1974 MG MGBThe year 1974 was a crucial one in MGB history, as it was the year when the world's most beloved British sports car underwent the most radical changes in its 18-year...
1974 MG MGB
The year 1974 was a crucial one in MGB history, as it was the year when the world's most beloved British sports car underwent the most radical changes in its 18-year lifespan. The earliest 1974 models, built in the fall of calendar year 1973, retained the small chrome bumper overriders with slender rubber tips used since 1970. The U.S.-market MGBs built in January 1974 received updated large rubber block overriders, complying with our then-new NHTSA regulations. These overriders, seen on the MGB tourers and MGB/GTs in this brochure, were nicknamed “Sabrinas” by the Brits, following the theme of 1950s Cadillacs having “Dagmars.” (You get the drift.)
Gracing our halls here at Classic Auto Mall a bloody fine example of the 1974 MGB roadster. Appearing with new paint, interior, top, fuel pump, gas tank, and tires and brakes this car runs fab, and is looking for a good home.
Exterior
British racing green (in a bit lighter shade than the original) adorns this sports car. Pre black rubber bumpers, the clean lines, simple grille and chrome (as they should be) bumpers are on front and rear, and looking very nice. Gaps are very consistent on side steel panels, and the car is rust free on all body parts. Nice chrome trimmings for window surrounds, mirrors, and handles. Paint is good, however there are areas of orange peel, and over spray dulling some of the original shine. Black rally wheels with chromed wheel nuts and am MG badged center show through to a green backer on all 4 corners. These wheels have a trim ring and are wrapped in Falken radials. On top is a like new canvas convertible top which has a clear plastic rear window and manually moves up and down easily.
Interior
A mixture of dark tan vinyl, and some black come together to make the interior presentation. 2 buckets in low back form are flanking a center hump which houses the gear shift lever and a storage compartment. As it rises to the dash, an angled panel has a few warning lights, a new toggle and an aftermarket AM/FM/CD player. Smith's gauges with clean chromed bezels are imbedded into a padded black smooth vinyl dash, along with more toggles and knobs. Gold carpeting slightly faded and mostly clean floods the floors. Behind the buckets is a small storage area awaiting your picnic basket Boo Boo.
A shout to the trunk with a new black shiny liner and dual speakers mounted on the front panel blasting into the passenger compartment.
Drivetrain
A pop of the bonnet and we see the unrestored engine bay showing patina and some dirt buildup. This Austin 4 banger is in 1798cc form and is fed by dual side draft SU carburetors. A 4-speed manual transmission is on back, and power goes to the rear wheels.
Undercarriage
Underneath a little bit of surface rust is noted, but the car remains definitely structurally strong. Rockers have minimal rust, as does some of the suspension parts. Speaking of which, the front offers up independent suspension with coil springs and rack and pinion steering, and on the back are leaf springs. Drum brakes are also on back with disc brakes upfront.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and nice driver, it went through the gears smoothly, and accelerated nicely being fed by those twin SU's A bit tight for this writer, but it was an overall smashing experience, (well, not that way, but in the British way!)
Some new parts, no rust, and a lighter shade of the Racing green, nice interior and you are ready to drop the top and go for a tour through the countryside. A nifty little example with chrome bumpers, and a sporty engine.