Perfect Project – 1972 MG MGB – Sold?

March 4, 2022, 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.

January 30, 2022 Update – The private seller of this ’72 MGB just replaced their expiring original ad with a fresh listing.  The pictures, description, and lowered asking price of $5,500 from two weeks prior all remain the same.

January 12, 2022 Update – We just confirmed the private seller lowered their asking price from $6,000 to $5,500.

If you’re looking for a project car to keep you busy over the next several winter months, this 1972 MGB MkIII Roadster project originally listed in January 2022 on Craigslist in Monroe, North Carolina (Charlotte) appears to be a complete and solid candidate offered that comes with a number of spare parts.

Currently offered for $5,500 (the original ask was $6,000), comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their MGB priced between this guide’s #4 “Fair” estimate of $4,000 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $9,300.  Similarly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #4 “Fair” estimate of $3,950 and its #3 “good” appraisal of $7,550.

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.

Despite one other mechanical update for U.S.-bound MGBs in 1968 (known as MkII’s), MG engineers gave the ‘B  its first styling update for the 1970 model year. The MkIII MGB featured nearly two dozen detail differences when compared to its predecessor. For starters, the chrome-barred grille was abandoned for a recessed one, the back bumper was divided and the overriders received rubber inserts. New red and amber combination taillights replaced the previous all-red units. A smaller, three-spoke, leather-covered steering wheel debuted with stalks for the horn and optional overdrive, along with reclining seats.

1970 was the last year for the roadster’s non-folding top frame, which had to be dismantled and put in the trunk, though some cars do have collapsible frames. 1970 also marked the introduction of a clumsy mirror arrangement where the driver’s door had one mirror (which often caused the door to crack, while the other mirror was halfway along the passenger fender, such as might be seen on a right-hand drive car. The 1972 MGB was the last year of the recessed grill, and the MGB received a new center console with an armrest. Engineers added fresh air vents to the dashboard combined with a new heater. 1972 was the highest production year for the MGB with just under 40K units built that year.

The Hagerty Insurance YouTube Channel provides this MGB Buyer’s Guide on what to look for when considering one of these class British sports cars:

North Carolina is one of the tougher states to get a car title for an older vintage car, so the fact the seller mentions he completed the due diligence on this for one on this car speaks volumes. Far from perfect and appearing to have been color changed from white to red at some point, this running 1972 MGB MkIII may need to be towed home, but it seems to have the bones and spare parts to make for a successful winter project.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1972 MG MGB all original convertible coupe in red. The car runs and drives well. The car has very little rust and was undercoated with bar chain oil to protect it. The car was barn kept by the previous owner and garage kept by me. The car has 77k original miles and is a real treat to drive. This car is a perfect project car for anyone as it is clean, has a great body, and is already running.

The car was intended to be a project car however life had other plans and I no longer have the time to work on it. The car is titled which is rare for imports from this time. I went through all the channels in the DMV and it was undoubtedly the hardest part of the project.

New installed parts:
* Gas Tank
* Fuel Pump
* Rear suspension (leaf springs)
* Rebuilt Carbonators

Comes with:
* Four new tires
* Oil and filter
* Assorted rubber pieces

*** The vehicle is not insured or registered and is not road-ready at this time. A trailer is needed if the vehicle is purchased. It does fit on the full-size car carrier that U-Haul offers.
*** The canvas top is torn and unsalvageable. I do have it and all the mechanical pieces to be used to fit a new one.“

Restore or drive As-Is: what would you do with this 1972 MGB project?  Comment below and let us know!