There are typically two major ways that a classic can attract attention. The first is to be extraordinarily desirable, while the second is to be affordable. British sports cars like this 1976 MG MGB enjoy a strong following in the classic world, and the seller’s decision to offer this one for sale with No Reserve has allowed it to attract twenty-nine bids. However, with the price sitting at $4,550, it could be an affordable turnkey option for the right person. If you feel irresistibly drawn, you will find the MGB listed here on eBay in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The MGB enjoyed a long and successful production life as the successor to the MGA. Introduced for the 1963 model year, the final cars rolled off the Abingdon production line in 1980. The company followed an evolutionary update process throughout the MGB’s history, with many of the changes designed to comply with the latest safety and emission regulations. The first owner ordered our feature car in 1976, choosing to cloak its exterior in iconic British Racing Green paint. The seller indicates that it has hit the market to settle an estate, but they do supply some important information regarding this classic’s history. They state that it received a cosmetic refresh in its original paint shade around thirty years ago. It still presents nicely, with a deep shine and no significant imperfections beyond a couple of bubbles near the left rear wheel opening. The panels are straight, with the seller indicating that the car’s underside is as clean as the exterior. The Black soft-top fits beautifully, and the tonneau is also in good condition. Buyers could order the ’76 MGB with Rostyle wheels, but there is something undeniably “right” about the fact that this gem wears traditional wire wheels. The most dramatic styling change performed during the MGB’s production life was the addition of rubber bumpers in 1974 on North American vehicles. Many people believe that this spoiled the styling purity, and I have seen many of these cars retro-fitted with chrome bumpers for a more elegant appearance.
British Motor Corporation transferred several major mechanical components from the MGA to the new MGB, although there were a few notable upgrades to improve performance and reliability. The company’s B-Series four-cylinder engine was enlarged from 1,622 to 1,798cc. The four developed 95hp and 110 ft/lbs of torque at launch, although those figures had dropped to 63hp and 86 ft/lbs on American models by the time our feature car left the factory. The four-speed manual transmission received stronger internal components to cope with the power from the larger engine, with several versions of the optional overdrive offered throughout the production run. The only unknown factor with this MGB is whether the first owner selected that feature. The seller describes it as a blast to drive, suggesting that it is a turnkey proposition for the winning bidder.
The theme of tidy presentation continues inside this MGB. It doesn’t look factory fresh, but the overall condition is easily acceptable to anyone seeking a driver-grade classic. The seats and other upholstered surfaces are free from rips and distress, and the carpet is clean. The dash and plastic components have aged well, and the only obvious flaw is the deterioration of the center armrest. Somebody has added a chunky timber wheel and a CD player, and both should make life on the road pretty pleasant.
This 1976 MGB is a sweet little classic that would be ideal for someone seeking a turnkey British sports car. The Watch List tally of forty-two suggests that people agree with me. However, recent successful sales suggest that since it isn’t pristine, it will probably struggle to top $10,000. That makes it undeniably affordable, but is it enough to tempt you to pursue this classic further to make the most of the coming warmer months?
This is really tempting. I love the BL cars with the black bumpers and this one looks to be in great shape.
The large black bumpers were added to all MGBs after 1974, in all markets. They were only required for US safety regulations, but I’d guess that cash-strapped British Leyland could not really afford to engineer multiple versions? either way, they all got the ugly bumpers and raised ride height, much to the disgust of British MGB fans.
As for the highly desirable overdrive options, I believe this car does not have it, because by 1979 the overdrive switch was incorporated in the top of the gearshift knob, and this car does not have that.
For MGBs and Triumphs, Spitfire and TR, oddly enough the overdrive option was fairly rare option on the cars sold in the US yet fitted to the majority of the cars sold in the UK. In some ways this seems counterintuitive, as the US has had higher disposable income levels (relatively speaking, the UK is hardly a poor country either) and you’d think more US buyers would have opted for the overdrive option? The only theory I can come up with to explain this, is that in the UK more MG/Triumph sports cars owners used that car as their only daily driver and therefore the overdrive was a practical thing to have if you were driving the car all the time, and fuel economy was important…..whereas in the US, particularly in places like Southern California where so many of these little British sports cars were sold, the car was more likely to be a second or third car? a fun toy, and used more on short recreational trips maybe? (and fuel economy much less of a consideration) I dunno? but that’s the only reason I can think of
The black bumpers made the cars all look more modern. The ones with the chrome bumpers LOOK old, but the ones with the black bumpers still look modern today. As the owner of a 1980 Spitfire, I’d never want one of the earlier ones.
Nice that others appreciate the black bumpers. More practical and nicely integrated into the body lines. Liked them as a 10-year old when they debuted and they still look good today.
Very nice MGB driver! Love the color, lots of fun cruising days left in this one.
Looks nice EXCEPT the ugly black bumpers. The US safety standard –is a very sad of an excuse . Give me the chrome bumpers and day. If the car was mine—I,d definitely change to chrome bumpers. Rubber is and looks cheap.
The black bumpers look SO much better than the old chrome.
Chrome bumpers all the way! I love all of the bright work on my 69 MG BGT.
ClassicCarFan, Also remember that the 55 MPH speed limit was in effect and an overdrive option was not really needed. HOWEVER you have to remember that this car, because of the lack of overdrive, is not an interstate cruiser. I have a 1976 (which is the most undesirable of the MGBs) and a 1 hour run at 75 MPH killed the engine. Plus this year I believe is the only year to not come with a front sway bar from the factory. Add the addition ride height, the California emissions and it is a poor excuse for an MGB. Don’t get me wrong, I have had MGBs, and worked on many. Once you get the quirky British mindset in your head it is a great car to own and play with. Also, I do prefer the chrome bumpers and did change mine over to early 1974 chrome bumpers ( the early 1974 chrome bumpers are thicker and heavier than the previous chrome bumpers) But that is not just a swap over change. There is considerable body work involved to make the change. Luckily my car had no rust, so I went ahead and made the change. Also my car now has a 2.8 Cologne V6 (Capri/Ranger) with a T5 5 speed installed. Freeway speeds no problem now!
Like Wayne said, the 1976 had no sway bars. The 1975 didn’t either. In 1977, they added sway bars front and back. As well as other improvements.
The bias against rubber bumper cars drives the price down. This will struggle to to get anywhere near $10,000. Though as I have a 1977, I hope I’m wrong.
BTW, it’s Brooklands Green. Not BRG
$6100 Sale. Good deal for both I’d say