Update – We just heard from Greg and his MGB sold and is on it’s way to a new home!
Greg has decided to auction his B. It’s currently bid up to $11,800, so be sure to check out his listing here on eBay.
What Makes It Special? After 293,592 MGB roadsters sold in the U.S. since 1962, MG decided to go out with a batch of 500 special, Limited Edition cars for the 1980 model year. Like any good limited edition, however, MG quickly realized that demand should be the only limitation and ended up building 6,682, bringing the 18-year total to 300,274.
This particular MGB was found stored in a garage on Cape Cod. It had been sitting since 2002. The then new owner had hoped to use it for beach days but ended up putting a whopping 2 miles on the odometer in 16 years! The prior two owners had accumulated all of 1,720 miles.
Currently, the car has 2,550 logged miles after having all repairs needed for safe driving. It has been trailered to Miami to enjoy the winters and stretch its legs. This is a true survivor MGB in the spectacular Limited Edition trim. This superior unblemished original condition car will excite any MGB enthusiast!
Body Condition: The paint is all original and has no parking dings or significant scratches. The convertible top is supple and free of any wear.
Mechanical Condition: The car has been prepared for the road, with new brake fluid, wheel cylinders and rubber brake lines replaced. The fuel system has been completely gone through and the ignition was upgraded to electronic for maintenance free driving. The original points ignition is fully functional and will be included for the purist buyer. Tires were replaced for safety, and the original tires are also included. The front suspension bushings were replaced as the original rubber had failed form sitting. Everything works as it should.
We’ve had the pleasure of owning a number of MGBs over the years, they really are fantastic little sports cars, but the overwhelming majority have been driven hard. This is without a doubt the nicest and lowest mileage example we have ever seen! You’d be hard pressed to find another Special Edition in this kind of condition, heck you’d have a hard time finding any MGB in this nice of condition that hasn’t already been restored. So, if you’ve been on the hunt for a “brand new” MGB, here’s your chance to own one! You can contact Heitman C via the form below with any questions or your best offer.
Do you have an ultra low mileage survivor that just came out of long term storage? Please consider listing it here on Barn Finds!
- Asking Price: $19,500 OBO
- Location: Miami, Florida
- Mileage: 2,550
- Title Status: Clean
- VIN: GVVDJ2AG508614
Wow! Amazing condition! I wonder what it sold for new? I hope that they’re not including that red dog in the sale…
Dog not included. Not at any price.
Dog not included. Not at any price…
Sold for over 8 grand when new.
Far below the pace of inflation
Not worth over 23K for a 65horsepower Rubber bumper slug
From a little bit earlier era I would rather have a decently upgraded and sorted out pre big bumper Fiat 124 Spider
Out the door price with tax, tags, undercoating, poly wax and a five year warranty was $10,550 according to the sales receipt.
I purchased a brand new 1978 MGB for $5,600 = $24,197 today. I am sure it was not much more by 1980. I wish I had the money, these are very fun cars.
Sorry, very few MGB’s are worth $25g’s, nice non-O/D ones can be had for under $5g’s, I’ve been looking, and there’s a bunch. A MGB is a MGB and the LE, even in this condition, I feel, does little to justify the price. I beg to differ with the seller, it’s not a “brand new” car and again, plenty of headaches await the new owner. Just the type of car it is. Sorry, it’s the way it is.
Of course you are right that this car is no better than factory fresh, which also contained British Leyland faults, as they were. But to certain people, knowing you are making the decisions how to deal with them yourself is quite valuable. Knowing there are no “custom” repairs hidden away somewhere is what those buyers appreciate.
Never thought I would see a “rubber baby bumper” MGB get these type of prices, but this one might be worth it.
I don’t mind the price, that’s all the money. Without an overdrive this isn’t any more of a premium than any other 1980, emissions-choked British Leyland offering. And with less than 3000 miles, I wouldn’t let my dog sit in the cockpit. Even a well-behaved, hypoallergenic canine can reek havoc on vinyl-covered upholstery given the right, ahem, stimuli outside the vehicle. Low, low mileage vehicles cost a lot to bring them back due to the degradation of soft parts and metal fatigue.
I appraised one of these a couple of years ago for a long distance buyer buying from a dealer. Asking price was 29K. It was one of those rare instances where I was able to say the car was everything the seller said it was- like a brand new 1980 MGB. I still think the price was lofty though.
How can this be called a “survivor” when it never had a chance to live? A survivor is a car that was used as intended and managed to defy the odds and remain in serviceable, presentable condition. This car was deliberately preserved. Personally, I’m more impressed by a car that was lovingly used as intended and well cared for.
