1971 MG MGB Roadster

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1962-80 MG MGB represents the consummate British sports car from its era. It was an affordable car that came in several different flavors, from an open roadster to a three-door 2+2 coupe, and it was extremely popular with Americans. U.S. safety regulations changed the car in the late 1960s, as the MGB received a plastic/foam rubber-covered "safety" dashboard (dubbed the "Abingdon pillow"), as well as high seat backs with head restraints, side marker lamps, and three windscreen wipers instead of two to clear off a higher percentage of the glass.

For 1971, the MGB's 1.8-liter inline-four engine received new pistons with three rings instead of four and press-fit wrist pins instead of a fully floating design. A new standardized folding convertible top replaced both options previously available.

MGB production jumped in '71 and included the 250,000th MGB built. Of the 24,031 roadsters sold that year, fully 75 percent (18,994) were sent to the U.S., including this well-maintained example.

Incremental improvements continued until the last MGB roadster rolled off the production line in 1980. Today these cars remain an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy a classic British roadster on a winding country road or on a local show field. 

Highlights 

• Finished in Flame Red paint over black interior 

• Black convertible soft top and top frame 

• Powered by a 1.8-liter B-series inline four-cylinder engine rated at 95 horsepower 

• Full synchromesh four-speed manual transmission 

• Three windshield wipers 

• 14 inch wire wheels 

• Converted from Weber carburetor to correct dual SU carb set up ($2,470) in 2021 

• Mechanical upgrades in 2020-21 included servicing and/or replacing: 

  • Starter motor 

  • Battery 

  • Heat shield 

  • Choke cable 

  • Throttle cable 

  • Air filter 

  • Fuel filter 

• Mechanical upgrades in 2015 included servicing and/or replacing: 

  • Horn circuit 

  • Flashers 

  • Wiper stalk 

  • Driver's side headlight 

  • Interior light 

  • Temperature control 

  • Generator and voltage regulator 

  • Door locks 

  • Transaxle 

  • Radiator fan 

  • Rear differential and fluid 

  • Transmission fluid 

  • Ignition coil 

  • Seats (Replaced seat tracks, sand blasted seat frames and paint, replaced foam padding, recovered seats) 

  • Dyno tune 

 Features 

• Two-seat, rear-wheel-drive roadster 

• The chassis number (GHN5UB236323G) decodes as: 

  • G – MG 

  • H – Two-seat roadster 

  • N - British Motor Corporation B-Series 1.8 liter engine 

  • 5 – 1970-79 series 

  • U – USA (left-hand drive) 

  • B – 1971 model year 

  • 236323G – Car number 

• Kumho Solus TA11 185/70R14 88T tires 

• Chrome front and rear bumpers with safety overriders  

• Chrome exterior trim 

• Driver's side door-mounted chrome exterior mirror 

• Passenger side fender-mounted chrome exterior mirror 

• Three-spoke steering wheel 

• Rack and pinion steering 

• Bucket seats 

• Manual roll-up windows 

• Vent windows 

• Lap belts 

• Dual padded sun visors 

• Cigarette lighter 

• Map light 

• Front disc brakes 

• Rear drum brakes 

• Wheelbase: 91 inches 

• Length: 153.2 inches 

• Width: 60 inches 

• Height: 48.7 inches 

• Weight: 2,190 pounds 

• Base price: $3,140 in the U.S. (about $24,406 today) 

Known Imperfections 

• Paint chips up front 

• Paint chips, dings, scratches, and scuffs in several areas on underside near tires 

Included 

• Spare tire (Michelin MXV4 185/70R14) 

• Jack 

• Hi-Torque IMI starter 

• Sun visors 

• MG replacement gear shift knob 

Ownership History 

The owner of this 1971 MG MGB Roadster bought it in 2015 and immediately went to work to improve the car. He made additional mechanical improvements in 2020 and ’21.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. 

Contact: Harrison Platz  Phone: 610.304.4525  email: hplatz@hagerty.com