MGB GT Jubilee with overdrive and original owners badge and number.

The MGB hardly needs any introduction, after all it is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. Introduced in 1962 the 'B' refined the strides made by the outgoing MGA. Sporting the robust and easily tuneable 97 bhp BMC B series engine and a four speed gear box, the MGB soon became a favourite amongst the sporting fraternity. It gave them access to a "middle ground" between the small 'Spridgets' and the "hairy chested " Big Healeys. Originally marketed as a two-seater soft top, the more refined 2+2 BGT came along in 1965. Between its introduction in October 1965 and when production ceased in mid-1980 around 125,282 MGB GTs had left the factory.

The fascinating example that we have on offer today is precisely what Chris Evans was thinking of when he created "Pride and Joy" for this event. One family have owned this limited edition "Jubilee" model from the day it was sold, brand new, on the 26th June 1975 by Wadham Stringer of Eltham SE9. Its original owner was a dentist and his son, who is the current custodian and vendor, had just celebrated his 10th birthday. To complete the story the original owner is still with us and celebrating his 87th Birthday today! The car has covered only 78,813 miles, at the time of entry, and is being sold with a full MOT and road fund licence. The "Jubilee" model, in green with a yellow stripe, is a different beast to the "Silver Jubilee" model that followed it 2 years later. It came with the standard 1800 cc engine on twin carbs, mated to a four speed manual gearbox, with the benefit of overdrive on third and top, allowing relaxed cruising and an overtaking "kick" at the flick of a switch. The younger model variant was made to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 1977 and they were all in silver or bronze. The "Jubilee" model was made to celebrate MG's own 50th Anniversary (1925 - 1975). According to the vendor 750 were produced and they were available as numbered, limited editions of which 450 went straight to the United States in left hand drive form. The original owner is named on the "Limited Edition Certification Plaque" along with the car's number in the edition - 508.The vendor was given the car by his father as a 21st Birthday present in June 1986, only after it had been returned to MG for a full re-spray in honour of the occasion. Offered here for sale for only the second time in 37 years, it comes complete with an amazing history file to attest to the story outlined here, as well as some spares and a wealth of receipts. We commend the car most highly to anyone who is already an MGB devotee, or who is looking for a car to discover the camaraderie and excitement of the classic car hobby for the first time.