1974 MG MGB

Description

This 1974 MGB might be the last of the affordable British 2-seaters. Sure, there are still some rust buckets out there, but if a finished, fully-functional MGB is what you seek, they don't come in much better packages than this.

Low-key white actually is one of the better colors on the MGB, particularly the later cars with federalized bumpers, and it gives the car a very cool monochromatic look. Looking in the usual places where these cars have issues, there's no evidence that it was resurrected from a rust bucket and instead features tidy gaps, good door fit, and enough attention to detail to put the factory efforts to shame. The big, black bumpers didn't do much to diminish enthusiasm for the sporty MGB when it was new, and looking at this car, it's an easy sin to forgive, especially since they're in such good condition. There's also a new accessory luggage rack on the rear deck lid which adds a bit of whimsical old-world style and some much-needed practicality. Items like the lenses, trim rings, and even the windshield surround remain in very good shape and work well on this car.

If you were expecting slippery vinyl buckets, you're in for a pleasant surprise here in this MG. Newer black cloth buckets with aggressive side bolsters have been installed and they look right in the compact cockpit. Where the original chairs are a little slippery, these grab you and hold you in place, so you can truly enjoy all that the MGB has to offer, and they actually fit so well that you'll wonder why the factory didn't offer something similar. The rest of the interior is standard MGB fare, with a sporting 3-spoke steering wheel, traditional Smiths gauges in a flat instrument panel, and a seemingly random array of buttons, levers, knobs, and switches to control the secondary equipment. Newer carpets control noise and heat and there's an AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit in the dash that powers a set of 6x9 speakers built into the rear bulkhead. A new black convertible top was just installed last month and has never seen rain, and the trunk is cleanly finished with a full-sized spare and lots of bright white sheetmetal.

The 1.8 liter MG inline-four delivers spirited performance and a great exhaust note that's typical of traditional British roadsters. The engine bay is tidy and looks very well maintained, and offers twin SU carbs for a delightful intake soundtrack. It has obviously been freshened and there are quite a few recent components, and it's nice to see that it retains most of its original equipment and hasn't been upgraded over the years. It does sport a 2-into-1 header that feeds the single exhaust pipe, and while you're looking around underneath, you'll note a 4-speed manual gearbox with rare factory electric overdrive which makes this car a treat to drive on long tours, and a very solid-looking underbody that's lived a clean life. Factory MG wheels with black centers and trim rings add a sporting touch and wear appropriately-sized 185/70/14 blackwall radials.

Now is the time, MG lovers, because cars this nice won't be getting any more affordable in the future. If you like the black and white look, this is a lot of fun for the money. Call today!