1981 MG B LE ROADSTER - Cathedral Classics Dubeloh Strasse 272 33104 Paderborn Germany

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CLASSIC + SPORTSCAR SHOWROOM

TODAY WE FEATURE

Cathedral Classics
Dubeloh Strasse 272 33104 Paderborn Germany
Telephone: +49 172 5238415     
Website: http://www.cathedral-classics.com

1981 MG B LE ROADSTER

HISTORY FILE – Introduced in 1979 to celebrate 50 years of MG production at Abingdon, the Limited Edition (LE) models were the last built there before the factory's closure. A total of 1,000 cars were produced: 480 Roadsters and 520 GT models. Our chassis number: GVADJ1AG522763 was supplied by P.J. Evans (Dudley) British Leyland cars in March 1981 to Allsop Brothers of Smalley, Derbyshire. With an eye to the future, the car was immediately put into storage and never used. The car was then sold in 1981 and immediately stored again before going to the third custodian-collector in 2014 to continue its sheltered life in storage. Never used on the public road, SHA 982W is a relatively well known car within the MG scene with known provenance from new and surely a great long-term investment opportunity. We doubt there is another out there as good as this example?

EXTERIOR – Finished in MG’s unique Bronze metallic and synonymous with the final 480 ever produced Roadsters, the gold MGB Union Flag decals authenticate the cars heritage. The paint is in remarkable condition and has clearly been stored without seeing the light of day for a very long time. The high quality gold MG emblem indoor car cover has obviously played a roll. Tragically, the vinyl roof does have a small tear behind the passenger side which is a real shame and will be repaired rather than replace the roof. Both full and half tonneau covers are perfect and have clearly never been used. The distinctive chin spoiler is in perfect condition. The car is unrepeatable!

INTERIOR – As you would expect from such a low mileage car, the interior is literally ‘like new’! Upholstered in period orange ‘Deckchair’ it’s obviously not to everyone’s taste but, what we have here is a very unique car still in pristine original condition. Therefore, should it be changed? The crackle finish dash is literally as it left the factory - in time warp condition. Factory prepared for radio with speakers and antenna fitted.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION – The 1798cc engine number 39221 has travelled just 250 miles! As good as it gets and a wonderful opportunity for any serious MG collector. The oil is super clean and will of course be serviced and checked before delivery depending on the new owners plans. Incredibly, the (still new) Passport to Service book is still with the car along with the original Driver’s Handbook. The engine bay is exactly as it left the factory and still has the original Unipart stickers on the air filter covers. Just amazing!

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES – The 14” unique Stag-type alloy wheels are still covered in the original Uniroyal tyres but, sadly, a couple of the wheels are now showing signs of pitting, but is nothing tragic.

FIND FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT THE ORIGINAL SOURCE: 

http://cathedral-classics.com/car/mg-b-le-roadster-1981/

SELECTED BY IDRIS THE SQUIRREL

I'M NUTS ABOUT CLASSICS

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1913 UNIC TYPE C9 LAUNDAULETTE TAXICAB - BONHAMS

We travel back over 100 years for our "Classic of the Day" today, with something that was once a regular sight in major cities being used as a taxicab.

Our choice is for available at Bonhams International Autojumble Sale at Beaulieu this weekend.

1913 UNIC TYPE C9 LAUNDAULETTE TAXICAB

Registration no. BF 5545
Chassis no. 11640
Engine no. 700

When Georges Richard left the French Brasier company to set up in business at Puteaux in 1905 he called his product Unic – an allusion to the fact that initially he pursued a one model policy. This policy soon went by the board and the 10/12hp twin cylinder T-head car was shortly joined on the production line by the 12/14hp four cylinder model and later by the highly successful 10/12hp four cylinder cars. Most commercially successful of all Unics was the 12/14hp model which found favour as a taxi cab in many European countries.
 The United Motor Cab Company of London were major customers of Unic and Unic taxis were prolific on the streets of London.The four cylinder Type C9 Unic was introduced in 1913 by Societe des Anciens Etablissements Georges Richard and this model was supplied in significant numbers to the London taxi trade. These vehicles were supplied from France in chassis form and widely used London coachbuilders included Christopher Dodson of Hampstead, Mann & Overton and Dyer & Holton of Brixton.

• 
  The full history of this vehicle is not recorded but at some time it appears to have been the property of Imperial Palace Casino Inc. in Nevada and the quality of this now mellowed restoration suggests the hand of the American restorer. In the history file there is reference to the autobiography of VSCC Past President Kenneth Neve's book 'A Bit Behind The Times' in which he refers we think to this car as follows - 'but real excitement came when George Felton lent me his 1911 (sic) Unic taxi (which he bought from the owner-driver in London's Park Lane) to drive from Boston, Mass. to a rally in Providence, Rhode Island.' So it appears that this vehicle went straight from service into preservation in the USA. At some later stage this taxicab was on exhibition in a Dutch Museum.
  
  The vehicle is smartly presented in dark blue livery with a fine yellow coachline. The coachwork bears the maker's plate of G.Widden of Fowell St. and Blechynden Mews, North Kensington and is Body no. 234. The lettering LGCC appears above the windscreen and the brass plate on the rear number plate further attests to its working history. The car is equipped with brass acetylene headlamps, Lucas commercial oil sidelamps and a Nonpareil brass bulb horn. It sits on 32x4 'Non Skid' tyres. A correct feature is the Brown Bros. 'For Hire' lamp, while other taxi details include the leather luggage straps beside the driver, the Passenger Intelligence Notice in the rear, the communication speaking tube from the rear to the cab driver and the extended roofline beside the driver's seat for his extra protection from the elements.
  
  During the present ownership, in 2010, extensive work was carried out to the mechanical aspects of the car, including stripping the engine, checking, cleaning and re-setting valve timing, overhauling water and oil pumps and locating period carburettor and magneto. New rear wheel bearings were fitted and the rear brakes were set up and front axle and track rod overhauled as necessary. The invoice for all work carried out is on file. At that time the vehicle was driven to its MoT test which it passed. Since then mileage has been minimal and we are advised that recently the vehicle has been difficult to start, suggesting that further attention is required.
  
  Taxicabs of this age are rare indeed and this vehicle represents so well the typical London taxi which served the Capital admirably during The Great War. This rare vehicle – one hesitates to say unique - is offered with a small history file and a Swansea V5 registration document.

SOURCE: BONHAMS AUCTIONS http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/21902/