Rocky Mountain Dry: 1973 MG MGB Mk III – SOLD!

September 30th Update – While preparing for our latest Sports Car Saturday edition, we confirmed the private seller of this rust-free, driver quality ’73 MGB deleted their Craigslist ad, so we’re now able to car this classic sports car “Sold!”

Mention the term “Western Car” and most vintage enthusiasts immediately conjure images of classics from California, Utah, or Arizona.  Often not thought of because of the snow but just as dry is Colorado, where sand is used for winter traction rather than sodium- or calcium chloride.  As a result, classic cars such as this 1973 MGB Roadster listed recently on Craigslist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania originally from the Rocky Mountain state are just as rust free. Said to be a Colorado car until 1990, the current caretaker is asking $8,500 for his red over black chrome-bumper example.  Looking at the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool confirms this asking price falls between the #3 “Good” estimate of $6,800 and the #2 “Very Good” appraisal of $11,500.  As a second data point, the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his B priced $200 less than the #3 “Good estimate of $8,700.

In 1962 Morris Garages, better known as simply “MG”, introduced its new MGB.  While mechanically similar to the car it replaced, the new MGB incorporated modern unit-body construction (the MGA used body-on-frame) that featured roll-up windows.  By making better use of space the MGB offered more passenger and luggage space than the MGA despite being three inches shorter in overall length. The modern design proved popular over the years and with minor changes the MG remained in production through the model year 1980, making it Great Britain’s best selling medium-sized sports car of all time.  We like the early seventies models as they retain the classic chrome bumpers and lower ride height lost after 1974.

Here’s an interesting buyer’s guide posted on the Restosaga Workshop YouTube Channel:

We love the seller’s honest, detailed description we’ve included below as he’s even quick to point out the 41K miles showing on the odometer are likely really more like 141K.  The good pictures of the under carriage also support the assertion this B spent most of its life in the dry Colorado climate. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1973 MGB Roadster. Always cared for, and impossible to believe the car is 47 years old.
ALWAYS garage kept, ex Colorado car. In PA since 1990.
Photographs taken on 9/17/20.

Bring your magnet…NO BONDO/ABSOLUTELY NO RUST/PERFECT ROCKERS, SILLS, AND SUSPENSION MOUNTS.

Registered as an Antique in PA. Can be changed to regular plates for out of state purchase.
If bought in PA, the plates stay with the car. Longtime (40+year MGB club member) Twin SU carbs (new in last 2 years, ($1,200).
Receipts totaling $11,000 since 2006. Brakes, suspension, oil cooler, electric fuel pump, tuned sport dual exhaust system, New Delco Remy single battery 12V swapout, trickle charger (car never driven in winter). Rosport mag wheels, (including spare) new seat upholstery, No tears in carpets, seats, top or door panels. Starts first time every time. New $800.00 soft top. Many extras..(split tonneau cover, weatherproof full car cover, and boot, shop manual(s), tune up guides and assorted MG literature and books etc.)
ONLY reason to sell…I’m 6’4″ tall, and I simply cannot get in the car when the soft top is up, so it’s only been a summer car. (and even then, I am looking over the windshield!) Hate to put it up for the winter (again).
This is car for a driving enthusiast, with its’ sport suspension, twin carbs, and slick shifting 4 speed, It’s just a load of fun. And for an MG person it’s the last year for chrome bumpers.
Car is licensed insured, and driven regularly.
I have a clear Pennsylvania title for the car in my name. Odometer reads 40k miles, but I’m sure it’s turned over.
Car is in Roxborough (previous owner was a longtime SCCA member and car enthusiast from Reading).

CASH ONLY!…Please don’t waste our time (mine or yours) by asking if it’s still for sale.
If you’re reading this, it’s still here.

Please read the whole ad. It should answer most of your questions.
Serious about the car? Reach me through CL.
I will pull the ad the moment the car is sold.
No trades..(bikes, trailers, boats, property, race cars, etc)”

Do you have a Chrome Bumper MGB story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!