Desirable Electric Overdrive Optioned

1979 MGB

Limited Edition

(With Electric Overdrive)

Only One Owner from New

VIN: GHN5UL493217G

Remember how much you cared for your first real girlfriend back in junior high?  When I was in the ninth grade. mine had the coolest Dad in the whole world!  He worked as a regional rep for British Leyland and they had an MGB much like this car.   He even let me drive it around the block once alone – something my father wouldn't EVER let a 14 year-old get away with!  Over the years I've owned many vintage British droptops and this is one of the nicest finds to come my way in a long time.

The Limited Edition (LE) MGB was produced in model years 1979 and 1980 to highlight the last cars coming from the storied Abingdon-on-Thames MG factory before it was shuttered at the end of that year.   Most came in black with black interiors.   Each had the front chin spoiler. a chrome rear luggage rack. unique cast alloy wheels. silver lower body stripes with the British flag emblem and a dash plaque announcing the LE designation.

This car came to market here in the Seattle area recently from the wife of it's original owner.   She'd become a widow and reached a point several years ago where she could no longer drive (They each had their own MGB - I was sorry the other one was already sold).   You can imagine how pleasantly surprised I was after meeting with the owner's son-in-law for an initial viewing.   Along with the title came a maintenance folder with receipts dating back to 1986 including one for a complete engine rebuild totaling almost $2. 00.   Everything including new pistons. bearings. the valves. guides. gaskets and timing chain were replaced.   The crank and cam were both reconditioned and the head was surfaced.   You're welcome to contact me with questions or to discuss a sale before the end of the Ebay listing.   My name is Mark Thompson and I can be reached at 206/914-1173.


CONDITION:

Most MGB's came from the factory with cheap rubber floor mats and I'm very glad the interior's been upgraded with fitted black cut-pile British carpet throughout.   Your bum will be comfortable for hours on these firm bucket seats with new upholstery just installed.   As pictured. the door panels are original and well above average though there's one tiny taped-over spot on the passenger's door below the arm rest.

The glass is fine including both doors.   The exterior trim is good.   All four factory wheels are wrapped with 185/70R14 radials. each with at least 80-90% plus remaining tread.   They hold air well. but are old.   I wouldn't hesitate to drive long-distance on them.   As pictured. the LE alloy spare tire is in the trunk and I'll also be sure the original factory jack and tonneau cover are packed there as well when the car ships out.

Rust is always the first thing I'm asked about.   Here in the Pacific Northwest we do get a bit of rain. but no snow so our roads aren't salted during the winter.   Most vehicles that are native to Western Washington (and that have been garaged) will never have more than a little surface rust on underside parts.   Climb over. under and around this MG and I know you'll come up smiling!  Though I'm not an expert. it appears this rig still wears its factory paint color having had an average quality re-spray sometime in the past.   The lower panel stripes are original and excellent.   The soft-top is in “like-new” condition with NO fading. nbsp;fabric tears or clouding of the plastic window panels.   I believe the rear window can be unzipped and lowered for cool summertime ventilation.

Our mechanic went over the drivetrain upon arrival at my warehouse.   A general tune-up was done (including an oil change).   He set the ignition timing and the idle mixture on the Weber carburetor.   Of all the improvements one can do to an MGB of this vintage. changing–out the dangerous factory Stromberg carb for a Weber is at the top of the list.   Stromberg's leaked fuel down onto the exhaust manifold and many post-1975 MG's met a fiery death from them!  The exhaust has also been upgraded with short-tube headers.   I've got the factory owner's manual to pass along and it shows Sept. 21. 1979 as the day this “B” left the showroom at Thrifty Imports.   Just before putting the car into long-term storage eight years ago. the previous owner had a completely new clutch assembly installed.   The four-speed full synchro transmission shifts smoothly. just like it should. with NO clutch binding or slippage. Turn the electric overdrive on by flicking a small switch on top of the shift knob and it's like having a fifth gear!  This car has good speed. power and steering.   It feels tight on the road.   Even the electric dash clock still works!  A 1980's cassette stereo is dash-mounted in the usual spot and works well.   A pair of radio shack speakers are wired-in and sitting in the area behind the seats.  

BID WITH CONFIDENCE and know that you are purchasing a nice vehicle from a respected Ebay Seller.   My main goal is be sure you're happy with your purchase - and your dealings with me!  Because of the amount of money involved in buying a vehicle. I require that Ebay members with a feedback history of five or fewer transactions call or email me before placing a bid.   If we don't have this initial contact. your bid might be cancelled.   The phone number to contact me. as outlined above. is 206/914-1173.   Please feel free to call any time during the auction.   My name is MARK THOMPSON.  

A Few Additional Terms and Conditions:

Please check the photos over closely and call with any questions BEFORE you place a bid!  You're encouraged to inspect the vehicle. so make an appointment or send your representative early to be sure you don't miss this one. We reserve the right to cancel your bid if you have any negative feedback.   DEALERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME TO BID AS WELL!  A nonrefundable $500 deposit is due within 48 hours of the auction's end.   The balance is due by cash or certified funds within seven days unless prior arrangements have been made with me.    Please remember you are bidding to buy and I fully expect the winning bidder to fulfill their Ebay contract!  You're not bidding to hold. inspect or then come test-drive the MGB later as you're more than welcome to do this before the auction ends.   I will be forwarding the buyer a free and clear Washington State Title.   There are NO brands here for things like salvage history. rebuilt title. theft recovery. flood damage or any other nasty negatives to cause you concern!

I ship vehicles regularly and suggest that you get a transport bid from the service most of our buyer's use (and that Ebay endorses): Dependable Auto Shippers (DAS).   Call them tool-free at (888) 817-6203.   Give the sales rep my affiliate number (2362642) so they can pull up all of my location info for an accurate quote.

Alternatively. you might also try the U-Ship website.   Transporters will bid delivery of the vehicle and you'll be able to choose who you want to use.   The zip code for pick-up would be 98002 (Auburn. Washington) to get an instant on-line quote. The shipping of the vehicle and company chosen are the responsibility of the BUYER.   The car can be stored free of charge at my warehouse location for up to two weeks after the auction ends assuming full payment has been received.   I'll begin charging storage at $20 per day thereafter.

Also published at eBay.com

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