MGB MGB on eBay

[Bruce Bowker]

Looking at this B.

https://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/65-MGB-Co...1QQcmdZViewItem

Did 1965 come with an optional 5 speed? I had a new 1965 B and don't remember an option as such.

Bruce

 

[DrEntropy]

To the best of my knowledge there was never a 5-speed offered in any production MGB. The Laycock overdrive was as good as it got. The 4 synchro gearbox was intro'd in '67 as was an automatic (optional from '67 to '73) trans. The 5-speed *must* be some modification.

 

[RTR52nd]

That's exactly what my research comes up with. I thought perhaps the seller meant 4-speed O/D, but the answer to the first question posed seems likes he's pretty clear that it's 5-speed no O/D. As much as I'd like to, I don't think I'll be getting down to Atlanta to look at it in the next 4 days, 15 hours.

 

[Bruce Bowker]

I also emailed him to see what its all about.

Bruce

 

[DrEntropy]

yup, and the exterior may be original paint but the "All Sorts" interior is certainly not original. That referrence to the five speed box raises me eyebrows... Not sure but IIRC, every tonneau was black, too.

Don't misunderstand: The car is sweet looking from the photos and may well be as clean as advertised, but I'd be makin' a trip to Atlanta BEFORE I'd buy it at a "mint condition" price. It ~IS~ E-Bay, after all /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Bruce Bowker]

Seller's reply:

"This car has the original transmission and engine, so the year would be 1965."

 

[Tom]

Looking at it close up it appears to have the original cranked gearlever from the Mk1s which would normally be changed if the box has been changed. Technically an overdrive makes it a 6 speed 1, 2, 3, OD3, 4, OD4.

Tonneaus and Hoods of the same colour as the interior were available with the early cars but the interior rubber mats (floor and sill covers) would have originally have been the same colour as the rest of the interior.

The car wouldn't have come with head rests originally but the early seats are weaker than the later ones and have only got screw adjustment for rake (and no lock on the back).

The armrest would be an addition (possibly period and definitely not the normal one fitted during the seventies)

Hard to tell body condition from the photos due to the small size of them but if it is the original body it will have some rust in the usual places after 40 years unless it is a very low milage/stored inside example.

Hope this helps

 

[DrEntropy]

[ QUOTE ]
"...the early seats are weaker than the later ones and have only got screw adjustment for rake (and no lock on the back)."

[/ QUOTE ]

yes. The "screw adjustment" was two 7/16" headed 1/4-NF bolts contacting "pads" on the back of the bottoms as stops! Had to wrench 'em ~evenly~ to change the rake. Hardly qualifies as "adjustable" /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I had no idea there was anything other than the black for tonneau and rubber frame rail covers tho.

 

[Steve_S]

All MGs ever made, other than some really early specials and a few automatics, had 4-speed gearboxes. MGB and MGC were offered with the Laycock Overdrive which gave OD on 3rd and 4th. No 5-speed was ever offered by the factory in any form.

 

[Bruce Bowker]

Reply from seller


"You're right, this is a 4 speed, but it does not have an overdrive."



Bruce

 

[Nunyas]

heh