Something not quite right here

[Highspeed125]

Unsure if this is a valid thread on here but had to mention it...
Over on the bay, item 221056686578.
'73 car with M plates, yet r/b, late engine bay, early servo, late dash, early steering wheel, several things to worry about.
If this is someone's in here then sorry, but you can't help thinking there is some explaining to do on this one, if it is a ringer then it's not a very clever one!
Hope this isn't someone elses pride and joy :-(

[mgtony]

I was expecting a "tax free 73 MGB" in the title!
That's one mixed part car isn't it. Obviously a late body/shell, ie car. Some earlier bits under the bonnet like the brake m/c and servo.
Perhaps fitting a 73 steering wheel classes it as a 73!

[v8250]

Mmmmm?? There are some anomolies but it may be explained as follows:

1. Nothing wrong with the brake and clutch master cyliders - mine's a 1977 with the same. The dual circuit system was not installed until later.
2. Registered 07.11.1973 could be a re-registered car.
3. RB's were fitted for US from late '73-ish with full production from Sept '74. So could this be one of the very early pre-production RB cars.

Most manufacturers rarely had clean changeover of equipment specification when there was a significant component change; particularly if trying to 'make up' production runs. Plus, subsequent owner changes will add to this. The car's nearly 40 years old...I'm sure there's been some tinkering over the years.

The prospective purchaser should check numbers with the Club and BMIH for clarification and confirmed production date.

[wildoliver]

Looks to me like an early rubber bumper car with a few late rubber parts or vice versa.

Certainly doesn't look to be the mystery of the century.

[Highspeed125]

Granted, there could be rubber parts on a pre production, but why the later rad mounts and c-post badge?

[lucebayjack]

Sorry for going off topic but instead of me starting a new thread and it does seem kinda relevant to the OP's post, does any one know what to look out for for gauging if a tax exempt B is a genuine pre 73 car?

I ask as I am on the market for a tax exempt v8 conversion. I have found it is very hard to determine if a B is a genuine pre 73 car which has been converted for V8 or a latter car that has had some identity crisis at some point in its life. I usually go by the engine bays but in many cases they have been heavily modified to fit the V8 or in some cases owners claim to have fitted a latter fron section for ease of V8 fitment or replace a tired, rusted front end.

I know the latter cars have different cross members and spring hangers. What is it in particular that I should look out for to identify a genuine tax exempt car?

Edited by lucebayjack on Tuesday 26th June 19:14

[Highspeed125]

On the other hand, could just be a 70's reshell from a prang.. Forgot all about that! 25 years ago I owned a mk1 SD1 which turned out to be a reshell using mk2 bits. And my neighbour regularly flipped his mini pickup, the BL delivery driver got used to delivering new shells!

[Highspeed125]

.

[chormy]

What does my VIN mean?: ex: GHN 5UC 54321

This information may not be applicable to VIN numbers for Mark IV (1980) MGBs.

1. Make G MG
2. Engine Type H
A BMC B-Series engine, 1.8L (MGB)
BMC A-Series engine (Midget)
3. Body Type N
D 2 seated Roadster
GT or Coupe
4. Series 3
4
5 Mk1 (1962-1967)
Mk2 (1968-1969)
Mk3 (1970-1979)
5. Market U
L
R USA (left-hand drive)
Left-hand drive
Right-hand drive
6. Model Year none
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
J
L 1968-69
1969-70
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
7+ Car Number 54321