BF Exclusive: 1979 MG MGB Roadster

Asking: $7,900Make Offer

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Seller: David B rill (Contact)
Location: East Haddam, Connecticut
Mileage: 86,000 Shown
Chassis #: GHN5UL499538
Title Status: Clean
Engine: 1800 Inline-4
Transmission: 4-Speed Manual

Even now, over six decades past its introduction, you could be forgiven for picturing an MGB when someone mentions “sports car.” No, it’s not fast and modern cars handle far more competently, but there’s something so right about the look of the MGB that it’s easy to fall under its spell. It doesn’t hurt that its durability and sheer production numbers make it one of the best bargains in summer fun, and this 1979 Roadster is no exception. It’s not a show-quality specimen, but it’s a clean driver that you can start enjoying right away. Originally a California car, it’s being offered as a Barn Finds Exclusive in East Haddam, Connecticut, with an asking price of $7,900.

Almost all MGBs used the famous B-Series 1800 cc four-cylinder engine. Of course, by 1979, power had been choked down to some extent (to under 70 net horsepower), but an MGB was never a really fast car anyway, just a practical sports car built for having some fun in the twisties with the top down. This bright red B is mostly original under the hood, and with a reasonable 86,000 miles on the clock, it still holds 60 psi of oil pressure on the road and over 30 psi at idle. The air pump has been deactivated, but the stock Zenith carburetor is still mixing fuel and air, and aside from a small hole in the ANSA muffler, all seems to be good in the powertrain department. The MGB also has power front disc brakes for bringing the fun to a stop.

The interior is in nice condition, with a little wear in the driver’s seat and carpet being the only flaws of note. All the accessories work except for the horn.

Being a California car, it’s little surprise that it looks so solid underneath. The seller mentions that some rust is forming in the “front of the dog legs and the rear of the lower right side fender,” but you’ll find nothing even remotely this clean from the salt states. If you live in Connecticut, where this car is being sold, this is almost a unicorn.

Regarding the paint and general appearance, the seller is extremely upfront:

The car was painted by a previous owner out in Cali, so the paint is over 20 years old but still looks super bright and shiny. There are a few nicks that show up when you look close, the two major issues are on the hood and the driver door/fender shut line. The last owner apparently accidentally backed his tractor into the hood and when he panicked and pulled away, it scarred it even more. The same owner also buggered up the door fender shut line, how exactly we don’t know, but when you look close you can see where the paint has been touched up, [but] the wire wheels help the red paint pop, and from 10′ this looks like an awesome little car. Only upon very close inspection does one see/notice the imperfections.

Those wire wheels were added by a previous owner, and they do offer a connection between this 1979 MGB and its earlier brethren, but if you’re not a fan, the car will come with its original Rostyle wheels, in addition to a tonneau cover, boot cover, extra parts, and paperwork going back almost to day one. Summer is upon us, and you’ll find few roadsters that you can enjoy immediately for a lower price. If you’re ready for an MGB yourself, make an offer!