Saleofcar.com :MG

MG MGB (1979)
for sale

Price: US $1,500.00

Description:

This auction is for an original, one owner, Limited Edition, California, MGB roadster. Having been built in December of 1979 purchased new and first registered in 1980 this one of the very last MGB’s made. An original black overdrive car it has only covered just over 50K miles from new. It still retains its factory paint (except for the hood) and is an extremely original example. It runs and drives very well and is very straight and tidy. It is just a lovely example of an original classic, cars like this are increasingly hard to find. It has always been garaged and well looked after and has never been in an accident or driven in any harsh conditions. After it was purchased it was driven daily for the first ten years and since then has been used very sparingly. It has not been sitting for years so it does not suffer from the problems that brings. It has a clear California title and is licensed until July 2016.

All areas inside the fenders, front and back, where you expect to find the odd ripple or incorrect hardware are amazingly straight and correct. Underneath the floors are in pristine condition, no jack marks or the slightest indication of rust, except a few tiny specs on the front and rear lower fender panels the worst is on the passenger side – see pics. The hood was replaced and repainted in the 90’s unfortunately the paint has some blistering and there is a small dent in the front, by the badge, from some overly aggressive closing. The only other dent is in the left rear fender by the bumper, the result of a tyre blow out. The panels are straight, the gaps are good. The driver’s door is starting to show the usual crack (very small) by the quarterlight, passenger side is fine. The doors close very easily always a good sign. All the locks work including the glove box and there are two sets of keys. The trunk lid is unusual having not been tweaked by someone trying to close it without lifting it first. There are a number of small chips around the car and the paint is buffed through on the top of the front fenders - see pictures and it is thin in other places, however the car is still very presentable and still holds a decent shine. The windows wind up and down easily and the original Triplex glass is in good condition all round, very few windshield chips.

The interior is incredibly good for being 35 years old. The carpet is original and is missing on the driver’s sill area. The rubber mats are still in excellent condition. The dash has a small crack in the top which is covered by a dashmat. The rest of it is fine. The original seats are still quite firm and supportive with the passenger side having a few small stains, looks like paint. Door panels are nice and straight, seat belts function although the drivers side little tricky to insert into the socket. Also in the trunk is an LE spare wheel with good tire and original tools. The convertible top (zip out rear window) has nice clear windows but has a couple of small areas where the vinyl has torn, nothing serious and it is fully functional and has a good frame.

The engine starts easily from cold (although the upgraded choke cable is a little stiff to operate, it works better if the gas pedal is depressed when using it) and pulls smoothly and powerfully, with no unwanted noise or any sign of smoke. It has a very slight exhaust leak which can be heard mostly at idle; however the engine is quiet and more powerful than most late B’s. It has good oil pressure and the gauges all seem accurate. It does not overheat. The two stock fans have been replaced with on large unit mounted on the back of the radiator and it has been wired in correctly with a relay and it cycles on and off, keeping the car at a good temperature, like it should. It does not run on when turned off Underneath the car is surprisingly dry, very unusual!

The overdrive gearbox is not noisy and shifts easily although 3rd gear synchro is a little fussy when changing down. The overdrive works flawlessly. The clutch feels good, no sign of slipping. The steering is smooth and precise with no play. The brakes feel good, and it pulls up nice and straight without any noise or fuss. The parking brake works well although it probably could do with adjusting. The suspension feels fine on the road and the rear axle is quiet. I would recommend having a wheel alignment done although the tyres look nearly new. Overall the car drives very well.

The Speedometer works including the trip reset and the other gauges are good. The indicators self cancel.

The wiring does not seem to have been modified or repaired and is original and correct. The radio does not seem to work, neither does the, clock or windshield washers, could be a fuse. Everything else electrically functions correctly.


To recap this car is a very sharp looking, genuinely original car that drives like a charm. Due to its lack of serious rust, straight body and originality it will appreciate well if it is looked after and driven as is or it could be the basis for a stunning restoration, you choose.

As always I would recommend driving this car if at all possible, please call 310 833 1525 for an appointment. Bid with confidence, the car will not disappoint. I have sold many classic British cars on e-bay with all buyers leaving excellent feedback.

_{update: 2016-02-03}