1965 MGB Roadster – Tartan Red

We are delighted to offer this stunning 1965 MGB Roadster, returning to The Forge after 18 months of careful ownership by an MG and Classic Car enthusiast who both enjoyed and further improved the car during his time with it. Following a recent house move and lack of winter storage, the car has come back into our stock – and we’re thrilled to have it once again.

This beautifully restored, right-hand drive Home Market example was manufactured between the 9th and 12th of August 1965, leaving the factory finished in its original Tartan Red with Black trim. It was supplied new by Belfast dealer Leslie Porter Limited and first registered as 1868 UI in Londonderry. After spending its early years in Northern Ireland, the car moved to South Yorkshire, where it remained with a single owner from 1986 until 2017. During that ownership, in 2006/2007, the MGB underwent a comprehensive Heritage shell restoration.

Since completion, the car has covered fewer than 6,500 miles and, as a result, both drives and presents in exceptional condition. Documentation and invoices confirm that the restoration was meticulous: the bodyshell was fully prepared and painted (including the underside), and the car was reassembled with new brightwork, a rebuilt unleaded engine, renewed carburettors, a new wiring loom, rebuilt suspension and steering, a stripped and rebuilt rear axle, new windscreen and frame, and fully overhauled ancillaries – producing a quality engine bay. The interior was completely retrimmed, a new hood fitted, and the car was cavity waxoyled for long-term protection.

Between 2007 and 2017, the car covered just 200 miles, with annual MOTs confirming its gentle use. Upon sale in 2017, after 31 years with one owner, a respected London-based MG specialist carried out over £8,500 of work. This included fitting a re-manufactured exchange engine and gearbox with a new clutch, along with upgrades such as an alternator, electronic ignition, and polyurethane rear suspension bushes. Further work included new coil springs, propshaft UJs, steering column bushes, rear brake shoes, and a fuel pump.

We sold the car in early 2024 to a local MG and classic car enthusiast, who continued to enhance it with a number of improvements. These included new alloy wheels and tyres, a brake servo kit, front poly bush kit, carburettor balancing, and a pair of new batteries.

Today, 1868 UI presents beautifully throughout. The bodyshell is exceptionally straight, the underside finished in body colour, and the Tartan Red paint remains in great condition. The chrome work is excellent, the engine bay immaculate, and the interior superbly presented. The hood, replaced in 2017, is in excellent order, while the new wheels, tyres, and neatly carpeted boot complete the car’s first-class presentation.

On the road, the MGB performs every bit as well as it looks. The engine is strong and responsive, maintaining excellent oil pressure; the gearbox and overdrive operate smoothly; and the handling and braking inspire real confidence.

This is an exceptional, fully restored MGB that continues to drive like a fresh rebuild. It’s a car that will not disappoint – ready to be enjoyed and admired on fine-weather open tours.

​Recent MOT History
2025 : 99,185 miles - 11.11.2026
2024 : 97,302 miles
2017 : 92,212 miles
2016 : 92,119 miles
2015 : 92,107 miles
2014 : 92,099 miles
2012 : 92,093 miles
2011 : 92,079 miles
2011 : 92,000 miles
2009 : 91,985 miles
2007 : 91,964 miles
2006 : 91,859 miles

Invoices On File
13.11.2025 : £84.00 - RG Upholstery Limited
05.06.2025 : £404.43 - John Woods Motorcare Limited
02.10.2024 : £189.85 - MGOC (Batteries)
26.09.2024 : £739.45 - Montador Motor Engineers (Fit Brake Servo Unit, Fit Polybush To Front Suspension, Balance Carburettors)
03.09.2024 : £193.85 - MGB Hive (Brake Servo Kit, Front Poly Bush Kit)
18.07.2024 : £22.45 - MGB Hive (Wheel Nuts)
08.07.2024 : £719.95 - MGB Hive (Alloy Wheels)
23.03.2024 : £75.00 - Sshetouch
15.05.2023 : £142.06
19.10.2023 : £228.12 (Service, 97,111 miles)
27.07.2022 : £318.02 (Service, 94,810 miles)
25.05.2021 : £102.36
16.07.2021 : £453.26 (Service)
24.08.2020 : £35.00
10.01.2017 : £72.86
10.02.2017 : £4,765.10
10.02.2017 : £77.70
10.02.2017 : £29.04
08.05.2017 : £132.48
29.09.2017 : £2,796.69 (Inc. Engine, Gearbox, Clutch kit, 92,189 miles)
29.09.2017 : £54.85
04.11.2016 : £45.00
04.11.2016 : £371.79
09.12.2016 : £180.00
09.12.2016 : £17.74
01.06.2015 : £45.00
01.06.2015 : £308.17
16.04.2014 : £36.00
16.04.2014 : £45.00
18.04.2013 : £145.30
04.04.2011 : £183.38
05.07.2011 : £224.09
26.04.2010 : £164.92
11.06.2008 : £257.94
18.01.2007 : £12,157.79
29.09.2007 : £273.81
01.12.2007 : £37.11
03.03.2006 : £57.13
03.03.2006 : £95.18
05.04.2006 : £754.83
05.04.2006 : £99.11
16.08.2006 : £37.51
09.10.2006 : £131.14
01.12.2006 : £12,155.43
10.02.2005 : £419.28
10.02.2005 : £201.27
25.02.2005 : £43.33
21.03.2005 : £178.16
21.03.2005 : £302.90
08.05.2005 : £274.28
16.05.2005 : £40.36
04.07.2005 : £752.90
04.07.2005 : £367.77
12.07.2005 : £209.74
15.09.2005 : £191.45
15.09.2005 : £166.55
29.09.2005 : £158.63
25.11.2004 : £783.77
13.10.2003 : £53.42
26.06.2003 : £2,000.00

Included with Every Purchase:

Every classic car purchased from The Forge during this period comes with a comprehensive package designed to deliver value and complete peace of mind:

- Free UK Delivery – within 150 miles
- 3-Month Mechanical Warranty
- Independent Specialist Inspection
- DVLA MOT Certificate
- Oil & Filter Service
- Professional Valet & Detailing
- History File – including all accompanying documentation

Optional Extras:
Classic Car Starter Kit – £300
Includes a custom-fit super soft stretch indoor car cover featuring your car’s logo, a NOCO smart charger wired to your battery, and a Draper drip tray for use while your vehicle is in storage.

Classic Car Starter Kit Plus – £500
Includes a custom-fit super soft stretch indoor car cover featuring your car’s logo, a custom-fit waterproof outdoor cover in discreet grey — perfect for all-weather protection — a NOCO smart charger wired to your battery, and a Draper drip tray for use while your vehicle is in storage.

Viewings & Inspections:
All viewings are strictly by appointment only.
We warmly welcome test drives and inspections, and are pleased to offer use of our in-house vehicle lift, allowing you to thoroughly inspect the car both above and below.

Important Information:
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of all vehicle descriptions and details. However, we cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions.
We strongly recommend that all prospective buyers personally inspect and verify the vehicle’s details prior to purchase.​