Charity auctions are always interesting for the variety of cars that come under the hammer. This 1980 MG MGB is a perfect example of that theme. It is a solid classic that needs little to return to active service. However, it could also form the base of a straightforward and rewarding restoration project that won’t break the bank. It has generated intense interest since the sellers listed the MG here on eBay in Orange, California. Bidding has scorched its way to $4,050 in a No Reserve auction.
The MGB had a long production life, with the first cars appearing on showroom floors in 1962 and our feature car being one of the last to roll off the line in 1980. Its original owner ordered it in Code BLVC 90 Black, with a matching soft-top and contrasting Silver stripes. A close inspection reveals a selection of tiny paint imperfections, but it retains a decent shine, and its overall presentation is acceptable for a driver-grade classic. The panels are straight, and this dry-climate classic appears to be rust-free. No issues are visible in the supplied photos, and no hidden problems are mentioned in the listing. The top is in good order, and it is refreshing to discover the back window doesn’t suffer the cloudiness that often plagues these vehicles. The bumpers are often a source of frustration with potential buyers because they aren’t an elegant solution to changing government legislation. However, I have seen owners successfully retrofit the older chrome bumpers, and the transformation is typically considered worth the expense and effort. The wheels look excellent, and this little British classic shows promise for its new owner.
The positive vibes continue inside this MG because the interior is unmolested, apart from an aftermarket CD player. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from significant wear and physical damage, with the same true of the carpet and console. The pad is crack-free, but there is a slightly strange spot on the right-hand end of the dash. I can’t decide whether this is a genuine fault or a trick of the light. If there is a problem, it is one of the few with an interior that needs little beyond intense cleaning to present at its best.
Lifting the hood reveals an engine bay that is as unmolested as the rest of this MG. Cars with already modest power outputs suffered under evolving emission regulations, and the 1980 MGB was no exception. Its 1,799cc four-cylinder powerplant sends 62hp and 88 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a manual transmission with overdrive. The car’s saving grace is its 2,381 lb curb weight. Otherwise, the ¼-mile ET could be significantly slower than the 20.4 seconds claimed by the factory. This MG might not terrorize the drag strip, but it should cruise comfortably all day at 70mph. The winning bidder faces a relatively short list of tasks for this gem to be considered roadworthy. The brakes require attention, and the tires seem to be getting to the point where replacement would be wise. It runs and drives, but the seller hasn’t taken it onto the open road. With the specified work complete and a thorough inspection, some top-down touring will be beckoning for the new owner.
Later examples of the MGB aren’t the most desirable cars on the planet, but they still offer a rewarding ownership and driving experience. They are ideal for someone who prefers to be hands-on because the engineering principles are so simple. This beauty has already attracted forty-three bids, suggesting people like what they see. Are you tempted to submit the forty-fourth? I won’t blame you if you do.
I love these cars. I am curious to know what the expense would be to convert the bumpers to chrome and to revitalize the engine. As the former owner of two Michigan-winter-rust-decimated B’s a solid car is the holy grail.
I’ve noticed that prices seem to be climbing for MGBs of late and the time to get a solid one of any vintage is now. $4K is cheap for this car, probably will go for more than that.
“Converting” to steel bumpers is not as easy as it sounds. No bolt-on sway. Involves quite a bit of cutting and welding, and expense. When you’re done, it is not going to fool anybody who knows what/where to look. Another option, and it doesn’t sound good until you see one which has been done, is to (using special prep and paint), is to paint the rubber bumpers body color. That is why, IMHO, this black rubber bumpered car looks OK. It already has rubber bumpers which roughly match the body color. Try this: make a B/W copy of a rubber bumper car. Get out your crayons or colored pencils, and try it. I think you’ll be surprised at the result.
Very true!
Bumpers the same color as the body has a good look. Not chrome-bumper good, but better than stock black bumpers. But save some of the body paint if possible, because paint on rubber is not as durable as paint on steel, and may need a redo..
What about a wrap on the bumpers?
wow. . . I forgot to proof read my post. Normally more careful than that. Sorry folks. I think I meant to say that the chrome bumper “kit” is no bolt-on quick task. Not sure where I got the word “sway” . . . oops. Also some other word redundancy . . . I’ll try harder next time.
