Vehicle Description
Undeniably fun to drive, this 1980 MG MGB represents the chance to
own a classic, nimble droptop that's perfect for open air motoring
at a good price. It's got historical significance, as well, being
part of the last class of MGBs built at the famed Abingdon factory
just outside of Oxford - a facility renowned for their production
of dozens of winning rally and race cars.
MG filled a niche by building an accessible, comfortable and
reliable sports car for the masses, in the process doing away with
the extreme temperamental nature and design quirks inherent in so
many cars that came previously. They were able to get the job done
while consistently refining both the mechanical engineering and
aesthetics of their cars and, as a 1980 model, this particular MGB
represents the culmination of those efforts. It's a great looking
car - sporty and able-bodied, and the white exterior shows off
those good looks. Showing nice, even paint from top to bottom, and
fresh, unscuffed rubber on both the front and back bumpers, it
looks fresh and gives the car an undeniably road ready vibe. The
black manual convertible top is free of tears and moves into
position without issue, and you'll notice both the windshield as
well as the glass to both sides is clear and unscratched. As befits
a car with such an extensive rally heritage, it sits low and level
to the ground, but with ample clearance for its tires to deal with
imperfections in the road.
One of the tangible results of MG's constant efforts to improve
their cars becomes pretty obvious when you step inside and slip
behind the wheel. Unlike many sports cars before it, this MGB has a
surprising amount of leg room, eliminating the need to assume a
driving position with knees virtually straddling the steering
wheel. There's a respectable amount of shoulder room, as well, so
two normal adult-sized passengers can hit the road in sporty
comfort. It's a nice-looking interior, with a very cool,
burl-patterned dash looming just behind the steering wheel,
harboring a full complement of gauges still easily readable through
clear lenses. The durable-looking black vinyl buckets still appear
plenty comfortable, too, with higher backs than often encountered
in cars of this stature. Between them, the center console provides
some storage space, as well as a convenient resting place for an
elbow as you cruise the asphalt. Unlike most convertibles of this
era, it's equipped with A/C, although it does seem to need a shot
of freon. A modern AM/FM/CD player resides just beyond the floor
shifter in place of the original AM radio.
Pop up the hood and you'll see a tidy looking engine compartment,
with an 1800cc inline 4 cylinder sitting front and center - a
fitting powerplant for a car weighing just 2500lbs. It's in good
form, starting right up and running strong. Paired with a 4-speed
overdrive transmission, there'll be no worries about excessive revs
at highway speeds. You'll see an electric fan sitting just behind
its radiator for more efficient cooling, so this is also a ride
that should deal well with stop and go traffic during those times
when you aren't fortunate enough to be out on the open road. And
with power brakes all the way around - discs in front- this MGB can
stop as nimbly as it carves corners. This fine example of British
automotive engineering sits on a set of Mini Cooper rims, wrapped
in Bridgestone radials.
In the market for a classic, agile droptop that's road ready and
comes at an affordable price? You have to check out this 1980 MG
MGB. Call today!