Abandoned Restoration: 1967 MGB Roadster

Ten years ago, this 1967 MGB roadster was well on its way to a complete restoration after an engine rebuild, new interior, and numerous mechanical upgrades. Then the owner took ill, and a friend acquired the car. Consequently, for at least six years, this MGB has been sitting, with its gas degrading and the battery leaking its all-important electrons. Now it is for sale here on craigslist for only $2500; see it in Roseburg, Oregon – handily equipped with its own airport for fly-in convenience. Or, send me down I5 to take a look. Thanks again to Barney for the great tip!

We can debate all day which year was best for the MGB. Purists will pay big money for the earliest 1962 cars – fresh off the drawing board. But their three-main engines were not as robust as the later five-mains, so the changeover year – 1965 – retaining early vintage features like the pull-out door handles (“refrigerator” type) and aluminum bonnet skin, but incorporating the later engine, is also desirable. Then there’s the ’67, where popularity has reached mythical proportions. In 1967, the MGB’s rear end was mildly upgraded, and late-year cars received alternators, rather than dynamos. But these changes were minor in the scheme of things; ’67 enjoys its reputation because starting in 1968, performance began to slide – imperceptibly at first, and then in an avalanche of badness. As noted, this car has had its engine rebuilt – then neglected. The entire engine is the wrong color, the wiring is a mess, and the hood channel is friendly to all sorts of riff-raff; all in all, the engine bay needs improvement.

This interior has survived indifferent storage quite nicely. Installation of its various components was tidy: the carpets are lovely, the seat upholstery is clean; the dash is great. The trunk is carpeted and contains a neatly-covered spare wheel/tire combo. The ebrake is missing its handle, and the whole cabin could use a good cleaning.

In 1967, the MGB still offered chrome bumpers with all-chrome overriders. In 1970, US cars received rubber inserts embedded in their overriders. By 1974, those delicate protectors were gone entirely in favor of giant “Sabrinas” – blocks of rubber hung on the same old uncomplaining chrome bumper bar. Another early-“B” feature I like is the rounded tail lamp; later versions were squared off. While this car has merits, it also has a few demerits, collected over the time it’s been neglected. Chief among these is the rust in its rockers and quarters. Once we see a few pinpricks out here causing havoc in the paint, things are much worse inside. Still, if this car can be made to run, it might be a bargain for the asking price of $2500.