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Vehicle Description
Up for auction is a very nice, very clean, very wonderful MGB-GT. I bought this little thing in a barely running state, and have poured a lot of energy and repairs into it in the last year and a half. But alas, I am moving to NYC, and it seems a waste to store it for some unknown period of time and start from scratch--I'd rather it be on the road after all this work!!
It's in great shape, not cosmetically restored yet but still good lookin'. Since it's last visit to the shop in late April it's running like a dream. The body is nice and straight and it handles very well, it's a real pleasure to drive.
I am unsure of it's origins; the previous owner was an amusingly shady character who had lost the title, so I had it titled through a service. It now has a clear transferable Texas title, Texas plates, and Texas inspection. Because of the unknown history I cannot verify the mileage, since the odometer could have flipped.
It is in fine mechanical condition at present, it's only flaws being comfort related (see below). I have had the following work done/parts replaced in my ownership, all by a professional shop here in town that specializes in MG's, and I have all reciepts:
--cooling system hoses and clamps replaced
-- replace wiper motor and blades
--contacts and connections for most electrical (lights horn etc) cleaned/replaced
--new battery and cables
--good condition used seats and rails and belt system installed
--front wheel bearings repacked and seals replaced
--accelerator and choke cable replaced, hood release cable serviced
--replace fuel filter and hoses
--new rear rebound straps and leaf spring mounting pads
--new brake lines
--new front sway bar mount bushings
--replace front engine plate and timing cover seals and gaskets
--new engine mounts
--new ac idler bearing
--carb cleaned and overhauled with new gaskets, seals, pumps, and diaphragms
--new oil hoses
--new rebuilt alternator and starter, and new ignition switch
--replace inner right tie-rod
--new water pump and upper radiator hose
--new ignition rotor and spark plugs
--valves adjusted and new valve cover gaskets
--muffler hanger replaced, new battery cover
--replaced exhaust manifold and gasket
--replaced engine side cover seals and gaskets
It's cosmetic condition is quite good, it has not had any restoration but is passable even at a few feet away. The paint has some bubbles and cracks, but no really big problem areas (I've included a photo of the two worst spot) and no dents. There are minor dings in the chrome bumpers, and a gouge in the rubber of one rear bumper pad. The wheels are probably it's least attractive feature--if I were keeping it, my first cosmetic project would be spending a weekend sanding sealing and refinishing the the wheels. Tires are in decent condition and there is a spare. Seals around windshield and rear window are fine; around doors and side windows should be replaced but they do not leak (there was one exception to this, in a driving sideways rain, but I have not seen it leak otherwise) and there is no musty mildew-y odor in the car. The interior is in good shape as well: there is a small tear in the driver's seat upholstry (pictured), and a tear on the backside of the rear seat. There is chip in the dash, and two cracked indicator light covers, and the overhead light cover is cracked. The most obvious flaw is the missing radio--I wanted to replace it with an original or good replica, but never got around to it. Door upholstery, carpet, headliner, etc, have no tears, though in the stowage area the side upholstery board has broken away from it's clips and looks not so pretty when the hatch is open.
As for it's mechanical flaws, as noted above they are strictly comfort based. There is an a/c, which the former owner said works if refilled with freon, but I didn't feel good about adding freon to a car with a leak--bad for the environment and all--and a/c is way down on my list of important things to fix. The driver’s side window crank does not work, but the window goes up and down easily by hand, and does not slip down. The rear springs are poor, so bumps and potholes have to be approached with care if you don't want a jolt. Also as noted above, there is no stereo.
The work I've put into it well exceeds my reserve price, but as noted I would rather see that work in use on the road rather than wasting away in a garage. I will store it rather than take too big of a loss, but I hope to find it a good home instead! This is a great car, and has a lot of potential for restoration while still being a daily driver. All that being said, please, PLEASE, be aware that you are bidding on a 35 year old car, and a British Leyland at that!! It can and likely will have issues from time to time. Chances are if you’re bidding on this car you are aware of that, but just please keep it in mind! Also, please don’t hesitate to contact me with ANY questions you might have about the car, or anything you might notice in photos. I have listed every flaw that I’ve noticed or can think of, but I see the car every day so may fail to notice a certain scratch, or some operational point that I pay no attention to may be important to you! I am happy to answer all questions as best I can, or check with my mechanic for additional information.
Side note: it also comes with an owners guide and shop manual…
$500 deposit is due within 48 hours, cash or Paypal. Buyer is responsible for pickup/shipping. I will consider driving it to you within a reasonable distance for a fee, please contact me if you would like to discuss.
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