1974 MG MGB Roadster

The year 1974 was a crucial one in MGB history, as it was the year when the world's most beloved British sports car underwent the most radical changes in its 18-year lifespan. The earliest 1974 models, built in the fall of calendar year 1973, retained the small chrome bumper overriders with slender rubber tips used since 1970. The U.S.-market MGBs built in January 1974 received updated large rubber block overriders, complying with our then-new NHTSA regulations. These overriders, seen on the MGB tourers and MGB/GTs in the brochures of the day, were nicknamed "Sabrinas" by the Brits, following the theme of 1950s Cadillacs having "Dagmars." (You get the drift.)

Gracing our halls here at Classic Auto Mall, a bloody fine example of the 1974 MGB roadster. Appearing with new paint, interior, top, carbs, and tires and brakes this car runs fab, and is looking for a good home.

Exterior
Muddy Orange, (in a bit lighter shade than the original,) adorns this sports car. Pre black rubber bumpers, the clean lines, simple grille and chrome, (as they should be), bumpers are on front and rear, and look very nice. Gaps are very consistent on side steel panels, and the car is rust free on all body parts. Nice chrome trimmings for window surrounds, body beltline spear, mirrors, and handles. The paint is good, however there are areas of orange peel, cracking, and evidence of unfinished body work particularly in the lower rear panels. Rudge type 14" knock off wire wheels with a chrome central hub on all 4 corners and are wrapped in Tigerpaw Uniroyal blackwall rubber. On top is a new vinyl convertible top which has a clear plastic rear window and manually moves up and down with ease.

Interior
A mixture of smooth and textured vinyl, all new and all in black come together to make the interior presentation. 2 buckets in low back form with oversized padded headrests are flanking a center console on the hump which houses the gear shift lever, a storage compartment and of course an ash receptacle. As it rises to the dash, an angled panel has a few warning lights, a new toggle and an aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette player. Smith's gauges with clean chromed bezels are embedded into a padded black smooth vinyl dash, along with more toggles and knobs. New black carpeting floods the floors and behind the buckets is a small storage area awaiting your picnic basket Boo Boo. A shout to the trunk with a shiny coat of orange paint, spare tire & knock off wheel, and all associated tools for tire changing.

Drivetrain
A pop of the bonnet and we see the fully restored engine bay showing only minor dust. This BMC Austin B-Series 4 banger is in 1798cc form and is fed by dual side draft SU carburetors. A 4-speed manual transmission is on back, and power goes to the rear wheels via a 3.90 geared rear axle.

Undercarriage
Underneath a little bit of surface rust is noted, but the car remains definitely structurally strong. Rockers have minimal rust, as do some of the suspension parts. Speaking of which, the front offers up independent suspension with coil springs and rack and pinion steering, and on the back are leaf springs. Drum brakes are also on the back with disc brakes upfront and a single exhaust system snakes its way to the rear and has a glasspack style muffler onboard.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and nice driver, it went through the gears smoothly, and accelerated nicely being fed by those twin SU's after some warm up time. Our consignor states that a fresh tank of fuel will help with the cold starts and idling. A bit tight for this writer, but it was an overall smashing experience, (well, not that way, but in the British way!).

Some new parts, no rust, and a lighter shade of the Muddy Orange, nice new interior and you are ready to drop the top and go for a tour through the countryside. A nifty little example with chrome bumpers, and a sporty engine.

VIN DECODE
GHN5UE328420G
G-MG
H-BMC B Series 1.8L
N-2 Seat Roadster
5-MK3
U-USA Left Hand Drive
E-1974
328420G-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.