23-Years-Family-Owned 1978 MG MGB Roadster

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE 

This 1978 MG MGB is a classic British roadster that blends vintage charm with accessible driving fun. Powered by a 1.8L inline-four paired with a four-speed manual transmission and factory overdrive, the car delivers a spirited open-top experience. The 1978 model year features rubber bumpers and a raised ride height, introduced to meet U.S. safety regulations, while retaining the classic MGB silhouette. 

The exterior of this 1978 example is finished in black, and the interior includes supportive bucket seats trimmed in cloth, Smiths gauges, and roll-up windows. Recent maintenance includes replacing the starter, alternator, ignition wires, and tires. With its simple mechanicals, timeless styling, and strong enthusiast support, the MGB remains one of the most approachable and enjoyable vintage sports cars. This MGB is now offered at no reserve with spare parts, some parts receipts, a Haynes repair manual, and a clean Oregon title in the seller's name.

Factory Equipment 

• 1.8L inline-four engine  

• 4-speed manual transmission 

• Single Zenith-Stromberg carburetor 

• Rack-and-pinion steering 

• Front disc brakes and rear drum brakes 

• Rubber impact bumpers (introduced in 1974.5 for U.S. safety compliance) 

• Raised ride height (to meet headlight height regulations) 

• Steel wheels with Rostyle trim rings 

• Manual convertible soft top (replaced in june 2025, seller complains of fitment 

• Smiths gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, oil pressure, water temp) 

• Heater and defroster 

• Manual windows

 Modifications 

• Alpine AM/FM/CD radio 

• Repainted black under previous ownership 

• Dual electric cooling fans 

• Replaced soft top

Servicing & Documentation  

• November 2025: Replaced heater control valve and serviced system 

• 2020: Replaced starter, alternator, ignition wires ignition switch, and battery 

• 185/70R14 tires with 2019 date codes 

Known Imperfections  

• Paint peeling (photos in gallery) 

• Dash pad foam is deteriorating (photos in gallery) 

• Windshield haze in lower left corner (photo in gallery) 

• Keys do not work for doors or trunk 

• Seller states the fit of the replacement soft top is subpar

 Ownership History 

This 1978 MG MGB was purchased by the seller in 2020 from extended family who owned the vehicle since 2002. Prior title records report this MGB in California from 1978-2002, and the seller states they are the 3rd owner. The car was taken off the road in 2014 due to a starter issue, and the seller states that it fired right up once repairs were made.

Included Items 

• Spare parts  

• Two ignition keys 

• Parts receipts from current owner 

• Haynes repair manual  

Additional Information 

From the seller, “I’ve enjoyed working on cars my whole life. It was in reasonable shape when I got it, ran good from the start. My wife and I enjoyed taking it on long day trips in Oregon, and it runs cool for an MG!”