・Probably Britain’s most popular classic sports car
・MOT and Road Tax exempt
The Background
From the moment the MGB was introduced it enjoyed a runaway sales success both sides of the Atlantic. It’s sporty looks, gutsy 1.8 litre engine and predictable handling proved irresistible to the motoring public and a true British motoring icon was born.
In 1975 a few changes were made to ensure it met the tougher US crash and emissions regulations…the engine was slightly de-tuned, large impact absorbing black rubber bumpers were fitted front and rear, and the ride height was increased by one inch. Other than that, it remained a true MGB in almost every other respect.
The current owner bought this 1978 MGB Roadster in 1992 with approximately 83,000 miles showing on the clock. Nothing is known of its history prior to his purchase but it had had a recent re-spray and a newly fitted hood.
During the last 30 years of gentle and enjoyable open-top motoring the car has had no major work done but has benefitted from always being garaged and regular maintenance and servicing through a mixture of local garages and specialists.
The current owner also upgraded the rather tired cloth seats to MG leather seats shortly after purchase but, other than that, has kept the car in its original condition.
There are numerous old MOTs to corroborate the current mileage, and various receipts covering various replacement components that have required changing over the years of ownership.
The V5C is present, and the car comes with 2 sets of ignition keys and separate keys for the door locks.
The interior is in overall good shape but is beginning to show signs of its age. All gauges and switchgear function correctly and as they should except for the fitted radio/cassette player that ceased working a while ago. The owner never listened to it anyway, preferring instead to listen to the engine’s intoxicating soundtrack instead.
There are no cracks or obvious dents in the dashboard or facia panels although some of the sealing rubbers look like they have seen better days.
The owner informs us the hood mechanism works smoothly and folds neatly away and fits well when up, providing good visibility through the plastic rear window.
The boot area is clean and tidy, and a spare wheel is stored there.
There is still a nice gloss finish to the paintwork but there are a few stone chips and signs of minimal surface rusting beginning to appear. The original wheels are in good condition and most of the badges and external chrome trim is beginning to show its age, either being faded or showing signs of beginning to pitt. The chrome side trims have got the odd small dent and the rubber bumpers have a few parking scuffs and cracks.
The panel fit is fairly straight and true but there is evidence of slight rusting around the undersides of the wheel-arches and the bottom of the doors and the sills.
All the lights are clear but there is a small stone chip in the offside front headlamp glass.
The car is reported by the owner to start well and run well in all aspects, with the overdrive on 3rd and 4th gears working as it should.
Over his near thirty-year ownership, various components have been changed as required and include a clutch slave cylinder, cooling fan, battery, alternator, brake servo and master cylinder, condenser, distributor, and water pump.
The engine oil and filters have been changed regularly though it should be noted that the last major service was done in 2018. However, the seller has advised us that the car has just received a thorough check and mini service, and the performing garage have advised that the MGB is now running ‘beautifully’.
Any MGB has a charm and presence on the road that can’t be denied, echoing those glorious days of British motoring back in the 60’s and 70’s.
The MGB, and the Roadster in particular, is Britain’s most popular and loved classic car with very good reason. They are simple and economical to maintain and are the archetypal British sports car being tough, entertaining and fun to drive. You’ll find them at the top of the shopping list for anybody looking for a classic British sports car that is practical, affordable and ever so stylish.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Please see our FAQ's here and our Terms & Conditions here
Please see our FAQs
here
and our Terms & Conditions
here
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1978 MGB Roadster
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