It is common for manufacturers to release Special Edition vehicles where buyer demand results in production totals far beyond expectations. This 1980 MGB Limited Edition is a perfect example of that practice, and is an extremely tidy survivor with a mere 52,000 miles showing on its odometer. A large amount of recent work means that it is a turnkey proposition, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the MGB listed here on Craigslist in Hardwick, Vermont. The seller set their price at $14,500, indicating that they will consider reasonable offers.
The British Motor Corporation released the MGB for the 1963 model year. It envisaged global sales for its latest two-seat Sports Car, but its primary market was undoubtedly North America. Sales slumped during the 1970s as the MGB suffered more than most at the hands of tighter emission regulations, but the company acted in 1979 to stem the flow by releasing the American-only Limited Edition. All cars left the UK factory dressed in Black, with contrasting Silver graphics incorporating the Union Jack on the lower body extremities. Alloy wheels were an integral part of the package, as was the restyled rubber nose with its front spoiler. Interestingly, that spoiler and the stainless steel luggage rack were unique to North American vehicles, and were dealer-installed, not factory-fitted. This LE presents well for its age, with no significant cosmetic shortcomings. I can’t spot any evidence of rust, although there are no supplied underside shots to confirm the state of the floors. The wheels are in good condition, and the MGB features a tight-fitting Black soft-top and a matching tonneau. The wheels are in good condition, and the glass is clear.
The Limited Edition represented a cosmetic package, bringing no performance upgrades to the MGB. It meant that the car’s 1,798cc B-Series four generated a relatively modest 67hp and 94 ft/lbs of torque. This car sends that power to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission with overdrive that should help its cause on the open road. The seller recently performed some significant work on this classic, including replacing many of the brake components, the clutch, the slave cylinder, the distributor, the radiator, the tires, and a range of hoses and gaskets. They don’t mention verifying evidence for their mileage claim, but this MG is a turnkey proposition with no mechanical shortcomings. It is frustrating that they supply no clear interior shots, but it appears that the car features the correct Beige vinyl trim and the distinctive three-spoke leather-wrapped sports wheel. It has received a period-correct Panasonic AM/FM radio/cassette player, but there is no mention of other additions. The brief glimpses afforded in the listing shots suggest that it presents well, and the seller doesn’t mention problems requiring rectification.
As sometimes happens, the 1980 MGB Limited Edition’s showroom performance far exceeded the company’s expectations. It planned a production run of 500 vehicles, but an impressive 6,682 of these cars left the factory before MG drew the curtain at the end of the year. The harsh reality is that MGB values, particularly those for later vehicles, have slumped during the past year. It is unclear whether that trend will reverse, which is always a great unknown in the classic world. However, considering this car’s overall condition and the scope of the recent work performed, the seller’s price looks realistic. Of course, if they are willing to negotiate, that would make this Limited Edition more attractive to potential buyers. All you need to do is ask, because what is the worst that they could say?
A classic example of throwing fixes at a car to satisfy new rules without any considering of how it looks or what the buying public thought about it. As it turned out the buying public didn’t think much of it and died shortly after.
Back in the Paleolithic, a elderly fellow I knew–a gifted machinist and MG mechanic–worked on a series of MGBs that I owned. He had been repairing MGs exclusively since 1928. One day I came to his shop to pick up my 1977 “B,” which I had purchased new, and I complained to him about the car’s frequent breakdowns and substantially lower performance relative to pre-1975 models. He agreed that British Leyland had essentially ruined what had been a robust little sports car, but that my 1977 wasn’t nearly as problematic as the 1980 models. Apparently, BL had decided to clear its inventory of unused parts for the MG’s final year of production, making these cars a composite of earlier models. Not only did the parts not work well together, but finding the correct replacements for 1980 models, he said, was a nightmare.
In the 70s, I had a few roadsters and a GT. They were kinda fun at the time. Then they got an air pump, single Stromberg, funny bumpers and jacked up suspension. Then what? My sister-in-law bought an 80 LE!
Lil old lady school teacher that always wanted a sports car. It wintered in her mother’s garage and BJ went out and started it monthly. Until that time that she started it and it started on fire. What did SIL do after I told her what it would cost repair all? She bought it back from the insurance company anyway. Then it sat in the same spot where it burned till mother-in-law died. I still have the engine and a bunch of other bits after the body went to revive a worthy B that had been rearended.
I recently learned of more of the things done to lower the HP on these late Bs.
SILs car was serviced by the dealer and only had 17k miles.
Nice looking MG B, Having had 3 early 74-76 cars Looking under the hood this one needs some work done to it , its a mess ,It need cleaning up big time, which is easy to do ,just clean up the wiring & hoses, this ones a MESS, .Take of the air pump & hose to start with, there not needed.
Apparently commenters do not know originality or care about it. I know the technician who did the work on this car and he states it is one of the best original MGBs he has seen. The car runs flawlessly and is extremely clean. You can argue all you want about rubber bumperd Bs vs chrome bumpered Bs but this car fits the originality bill regardless of what some naysayers say. You want to see it with your own eyes? It will be at the British Invasion in Stowe Vt in a couple of weeks. People will be all over it. Its that nice.
I never knew the deal with these little British sports cars. Was it they weren’t good cars or was it my sister being a woman was being taken advantage of or was it finding a good honest mechanic to fix properly a problem with these cars. What I do know is my sister loved her MGB because she spent a small fortune to keep it running for a new car.Hers was like this one. Don’t know what year but same car. I’ve heard MGB fans are pretty loyal to these cars. I know my sister was. When I see a nice one like this I don’t know what I’m really looking at. This is a good looking MGB that’s all I can say. When I saw it the first thing I thought of was my sister.
I know the individual who owns this B and the mechanic who work on correcting a few minor issues. The mechanic stated this is the most original B he has ever seen in all of his years. Yes, they had their idiosyncrasies, but like many collector cars if you pay attention to things they are wonderful automobiles. This car will be at the British Invasion in Stowe Vermont on the 19th to 21 of September.
Many thanks to those who made comments about the car, even though all but one are by people who have not seen it. I’m the owner and just returned from a 600-mile trip in the car. Highway driving, back roads, stop and go traffic. The car kept sustained speeds of 70-75 mph on interstates, was peppy and responsive on the quiet byways and maintained oil pressure of 75 and temperature of normal the entire trip, no matter the driving conditions, and averaged 30 mpg. The car is tight, safe and fun to drive. I would not hesitate to drive it on a much longer trip. I am selling it because I have two MGBs and I only need one.