1976 MG MGB Roadster Project
This 1976 MGB roadster project was acquired by the selling dealer in 2018, and subsequent work included replacing the convertible soft top, both floor pans, the clutch hydraulics, air cleaners, tires, and assorted braking and cooling system components. Finished in white over black vinyl, the car is powered by a 1.8-liter inline-four paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Equipment includes 14″ aftermarket alloy wheels, a luggage rack, door-mounted mirrors, and a heater. The car runs and drives, but the overdrive unit is inoperative, the carburetors will require tuning, the front suspension bushings are worn, and the interior is partially disassembled. This MGB is now offered at no reserve by the selling dealer, a BaT Local Partner, with a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, parts invoices, and a clean Pennsylvania title.
The car was finished in Glacier White from the factory and was repainted under previous ownership. A replacement black soft top was installed following the selling dealer’s acquisition. Exterior details include a trunk-mounted luggage rack, door-mounted mirrors, and black rubber bumpers. There is a hole in the tonneau cover, corrosion is present at the seams between the fenders and body, there are bubbles on the trunk lid, a crack is present at the top of the left door skin, the right headlight trim ring is dented, and additional photos of the paint and trim condition are viewable in the gallery below.
The 14″ alloy wheels feature Keystone center caps, and they are mounted with 185/70 Hankook Optimo tires that were installed in 2018, according to the selling dealer. The brake master cylinder, front brake calipers, hoses, brake lines, and rear wheel cylinders were replaced under current ownership. The steering rack boots are torn, and the front suspension bushings are worn out.
The majority of the interior was removed, and the floor pans were replaced under current ownership. Black vinyl-trimmed bucket seats are present, along with an MG-branded shift knob and a black dashboard with a locking glove box. There is a tear in the driver’s seat upholstery, and photos of the removed interior components are viewable in the gallery. The door pulls and the majority of the carpeting are missing.
The steering wheel fronts Smiths instrumentation including a 120-mph speedometer, a tachometer, and gauges displaying oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel level. The five-digit odometer shows 36k miles, approximately 50 of which were added under current ownership.
The 1.8-liter inline-four is equipped with twin SU HIF4 carburetors and recently installed Ram-Flo air cleaners. The radiator was removed and cleaned, and the water pump and coolant hoses were replaced under current ownership. The engine runs, but the carburetors will need to be tuned. Oil seepage is present from the rear main seal, and the hood insulation pad has been removed.
Power is routed to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. The clutch hydraulic cylinders and hose were replaced under current ownership. The overdrive unit is currently inoperative.
The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate indicates the car was dispatched to the US on April 12, 1976, and it lists factory colors, equipment, and identification numbers.
Removed interior trim and components are included in the sale.
Road Tests
Photo Gallery
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BaT Essentials
- Chassis: GHN5UG402321
- 36k Miles Shown
- 1.8-Liter Inline-Four
- Twin SU HIF4 Carburetors
- Four-Speed Manual Transmission
- White Paint
- Black Vinyl Upholstery
- 14" Keystone Wheels
- Front Disc Brakes
- Heater
- Removed Interior Components Included
- BMIHT Certificate
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Facts Only
Year: 1976
Model: MG MGB Roadster
Owner: BaT Local Partner dealer (acquired in 2018)
Color: White (previously Glacier White, repainted)
Upholstery: Black vinyl
Engine: 1.8-liter inline-four
Transmission: Four-speed manual
Wheels: 14" aftermarket alloy wheels with Keystone center caps
Tires: 185/70 Hankook Optimo (installed in 2018)
Equipment: Luggage rack, door-mounted mirrors, heater
Work done: Replaced convertible soft top, both floor pans, clutch hydraulics, air cleaners, tires, braking and cooling system components
Current condition: Runs and drives but requires tuning, overdrive unit inoperative, front suspension bushings worn out
Removed interior trim and components included in the sale
Executive Summary
Full Take
**Steelman**: A dealer acquired a 1976 MG MGB Roadster in 2018 and performed various repairs and replacements to improve its condition. The car runs and drives but requires some tuning for the carburetors, and the front suspension bushings are worn out.
**Pattern Scan**: ARC-0043 Motte-and-Bailey (the article highlights both the car's good condition in certain aspects and its need for repairs).
**Root Cause**: The car underwent extensive renovation work by the selling dealer, reflecting a common practice of restoring vintage vehicles.
**Implications**: For potential buyers, understanding the condition of this MGB requires careful consideration of both its upgrades and ongoing maintenance needs. The seller's commitment to refurbishing the vehicle could be seen as an advantage for those seeking a well-maintained classic car.
**Bridge Questions**: What other repairs or replacements were necessary after the work performed by the selling dealer? How does this renovation history affect the car's long-term reliability and value? Are there any unique challenges or benefits of owning and maintaining a vintage MGB roadster?
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