Vehicle Description
Everyone knows the friendly, accessible MGB, but this 1977 MGB has
a unique look that fixes everyone's biggest complaints about the
late Bs without losing the things that make them great traditional
sports cars. Today, as always, this car is all about affordable fun
in the sun and the look makes this one stand out in a crowd.
The biggest modification, and the one that you'll appreciate most,
is the removal of those clunky federally-mandated rubber bumpers,
which marred the otherwise sleek MGB in the mid-70s. Shaving them
off completely gives this MGB a sleek, purposeful look that's
entirely in line with its sporting intentions. Adding a chrome
grille up front makes it look like the original designers intended
and with a pair of big rally lights up front and a roll pan in
back, the car looks quite finished, as if the factory built it that
way. The silver paint was done a while ago and isn't show quality,
but for a car that's destined to be driven with gusto on twisting
country roads, nobody will notice or care. The important stuff like
the rockers and doors are in good condition and the overall unusual
look will win this B a lot of fans along the way. Traditional
styling elements like the chrome-ringed side marker lights, big
taillights, and exposed rear gas filler remain in place, keeping
this car firmly tied to its British heritage.
When you think "British sports car," this 2-seat interior is what
should pop into your mind. Twin buckets flanking a console, rugged
seat covers that are cleverly textured to keep them cool, and big,
simple gauges were all hallmarks of MG in the 1970s. The
wood-rimmed steering wheel adds some very welcome warmth to the
interior yet maintains a traditional sports car look with its
aluminum spokes, and the fatter rim makes it easy to grab with your
string-back driving gloves (you do own a pair of those, right?).
The gauges are in good order, the seat covers are excellent, and it
appears to have recent carpets. The car's most desirable feature, a
factory overdrive, is actuated by a big red switch on the dash,
rally style, and it not only transforms the MGB into a decent
long-distance cruiser, but it makes you feel like you're at the
wheel of a far more expensive machine. There's a decent-fitting
black convertible top that fits behind the seats, and the trunk is
nicely carpeted and includes a full-sized spare.
The 1798cc inline-four won't win any drag races, but the joy of an
MG is not all-out speed but rather how the machine goes about its
business. The gutsy engine loves to rev and makes a great baritone
howl from the exhaust pipe out back, so you'll relish each gear
shift. You can drive this car at 9/10ths and really have a ball
without endangering the countryside, and it works exceptionally
well. The nicely detailed engine has a few bright red accents, an
aftermarket exhaust header, and enough power to feel lively at any
speed. The 4-speed manual shifts easily and you'll love running it
through the gears, and with the aforementioned overdrive, it's
pretty relaxed on the highway, too. The suspension is a good
combination of supple and competent and with the lightweight
bodywork, the brakes are impressive. Factory wheels look right and
carry 175/70/14 Falken radials all around.
You've been admiring MGBs for years, why not take the plunge and
get a good one? Call today!