That’s not the definition of a Survivor in the collector car field
19500
?????
I have a friend in Canada that purchased a totally restored
BRG 1973 chrome bumper
Rebuilt engine
Perfect paint and chrome, for $7700 Canadian
Nearly 20 grand for a sales gimic black LE ?
Not Happening in this universe no matter how long someone waits for it to happen
the problem with a 1980 mgb is that it is a 1980 mgb. underpowered, to high up ,can’t corner worth beans . too much plastic !! RUBBER BUMPERS ???? 1975 should have been the last year.
I agree with you totally. By 1980 MGB in the USA was in an era of cars that mostly should be avoided. Jacked up, underpowered, clumsy and just plain ugly.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This is the only model MGB I would own and have had two. I have my own reasons.
1975 was a rubber bumper 65hp MGB
Last chrome bumper MGB was early 1974 models
For that money, you could get at least two SUPER nice “metal dash” (’67 and before) Bs with overdrive that you wouldn’t feel bad about putting miles on. If you have the money to burn, it’s probably a decent investment. But these cars are so fun to drive that owning one just to watch it sit around would be a heartbreaker.
I agree, truth be known, and I don’t mean to rip on a BF’s exclusive, the 1980 was the least wanted one. I currently narrowed down my vintage sports car search to the MGB. It, without going the Spitfire, Midget route, is about the only sports car under $5g’s today. And some nice ones, too, but most do not have O/D, a must for the wide open spaces of Colorado. I read, O/D was ordered by less than 18% of all MGB’s ordered. That’s almost 54,000 cars, but not many in the US. Tightwads, it was a $208 option, and I bet many owners regretted not paying a bit more for it.
Unless they ordered one from the order sheet the overdives were fairly few on the dealer showroom. It was a $160 option when I ordered it 1971
Amen, Gene! Someone put this MGB with the 176 mile Grand Prix from last week on Barn Finds and start a museum! Some of us like to drive our cars, not stare at them in our living rooms or at our summer home.
In the past three years I have scrapped two rusty B’s just for their overdrives, had no problem finding a buyer for that gearbox even if needing a rebuild (pretty simple–most don’t). Currently have one in a car that will also be parted out, and it is a rubber-bumper 1978.
Even on Hemmings you could get a nice 1967 for that price.
A black car with that mileage, thought it was going to be a Grand National.
Actually, the early Rubber Bumper B’s (1974 1/2 and 75) are the ones to avoid. Later cars saw the return of a front sway bar to aid handling.
Some collectors buy low odometers, and pay up for such cars, but $25k for any RBB, even the build-out “unlimited edition”, is still overreaching. Someday, maybe.
Even though I love MG’s, I raced a B in SCCA in the 60’s, the rubber bumper model leaves me cold. But somebyout there lives it so the seller will get close to the asking price!
If it weren’t for those god awful bumpers . . .
Some errors in the description here. 1980 MGBs came from the factory with electronic ignition. Unfortunately, very few of these electronic units survived more than a very few years. The problem was that electronic components that could tolerate that proximity to engine heat had yet to be developed.
The “original” points-ignition is not original – although it was a very sensible upgrade at the time. The ad doesn’t say whether this car has overdrive or not. With today’s 70 and 75 mph speed limits, overdrive is essential to the eardrums, if nothing else. BUT, take into account that the national speed limit in the ’70s was 55 mph. At a leisurely 3500 rpm, a non-overdrive MGB will cruise along very cheerfully at 63 mph. Given those circumstances, I suspect it was a little easier to forego the overdrive.
MG did NOT decide to “go out” with a batch of LEs. The closure at Abingdon on 24 October 1980 was rather a surprise. The LEs were actually offered as early as 1979.
Low mileage is not really an attraction for most MGB owners. Yes it has its attractions but a frequently-driven example, thoughtfully maintained, is usually a better deal. Given my choice, for half the price I’d buy the nicest driven MGB I could find.
FWIW…
Allen, thank you for clarifying the original ignition was also electronic. Either way, that original unit is included in the sale and is functioning properly (replaced unnecessarily in favor of reliability). There is no overdrive on this car.
Macfly,
Thanks for your kind response. I’ve owned over 40 MGs – most of them Bs – since 1984, and I love these cars passionately. While I think your price is extremely optimistic, as an MGB owner, I can only say go for it! This can only bode well for the value of my cars.
