The MGB was one of the most successful products of British Motor Corp. (BMC). In production for more than 18 years, total assemblies across all its variants topped the half-million-unit mark. This ’73 edition of the 2-seat roadster took up residence in a barn in 1986 and stayed there until recently. Located in Hardwick, Vermont, this classic is a reasonably priced project here on craigslist at $1,500. So anyone up for a winter project? BTW, our thanks go to T.J. for uncovering this find for us!
To many, the MGB looked like a bigger version of the MG Midget, which was being built around the same time. The MGB replaced the MGA in ’62 and spawned a variety of body styles besides the soft-top convertible, including a 2+2 coupe and even a V8 model (for a short time). They were designed to seat just two people, but an optional jump seat was offered for a bit. A 1.8-liter inline-4 got the job done under the hood. The 1973 models, like the seller’s car, were the last with chrome bumpers as the big rubber monstrosities came along the following year.
As the story goes, this MGB has only two prior owners. While the indicated mileage is around 150,000, the first owner had the engine rebuilt at the 50k mark. Then the second owner came along in 1981 and used it regularly for about five years. Life would soon get in the way and the MG found itself cast aside in an enclosed structure from 1986 until 2022. No mention is made of its mechanical health now, so you should assume it will need everything.
The color of the car is said to be purple, though it looks black to me. Rust, past or present, is probably part of the deal as most of these British cars were subject to the tin worm. But if you have the skills, time, patience, and money to restore this little car, at least the cost of acquiring it will not break the bank to begin with. It appears to be a mostly complete vehicle.
Little rough, but for that price you can’t loose. Everything is there and there’s a little history to go with it.
I believe this is the ultra rare color they called Black Orchid. Factory interior for that color was Autumn Leaf as we see here….
Black Tulip not orchid. Just a fantasic color.
So if the second owner sold it in 2022 then that makes the guy in the photo an illegal title jumper or a resale vulture.
Or just the tow truck driver hired to get it out of the shed
The color is actually black tulip. And yes, one year only and very pretty. Not to be confused with aconite which came out the next year and is very similar.
I’m no expert, but I had a 72, same color, black tulip (dark purple) so a two year color?
The Tegelerizer web site says it was 71-75 with Aconite was 74-75. Teglerizer is a great information site for MGBs.
Actually there were three 1974 MGB models: early 74 with small rubber bumperettes, late 74s with large rubber bumperettes (called Sabrinas after a very buxom tv personality in the UK) and the 74 1/2s full rubber bumpers that were supposed to be 75s but with the twin SU carbs that wouldn’t pass Federal emissions standards. “True” 75s had Stromberg carbs.
Fun cars and easy to work on, but parts are crazy overpriced in my humble opinion. But price of entry is not bad on MGs. Make sure you find some similarly twisted folks for a support network. Odd things on these cars. Like having to check the oil level….of your carburetors. And replacing the windshield can take all weekend. If you don’t believe me, take a closer look next time you see one in captivity. Plus other quirks. Try to get one with an overdrive. The top is a two person operation to put up and down. Finding 13 inch tires can be an exercise in frustration. But the thrill of feeling like you are going 200 miles an hour at hwy speeds (because you are an inch off the ground and looking up at everything else on the road) make it all worthwhile
Makes, not make it all worthwhile. There is an interesting cult of MG engine swappers out there as well. Check professor google for more information than you ever really need
Parts aren’t that bad. Tires are 14in.
Ours came with 13 inch wheels. Parts price is subjective I guess
You are right, mgb has 14 inch wheels, the 510 had 13 inch.
I had 3MGBs and my favorite was a 1973 MGBGT. White in color, L/h drive with the UK reg; RBJ195R. I loved that car& only sold it because I was suffering a back injury & I had a helluva time getting into it! I would some how buy it again, if I could.
I had a ’69 B in BRG. Terrific and fun car! I could do the top solo without a problem. It did take a little while, if you wanted to install the tonneau and all that… Of course that was 40 years ago, and I was in my mid 20’s, so YMMV.