After being in production since 1962, as sales of the MGB slowed at the end of the 1970s MG launched the ‘LE’ Limited Edition model ostensibly to celebrate 50 years of MG production at Abingdon. Sadly, as the factory closed at the end of their production run, the LE cars are now better known as the final MGBs built.
Recognised by their unique metallic paint colours and lower body side decals, the LE cars also featured special GKN alloy wheels (painted wire wheels were available on the Roadster as an option) and unique red badges as a nostalgic nod to early MGs.
The LE cars were built between August and October 1980 in a limited run of 1000 cars. 580 GTs were made (in Pewter metallic with silver stripes) and 420 Roadsters in Bronze metallic with gold stripes). Of the Roadsters, 208 had wire wheels and 212 had the Stag-type alloys fitted.
When the MG factory closed in October 1980 the cars were all stockpiled and were not released for sale until January 1981. Many were bought by collectors and the last two cars built were sent to the Heritage Motor Museum at Gaydon.
‘Dot’ here was registered in March 1981 and we believe she was treated to a full restoration in the 1990s. The bodywork was clearly repainted to a very high standard (in her original Bronze metallic – code BMC – with Gold stripes, of course) and presents with the right patina of an older restoration, while the original deckchair-stripe seats were retrimmed in a much more sophisticated black leather with white piping. Quality carpets were fitted throughout (including the whole boot area) and the engine bay was detailed with an alloy rocker cover and sports air filters to compliment the sports exhaust.
Having been unused in dry storage since 2018, we’ve just carried out a full recommissioning, comprising the following works;
• Engine: fully serviced with new fluids & filters and spark plugs replaced. Valve clearances adjusted.
• Brakes: front calipers and rear drums stripped, cleaned and adjusted and brake fluid replaced.
• Clutch: new master cylinder and slave cylinder fitted with new hoses and hydraulic fluid replaced.
• Fuel system: new fuel tank fitted with new sender assembly and all flexible hoses replaced with new in-line fuel filter. Carburettors stripped, cleaned and rebuilt.
• Tyres: 4 new tyres fitted.
Now showing just 96,000 miles and correctly registered with the DVLA as 'Historic' (meaning tax and MOT exempt and ULEZ compliant)... Supplied with a clear HPI report and a supporting history file... Part exchange always welcome and warranty options are available... Call us now for details!!
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