It doesn’t happen often, but if you shop for collector cars long enough, a deal that seems almost too good to be true pops up, and Barn Finder Curvette might have found one in this 1968 MGB Roadster (or Tourer, if you prefer). Let’s get the price out of the way first: $5,995. That seems like a steal for a chrome bumper “B” with pretty Pale Primrose (or something similar) paint and a nice interior. Clearly, it deserves a closer look, so if you live in the Portland, Oregon, area and are looking for a Little British Sports Car, this MG can be found here on craigslist.
So, what’s wrong with it? It’s being sold by an outfit named “Velocity German Autos,” and their craigslist ad points out that while the paint shines up nicely, it has “many imperfections,” and the interior is “really nice but not perfect.” Therefore, it might simply be a nice ten- (or twenty-) footer, nothing wrong with that. Federal MGBs had the 1798cc “B-Series” four that produced 92 horsepower and 110 lb.-ft. of torque, good enough for a zero-to-sixty time of 11.8 seconds and a top speed of around 105 miles per hour. The 1968 models had a few worthwhile improvements, including a fully-synchronized gearbox and an alternator in place of the generator used previously. Of course, you got twin SU carburetors, and having bought my first SU-equipped car last year, I can tell you that rebushing the throttle shafts (if they’re loose) is a game changer. Just something to check in case you decide to buy this pretty MG.
As the selling dealer says, the interior looks very nice, and we’ll have to assume that the pictures are hiding some of the flaws. As a bonus, this B has the optional Laycock overdrive, which added a .082:1 “top” gear to the new all-synchro four-speed. With a 3.91:1 gear out back, that equates to a 3.13:1 overall ratio for relaxed highway cruising.
The trunk has a spare tire and wire wheel, and you get the tools to remove the wheels nuts (including hammer). It looks like there’s a folder full of paperwork, which is always interesting (or horrifying) when you’re buying a new-old car.
Sure, the rear window is discolored, and I’m certain the paint looks a lot worse up close, but what do you expect for $5,995 these days? If you decide to go take a closer look, or even better yet, if you decide to buy this MG, let us know in the comments if it’s as good a deal as it seems. It shouldn’t be up for sale long if it is.
2 grand would be the deal of the day! Had a similar car in just as good condition in the mid 90s that I only paid 400 bucks for, now that was the deal of the day 👍