- Seller: Jesse M (Contact)
- Location: Boise, Idaho
- Mileage: 17,450 Shown
- Chassis #: GHN5UL498846G
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 1.8-Liter Inline-4
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual w/Overdrive
At one time, this MGB was the previous owner’s pride and joy. They used it as their daily driver for many years, but some health struggles left the car parked in their driveway. After letting it sit for a number of years, they decided it was time to move it along, so they listed it for sale locally. We just happened to come across it, and since we are huge fans of the Limited Edition MGB, we decided to buy it. We had plans to fix it up, but we are at max capacity at BF HQ, and this MGB needs to be put back on the road sooner, rather than later. So, we are offering it here as a no-reserve Barn Finds Auction.
We really wanted to fix this one up, finding LE MGBs is getting harder to do, but other ongoing projects are taking longer than expected. Being one of the 6,668 Limited Editions means it’s equipped with various special components, such as alloy wheels, a 3-spoke steering wheel, black paint with silver rocker stripes, a front air dam, and a luggage rack. While rubber bumpers may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the black paint complements those big bumpers well.
The interior will require restoration work. All of the major components are present, including the LE parts. While not as cheap to restore as, say, a Beetle, MGB restoration parts are readily available and fairly affordable. Its next owner has lots of options here, whether they want to obtain original-style parts or upgrade to higher-quality materials, such as leather. The car is currently equipped with an aftermarket hardtop, which is nice to have, although it doesn’t fit quite as well as a factory top would. The original soft top is included with the car but is not currently installed. Additionally, a boot cover and tonneau cover are stored in the trunk.
The 1.8-liter inline-4 MG engine is known for its durability and simplicity. Early cars were equipped with dual SU carburetors, which required occasional tuning; however, later cars, like this one, were fitted with a single Stromberg carburetor. This setup proved very effective and required less maintenance. That being said, Weber downdraft swaps are popular, and that’s exactly what’s currently installed. We were able to get the car started, but it will need to be serviced before it’s ready to drive. Since the clutch hydraulics need to be replaced, we haven’t attempted to drive it, but it rolls easily. The brake pedal is firm and returns to its original position as it should.
There’s some rust in the rocker panels, the passenger side has the worst of it, but there’s some bubbling on the driver’s side. Looking the car over, we haven’t found any other decay in the usual problem areas. The doors open and close as they should, with no binding or rubbing. Patch panels are available to fix the area.
We will be a bit sad to see this one go. We’ve been searching for an LE for a while now, but we don’t have room for it in our shop at the moment, and we don’t want to see it left outside. So, if you have been hunting for an LE, our loss is your gain! If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section below, and we will get back to you.
Bid On This Auction
pierre1978 bid $1,100.00 2025-09-10 10:54:37
sccaracer bid $900.00 2025-09-08 20:10:20- pierre1978 bid $100.00 2025-09-07 11:05:36
Bit disappointed in the presentation of this car. Surely it is not too much to ask to remove the parts from inside the car and boot. Take out the rubber overmats to show if the original carpets are still presentable. Take off the seat covers to show us the seats. Lay down the extra parts on the ground so that we can see what is there.
There are photos of the trunk with the parts out at the bottom of the gallery, you might need to refresh the page since they were added right before the auction started. And I can take more photos of the interior.
One of the rare situations where I approve of the downdraft Weber conversion.
I have an NOS Canon manifold for this application for sale.
This style
If you want to go slower then this is the way to go. Want more power put twin SUs on it.
*than* ~ which is a comparison. Then is a point in time.
I hope it finds a caring MG fan to revive it. Worth noting is that this car has the ‘Optional’ overdrive transmission. A big plus .
Transmission with OD is worth the bid price at the moment. Hardtop is another sell-off piece that could make this a real steal.
I drive a 79 as my everyday driver in the summer. lots of fun and practical and cheap to run. I,ve been an MGB guy for more than 40 years … highly recommended. Those sills could be a project. Check floors as well. Parts are available and not expensive but lots of welding. Over drive is a definite advantage … I run double SU,s but have had B,s with a webber.
I agree with Bob that the twin SU’s are a much better solution to the single Stromberg that was OE, and the weber the PO installed. I hear there is a guy in Texas that can provide the complete SU set up (Jesse, you have my number). But new carbs will only scratch the surface on this cars needs. Lots to process from the photos. This car has lots of potential, given the SnugTop and the Overdrive Gearbox, but it will need a real plan to sort out the years of passive neglect.
I actually have a rebuilt carb setup with manifold that’s ready to install! I will throw it in if bidding picks up.
sold at a bargain. A working OD is worth much more that that.