Vehicle Description
1978 MG MGB Roadster
"The word classic might suggest a certain stately quality. There is
nothing stately about a wide open MGB skimming down a country road,
the wind around you and the sky above you, for here is the
definition of what sports car motoring is all about, to make
driving fun. The MGB does that, and does it better than just about
anything near its reasonable price range. The MGB is a very lively
classic, eager for action." From the 1978 MG sales brochure.
For consignment, a 1978 MG MGB Roadster showing 60,521 miles, but
the true miles are unknown. This one has the desirable matching
hardtop with sunroof and per our consignor, newer carburetor,
timing chain, water pump, brake rotors, and numerous seals.
Exterior
In the dozens of MGB's we've had the honor of representing at
Classic Auto Mall, this is the first 1978 and the first one in
Russet Brown. Sure, it's British, it's not named after a potato,
Russet is an actual color name, and it suits this car well,
augmented by the tan double stripe along the shoulder line with MGB
included on the rear quarter panel, in tandem with the stainless
trim that runs stem to stern. The black bumpers are complemented by
the black canvas top and all three plastic windows are in nice
shape. A luggage rack on the back is bookended by the MG's
distinctive tail lights and a sporty upturned dual chrome exhaust
tip emerges from under the bumper. 14-inch wheels carry 195/65R14
with a late 2019 date code. Imperfections include rock chips up
front, a scratch on the back, some bubbling under the side trim and
quite a bit down low.
Interior
MG's use of creative color names continues on the interior where
Autumn Leaf is first found on the door panels, which are in good
condition with the driver's header showing wear with some cracking.
More Autumn Leaf for the bucket seats which have weave patterned
vinyl inserts and tan perforated rising headrests. A golden carpet
continues the autumn theme and creates a nice contrast while
complementing the lighter vinyl features. In front, it's all black
plastic beginning with the vinyl wrapped steering wheel and tidy
dash that houses all the important gauges and switchgear. A wood
knobbed shifter rises from the center console, now with cupholders
and a narrow elbow pad. The package shelf is carpeted and clean and
the trunk is spotless with nice paint and housing a spare.
Drivetrain
Do not be shy about popping the hood at car shows. This is a clean
bay with a 1.8 liter 4 cylinder, headers, a Weber 2-barrel
carburetor, and Cannon intake. It's rated at 62.5 horsepower and it
set into motion with a 4-speed manual transmission having the power
routed to the rear axle and 3.90 gears. Hugging the right inner
fender is a newer power brake booster and this augments the discs
in front with newer rotors, pads and hoses, and drums in the
rear.
Undercarriage
Surface rust abounds underneath and a drop of fluid on the
transmission, but otherwise unremarkable and typical for this
vintage. The single pipe from the headers is a Pacesetter exhaust
system, including the muffler, which finds its way to the dramatic
exit through chrome tips. Suspension consists of coil springs up
front and leaf springs in back.
Drive-Ability
MGB's manage to squeeze relatively normal sized seats in a
diminutive car, and as a result you don't feel cramped in the
cabin, and shoulders will not rub between the two occupants. That
is, until you hit a turn with some spirit and things get a bit cozy
for a second thanks to the 62.5 horsepower proving to be plenty for
a spirited ride. As they say, there's not much more fun than
driving a slow car fast, and this skate from across the pond is a
proverbial go kart. All functions operate with the exception of the
reverse lights, and we mash the pedal of this salty little russet
dream and bring her back to the mall. While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
Oh sure, this was long before the Miata came along, but this was
the go to sports car of the day and one of those that likely
inspired the Mazda. This one is well sorted and the inclusion of a
hardtop with a sunroof, is the cherry on top, literally! If you're
looking forward to some leaf peeping trips this autumn, check out
this sweet potato!
GHN5UJ463339G
G-MG
H-BMC B Series 1.8
N-2 Seat Roadster
5-MK3
U-LHD USA
J-1978
463339G-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
