1973 MGB - CLEAN, ORIGINAL ROADSTER READY TO GO ANYWHERE

1973 MGB Roadster

Next-to-last year of the classic

metal bumpers & grille

VIN: GHN5UD321683G

Remember how much you cared for your first real girlfriend back in junior high? When I was in the ninth grade, mine had the coolest Dad in the whole world! He worked as a regional British Leyland rep here in western Washington and they had an MG much like this car. He even let me drive it around the block several times alone – something my father wouldn’t EVER let a 14 year-old get away with! Over the years I’ve owned many vintage British roadsters and coupes. Truly, this is one of the nicest to come my way in a long, long time. We recently acquired it directly fromthe long-termowner.

If you’re in the market for a well-kept, vintage British touring car, possibly even a spring/summer/fall daily driver please give this very sharp MG your kind attention. You’re also welcome to contact me with questions or to discuss a sale before the end of the Ebay listing. My name is Mark Thompson and I can be reached at 206/914-1173


CONDITION:
The photos really help tell the car’s story. In the fall of 1973 it sold new here in Seattle and has been in our snow and road salt-free town ever since. In April of 1983a young ladytook possession and has owned the roadster for thepast 34 years before turning it over to us last month. I haveher original 1983 title to pass along. After the “B” rolled off the trailer at my shop our mechanic checked the rig over, changed the oiland did a compression test (it was even and high across all four cylinders). We did a complete tune-up andalso switched-outthe old distributor points and condenser for a trouble-free modern electronic ignition system. I thendrove the carabout 200 more milesbefore putting itaway in our warehouse to await the next caretaker.

Climb over, under and around this clean, vintage convertible and I know you’ll come up smiling! We’ve haven’t found evidence of any serious body rust or repair beneath the excellent reddish-burgandy paint, just a few below-the-surface bubbles in the lower right fender. It looks to have had a good quality respray to the factory color in the past and holds quite a shine. All four factory steel wheels are straight and true. They’re wrapped with Michelin XZX radials each with at least 95% remaining tread and even wear. Though each holds air just fine, they're quite old and I'd plan on replacing them for safety reasons. The spare is firmly mounted in the trunk and doesn't look to haveever seen the road. I’ll be sure to include the original boot cover and the factory bagged tools you see pictured. I perceive the brakes are fine and don’t seem to pull to either side under normal stopping pressure. All the glass is excellent.

Even when cold, pull out the manual choke just a fraction and with virtually one turn of the key the peppy 1800cc five main-bearing four fires right up with just a few pumps of the gas pedal. I believe 1973 was the last for the venerable dual SU carburetor setup. These were far superior (and safer) than the leaky, fire-starting single Stromberg units British Leyland switched to for the final years of the MGB’s production run from 1974 through 1980. The four speed manual transmission shifts well though I find it best to double-clutch into third as the syncros on that gear seem a bit weak. The clutch system itself is fine with no slippage.

I’m impressed with the condition of the dash gauges. They’re still just about as clear and bright as the day this rig left the Abingdon-on-Thames plant back in June, 1973 heading for our Northwest District Sales area. Both the factory original seats are very decent as pictured and don’t appear to have any broken base webbing as is often found. No wear-through spots, seam rips or puncture holes either. The dash, both front and top has no cracks. I’m not much of a radio listener – probably a good thing - as the 90’s vintage Toyota cassettemodel doesn’t come on. The MG-logo rubber mats are in great shape as is the convertible soft top. There is a one-inch tear needing a small iron-on interior patch near the right triangular quarter window. A single 12 volt battery is mounted in the compartment behind the passenger. It has been kept on the trickle charger to maintain it’s health during storage.

BID WITH CONFIDENCE and know that you are purchasing a nice vehicle from a respected Ebay Seller. My main goal is be sure you’re happy with your purchase - and your dealings with me! Overall, about the only thing I’ve come across that one might still want sorted is the warped fiberboard passenger door card. A new set is inexpensive and would complete the look of an almost new interior!

Because of the amount of money involved in buying a vehicle, I require Ebay members with a feedback history of five or fewer transactions call or email before placing a bid. If I don’t have this initial contact, your bids may be cancelled. The phone number to talk directly to me, as outlined above, is 206/914-1173. Please feel free to call any time during the auction. My name is MARK THOMPSON.

A Few Additional Terms and Conditions:

Please check the photos over closely and call with any questions BEFORE you place a bid! You’re encouraged to inspect the MGB, so make an appointment or send your representative early to be sure you don't miss this one. We reserve the right to cancel your bid if you have any negative feedback. DEALERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME TO BID AS WELL! A nonrefundable $500 deposit is due within 48 hours of the auction’s end. The entire balance needs to be paid by cash (in person only) or certified funds within seven days unless prior arrangements have been made with me. Please remember you are bidding to buy and I fully expect the winning bidder to fulfill their Ebay contract! You’re not bidding to hold, inspect or then come test-drive the car later as you’re more than welcome to do so before the auction ends. I’ll be forwarding the buyer a free and clear Washington State Title. There are NO brands for things like salvage history, rebuilt title, theft recovery, flood damage or any other nasty negatives to cause you concern!

I ship vehicles regularly and suggest that you get a transport bid from the service many of our buyer’s have used (and that Ebay endorses): Dependable Auto Shippers (DAS). Call them toll-free at (888) 817-6203. Give the sales rep my affiliate number (2362642) so they can pull up all of my location info for an accurate quote.

For our west coast bidders, we have a great transporter that’s regularly delivered our vehicles to folks in southern Washington, Oregon and California at very reasonable rates

Finally, you might also try the U-Ship.com website. Transporters will bid delivery of the MG and you'll be able to choose who you want to use. The zip code for pick-up would be 98002 (Auburn, Washington) to get an instant on-line quote. The shipping of the vehicle and company chosen are the responsibility of the BUYER. Thecar can be stored free of charge at my warehouse for up to two weeks after the auction ends assuming full payment has been received. I’ll begin charging storage at $20 per day thereafter.