Inviting Interior: 1975 MG MGB – SOLD!

March 11, 2022, Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “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.

With the prices of first-generation Miatas rising, it’s refreshing to see you can still find a driver-quality MGB you can enjoy for under five large.  The current caretaker of this 1975 MGB originally listed in March 2022 on Craigslist in East Falmouth, Massachusetts (Boston) indicates the interior and tires are new. The fender-mounted rearview mirrors are a back-dated touch that is itching for the next caretaker to compliment the look with chrome wire-spoke wheels and bumpers.

Currently offered for $3,000, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their MGB priced two hundred dollars less than this guide’s #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $3,200 Similarly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask is fifty dollars less than this guide’s #4 “Fair” estimate of $3,050.

MG originally introduced its MGB for the 1962 model year.  Twelve years later, to meet impact regulations, 1974 US models had the chrome bumper over-riders replaced with oversized urethane ones, nicknamed “Sabrinas” after the British actress Sabrina (the U.K.’s equivalent of Dagmar). In the second half of 1974, the chrome bumpers were replaced altogether. A new, steel-reinforced black urethane bumper at the front incorporated the grille area as well, giving a major restyling to the B’s nose, and a matching rear bumper completed the change.  Despite being made of urethane, the dull black appearance also quickly had these editions being called the “Rubber Bumper” era MGs.

New U.S. headlight height regulations also meant that the headlamps were too low. Rather than redesign the front of the car, British Leyland raised the car’s suspension by 1-inch (25 mm). This, in combination with the new, far heavier bumpers, resulted in significantly poorer handling. For the 1975 model year only, MG deleted the front anti-roll bar as a cost-saving measure (though still available as an option). The damage done by the British Leyland response to US legislation was partially alleviated by revisions to the suspension geometry in 1977 when a rear anti-roll bar was made standard equipment on all models. US emissions regulations also reduced horsepower.

The Simon Roffey YouTube Channel features this U.S. 1975 MGB TV commercial:

We like the seller’s assertion you can either “fix it up or drive as is.”  With spring just around the corner and a new interior already in place, we would add in a new stereo, enjoy the car now while we plan for a backdate and repaint over next winter. 

Here’s the seller’s brief description:

“75 MGB great summer car very fun runs good new interior new tires fix it up or drive as is.

Do you have an MGB story to share?  If so, Comment below and let us know!