1980 MG MGB roadster, one-owner Oklahoma car with recent mechanical work, bid well under rubber-bumper driver sales

Why we picked it

Why we picked it: the seller says this Russet Brown roadster was sold new by Fretwell's British Leyland dealer in Oklahoma City, stayed with one owner, was always garaged and keeps its original paint. It sat from the late 1990s until recently. Then the carburetor, distributor, brake and clutch hydraulics, hoses, belts, heater valve and fuel system were serviced and new tires were fitted. It has a clean Oklahoma title and a dealer consignment.

The current $2,500 bid is far below what running rubber-bumper MGBs have brought this year. The auction ends October 23, and bids usually climb near the end. Even so, a car that has already had its hydraulics and fuel system sorted is a good base for a light restomod.

The value check

When we found it, the bid was $3,888. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $3,200–$8,000, so the middle of the market is about $5,600. That put this car 31% under.

Running 1975-80 MGB roadsters sold between $3,200 and $8,000 from January to October 2026 on BaT, Cars & Bids and Hagerty. Very low-mile cars brought more ($14,750).

Where the numbers come from:

• 1979 MGB, Lewes DE, BaT Oct 2026, $3,200
• 1979 MGB, Hagerty Jun 2026, $4,101
• 1980 MGB, Hagerty Jan 2026, $4,600
• 1979 MGB, Utica MI, BaT Sep 2026, $6,500
• 1977 MGB, Caldwell ID, BaT Oct 2026, $8,000

What to check

• Bids usually climb in the last day, so set a firm limit near recent sales (about $4,000 to $6,500)
• The listing says 5-speed manual, but 1980 US cars left the factory with a 4-speed. Ask whether a 5-speed conversion was fitted and get the details
• Check the sills, castle rails, front floor pans, battery boxes and the lower front fenders for rust
• The seller notes a bend in the trunk lid, dents, scratches and upholstery wear, and the listing is inconsistent on vinyl versus leather
• Mileage is listed as TMU (true mileage unknown)

Making it drive like new

Lower the car to chrome-bumper ride height with a lowering kit and a front anti-roll bar, add tube shocks and poly bushings, and swap the single Zenith-Stromberg for a Weber or twin SUs with a tidy exhaust. An electronic distributor, alternator upgrade, LED lighting and 3-point belts finish it off. If you want more power, the car has room for the well-documented Rover V8 swap.

How it ended

Bidding reached $5,800 but the car didn't sell (ended Oct 23, 2026). Unsold cars often get relisted, so it may turn up again.