1969 MG MGB Mk II Roadster

*Draft pending changes*
Who needs a Mazda Miata when you can have a classic MG Roadster? The MGB remains a popular choice for collectors due to inexpensive and readily available parts and simple mechanics and we have one at MotoeXotica Classic Cars.

Made in Abingdon, England, this example is one of 14,480 Mk II roadsters exported to North America in 1969.

Dressed in red with black racing stripes, this roadster has been slightly modified since it left Jolly Ol' England. On the outside, the convertible sports a front air dam with LED fog lights and modern headlights, some bodyside ground effect elements, a lip spoiler on the trunk lid, roll bars for the driver and passenger and a honkin' rear wing.

To meet US safety regulations for the 1968 model year, the MGB received dual circuit brakes. Nineteen sixty-nine also saw three windscreen wipers instead of two to sweep the required percentage of the glass for the US market, high seat backs with head restraints and side marker lamps.

This two-seater rolls on all-season radials, size 155/80R14 with black wire wheels at each corner. There're a spare tire and wheel in the car's trunk. All MGBs were fitted with 11-inch, solid (non-ventilated) disc brakes on the front with drum brakes on the rear. The front brake calipers were manufactured by Lockheed and used two pistons per caliper. The brake system on the MGB GT was the same as the roadster with the exception of slightly larger rear brake cylinders. A single-circuit hydraulic system was used before 1968 when dual-circuit (separate front and rear systems) were installed on all MGBs to comply with US regulations.

Under the hood is a 1.8L (B-series) four-cylinder engine. All MGBs from 1963 to 1974 used twin 1.5-inch SU carburetors. Backing the motor is a four-speed manual transmission. Changes during this time included new gearboxes with revised ratios and synchromesh on all four gears, a new rear axle and an alternator in place of the dynamo with a change to a negative earth system. The Mk II's new gearboxes required significantly altered floorpan sheet metal with a new, flat-topped transmission tunnel. MGB GTs first began using a tube-type rear axle in 1967.

The body was a pure two-seater; a small rear seat was a rare option at one point. The MGB offered better space use to passengers and luggage than the preceding MGA, despite being both three inches shorter in wheelbase and overall length and two inches lower. Growing in width by the same, gave the MGB a distinctly lower and squatter stance than its forebear. The suspension was softer, giving a smoother ride and the larger engine gave a slightly higher top speed. The four-speed gearbox was an uprated version of the one used in the MGA with an optional (electrically activated) overdrive transmission. Wheel diameter dropped from 15 to 14 inches.

The MGB initially had an extremely simple electrical system. Dash-mounted toggle switches controlled the lights, ventilation fan and wipers with only the direction indicators being mounted on a stalk on the steering column. The ignition switch was also mounted on the dash. Like the MGA, the MGB used two six-volt batteries wired in series to give a 12-volt positive earth configuration. The batteries were placed under a scuttle panel behind the seats making access difficult; the location gave excellent weight distribution and thus improved handling. The charging system used a Lucas dynamo.

Inside, the car's black vinyl interior is in overall great condition. The high-back bucket seats are prepared for a new adventure and the matching carpet is in similar shape. A three-spoke steering wheel faces the driver and is in front of a full set of gauges. A plastic and foam rubber covered “safety” dashboard, dubbed the “Abingdon pillow” echoes the condition of the rest of the interior. The shift lever falls to the driver's right hand easily. The inner door cards are in fine form and an aftermarket AM/FM stereo replace the original AM head unit.

The MGB was one of the first cars to feature controlled crumple zones designed to protect the driver and passenger in a 30-mph impact with an immovable barrier.

Competitors to this MG in 1969 included Datsun's 2000, Jaguar's E-Type Series II, Lotus' Élan, Mercedes-Benz's 280SL and Triumph's TR6.

If post-WWII roadsters are your thing, you owe it to yourself to visit MotoeXotica Classic Cars and check out this '69 MGB Roadster today before someone else takes it home.

VIN: GHN4U178790G

This car is currently located at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Current mileage on the odometer shows 70,001 miles. It is sold as is, where is, on a clean and clear, mileage exempt title. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!

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