Launched in 1965 at the Earls Court Motor Show, the MGB GT was launched as a four-cylinder Coupe. Fitted with the same 1.8 litre engine used in the Roadster, the GT had a higher cruising speed over the Roadster, thanks to the superior aerodynamics of the Coupe bodyshell. The car was an instant success and liked because it was a very practical sports car. The MGB GT remained the same until 1969, when some small interior styling changes were made including the provision for reclining front seats. It was in 1974 when the MG got its first major facelift, which was the introduction of rubber bumpers. This was to comply with the strict impact regulations enforced in the United States. The MGB production lasted up until 1980, and since then, it has remained as popular as ever with a huge following, and is well catered for in the parts department.
It was purchased by the seller in June 2021, as a summer project to keep himself busy. The MGB GT was running but not as it should. The seller, being quite hands on, took the time to investigate this, and found that the MG needed a new fuel pump and filter. Also, the carburettors were stripped, cleaned and rebuilt. This then saw the MG fire back into life as MG intended.
With the car now running as it should, he has enjoyed a few months motoring in the British classic, before deciding to part with it due to a house move.
The V5 is present and shows there have been 4 previous keepers.
There is a whole load of paperwork that has been kept with the car over the years by the different keepers, and will offer plenty of bedtime reading for the new owner.
Inside, the MGB GT has seen some changes over the years, with the addition of some different front seats to offer a little more comfort and support. These are in good condition but would benefit from a clean. There is some stretching of the material to the bolsters. The rear seat looks to be the original which has faded a touch. The door cards are in good condition, with wooden tops that are in good order.
The dashboard is free from any cracks to the top. The instruments are reported to all be in working order, with the odometer showing a reading of 61,234 miles. The switches all look to be in good condition with minimal wear to the buttons. Around the glove box area has been painted grey at some point, which has started to flake off. In the centre is a JVC CD head unit fitted.
One thing to mention is that the car has had central locking fitted for the alarm, but this is not working. The car still locks with the key.
The carpet has worn through to both the driver and passenger side where it curves around the sill, caused by people getting in and out rubbing their feet against it. The headlining is generally in good order, just the panel to the rear has come detached on one side.
In the boot, the carpet has been replaced with a piece of household carpet to the floor. There is a tear in the original carpet over the driver’s side wheel arch.
It is finished in what is reported to be the original paint colour of Flamenco (Orange Red). From the front, the rubber bumper looks to be free from any scuffs. The bonnet aligns well and does have a few age related chips, and there is also a small crease near the front edge. The wings are in good order with what looks to be some rust treatment applied around the headlights to neutralise any corrosion. The headlights are bright and chip free, with the chrome surrounds in good condition.
Around to the side of the MG, the doors look to align quite well for the age of the MG. The swage line on the driver’s side may be slightly lower than it once was, the passenger side looks to be as it should. There are a few small chips and scuffs here and there, as you would expect for an original used car. The same rust preventer has been applied to the seams on the sills.
To the rear, the MG is in nice condition with the tailgate aligning nicely. The light lenses are in good condition with no splits to mention, and the rubber bumper is free from any scuffs.
The wheels have some light corrosion and would benefit from a weekend with some silver and black paint, together with a steady hand. The tyres are worn, but do have some good tread remaining.
The 1.8 engine fires up just as it should, thanks to the new fuel pump, filter and carburettor overhaul. There are no untoward noises reported to be coming from the engine.
The MG is fitted with a 4-speed gearbox with overdrive available in 3rd and 4th. The seller reports that this works just as it should, with no noises coming from the transmission, and the car comes to a stop as it should.
A nice little British sports Coupe that is now mechanically running well. Some attention to the interior would be beneficial, but tinkering is all part of the fun in owning a classic car.
If you are looking for a nice MGB GT that needs a little cosmetic attention, this could be the perfect weekend project for you to get stuck into.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
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