QuestionHi Howard, I have the chance to purchase a 1973 MGB convertible in very good condition, asking price $4500.
I rode in it only once but it started and ran quite well. Are there any general concerns or things I should check specifically about a 1973 MGB? Any information or advice you could provide would be appreciated. Thanks!
AnswerHi Rich,
Keep in mind that you are considering purchasing a 36 year old car in "good condition" as you call it. If you have never owned a British car you need to know that it is a high maintenance car. I started working on MGs in 1960 professionally and even though I am now retired I still keep a shop and work on my own MGs as a hobby. If you are purchasing this as your only car, you should reconsider. If you are purchasing this as a second or as a hobby / sports car and want to do your own maintenance it can be something great for you. As far as looking at anything in particular other than rust along the rocker panels and lower fenders you should either run a few simple tests that should be done on any used car of any age.
Like a compression test to confirm the combustion chamber and an oil pressure test to confirm the crank and bearings, a radiator pressure test to confirm the cooling system. A driving test of the clutch and gearbox and a physical inspection of the brake disk and pads on the front and fluid levels of the engine, transmission and differential.
Also a visual inspection of the steering, suspension and "U" joints.
This should all be done by a British car specialist and at your expense. It would be a small investment in the safety of you $4500. investment. Unless you receive a written warranty all private sales in the US are "AS IS" as far as I know.
The MG is a unique car as there are more mail order parts houses in the US that specialize in MG parts then there were in 1980 when the last MGB was made. You can even buy a whole body today. Also, there is a MG car club in almost every major city in the US today.
If you love a car for it's handling and looks and don't mind it marking it's territory and needing to be worked on, you will love an MG. If you don't like tinkering on a car and don't want spots on your driveway, you need to forget an MG and purchase a Japanese tan minivan.
Howard
