1973 MG MGB Roadster

1973 MGB Roadster

Next-to-last year of the classic

metal bumpers & grille

VIN: GHN5UD3191368

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 British Leyland rep here in western Washington and they had an MG much like this car.   He even let me drive it around the block several times alone – something my father wouldn't EVER let a 14 year-old get away with!  Over the years I've owned many vintage British Coupes and roadsters.   Truly. this is one of the nicest to come my way in a long. long time.   We recently acquired it directly from a small-town owner here in western Washington State

If you're in the market for a well-kept. vintage British touring car. possibly even a spring/summer/fall daily driver please give this very sharp MG your kind attention.   You're also 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:

The photos really help tell the car's story.   In the fall of 1972 it sold new in Portland. Oregon and has been in our snow and roadsalt-free region ever since.   Our mechanic checked the sparkplugs and did a compression test (it was even and high across all four cylinders).   After I added about 200 miles in 30 days. the oil was changed and we then put the car away in our warehouse several weeks ago to await the next caretaker.  

Climb over. under and around this clean convertible and I know you'll come up smiling!  We've haven't found evidence of any body rust or past rust repair beneath the excellent orange paint (the factory called it “Blaze Red” but in truth is quite orange).   It looks to have had a good quality respray in the recent past and holds quite a shine.   All four factory steel wheels are straight and true.   They're wrapped with excellant 175/70R14 radials each with at least 95% remaining tread and even wear.   The spare is firmly mounted in the trunk and hasn't ever seen the road.   I perceive the brakes are fine and don't pull to either side under normal stopping pressure.   There are no “bulls-eye” windscreen chips. but one small contained crack in the upper right corner.   All the other glass is excellent.   As pictured. the original tire jack. tonneau brackets. boot cover and an extra pair of brake shoes will arrive stored in the trunk.

When cold. pull out the manual choke and with virtually one turn of the key the peppy 1800cc five main-bearing four fires right up with just a few pumps of the gas pedal.   I believe the ‘73 model year was the last for the venerable dual SU carburetor setup.   These were far superior (and safer) than the leaky. fire-starting single Stromberg units that British Leyland switched to for the rest of the MGB's production run.   The four speed manual transmission shifts smoothly. just like it should with NO clutch slippage or syncro issues.

I'm impressed with the condition of the dash gauges.   They're still clear and bright as the day this rig left the Abingdon-on-Thames plant back in May. 1973 heading for the Northwest District Sales area.   The turn signals. heater fan and wipers all function properly.   I'm not much of a radio listener. but the 80's vintage Sony Cassette stereo still works great as well.   The carpets and convertible soft top are brand new.   Both seats are very decent as pictured and don't appear to have any broken base webbing as is often found in these years.   No wear-through spots. seam rips or puncture holes either.   A nice storage bucket is in place of the traditional drivers side battery box as this model year now used a single 12 volt battery mounted behind the passenger.   Great place to hide valuables while you're parked at a ball game!

Overall. about the only thing I can say one might still want sorted are the warped fiberboard door cards.   They're the factory originals and still get the job done. but wouldn't hurt to redo them sometime.

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 before placing a bid.   If I don't have this initial contact. your bid may be cancelled.   The phone number to talk directly to 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 so before the auction ends.   I'll be forwarding the buyer a free and clear Washington State Title.   There are NO brands 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 toll-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.

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