This primrose yellow, wire-wheeled, straight-as-an-arrow 1969 MGB roadster is worth a close look. What impressed me at first glance was the panel fit, the excellent grille, the early-year all-chrome bumpers, and I like those stone guards on the headlamps. This roadster isn’t perfect, but it’s dang good. The seller describes its condition as “original”, but as we’ll see, a few changes underhood show us that we don’t know the whole story. It’s advertised here on craigslist for $10,500, and it’s located in McKinleyville, California. Thanks to Curvette for the tip!
The MGB came from the factory with BMC’s 1.8-liter four-cylinder; early cars were constructed with three main bearings, this one will have five. Output varied depending on the year of production; in 1969, the engine dished up 95 hp, while later cars – constrained by emissions equipment and single Strombergs – labored with only 65 ponies. The gearbox is a four-speed manual, with overdrive optional. Here, the engine and SU carburetors have been rebuilt, and the belts and hoses were replaced. An aluminum radiator has replaced the factory-supplied original. The air cleaner assemblies should be black, with a “Coopers” sticker on each canister.
The interior is correct in most respects, from the delicate banjo-type steering wheel to the door fittings, shift boot, and upholstery. A trim kit has replaced the factory black vinyl around the instruments and on the console; the passenger’s side bolster upholstery appears to have a tape repair, and there’s also tape on the plastic console. Note that this car has no glovebox: its absence was designed to comply with new US safety regulations starting in 1968. Instead, we got the “Abingdon pillow” – an almost cartoonishly padded dash. BMC finally figured out how to install a “safe” glovebox again in 1971. Unfortunately, toggle switches apparently could not be made safe, so they never returned.
The seller notes that the Robbins top is new. Side marker lamps showed up in 1970 on US-delivered vehicles; the factory supplied reflectors before that, but they are rarely retained. The luggage rack is useful, but I prefer seeing a clean trunk lid. In the market, you can pay almost anything you want for an MGB, depending on condition and year. Early cars in great condition will cost $20k or more. This driver-quality ’69 roadster sold for $11,750 a couple of months ago. Rubber bumper cars from the late 1970s are gathering fans and will sell in the mid-teens. All that said, project cars can still be found for less than $5000. The MGB’s simplicity, lush supply of parts, and peppy performance have helped insulate the marque from the recent decline in British car values – all the more reason to ponder today’s example.
Wow! Good one! A couple of suggestions; lose that luggage rack and the
mirror on the RF fender…..and then drive drive drive enjoy!
Funny, I like both of them! Love the color too!
Everyone is different, I’d keep both.
MGB’s (and MG’s in general) are renowned for their high SPG (smiles per gallon). This looks like a good buy to this old MG-ista!
Green air cleaners? Gak. Better than none at all. Couple things, sadly I don’t see anywhere that it has OD, and the glovebox ( and fresh air vents) came out in ’72. Aluminum radiator a nice touch, but in all the miles I put on my ’71, ( close to 250K), never once did I have any cooling issues. MGBs are to me, the best absolute all around British roadster made. Now if someone today is willing to spend 5 figures on one, remains to be seen. If you do, you won’t find a better ’69, I consider the best of them all.
Glove box and vents “came out” in ’72??… Actually, they came back in ’72. Were missing from ’68 to ’71 when the car had the “pillow” dash.
After watching another MGB GT video yesterday, the stalk sticking out of the right side of the steering column, just below the steering wheel, is what activates the OD. Enlarge the one interior photo and you can just discern the OD labeling.
The OD control was moved from a toggle switch on the dash, to the wiper stalk in ’68. Even non-OD equipped cars had the switch, like mine, but inoperative and not marked. Pulling the stalk toward you, engaged the OD, away disengaged it. I believe there was another switch somewhere that prevented OD in 1st,2nd,or 3rd.
