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How to evaluate for Purchase

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RAC68

RAC68

Darth Vader
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Hi All,

I have been encouraging my cousin to get into British sports cars for years and he is now showing interest in the purchase of an MGB Anniversary Edition convertible. As an original owner of an Austin Healey, he has asked me for some key MGB evaluation and pricing considerations. Although I have been quite involved with British sports cars for over 4 decades, I am looking to those who own a B for their experience and expertise to provide to my cousin. Any suggestions and evaluation pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks and All the best,
RAC68 (64BJ8P1)
 
One area that I do not like to see a MGB rusted is over the rear wheelwells. Look for the original spotwelds all arount that area. Under the car the castle rails and check the floors carefully for rust and a proper installation if they have been replaced. Look at the lower A frames at the outer edge.Be sure the bolt os centered and not wearing thru the A frame because of seized bushings. Check for signs of a head crack going from the valve cover down towards #2 and #3 spark plug. Like most old English cars these can be a money pit. Picking on a 75 means the resale value will be much less than a chrome bumper MGB. Engines tend to be tired when they get around 80,000 on them. The cam and cylinder wall wear are what will effect you the most. Look for decent oil pressure. I have seen MGB engines with good compression that just sucked down the oil. Ask about oil mileage. Lots more to check but that will get you started. Bob
 
Thanks All,

My cousin is following the postings and I know he also appreciates your suggestions and comments. As with all new subjects, he doesn’t know what he doesn’t know….so, by your suggestions, he is learning what to ask. I know that picking a model is a matter of personal taste, however, what roadster model is the most desirable and what model is the most reliable?

Thanks again,
Ray (64BJ8P1)
 
Ray -

For whatever reason, the '67 is often cited as the most desirable. The last of the metal dash models. But they came with transmissions that did not have first gear synchromesh. So, unless a swap has been made, that may be a consideration.

As for reliability, all of them have the same issues. It really boils down to what kind of care has been given the car by the previous owner(s).

My '73 roadster starts when I want it to, and hasn't let me down yet, following the restoration several years ago. I'll be driving it over to East Tennessee in a couple of weeks for some cruising in the Smokies, and have no reservations whatsoever about its making the trip.

Oh, and the later models ('74.5-'80) have the rubber bumpers as opposed to the earlier chrome, and the rear stance is higher.

Lots of other incidentals; again, as you mentioned, it's largely a matter of taste.
 
Here's a really interesting one on ebay:

https://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1974-MGB-...=item4cfabd1cb6

You'll notice the large bumper overriders. Those were only on the '74's, and most have removed them. This car is interesting to me because of its color. Not everyone's favorite, but certainly will stand out. I'm surprised it hasn't had a bid yet, and since the seller said it's subject to prior sale, I would imagine he'd be open to an offer.

Then there's this one:

https://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1965-MGB-...=item25685785f0

Finally, this one looks promising:

https://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1966-MGB-...=item4cfaaa5339

The point being that there are lots from which to choose. Buyers' market right now, apparently. Look at lots of them, and have fun!
 
This is the wifes restored 1972. It's a pleasure to drive and and gets a lot of favorable complements. I like the "fish mouth" grill. PJ

hagertyphoto.jpg


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P5070012.jpg
 
Being that I am in California,
you really can't go wrong with
any of the 75 and earlier cars.
There is too much crap on the later
cars all that smog emissions stuff.
Just more parts that can break and go wrong.

Personally I love the metal bumper
cars, but came into LBC's via
a 1962 TR3 and then on to the
74 1/2 one that I have had for
24 years.

Remember this rule of thumb, no matter
what the price the owner wants for a
car, a car is worth what someone is willing
to give for it.

The white 74 looks good, as well as the
green 65, but I would be in favor of the
red 66, just because there is no way you could
pull up to a stop light and pick yer nose without
everyone staring at you.
 
Mickey Richaud said:
Here's a really interesting one on ebay:

https://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1974-MGB-...=item4cfabd1cb6

You'll notice the large bumper overriders. Those were only on the '74's, and most have removed them. This car is interesting to me because of its color. Not everyone's favorite, but certainly will stand out. I'm surprised it hasn't had a bid yet, and since the seller said it's subject to prior sale, I would imagine he'd be open to an offer.

Then there's this one:

https://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1965-MGB-...=item25685785f0

Finally, this one looks promising:

https://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1966-MGB-...=item4cfaaa5339

The point being that there are lots from which to choose. Buyers' market right now, apparently. Look at lots of them, and have fun!
Click to expand...

I'm bidding on that 65. Nice car. Solid. Guy poured tons of money into the thing. I am only to gain from it because he will never see the $26,000 that claims to be into it.

Only thing I don't like is there's some underspray on the undercarriage. Past that this is a sweet freakin' B.
 
rlich8 said:
I'm bidding on that 65. Nice car. Solid. Guy poured tons of money into the thing. I am only to gain from it because he will never see the $26,000 that claims to be into it.

Only thing I don't like is there's some underspray on the undercarriage. Past that this is a sweet freakin' B.
Click to expand...

Good luck with it - definitely one to watch.
 
Thanks All,

Your comments and instructions are appreciated. I know my cousin has gained good insights into what to look for when selecting a few cars for evaluation. Although I have been into British sports cars since 1960…(wow, I didn’t realize it was that long until I just typed it), I could not have provided the experience-based perspectives you have imparted. It was great to be able to tap into your expertise and I know my cousin really appreciate your valued inputs.

Thanks again,
Ray (64BJ8P1)
 
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