1977 MG MGB Roadster
In a moment of creative ingenuity, MG's sales brochures in 1977 were die cut in the shape of an octagon, which was the shape of the MG logo. In the MGB catalog, it states, "whether it's the wind in your hair or the sun on your face, or the feeling of quick response, or simply the fact that this is pure pleasure, it is about as close as you're likely to come, without wings, to the exhilaration of flying.". This lofty prose captures the spirit of the roadster and why, historically, MG's have been among the most popular.
For consignment, a 1977 MG MGB with a title verified 63,702 actual miles. British roadsters were the standard bearer for future generations of sports cars and MG's remain an affordable classic with a huge enthusiasts' network around the country. Long before the Miata was born, the MG's were the go to car for fun in the sun, and we have a very nice example here.
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
Old English White coats the car in a color we might call cream or ivory. It's beautifully offset by the black rubber bumpers, the tires, and the black canvas soft top. The top itself is in good condition with some hints of fading but no tears in the canvas nor the three plastic windows. Metal trim around the windows, shoulder line, mirror, luggage rack, and door handles are in nice shape. Although the 14-inch wire wheels would benefit from some restoration to bring out the luster. Meanwhile, 185/70/14 tires with an early 2022 date code surround the wheels, and a snazzy upturned twin pipe chrome exhaust tip leaves the back. Panel gaps are decent but not perfect and overall the paint is in great condition with no noticeable flaws.
Interior
We're impressed with the black vinyl door cards as this is often where early wear and separation tends to show up. These are nice and tight and look fantastic. The same could be said about the bucket seats with their vertical stitched pattern and headrests. A back shelf is covered with a carpeted piece and houses some external speakers. The three spoke wood rimmed steering wheels is a classic version and is complemented by the cherry wood knob on the floor mounted shifter. Black molded plastic comprises the dash material, housing essential gauges in a symmetrical layout that's easy to read. Idiot lights, an AM/FM/Cassette radio, vent controls and vents take up other real estate on the dash which is intact and would benefit from a deep detailing. Low pile black carpet covers the floors and along with the plastic panel on the footwell walls, in good condition. The boot, (that's trunk for us Americans), is clean, lined in carpet, and contains a spare wheel and tire.
Drivetrain
A 1798cc inline 4 cylinder engine with a new cylinder head is under the bonnet and is rated at 62 horsepower. Two Su carburetors fuel the engine which is tied to a 4-speed manual transmission. The engine bay is very clean and indicates an attentive caretaker. Power is transferred to the rear wheels where 3.90 gears are found. A rebuilt master cylinder heads a braking system that includes new brakes, calipers, and wheel cylinders. Disc brakes are up front with drums in the back.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with surface rust, some road dirt, and some drips. We note a good amount of fluid near the tail shaft, residual oil on the oil pan, and some fluid on the rear differential. The single exhaust is intact and leads from headers to a stock style muffler in free flowing exhaust that terminates in dual tips. There is no catalytic converter. The front suspension has been rebuilt according to the consignor and the car has been lowered one inch. Coil springs are found in the front while leaf springs are found in the back.
Drive-Ability
Never get tired of taking these nimble little cars on a test jaunt. 62 horsepower in a car this size translates to a spirited gallop and the lowered body accentuates that feeling of speed. It is one of the more smile inducing cars in inventory and the reason for their relative quick sales here at the mall is immediately evident, they're just plain fun. Runs and stops well, but we have a few checkmarks on our report card. The heater blower is inoperable, as is the radio and we hear the horn relay clicking, but not honking.
Another nice example from the folks at British Leyland. Clean and generally well sorted, this is a great toy for lively weekend drives. You're not going to need a ton of room to store it, and there are likely old school experts in your area who know these cars inside and out for peace of mind. So, get some wind in your hair and some sun on your face, and get ready from some exhilaration, as the pamphlet promises.
GHN5UH417709G
G-MG
H-BMC B Series 1.8L
N-2 Seat Roadster
5-MK3
U-USA Spec LHD
H-1977
411709G-Sequential Unit Number
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