1981 MGB Limited Edition Roadster
Registration no. PDG 785W
Chassis no. GVADJ1AG522812
Engine no. 38838

One of the most successful sports cars Britain has ever produced, the MGB was mechanically similar to the preceding MGA, though with unitary-construction bodyshell and larger 1.8-litre B-Series engine. Introduced in 1962, the 'B' was a right-first-time design that changed little over the years apart from a minor facelift for 1970 and the adoption of plastic bumpers for 1975. By the summer of 1980 however, the entire British Leyland conglomerate was in serious trouble. MGB sales had slowed and the Abingdon workforce had been on a three-day week for some time. Nevertheless, stocks of unsold cars continued to accumulate almost as fast as MG's financial losses, leaving BL's bosses with no option but closure. A consortium, headed by Aston Martin's Alan Curtis, was formed with the intention of continuing MGB production. When the bid collapsed, MG's plant at Abingdon, its home since 1929, was put up for sale in July 1980, though clearance of the stock of unsold cars would continue into 1981. By the time of its sad demise, the MGB had enjoyed an eighteen-year production life and worldwide sales totalling in excess of 500,000 cars. Introduced in 1979 to celebrate 50 years of MG production at Abingdon, the Limited Edition models were the last built there before the factory's closure in October 1980. Finished in Bronze metallic (Roadster) or Pewter metallic (GT), the duo sported chin spoilers and Triumph Stag-type alloy wheels, with wires an option on the Roadster. A total of 1,000 cars was completed, the split being 480/520, Roadster/GT. Equipped with the desirable overdrive gearbox, this MGB Limited Edition was sold new in 1981 and two years later was purchased by Mrs Regina Scoble. In June 1992 the car was sold via Bowman's of Croydon to Mrs Rosemary Sawyer and next changed hands in October 1996, passing via Towergold Ltd of Croydon to one George Render. 'PDG 785W' has covered a genuine 36,000 miles from new (a speedometer change was documented in 2003) and is described as in generally very good condition. The comprehensive history file contains all MoTs dating back to 1985. A good original example that has been well maintained, the car is offered with sundry invoices, MoT to September 2014 and Swansea V5 document.