MGB Roadster, which year to buy? Advice kindly wanted
Discussion
Just visiting here from the TVR forums and looking for some advice on buying an MGB Roadster. I have started to look at a few and would like to know what I should be looking at.
My budget is about the £6K mark, is there a year/colour etc which is better or any worse than others (I would prefer a pre 1971 tax exempter) but have a very open mind. Importantly the more ‘classic’ it will be in later years the better.
Any newbie advice is greatly welcomed with the pitfalls to avoid on originality etc etc.
How important is vehicle history in influencing the price to pay?
Regards
Retrop TVR
My budget is about the £6K mark, is there a year/colour etc which is better or any worse than others (I would prefer a pre 1971 tax exempter) but have a very open mind. Importantly the more ‘classic’ it will be in later years the better.
Any newbie advice is greatly welcomed with the pitfalls to avoid on originality etc etc.
How important is vehicle history in influencing the price to pay?
Regards
Retrop TVR
Edited by retroptvr on Saturday 5th July 22:44
Edited by retroptvr on Saturday 5th July 22:46
Condition is more important than anything else IMO. People may tell you to stay away from the rubber bumper versions, but a good rubber bumper roadster is surely better than a rusted-out chrome bumper version (and a lot cheaper!). Make sure the sills under the doors are in good nick as these can be expensive to repair and be wary of shiny stainless sill covers as these can sometimes be used to cover up sill rot. With that kind of money you should be able to get yourself a very good car.
If you are looking at a classic car as an investment, my advice would be don't bother. However if you want a pretty sports car that is a head-turner and is fun to drive then you can't go too wrong with an MG B.
If you are looking at a classic car as an investment, my advice would be don't bother. However if you want a pretty sports car that is a head-turner and is fun to drive then you can't go too wrong with an MG B.Edited by Mucus on Sunday 6th July 10:16
Edited by Mucus on Sunday 6th July 10:17
If your serious come and chat to me, if your just thinking about it, come and chat to me!
I deal in MGs and particularly Bs and Midgets, don't go thinking I'll try to sell you something you don't want though, as anyone on here who has chatted to me about cars will agree I turn more business away than I accept, I'm only interested in matching the right cars with the right owners.
In answer to your question, for the ultimate rare classic appeal a pull handle roadster is as good as it gets, and I have seen the odd car around for your budget.
A middle production period (chrome bumpers, push handles) car with either wires or steels will be an appreciating classic, they aren't going to drop in value, but they are hardly rare, and are a bit boring in my opinion, I get sick of seeing perfectly restored tartan red mark one grilled and bumpered roadsters!
As a usable practical every day classic seriously look at rubber bumpered, plus you will get a peach for under your budget.
Or consider a C, they are constantly increasing in value, and now generally are equal or higher than than an A. Plus rarity value is High and a lovely car to drive.
I deal in MGs and particularly Bs and Midgets, don't go thinking I'll try to sell you something you don't want though, as anyone on here who has chatted to me about cars will agree I turn more business away than I accept, I'm only interested in matching the right cars with the right owners.
In answer to your question, for the ultimate rare classic appeal a pull handle roadster is as good as it gets, and I have seen the odd car around for your budget.
A middle production period (chrome bumpers, push handles) car with either wires or steels will be an appreciating classic, they aren't going to drop in value, but they are hardly rare, and are a bit boring in my opinion, I get sick of seeing perfectly restored tartan red mark one grilled and bumpered roadsters!
As a usable practical every day classic seriously look at rubber bumpered, plus you will get a peach for under your budget.
Or consider a C, they are constantly increasing in value, and now generally are equal or higher than than an A. Plus rarity value is High and a lovely car to drive.
All good advice above. Basic rules apply - go for the best you can afford and be clear about what is important to you:
Something to use, or something to polish and bring out on sunny days?
Rubber bumper cars can always be lowered and converted to chrome.
Overdrive is a must.
If it has had the bodywork "done" check the panel gaps and find out exactly to what extent the work was done - if sills have been required, then they should have had both inner and outer sills replaced - full length - and any inner castle section repairs done, along with rear wing 1/4 repair panels and probably either front wing repair panels or new front wings - it is impossible to replace the sills propoerly without doing the rear wings. Front chassis legs tend to be long lasting, but check the rails near the rear suspension mounts - as these don't get liberally dosed with oil leaks, they can rust and are a major job top repair properly.
Good hunting.
MG Mark
Something to use, or something to polish and bring out on sunny days?
Rubber bumper cars can always be lowered and converted to chrome.
Overdrive is a must.
If it has had the bodywork "done" check the panel gaps and find out exactly to what extent the work was done - if sills have been required, then they should have had both inner and outer sills replaced - full length - and any inner castle section repairs done, along with rear wing 1/4 repair panels and probably either front wing repair panels or new front wings - it is impossible to replace the sills propoerly without doing the rear wings. Front chassis legs tend to be long lasting, but check the rails near the rear suspension mounts - as these don't get liberally dosed with oil leaks, they can rust and are a major job top repair properly.
