The MGB represents one of Britain’s most iconic classic cars. Its status as an everyman’s sports car cemented its place in the popular culture of the 1960s and ’70s. Today, the model’s success in period has translated into a quickly appreciating, very usable classic car.

Launched at the October 1962 London Motor Show, the MGB had an attractive envelope body, eschewing, finally, the traditional British separate fenders and low-cut doors. At the rear, for the first time, was a useful trunk, the fuel tank having been tucked away under the body.

Although the MGB was produced over an 18-year production run, there were many series of changes to the styling of the car over that time. Mk1 MGBs, produced from 1962–1966, are defined by the purest styling cues: pull-handle doors, steel dashboards, stow-away tops, and chrome bumpers.

A small number of MGBs were fitted with an electronic overdrive operated by a switch on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel. The overdrive unit allows for comfortable highway cruising at 80 mph without placing unnecessary strain on the drivetrain.

An early MGB with overdrive and the desirable pull-type door handles and metal dashboard, this MGB was built in April 1964 as a US-market model. It was given a full nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration for the prior owner in Florida some three years ago, prior to being acquired by a well-known MG collector who participated in the 2015 Mille Miglia Storica with his storied “works” MGA.

Attention to detail is exceptionally good, with correct fittings and decals in the engine compartment. The interior is black vinyl, as original, with the seats finished with red piping and the floor carpeted in red. It has the factory speaker console with speaker but no radio installed; a correct MG radio delete plate is in its place. A matching red aftermarket fiberglass hardtop is included, in addition to the black roadster top.

As with most cars, the purest form of design is found in the original configuration. For MGBs, it is the first generation (1963–66). MGB owners were famously among the first to beep their horns when encountering another. Obviously, this happens less frequently today, but the spirit lives on in this excellent example.