Location: Auburn, Indiana

$9,900 USD | Sold

Unlike most automobiles, the MGB was built from the drawing board and not through trial and error on a test track. Initially thought to save costs, the British sports car would be made of a unibody construction as opposed to a conventional chassis. In addition, it was the company’s goal to increase sales by exporting the majority of MGB models abroad. The first two-seaters arrived in North America in September of 1962. Interestingly, only two of the first 500 units produced remained in the United Kingdom.

The MGB sports cars offered an impressive lineup with a new engine that could be traced back to its heritage. At nearly 100 horsepower, the new powerplant compared favorably to the 1800 Mark II. Front suspension was carried over from tradition while the rear of the car was fitted with heavier springs and a lower final drive ratio. By the mid-1960s, the British sports car company had made such a huge impact on foreign markets; they introduced even more appealing models such as the GT Coupe and Roadster. Arguably the very best in Abingdon tradition, the MGB Roadster was the only sports car of its kind to meet consumer demands.

Throughout its production, the roadster was consistently upgraded to satisfy a younger sports car driving market while meeting American safety and emissions regulations.

The 1971 MGB offered here is driven by the 1,798-cc inline four-cylinder engine that is connected to a four-speed manual transmission and makes for a fun to drive platform. The engine has been fitted with a new header and exhaust system that is said to sound “almost like a V-8.” Systems on the car have been freshened and include new radiator, heater core and hoses; new water pump, new oil cooler lines, new oil sending unit, valve job on the engine, new intake manifold and new carburetor.

The MGB is said to have experienced a “comprehensive restoration” that is revealed in this nicely detailed car that is said to show in an excellent manner. The red paint shows very nicely with no rust or dings, dents or noticeable major scratches. The car has also has beautiful chrome and trim elements, chrome bumpers with guards, headlight mesh grilles, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aftermarket radio, new Goodyear Eagle II tires, new high cranking amp battery in January 2015 (converted to 12-volt system) , U.S. import required three wipers, luggage rack and a black convertible/removable top that is said to be in fair condition.

The car is not driven in the rain, so it is reported that this is generally off of the car. Many of the original parts that were upgraded during restoration are reported to come with the car.

https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/as15/lots/r0315-1971-mg-mgb/