It’s amazing what a difference a hardtop can make on a convertible. OEM hardtops are among some of the most desirable factory accessories you can add to a drop-top and can also add a good deal of value to the final purchase price. The thing is, finding a factory hardtop is no small feat, and it only gets harder to find an aftermarket version. And if you want to find a vintage hardtop? Good luck! This 1968 MGB is an example of a classic model that is equipped with a very rare aftermarket roof known as the Ashley hardtop. It transforms the MGB into a fastback-style coupe, listed here on craigslist for $18,500. Thanks go to Barn Finds reader Roger for the tip!
The seller has done some research to confirm that there are very few Ashley hardtops left in existence, claiming that there are just three in North America and nine left worldwide. The MGB is not a hard car to find, but between the hardtop and the right-drive steering, this is definitely a hard car to repeat. I’ve stopped looking at MGBs for the most part, largely because they’re so easy to find – and most of them are seemingly equipped the same way. This MGB is special not only for the reasons listed above, but also because it’s just damn clean and has the preferred chrome bumpers. The tonneau cover and roof rack are nice accessories as well.
Not everyone loves right-hand drive steering – in fact, it could be a big reason why some enthusiasts do a hard pass on this MGB. It’s not a deal-breaker for me, but I can certainly understand why some enthusiasts may not dig it. It can be tedious after a while but it shouldn’t stop you from driving the car that otherwise checks all of the boxes. The dashboard appears to be in good shape, as do the carpets and upholstery. The aftermarket radio isn’t super attractive, but it also goes to the general feeling that this MGB is a great driver – or maybe a little better. As an added bonus, it has electric overdrive in third and fourth gear.
The seller notes the engine benefits from having the main bearings redone and some headwork, and that it was in the care of the previous owner for 40 years. That same prior owner was also the one who imported it from England, and that the British number plate on the front is original to the car. When a car is imported like this and kept for a long period of time, it tells me a previous owner truly loved it to the point of bringing it all the way to another country just to keep it in the family. Cars like that are special, and while it’s far form the most affordable MGB we’ve seen, it also appears to be worth every penny.
This is cool … even with an aftermarket radio. :)
It should sell fast.
I am a fan of MGB’s and their hardtops.
( Cool link here: http://www.mgnuts.com/hardtops/mgb/ )
I am currently looking for an unrestored ’65 – ’67 factory black MGB with red leather interior. If anyone has leads, I’d be much obliged. Not so easy to find. I’ve been looking for years.
How about a green one with tan leather?
Not anywhere close to what you are looking for, but a good looking car.
I agree with the word RARE for this !
Looking at the pictures of the hardtop , i guess the trunk lid must be removed prior to install as the hardtop trunklid is narrower than the original
I guess that i need to search online
looks like it goes over the trunk if you look at the craiglist pics
Love the metal dash, 68s in US had the pillow dash that I always thought were ugly. RHD can be a problem trying to pass a truck on two lane roads.
Yes. That is very rare. Ashley sold a lot for Spridgets and their stuff is very sought-after in the UK. But don’t recall the MGB fastback hardtop at all.
MattR: Thanks for the link to other manufacturers, Williams would be my favorite. The B with one reminds me a bit of a Davrian Mk. V.
That’s fun! Imagine being able to drive an MGB down the street and never passing yourself while driving in a sea of MGB’s!
Having driven my uncles 356B and fallen in love with my neighbors 260Z, as an 18 yr old I wanted a sportscar even more than I wanted a girlfriend. OK maybe a wash. I couldn’t afford a decent Z at the time so I test drove a couple of MGs, a B that was out of my price range and then a B-GT that was, but quickly showed me why when it broke down on the trial run. Got my 280Z 23 years later but still love these MGs!
Roof rack?
IMO rare hardtop doesn’t relate to good looking hardtop.
I had the factory hardtop on my MGC… Not fond of this one.
I had the factory hardtop on my MGC… Not fond of this one.
I am the owner of this car……thanks to whoever wrote this article.
Car is still available.
The rack is actually a trunk rack.
RHD seems to be a bit of an issue with selling……15-20 minutes and you get used to it. Just more care needed when passing or turning across traffic.
Currently listed on Craigslist Edmonton and Kijiji in Canada. Also on the Mini-Mania site.
Thanks to all those considering buying the car…….Randy
thnx for the post/write up.
Even more for the link to “mg nuts”. Those tops R really sompin!
Now the car?…still ‘iffy” on it. Bumpers real nice cept for the over riders, LHD – it takes almost no time to get the handel on it
BUT
it don’t fit this country (roads, other drivers, curb side, transportation system, tolls/banks/etc/etc).
This reminds me of the few removable split window hardtops that were made for C-2 roadster Corvettes.
Thanks for the nice review….I am the owner of the car.
Yes Mgb’s are not that rare but the top is.
The trunk lid gets taken off to put the hardtop on….about 20 minutes with two guys. I love the hardtop so it usually stays on….sometimes run around with just the tonneau cover.
RHD is easy after about 15 minutes behind the wheel.
The car is still available in Edmonton Alberta Canada.
Randy