Cloth Covers: 1971 MG MGB MkII – Sold?

October 22, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Calling all MGB experts: The seller of this 1972 MGB restored approximately fifteen years ago reports their car is all original save for an “electronic ignition upgrade and a 12-volt battery.” However, one of our first observations is the tan cloth interior. We’ve never come across another ‘B with a similar interior so we’re hoping someone can confirm whether this is a nice upgrade overstock.  Regardless of the interior materials, the British Racing Green over tan is a classic color combination that photographs well.

Originally listed in September 2021 on Craigslist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for $12,000, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their MGB priced between this guide’s #23 “Good” estimate of $8,900 and its #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $16,800.  Similarly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $7,550 and its #2 “Very Good” appraisal of $12,200.

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.

The King Rose Archives YouTube Channel features this vintage British Leyland commercial pitching the MGB to U.S. consumers:

We love the color combination and the more comfortable cloth for top-down driving even though we currently assume that was not a factory available material.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1971 MGB Roadster British Racing Green, Tan interior, wire wheels (plus mounted spare wire wheel), original style chrome luggage rack, older body off restoration approximately 15 – 16 years ago – floor pans, rockers, door pillars, jack supports, solid body and frame, excellent condition, runs great, excellent mechanics (many parts have been replaced over the years), new leaf springs, new chrome bumpers, rebuilt front and rear shocks, radiator, hoses and belts, new electronic ignition, new battery (2019), professionally rebuilt HS4 carbs, new clutch, ignition coil, plugs, wires, new clutch master and slave cylinder, new rear brake shoes, wheel cylinders, parking brake boots, new tie rods and steering boots, new (AUG 2020) driver’s side king pin assembly, new (Aug 2020) front wheel bearings (both sides), very good tread on tires, garage kept, same owner 33+ yrs, antique plates, newer top with zip out rear window, New custom fitted waterproof dustproof cover. All original except an electronic ignition and a 12 volt battery. Cash sale only – NO TRADES. A beautiful fun car for the fall driving weather, best offer over $12,000.“

Factory or Upgrade: what do you think about the cloth seats in this MGB?  Comment below and let us know!