Okay, folks, the gauntlet has well and truly been thrown down. Barn Finder ccrvtt spotted this wonderful 1972 MGB project and says they will buy it if one of you doesn’t. That sounds like a challenge almost too good to resist, and it is easy to understand. The seller has completed the hard work, including treating its sweet little engine to a rebuild. It appears that the buyer only needs to finish the finer details before this British classic returns to its rightful place on our roads. I must say a big thank you to ccrvtt for spotting this gem, and it will be fascinating to see if we have a reader who will prevent them from parking the MG in their garage.
I have always admired classic British sports cars because they represent a manufacturer’s attempt to create a special motoring experience utilizing mechanical components with a humble origin. They are also an excellent alternative for enthusiasts wishing to be hands-on because most maintenance tasks can be completed in a home workshop using a fairly rudimentary tool kit. The seller only supplies three exterior shots of this 1972 MGB, and the lack of contrast makes it difficult to determine the paint shade. I believe it is British Racing Green, but I am happy to be corrected if I’m wrong. The paint shines nicely, with no evidence of significant imperfections. The panels are straight, and the seller confirms that this gem is rust-free. The Black soft-top fits tightly, and the trim and glass are excellent. The MG sits on a set of wire wheels that are free from corrosion or other problems that might require specialist attention.
The lack of rust is only the first slice of good news provided by this British classic. Its engine bay houses a 1,799cc four-cylinder engine that sent 78hp and 94 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via the optional overdrive transmission when this beauty was shiny and new. These cars typically aren’t rockets in a straight line, but the low center of gravity makes them a hoot when pointed at winding roads. The power and torque figures might be academic because this MG’s engine is freshly rebuilt. The process included a 0.030″ overbore, new pistons, and electronic ignition. The refresh may have unleashed a few extra horses, making the seller’s decision to also replace the water pump, alternator, clutch, brakes, hydraulic, and suspension bushes welcome news. They state that this classic runs and drives, only needing a few minor tasks completed before it can be considered roadworthy.
The positive vibes continue inside this MGB, with the only visible fault restricted to dirty carpet near the driver’s feet. The rest of the Tan vinyl trim appears in good order, as do the dash and pad. I will qualify that statement by pointing out that with only one interior photo, it is impossible to make a detailed assessment. However, everything looks extremely promising for the new owner.
Affordability is often a key consideration when choosing a classic to park in your garage. Purchase price forms part of the equation, but potential buyers must also assess how much they must spend before the car of their dreams hits the road with them behind the wheel. With the hard yards complete, it appears that it will take more time than money for this 1972 MGB to achieve that aim. The seller listed it here on Craigslist in Jonesboro, Georgia. Their price of $7,500 is undeniably affordable, but is it enough to tempt you to save ccrvtt from becoming its new owner?
Just a sec,,,something in my eye, you know it happens everytime,,,if this was a ’71, it was my most cherished of cars owned( although the Jeep is a close 2nd), words can’t describe how I felt about that car. Enough of the shmalz, one correction, unless the .030 raised displacement, these were 1798cc, and the OD is the icing on the cake. I see so many things, wire wheels, that I hated, smog pump removed, I hope the holes in the head are plugged, trunk bonnet has a slight tweak to it, from the “stay rod” thing sticking. The one thing I didn’t like about the ’72, was the dash with that plastic center “console” and vents,,on a roadster?. I suppose I could live with the glovebox. The wires look sharp, if you can deal with the flats, and no, disc wheels can’t be mounted without a lot of work, I tried. This is a nice one. I put about 150K on the 1st motor, no OD, then put a replacement motor, trans with O/D and at least another 100K on that until the car literally broke in half. It was one of the more dependable cars I owned, and guess what, hardly ever a problem with the electrics.
Oh, here’s a note MGB owners will chuckle about. The shocks leaked oil, not bad, but every couple months, all that was required was take off the wheel, open the plug, a couple squirts with an oil can. Well, the back shocks , I removed everytime, it was only 2 bolts, but had to take the tire off. I did that for 10 freakin’ years, until just before I scrapped it, I noticed 2 plastic plugs in the rear package tray. Guess what they were for? Yep, adding oil to the rear shocks,,,D’OH!!
Loved our ’66. No problem with the spoked wheels and drove it everywhere.
’66
Two of my best pals back in the ’70’s went through an MGB phase. Both were ’72’s, one BRG the other a (to me) beautiful shade of blue. Our gang had many good times carving the canyons nearby and cruisin’ Main St on summer nights. I was allowed to drive the blue one a lot and took full advantage. Neither fella had any problem with the electrics, but one got so annoyed with issues with the lever front shocks he moved on to a ’57 Chevy, which was ‘slightly’ better for the winter and had more interior room for a young man’s escapades. I’ve never owned a ‘B’, but have had other two-seaters, none having that unique character and personality….the “timing isn’t right” being the excuse, but there’s always tomorrow, right?
I’ve always liked these cars I have just never convinced myself to buy one because I picture my 6 foot self sitting in it being taller than the windshield I would feel like I’m driving a adult size power wheels
Try getting in and driving an MG Midget or Austin Sprite. :)
I’m six feet tall and have been driving MGB roadsters for 45 years. I have not had any where I was too tall to look through the windshield. One of the best cars for entry in to collector car ownership.
I’m 6’2″ and mostly look through the windshield. If the seats are too upright I look over the top a bit. The first thing to do is remove the useless
visors.
I have Miata seats in it. Much more comfortable.
Looks like a nice 72. That’s not a 72 grill, but that’s ok, that’s a nicer grill.
Great comments Howard. I was an MG Midget fan….less overall room but more leg room Troy. My best friend was 6′ 5″ and he could drive it and ride in it. But not in another’s MBF. His knees were in his chest. I had a 71 Midget. No idea why the length inside was longer though I suppose it was just the seat setup.
I noticed the telltale bonnet angle. Not impossible to fix but not easy, I can tell you from the two times I worked on it (friends should not close MG owners bonnets, that is a fact). Sure could have used that note about the plugs. Never saw those on my shocks.
I continue to say the most fun I ever had driving a car was that little beauty. But I did live in SW VA and we did have winding roads. I wouldn’t want to be cruising down the interstate in one.
Now, this piques my interest! My two older brothers had a long standing relationship with MG’s. They owned A’s, B’s, and Midgets (if that’s allowed). In the seat of a ‘72 B is where my lifelong 3-pedal love affair began and continues to this day. As it sits in the listing, this little darling is only about 10 miles from where I currently sit. Very tempting. Thanks for the listing and for a really good write-up, Adam.
wrong grille for a ’72. That’s a later 73-74 1/2 grill
I still have my ’72 MGB. Purchased in 1984 and restored (rust). Drove until 1996 and has been off the road since. I now have a 4-car garage with space to work on it (as soon as I complete critical updates on the 1918 Farmhouse that came with the garage!)
It jumped out to me that this owner did the same thing I did back in 1986 or so, ditching the recessed grill for an earlier one. Mine off a 1969 parts car. I also couldn’t bear to cut holes for the side marker light in the two new factory front fenders I installed, so I plugged the rear quarter holes during the restoration, further completing the 1969 “look”. Like this one, mine is also the darker shade BRG with wires. Looking forward to when I can put it back on the road!
I’m 6’2”. Been driving a MGB roadsters for 40+ years.
Fun car to drive and you get about two “thumbs up” per mile!
Bill of sale, no title…
Dammit!