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MG

MG - MGB (1981)

Ever wondered what is a 1981 MG MGB worth and how it fared against its contemporaries? The MG MGB, the iconic 2‑door sports coupe that arrived in 1972, had its last production run in 1981. Its clean lines, box‑rim wheels, and spring‑fed suspension still attract enthusiasts today. In this deep dive we unpack the MG MGB price landscape, from original launch values to the late‑’80s retail cost, and look at how the used MG MGB price has evolved across decades, with particular focus on the 1981 model year.

When the 1981 MG MGB hit the showroom, it was priced in the UK at approximately £1,460 for the base 130 bhp model, a significant drop from the 1978 launch price of £3,470. The 1981 pricing reflected both a shift in consumer taste and a tighter Ford Group budget. Though the numbers feel low by modern standards, this price was competitive against rivals like the Triumph TR8 (c. £1,660) and the radial‑tyred Aston Martin DBS (c. £4,000). For potential buyers today, the MG MGB 1981 price is a useful benchmark for estimating intrinsic value and market positioning.

  • Engine: 1.6 L (1,568 cc) four‑cylinder side‑by‑side, 130 bhp at 6,250 rpm
  • Transmission: 4‑speed manual (or optional 3‑speed automatic in export markets)
  • Fuel Type: Petrol, 80 octane
  • Dimensions (L×W×H): 4,062 mm × 1,660 mm × 1,410 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2,316 mm
  • Weight: 1,104 kg (tuned‑in)
  • Top Speed: 210 km/h (130 mph)
  • 0‑100 km/h: 7.2 s
  • Braking: 12‑inch braking on all four wheels, front disc with rear drum
  • Suspension: Live front axle with coil springs, live rear axle with leaf springs and adjustable shock absorbers
  • Bulky Box‑Rim Wheels: 14‑inch, radial‑tyre compatible, most popular size for reproduction modifications

When it comes to assessing MG MGB depreciation, the historical evidence is clear—like almost all high‑performance 2‑dia sports cars, it lost value quickly. Most sources agree that the 1981 MG MGB typically loses 15‑20% of its market value in the first year of ownership, then about 10‑12% per year thereafter until it reaches a residual value plateau around 10–12 % for cars over 20 years old. The depreciation curve is steeper for models that have suffered from exposure to corrosive road salt or improper maintenance, yet the MG’s sturdy chassis and common components help preserve its age‑adjusted worth.

Your used MG MGB price today will reflect the condition of the vehicle as well. Restored examples with original parts (especially the 1.6 L engine, 4‑speed gearbox, and original speedometer) will fetch a premium—often 12–20% above the market standard for that year. Out‑of‑spec or heavily modified models, like those with 6‑speed overdrives or aftermarket turbo setups, may either undercut or inflate prices based on collection demand rather than mechanical merit.

Let’s break down what the numbers tend to look like by market: