For Sale: 1978 MG MGB in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

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 60,538 miles, but the true miles are unknown due to a title exemption. This one has the desirable matching hardtop with sunroof and per our consignor, newer carburetor, timing chain, head gasket, water pump, brake rotors, pads and hoses, 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 various chips especially on the bonnet and quarter panels, touched up scratches and chips, roughness where the hardtop would reside, blistering on the rocker panel, door and wheel openings, dented front apron and surface rust.

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 with added overdrive, having the power routed to the rear axle and 3.90 gears.

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. 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.

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. All functions operate with the exception of the reverse lights and the brakes are spongy, then 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 coastal drives this summer or leaf peeping in the fall, 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