Good hunting.
MG Mark
Good advice, but one small add on. Please don't buy a rubber bumpered car because you think it will be cheap and intend to convert to chrome bumper, in the long run it will cost you about the same as a chrome bumper car, it will never be a chrome bumper car, it will never be worth as much as a chrome bumper, and it is a crying shame to ruin a good rubber bumper car as they are beginning to get rare.
May sound daft now, but I'm starting to get customers genuinely liking rubber bumper cars, it is also much harder now to find viable rubber bumper projects than it is chrome bumper (except GTs) due to so many chrome bumpers being restored in the the 80s and 90s and rubbers being the poor cousins. Mark my words rubber bumper cars are going up in price. A mint rubber bumper car is now worth more than a scruffy but solid chrome bumper car, 5 years ago that was unheard of!
What there is a real shortage of at the moment is restorable Midgets. There's lots of rubbish out there but not many solid unmessed with projects around at the moment.
May sound daft now, but I'm starting to get customers genuinely liking rubber bumper cars, it is also much harder now to find viable rubber bumper projects than it is chrome bumper (except GTs) due to so many chrome bumpers being restored in the the 80s and 90s and rubbers being the poor cousins. Mark my words rubber bumper cars are going up in price. A mint rubber bumper car is now worth more than a scruffy but solid chrome bumper car, 5 years ago that was unheard of!
What there is a real shortage of at the moment is restorable Midgets. There's lots of rubbish out there but not many solid unmessed with projects around at the moment.
wildoliver said:
What there is a real shortage of at the moment is restorable Midgets. There's lots of rubbish out there but not many solid unmessed with projects around at the moment.
And a lot of the restored and reshelled Midgets are not to a very high standard either, I know I've bought two reshelled Midgets (first was over 15 years ago too)Midgets are more fun than Bs but you have to be young and slim like me for a Midget
(I'm old and fat)
PS £6,000 would get you a very good Midget
Edited by SB - Nigel on Monday 7th July 13:11
wildoliver said:
Or consider a C, they are constantly increasing in value, and now generally are equal or higher than than an A. Plus rarity value is High and a lovely car to drive.
Are they really good to drive? I've always liked them and have considered buying a modified one but they never seem to get a decent review.Usually those who slate them have never driven one, or are so hung up on something that looks like a B having to handle like a B.
Imagine a B but slightly heavier at the nose so it tends to pull in to corners a bit more, but with the power there to push itself round when needed, and nice usuable grunt all the way to 100 and slightly beyond. They make all but tuned Bs feel anemic afterwards, you do need to stiffen the front suspension up, but then you have a nice usable car!
Also noticed in your original post about vehicle history, your not going to find a car with any appreciable history, if it even has an original handbook you'll be lucky, it is nice to have a car with lots of receipts and a photographic rebuild though, but always buy on the car not mileage or paperwork.
Imagine a B but slightly heavier at the nose so it tends to pull in to corners a bit more, but with the power there to push itself round when needed, and nice usuable grunt all the way to 100 and slightly beyond. They make all but tuned Bs feel anemic afterwards, you do need to stiffen the front suspension up, but then you have a nice usable car!
Also noticed in your original post about vehicle history, your not going to find a car with any appreciable history, if it even has an original handbook you'll be lucky, it is nice to have a car with lots of receipts and a photographic rebuild though, but always buy on the car not mileage or paperwork.
Thanks Gents,
Lots of good info here, should be seeing a car next week,
1970 wire wheels, chrome bumpered, in British Racing Green, body shell re imported from California, told very little history, at 6.5k
I will let you know how I get on.
Regards,
RetropTVR
Lots of good info here, should be seeing a car next week,
1970 wire wheels, chrome bumpered, in British Racing Green, body shell re imported from California, told very little history, at 6.5k
I will let you know how I get on.
Regards,
RetropTVR
Edited by retroptvr on Monday 14th July 00:44
Done it today!
Thanks for all your help and now the proud owner of a MGB in BRG which has spent its life in Gloucestershire and California, the bonus after exchanging the vehicle for a few fivers and a bushel or so of corn with a dear and charming lady with two fantastic golden retrievers, is that the car has only covered just over 11,000 miles since leaving the Abingdon factory all of 38 years ago.
Only downside is the ariel has lost itself in the wing(see sep thread)whilst pootling around the Cotswolds today.
Upside is no Road Tax and all of £66.40 to add to my insurance, the TVR has its nose out of joint!
Regards,
RetropTVR
Thanks for all your help and now the proud owner of a MGB in BRG which has spent its life in Gloucestershire and California, the bonus after exchanging the vehicle for a few fivers and a bushel or so of corn with a dear and charming lady with two fantastic golden retrievers, is that the car has only covered just over 11,000 miles since leaving the Abingdon factory all of 38 years ago.
