1978 MGB Roadster / Prime example - Free of rust/damage/repair - runs GREAT

MGB roadster, 1978

Rebuilt, restored, improved, updated, modified and one of a kind

I wanted to use 40+ years of MG experience to build myself the ultimate general use, reliable, comfortable MGB and prepare it as an alternative to a contemporary sports car.

To that end....I started with a near perfect 1978 MGB, 61k miles, absolutely rust-free, damage-free, and repair-free. Granted, ugly, ill-handling, and gutless. And in the restoration, did the following: a complete professional chrome bumper conversion (new Mk I grille, new bumpers, guards, brackets, sheet metal, lights, etc), eliminated the side lights (filled with steel plates welded into each of the four corners), lowered to pre 1975 ride height, repainted in a deeper BRG including engine bay, trunk, door jambs, etc. And converted the car to wire wheels with all new splined hubs, hardware, bearings, and chrome knock offs. Other than more effective triple wipers (which work very well as do the washers), looks indistinguishable from the earliest and best looking MGBs.

Engine: rebuilt to high standards using .040" over, higher compression pistons, balanced, high lift camshaft, completely redone head, new 32/36 Weber DGV carb with electric choke, tubular headers, electronic ignition, new clutch. No idea of the actual horsepower but have seen over 110 mph on a level road with a corrected speedo. And suspect the top speed is a good bit more.

Has a perfect working overdrive transmission offering six forward ratios (and turns only 3,000 rpm at 70 mph), improved the suspension with a 3/4" front sway bar, rear sway bar, MGB GT V8 front bushings and a new steering rack.

Brakes are disc and have power assist. Added a second back up solid state fuel pump for reliability, a new modern air conditioning unit WITH a high output secondary heating system utilizing the a/c's 3 speed blower. And went overboard with the cooling system, one big electric cooling fan in front of the condenser controlled with the a/c, an ever bigger one behind the radiator with both thermostatic control and a bypass switch on the steering column.

Has a new premium quality cloth convertible top, rebuilt seats (and extra comfortable) in leather, all new interior, wood dash and wood steering wheel, new Sony stereo/CD with USB input, an extra 12v outlet under the dash with two additional USB outputs, extra LED door switched interior lights added, LED gauge lights, a racing battery switch behind the passenger's seat, even a remote charging terminal in the engine bay.

Luggage rack, fully carpeted trunk, full tonneau cover, Halogen headlights, special interior door pockets, I added every detail I could imagine. NOT to make a pseudo racer for the road but to offer an alternative to a modern sports car (what few exist on the market) and add a very high degree of ease of use and reliability.

Finished the car last Fall, drove it every day there wasn't any snow this Winter (which, it turns out, has been 95% of the time) and have covered 1,300 absolutely trouble free miles.

On a 10 degree morning, with the electric choke, started instantly, ran flawlessly, used the powerful extra heater to get nice and toasty and then relied on the factory heater for the rest of the day.

In a pouring rain, not a drop of water has come into the cockpit. And at 90 mph, not even a wind whistle around the vent windows which, to me, is really amazing. Added hydraulic lift rods to the hood and trunk lids, the door and trunk locks work properly, exhaust is quiet.

Ride is excellent, handles phenomenally well (perfect balance aided by the twin sway bars), excellent brakes, even such trivial items as the seat belt warning light works (and shuts off when belted in). And when one considers new 'replica' MGBs are being sold in England for around $130,000, this car I prepared is (at the price) somewhat of a bargain.

Of course, one of the reasons I based this project on a very late model MGB is that, while the last cars really were ugly, gutless, and ill handling, they had far better build quality, thorough factory rust proofing, better cooling and electrical systems, bigger gauges, even a clock (and yes, this one works). And by merely spending a small fortune and using experience of many many years, the result is one of the nicest general use sports cars I have ever owned.

(note: Photos show trunk before carpeting was added, also 2 steering wheels are pictured; buyer's choice)

Alas, Spring is now around the corner and my two other MGBs will be my cars of choice every day. Hence,now, it can be yours. Car has a current title, has been 'broken in' and tested for 1,300 miles, and I suspect would easily make a trip (in all weather conditions) to most anywhere. Comfortably and reliably.

Car available for immediate sale and advertised elsewhere. Hence we reserve the right to end the auction at any time and for any reason. Car is sold ‘as is’ with no warranty or guarantee whatsoever. Has full paperwork for legal registration anywhere. We can assist in transport anywhere in the world and can deliver it on our truck within, say, 300 miles. Glad to store the car in a safe, insured spot until arrangements are made. Terms: 20% deposit with 48 hours and full payment within seven days. W/transfer or check is fine. If you have any questions, the best way to ask is to call me at 203-377-6746 during business hours (EST).