Some British sports cars don’t sell for big money, making them affordable for enthusiasts on a budget. That could potentially be the case with this 1979 MGB. It is an extraordinarily tidy vehicle with no obvious needs. The owner has pampered this British beauty, with the seller claiming that the odometer reading of 34,870 miles is genuine. It has hit the market at the right time, with warm weather beckoning enthusiasts to hit the road with the top down. The seller has listed the MGB here on eBay in Cincinnati, Ohio. Bidding has hit $5,100 in a No Reserve auction.
The history of this MG is somewhat vague, though the seller’s impression is that it is a one-owner vehicle being sold to settle an estate. It presents extremely well, with its Vermillion paint shining beautifully. The seller doesn’t mention cosmetic defects, stating that the panels are perfect. The paint shines nicely, and it is reassuring that this garage-kept gem is rust-free. The Black soft-top fits well, with no sagging, rips, or other problems. The chrome luggage rack mounted on the trunk is a practical feature, and the car sits on a set of spotless, iconic, Rostyle wheels. Throw in clear windows and spotless trim, and this MG appears to be a winner.
Apart from the V8 and six-cylinder variants, every MGB to roll off the production line featured BMC’s 1,798cc B-Series four. An essentially bulletproof motor, it developed 62hp and 88 ft/lbs of torque when this car left the showroom floor. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Although the power and torque figures don’t suggest exciting motoring, the featherweight MGB can be a surprise packet if the driver makes the effort behind the wheel. The seller confirms that the late owner meticulously maintained this classic and that there are no known mechanical issues. Therefore, potential buyers can consider the MG a turnkey proposition.
The MG’s interior continues the theme of tidy presentation. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces show no evidence of wear, and the carpet is only slightly worn near the driver’s right foot. The dash is excellent, with crisp, clear gauges. I cannot spot any wheel wear, with the condition consistent with the unverified odometer reading. It isn’t loaded with luxury appointments, but the modern CD stereo will provide in-car entertainment. As with the rest of the vehicle, it appears to need nothing, and hitting the road with the top down should be pretty pleasurable.
The MGB hasn’t been setting the market alight recently, with values remaining stable for the past twelve months. That makes it unclear whether they might rise, but, in a cloud with a silver lining, they also aren’t falling. The condition of this car suggests it should top $10,000 comfortably before the hammer falls, especially once we factor in the interest it has generated. However, if it doesn’t, this MG could be one of the bargains of 2026. Watching the listing might be worthwhile. If you are searching for a British classic, today might be your lucky day.
Stop it, stop it, STOP IT!! What’s it gonna be for the last lap,,,,Kawasaki 900,,converted 1947 Flxible bus, ATV, British sports car, new recliner, all of the above? Why not? Right now, the recliner has a slight edge, there are so many affordable British cars coming up, even the Caravelle looked interesting.
Need I say it? “Mr. Leffels estate?” Sorry, it’s tough to see time after time, for me, anyway. It’s a nice one, looks to have a Weber, I just don’t understand why people do that, such a cop out. The original HS4s, I read, are great carbs, like the Weber may add a bit of performance, big deal, on a MGB? I’ve heard Webers are particularly finicky, heaven help you below 40 degrees. This sure is a well kept one, RIP Mr. Leffel,,you had a nice car.
The HS4 went out in 71 or before don’t remmber exactly. Then they went with HIFs until 74 1/2/ From there it had a single Z-S CD175 with a combined intake and exhaust manifold with the catalytic converter directly under the carb. Horsepower plummeted.
The Weber is an economical carburetor, ie new from Moss including intake manifold etc, is half the price of the SU HIF 44 which is the replacement for the ZS.
Yes, a set of HS4s or HIFs in good condition (throttle shafts) are probably better performance choice. Given proper sync.
No issues on tuning the Weber, and yes even under 40. Of course with the top down.
Have to agree with the question of the Weber swap, and I’m not a huge fan of ZS carbs… especially emmission era versions… and I currently have two cars with dual ZS… but I don’t understand the reasoning for a switch to the Italian carb (although my guess this one is of Spanish origin). There will be no performance gain unless other mods to the engine are made, and stories I’ve heard from those that have made the switch have complained of various tuning problems. So I’m not sure what the Weber is meant to fix. All that said, this appears to be a nice ‘B. I like the Vermillion… what I painted my ’73 instead of the original Blaze. The low mileage is a bonus and I’ve softened on my opinion of the rubber bumpers over the years. GLWS…
I’m not a lover of the rubber bumpered cars but this so well kept and will be a real steal if the bidding stalls. The Weber works OK but if I had the choice I would stay with the Skinners Unions!! This guy car loved his car!
This looks to be really nice and could be quite the bargain. I love the black bumpers… always have. Much more contemporary.
I’ve tried to sell a one owner MGB like this exact same one for my elderly neighbor for a year now for 5 k.In all that time I got one phone call and one looker.He has given up and will let it sit till he passes.
I’ve thought of selling mine, needs paint, but runs well. I doubt I’d get $3500 for it. Bought it for $2000 in 2001.
Where are you located? I’m not a fan of the big bumpers, but with this color, they don’t look too bad.
Just looking at that vertical accelerator pedal makes my right foot ache. I would need that changed even before I drove to the local grocery store. Maybe the other two pedals too.
Two problems, number one, the ugly black bumpers, which would have to be replaced with a chrome bumper conversion from Moss motors. Number two, why buy a finicky MGB, when you can get a decent Miata for the same price?
Well, couple things. I barely fit in a 1st generation Miata. And definitely not gen 3 on with the top up. Of course, I might drive the MG a max of 2 days with the top up.
You can just about build a MGB from a catalog. I know that many 1st gen Miata parts are no longer availible. Prices are getting worse on them. A buddy last year paid a small fortune for a used computer for the thing.
Mine is a 1977 blue, and primer. No rust. Minnesota between the Twin Cities and St Cloud. DGV manual choke, Miata seats with speakers recovered by MrMikes.com. Needs new carpet, I keep thinking about it. Cosmic wheels with 2 spare wheels. Tires are getting old, 12 years I think.
I’ve got in my mental list to do a compression check again, just because I haven’t done it in 15+ years.