We’re all familiar with MG’s very popular Model B (’62-’80) roadster; over half a million, in all of its variations, were produced during its nineteen model-year run. One of the erstwhile two-seaters’ drawbacks was its 1.8-liter four-cylinder prime mover – not exactly the thing that sports car dreams are made of. Well, move over and let Rover take over because that’s what Jack M. has discovered for us today, an end-of-the-run 1980 MGB with a significant underhood update. Verona, Pennsylvania, is where you’ll find this Rally Red performer, and it’s available here on craigslist for $39,000.
To be fair, MG did actually produce a limited number of V8-powered, right-hand drive GTs, the fixed roof version, in the mid-seventies, but our subject car, obviously being a roadster, is not one of them. Additionally, this B has been shorn of its ungainly U.S. spec rubber baby buggy bumpers and treated to more traditional chrome-plated pieces. The seller tells us, “Designed to honor the 1964 Monte Carlo ‘Rallye’ race car that won its class in 1964.” The two-stage modern finish has been beautifully applied, and the rare but genuine Factory Works removable hardtop adds authenticity to the look. If the exterior decals are not to your liking, they’re magnetic and can be easily removed.
The interior is a work of art with its black leather-upholstered seats highlighted by red piping. Instead of paraphrasing, I’ll quote the seller, “Custom accents include the all matching, cockpit surround, shift boot, console lid, and hand brake boot, all exclusively made by MGBClassics interior tailor. Premium sound system, polished, drilled, 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, beautiful recovered dashboard, including correct V8 tachometer.”
The big news is under the hood, where a Rover 3.5-liter V8 engine (no, not an LS!) is holding court. The engine, of unknown provenance, has been rebuilt and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Regarding the engine installation, the seller adds, “(it) sits nicely inside the absolutely detailed engine compartment, including the original MG V8 valve covers,” and that’s likely due to the fact that the original MGB V8 employed this same Rover engine. We’re told that the standard MGB rear axle/differential is still in place; I’d run with the assumption that it’s sturdy enough to handle the extra torque, but holeshots are probably not recommended. Oddly, nothing is stated regarding this car’s running and driving characteristics.
MGB Classics is responsible for this car’s restoration, and I’d say they did a bang-up job! I appreciate the tribute status this car is portraying, but I’m also thankful that the rally decals are removable – I doubt they would have universal appeal. This B’s current bearing certainly sets it apart from others, but it does come at a price. And with that thought in mind, let’s talk numbers. What do you think, at $39 large, is this one priced right or not quite?
I’m thinking that craigslist is not the best place if you
really want to sell a car like this.
Looks like a nice,well done car,but I prefer the 4 cylinder
with the SU carbs.
Super build. Backdated bumpers too. The engine was of Buick design, reconfigured by Rover over the years. Probably good for close to 200 hp. Could not reproduce this for twice the price these days. On the other hand, its niche is small. A reference to Christmas in the ad implies it’s been for sale for a while.
The foliage in the background suggests well before winter.
No matter how nice, or how much money was spent, most cars have a ceiling with regards to price. Like you said this MGB will appeal to a small niche, even smaller if you factor in those with the means and willingness to spend close to the asking price.
When you look at MGB’s that have sold on eBay over the last 90 days, the vast majority sell for $10,000 or less, a few in the mid to upper teens. Even though this has a V8 conversion, who’s its market? This car will likely be for sale for a long time, then eventually sell heavily discounted.
Steve R
Holy Sunbeam Tiger, Batman! I like everything about this car except the hard top. White and squarish, it doesn’t belong. Give me the standard MGB black soft top any day.
Yes very nice and well done, but $39k?