I have owned a number of rubber-bumpered Bs in the past. In terms of a down-to-earth sensation of being in contact with the road, of being one with a responsive machine, there is nothing like the ’62-67 metal-dash models. Almost all the changes that occurred from 1968 until the end were remarkable attempts to keep up with US emissions and “safety” regulations, while constrained by BL’s choke-hold on MG. Given the technology of the time, all cars suffered. I remember Mopar 318s of the period that were totally gutless. No matter what they did to the poor car, it kept selling very well – even through the rubber-bumper era.
By 1980, MGBs were hardly a shadow of the spirited metal-dash cars, yet the detuned 1800 became incredibly smooth. It’s still capable of quite high speeds although it takes forever to get to them. It’s a very pleasant and enjoyable car to drive even though it only minimally qualifies as a sports car. Most us who own them are not good enough drivers to get the best out of a ’60s era MGB anyway.
Among RB MGBs, they certainly got it right with the LE trim package. Visually, they surely made the best of the RBs. I find them handsome little cars.
Allen,
Adding to your comment of originality. The LE’s came with a black interior. I suspect the tan interior in this one had to be replaced.
Actually, they came with both. Although I’m partial to the black, having had one. That would rule this car out for me. But I know for a fact many came with tan interiors; my father looked at two like that left over at the dealership in 1981 in Greensboro, NC with me. He ended up purchasing a lightly used one instead (with black interior).
62-67 is the best way to go with the MGB. Push come to shove up to 73 with chrome bumpers is still worth while. Once the increased height comes into play along with the horrible bumpers and the anemic engine there is no car worth the investment. On top of everything else, reliability becomes horrific in the later years. Wishful thinking on this one, but there is always someone out there who might be willing to pay too much….
As they say…”You pays your money and takes your choice”…but that front bumper is gawd awful. I’m sorry, despite this being a fine specimen, I couldn’t stand looking at that car in my garage as I’d forever be trying to figure out how to change that catfish look.
I hope someone loves this thing and gives it a good home, sorta like an ugly dog that seems to get overlooked at the pound.
There is no way that car has just 2500 miles on it.
The condition of the underside belies any such claims.
Dealer fluffery
You know what they say about opinions… but the individual parts labels intact (see the differential as an example) and all the minor details like screw thread caps and dated original tires with ink and nubs intact makes it clear this one is for real. Add to that the documentation and you have a complete picture. Oh and I’m not a dealer, just lucky to have found it.
Wait. I’m sorry. Was it mentioned somewhere that you are the seller, Macfly? Ad says to send inquiries to Heitman C? You have a very nice car, and personally I have no doubt that it is practically new. There are just a bunch of us MG owners that would have never kept this time capsule static for years, and instead drove it (a lot) like we stole it! Best of luck.
Little Cars,
Yes, sir I am. It’s a great find and a good story. I might like another but my desire to modify the car does not fit such a time capsule. It would be wrong in my opinion. Someone who wants to preserve and show off this car should be the caretaker at this point in its life.
I think this car is really cool, you just don’t see many like this anymore! What do you guys think would be a reasonable price for this car?
They built the LE black edition in order to boost sagging sales in the USA, not upon deciding to go out with a bang.
The real limited editions sold in the home market were completely different and truly limited
I had a ’67 & a ’69. Those were the first sports cars I ever owned and they set the bar for every car since then. Everyone should have the opportunity to own an MGB at least once in their life.
I don’t like the rubber bumper cars and I agree with the general sentiment that there are many alternatives to cars like the present example. That being said, any MGB is better than no MGB at all.
Just not at this price.
Robert – Right. The home market LEs were pewter for the GTs and bronze-gold for the tourers.
And all equipt with overdrive and different alloy rims.
Restored examples go for 10-12 k in the UK
Even the Brits weren’t and aren’t fans of the RBB MGB
Wow. Would love to see one of those home market LE GTs. They stopped importing the GT here in the States just a few months after the rubber bumpers were added. My first cherished toy car was a Corgi MGB-GT in red with jeweled headlights. Still cherished and a “survivor” from my youth. LOL
no O/D great shape , it’s a 9500 car easy. I see a few more price adjustments in its future
Haha. Are you making an offer Andrew! Others are and you’re way off!
As an MGB owner, I would have. hoped this car would miraculously sell for the original price. That would have been very good news for my aspiring widow! ;-) But realities do intercede and I support the cut to $19,500. I suspect the car will probably sell in the $17-18,000 price range – which is not an unreasonable price to pay for a rather exceptional original low-mileage MGB LE.
