Zoom Classic Cars present this 1973 MG MGB Chrome Bumper Roadster.
Few British sports cars capture the essence of the classic roadster
quite like the chrome-bumper MG MGB. Simple, elegant, engaging to
drive, and instantly recognizable, the MGB helped define the
British sports-car experience for generations. This 1973 example is
particularly desirable, combining the classic chrome-bumper
configuration, factory four-speed manual transmission with
overdrive, wire wheels with genuine knock-off hubs, excellent
colors, and significant provenance connected to the Larz Anderson
Auto Museum.With 78,835 original miles, this MGB has been carefully
maintained and garaged throughout its life and remains in excellent
overall condition. It was formerly displayed at the Larz Anderson
Auto Museum in Brookline, Massachusetts, and was previously owned
by the Museum's president. It was subsequently acquired by an avid
British-car enthusiast and collector who maintained it as part of
an impressive collection that included Lotus, Morgan, Jaguar, and
MG automobiles.The 1973 model year sits within the highly regarded
chrome-bumper era of MGB production. For many enthusiasts and
collectors, the earlier chrome-bumper cars represent the purest
expression of the MGB's original design. Their brightwork, lower
ride height, slimmer bumpers, and uncluttered styling give them an
unmistakable British sports-car appearance. Finished in Damask Red
over a black interior with a black convertible top which provides
the perfect contrast to the Red exterior. The paint presents
nicely, complemented by excellent chrome and brightwork throughout.
The body panels are solid and straight with excellent panel
fitment, and the car retains its handsome original proportions
without excessive modifications. There are some minor paint ripple
imperfections in the hood, as shown in the photographs, as well as
some imperfections along the lower portion of the driver's door.
These details are worth noting for complete transparency, but they
do little to detract from the overall presentation of the car. The
factory chrome bumpers, grille, trim, emblems, and other brightwork
remain intact and are in excellent condition. Inside is an
exceptionally nice black interior, featuring the classic MGB
cockpit that puts the driver at the center of the experience. The
car retains its attractive wood-rimmed MG steering wheel,
complementing the traditional British sports-car atmosphere. The
interior is clean, well maintained, and presents exceptionally well
for its age. Everything about the cockpit is wonderfully
period-correct: simple instrumentation, classic controls, a compact
driving position, and the unmistakable feel of a traditional
British roadster. The car is equipped with its original
factory-style chrome wire wheels, complete with genuine center-lock
knock-off hubs. The wheels are an especially desirable feature and
perfectly complement the classic British-roadster appearance. One
of this car's most desirable features is its factory four-speed
manual transmission with overdrive. The MGB's electrically operated
Laycock de Normanville overdrive was a sought-after factory option
that significantly enhanced the car's usability on longer drives.
Engaging overdrive effectively provides a taller cruising ratio,
reducing engine speed at highway speeds and making the MGB
considerably more relaxed and enjoyable on the open road. For
today's collector, a chrome-bumper MGB equipped with factory
overdrive offers the best of both worlds: the engaging mechanical
character of a four-speed manual transmission combined with
improved highway cruising capability. Under the hood is the car's
original 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine, breathing through
the classic twin SU carburetors that are such an important part of
the MGB experience. The engine compartment is very clean and
presents beautifully, with the original-style mechanical components
and details remaining intact. The car runs, drives, and shifts
well, and the four-speed gearbox and overdrive provide exactly the
kind of mechanical interaction that makes these cars so enjoyable
to drive. The trunk is exceptionally clean and solid and includes
the full-size spare tire along with the original protective
knock-off wrench.Underneath, the car continues to impress with a
very clean, solid undercarriage. The car is equipped with a
stainless-steel single exhaust system, providing durability while
maintaining the proper character of the MGB. Adding considerably to
the car's appeal is its connection to the Larz Anderson Auto
Museum, one of America's most respected automotive museums and a
particularly appropriate home for a British sports car of this
caliber. The car was formerly a Larz Anderson display car and was
previously owned by the Museum's president before entering the
collection of an avid British-car enthusiast. It is accompanied by
a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Heritage Certificate,
providing valuable documentation of the car's original factory
specifications and production history. Also included is the
original owner's manual and a clean Massachusetts title in the
owner's name. For enthusiasts, the chrome-bumper cars remain
especially desirable, representing the classic styling that most
people associate with the MGB. The combination of chrome bumpers,
wire wheels, knock-off hubs, twin SU carburetors, wood steering
wheel, and factory overdrive makes this particular car an
especially attractive specification.This is a beautifully preserved
and enthusiast-owned 1973 MGB Roadster with an unusually
interesting history and a highly desirable factory specification.
The MGB has been regularly maintained and garaged, and it is ready
to be enjoyed as a weekend touring car, British-car show
participant, or simply as a wonderful example of one of Britain's
most enduring sports cars. Whether displayed at a British-car
gathering, exercised on a winding New England back road, or simply
parked in the garage as part of a collection, this MGB offers an
authentic slice of the golden age of British sports cars. Call Jeff
for more information or to schedule a viewing. Thanks for Looking.
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