Classified Find: 1969 MG MGB

I have often been asked which type of classic is best for a buyer who wishes to be hands-on with the ownership experience. I usually respond that it is hard to ignore traditional British sports cars. They typically feature simple engineering, and their mechanical components are rarely complicated. Therefore, enthusiasts with even the most rudimentary mechanical skills should find regular maintenance relatively straightforward, while almost nothing would be beyond someone with sound mechanical knowledge. That makes this 1969 MGB worth a close look. It isn’t perfect, but it is a prime candidate for someone contemplating a DIY restoration. It runs well, features the desirable optional overdrive transmission, and the current owner has refreshed much of its interior. They have decided that after forty-four years in their care, the time has come for this British classic to find a new home. Therefore, they have listed the MG exclusively with us here at Barn Finds Classifieds in Portland, Oregon. They set their price at $8,500, making it an affordable entry point into classic car ownership.

The current owner has been this MG’s custodian since 1982. They used the car regularly before placing it into storage in 1990. It reemerged in 2003, with the owner handing the vehicle to a British sports car specialist for revival. It has spent its downtime in a dry garage, and while there is rust that will eventually require the buyer’s attention, the car remains rock-solid. The Pale Primrose Yellow paint holds a warm shine, with only relatively minor imperfections. The panels have a couple of minor bumps, although none are severe enough to justify steel replacement. Its rust is confined to the trunk floor and to some lower exterior extremities. The photos indicate that well-crafted patches should eliminate those shortcomings, making it perfect for anyone with even the most rudimentary welding skills. The wheels look excellent, while the revival included fitting a new windshield and a new soft-top.

The buyer will quickly discover that the current owner has done a wonderful job of whipping the MG’s interior into shape. They fitted new seatcovers in Black leather, along with seat and backrest cushions, new door trims, armrests, carpet, map pockets, seatbelts, visors, and a steering wheel center. The only task awaiting the buyer is addressing the minor crack in the dashpad. They could source a replacement pad from a company like Moss Motors or spend a few dollars on a cover to hide the shortcoming. With that fault addressed or hidden, the interior would look pretty slick. One welcome addition is the modern stereo, allowing the buyer to select their preferred tunes on the move.

The company’s decision to power the MGB with the 1.8-liter B-Series four was inspired. By utilizing an existing component from its Parts Bin, it reduced production costs. The B-Series is also almost indestructible, meaning that if maintained appropriately, it will run faultlessly for many decades. It isn’t the most powerful engine on the planet, delivering 95hp and 111 ft/lbs of torque. However, with the MGB tipping the scales at a mere 2,140 lbs, performance is better than those figures might suggest. This car’s cause is aided by the manual transmission with optional overdrive, giving the MG long legs on the open road. When the seller revived this beauty in 2003, they replaced the fuel tank, radiator, clutch, water pump, hoses, battery, oil and filter, adjusted the carburetor, and installed a new distributor cap, spark plugs, rotor, points, and condenser. They flushed the transmission and rear end, rebuilt the front calipers, and replaced the brakes and hoses. They say the MG runs really well and has no fluid leaks.

The MGB is probably the most easily-recognized British sports car, and rightly so. It was a major sales success, with its production spanning eighteen years. Several factors contributed to its widespread acceptance, including the car’s affordability and its robust mechanical specifications. This 1969 example isn’t perfect, but it is a prime candidate for someone seeking an affordable, straightforward restoration candidate. Interestingly, the popularity of the MGB has never waned, even in the face of more sophisticated sports cars from Japan. Therefore, if the buyer decides to part with this beauty in the future, finding a buyer shouldn’t be challenging. Combine those factors, and this little British gem makes perfect sense.