Up for sale is my 1974 MGB with only 97,200 original miles. The car has been garaged winters. I just pulled it out of winter storage last month and it fired up on the first attempt.

Exterior:

The body panels appear to be rust free, although there is some corrosion underneath the vehicle, as you might expect with a 40 year old vehicle. The color of this car is Blaze Red, which looks more like orange. The color code is BLVC16. This color was available only from 1971-1975. The paint keeps a decent shine after waxing, but is showing issues such as alligatoring in spots and the car would excel with a new paint job. There are also some scratches and chips in the paint, and a small dent on the trunk lid where it was closed before unlatching. The prior owner also tried to touch up some of these spots with a slightly different colored paint. See pictures.

The convertible top frame will need new weatherstripping to latch properly in the front. (Or you can drive it without the top, which is how I preferred to drive it.) The vinyl on the top is not in great condition, but I am including a new vinyl top (also black) for the new owner to install.

Mechanical:

Prior to going into storage last November, I spent nearly $1300 on a complete carb rebuild, new rear axle straps, new fuel filter and other maintenance. This MGB is more reliable than your typical MGB, as it includes a Pertronic electronic ignition instead of points.

In addition, I replaced the unreliable Lucas alternator with a compatible one from a Ford Fiesta, and it works great.

The exhaust has been replaced with all new ANSA performance system from the manifold back, with the double chrome tipped muffler. Performance was dramatically improved when this was added to the vehicle and gives a wonderful, MGB throaty sound as you go thru the gears down the road.

Tires have plenty of tread. No issue with brakes or clutch.

The choke cable does not lock, but I use a small battery clamp to keep it pulled out when necessary. Also, there is a crack in the windshield that was there when I bought the car four years ago and doesn't cause any problems.

The heat does not seem to be working properly, but that's probably not an issue unless you plan on driving the car in the winter, which isn't recommended.

Interior:

The seats were completely reworked a couple years ago and recovered in a soft tan velour at a cost of $750.

The stereo is a SONY CD player, AM-FM and USB drive supported with a removeable face plate. The speakers are premium and the entire system was over $600 and professionally installed.

Overall, the interior has been very well preserved and looks great. The gearshift has been upgraded to a wooden knob embedded with the MG cloissoinne, and the steering wheel has been upgraded to a premium after-market rosewood wheel, with the MG emblem horn in the center and polished chrome tri-spokes. This steering wheel is smaller enabling a taller man more leg room and facilitates easier steering than the stock steering wheel.

Bottom line:

This is a 40 year old car so it's not perfect and there are a few items that will need attention--but it is reliable and will be a blast to drive for the remainder of the summer and fall.