1979 MG MGB

Car did not exist. When I contacted the seller to arrange pickup I got no response. Typical scam where seller relies on distance from listng location to cheat buyers. I live in Phila and he refused to give me a location where I could see and drive the vehicle.

I've been in love with the Vintage British Convertibles since I was a kid. I had forgotten about it---until I began looking for a 'fun' car to substitute for the excessive miles I was putting on my lone vehicle--a Chevy Silverado. I remembered the simplicity & individuality of the vehicles of the 60's & 70's--& realized that was for me. I was a good mechanic in the era before all this smog junk. I still am, but it takes me a little longer to diagnose & repair the newer vehicles.
MGB's have used a 1798cc engine(coupled with a 4-speed manual transmission) since 1962. Many of the parts--body & mechanical--fit several years of these wonderful cars. In addition there are aftermarket parts(& several suppliers) for probably 90% of the components. An overdrive transmission was available---but it is fairly rare option on these cars. There is even a supercharger that can be purchased from an aftermarket parts supplier. Also there is a 5-speed conversion available.
I realized I wanted my MGB to be a bright color. Not only is it more noticeable to the admirers-but I felt this would also be somewhat of a safety factor on the road.
If you are contemplating the purchase of one of these wonderful old cars---please bear in mind the last of these were produced in 1980. Your first concern will be the amount of rust. It is pretty-much a certainty any car (especially those in cold climates)will have some rust. You mission--should you decide to accept it--is to find a car in your price range with as little rust as possible. There are patch panels available from the aftermarket suppliers (Moss Motors , Victoria British, The Roadster Factory, etc.) DON'T make the mistake of trying to restore a 'rust bucket'.
Comfort:I had first thought I was too big to fit into one of these(I'm 6', big frame & over 200 pounds)--but I was surprised to find my first trial in the driver's seat of one of these to be surprisingly comfortable. You will find your companion to be quite close by--but there is a console between you. Actually the closeness makes for good conversation. Foot room is good--& the seats have an adjustment range of about 5 inches. If you've been spoiled by all the convenieces of your modern vehicle--such as cup holders--forget it. There aren't any. Nor cruise control. If the original radio is still there--it is probably an AM--so plan on installing one that is more to your liking.
Fuel economy. I would estimate the fuel use to be about 22 miles per gallon---although there are others who will tell you it is closer to 30. Keep in mind these are carbureted cars. These later ones had a single---whereas the earlier ones(prior to 1974 1/2)had twin carbs.
The 1798cc engine delivers adequate power. These are not race cars. I can get on the ramp to the interstate highway--& reach 55mph by the time I get to the top of the ramp. Top speed is probably 80--maybe a few more. MG did make a 6-cylinder version known as the MGC--for those who want more power--but these are somewhat rare. There are other ways to get the most out of the engine--such as adding an electonic ignition. These later cars come standard with electronic ignition.
The bottom line is that these cars are sporty, easy to work on, & the parts are easily procurred. It will be up to you to decide if your particular choice is 'Fun.' I love mine & seldom do I go anywhere that I don't receive a compliment or a friendly wave.---Robert McElroy

I love the car. It had great mileage, very little rust, and the owner who sold it to me was a gem. I also got lucky because for the price I got a very strong MGB (engine wise). Yes, it needs some work as all older cars do but its in mint condition and everyone who sees it loves it and tells me I got a great deal. Mind you this may not be the norm for classic cars but I am glad to this time around I was lucky to buy a good car on ebay. I have purchased a truck on ebay about a year and half ago that was not in good condition and it took a lot more work to get it going but I have to say that after a couple of trips to the mechanic, that truck has become extremely powerful. Again, Ebay is a great place to get find cars but you dont get to see all of the cars before bidding which makes it difficult to determine the condition. I wish there was a way to get a window of opportunity after the winning bid to see the car and back out if the car is not in decent condition but for now...I am just happy I got a great little MGB to keep me smiling.

My search on E-Bay was for a specific part for a 1979 MGB. I found it and proceeded to bid on it. I was the only bidder for this part but suddenly there appeared a 'mystery' bidder and the price went from $20 to $100 overnight. Not being able to afford that price, and luckily finding the original part in the car's trunk, (recently purchased car to begin restoration), I pulled my bid without any difficulty. Miraculously, the price immediately fell back to the $20 level! Obviously I was bidding against the seller who was driving the price up. My main complaint with E-Bay is this is not the first time this situation has occurred. This 'Service' is nothing but an organized scam, and has confirmed my intention to stay away from getting hosed on E-Bay. Complete anonymity for the sellers also encourages disreputable business practices as there are no checks and balances in the system. It is a total 'crap shoot' for unsuspecting buyers. I realize with millions of transactions, buyers and sellers at any one time, it is impossible for E-Bay to monitor activity in real-time, and sellers are aware of this as well. Face-to-face is still the way to go. This is a good way to find an item, but without an ability to meet and actually negotiate with real people, you are completely at the mercy of the seller, with no assurance of integrity. Respectfully, Ben Simpson. Blowing Rock, NC