Better Balance: 1972 MG MGB V6 Swap – SOLD!

April 14, 2023, 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.

April 1, 2023 Update – Following a three-month pause after the expiration of their original listing, the seller of this V6-powered MGB posted a fresh Craigslist ad. While the pictures and description carry over from the original ad, the seller lowered their asking price from the original $19,750 to $18,000.

December 17, 2022, Update – We confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found, we’re assuming this ride is “Sold?” Until we come across a replacement listing,

With few exceptions, MGBs are still a relative bargain in the collector car world, with fine examples often attainable for less than $15,000.  We’d argue that beyond the typical Lucas-electric quirks in these cars, the anemic inline-four likely keeps many enthusiasts away.  While we’ve featured several V8-swapped MGBs over the years, that seemed like overkill that likely negatively affected the MGB’s decent handling.

A much better solution in our mind is this V6-powered 1972 MGB we spotted for sale in November 2022 on Craigslist in Santa Barbara, California. The swap features a GM 4.3 Liter 60-degree V6 mated to a Tremec five-speed manual transmission.  Not only does the engine bay look like it came from the factory equipped with a narrow-angle V6, but we also suspect the handling will be on par with a stock MGB.

Last offered for $18,000 (the original ask was $19,750), Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is above the one-year rolling average of this guide’s summary for similar 1972 MGBs.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you evaluate the price of the MGB featured here:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #2 Very Good” estimate of $12,200 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $19,000.

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 JustAnother300 YouTube Channel features this video giving the perspective of what it’s like to drive a 1972 MGB:

This 1972 MGB appears to be a nicely sorted example with a like-new interior and a much more powerful V6/5-Speed powertrain.

Here’s the seller’s detailed description:

Blasphemy or Brilliance: What say you about the GM 4.3L V6 swap in this 1972 MGB for sale?  Please comment below and let us know!