Vehicle Description
1974 MG MGB Roadster
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 the brochures of the day, 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,
carbs, and tires and brakes this car runs fab, and is looking for a
good home.
Exterior
Muddy Orange, (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 look 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, body beltline spear, mirrors, and
handles. The paint is good, however there are areas of orange peel,
cracking, and evidence of unfinished body work particularly in the
lower rear panels. Rudge type 14" knock off wire wheels with a
chrome central hub on all 4 corners and are wrapped in Tigerpaw
Uniroyal blackwall rubber. On top is a new vinyl convertible top
which has a clear plastic rear window and manually moves up and
down with ease.
Interior
A mixture of smooth and textured vinyl, all new and all in black
come together to make the interior presentation. 2 buckets in low
back form with oversized padded headrests are flanking a center
console on the hump which houses the gear shift lever, a storage
compartment and of course an ash receptacle. As it rises to the
dash, an angled panel has a few warning lights, a new toggle and an
aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette player. Smith's gauges with clean
chromed bezels are embedded into a padded black smooth vinyl dash,
along with more toggles and knobs. New black carpeting floods the
floors and behind the buckets is a small storage area awaiting your
picnic basket Boo Boo. A shout to the trunk with a shiny coat of
orange paint, spare tire & knock off wheel, and all associated
tools for tire changing.
Drivetrain
A pop of the bonnet and we see the fully restored engine bay
showing only minor dust. This BMC Austin B-Series 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
via a 3.90 geared rear axle.
Undercarriage
Underneath a little bit of surface rust is noted, but the car
remains definitely structurally strong. Rockers have minimal rust,
as do 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 the back with disc brakes upfront and a single exhaust
system snakes its way to the rear and has a glasspack style muffler
onboard.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and nice driver, it went through the gears
smoothly, and accelerated nicely being fed by those twin SU's after
some warm up time. Our consignor states that a fresh tank of fuel
will help with the cold starts and idling. 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 Muddy Orange,
nice new 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.
VIN DECODE
GHN5UE328420G
G-MG
H-BMC B Series 1.8L
N-2 Seat Roadster
5-MK3
U-USA Left Hand Drive
E-1974
328420G-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
