MG MGB (1975)
for sale
Price: US $1,075.00
Price: US $1,075.00
1975 MGB-
This VERY well maintained and loved MGB. Not only is it beautiful, but it is utterly reliable. There is a link (Lots and lots of pictures) at the bottom of this auction that shows many more pictures including detailed pictures of underneath.
Seven years ago, the owner of this car brought it to Speedwell and asked us to go through it
completely with the aim of participating in two annual Rallies that occur in
Georgia. He had just finished restoring his 1954 Austin Healey 100-4 and, while
he does drive it regularly, he wanted a car that was a little more rugged, weather tight and comfortable for the long distance driving involved in these
rallies. After we finished doing everything the car needed, which will be
detailed later on, the car has been back to us bi-annually for pre-event
inspections, during which any necessary repairs were made. During this era in
the car’s history, it has always been maintained with an open checkbook and
kept garaged. The mileage listed (35, 739) is what is showing on the odometer, but there is no way of knowing what the car’s actual mileage is as this car is forty years old.
The current owner is in his 70’s now and has decided that his rallying days are over. He asked us to put the car here on Ebay
for sale in the hopes that it will end up in the hands of someone who will love
it and enjoy it as he has. If you ever wanted a great MGB that can be driven as
a daily driver, this car represents a rare opportunity.
The car was originally White and the owner wanted something
with a little more appeal. His Healey is Healey Blue (Light Blue) and during
its restoration, discovered the dash had been repainted Black. When the
Healey’s dash was removed, the original dark Blue of the dash was discovered on
the back. Naturally, our man had the Healy’s dash re-sprayed using this
original beautiful dark Blue. He thought so much of the color that he decided
to use the very same for his MGB’s exterior, and it turned out to be a lovely
choice. The MGB was stripped down and expertly painted Blue. The trunk’s
interior was also repainted. The cost of paintwork was in excess of $5, 000.
At that point, Speedwell went through the car and made all
necessary repairs, corrected any issues the car had suffered earlier
(mostly wiring related) and then made some changes to improve the car. The
goal, once again, to build an utterly reliable rally car. Following is a
partial list of what we did:
1) Rebuilt engine, balanced, .020 over high
compression pistons (9:1), new stock cam and lifters, polished, standard
tolerance crank, new oil pump, reconditioned earlier cylinder head with
Stellite seats and valves, new rocker shaft and polished rocker arm faces.
2) While engine was out, we replaced the seals in
the overdrive gearbox and replaced the clutch assembly. The flywheel was
resurfaced and re-balanced at this time as well.
3) We lowered the suspension from the “rubber
bumper” height to the proper “metal bumper” height, rebuilt the entire front
suspension using new polyurethane bushings throughout and added a ¾” front
anti-sway bar.
4) We went through the brakes and installed all new
hoses, master cylinder, new brake rotors, new brake pads and shoes and all the hydraulics (Brake
master, new calipers and rear wheel cylinders).
5) The original un-serviceable single Zenith
carburetor had been replaced with twin SU HS4 carburetors. We rebuilt them and
replaced anything showing any signs of wear (Nitrophyl floats were fitted as
well to cope with today’s Ethanol cursed fuel). The exhaust manifold was
replaced with the free flowing earlier twin outlet design.
6) We installed aftermarket cruise control, using a
new, period system, which works flawlessly.
7) Installed the Moss headlamp relay system that
routes power directly from the battery to the headlamps utilizing a relay which
is triggered by the headlamp switch. At the same time, the headlamps were
replaced with modern halogen types that have bulbs which are replaceable through
the back of the lamp. This system has two very big benefits: Much improved
illumination and better reliability (The headlamp switch now only has to carry
the minor load of triggering the relay).
8) While we had the engine out, we thoroughly
prepped and painted the engine bay the same color as the rest of the car, detailing all the
bay components as we re-installed them.
9) We repaired any of the electrical system that
needed attention, being careful along the way to make sure all grounds were
secure and that all wiring was neatly routed.
10) Installed a new Robbins vinyl top with zip-out
rear window.
The car and its owner have participated in two Georgia
rallies each year (the fall rally being a 350 mile course) for most of the past
seven years and has always finished well without a single breakdown. As
mentioned before, Speedwell has always gone through the car prior to each rally
and performed any needed services. Everything works as it should, the engine
has 15, 000 miles on it and it runs beautifully. The Sumitomo H-rated tires are
in good condition. One could drive this car to California if desired.
Driving impression: The car has a manual choke. It starts
easily and quickly settles into a cadenced idle. All four gears, along with
reverse, engage as they should and when the clutch is released, it too engages
properly. The car accelerates purposefully with plenty of power. Once at speed, the electric overdrive engages immediately with a flick of the
switch, dropping the RPM and providing a nice, relaxed feel. The car responds
instantly to input through the steering wheel, handles flatly in curves and provides a
smooth, rattle free ride. The brakes work great and haul the car from speed down to
a full stop easily, without any fuss. Once warmed up, the engine idles with just over 50lbs of oil pressure (higher when cold).
The paint is in excellent condition, very shiny and rich, with only a few minor chips. The interior is clean and very nice. The seats are
supportive and without tears. The dash has a Coverlay and looks very good.
Ebay only allows 24 pictures so I uploaded a LOT more, plus
pictures of underneath, to this photo bucket link:
Lots and lots of pictures
Just a brief word about MGB restoration, anyone who has ever embarked on this endeavor knows the amount of money and time this process can consume always ends up being at least double of any estimate you can formulate in your head. To transform an old worn out MGB to the condition of the car listed can easily exceed $15, 000. and take a lot of time to complete. Why put yourself through all that when there is a car available that is ready to enjoy for roughly half that number and none of the hassle?
The car is here at Speedwell and available for inspection.
We have a flexible schedule and will be as co-operative as possible regarding
pick up. The car is currently registered and is offered with an official Georgia
Bill of Sale only.
Thank you for looking at this auction. Please do not
hesitate to email with any questions.
update: 2015-05-06
Condition: | Used | VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): | GHN5UF385656G |
Year: | 1975 | Interior Color: | Black |
Make: | MG | Number of Cylinders: | 4 |
Model: | MGB | Transmission: | Manual |
Trim: | Convertible | Body Type: | Convertible |
Engine: | 1800cc | Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Drive Type: | RWD | Power Options: | Cruise Control |
Mileage: | 35,739 | For Sale By: | Private Seller |
Exterior Color: | Blue |