Meet the Classic: 1963 MGB Roadster
This 1963 MGB roadster is not just any vintage car. It’s a piece of automotive history that took a bit of a nap in Georgia before revving back to life in the late ’80s—think of it as Rip Van Winkle but with a lot more horsepower. The current owner took it under their wing in 1993, and it’s still turning heads today. Decked out in a vibrant red, it sports black vinyl seats and muscles around with a 1.8-liter inline-four engine linked to a four-speed manual gearbox. Fancy a drive? This beauty’s got a black soft top, door-mounted mirrors, and even 14″ steel wheels for a classic touch.
Offered with no reserve, this MGB comes with a treasure trove of historical gems like a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, service records, and a driver’s handbook. Plus, legalities are sorted with a North Carolina title under the seller’s name.
Turning Heads in Tartan Red
The roadster was born with Tartan Red—a color that screams “look at me!” It’s also got that old-school charm with pull-style door handles, clear front turn signals, and shiny chrome bumpers. Oh, and don’t forget the black soft top that’s removable for those sunny days. It does have a bit of a blemish, with the rear bumper bending downwards and some paint cracks here and there. But hey, a few battle scars only add character, right?
Wheels and Brakes: Vintage Style Meets Reliability
The car sits on 14″ steel wheels covered with bright trims, rolled out with 165-series Vredestein Sprint Classic tires added in 2021. In the quirky romance between brakes and speed, this vintage darling flirts with front discs and rear drums, promising a driving experience that’s both thrilling and grounded.
Inside the Cabin
Step inside, and you’ll find black vinyl bucket seats with headrests—a nod to the car’s makeover in later years. Pair that with a snug black dashboard, door panels, and a banjo-style steering wheel that adds a sprinkle of history. The five-digit odometer has seen 65k miles, with about 10k miles clocked by its current owner.
The interior is a mixed bag with a locking glove box, retrofitted seatbelts, and a few character quirks like fading carpets and a nonoperational heater fan. To keep things authentic, the factory seats are included in the sale, along with a handy luggage rack for those spontaneous road trips.
The Heart of the Beast
What powers this classic? A 1.8-liter inline-four engine, originally featuring twin SU carburetors and boasting 94 horsepower alongside 107 lb-ft of torque. It underwent some TLC in 2022 with replacements like the starter, distributor cap, and spark plugs—a testament to its well-maintained legacy.
The driving feel is truly vintage, with power delivered smoothly through a time-honored four-speed manual transmission.
Provenance and Paperwork
The sale includes a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate detailing the car’s original colors and specifications, plus a January 30, 1963, factory dispatch date. There’s also a handwritten history from a past owner and service records stretching back to 1992, making this more than just a car but a rolling chronicle of automotive nostalgia.
If you’re charmed by the classic curves and want to compare, consider taking a look at modern compact alternatives like the Ford Fiesta or the Skoda Fabia. They might not carry the same vintage allure, but they offer a glimpse into how far we’ve come in automotive design.