While I don’t normally pay too close of attention to MGBs, this one struck me as potentially being a genuine low-mileage example with its preserved graphics and mint-condition original top. The seller is going by the numbers of the odometer for the low mileage claim of 24,283, but who knows if it’s genuine or a case of a broken odometer. Still, it’s hard to deny that the originality of this MGB seems quite strong. Find it here on craigslist for $4,750, fresh out of 20 years of barn storage.
The MGB still sports its trademark triple windscreen wipers and the less-charming U.S.-spec safety bumpers. The seller notes that a faulty fuel pump supposedly sent the MBG into the barn for long-term storage two decades ago, and that the top has never been down! That seems like a shame, as why else would you want to own a British roadster from an era when quality control was a bit of a miss?
The interior seems to further validate the low mileage claim, as the seats look mint and the rubber surrounding the gear shift is also immaculate. The dashboard shows no signs of warping or cracking, but it does appear the kick panel under the glove box has been pried free. Really, in an interior like this, I’d be more concerned about the potential for mice having nested in the cabin somewhere, so hopefully there’s no lingering scent of droppings to contend with.
Despite its long-term storage, there is still rust to contend with. This is not unlike the rot I’ve found on my junkyard-find Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16, as the bottom of the fenders near the jack points is in need of repair. If the two areas pictured are where it’s limited to, there’s nothing to be afraid of (in my opinion). MGBs are cheap and plentiful, but could this one be worth a few extra bucks if the low mileage can be proven?
Having dealt with rust in the past, I’d pay a lot of attention to the rust that is showing and very little attention to what the odometer reads. This unit needs a complete and thorough inspection before moving forward with a purchase….
This ad has run for two months, last edited 3 weeks ago, and body of the ad shows ask at $3500. The clunky bumper Bs start with a disadvantage and this one doesn’t seem to be blowing up any skirts.
Rust aside, it looks pretty good. Surprisingly it still has all the smog equipment. I see door speakers, but no radio. So 20 years ago a fuel pump was what, $30 and a 15 minute task so it got parked?
Unless it’s a long lost 1 of 1 Bugatti found in a French barn the limit for dusty car photos by someone looking for full value should be one.
Per oil change sticker,2365 miles at 15 years old.?. Most likely 102365 miles would be more like it.
Nothing special here. The low mileage claims adds nothing due to the exposure to the elements. Original top? Who cares….it is ill-fitting where it counts the most–just behind the door openings where animals and rain water can get in. I know from whence I speak. Found bird droppings on the drivers seat of my MG yesterday after the car had been left out with a similar top flap open. No sign of the bird, just a fresh plop of guano for me to wonder about….
I have one of these and a GT also, with no rust. Only I removed the ugly bumpers to install the chrome bumpers. (If had known what it took to do that project before I started. I would have never started. Although it came out great.)
I don’t need another thank you. There are plenty of non-rusty “B”s out there to be had. Some with no rust and at the same price.
No thanks!
Looked at a rust-free rubber bumper B last week locally with the original owner and title. $800 or best offer. This red/orange one has a better color combo, and the panel lines look good, but the stripe down the side would have to go.
No need to put the top down. It leaked enough when it was up.
Otherwise, these cars were often second or third cars. Even the ones used often rarely have more than 3-5000 miles a summer on them.
NOT 24,283 miles. Either a broken speedo at one time, or a rollback.
Top never been down? How do you know?
Forget the mileage. This car needs a lot of work. Yes, worth saving but it’s seen a lot more salt than it would have seen in just 24,283 miles. And or left outside for a lot of years. It’s removed from CL now. ‘ Couldn’t have been sold. Not for $4750 – or $3500 for that matter. Nice major project for maybe $600???
I generally defend market prices against people with outdated views of prices. (Hint: its NOT 1982 anymore) But this is exceptionally overpriced both for model and condition.
The late Bs are not desirable (*Yet) and this is in very poor condition so, If it was an earlier one? Maybe… but not this one.
Im thinking more like $1500 considering fairly complete.
We have one very similar condition. 76 tho. I purchased, running and driving, in need of brakes and a deep cleaning, for $400. Me thinks $4000+ is a little steep for this example…
The rust is far worse than seen.
That mg is a basket case maybe worth a grand if that.
Oh Lord is right about MGs and hidden rust. Jeff, you’re right in that being an MG, repair is rather straight forward.
With that amount of rust in both doglegs one can almost guarantee that there is rust along the castle rail and inner sill..in order to repair those, the entire sill needs to come off.. lots of work, not complicated and every single bit you’ll need is available from multiple sources. A little test is to jack the car up at the jacking point until tires just lift off the ground, then open the door..if it binds, all your major support system (the aforementioned components) is affected.
If this car was rust free and running and driving, you might be able to fetch close to asking price.