I enlarged the photos to 500% and saw no indication of a OD sticker. I’ve long said, someone not familiar with these cars, may not even know an OD exists. This car, however, looks well represented, and I’m sure the owner would know.
I’m restoring a a 69 BGT. This is a nice example and everything looks to be OE. 69 was the first year of the synchromesh into first gear. They drove a bit different from the earlier steel dash cars but all good. The only thing I didn’t like about the 69 was the side marker reflectors . I know they were put on for federalization but they ruined the side lines of the classic B. It doesn’t bother most people but I grew up with the early B’s and I am on the early side of the fence. The rubber bumpered cars have a following but not for me. The price of this one is very fair. A survivor like this usually only shows up in California… not the northeast where I am.
68 began the full synchro transmission. SN 138400.
The seats are from a later ‘B, 1970-on (up to about 1977-78 depending on market destinations). Original ’69’s had unique black-only leather seats w/ “Chiclet”-type headrests for the North American exports to conform to new safety regs. Only year they had this type of headrest.
Had our ’66 during the ’70s gas crisis. Good gas mileage (Blazer got 11 mpg) and fun going to work.
Curious if the 34k miles stated in the Craigslist ad is actually that, or 134K… or 234k…
A 57-year old car, that appears to be in very good condition for it’s age.
In my experience MGB’s have a propensity to have inoperative speedometer issues, usually a broken speedometer cable due to age and lack of lubrication over time. It is not terribly expensive to replace.This B looks to be of very good driver quality condition.It’ll take some ongoing fussing over, mostly maintenance. It’s a labor of love. I find it rare for a B to be a daily driver or the car of choice for long distance drives. It is a hobby and a delight to take out for an drive on a nice day, top down. I haven’t put my top up in 23 years.
I agree with Howard A, the MGB is the best all-around British sports car. I’ve owned three BGTs, a ’67, a ’69. and a ’72. All had wire wheels and Overdrive. All were rust-free TX and CA cars. They were all very reliable, as well.
I own a 1970 MGB, spent lots of time driving her. Split steel bumper, original wire wheels. First owner was General manager at BMC in Portland. Have all the paperwork.
My Dad insisted on a roll bar…but I bought a quarter window snug top instead. Drove it to work for years. Mechanics parts counter at Wentworth Chevrolet Only stopped driving it when I was 8 months pregnant. Husband had a 1970 240Z with racing belts that would fit over my expanding belly. Best car ever!
I own a 1970 MGB, spent lots of time driving her. Split steel bumper, original wire wheels. First owner was General manager at BMC in Portland. Have all the paperwork.
My Dad insisted on a roll bar…but I bought a quarter window snug top instead. Drove it to work for years. Mechanics parts counter at Wentworth Chevrolet Only stopped driving it when I was 8 months pregnant. Husband had a 1970 240Z with racing belts that would fit over my expanding belly. Best car ever!
This car are actually dropping in value, although incredibly well maintained cars that are rest free and accident free can fetch good money. The average cars are well down on value to invest mid teens and money on these cars may not be the best bet over a long-term.
If one puts any faith in Hagerty’s valuation data, yes, MGB values have been dropping steadily for the last few years… Probably because the demographic interested in these (Boomers and older Gen X) are aging out. This particular car is priced at the high end for a “condition 3”. Personally, I don’t buy cars for their appreciation potential, but to each their own. I bought the MG that is in my fleet 45 years ago… is it worth more numerically than it was when I bought it?… I’m sure. Has its value kept up with inflation?… Unlikely. Do I care?… No. …but its still a blast to drive around.
I feel the same way about my past ancient Miata which died recently, and my current ancient Miata that I’ve only had for a few months. Bought them both as daily drivers and vehicles I really love driving. My wife and I have always kept our vehicles long term and don’t think of them as financial investments. And though my current one is certainly worth less than I’ve put into it, but I bought it to enjoy and that’s what matters to me.
Those are probably the original licence plates
that came out in 1970,so this was probably sold in ’70.