Vehicle Description
1974 MG MGB
The year 1974 was a crucial one in MGB history, as it was the year
when the world's most beloved British sports car underwent the most
radical changes in its 18-year lifespan. The earliest 1974 models,
built in the fall of calendar year 1973, retained the small chrome
bumper overriders with slender rubber tips used since 1970. The
U.S.-market MGBs built in January 1974 received updated large
rubber block overriders, complying with our then-new NHTSA
regulations. These overriders, seen on the MGB tourers and MGB/GTs
in this brochure, were nicknamed "Sabrinas" by the Brits, following
the theme of 1950s Cadillacs having "Dagmars." (You get the
drift.)
Gracing our halls here at Classic Auto Mall a bloody fine example
of the 1974 MGB roadster. Appearing with new paint, interior, top,
fuel pump, gas tank, and tires and brakes this car runs fab, and is
looking for a good home.
Exterior
British racing green (in a bit lighter shade than the original)
adorns this sports car. Pre black rubber bumpers, the clean lines,
simple grille and chrome (as they should be) bumpers are on front
and rear, and looking very nice. Gaps are very consistent on side
steel panels, and the car is rust free on all body parts. Nice
chrome trimmings for window surrounds, mirrors, and handles. Paint
is good, however there are areas of orange peel, and over spray
dulling some of the original shine. Black rally wheels with chromed
wheel nuts and am MG badged center show through to a green backer
on all 4 corners. These wheels have a trim ring and are wrapped in
Falken radials. On top is a like new canvas convertible top which
has a clear plastic rear window and manually moves up and down
easily.
Interior
A mixture of dark tan vinyl, and some black come together to make
the interior presentation. 2 buckets in low back form are flanking
a center hump which houses the gear shift lever and a storage
compartment. As it rises to the dash, an angled panel has a few
warning lights, a new toggle and an aftermarket AM/FM/CD player.
Smith's gauges with clean chromed bezels are imbedded into a padded
black smooth vinyl dash, along with more toggles and knobs. Gold
carpeting slightly faded and mostly clean floods the floors. Behind
the buckets is a small storage area awaiting your picnic basket Boo
Boo.
A shout to the trunk with a new black shiny liner and dual speakers
mounted on the front panel blasting into the passenger
compartment.
Drivetrain
A pop of the bonnet and we see the unrestored engine bay showing
patina and some dirt buildup. This Austin 4 banger is in 1798cc
form and is fed by dual side draft SU carburetors. A 4-speed manual
transmission is on back, and power goes to the rear wheels.
Undercarriage
Underneath a little bit of surface rust is noted, but the car
remains definitely structurally strong. Rockers have minimal rust,
as does some of the suspension parts. Speaking of which, the front
offers up independent suspension with coil springs and rack and
pinion steering, and on the back are leaf springs. Drum brakes are
also on back with disc brakes upfront.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and nice driver, it went through the gears
smoothly, and accelerated nicely being fed by those twin SU's A bit
tight for this writer, but it was an overall smashing experience,
(well, not that way, but in the British way!)
Some new parts, no rust, and a lighter shade of the Racing green,
nice interior and you are ready to drop the top and go for a tour
through the countryside. A nifty little example with chrome
bumpers, and a sporty engine.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.