1964 MGB Iris Blue

For those of us who love cars, we intuitively understand that some cars are different. We all have owned daily drivers that are simply appliances that are meant to be used for their intended purpose and then discarded. They have no soul and are just a collection of steel, plastic, wires, rubber and glass. That is fitting as an inanimate should remain so.

But, every once in a while, you come across a car that is imbued with something more…an intangible quality that makes it stand out. You aren’t sure what it is until you realize that the car is talking to you. This is one of those cars. For those of you who have read Peter Egan articles and The Red Car by Don Stanford, you know what I mean and I encourage you to keep reading. For those who don’t, please don’t read any further. This description of an old car that has loved and been loved and will, hopefully, love again will mean nothing to you.

I own quite a few cars. Of those cars, there are only a few that talk to me. This 1964 MGB is one of those cars. I first met this car last year when I spotted an ad on craigslist. Being an early car with a hardtop, I thought the car might be a great parts for a 1963 MGB I’m restoring. I made arrangements to see it and was surprised to find the car parked out back of an old junkyard/mechanic shop. The car was dirty and looked woebegone. But, as soon as I saw the car, I could tell it was something special. The stereotypical proprietor (who was the epitome of every junkyard dealer in any movie you have ever seen) regaled me with his “vast” knowledge of MG facts; however, I did not hear any of it. I knew I had to save the car. I wound up paying more than I should and brought Iris (the car) home.

Once I got Iris home I could tell that she was much more solid than I originally thought. Although there is typical rust in the bottom fenders; the rest of the car (the floor pans, rails, etc.) is remarkably solid. As I explored the interior of the car, I found a notebook containing many receipts going as far back at the 1960’s. I also found a receipt where the engine was rebuilt around 20K miles before Iris was parked in the mid-80’s.

The car was so original in so many ways I really wanted to learn more. In the paperwork I found information for the previous owners. I took a chance and wrote them a letter. I was overwhelmed by the response I received! The letter (attached) confirmed everything I felt about the car and what Iris was telling me. This car had lived the life all sports cars should have. Iris was loved by her owners and loved in return. Unfortunately, time moves own and the owner’s lives changed. However, because they didn’t want to part with their car they parked Iris instead. Iris sat for 30 years…until I came along.

Why am I selling now after going through the trouble to save her? Because I own too many cars and don’t have the time or money to fix them all. Some of my project cars I’ll part out and make much more money. However, I’ll never do that to Iris. This car needs to be back on the road. A good friend of mine from England saw Iris and said he would just get her running and drive as is. The patina is genuine and would cause quite a stir at the local car show circuit!

My hope is that Iris will talk to someone who has the energy and will make the commitment to make her part of their family. Why should you want Iris? Because she is awesome as is or can be easily restored.

Let’s review her vital statistics:

According to Clausager’s book, Iris would have been built around October 1963.

She was delivered in Iris Blue paint with a blue interior. Iris had a repaint in the original color at some point in her life and the paint is now weathered and cracked. That’s the patina you see now.

Some of the original blue interior is still in the car (most of the interior panels are the original blue panels). However, the door cards and seats were recovered in black in some point.

The steel dash still has the original period correct radio as well as period correct aftermarket wooden steering wheel and center armrest (maybe from the 1970’s)? The gauges are original. The convertible top is behind the seats. I have not had it out and have no idea what condition the top is in. Overall, with a good cleaning the interior is very usable as is.

Body pictures show rust along the bottom of the fenders (worse on the passenger side). However, under the car is remarkably solid. The trunk is dry with no rust and the bonnet is the original aluminum in excellent condition. I don’t believe Iris has ever been in an accident. The doors close very nicely with a solid sound and I don’t think they have ever been off the body. The hardtop is all there and is in great shape.

The engine spins freely. I have not made any attempt to start it. I’ll get a picture of the engine number; however, I have no reason to believe the engine is not original. The hydraulics will need to be gone through, of course.

Iris rolls on the 30+ year old Pirelli’s. The tires hold air surprisingly well. Of course, I would not drive on them!

The old style 6v batteries are still in the car. I have not removed them nor attempted to put in a modern battery. I believe the car is still using a positive earth system and I see no reason to tempt the fates at this point in Iris’s life.

There is not much more to say. My description and the pictures say everything I can tell you and only Iris can tell you more. The attached letter documents Iris’s early life. Now, it’s up to you to help her write the next chapter.