1967 MG MGB Roadster
MG's, (Morris Garages), were some of the earliest foreign sports cars to find an audience in America. By the late 50's, cars like the MG TD's and TF's were popular enough that they began showing up regularly on racetracks while shops specific to their care began popping up around the country. One of the oldest sports car clubs in the country, the Old York Road Sports Car Club, est. 1953, not far from us in Morgantown, can trace its roots, in part, to the newfound love of MG's that was sweeping the region and country.
For consignment, a stunning 1967 MG MGB. The MGB would be introduced in 1962, following the run of MGA's from 1955 to 1962. Our car went through a complete restoration in 1990 and it comes with not only its build sheet, but also a photo album of the restoration as well as a plethora of receipts. Thanks to some loving stewardship, it has held up very nicely over the years. It's made appearances at some well-regarded car shows in eastern Pennsylvania and sports a surprising interior option, but you'll have to read on to learn more!
Exterior
The straight body is bathed in white and topped by a black vinyl soft top. Desirable chrome bumpers match the headlight rings and grille. Other bright spots include the polished window frame which helps to tell up this is an early car due to only having 2 wiper arms, the pillar-mounted side mirror, and the body trim which intersects the length of the little car, giving the body some depth and character. 14-inch chrome wire wheels with knock-offs are quintessentially British and look great, (the patent for wire wheels was issued in London in 1826!). The roadster's top is in excellent condition as are the three plastic windows embedded in it.
Interior
A simple black leather door card houses the controllers, the window crank, door actuator, and pull handle are tastefully dressed in black with polished trim. A line of white piping intersects the door as well. The black leather seats, with tuck-and-roll inserts, are accentuated by white piping around the edge and forming a geometric pattern throughout. And the surprising interior option, a rear seat pad constructed of the same, white-piped black leather. Now your two-seat sports car can accommodate at least one more with the top down! It also makes for a nice storage shelf. The three-spoke steering wheel is highlighted by the bright red MG logo center cap and the spoke configuration allows you clear views of the important stuff like the chrome-rimmed tachometer and speedometer, both large and easy to read. An overdrive switch is far left, followed by a gas gauge. To the right of the main cluster is a temperature gauge, ignition slot, and various toggle switches. Vent controls look a bit like oven knobs and have a great tactile feel that will prove useful on the road. The wonderfully contoured glove box follows the lines of the dipping dash pad. The rarely seen Ammco center console has padded armrest where you can rest your elbow as you grab the comfortable, compact shifter housed in an oval polished metal surround. The low-pile black carpet is in fine condition and the trunk is lined in gray material, including the spare tire.
Drivetrain
An 1800cc inline four cylinder presents wonderfully in the engine bay with burgundy painted block and valve covers. Two SU HS4 carburetors regulate the fuel through piston-controlled venturis. The 4-speed manual transmission has Laylock-de-Normanville overdrive which is engaged with that toggle on the dash. The 98 horses are sent to the rear wheels and 3.909 gears. Disc brakes in front and drums in the rear.
Undercarriage
The solid construction results in a flat bottom on most of the car and creates a tidy underside. We note no surface rust indicating this car has enjoyed a fair-weathered existence. Independent suspension with coil springs buffer the front while leaf springs in the rear cushion the other end. A header leads to a single exhaust that feeds through a stainless-steel muffler and exists below the driver's side bumperette. We note a few drops of oil on the oil pan and some residual oil at the rear differential.
Drive-Ability
Despite temps in the high-40's, we braved the loop with the top down. The 1800 provides plenty of zip for this car and the short shifter is butter smooth. We maintained the 30 mph around some gentle turns, and it became obvious why these were popular imports and remain one of the most beloved sports cars in history, fun fun fun. Move over, Miata, the OG is here!
Indeed, it is one of the world's great sports cars and it's no wonder why there's a large and active network of enthusiasts around the country that talk, ride, maintain, and show these wonderful little cars. You can buy any number of modern roadsters, and there's certainly merit in that. But there's nothing quite like an early British sports car to get the blood going and this one is a fine example. Tuck this one in your garage and pray for a sunny weekend.
GHN3L94283
G-MG
H-BMC 1.8 Liter B Series Engine
N-2 Seat Roadster
3-MK1
L-Left Hand Drive
94283-Sequential Unit Number
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