which is in good condition with clear rear windows.

Internally, the Black Vinyl interior is period correct to the year and works very well with the Blaze paintwork. The whole interior presents very well with good Black carpets, a tidy dashboard and the clear instrumentation so familiar to the classic MGB cockpit. Under the bonnet, the engine bay is equally as clean as the exterior and houses the 1798cc four-cylinder petrol engine which has been converted for use with unleaded fuel.

The engine has excellent oil pressure both hot and cold and is paired with a four-speed manual gearbox fitted with fully working Overdrive operating on both third and fourth gears. Having the Overdrive is a particularly nice feature that makes the car considerably more relaxed at cruising speeds. Overall, we feel this car offers a very period-correct and appealing MGB Roadster with a little more to offer than great presentation alone.

You are getting a factory-correct period colour, Heritage Certificate detailing the original supplying dealer and an extensive collection of restoration photographs and historical paperwork, all of which contribute to a great-looking British classic with an interesting documented background. The car benefits from Historic Vehicle status, qualifying for Historic Vehicle road tax and ULEZ exemption. Although MOT exempt due to its age, it comes with a clean MOT through to July 2027, helping to provide additional reassurance for its next owner.

It also comes with our 3-month major mechanical warranty together with a vehicle history certificate confirming no outstanding finance or recorded insurance loss. As with all our classics, we recommend the use of premium unleaded E5 fuel. RFH Classics are Bedfordshire's largest independent classic car dealer, with over 35 years' experience supplying quality vehicles to customers throughout the UK.

Unable to visit us? UK delivery is available and we can also assist with export where required. A detailed walk-around video of the car can be viewed on our website.

To find out more or arrange a viewing, contact RFH Classics today. Visitors are always welcome to our Bedfordshire showroom, although we kindly ask that you call us first as we can occasionally be off-site collecting or delivering vehicles. Call: 01462 338755 Email: [email protected] Website: www.rfhclassics.co.uk

About the MG MGB

The MG MGB is a quintessential British classic, embodying the spirit of affordable open-top motoring from the 1960s and 70s. Available as a charming two-seater Roadster or a practical 2+2 GT coupé, it’s renowned for its timeless styling, simple mechanics, and engaging driving experience. Highly appealing to enthusiasts, classic car newcomers, and those seeking a fun weekend car, the MGB holds a strong reputation in the UK for its robust nature, vast club support, and ease of maintenance, making it an accessible entry point into classic car ownership.

Why Buy a Used MG MGB?

  • An accessible entry point into classic car ownership, offering a rewarding and engaging driving experience.
  • Strong investment potential; well-maintained examples often appreciate in value over time.
  • Benefit from a vibrant owners' club scene and excellent parts availability, making maintenance straightforward.
  • Timeless British styling ensures the MGB remains a head-turner, offering pure, analogue motoring enjoyment.

Typical Price Range

All prices are approximate and subject to change based on condition, mileage, specification, and market conditions.

  • Pre-1974 Chrome Bumper (project condition): £5,000 – £12,000 — These are often runners but require significant restoration work to address rust and mechanical wear.
  • 1974–1980 Rubber Bumper (good condition): £12,000 – £22,000 — These models represent good value, offering a solid, usable classic that may have had some previous restoration.
  • Pre-1974 Chrome Bumper (excellent/restored): £22,000 – £40,000+ — Represents top-tier examples, often fully restored to a high standard, or rare variants like the MGB V8.

Common Issues to Check

  • Rust: Thoroughly inspect sills, wheel arches, floor pans, boot floor, and around headlights – it's the MGB's Achilles' heel.
  • Overheating: Check for signs of overheating, especially in traffic, which can indicate a tired cooling system or head gasket issues.
  • Electrical Gremlins: The Lucas electrics can be temperamental; test all lights, gauges, and switches for intermittent faults.
  • Oil Leaks: Minor oil leaks are common with classic cars, but significant leaks from the engine or gearbox should be investigated.
  • Gearbox and Overdrive: Listen for crunching synchromesh, especially on third gear, and ensure the optional overdrive engages smoothly and quietly.

Running Costs

  • Fuel Economy: Expect around 25–35 mpg, depending on engine tune and driving style.
  • Insurance Group: Typically low for classic car insurance policies, often with agreed value and limited mileage terms.
  • Servicing: Straightforward mechanics make servicing relatively inexpensive, with many parts readily available and a strong network of specialists.

Which Variant Should I Choose?

  • MGB Roadster (Chrome Bumper): The most iconic and sought-after, offering the purest classic sports car experience and often commanding higher prices.
  • MGB GT (Chrome Bumper): A sleek and practical 2+2 coupé with a hatchback, providing greater security and weather protection while maintaining classic charm.
  • MGB Roadster (Rubber Bumper): Produced from 1974 onwards, these offer a more affordable entry into MGB ownership, benefiting from improved crash protection and often a smoother ride.
  • MGB GT (Rubber Bumper): The most affordable way into MGB GT ownership, offering the same practicality and charm as its chrome-bumper sibling but with a slightly higher ride height.
  • MGB V8: A rare factory model or common conversion, offering significantly enhanced performance for those seeking a more potent classic grand tourer.

All listings on Carslink.ai are sourced directly from dealer stock feeds. Always verify listing details, prices, and vehicle condition directly with the seller before purchasing.

This information is general guidance about the MG Mgb range and is provided to help your research. It is not specific to the individual vehicle advertised. Specifications and availability vary. Always verify the details, history and condition of any vehicle directly with the seller before purchasing. Carslink.ai is an independent vehicle search engine; listings are provided by third-party dealers.