Transmission:Manual
Body Type:Convertible
Vehicle Title:Clear
Engine:1800 cc
Fuel Type:Gasoline
For Sale By:Private Seller

VIN: GVVDJ2AG520315 Year: 1980
Number of Cylinders: 4
Make: MG
Model: MGB
Trim: Limited Edition
Drive Type: RWD
Mileage: 41,600
Number of Doors: 2
Exterior Color: Black
Warranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty
Interior Color: Black

Condition: Used: A vehicle is considered used if it has been registered and issued a title. Used vehicles have had at least one previous owner. The condition of the exterior, interior and engine can vary depending on the vehicle's history. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections. ...

By the late 70's the MGB had become America's favorite British sports car .... with women.

But in 1979 MG came up with a version of the MGB that actually appealed to men again.

What was supposed to be a simple 500 car run became a two year 6,600 car sales explosion.

HISTORY

I bought this 41K original mile car three years ago after it sat for 20+ years in a deceased Tennessee lawyer's garage. The car had the 1980 "85MPH" speedometer originally. Those gauges have since been changed to the earlier "120MPH" gauges for aesthetic purposes. The closest in miles I could find in as good condition has 34,163 miles on it but the actual mileage on this car is now about 41,600. The picture below is of the original 85 MPH speedometer gauge as it came when I bought the car.

UNDERSIDE

The car is in solid rust free condition except for some minor surface rust here and there underneath that you would expect on a 34 year old car. It was very well rust proofed when new. It was laid on pretty thick in places under the car I've noticed.

EMISSIONS / EXHAUST

The emissions system has been removed including the catalytic converter but still has the original welded MG exhaust from the stainless steel catalytic converter bypass pipe back and still has the original "MG" pinched muffler, resonator and tail pipe all in very good condition.

BODY

The body and paint are excellent. There are a few scratches and small dings but overall looks fantastic when cleaned and waxed. The factory hard top on any British car really adds to the looks and value. The MGB factory hard top in my opinion puts the LE over the top in looks. The rubber bumpers are good but the rear bumper has some noticeable scratches on it. I figured I would get to that after I had finished with everything else. The electrical system is perfect and everything works as it should right down to that annoyingly sweet sound of the ignition key warning buzzer when you open the driver's door. I have replaced every bulb on the car except the headlights.

INTERIOR

The Black interior cars are far more desirable on the Limited Editions. The interior is all original except for the gauge changes, stereo radio with Pioneer speakers and shift boot cover and is also in great shape with virtually no wear and no rips. The dashboard vinyl trim, steering wheel and plastics are all great. The factory hard top I found locally and took it apart, cleaned everything and painted the inside aluminum trim Black to match the interior better. It has a small stress crack on the interior passenger side top corner of the fiberglass inlay head liner. Yes the MGB factory hard top was a 2 ply inner and outer fiberglass unit with Lexan side windows (new) and a glass back window. The pictures below taken this week show the 120 MPH speedometer and tachometer gauges. I replaced the analog clock with a matching Smith's volts gauge which is a more important gauge in my opinion.

LOCKS and KEYS

All the locks on the car work and the door glass goes up and down flawlessly. The temperature control knob under the radio does not work properly because the cable sheath has worn away. I noticed this when I changed the radio and a new cable is included but I have not had the time to install it. I have one full set of keys with all lock keys and one set with ignition and door lock key only.

ENGINE BAY

I have tried to keep the engine bay looking as original as possible even after removing all the emission control devices. The radiator, water pump and upgraded Bosch 65 amp alternator are new. The Zenith Stromberg carburetor and water choke work perfect. One push of the gas pedal when cold sets the automatic choke, turn the key, listen for the electric fuel pump to stop clicking, turn the key to start and it starts right up with fast idle. Wait a few minutes, kick the pedal once or twice and the car goes to 950 RPM idle. The engine runs strong and the 4 speed transmission shifts smooth as silk.

TRUNK

The trunk contains the full spare mounted on an LE wheel. There is a full cockpit tonneau cover, a convertible top cover for when it's down, the tonneau rails and the original jack. All in perfect condition.

SOFT TOP

The original soft top is still in pretty good condition for 34 years old. It's not ripped and still soft but the rear window has Yellowed slightly over the years. See pictures below.

TIRES

The car still has the 34 year old factory Uniroyal Rallye tires that are dry rotted, cracked and not safe to drive on. There is still plenty of tread left which I felt also backed up the original owners wife's claim that the car's mileage was true at 41K.

SUSPENSION

The original rubber suspension bushings like the original tires are dry rotted and cracking. I have purchased both front and rear Polyurethane bushings for the car that will go with it. I also bought new front wheel bearings and front and rear brakes for when I replaced the bushings. There is also a new air filter, Unipart oil filter and an oil pan gasket that was thought to be the cause of an oil leak when I first bought the car but it turned out to be the engine side cover gaskets which have been changed to silicone ones. Hence no more oil leak. Well... one can never actually say that their British car does not leak oil somewhere.

TITLE

My state does not issue titles on cars over 15 years old therefor it will be sold with a "Bill of Sale" and a copy of my current registration only. If this creates a problem in your state please do not buy it.

REMOVED EMISSIONS EQUIPMENT

I have been asked about the emissions items that I have removed. Yes I still have all the emissions parts but the catalytic converter for the late 70's-81 Triumph's and MG's were expected to last 25K miles by the factory. Just by re-installing the catalytic converter from this car you would be putting one on that was already 15K miles past a recommended change. I would think that it is not a good idea to put it back on. Below is a factory emissions sticker from a 1977 British Leyland car that not many buyer's got a chance to see because for some odd reason they would "fall off" before the cars got sold.

I just have not had much time to spend on the car in the last year or so and have basically lost interest which is why I'm selling it. I hope this car goes to another British car enthusiast who will appreciate it and finish the job. Without question the Limited Edition will always be the most sought after of the rubber bumper B's. I have tried to go through every aspect of this car in this detailed description but if you have any questions on something I may have left out please contact me through Ebay. This car may seem pricey at $10,995 or B/O but if you think this car is a lot of money, add up your receipts in two years after you buy a high mileage cheaper one. Thanks.