- Seller: Mikke Y (Contact)
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Mileage: 37,357 Shown
- Chassis #: GHN5UL497897
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 1.8-Liter Inline-4
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
A long list of new parts makes this MGB Limited Edition worth a look for anyone shopping for a restored British roadster. The seller describes a ground-up restoration that addressed the paint, interior, suspension, brakes, and numerous mechanical components. Advertised as a 1980 model, it is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a clean title and an asking price of $21,900.
The glossy black finish and silver side graphics give this MG a sharp appearance, complemented by new alloy wheels and tires. A luggage rack sits on the trunk lid, and the seller lists a replacement convertible top, windshield glass, door mirrors, and weatherstripping among the work completed. The gallery includes underside views showing refinished suspension components, fresh hardware, and a neatly installed stainless steel exhaust. It looks like a ton of attention has been poured into this MGB, beyond just want you can see on the outside.
The black interior received a similarly thorough refresh. The seats have new foam, webbing, and upholstery, while the carpets and interior panels were replaced and the dashboard recovered. A three-spoke steering wheel sits in front of what appears to be a refinished instrument cluster, and the trunk has fresh carpeting around an alloy spare wheel. The cabin looks tidy and cohesive in the photographs. The odometer reads 37,357 miles, though the submission does not establish that as the car’s original mileage.
The four-cylinder engine has a Weber-style carburetor, an aluminum radiator, a high-torque starter, and a replacement alternator. Other work includes a duplex timing chain, front crankshaft seal, engine and transmission mounts, fuel tank and sending unit, and heater and radiator hoses. The four-speed manual received a new clutch kit and replacement clutch master and slave cylinders. The seller notes that this car lacks overdrive, which is a bit of a bummer, but it will still be a blast to drive.
Other work includes replacement brake pads and shoes, the brake master cylinder, rear wheel cylinders, flexible brake hoses, suspension bushings, front spindles and bearings, steering-rack boots, and tie-rod ends. The seller reports that the MG runs, drives, and shifts like new. Receipts and details on when the restoration was completed would be nice, but the presentation suggests someone spent considerable time making this MGB like new again. Could this black-and-silver roadster be your next weekend companion?
Does anyone know if something like this would make a good daily driver? They look like quick little cars with sporty handling, but I have seen only 1-2 on the road before, and those that I have seen for sale have been fairly cheap as far as cars go. Is there a reason for this?
Late Bs have a nice ride compared to most period sports cars and are actually roomy inside, although they require some gymnastics to get in. If you aren’t in love with the “Limited Edition” special features, you can certainly beat the price, but there aren’t that many (and especially this nice) ones out there.
I commuted in a 1980 Ltd. Ed. for several years–when I was younger and more flexible (and less round!) than I am now. Go for it!
If you mean MGBs in general, there was a half million made, so they’re not very rare, especially since a lot of them have always been sunny weekend drive cars. The rest rusted out long ago or are still in that process. There’s still a lot of really nice ones around. That’s the main reason for them not being very expensive.
But I’m happy about that. I’ve had 2 MGs (a B and a Midget) and I want to get another one in the next few years. Yes, they are a blast to drive. I don’t know about quick exactly, but quick enough, and easy to modify if you want more. Very easy to work on for the most part. The list of things to watch for are well-known and easy to research.
Daily driver? I guess it depends on where you live and where you’re driving. I personally wouldn’t want to drive one on highways every day the way people drive now all in a rush and uncaring of anyone around them. But then, I have a wife and child… when I was much younger with not as much to think or worry about, it didn’t bother me a bit. So…. maybe? I think of them more as a Sunday driver or occasional track car. Also, I definitely would not have one as an only car unless you really don’t need to be anywhere guaranteed on any given day… they will require a bit more maintenance and repair than a lot of other (newer) cars.
Depends on your daily drive. Rural, winding 2 lane? Perfect. Add tonneau to extend top down, solo driving season. Expect 20-25 mpg.
This is a British Leyland product with all that implies, though a lot of the inherent BL problems have likely been worked out by now.
Daily driver? That depends, not only on the kind of driving you do (which has already been pointed out), but how handy are you at repairs and maintenance that this car will need in regular use?
You need to bear in mind that an MGB is not a car with Miata-like reliability. Owning a British roadster is an immersive experience. Your MG needs you and your frequent attention. It will gladly leave you on the side of the road with the hood up if it feels neglected.
Back in 72, my daily driver 67 BGT was my joy, however I had decent mechanical skills and every Saturday I would open the hood (bonnet by Brits) and see what was up! The generator would be loose, or a spark plug wire would dangle, or a hose would begin to dribble, or a…….. you get the picture! Whatever it was, It got fixed for another weeks’ driving. If you didn’t give it (her) your attention weekly, the challenges would compound! I didn’t mind and expected it so it wasn’t a problem. If you are not a wrenching type person, an MGB may not be the car for you because the little stuff may drive you crazy….. I hope this helps those that don’t-know-what-they-are-in-for with a Brit classic!!
Our ’66 was our savior as the daily driver in the early ’70s gas crisis. Cost went from 38 cents to 78 in one week. Was a lot of fun going to work or getting groceries. I’d back date this car to get back to the original look of MGBs.
Agree with most comments. Had a 69 MGB GT while in college in the late 80’s. Every other Saturday was scheduled to work on the car (not knowing what the task would be be) but a great experience and a wonderful car
Too bad the owner didn’t do a chrome, bumper conversion on this, because those black rubber bumpers look really ugly
In the 70s I had 3 mid 60s Bs…one was a GT. Kinda fun and upkeep was cheap for me.
Sister-in-law always wanted one. She bought an 80 black Ltd edition new. She loved it and I thought it was dreadful. It wintered in mother-in-laws garage while she was away teaching. Mother started the car monthly till the time (mid 80s) it started on fire at 17k miles. Against my advice, she bought the car back from the insurance company. It continued to rust in the same garage till the estate had to be settled 10 years ago. I have a few parts left.
It takes a lot more than chrome bumpers to get a US spec 80B back to a 67.
In the 70s it was raised to have the heavier safety bumpers high enough. Then later for US emissions, hp went from 95 yo 62 after the poor cars gained 2-300 lbs. They added an air pump and catalytic converter. Twin SUs were replaced with a single Zenith Stromberg. The really worst part was lowering the compression by increasing the deck height that destroyed the squish (volumetric efficiency). Learned this when selling the burned engine. Also it doesn’t interchange with earlier engines. Motor mounts are different and the back mounting plate is different wu e69a
Ive been against weber Downdraft carb conversions for a long time and have a collection of them that ive removed. They had replaced dual sidedraft carbs. In this case it’s replacing a single Stromberg and is an improvement.
Weber down drafts are good for some cars, but not all. For example, A BMW 2002 benefits greatly from a Weber, but the British cars should stick with the dual SU’s. I have experience with both on British cars and, for me, the SU’s win out. Everyone is different, just like some carbs work better than others of the same type. You never know unless you try!!