Only downside is the ariel has lost itself in the wing(see sep thread)whilst pootling around the Cotswolds today.
Upside is no Road Tax and all of £66.40 to add to my insurance, the TVR has its nose out of joint!
Regards,
RetropTVR
Edited by retroptvr on Friday 25th July 21:11
retroptvr said:
Done it today!
Thanks for all your help and now the proud owner of a MGB in BRG which has spent its life in Gloucestershire and California, the bonus after exchanging the vehicle for a few fivers and a bushel or so of corn with a dear and charming lady with two fantastic golden retrievers, is that the car has only covered just over 11,000 miles since leaving the Abingdon factory all of 38 years ago.
Only downside is the ariel has lost itself in the wing(see sep thread)whilst pootling around the Cotswolds today.
Upside is no Road Tax and all of £66.40 to add to my insurance, the TVR has its nose out of joint!
Regards,
RetropTVR
Congratulations! I think you should post some pics!Thanks for all your help and now the proud owner of a MGB in BRG which has spent its life in Gloucestershire and California, the bonus after exchanging the vehicle for a few fivers and a bushel or so of corn with a dear and charming lady with two fantastic golden retrievers, is that the car has only covered just over 11,000 miles since leaving the Abingdon factory all of 38 years ago.
Only downside is the ariel has lost itself in the wing(see sep thread)whilst pootling around the Cotswolds today.
Upside is no Road Tax and all of £66.40 to add to my insurance, the TVR has its nose out of joint!
Regards,
RetropTVR
Edited by retroptvr on Friday 25th July 21:11
retroptvr said:
I would if I could, how do I upload pics on here??
As below but minus the space between g and [[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/timoldland/Dsc00140.jpg [/IMG]
or [pic]your pic[/pic]
It would be nice if your B isn't Tartan Red and/or with chrome wire wheels tho', I say this as originally you seemed to be looking for an "investment" classic - I hope you've given up on that idea and intend to put 6-10,000 miles a year on it instead
Sorry, isn't there any easy way to share pics?
No tartan red for me, have a red car already, the wired chromes wheels I have to admit to though mmmmmmmmmm nice. The intended miles are 3k per year shared between an MG and LWT 88 inch Air Portable Land Rover.
Have to report I was onto Nigel at MG Hive today as starter is keeked, seem to think under use in 38 years, done all the usual solenoid and relay checks and in the words of a Scotsman it's spaffed. New one to be fitted on Thursday.
No tartan red for me, have a red car already, the wired chromes wheels I have to admit to though mmmmmmmmmm nice. The intended miles are 3k per year shared between an MG and LWT 88 inch Air Portable Land Rover.
Have to report I was onto Nigel at MG Hive today as starter is keeked, seem to think under use in 38 years, done all the usual solenoid and relay checks and in the words of a Scotsman it's spaffed. New one to be fitted on Thursday.
retroptvr said:
Sorry, isn't there any easy way to share pics?
No tartan red for me, have a red car already, the wired chromes wheels I have to admit to though mmmmmmmmmm nice. The intended miles are 3k per year shared between an MG and LWT 88 inch Air Portable Land Rover.
Have to report I was onto Nigel at MG Hive today as starter is keeked, seem to think under use in 38 years, done all the usual solenoid and relay checks and in the words of a Scotsman it's spaffed. New one to be fitted on Thursday.
Just loaded some photos onto a photobucket account then onto my post (1 or 2 above or below!)Was easy enough and took no time at all, just leave pages you're using minimized and just copy the IMG code to your thread message.No tartan red for me, have a red car already, the wired chromes wheels I have to admit to though mmmmmmmmmm nice. The intended miles are 3k per year shared between an MG and LWT 88 inch Air Portable Land Rover.
Have to report I was onto Nigel at MG Hive today as starter is keeked, seem to think under use in 38 years, done all the usual solenoid and relay checks and in the words of a Scotsman it's spaffed. New one to be fitted on Thursday.
retroptvr said:
. . . the wired chromes wheels I have to admit to though mmmmmmmmmm nice. The intended miles are 3k per year shared between an MG and LWT 88 inch Air Portable Land Rover.
Well done on your purchase 
(I read your previous post this time)Before I forget, I recommend getting a copy of the (correct) Owners Handbook as it tells you most of all you need to know
Each to their own but I've found that Peter Best insurance is SO LOW on a 30 year old MG that you might as well have unlimited mileage and enjoy the car more
Low mileage can cause problems too especially if the mileage isn't regular, i.e. 1,000 mile tour then 500 miles over the other 51 weeks
I recommend regularly using your B for the next month to get used to it and highlight any areas of attention - if you're only going to take it out in the dry then regularly test your windscreen washers and wipers so you don't get a surprise next MOT, this also applies to things like the horn etc.
Also how about upping your insurance, getting a set of knock-on minilites and enjoying your B more - just a thought
Enjoy
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