Skip to main content

LOT 103

c.1967 MGB Roadster Registration no. UMD 534F Chassis no. G23N003222F Engine no. 18GD-U-H12251

Sold for £25,300 inc. premium
Lot 103

1968 Daily Express London to Sydney Marathon Rally participant
c.1967 MGB Roadster

c.1967 MGB Roadster
Registration no. UMD 534F
Chassis no. G23N003222F
Engine no. 18GD-U-H12251

• Winner of the 1968 Marathon Rally's sports car class
• Built around a works-supplied bodyshell
• Restored by the MG Car Club's MGB Register
• Refinished in original Marathon Rally livery

'UMD 534F' is a BMC works-prepared MGB roadster delivered as a new bodyshell in British Racing Green to the London garage of Jean Denton (latterly Lady Denton of Wakefield) and Tom Boyce. The MGB had come via Abingdon Special Tuning, where it is believed to have been seam-welded. Tom Boyce modified the engine, which was balanced and rebuilt with a lower compression ratio than normal. To counteract the weight of extra equipment carried at the rear, the lever-arm shock absorbers were upgraded to adjustables, and extra coil springs with rubber top mounts fitted.

The MGB was a private entry in the Daily Express London to Sydney Marathon Rally of 1968. 98 cars left Crystal Palace in London at 23.00 hours on 24th November to tackle the 7,000-mile first leg, with 72 arriving in Bombay on 1st December to board the SS Chusan and continue to Perth, Australia, arriving on 15th December to complete the last 2,500 miles to Sydney by 18th December. The MGB finished 42nd out of 56 finishers, winning the sports car class.

Little is known about the car following its return from Australia until it was rediscovered and restored by the MG Car Club's MGB Register in Abingdon-on-Thames, its original birthplace. The restoration sought to preserve and reuse all the special competition parts to retain its historic rallying heritage and originality. Once again finished in the livery it wore during the 1968 Marathon Rally, the car never fails to draw attention at Historic Marathon Rally Group and other events.

Footnotes

Please note The Marathon Car was delivered as a new shell to Jean Denton, latterly Baroness Denton of Wakefield and Tom Boyce. We are unable to confirm that it was seam welded by Abingdon Special Tuning.

Saleroom notices

Please note The Marathon Car was delivered as a new shell to Jean Denton, latterly Baroness Denton of Wakefield and Tom Boyce. We are unable to confirm that it was seam welded by Abingdon Special Tuning.

Additional information

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Specialist section

Auction Viewings

  • 6 September 2024, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 7 September 2024, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

Bid now on these items

1949 Vincent 998cc Series-C Rapide
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1949 Vincent 998cc Series-C Rapide

£16,000 - £20,000
1992 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL - R129
Denmark

1992 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL - R129

DKK200,000 - DKK300,000
1987 Porsche 924 S Targa
Denmark

1987 Porsche 924 S Targa

DKK170,000 - DKK200,000
Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939 c.1905 Humber (Coventry) 8/10hp Two-Seat Open Tourer
United Kingdom

Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939
c.1905 Humber (Coventry) 8/10hp Two-Seat Open Tourer

£20,000 - £30,000
Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939 c.1905 Rover 8hp Two/Four Seat Open Tourer
United Kingdom

Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939
c.1905 Rover 8hp Two/Four Seat Open Tourer

£25,000 - £35,000