Wow, 62 hp
No wonder i found these things boring when i rosd tested them
So
First thing to do is an engine upgrade !
Well, an engine conversion doesn’t have to be to a v8, there are so many engine choices now that can outperform this generator!
A B like that is a prime candidate for a fairly easy V8 conversion, whether Ford or Rover. 250-300 hp/tq would change that B from ho-hum to rocket sled performance.
A chrome bumper conversion take more skill with a welder, more $$$ on a kit, and you’d end up painting the whole thing.
But, really, bang-for-the-buck says make it a V8 sleeper and keep as-is.
So you’re suggesting taking this beautiful car, yanking out the original engine and ripping off the bumpers? Sacrilege to a beautiful car.
Ripping off the bumpers?
No.
Swap motors? Yes. Definitely.
Then repaint the care one color, bumpers and all.
You can’t hide the bumpers, but you can disguise them.
The good news is the later rubber bumper cars had much nicer interiors.
Worth mentioning is that this car appears to be an MGB Limited Edition, or at least a very good clone, with the lower stripes, front air dam, special wheels, and dash plaque. These cars do seem to command higher prices than standard Series IV B’s.
If improved performance is desired, removing the pollution devices and replacing the stock carburetor (Zenith Stromberg 2-bbl.) will help. More serious measures can be taken with the 1.8L to further improve power, such as going to higher compression pistons, shaving the head, and installing a performance cam.
By the time you spend the $$$ for advanced engine work, dropping in even a stock Mustang 302 costs less and is a far greater improvement.
And then you have a butchered car.
Iv’e had 2 MG B”s and have done engine work head, cam ,Pistons Etc. & fitted Weber carb. Great fun to drive, but dont forget to do brake & suspension upgraddes.
Where to begin? MG Steve hit that nail on the head. Chrome bumper conversions only fool the tourists, and anger the purists. Much the same with V-8 conversions. If they aren’t done “correctly” they just spoil the car for the next owners. If the car is leaving California, the smart money lowers the suspension (there are easy, cheap ways and other more “correct” ways) and back dates the engine to pre-75 spec, removing smog controls, changing to early distributor, changing exhaust system and returning to dual SU carburettors. Quite a bit less money than engine swaps, and returns the engine to a more robust performance level that makes the lowered car a treat to drive and cruise in. I’ve done several this way, and all of the buyers were genuinely impressed with performance and ride. If this car sells for under 6K, it will be a good deal, much more than that and it just won’t make the sheet balance out. Good luck with the sale.
Don’t change the bumpers! These look far more up to date than the chrome ones. Plus they raised the suspension on the “rubber bumper” models and it would look ridiculous with the tiny chrome bumpers.
I had a 1980 Spitfire back when it was new, and the black bumpers looked so superior to the predecessors.
“Butchered” is a subjective term.
I am all for a “pure” B. I have owned several.
But IMO, MG ” butchered” the B when they gutted the motor, jacked up the suspension, and added those ugly bumpers.
Not many “purists” value a RB B in the first place.
250hp is a nice “butcher” job vs. hiding thousands in engine work for maybe 20hp/tq more.
But opinions vary…
MG can’t butcher a car they designed. And I don’t understand if you don’t think a car is good the way it was designed, why not buy something you DO like the design of?
I almost want this (glutton for punishment I suppose?). Owned a TR7 back in the day. Poor ignition and carb issues spoiled my desire for a sports car real quick. A blast to drive I’m sure, at least my TR was, when she was running.
I had a young man back into my Midget 1500 with a small pick up truck. If I had changed to steel and not had the rubber bumper my car likely would have been written off.
The post 74 cars are not as well loved as the earlier cars, but they are still pretty decent and the black bumpers look great with a light coloured car in my opinion.
Black on black also works.
MG’s are small – and the Midget even smaller. The B is roughly the size of an NA series MX5 so being seen by other drivers is very important. Like a motorcycle rider you have to assume that people don’t see you and adjust your driving style accordingly.
Kelly–ironic that you would bring up the Mazda MX5 (aka Miata). (Tongue-in-cheek) . . . Do you know the English translation for the word Miata? “MG that runs”. Along with others, I thought it pretty interesting when the MX5/Miata first came out. They were huge sellers to members of our MG Club. Most of us like to dream and fantasize that if the MG company had been properly run, financially, and had been allowed to further develop the MGB, it would have been a heckuva lot like the Miata. The MGF was close, but never imported to the U.S.
