THE NEW ENGLAND CLASSIC CAR COMPANY

1483 Stratford Avenue
Stratford, Connecticut 06615 USA

Phone: (203) 377-6746
Fax: (203) 377-4003
neclassics@aol.com

MGB ‘Hybrid’ 1977

A special project to produce the best of the ‘old’ and ‘new’ in an MGB AND UNLIKE most other MGBs!

A few years ago, I drove a customer’s late model MGB. Okay, sure. To most people’s eyes, a bit on the ugly side with those horrid (and very heavy) rubber bumpers. And ungainly, raised ride height and a bit gutless with 62.5hp and a single Stromberg carb.

BUT….I was surprised. Smoother engine performance, better gearbox, servo (power) assisted brakes, front AND rear sway bars, bigger gauges, nicer dash, even a clock, electronic ignition, twin thermostatically controlled cooling fans, a far more modern car than the pre 1977 MGBs. Still… What to do about it being ugly, ill handling, ungainly, and gutless?

Hence this car which I have termed a ‘hybrid.’ Started with an excellent, low mileage (67k), rust free, newly painted, very nicely detailed example. Interior is either new or near perfect original (don’t know…does it matter? Either way, it is all excellent: seats, carpets, door seals, interior panels, etc.) And did the following: added a modern Weber carb and tubular headers to bring back the performance of the early Bs. Lowered the ride height and, at the same time, rebuilt the front end, sandblasting and enameling the pieces. New springs, bushings, etc. AND, finally, a fair amount of sheet metal work, different front lights, adding some pieces, new grille and chrome bumpers, even converting to wire wheels - all new splined hubs, new hardware, and new knock offs.

AND……..this car has perfect working overdrive. Giving that ‘5th gear’ for smooth, quiet highway operation. We then added a beautiful wood dash and premium wood steering wheel, modern stereo, the car already had a nearly new top and an excellent original tonneau. Original wiring in excellent condition, very nicely detailed engine bay, zero rust under the floors or in the trunk, brakes gone over, everything working properly………this is a fantastic MGB.

Smooth ride (far better than most modern sports cars), wonderful steering and handling, a great classic ‘feel’ and with such modern refinements as improved hydraulics, brakes, ignition, cooling, etc. Alas, something the factory could not offer due to EPA and DOT rules then in effect. But IF they could, perhaps, other 1977 MGBs would look and perform like this car.

Compression is 140-150 psi in every cylinder, oil pressure 60-70psi when hot, zero smoke when cold or hot, synchromesh is excellent, overdrive clicks in and out smoothly, has recently had a new alternator, the trunk has the original tools, tool bag, and jack, what else is there?

I add these last details due a minor annoyance I tend to encounter. While a lot of modern cars no longer have oil pressure gauges, these instruments were installed for a reason. Most of the time when I call a dealer (or private owner) about a car and ask ‘what is the oil pressure’ I tend to hear silence. Or ‘I never look at it but I think the gauge goes up half way’ or some other vague nonsense. Truth is, most people don’t have the foggiest idea of what they are selling. And I think knowing the compression and the oil pressure ARE important when selling or buying a 37 year old sports car. While perfect oil pressure, compression, and zero smoke are no guarantee of flawless operation for the next ten years, it does tell a lot about the internal engine condition. And all we can do is our best in conveying what a prospective buyer will get as this car rolls off the delivery truck and into his garage.

If you want a sensational ‘almost like new’ MGB, and not go through a $40k or $50k restoration, for a fraction of that cost, one can have this incredible MGB. And a worthwhile car to have….okay, maybe without 4 valve twin cam heads, maybe without sophisticated modern suspension BUT a classic sports car that can be used every day, offers contemporary performance, will cruise all day at 80-85 mph or more, AND IS FUN at those speeds. Unlike heavier modern sports cars that tend to insulate and isolate the driver from the environment.

Spare parts are widely available and remarkably inexpensive (examples: new front bumper is $129, rebuilt alternator is $135, brake master cylinder is $129, etc.). And generally very easy to service and maintain. I've done my best to accurately describe this vehicle, but with all said, it is still a 37-year-old car and is sold 'as-is' and 'where-is' with no warranty or guarantee of any kind. Don't miss this chance to own this truly fantastic, one-of-a-kind MGB.

This vehicle is offered for sale both in a variety of publications and on our website. Thus it is available for immediate sale and we reserve the right to end this sale at any time and for any reason. Terms are that we accept any form of payment, personal check, wire transfer, bags of pennies BUT the car cannot be released from our possession until funds clear in our bank account.

Shipping

We can offer assistance in shipping this car anywhere in the world, offer storage (on a monthly basis), and can even deliver the car by our own truck to customers within a 150 mile radius of our offices in Stratford, CT.

We have been in business for thirty four years and this car is being offered for sale by the founder, owner, president and best customer. We offer a wonderful variety of not-too-expensive classic sports car including TR3, 4, and 6, MG TC/TD/TF, MGA, and early/late MGBs, Morgans (all models), Austin Healey (‘Big’ and Sprites), Lotus Elan and Seven, other odds and ends and always a variety of small displacement vintage and historic racing cars.