MGB & GT Forum

For a little extra fun this summer I decided to realize what has been a dream since first encountering the MGB as a student in UK in 1990. After much deliberation over (and under) no fewer than 14 local cars I settled on 343336, which was made in February of ‘74. She left the Factory in Blaze with a black interior, but along the way received at least two coats of red, at least one of which is Tartan Red. Still had the Rostyles, Factory Overdrive and the original ignition, trunk and glove box keys. And the best part is, *no* rust. (I realize ALL MGBs have rust somewhere, even if you can’t see it.). ‘336 was originally delivered to Dallas, TX in May of 1974 (the original warranty book was still in the glove box) and was fitted with dealer-installed air conditioning— still has the huge rectangular York compressor and a bracket that looks like it was made from a piece of recycled aircraft carrier.

Along the way, some thoughtful PO had added a fiberglass front spoiler with square fog lights, which I haven’t been able to find in any catalog, vintage or otherwise. But the rest of the car is entirely stock, and not, evidently, punk-owned. (I would much rather have a worn-out, original car than one that was improperly restored/maintained and that was a key selection criteria for me.)

I am tackling a few “new to me” projects— complete front suspension refresh as the shock levers were floppy and the original rubber bushings shot, refresh of the brakes, new exhaust system from Moss, ceramic coating the manifold “while I am in there” etc.

“While I am in there” ought to be the slogan for Moss Motors. . . The tendency for scope creep is already strong in me and I am having a hard time resisting leaving well enough alone. Hence the valve cover, pedal box, pedal box cover, blanking plate, charcoal canister bracket, pedals, air filter cans are all at the powder coater. . .I suppose there are worse things.

“343336” doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. . . Given this car is a 74-1/4 with the center bolt in the rear bumper and the bumperettes replaced by rubber-faced ones from a ‘73, I felt that SABRINA was an appropriate title…

I will keep this group posted as the rolling “restoration” evolves— I’ve already hit the search engine about 100 times and have found all the obvious questions to have been answered more than once over the years. . . This place is truly a wealth of information.

Why do you call it "Sabrina"?

The '74 cars had large rubber overriders on the front and back bumpers. The large protuberances reminded some of the British actress named Sabrina, hence the nickname!

I once owned #342154 so not that far off the production line. Built the same month as yours, John.

I swapped out the “Sabrina’s” as well during the restoration in ‘99. Still have them in a box but the car was sold years ago.

Enjoy your car!

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"Speed costs........how fast you want to spend?"

Looks great, welcome to the asylum!!

Not all '74 cars had the large over riders. The OP's car does not, hence why I asked the question.

Woops, missed this part. My bad.

"“343336” doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. . . Given this car is a 74-1/4 with the center bolt in the rear bumper and the bumperettes replaced by rubber-faced ones from a ‘73, I felt that SABRINA was an appropriate title… "

In Jan 74 NA cars (NA roadster 339095 and NA GT 339472) and later cars came with the Sabrinas. The 74 1/2's (roadster 360301 GT 361001) and later cars were fitted with rubber bumpers.
A lot if 74 owners have removed the Sabrinas and installed the earlier smaller overriders.
Ron



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024-04-16 07:43 AM by ron neal.

John,

Congratulations on your purchase of Sabrina.

I sent you a PM concerning the AC system on your car.

I always thought the overriders looked funny on the car.
But, in actuality IMO, this feature makes it one of the rarest chrome bumper cars of its kind.

Hold on to them if originality is also of concern for later down the road.
They seem to be hard to find and not cheap, IIRC.

Al Dawes
Amsoil Dealer/Customer Referral #352885

I just wanted to thank you for a great first post on this forum. It was obviously well thought out and I was particularly impressed when you said "I’ve already hit the search engine about 100 times and have found all the obvious questions to have been answered more than once over the years.

You have made a great start in your MGB ownership journey. Welcome to the forum!