I have a 77 MGB in black with the bumpers painted to match. Without paint they look a little off. My car is also lowered back to original spec. In profile it now looks more like a rocket with that nice pointed nose. I have also have the twin SU carbs and better exhaust header. The car is a wonderful driver when done this this way.
All the hoopla over this cars bumpers and ride hight. They were up against the wall, no money for a new car and federal mandates. It’s a wonderful they managed to produce this car at all. Yes the early cars looked and handled better. But this marque survived to produce this. Healey, Triumph, was gone, Jaguar well enough said… Accept this car, maybe put some power back into that reliable 4 and drop it a bit and enjoy the drive!
I’m OK with the bumpers, dropping the suspension is no big deal, but the most cost-effective, bang-for-buck engine upgrade is a V6 or V8 conversion.
You can spend a couple of thousand on cams, compression, carbs, headers, and electronic distributor, and the net power increase is only marginally better, rarely matching expectations, and not exactly impressive. Been there. Twice.
A salvage yard GM 60 degree V6, Mustang GT 302, or Buick V8 and a conversion kit will not cost much more than those 4cyl parts, yields 3-5x the power, and turns a B into what it should have been in the first place. But you will need better brakes.
Seriously, the cost of a big-inch V6-6 conversion is less than even supercharging a B.
Otherwise, enjoy a RB B as what it was: cute and pokey, looked down by “purists,” but fun doodling on an open country road.
It was truly amazing that the MG engineers kept these going as long as they did. BL gave most money to Triumph for development. Those they did spend a bunch of money on further development of the B-series into the K-series (I think it was K-series, I’m getting forgetful). But that didn’t come to fruition until after 1980. I believe the MGB always outsold the TR7. I had one of those too. Also much maligned, but a fun car.
Handling for this and 77-on Bs are much improved compared to the 74 1/2 through 76. Sway bars returned, and tightened things up.
I’m not a “must be kept original” type person. But it would be a shame to
change this car much as original as it is, and an LE to boot. There aren’t many original MGBs left. If you want to swap engines there are plenty of more suitable MGBs out there (including mine). Someone wants to put a 289 in it? The Rover V8 is the logical choice for this car if a V8 is what you need. Otherwise, the Chevy V6. How about a Miata engine? I’ve thought an eco-boost would be good choice to make something really scary.
MG Steve, you are absolutely correct! ” I have seen owners successfully retrofit the older chrome bumpers, and the transformation is typically considered worth the expense and effort.” I am one of those owners that did the swap. And I will never do another! I was a member of a British Sports Car Club and when I did “the transformation”.Yes you could tell it was converted. BUT I received many “Atta Boy” from the boys and they even featured my car in some photos from an event. My car was also the car that the MG National Convention in Reno used in their promo video driving under the Reno Arch.
If I bought this car, the very first thing I would do would be to lower back down to the original stock (pre-rubber bumber) height. The second thing to do would be to upgrade the front sway bar. (some rubber bumper cars don’t even come with a front sway bar!) Once you have lowered the car and installed an upgraded front sway bar. Most people find that adding a rear sway bay a waste of money. (I don’t, but I really push my car!) As far as bumpers go, yes body color is the cheapest way to improve the looks, But I would ditch the rubber bumpers completely and install the fiberglass Sebring racing bumpers. (very cool!) The best thing this car has is the overdrive transmission. Ask someone who has blasted down the interstate at 80 MPH for 45 minutes and ended up with an air cleaner full of engine oil! (The car now has a V6 with a 5 speed transmission.)
I just wanted to remind some of you that MG did in fact build a V8 MGB. Now they were not offered here in the states,but there are places to buy most of the V8 specific parts. I also heard that the Rover engine weighed 40 pounds less than the inline 4 iron block motor. If this was my car,it would have a V8 installed. The ,”LE” cars aren’t that rare,a what’s better than a B with double the horsepower? Enough said.
I believe that the V8 car is still in single unit production with hand stitched leather seats. By single unit production I mean the car is ordered and sold before construction starts.
I saw a video on it only a few years ago, so assume that it is still being built.