Note: This craigslist listing for the MGB has been replaced with one for a Toyota and I can’t explain that one – maybe it was too good to be true. JO

Former Vice-President Thomas Marshall (1913-1921) famously declared, “What this country needs is a good five-cent cigar!” In today’s world, I might be inclined to change it to, “What this country needs is a good five-cent anything”. Taking it a step further, how about, “What we need is a good $2,500 collectible car!” OK, I got one for you, a 1974 MGB roadster for $2,500 and it runs! Now, is it a “good collectible car”? Maybe, maybe not, but let’s examine this Eufaula, Oklahoma resident and see if it makes the cut. Chuck F found this two-seater for us and it’s available, here on craigslist.

One of this car’s better features, according to the seller, is the presence of its steel bumpers, the last model year so endowed before the fugly, huge black rubber pieces were utilized to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards requiring five MPH impact bumpers. The requirement was in place for front bumpers in ’73 and then rear bumpers in ’74. This car is wearing rubber-tipped overidders on both ends and I guess that only got MG so far before they had to adopt stricter measures. This roadster wears them well and I don’t think they detract from the overall presentation. The listing is very light on details, and the paucity of images doesn’t help either, but the finish and body of this “B” shows well. The devil’s always in the details, so a close-up inspection for signs of rust would be warranted. No picture is provided but a removable hardtop is included in the sale.

We’re told that this MG, with its 78 net HP, 1.8 liter, in-line, four-cylinder engine, “Runs and drives” – but that’s it for details. The mileage isn’t realistically disclosed so there’s no way to estimate how well this car may still run and drive or much life it might still possess – another item for inquiry and physical inspection. As best as can be determined, the engine at least looks complete. A four-speed manual transmission is in place and it’s assisted by a working electronically assisted overdrive unit.

The lack of detail continues with the interior – there’s just one image and it’s in the shadows so its condition is difficult to discern. There is nothing obviously problematic showing and it displays as a standard “B”, black vinyl upholstered interior. That said, dust abounds, probably as a result of being stored in wide open condition. I’m pretty sure that I spy a folding top, it would be helpful to put it up and leave it that way, at least when parked.

So, there you have it – $2,500 and it can be yours! Just one parting thought, when something seems too good to be true, it probably is, right?