- Seller: Mike Y (Contact)
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Mileage: 27,479 Shown
- Chassis #: GHN5UJ456295G
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 1.8-Liter Inline-4
- Transmission: 4-Speed W/Overdrive
British sports cars offer what I often call the ideal ownership experience. They are typically affordable, and the elegant simplicity employed by most manufacturers makes them easy and inexpensive to maintain if their owner is happy to be hands-on. That is undoubtedly the case with this 1978 MGB. It presents nicely, features a long list of new parts, and a few minor mechanical upgrades that will unlock improved performance. The current owner feels the time has come for this British gem to find a new home, listing exclusively with us at Barn Finds with an asking price of $14,500.
The seller confirms that the previous owner commenced the restoration of this MG, but was forced to part with it due to ill health when the build had reached around 80%. It included applying a fresh coat of paint in a unique shade featuring a mix of Silver and Blue Metallic. The car presents nicely, with only minor marks and imperfections. The current owner admits there are a couple of small panel bumps, but it is unclear whether they were missed during the repaint or occurred afterward. Regardless of the truth, the exterior shines impressively, accentuating the custom color. Potential buyers don’t need to worry about rust, because this MG is as solid as the day it left the factory. The Black soft top is a few years old but remains in excellent condition. The trim is in good order, the glass is clear, and color-matching the Rostyle wheels is a fantastic and distinctive custom touch.
BMC’s B-Series four-cylinder engine enjoyed a long production life and was utilized by the company to power an enormous variety of vehicles. This MG features the 1,799cc version, mated to a four-speed manual transmission with optional overdrive, giving the car longer legs on the open road. The first thing you will probably notice is that this engine now sports twin SU carburetors, instead of the original single Stromberg. This update will have dramatically improved the motor’s breathing, allowing it to produce more than the 62hp and 88 ft/lbs of torque quoted by the company. The braking system and the clutch master and slave cylinders were completely replaced during the build. Another welcome addition is the larger aluminum radiator, which helps better control engine temperature. The odometer currently shows 24,000 miles, although the owner admits he swapped it when the original unit stopped at 83,396 miles. He states that the MG’s engine runs beautifully, and the transmission and overdrive unit work perfectly.
The positive vibes continue inside this MG, with its Black vinyl trim showing no evidence of wear or distress. The matching Black carpet is new and is protected by a set of rubber MG floor mats. The dash and pad are spotless, and so is the wheel. The radio recess has been covered with a classy carbon fiber plate, but removing it to install something that plays tunes on the move would be a piece of cake. There are no functional issues, because everything in this little British classic works as it should.
Cars like this 1978 MGB are not powerful, but that was never the point when they were conceived. Companies like MG were striving to create affordable sports cars, and the low seating position makes these classics feel faster than the speedometer indicates. This one is an absolute beauty and will provide someone with years of motoring pleasure. The hard work is done, allowing the buyer to hit the road with the sun on their back and the wind in their hair. Those thoughts, along with the seller’s price, make this MG worth serious consideration.
I don’t think I ever saw a British roadster in this color. It looks awesome. The closest I’ve come to this is driving an Austin Healy. It really did feel like your butt was inches off the road. Good luck to the buyer.
In the mid 70s, I decided to have my ’71 MGB painted from its original mustard yellow, that I never liked. I happened to work at an auto paint dealer and would you believe, the only car that offered a silver was Corvette. I had the only silver MGB around. Funny how that color became the dominant color today.
Too bad they didn’t lose those ugly rubber bumpers, when they did the repaint.
I wonder what the original factory color was?
The original color was green
The overdrive unit in the MGB does not replace the manual 4-speed, it enhances it. Switching into overdrive in fourth gear considerably lowers engine rpm’s and makes the car more comfortable at highway speeds. My ‘79 MGB is a straight 4-speed and my brother has a ‘77 with overdrive. Unless you switch on the overdrive (literally, with a switch on top of the gear selector knob), the transmissions are essentially the same.
I’m not entirely sure how you can say that. I drove my ’71 MGB well over 100K without O/D. The old man came across a GT, that someone demonstrated the Jaws of Life on, and had an O/D, got it cheap, put everything in my car, it INSTANTLY transformed the car into a viable cruiser. Although rust had already started, I drove that car at least another 100K, and became a total advocate of the unit. To put in perspective, take your typical 5 speed car today, if any, and drive around in 4th. That’s right, annoying, isn’t it?
Nice paint color for an MGB. I have an’ old school’ BGT preference meaning chrome bumpers, no side markers and small taillights. The rubber bumpers destroyed (to me) the look of the B. Some people love them and that’s OK. It’s good the single Stromberg was replaced with twin SU’s. That is the way this car was originally intended. 14K is a high number but for the person with the cash and the’ hankering’, it may sell at that number!
The paint color is stunning! I don’t even mind the rubber bumpers.
I’m helping my 86′ year old neighbor sell his one owner 77 ‘ MGB with 75k miles,Orange in color for $ 6,300 obo and in one month only one phone call and one looker.Advertised on a MG club site and 2 other auto club ssitesI guess parts and someone to work on them hurts.
Send it in so we can auction it for them!
I’m trying 1 st with my phone number listing his car,then i’ll ask him,being up in age i don’t know if he could do it.
Looks as though it originally was green.
I’m an old MG guy, the rubber bumpers grew on me over the years. This car looks really nice, but if it isn’t your “dream car”, it’s overpriced. I routinely see these later model Bs in my area, completely restored, show cars, go for less than five figures. The people that desire these are aging out.
I hate it when classic cars like his are painted in non factory colors… in my opinion it destroys value.
I had a 1978 MGB for 18 years. Second owner from my Uncle. Fun car and easy to work on it gave my kids the British car bug from early on when they would ride in a car seat sitting shotgun with a hand on the shifter to help with the shifting duties. I sold it to a young couple about 10 years ago. My kids got older and now have eyes on their own but ironically I just moved to Pittsburgh. I am going to give this one a whirl. I like the rubber bumper style but would probably lower it. The SU’s are awesome and that color is priceless!
Hi Dave, when would you like to come and look at it?