1953 MG YB: Restored & Absolutely Stunning
The MG YB, introduced in 1947 as part of the distinguished Y-Type range by MG, was the marque’s first post-war saloon and a motor car that perfectly captured the spirit of renewed optimism in Britain. Marketed as a “sports saloon,” the YB offered practicality for the upwardly mobile family man, yet retained the engaging drive and character that defined the brand.
Over the past decade we have had the pleasure of presenting a number of YA and YB models, yet without hesitation this example stands among the finest we have encountered. Milestones were honoured when Alan, its devoted owner of more than fifty years, invited us to acquire his cherished YB back in 2025, prior to the last ownership. Purchased in the early 1970s as everyday family transport, it became woven into the fabric of family life. Unlike so many classics that pass fleetingly from keeper to keeper, this motor car was simply retained, enjoyed and treasured. In the late 1990s, determined to preserve it for generations to come, Alan commissioned a comprehensive restoration carried out with care, integrity and a clear respect for originality.
The body was removed from the chassis, which was meticulously inspected with all corrosion professionally repaired as required. The body was taken back to bare metal; panels were carefully repaired and lead-loaded in the traditional manner before receiving five coats of 2K Masons Black, resulting in a deep, lustrous finish of exceptional quality. The interior was sympathetically refreshed with replacement carpets and a new headlining, while the original seats and door cards, complete with their charming ash trays, were retained to maintain authenticity. The dashboard and door cappings were re-veneered by a craftsman trained by Jaguar, lending a richness and warmth to the cabin. Mechanically, all components were checked and renewed where necessary, and the extensive photographic record of the restoration speaks volumes for the thoroughness of the work undertaken.
Now, some twenty-six years on, this YB remains utterly stunning — the true measure of a restoration’s quality. The panels beautifully aligned, and the chrome work bright and elegant against the black coachwork. Mechanically, she starts eagerly and settles into a smooth, period-correct exhaust note. On the road the experience is delightfully evocative; there are no untoward noises or smoke, simply the sensation of stepping back to a more graceful motoring era.
Inside, the cabin offers a wonderful patina, the instrumentation and switchgear performing precisely as they should. It is a motor car that invites use rather than mere admiration — equally at home gracing a show lawn or winding along a country lane.
This is a classic to be polished, driven and enjoyed. Add a blanket, a picnic basket and perhaps a chilled beer at journey’s end, and you have the makings of a perfect day in one of Abingdon’s most charming post-war creations.
PRICE: £12995