LOT 279

c.1965 MGB Sebring Competition Roadster Tribute Registration no. EFG 145C Chassis no. GHN3/55354

Sold for £21,850 inc. premium

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Lot 279

c.1965 MGB Sebring Competition Roadster Tribute
Registration no. EFG 145C Chassis no. GHN3/55354

Goodwood Revival: Collector's Motor Cars and Automobilia|14 September 2019, 13:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

c.1965 MGB Sebring Competition Roadster Tribute
Registration no. EFG 145C
Chassis no. GHN3/55354

*Tribute to Sebring works car 'BMO 541B'
*Formerly raced in Japan
*Extensively modified
*Newly rebuilt 'fast road' engine by MG Motorsport

Footnotes

Wonderfully redolent of the age when British production sports cars regularly and successfully contested the great endurance classics, the MGB offered here has been constructed as a tribute to the famous works car, 'BMO 541B', which competed in the Sebring 12 Hours race in 1965 carrying competitor number '49'. Entered by the British Motor Corporation and driven by Merle Brennan and Frank Morell, 'BMO' finished 25th overall and 10th in the Prototype class. The previous year that same car had competed at Le Mans in aerodynamic 'long nose' configuration where, driven by Andrew Hedges and Paddy Hopkirk, it averaged 99.9mph and finished 19th overall and 12th in the GT category, winning The Motor Trophy for the best-placed British car.

It is understood that chassis number '55354' was exported to Japan where it was modified for racing in accordance with SCCJ regulations. It is reported that the MG competed in sports car races in Japan in the early 1990s before being placed in storage, remaining out of use for the next 20 years. The car was then discovered by a previous owner, who set about transforming it into a 'BMO' tribute. It is understood that the work was carried out in the USA, but specific details of individual components' origins and specifications are not available.

The car was purchased by the current vendor at Bonhams' Goodwood Revival Sale in September 2017 (Lot 246) having been offered for re-commissioning. Since purchase the vendor has continued to upgrade the MG with an engine built to 'fast road' specification by marque specialists MG Motorsport. In addition, a roll cage and new fuel tank have been installed and the front suspension rebuilt, all to FIA specification. The wiring has been redone and we are advised by the private vendor that there remains little more to do to complete the rebuild. Potentially a lot of fun for next year's racing season, the car comes with sundry bills , a photograph album , early paperwork and a V5C document.

Saleroom notices

Interested parties should note that the race car on offer benefits from being re-shelled with a heritage shell

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