Vehicle Description
1980 MG MGB Limited Edition Roadster
To mark the final year of the "B" roadster, MG planned a run of
5,000 special edition models that would have unique features
including special 5 spoke wheels, limited body stripes, and front
air dam among other things. In the end, 6,668 were produced between
1979 and 1980.
For consignment, one of those 6,668, a 1980 MG MGB Limited Edition
roadster with all of the special features that separate this car
from your average 1980 MG MGB. This has been much loved but is in
very good condition and assures some spirited, smile filled rides
ahead.
Exterior
Black paint was the norm for the limited editions and featured a
Union Jack flag under MGB on the unique silver rocker stripes. The
black rubber bumper blends beautifully with the black paint and a
silver trim piece down the length of the car creates contrast and
picks up on the brightwork of the car which is in great shape. That
includes a luggage rack on the trunk, or boot as they say. Inset
headlights fit sculpted coves while the taillights protrude proudly
off the back fenders, topping the large black rubber bumper. The
14-inch GKN alloy five spoke wheels have gray inserts which looks
great on the car while the black canvas top shows some wear and the
plastic window, while clear, shows some creasing, but fully intact.
The front air dam is also unique to the limited edition. Overall,
the exterior is in great shape. We do note some misalignment of the
front bumper to the edge of the hood lid.
Interior
Tan or black were the interior color choices for the limited and
this car has the tan, beginning on the door panel where patterned
vinyl creates visual interest to a simple design. Bucket seats
display the vinyl covers in a weave patterned and stitched pattern,
loose in places around the edges, but overall clean and undamaged.
The headrests present a slightly different shade of tan and back up
to a rollbar, which would not have been standard on the car but
absolutely adds to the cool factor. The package shelf has some
rough cut black carpet pieces over nice, tan loop carpet. British
to the bone, the wood rimmed three spoke steering wheel is
fantastic and contrasts with the all black dashboard, replete with
gauges of all kinds in a symmetrical layout that is practical and
driver friendly. A Sony head unit with AM/FM/CD and AUX capability
is low in the center and an aftermarket fitted cup holder piece
begins in the center console. That's where we find the shifter in a
rubber boot in front of a storage bin and armrest. Black loop
carpet covers the front section of the floor, and a tan carpeted
map pocket is in the passenger footwell. The boot is unlined and
clean and has an extra 5 spoke as a spare.
Drivetrain
Lifting the bonnet, we note some surface rust on the underside and
a pair of insulation pads that are a bit rough around the edges.
The engine bay is driver quality and houses an 1800cc inline 6
cylinder producing 62.5 horsepower and sipping petrol from a Zenith
175CD5T 1-barrel carburetor and tied to a 4-speed manual
transmission. In true sportscar fashion, power is sent to the rear
wheels and 3.909 gears while stopping chores are assigned to power
disc brakes in front and power drums out back.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with its fair share of typical surface
rust. We also note some oil sling by both front and back U-joint,
but no visible leaks from oil or transmission reservoirs. We note a
new rack and pinion has been installed and we see coil springs up
front and leaf springs out back flank the single exhaust that
intersects a stock style muffler before existing under the
bumper.
Drive-Ability
Never a dull moment. If there's one car that consistently feels
like a fun toy and a viable mode of transportation, it's the MG's.
This car runs well, and its low center of gravity and seating
position definitely conveys that go kart feel. It checks all the
boxes for functionality and we're ready to put this one on the
floor for the next caretaker to take possession!
If you're looking for a fair weathered weekend toy, then look no
further than this 1980 MGB. The limited edition status, the
addition of a rollbar along with the LE adds such as the wheels and
front air dam make this a unique car amongst MGB's. Now, whether
you get involved with the enthusiastic MG club in your region or
not is up to you. But any way you slice it, this is a fine piece of
English sportscar lineage.
GVVDJ2AG5099531
G-MG
V-MGV
V-US Federal Spec
D-Roaster
J-1800cc B Series I4
2-Left Hard Drive, Manual Transmission
A-1980
G-Abingdon, UK Assy Plant
509531-Sequential Unit Number
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collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
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