FAR BETTER than new. And here is the story.
We received a call from a local fellow.....had this car forever and had painstakingly spent 20 years and a small fortune to rebuild and restore the car to a very high level. And to that end, this is what he did.
First of all, as an 'MGB Special Edition,' was black with the gray MGB stripes on the sides. He had the car professionally painted in its original black. AND ALL new interior. Completely overhauled engine, all new brakes, new wiring harness,a new complete dashboard, new top, carpeted trunk, on and on. Pretty much down to the last detail.
However, due to his advanced age, and with the car capable of being driven (he estimated maybe four or five times up and down his driveway), and maybe 90% done, he just ran out of steam. And offered to us. I remember looking at it in his garage, almost every part was brand new.
We had it for a very short time and sold it to a long time customer of our's. Who loved what was there but wanted it brought to a much higher level. So to that end, we proceeded with the following: first, removed the engine (and examined its internals, all new), installed a freshly rebuilt T9 five speed transmission, converted the car to wire wheels, performed a complete professional chrome bumper conversion and even eliminated the corner lights, all new chrome, Mk I grille, dyed the interior and dash and console in Palomino, added a burl wood dashboard, a modern digital stereo with bluetooth that looks like a period radio,, smaller leather steering wheel, lowered the car to the pre 1975 ride height, and fitted a new 32/36 DGV Weber and tubular headers.
NOT designed to be a racer but quite lively with the Weber and headers, great handling now that it is lowered (and has front and rear sway bars), great brakes with power assist discs, reliable, effortless to drive, has electronic ignition, a larger radiator with thermostatically controlled electric radiator fans, and is arguably the best single MGB we have ever had for sale. And the 5 speed transmission (about $7,000 cost for unit, kit, and installation) changes the entire nature of the car. All synchromesh, close ratio, 5th gear for highway cruising, FAR stronger than the stock unit, and (as amazing as this is) if the car ever needs a new clutch or throw out bearing, etc, the transmission drops down out of the car. Unlike the other 99.9% of the MGBs in the world that require the engine to be removed.
It starts instantly (with the benefit of the Weber with automatic choke), runs flawlessly, and is an absolute dream to drive. Just in and ready to drive anywhere.
We offer financing at competitive rates. Inquire for details.