Don’t forget that most interested buyers will be over 70 with spouses who get nervous sensing any lateral Gs. These cars developed their own following beyond the earlier MG sporting community. These owners belong to local/regional British car clubs where they mostly caravan to events (very often restaurants) and rarely go over 45 mph. They do love and cherish these cars. Once their generation is gone, we can only speculate about the market for MGBs…
Thanks for the nice comment. I would say there will be younger buyers out there. Coming out of high school in 1980 this car was pretty cool. Speaking from experience!
We own and very much enjoy our 1979 MGB that only has 19,000 original miles. It was a similar story where the original owner kept it in his beach house garage back in N. Carolina, and only used it when there at his second home at the beach. It was sold to a guy in my formal hometown of Tracy, Ca, that did everything right to make it reliable, and road worthy. If you have never owned and or driven an MGB from this era all I can say is that this is a lot of fun to drive! I own a nice collection and our 1979 MGB is a keeper! Note: I am 6′ 2″ and I fit well in the car. The exhaust was upgraded to help give it some additional power and it keeps up nicely. Good luck with the sale and I hope that it finds a new home and a buyer that will enjoy it for years to come.
I found a beautiful red rubber bumper B for a friend not long ago in norcal. The ask was $5k and my friend got it for $3800. He gave it to his wife and she won a trophy at a Morgan Hill all British show. This car was a deal but there are many out there at a reasonable price. The current ask although lowered is still too high and would only be cheered by other MGB owners. But i could get a nice twin cam 4 wheel power disc 5 sp Alfa at that price and people wouldnt be questioning the price.
Sure you can always buy “something else”. Personally I would have no interest in your Alfa. But someone that wants a super original MGB and wants to be the one that puts all the wear and tear on it surely will have interest. Some people are fine with used clothing. Others want new.
Thing is, that Alfa roadster at $20g’s would be long gone by now. I like MGB’s, enough to get another, and there’s no doubt your car is nice, but like I say, very few MGB’s bring 5 figures, it’s just not there, there are too many out there. Best of luck, and to move it, you’re going to have to remove another digit.
uuugly!
$19K would fetch you a very nice TR6!
Yes, you can buy a nice TR6 for $19K if a TR6 is what you want. But nice TR6 drivers can be found for four digits. We have already heard of the nice Alfas that can be found for similar money. This MGB LE is not for these buyers. It is for somebody who is looking for an MGB LE. Will they pay too much? Maybe.
I have a friend who sold an equally nice MGB LE eight or nine years ago for $12,000. He had maintained it to a very rigorous standard. It had A/C and overdrive. It had a LOT more than 2550 miles on it! I don’t recall, but it was at least 75,000 miles. The delighted new owner jumped in the car and drove it 790 miles home with no problems.
Now that these cars are about 40 years old, there are a few potential problems I would attend to before driving one:
1.) It would be a real fluke if the car had its original electronic ignition, but if so, I would replace it!
2.) The heater control is maniacally located directly above the distributor. These can leak, and they do so directly on the distributor cap – with predictable results. I would replace the valve. It is inexpensive and easy to replace.
3.) The Zenith-Stromberg carburetor is a good device, but by now well beyond any intended longevity. Make sure it is properly serviced and rebuilt with all new gaskets, etc, before driving the car any distance. A Z-S carburetor in poor condition can leak fuel onto the red-hot catalytic convertor located immediately below, with predictable results. Normally, this is not a problem but preventive maintenance is the key!
Howard A is correct, just like the R107s (450/380/560sl) there are way to many good to great ones on the market to sustain over the top asking prices. MGBs are great cars I have a GT I love. That said there are to many good to great ones on the market at 6500-8500. This car would immediately start showing its needs if put into regular use, heck even seasonal use. AND the premium you would be paying for a static museum piece would erode with each oil change.
I believe your #1 and #3 are addressed in the ad. The original EI was replaced with points.
Agreed. My three points were intended as general cautions in approaching any of these late-model MGBs.
I remember a short ride in one of these MG’s when it was new I think it was a special edition for the US market that was black with silver striping and other trim. Other cars I had the opportunity to drive at the time were the TR8 (or was it a 7? wedge shape, weird looking), Porsche 924, Fiat 124 Spider and more. None of them seemed like good cars to me at the time.
You would have remembered if it was a TR7 or TR8; the TR8 had a V8 engine. With all the cars you drove, there is a loyalty element that gets in your blood with all these cars. I don’t know what you mean by “good cars” (for what? by what measurement?). With me, it’s MGs. I’ve owned my ’73 B/GT for 33 years and it now has 249,000 miles on it. If it’s not a “good car”, it’s too late to tell me. I’m convinced otherwise.