1978 MG MGB Roadster |

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1978 MG MGB Roadster

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£6,360

Mileage~135,000
TransmissionManual
Engine1.8L
LocationOakham

SOLD

1978 MG MGB Roadster

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Glyn Parry

Professional Consigner

A proper stalwart when it comes to British classic sports cars; fun, timeless, and importantly very usable.

There are many reasons why the MGB is so popular, perhaps it's the hardy mechanics that still come with performance not to be sniffed at for a classic car like this. Not only are these cars incredibly fun to drive they look great with their sleek and attractive body lines. The MGB was first introduced to the world in 1962 and was produced until 1980, making this Roadster a rather late and refined edition. Not many cars offer the same practicality and parts availability today with an estimated 23,000 still on UK roads, they may not be particularly exclusive, but the Pininfarina-styled cars still provide that authentic classic car experience.

We're rather keen to present this example, finished in black over tan, this example has spent some of its life overseas in the states, and also has a BMC gold seal engine fitted. It's now coming out of 2 years of ownership, and has been backdated with chrome bumpers and wire wheels.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting John the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

My mate let me borrow his MGB one weekend, and that's where I found my love for the MGB Roadster.

During John's youth, his best friend owned a new MGB Roadster and after quite a few road trips in the car, John quickly fell in love with it. The opportunity to purchase this black MGB came around 2 years, which he jumped at. After a few years of road trips and use on sunny days, John now requires space in his garage for an electric car. As such he has decided to find the car a new owner, one who will use and enjoy the car as much as he has.

John reports, while sifting through the stacks of paperwork, he found the car spent a little time in the U.S. before getting shipping back to its country of origin. He also reports a BMC gold seal engine being fitted over that time. Take a look at the history and paperwork section for more details. Leave your questions in the comments below and John will get back to you promptly.

John

Vehicle Owner

John saved £1,080* when they
sold their MG with us.

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Exterior

Backdated with chrome bumpers and wire wheels, the resulting finish makes for an attractive package.

Wheels and Tyres

The 14" wire wheels look really good on this example, they have been treated to a refurbishment at some point during their life, and the chrome spinners finish the look.

The tyres are a mix of premium brands, on the rear, you'll find a Hankook steel radial 880 and Vredestein Sprint ST. On the front, you'll find Roadstone SB802's which have a good amount of tread left on them, the sides walls are beginning to show the slightest of cracks. View the photos and video to see the detail.

Bodywork

The bodywork looks good on this MGB with the shut lines all looking good for a 70s classic. Each panel appears very solid, a similar story for the underside.

With the age of the car, and it likely having had a restoration many years ago, we were impressed to see typical corrosion points like around the headlights looking solid. There are a few minor areas on the top on some seams around the back, small ares to be attended to early on. View the extensive media to see the car from all angles.

Paint

Finished in black, it's a great colour for the car and welcome change from the BRG or old English white you tend to see.

The paintwork looks good from afar, but on closer inspection it is probably due an intensive mop and polish or a respray in the colour of choice for the new owner. Take a look at the photos and videos for an extensive review.

Glass and Trim

The glass looks in great condition across the car, along with the trim.

All the window rubbers and seals appear tight with no signs of wear or degrading. The bright work, also matches the rest of the car, in great condition throughout. The same is to be said for the tonneau cover and the hood too.

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Interior

A charming and characterful interior, it's exactly what you expect to see on a classic British roadster.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in very good condition, for the age and mileage, free from any major wear and tear. As expected there are minor signs of age but they have worn the years well, such as the very slight sagging in the driver's bolsters. The carpets and mats are in great condition, along with both door cards.

On the pipping around the rear frame of the car, there are some very tiny tears found in the corners and caused by the hood. You cannot see these without removing the tonneau cover.

Dashboard

The dashboard presents in good condition, the wood veneer very much of the time. The dials, controls, clock, and switches are in good condition, and all are said to be functional.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is in excellent condition on this example with no issues with wear, both the steering wheel and gearstick match the high standard of which the rest of the interior is in. Take a look at the images for a closer view.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

A BMC gold seal engine gives this car its power, subjected to extensive mechanical servicing over the years.

Engine and Gearbox

This car is fitted with a BMC gold seal engine. It's a reconditioned replacement engine that was painted gold and sealed with a genuine B.M.C. seal on the side of the valve cover. Gold seal engines were applicable to vehicles up to five years old and contain a higher percentage of new parts.

The engine bay presented very clean, lots of newer parts visible like the oil filter etc, you'll see the sound proofing under the bonnet could do with pinning up.

John reports a very smooth running engine with all the power you'd ever need for the MGB chassis. Over the car's life, it's been given regular servicing and met all MOT requirements. We captured a cold start, which can be seen in the mechanical video - the car starts the first time without any fuss.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension in the MGB was much softer than its predecessor with independent front suspension. John informs us the car drives just as it should and stops on demand too.

The Drive

The archetypal British sports car, offering great handling and performance. John loves getting out and about in the car and relieving his youth with his friends, he mentions you have to drive an MGB to fully appreciate it.

Electrics and Other

The car is fitted with a classic Blaupunkt radio. All items are said to be functional.

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History and Paperwork

A BMC Gold Seal engine, black over tan colourway, and in roadster format, what's not to like about this usable British classic.

This MGB comes with hundreds of pages of paperwork, some of which helped John trace the car to its time in the USA. The car is however believed to be a UK RHD, with invoices as far back as the early 80s. The BMC Gold Seal engine was fitted in 1986 looking back through the history.

With the previous work and maintenance, this reliable car is ready to be enjoyed this summer.

We've actioned checks on; Seller ID, V5, HPi.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
29.03.2013	MOT	33,987
10.11.2011	MOT	33,644
07.04.2011	MOT	33,594
09.04.2010	MOT	33,454
26.03.2009	MOT	33,109
06.04.2008	MOT	32,158
21.03.2007	MOT	31,956
10.04.2006	MOT	30,829
29.03.2004	MOT	29,173
02.03.2002	MOT	28,654
04.09.1999	MOT	28,629
29.08.1998	MOT	28,464
04.06.1996	MOT	27,488
05.07.1994	MOT	26,343
25.04.1992	MOT	79,685
15.05.1990	MOT	19,421
20.08.1988	MOT	97,759
12.08.1988	MOT	6,449
04.06.1986	MOT	88,598
09.03.1985	MOT	82,630
08.03.1983	MOT	59,523
18.02.1982	MOT	51,231
26.02.1981	MOT	44,526