Up next, we have two MGB GTs at opposite ends of the spectrum: one is in need of just about everything, the other has a known history and could go to a casual show tomorrow. The 1970 project car – wearing the remnants of Primrose Yellow – is listed here on eBay with a price tag of $3400; it’s located in Fontana, California. The Bronze Yellow over navy ’72 is also on eBay, with bidding at $2125, reserve not met; it’s at the opposite end of the country in Sarasota, Florida. Let’s review the merits and demerits of each …..

The 1970 car will turn over, but the seller was unable to get it to run; the ’72 runs well after a rebuild in 2014. Both share MG’s 1800 B-series five-main engine, but that’s where the resemblance ends. In ’70, the GK engine had shallow-dish pistons, double-row timing chains, and double valve springs. Its compression ratio was 8.8:1, and – equipped with dual SU carbs – output came in at 92 hp. The later engine was afflicted with deep-dish pistons, single-everything except carburetion (you still got two), and an 8.0:1 compression ratio. Output came in at only 78 hp. As raw material, earlier engines offer an easier route to performance. But in this case, the later car runs and the earlier one doesn’t. On the other hand, the project car is fitted with overdrive, enhancing the usability of the four-speed gearbox.

The project car’s interior is a mess! It’s just not even livable. Also, in 1970 and ’71, MG dealt with US safety regs in as expedient a manner as possible, eliminating the glove box. The heavily and awkwardly padded dash offered no compartment for insurance cards, registration, the driver’s manual….

The ’72 is as clean as we could want, with no tears or cracks and minimal wear. Even the shift boot is intact. The ashtray lid has been painted black – that should be chrome. The steering wheel’s horn badge is bright; the spokes are clean. And there’s the reappearance of a locking glove box for ’72! The seller believes this car’s odometer reading of 31,285 miles is original; the story of the car included in the listing, as well as its condition, supports the claim. This car comes with a fat notebook of documentation as well.

The derelict project car is supposedly free of serious rot, though the underside is heavily scaled with rust and the panels are dented nearly all the way around. The ’72 is missing the stainless trim strip at the front lip of the bonnet, and its battery has been relocated to the cargo area under the hatchback. The spare is missing.

The pretty Pininfarina-styled MGB GT nearly always sells at a discount versus its roadster sibling. Good cars barely breach five figures. We don’t know the reserve on the ’72, but I will hazard an opinion that the ’70 is overpriced. It just doesn’t cost that much more than $3400 to find a running, driving example. What do you think? Would you spring for the finished car, or tackle a restoration on the ’70?