This is how a Toyota dealer walked away with two MGs

​​A farmer’s pregnant wife was unable to fit comfortably behind the steering wheel of the MGB roadster, and sought to trade-up to a new car at no extra cost.

In September 1982, motor car dealer Tony Trevenen was asked by the local Toyota dealer to value two MG roadsters at a farm near Newlyn, on the outskirts of Ballarat, Victoria. 

“One was a white MGB GT four-cylinder automatic with only 117,000 kilometres used a daily driver,” tells Tony. “The other was also an automatic, a blue MGB L with 124,000 original kilometres showing,” Tony says of the MGB L stored in a back shed, covered in bird droppings looking somewhat sad and neglected.

The story goes, the farmer’s pregnant wife was unable to fit comfortably behind the steering wheel and they had contacted the Toyota dealer seeking a trade on a 1982 Toyota Corona CS automatic at a no cost changeover for the two MGs. “This translated to me in having to pay $9000 for both cars for the deal to proceed,” says Tony.

Subsequently the deal was drawn up, and Tony drove the white one home, opting to have the blue one towed back to Ballarat. “I had intended to keep the white MGB GT, but the blue one was a much better car,” says Tony of his decision to do some work to it. “I added a new battery, reconditioned the head, fitted a new radiator and replaced the heater core. After a good detail, she looked like a million bucks!"

Tony drove the Space Blue MGB L sparingly, with his wife Kathy clocking up 16,000 kilometres over the next ten years. “Once our children started to arrive, the MG was parked up as it was no longer practical with a young family,” says Tony. “It has remained in the same spot since 1992.” 

Whilst it may look tired and unloved, Tony believes it wouldn’t take much to get it back on the road, as it’s mechanically sound and rust free.

The earlier history of the MGBL is that it was sold to the farmer’s wife when she was a single lady living in Queensland. She moved to Victoria in 1978, and the car was registered at the time with AJG-826 number plates. “I didn’t like the plates, and changed them to the black and white CK-222 which were plates I had transferred from another vehicle I had in stock at the time.”

Some 25 years on since the MGB was parked up, Tony’s children are grown up and doing their own thing, leaving Tony and his wife the time to enjoy this little gem. “I intend on getting the car back into service within the next year or so,” tells Tony of his future plans.

About 9000 MGBs were assembled in Australia from 1963 to 1972, firstly arriving in CKD form (Complete Knock Down kits) shipped from England, and assembled at BMC’s Zetland plant. All were roadsters. 

“I was approached by a member of the MG Car Club around 1995 inquiring if I’d consider selling the MG,” tells Tony, “he seemed quite knowledgeable stating that approximately 200 MGB L’s were sold worldwide with the automatic transmission.” The MG expert went on to tell Tony that his was one of two registered in Victoria. 

“I have no way of authenticating this information,” continues Tony, “however, I do believe he knew what he was talking about.”

Source: Survivor Car Australia

What do you think of the MGB? Would opt for one over the more obvious MX-5? Tell us in the comments.