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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 would finish the grueling 12 Hour endurance race, an extraordinary achievement demonstrating the competitiveness of the still-new MGB. The car on offer here, the Iris Blue #48, consistently rounded 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 carburetors, and the car went on to establish a long and successful SCCA racing history. When the car would change hands, the Sebring parts, carefully preserved, were passed along with the car to each new owner.
When acquired by the current owner in 2004, the aluminum front fenders, doors, deck lid and hood were still completely intact and bore the paint and numbers from the long-ago Sebring race. Since that time, the car has since been meticulously restored to its 1964 Sebring configuration, removing all traces of its later SCCA competition modifications. Due to the loyal preservation of a chain of owners, it is still 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 chronometer tachometer. The special cast magnesium intake manifold from its racing days is present and the car furthermore sports 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 Competition Department 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 always be a valued participant. With it's original 140 horsepower engine and minimal weight it also will be highly competitive in current vintage racing classes worldwide. Currently fully-sorted and prepared for vintage racing, this extraordinary example requires only a new driver to make history once again.
<< return to results
When acquired by the current owner in 2004, the aluminum front fenders, doors, deck lid and hood were still completely intact and bore the paint and numbers from the long-ago Sebring race. Since that time, the car has since been meticulously restored to its 1964 Sebring configuration, removing all traces of its later SCCA competition modifications. Due to the loyal preservation of a chain of owners, it is still 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 chronometer tachometer. The special cast magnesium intake manifold from its racing days is present and the car furthermore sports 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 Competition Department 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 always be a valued participant. With it's original 140 horsepower engine and minimal weight it also will be highly competitive in current vintage racing classes worldwide. Currently fully-sorted and prepared for vintage racing, this extraordinary example requires only a new driver to make history once again.
<< return to results
