The 1980 Aston Martin MGB Prototype
DOL 341V is the Aston Martin MGB prototype built by the Aston Martin consortium alongside their bid to acquire British Leyland and has a unique place in MG history. The consortium which comprised of Alan Curtis (Chairman of Aston Martin), David Wickens (BCA), Peter Cadbury, Lord George-Brown and the Norwest construction group went public with their plans to save Abingdon and made it clear they wanted to acquire the rights to the MG marque name and the MGB.
This Russet Brown RHD, home market MGB Roadster was first registered DOL 341V on the 13th February 1980 by BL Cars Limited (Sales & Marketing), Longbridge, Birmingham. DOL 341V remained with BL until it was sold to Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd of Newport Pagnell.
The Aston Martin MGB was designed by William Towns, designer of the DBS, DBS V8 and AMV8 as well as the Aston Martin Lagonda, In June 1980 Keith Martin – Project engineer for Aston Martin was presented with DOL 341V with the instruction to build the car in just six days, with the help of Steve Hallam, Martin and a small team of trimmers and fitters set to work to transform the MGB into Williams Towns interpretation. John Symonds of Pressed Steel Fisher – where the MGB bodies were produced was placed in charge of the Aston Martin MGB project
The Aston Martin MGB had a unique specification which included - Tickford sport seats, Astrali 13" four spoke steering wheel, GT windscreen and surround, GT side windows, Tickford hood, Black side mouldings, modified front bumper and spoiler, Small chrome grille, Rear panel with fog & reversing lights, 14" Wolfrace alloy wheels. Just seven days later – one day over schedule – the finished car, resplendent in BL Silver Sand Metallic was wheeled out of the Aston Martin special projects workshop and the consortium launched the Aston-MGB to the press in June 1980.
Sadly negotiations to buy BL failed and it was to be a black day in BL's history, because it committed the company to closing Abingdon for good.
DOL 341V remained in storage at Newport Pagnell until it was sold to a private owner in July 1984.
In August 1997 a long standing MG enthusiast purchased DOL 341V at circa 1,093 recorded miles and was committed to the continuing maintenance of the MGB's originality and unique history.
DOL 341V is complete with fascinating detailed history including the it's original MGB driver's handbook, Various vehicle records from DLVA Swansea, BMIHT Certificate, A bound book detailing Aston Martin's proposals for the acquisition of the MG Car Company and a bound book detailing Aston Martin's product concept for MG Cars.
The Aston Martin MGB is totally original having covered a mere 6,800 miles from new.
Totally unique and a fascinating glimpse at "what might have been".
For Sale via Nutley Sports & Prestige Centre Ltd — £29,995
Please direct all inquiries to the website below
http://www.nutleysports.co.uk/AstonMGB-Silver.htm
Construction of DOL 341V at the Aston Martin Special Projects Workshop (Newport Pagnell)
Finished prototype displaying the registration number MGB 81 for show purposes only
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