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.
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!