MG B Works - BRX 854B

The story of this special MGB roadster begins in 1964. Being built by Den Green and Knobby Hall in August at the MG competition shop at Abingdon and first registered on the 13th of August 1964, it was one of the first MGB roadsters built by the factory in 1964 and one of the two works rally cars. The other being BRX 853B. Both cars were entered into the 1964 Spa-Sofia-Liege Rally but unfortunately both retired with clutch problems. Both MGB’s were also entered into the 1964 RAC rally in November, with 854B being driven by John Fitzpatrick but retired after an accident. It was raced on four occasions in 1965 by its new owner, Ken Tubman and navigated by George Stefanoff. These events were the Tulip Rally, the Acropolis Rally, the Geneva Rally and the Castrol Dunabe Rally in September, it was of that year where BRX 854B posted a pleasing result of Third in Class, and 13th Overall.

Travelling extensively over Europe taking advantage of its long range fuel tank, it was on one such journey to Scotland that mechanical failure forced BRX 854B not to return home. The result was that this wonderful vehicle disappeared into enclosed garaging for some 32 years under the ownership of Mr John Sales. In 2007 and under new ownership, the B underwent a meticulous and sympathetic restoration. The work was carried out by MGB enthusiast Mark Tipping at his body shop: P & T Repairs of Byfleet. Following the completion of the restoration the car was unveiled by Steven Skinner at a re-launch of the historic MGB at Goodwood Motor Circuit on Wednesday 12th March 2008.

The body is the original works MGB monocoque with aluminium, wings, door skins, bonnet, boot lid and works hardtop with Mini Van roof vent. The refurbished cockpit boasts orignal seats and dashboard with all auxiliary switches as fitted in 1964. Under the bonnet sits the Works 3 bearing engine as fitted when it was profesionally racing.

This car has a very comprehensive history which complements a very beautiful motor vehicle.

The detailed and intricate history of the car has been compiled into a thorough report by Mr John Baggot (Motor sport historian, author and writer from Tunbridge Wells, Kent).