Classic MGB joins supercar elite

An example of one of Britain’s best-loved sportscars, the MGB tourer, has claimed supercar status after being sold at auction for £141,922.

The 1964 model is one of  387,000 MGB tourers produced in the 18 years from 1962, its sale price a staggering 167 times greater than its cost at the time of manufacture*, and well above its auction estimate.

The secret of its astounding value – which was sealed at the auction by classic car specialist, Historics at Brooklands on June 2 – lies in its unique history.  Confirmed as the last-known genuine works MGB rally car, it competed in major international competition until being consigned to a garage in 1975.

Plucked from obscurity, the car was sympathetically restored with meticulous attention to detail, with no expense spared, before returning to the public gaze in 2008. Bought at the Historics’ auction by an enthusiast, it will continue to be seen at major motoring events.

Historics’ Auction Director, Edward Bridger-Stille commented: “The buzz in the auction hall when this car was offered was astounding, but nothing compared with the scale of the bidding, which went sky high.”

Historics at Brooklands next auction is on September 25, to which fine motor cars are already consigned and further entries are invited.  For more information, visit historics.co.uk.