In July 1962, the MGB replaced the MGA, which was in production from 1955 and sold over 100,000 units globally. It went on to become one of MG’s most popular models with world-wide sales of all MGB variants totalling an impressive 523,836 units.

The fixed-roof MGB GT as offered here was introduced in October 1965 and sported a ground-breaking greenhouse-like cabin designed by Italian styling house Pininfarina and introduced the sporty ‘hatchback’ body style. By combining the sloping rear window with the rear deck lid, the MGB GT offered the utility of a station wagon while retaining the style and shape of a coupé.

This new configuration was a 2+2 design with a rear bench seat with folding backrest which, when lowered, offered considerably more luggage space than in the 2-up MGB roadster. Relatively few components differed, although – because of its 2+2 layout and extra luggage capacity – the MGB GT received a different stiffer grade of suspension springs and anti-roll bars. It also received a different windscreen which was more easily and inexpensively serviceable.

Among many accolades the car received, ‘Road & Track’ magazine declared the MGB GT “one of Pininfarina’s 16-most-beautiful designs – that aren't Ferraris”.

VDV 237J – a rare automatic example of the fixed-roof MGB GT – was built between 11th and 16th November, 1970 and, following a brief labour dispute at its Abingdon assembly plant, was eventually dispatched to London-based MG retailer Stewart and Arden Ltd on 9th December.

As Dave Edmunds rode the crest of his pop career with ‘I Hear You Knocking’ at No 1 on the UK charts, VDV 237J received its first UK registration on 16th December, 1970. Its current, highly presentable condition some 52 years later suggests that each of the car’s nine former keepers loved it more than the previous.

The current owner acquired the car a little under a year ago in March 2021 but has decided that its garage space needs to make way for a more modern convertible.

It is interesting to note that the car has been driven just 5,742 miles since 2006, its first online registered MoT record. For the past several years, the car has been dry-stored when not in use and enjoyed under dry conditions whenever taken out.

Aside from the V5C registered in the current keeper’s name, there is no other paperwork available to accompany the sale.

The MGB GT original interior reflects its ‘lovingly used’ condition and promises to be a delightful place to spend some immersive road time. There is a tear and a water stain to the leading third of the manual roll-back sunroof.

In a condition commensurate more with the car’s age than mileage, the door cards and furniture appear in very good order and overall, the interior presents to a high standard.

Along with the smart and tidy interior, the car’s exterior presents in good order. The black paintwork gleams to a high standard and the front and rear lights are clear of the usual age-related fog and all electrics are said to be in working order. The recessed grille is another rarity not found on many MGB GTs.

A cursory glance down each flank of the car shows no evidence of damage and the front number plate, bumper and valance, for all their vulnerability, remain in remarkably good condition.

The front and rear sills of the car are blemish-free, as are each of the door under-sills. The chromed side sill strips might not be to everyone’s taste but they present in exceptional order. The period wire-spoked wheels were all refurbished by the powder-coat process just eight months ago. They are shod with good rubber all-round, with the front two tyres recently replaced. The fifth matching spare is also in good condition.

With most yings come some yangs, but there are very few on this car. There is pitting to the chrome surfaces of both front and rear bumpers and the chromed air vent below the windscreen appears to have been poorly re-chromed in the past. There is evidence of blistering on both lower sills and their leading edges, close-up images of which are shown at the end of the accompanying gallery.

To elevate the car another notch in the presentability stakes, the car would benefit from these matters being attended to. However, to be fair, any professional body shop worthy of the name would remedy these issues in a jiffy, along with the underside of the roll-back sunroof.

At the photoshoot, this writer was frequently required to reposition the car to obtain the best of the available light at this time of year. The car started first and every time and settled into an appreciative burble. The automatic gearbox connected smoothly and drive engaged with no drama, requiring a just the gentlest of revs to get underway.

The custodian reports the car to be very good mechanical condition with steering, brakes, engine, drivetrain and running gear performing as well as their respective engineers intended over fifty years ago. 

The engine bay is very tidy and clean and, like the immediately visible parts of this MGB GT, the underside of the car present in good order with the usual degree of natural oxidation that may reasonably be expected on a car of this age.

The vendor advises of a new battery fitted ten months ago and the car wears a new stainless steel exhaust, a new fuel pump and new carburettor jets. As pictured, there will be a new spare rocker cover gasket and choke cable to accompany the sale.

Fish & chips, pints of bitter, mowing the lawn or washing cars by hand on a sunny Sunday, the iconic MGB GT was a staple of everyday life in Britain.

Since its introduction in 1965, it has gone on to become one of Britain’s most loved and collectable sports cars, bringing stylish Pininfarina design, an exciting drive and everyday usability to thousands of drivers who were only too happy to switch from their sensible sedans to something that put a skip in their step and consistently delivered a hundred smiles-per-gallon.

This example of the MGB GT is in fine condition throughout and should serve its new owner for many more years to come – and not just on Sundays.

G’won…because you’re here, pop on a cheeky bid. You know you want to!