1979 MG MGB

Description

You can't honestly say there are no more bargains in the automotive world when there are cars like this 1979 MGB running around. Two seats, a top that goes down, a snarky 4-cylinder engine and a slick-shifting manual gear box all make it one of the biggest bangs for the buck anywhere.

1979 was the end of the line for the MGB in the US, but over the decades our appreciation for them has only grown. Cars like this clean orange roadster are a fantastic way to enjoy a traditional British sports car for little more than pocket change. You need one that's straight and rust-free like this Tennessee-bred and Texas-raised example, which has never seen temperatures below about 50 degrees. What that means is ultra-straight original sheetmetal, solid rockers, and a shiny finish on the paint that will win admirers of all ages. For a British car, this MG is also quite well assembled, and you'll note that the doors fit well, the hood snugs down tightly to the oversized rubber bumper, and there are no signs of previous accident damage in any of the panels. The paint shines up nicely, so you'll enjoy keeping it waxed, and the diminutive size means that it only sips gas where others might chug. An accessory luggage rack even makes it somewhat practical for a long weekend to someplace exciting.

Despite that small size, the cockpit is comfortable for most adults, and delivers the true British sports car experience. The bucket seats are wrapped in textured vinyl that helps keep you cool on warm days and wears like iron. Door panels are simple, the floors are covered in basic carpet with a rubber heel insert, and the vinyl-clad dash is probably a lot easier to maintain than the old wood ones. Speaking of dashboards, the MGB also includes a full set of instruments with bold, simple faces and a traditional British look. A wood-rimmed steering wheel and matching shifter knob are appropriate touches, and there's a newer JVC AM/FM/CD stereo mounted down low in the center stack. The black vinyl top can be raised and lowered from the driver's seat once you master the technique, and this car also offers a full tonneau cover, which really is the right way to enjoy your British roadster, weather notwithstanding. There's even a reasonably-sized trunk with a full-sized spare and jack assembly.

MGs were never about brute horsepower, and instead deliver a unique driving experience by virtue of a gutsy four-cylinder engine with a lot of heart. With just 1798 cc to work with, performance is still quite good given the car's light weight, and that's entirely the point. Combined with the light-shifting 4-speed manual gearbox, it's a delight to run it up and down through the gears, and you can explore the limits of the car's capabilities without endangering everyone else. There's a certain visceral thrill in running this MGB hard, and it rewards with great road manners and a sporting exhaust note from the fresh exhaust system. Unique MG wheels look great and wear relatively large 175/70/14 Firestone radials.

Fun and instantly recognizable, being an MGB owner puts you into some very distinguished company, all at a very affordable price. Call today!