*PLEASE NOTE: FOLLOWING THE INFORMATION BELOW ARE OVER 50 ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
1973 MGB ROADSTER
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CAR
CAR NUMBER: GHN5UD322780G
ENGINE NUMBER: 18V672Z-L1769
TRANSMISSION: Factory 4-speed with Overdrive
COLOR: Brooklands Green
FACTORY OPTIONS: Wire Wheels, Top Cover, Radial-ply Tires, Overdrive
GET THE BEST, AND FORGET THE REST
In school, when team captains choose up sides out on the ball field, were you ever chosen last? On the other hand, have you ever hit the ball over everyone's head to make that home run perhaps no one expected, but you never forgot?
Whether you're making up for being chosen last, or selecting something very special in memory of that home run experience … or maybe both … it really doesn't matter. There's something quite wonderful about deciding that right here, right now, you can get one of the best. Not for the purpose of looking down on others for having less, but because that choice becomes a part of you, much like our memories do. For your consideration, is the following automotive work of art which, in my opinion, stands head and shoulders above many others.
ORIGINAL BLUE AND GOLD PLATE CALIFORNIA CAR
As you may know, California blue and gold license plates are PROOF POSITIVE that this gorgeous classic has always been a California car. Every new California car in 1973 received a license plate such as this one. Today, you can NOT locate a set of blue and gold plates, say at a classic car swap meet, and legally put them on your car no matter WHAT year your car is. The California Department of Motor Vehicles won't let you do that, so if the license plates are on the automobile, and those plate numbers are on the title (as is the case with this MGB), they're ORIGINAL.
HISTORY
I discovered this little gem in San Diego, California. A friend told me about the car, so it never had a chance to hit the market before I was over at the owner's home inspecting this classic from top to bottom. I was amazed. It was, and remains one of the most pristine, original Mgs I have ever seen. It obviously has always been loved and cared for.
COSMETICS
When you get a chance, look down the sides of the car in some of the photographs that follow. In them you will see a car that is AS STRAIGHT AS AN ARROW. Also, the jackmounts are solid, the boot is bone dry, the factory original floor are as photographed, the wheel wells are free of cancerous rust, and the doglegs are pristine.
All chrome, insignias, lenses, side strips, rubber, paint, correct door mirrors and more are in very good to as-new condition. Includes 4 matching, near-new 185/70R14 radials, mounted and balanced on beautiful chrome wire wheels with chrome knock-offs.
THE INTERIOR, in my opinion, looks as good in person as it does in the photographs. All carpets, correct seats, sun visors, door panels, kick panels, gearshift boot, rear-view mirror, window winders, door and vent openers, steering column surround, correct steering wheel and horn button, control knobs, glove box and interior, seat belts, and more are in very good to superbly excellent original condition. The driver door rubber should be trimmed a bit so the door will be absolutely flush, and up to the superb standards of the rest of the shut lines. The top is as new.
MECHANICS
But the best is yet to come! The engine starts right up, runs cool and strong, does not smoke, has EXCELLENT oil pressure, and does everything these trustworthy little power plants have been doing so well for so many years. No smog check needed, thank you very much! Includes correct twin SU carburetors, air cleaners, and correct external oil cooler.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this MGB, for many years, has been under the care of my long-time friend and San Diego British car specialist, Dennis Tolle. As Dennis told me, he started his career at the tender age of 14, training as a mechanic in England. Specializing in MGs, he has spent most of his professional life in San Diego, only recently retired.
Some recent work includes a safety inspection, new limit straps, lower and upper radiator hoses, lower and upper bushings, choke cable, headlight switch, hazard switch, right and left front wheel splines, and work done with a bearing kit, shim kit, and fulcrum pin kit. Also includes a new muffler and exhaust.
The clutch is solid, the brakes and emergency brake work well, the steering responsive, suspension tight, and the car is a joy on the open road. The transmission shifts nicely and the desirable overdrive is superb. Dennis has done some additional work, including making sure that all fluids are fresh and full, so all you have to do is get in, turn on the key, and take off down the road!
WHAT WORKS? Among other things, correct Smiths gauges including gas, oil pressure, speedometer, odometer and tachometer, choke, headlights, including high and low beams, headlight switch, tail lights, including brake lights, front and back side lights, front running lights, turn signals, including switch and front/back flashers, hazard lights, including switch, dash arrow flashers and exterior flashers, interior courtesy light, fan, windshield wipers, interior door openers and window winders, locking vents, forward and back seat bottom adjustments, seat back adjustments, trunk lock, exterior door locks, glove box lock, and more. A trunk courtesy light, and a working dash brake warning light could be located and installed. Currently the horn, back up lights, and cigarette lighter are not working. The Smiths heat gauge has been supplemented by another working gauge, mounted on the center console near the glove box. The heater has not been tested.
The above is based on my personal observation, and is not a professional inspection or warranty, nor is it an exhaustive analysis of what is correct or not correct for this year automobile. You can expect that some things may not work up to your mechanics standards, and that he/she will most likely find work that he would like to do.
INCLUDED
Includes a matching chrome wire wheel spare with new tire, correct spare tie down, factory jack, correct dealer option luggage rack, top cover, front license plate, original owners handbook, plaid lap robe, MG floor mats in excellent condition, a steering wheel lock/anti-theft device (photographed) called The Club, one original ignition key with MG leather key fob, two exterior door keys and two glove box keys, also original, and a quality, near-new custom car cover by California Car Covers, a dealer brochure that reads, in part:
“After the first hundred miles or so in an MGB, you'll start to get the feeling.
That singular feeling that the machine is part of you, and you are part of it.
The first hint will come as you head into a curve an automatically execute a crisp downshift … and on the expressway you'll enjoy a sense of flexibility and control almost forgotten in this age of automatics.
When the first MG-TC arrived on these shores 25 years ago, the land was filled with sedans, coupes and “converts.” Aunt Mildred couldn't wait for a Hydra-matic. No wonder the very sight of an MG stirred enough Americans to establish a new national pastime: sports motoring. MG … The sports car America first loved.”
Also includes good California title and current registration in my name. CALIFORNIA BLACK AND GOLD LICENSE PLATES RECENTLY ORDERED from the Department of Motor Vehicles that read "73 MGB". These will be included with the sale of the car. Bill of Sale will include “This car sold as is, with no guarantees or warranties expressed or implied. “
PAYMENT TERMS: $1,000. deposit via paypal or bank wire transfer on or before 48 hours from the close of auction. Balance due on or before 7 days from close of auction via cash (in person) via bank wire transfer of funds. Nothing personal, but non-paying buyers will be reported to eBay.
Any questions? Feel free to email or call me at (909) 838-9160.
All the eBest,
Craig Kendall