The U.S. MG distributors were hoping to put a gleam in the eye of the
dentist from Columbus, who might imagine his car out there running with the Ferraris and Porsches
dentist from Columbus, who might imagine his car out there running with the Ferraris and Porsches
Sebring in 1964 was one of the world’s top-tier endurance races, part of the FIA’s Challenge Mondiale and Prototypes Trophy, along with the Targa Florio, Le Mans, and the Nurburgring 1000 km. Two of British Motor Car Distributors’ team of red, white and blue MGBs finished the grueling 12 hours, an extraordinary achievement demonstrating the competitiveness of the MGB.
The MGB on offer here, the Iris Blue #48, consistently lapped the Sebring course in the low four-minute range to come home fourth in class and 22nd overall. Following the race, the car was sold and its lightweight aluminum body parts were removed and replaced with SCCA production class-legal steel panels. Its intake was also changed back to the stock pair of SU carbs, and the car went on to establish a long and successful SCCA racing history.
The Sebring parts were carefully preserved, and were passed along with the car to each new owner. When acquired by the vendor in 1984, the aluminum front fenders, doors, deck lid and hood were still intact and still bore the paint and numbers from the Sebring race. The car has since been meticulously restored to its 1964 Sebring configuration.
It is equipped with many rare and unusual factory-supplied competition parts including the aluminum battery box cover, dual gas tanks, 22-click adjustable rear shocks, factory close-ratio gearbox, side running lights, Marchal headlights and driving lights, Perspex headlight covers and the original dash with Smiths chronometric tachometer. The intake manifold is cast magnesium and it has a special generator and lightweight starter. An engine stabilizer, rare enough that it is only mentioned in one obscure list of factory competition parts, is also installed.
Even more remarkable is one of four Abingdon Competitions Departments special engines, which was supplied from the factory in 1964.
One of the earliest MGBs built, with Sebring BMCD team history, Joe Huffaker preparation and a comprehensive and accurate restoration make this one of the most important MGs in the world. Its configuration is consistent with participation in FIA-sanctioned international historic events where it will be a valued participant.