1980 MG MGB Roadster
With numerous buyouts and mergers, the MG moniker became increasingly less funded, due to concentration of efforts to market other models within the waning British Leyland Company. The MG MGB sports car was the first new sports car for hundreds of thousands of Americans and likely was owned by at least half a million because it had second, third and even fourth owners. A good number of MGB's are still around, mostly in restored condition.
A 55,429 verified actual mile restored version with numerous panels, mechanicals, and suspension parts getting attention, we give you a visually and mechanically very nice condition example of the B from 1980. Everywhere one looks at this car you see no rust, just nice paint and refinished interior surfaces. Save for the large bumpers, (which was the Brit's way of getting around the 5 MPH law), and known as the phase 4 version, this car is a great little nice running, sports car. Going through our consignor's notes, we found a detailed maintenance log as well as notes regarding upgrades performed on the brakes and electrical system that eliminate some of the typical issues one encounters in MG's of the era all performed by Treasure Motorcars.
NOTE: Due to modifications of the emissions control devices installed by the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and federal laws to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on public highways in your area
Exterior
Thinking of a British sports car in anything but green, one may question the Carmine Red exterior color. However, a glance then a good look at the fit and finish on this car will give one pause to question this outdated thought of the green. Near excellent paint, nice bumpers, a clear chrome trim spear, MGB rocker decaling in white, and a nice black convertible top all come together to form this sporty Brit. The top on this car is tight and rear windows are clear with no clouding or any signs of tearing. A shout out to the British luggage rack for outings that require an overnight stay. 14-inch MG wire knock off wheels are on all 4 corners and show up wearing black walls in 175/70R14 form all from 2019.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we have black vinyl for the door panels. These show as a bit wrinkled and are peppered with black knobs and pulls and aftermarket speakers. The buckets are in black vinyl with an almost 3D pleated tuck and roll pattern to compliment the lightly textured grain seat sides and headrests. The original dash is upfront and in splendid condition with the full gamut of Smiths black face gauges. Overall, the dash is in very nice condition with original gauges and an aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette player tucked into the factory location. A nice center console in black with an ashtray and the shift lever with its decidedly British wood knob topper. Black carpet covers the floors, and nice black carpeted MG mats cover the carpet. A peek into the trunk and it has been completely redone and shows in fairly clean black with a full size spare tire, jack and tool bag.
Drivetrain
A pop of the bonnet and we are met with a well restored engine bay holding the correct 1800cc engine. A Zenith 175CD5T carburetor is on to feed this 4 popper and we note the addition of an electric cooling fan. This is backed by a 5-speed manual gearbox that sends power to a 3.909 geared rear axle. Much of the electrical improvements can be noted under the hood with fairly cleanly run wiring, supple hoses, and a newer water pump.
Undercarriage
Giving the car a lift, we see a sea of patined black undercoated metal. A mostly rust-free environment undercarriage save for a few steel parts that have surface rusting create a unibody and suspension which are solid, and as mentioned we see no invasive rust anywhere. Independent coil spring suspension up front and leaf springs on the rear, and power front disc and power rear drum brakes with new hoses and wheel cylinder tell the story. A nearly new single exhaust system is in charge of the exhale and is installed sans a catalytic converter.
Drive-Ability
It started right up after a bit of a climb downward to get in but after twisting the key the engine fell into a smooth steady idle. Out on the test track I experienced good acceleration, a smooth ride and a comfortable, albeit small interior. Frankly, my tush could not get enough of the seats. This mini Brit stopped quickly and safely with no pulling to one side with all functions operating as they should.
If you have a hankering for an attack of a winding country back road with the top down, sun in your face, and wind in your hair tool, then this nice example is probably beckoning. This well dressed, classy British royal is a fine thing to look at and a fun thing to drive. With all rust remediated, tons of mechanical upgrades and a plush black interior, you will be spit spot!
GVVBJ2AG510699
G-MG
V-MGB
V-2 Seat Roadster, North America
B-MK3
J-BMC 1800cc I4
2-Left Hand Drive-1979
A-1980
G-Abigton, England Assy Plant
510699-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
