Every now and then, a car arrives at The Forge that makes you stop and take a second look. This beautifully preserved 1980 MGB GT is one of those cars.

With just 1,685 miles showing on the odometer, it is a remarkable survivor from the final year of MGB production. Built at Abingdon as the end of an era approached, the MGB had enjoyed an 18-year production run, with more than half a million examples produced. This particular GT is a wonderful reminder of those closing chapters, with its chassis number placing it firmly within the final production year.

Finished in Brooklands Green with the wonderfully period Orange ‘deck chair’ interior, it is a colour combination that feels unmistakably late 1970s. First registered on 17th September 1980, it was supplied new to Mr Ruscoe of London E9 by Leigh & Botfield Ltd of Hackney. The original bill of sale, hire purchase agreement, early registration document and dealer paperwork have all survived, allowing us to piece together a fascinating part of its early life.

Perhaps most remarkable is the mileage history. After covering just 984 miles by April 1982, the car spent more than three decades tucked away in garage storage. The subsequent records show only gradual increases over the years, reaching 1,685 miles by October 2026. With so little use and so much of its history intact, it is a rare opportunity to see an MGB GT that has remained remarkably close to the way it left the showroom.

The originality extends well beyond the paintwork and interior. The original book pack remains with the car, including the Driver’s Handbook, Service Passport, Supercover literature and even the booklet for its Radiomobile radio. The unused 1,000-mile free-service voucher is still present, while the service book records a visit to G.H. Nolan Ltd in April 1982 at 984 miles. There is even evidence of the original Protectol rustproofing treatment, carried out when new at a cost of £112.

Of course, a car that has spent so much of its life in storage still requires sensible maintenance, and the accompanying paperwork records attention to various mechanical and service items over the years, including the exhaust, fuel sender, ignition components and brakes.

What makes this MGB GT so appealing is not simply the exceptionally low mileage. It is the combination of its late-production status, wonderfully period specification, documented history and surviving original paperwork. It feels less like a car that has travelled through 46 years and more like a little piece of 1980 that has somehow been preserved for us to discover.

Now arrived at The Forge, it is a fascinating addition for anyone who appreciates the character of the classic MG. Whether destined to be carefully enjoyed on the road or cherished as part of a collection, this is a car that deserves to be appreciated for what it is: an unusually well-preserved example of one of Britain's best-loved sports cars, from the very last chapter of its production story.

This beutiful car will be serviced and MOTd ahead of sale.

MOT History On File:
2026 : TBC
2021 : 1,671 miles
2018 : 1,668 miles
2018 : 1,546 miles
2017 : 1,511 miles
2014 : 1,348 miles

Documents Included With Sale:
History Files, Heritage Certificate, V5C, Original Book Pack, Original Sales Invoice, Invoices As Below

Invoices On File :
16.09.2026 : £105.00 - Shield Batteries
16.09.2026 : £249.21 - MGOC Spares
17.10.2018 : £93.00 - Hogwood Garage
27.09.2015 : £124.90 - MGB Hive
29.12.2014 : £91.90 - MGOC Spares
29.12.2014 : £36.25 - MGOC Spares
24.10.2014 : £169.45 - MGOC Spares
16.09.1980 : £5,600.00 - Leigh & Botfield Limited, London

Buying from The Forge Prees Ltd

Included with every purchase:

- FREE DELIVERY WITHIN 150 MILES — included in our asking price from SY13 2DF
- 3-MONTH MECHANICAL WARRANTY included
- PROFESSIONAL VALET & STAGE ONE POLISH — every vehicle is professionally prepared
- ABSOLUTELY ANY INSPECTION WELCOME — independent inspections are encouraged
- HIGH-QUALITY MG OR TRIUMPH PART EXCHANGE CONSIDERED
- VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT
- USUAL DEALER FACILITIES AVAILABLE

For more information, please call or email Christian on 01948 841 100 or at theforgeprees@gmail.com

At The Forge Prees, we specialise in classic, vintage and enthusiast vehicles. Every vehicle we offer is unique, with its own history, character and, inevitably, its own imperfections. Unlike modern vehicles, classic cars require a different approach to ownership, maintenance and care, as well as an appreciation of their individual quirks.

We pride ourselves on providing honest, detailed descriptions of every vehicle, supported by extensive photography and video. Our aim is to give prospective purchasers as much information as possible, allowing you to make a considered and informed decision before buying.

We strongly encourage all prospective purchasers to carry out their own inspections and research, and to ensure they are fully satisfied with the vehicle’s condition, history and ongoing requirements before committing to purchase. Absolutely any inspection is welcome, and we are happy to facilitate independent inspections by prior arrangement.

Before purchasing a vehicle from The Forge, please take the time to read our Terms of Sale, which are available on our website. Alternatively, please contact us directly and we will be happy to provide a copy.