Vehicle Description
You can't honestly say there are no more bargains in the automotive
world when there are cars like this 1979 MG MGB running around. Two
seats, a top that goes down, a snarky 4-cylinder engine and a
slick-shifting manual gear box all make it one of the biggest bangs
for the buck anywhere. Better yet, this MGB appeals to enthusiasts
as well, with an all-original survivor presentation and 78,230
actual miles acquired by only three owners since new.
1979-80 was the end of the line for the MGB in the US, but over the
decades our appreciation for them has only grown. Cars like this
clean survivor-grade burgundy roadster are a fantastic way to enjoy
a traditional British sports car for little more than pocket
change. You need one that's lived a good life like this example,
which has probably never spent a night out in the elements, but
rather in the warm embrace of a climate-controlled garage. What
that means is no major problems hiding underneath, although the
paint itself is starting to show some age (a professional buff job
might just wake it up, though). The finish still has a very nice
shine, and despite the minor imperfections it still fantastic when
it's cruising down the road on a sunny day. For a British car, this
MG is also quite well assembled, and you'll note that the doors fit
well, the hood snugs down tightly, and there are no signs of
botched body repairs in any of the panels. A trunk rack out back
looks suitably sporty, and even with the US-spec rubber bumpers and
raised suspension (required to bring the scope of the headlights
up), this '79 model has a very streamlined look to it. Everyone
loves the MGB and this one looks like it should cost a lot more
than it does.
Despite that small size, the cockpit is comfortable for most
adults, and delivers the true British sports car experience. The
bucket seats are wrapped not long ago in newer textured tan
upholstery that helps keep you cool on warm days and wears like
iron. Matching door panels are simple, the floors are covered in
plush tan carpets with protective black floor mats, while the
vinyl-clad and padded dash is probably a lot easier to maintain
than the old wood ones. Speaking of dashboards, the MGB also
includes a full set of instruments with bold, simple faces and a
traditional British look. MGs are not big on creature comforts, but
it does carry a great-rounding Kenwood AM/FM/CD/Bluetooth radio
that was added not long ago. The black vinyl top is in good shape
and can be raised and lowered from the driver's seat once you
master the technique, and this car also offers a matching boot that
gives it a tidy, finished look. There's even a reasonably-sized
trunk with a full-sized spare and jack assembly.
MGs were never about brute horsepower, and instead deliver a unique
driving experience by virtue of a gutsy four-cylinder engine with a
lot of heart. With just 1798cc's to work with, performance is still
quite good given the car's light weight, and that's entirely the
point. Dual carbs and signs of maintenance throughout give it easy
road manners without losing any of the baritone soundtrack, which
is further enhanced by the sing exhaust an chambered muffler
underneath. Road manners were much improved in these later MGB
models thanks to British Leyland's reintroduction of the standard
rear anti-roll bar, so despite the factory 1-inch raised suspension
and heavier bumpers, this little roadster handles wonderfully.
Combined with the light-shifting 4-speed manual gearbox, it's a
delight to run it up and down through the gears, and you can
explore the limits of the car's capabilities without endangering
everyone else. There's a certain visceral thrill in running this
MGB hard, and it rewards with agility and a sporting exhaust note
that's unmistakable. It's almost like hearing the Union Jack sing
when you hear this little MGB bombing down the road with the taps
wide open. Stock MG steel wheels look great and wear relatively
large 185/65/14 blackwall radials with plenty of grip.
Sorted and turnkey ready, this survivor MGB puts you into some very
distinguished company all at a very affordable price. Call
today!
