32 year ownership
Very well maintained
Extremely clean body
The 1979 MGB LE Roadster is a quintessential example of British motoring heritage. As a member of the MGB family, which was produced by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and later British Leyland, this particular model holds a special place in automotive history. The “LE” stands for “Limited Edition,” and the 1979 version was one of the last in the MGB series. A total of 6400 MGB-LEs were produced.
This car was purchased by its current owner in 1994 and has been fastidiously cared for ever since. The car was originally from Arizona and as with most dry western cars, it was completely rust free.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, this car is powered by a 1.8-liter inline-four engine. This engine, known for its reliability and smooth performance, produces around 95 horsepower. While this may seem modest by today’s standards, it provided ample power for a lightweight sports car. The engine is paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The engine runs exceptionally well and has received the following services between 2017 and 2024:
New Starter
New Alternator
New Electronic ignition distributor
New Spark plugs and wires
New Fuel pump
Oil and filter change (Valvoline VR1)
Reconditioned original LE wheels
New Wheel lugs
LED exterior light bulbs
New interior door panels
Body and Paint
Having its first owner residing in the arid AZ climate, the car has always been rust free. It wore its original paint until receiving a fresh coat of the factory Black in 2018. Today it continues to carry all of its original body panels and they remain in beautiful condition. The paint finish is excellent and the exterior embellishments also present respectably.
Interior and Comfort
The interior of the MGB-LE Roadster is a blend of simplicity and functionality. The cabin features comfortable bucket seats upholstered with a southwestern style soft cloth insert with a vinyl surround. It features a classic padded steering wheel, and traditional analog instrumentation. New door panels have been recently installed.
Additional Items Included
Wind deflector with storage bag
Tonneau cover
Tonneau cover support bars in original bag
Top boot cover
Original jack
Maintenance and Ownership
The current owner purchased this car in June of 1994 and since then he has added 43,000 fun filled miles to the odometer. This is a car that was truly used as intended. He maintained it properly throughout his ownership and regularly performed both preventive as well as needed maintenance. He carefully curated various select MGs for his collection. These included MGA 1600, MGA Twin Cam, MGB-GT, MG TF and the MGB-LE you see offered here.
Conclusion
This 1979 MGB LE Roadster is more than just a car; it is a symbol of British automotive excellence and a testament to the enduring appeal of classic sports cars. Its combination of classic British design, engaging performance, and limited edition status ensures that it will remain a beloved icon for generations to come. For those fortunate enough to own one, the MGB LE Roadster offers a unique and timeless driving experience.
