1971 Mgb Southern Car, Brg, Wire Wheels, Well Maintained on 2040-cars

Year: 1971
Number of Cylinders: 4
Make: MG
Model: MGB
Trim: Convertible
Options: Convertible
Drive Type: RWD
Mileage: 69,600
Exterior Color: Green
Disability Equipped: No
Interior Color: Black
Warranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty

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. ... 

This is my 1971 MGB. I've owned this car for 6 or 7 years, it's one of several British cars I've owned, but it just doesn't get driven as much as I'd like.

When I aquired the car (from the northern Arkansas area), it was a good solid driver with great sills, and rockers. The prior owner had removed the engine to replace the clutch, and while the engine was out he went thru it with new bearings, rings, and freshened up the head. The car also had a new top and new tires. The car had been repainted in the original BRG. The paint was a driver quality for sure but it fit my needs and I figured I could improve it over time. The wheels were repainted in a gray color that is a warmer gray than the factory color. I've come to like the color of the wheels as I think they work with this darker (1971) shade of BRG quite well. The car had its original engine and 4-speed (non overdrive). After my purchase the car just needed some carb adjustment, and I enjoyed it as it was. While I had very little history of the car I believed that the the 67k or so miles showing may have indeed been original. I know speedometers can be changed in 20 minutes but the car had little details and had many original non-worn components (like the seat vinyl) that my other British cars were always lacking.

Several years (but not too many miles) later I decided to replace the carpet. I found a very solid floor overall with only a few areas in the footwell that needed some attention. These small areas were not due to salt or winter, but from damp carpets and some additional foam padding that was underneath. As I'm not much of a welder I took the car down to a Dallas based British car repair shop, which specializes in older British cars. While my checkbook was open to whatever the car needed, they agreed that the floors were very solid and suggested removal of the factory asphalt strips along with the minor repairs, followed by full primer, paint, and then application of sound deadening of the interior floor and new seat supports. It made a big difference in the heat and road noise that gets into the cabin. When the new carpet was put in, it frankly made the door panels look ratty so (here we go) I bought a new interior kit for the car. I opted for the slightly later door panels for the addition of the chrome strip, and I preferred the accordian surround of the earlier shifter). I didn't replace the back bulkhead vinyl at the time (a prior owner had speakers in it), so that piece will be supplied if the new owner wants to put it in. Then I had the shop put a cap on the dash, and address anything else the car needed. Here is some of what was done:

New slave cylinder for the clutch

Oil gauge electric sender unit was replaced by a full mechanical gauge and piping

Rebuild of the front suspension which included rebuilding the lower A-arms and Trunnions. V8 bushings were put into the front end as well

New tie rod ends and steering rack boots

Replace the windshield body seal

New heater box and heater control valve

Plus more...

Since this work was done I've also put in a new battery (always on a battery tender), and I've compounded the car several times. The paint is still driver quality, but between a lot of touch ups and wax it still looks presentable driving around.

The pictures should tell the rest of the story. While this car is not perfect, it is a non-restored but well maintained car. Whereas others would have spent thousands on a paint job, I've decided to put thousands into the mechanicals and functionality of the car. This car starts right up, drives straight, and is a good reminder of how (for a time) the Brits got it right.

I'm located north of Dallas,TX. I would encourage inspections.