The owner of this 1979 MGB Mk IV parked the vehicle in 2004 because he simply didn’t have time to drive it. The car has remained stored away undercover ever since, but it also has remained remarkably well preserved. With 67,000 genuine miles on the clock, it should have years of faithful service to offer a new owner once the buyer has revived it. If you have always longed to park a British classic in your driveway, you will find this MGB located in Bentleyville, Pennsylvania, and listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner has set the sale price at $6,800.
This is another one of those classics where the owner supplies limited photos. If I could provide him with one piece of advice, it would be to completely remove the cover to provide a clear look at this little MGB. It appears to wear a shade called Porcelain White, which shows a decent shine. There is no evidence of significant flaws or defects, while the Black vinyl graphics look crisp and clean. The owner mentions no issues with rust, and there are none visible in the supplied photos. The chrome and trim are in good order, with the luggage rack being a practical addition. The owner doesn’t mention a soft-top, so an in-person inspection will confirm whether this car has one and its condition. The glass looks good, and overall, it seems like this car would respond well to little more than a clean and polish.
By 1979, tightening emission regulations had a significant impact on the MGB. This was especially true for those sold in the North American market. The 1,799cc four-cylinder engine that we find hiding in the engine bay would have produced 63hp in its prime. That power finds its way to the road via a four-speed manual transmission. The journey down the ¼ mile would take a relatively leisurely 20.4 seconds. The extent of the impact of emission regulations can be graphically demonstrated by comparing power outputs. While a European MGB rolled off the production line with at least 83hp under the right foot, those bound for North America coped with a power drop of at least 20hp. Our feature car is another case of the “ran when parked’ philosophy, but it is worth remembering that it was parked in 2004. While these little engines are essentially bulletproof, some of the perishable items like hoses and belts will probably need replacing. The fuel system may also require a flush, and it would be wise to rebuild the carburetor. I wouldn’t be surprised if the motor purred back into life with those tasks completed. The owner claims that the car has 67,000 original miles on the clock, but he doesn’t indicate whether he holds verifying evidence. Given how long it has been in storage, this claim does seem plausible.
If potential buyers seek a driver-grade classic, the interior of this MGB would seem to fit that description. It is generally clean and tidy, with no significant faults or flaws. There is a small rip in the base of the driver’s seat, but I believe this could be blind patched. I would investigate that option first because a replacement set of seatcovers will lighten the buyer’s wallet to the tune of $820. The remaining upholstery appears to be in good condition, as does the dash. The owner has installed a radio/cassette player and has cut the doors to accommodate aftermarket speakers. Otherwise, it is tidy and unmolested, it should be a pleasant place to spend some time on a sunny summer’s day.
If we are brutally honest, the reality is that the 1979 MGB Mk IV is not a car that will command a huge price. Values have remained stable for the last five years, and while they haven’t climbed significantly, nor have they dropped. Even a pristine example will struggle to top $18,000, leaving them as an affordable alternative for those seeking a British classic. If this car proves to be a straightforward revival, its price looks pretty competitive. I would always advise an in-person inspection to confirm that all is well. But if it is, this could be a great little car to tackle over the winter months. Are you tempted?
What is it with people that can’t take the cover off the car? I guess if you pull it off all the way, it will be IMPOSSIBLE to put it back on.
Top appears gone, you can see bare framework holding the tarp up in one pic.
I don’t think anyone, the factory, owners, enthusiasts…anyone, ever referred to an MGB as a “Mk IV”… they can certainly be classified into model year ranges, eras which have shared characteristics…like 1962-67, 68-74.5 and most significantly, 74.5-80 the “rubber bumper” cars…. but never heard anyone call them “Mk anything” the MG Midget had distinct Mk model names, and the AH sprites… but not MGB.
MG community has utilized the Mark designation for years. The Mk1 cars are 63-67, steel dash cars. The Mk2 are the pillow dash cars 68-71. Mk3 cars are 72 plastic dash-18V cars thru mid production 74. Mk4 are the rubber bumper, 74.5-80.
These weren’t official factory designations, rather the basic changes that the marque went through during it’s 18 year production run. Discussed thoroughly on Wiki and the MGE. I’m an MGB owner/enthusiast and British car owner since the 70’s, and even back in the day, the pre-68 cars were referred to as early cars or Mk1.
Parked because they didn’t have time to drive it? Where is it written that cars like this an only be driven on Sunday. Drive it to work enjoy it just call the tow truck before you leave so they can meet you.
The white color simply highlights how horrendously ugly those rubber bumpers are.
MG community has utilized the Mark designation for years. The Mk1 cars are 63-67, steel dash cars. The Mk2 are the pillow dash cars 68-71. Mk3 cars are 72 plastic dash-18V cars thru mid production 74. Mk4 are the rubber bumper, 74.5-80.
These weren’t official factory designations, rather the basic changes that the marque went through during it’s 18 year production run. Discussed thoroughly on Wiki and the MGE. I’m an MGB owner/enthusiast and British car owner since the 70’s, and even back in the day, the pre-68 cars were referred to as early cars or Mk1.
I wish the car was closer to Montana, I would go take a look. I purchased a 1977 MGB new when I was stationed at Langley AFB, in Hampton, VA. Cost $5,500 = $26,131 today, so this is a bargain, if you ask me. The bumpers are just fine, as I hit several objects at over 5 miles per hour in parking lots, including other cars, no damage to my car ever. lol. Wife said sell the 66 Mercedes if you want an MGB, not going to do it.
My first experience with a British car: I bought my wife a 78 MGB with only 20K miles on it when it was 5 years old. All of the rubber bushings in the front suspension were worn and about gone. I found a place in town that specialized in MG’s. He told me the bushings normally didn’t last that long because they were made of natural rubber and synthetics weren’t available, so I replaced them with originals. Then it started going dead while cruising down the expressway and I had to replace the pickup in the distributor. I replaced it with an aftermarket kit with an optical pickup to replace the original. Then I had to replace some of the dash switches. The 78’s were the first year with a catalytic converter (I think) and it was under the carburetor which I thought was a bad idea but had to leave it alone to keep passing emissions inspections. After she had had it for less than two years she said she wanted to get rid of it and get something that she could drive in the rain and not get wet, and not worry about something else going wrong. It was a fun car to drive but I wouldn’t want another one.
In a rare case , the z3 is a more reliable car than this !
Buy a miata and enjoy or buy an mgb and suffer
The soft top appears to be just laying on the struts. Doesn’t mean it’s ok, just that it may be there.