British sports cars remain popular in the classic market, and there are good reasons for this. They provide an engaging driving experience, and the simple engineering of most makes them prime candidates for restoration and ongoing maintenance in a home workshop. Reproduction parts are readily available, and most feature attractive styling. The future of this 1979 MGB could be as a restoration candidate or an excellent and affordable source of genuine parts for another project build. It needs love, but it is complete and has a clean title. The owner wishes to send it to a new home and has listed it exclusively with us at Barn Finds.

The first thing to note about this MGB is that it didn’t emerge from the factory wearing its current paint shade. At some point, it underwent a color change, with traces of its original Carmine Red peeking through it in some areas. It will require a repaint as part of any restoration, leaving the new owner to choose between reinstating the Red or selecting a different color. The panels are straight, with only some damage to the front of the hood and the driver’s side front fender. Visible rust is limited to an area behind the passenger side door on the lower rear quarter, a few small spots on the hood’s underside, and some evident steel penetration on the trunk lid. The lack of visible corrosion elsewhere gives cause for quiet optimism, and the current owner is willing to answer any questions on this or any other aspect of the vehicle. The taillight lenses are missing, but the remaining trim is intact and suitable for reuse. The windshield is in good order, and that item alone makes this car worthy of consideration due to its value.

Lifting the hood reveals this classic’s 1,799cc B-Series four-cylinder engine. It would have produced 83hp and 102 ft/lbs of torque in its prime, which fed to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. These cars were never designed to terrorize more powerful opponents on the ¼-mile but came into their own on a twisting ribbon of tarmac or cruising on a stretch of country road. The MG doesn’t currently run, although it is mechanically complete. These engines are as tough as nails, so a revival without a rebuild might be possible. They are also as basic as OHV engines come, meaning a rebuild in a home workshop is a straightforward proposition. The photos confirm the buyer will receive some additional parts. These include a complete rear end, a steering rack, wheels, and sundry other components.

The MG’s interior shows its age, but the major components are intact for those contemplating a restoration. Its original owner ordered it trimmed in White vinyl, which would have looked classy when combined with the Carmine Red exterior. Items like the seat frames could be reused, while the gauges would look nice with new lenses. However, it is a veritable gold mine as a source of parts. The switches, hard trim pieces, dash fascia, and other items could be swapped to another project build, saving the buyer the hassle of locating replacements for those small original pieces that often go missing during a restoration.

So, project or parts candidate? This 1979 MGB would serve perfectly in either role and offer potential buyers plenty of options. A person currently restoring a similar vehicle can source reproduction parts to complete their build. However, the lure of genuine items is often irresistible. Anything they didn’t use from this car could be squirreled away in a corner of their workshop as cheap insurance in the event of future disasters. A dedicated enthusiast may dream of returning this classic to its former glory, and it would be an affordable way to secure a classic British sports car. Regardless of its future, it is worth a closer look.

• Location: Sarasota, Florida
• Mileage: 15,285 Shown, TMU
• Engine: 1.8-liter 4-cylinder
• Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
• VIN: GHN5UL473640G
• Title Status: Clean