Ready for sprints & hill climbs or turning heads down the pub
The Appeal
With great club and parts support the pretty and popular MGB GT has always been the perfect candidate for modification. And the 1968 MGC GTS Sebring provides one of the most popular templates for doing just that.
MG entered two MGC GTS Sebring cars for the 1968 race. One of them – nicknamed Romeo – was driven by Paddy Hopkirk and Andrew Hedges and finished a creditable 15th overall.
This BGT was first registered in early 1980 but has clearly followed its own distinctive path. After a comprehensive restoration in 1998 it was turned into a very faithful reproduction of ‘Romeo.’ From its distinctive yellow spoiler, past its MGC-style bonnet to the purposeful arches, side exit exhaust, raised fuel filler and right down to the decals, it’s clear that this conversion was done with attention to detail and some real love.
The car runs its standard 1800cc MGB engine and manual overdrive gearbox, but with a few subtle modifications. It has a rear roll cage and harnesses so is ready for hill climb or sprint events. Or just enjoy it on a leisurely trip to the pub, where it’s sure to be a topic of conversation.
The History And Paperwork
First registered 4th March 1980
Extensive history file
21 old MOTs from 1990 to 2018 to support mileage
Comprehensive photographic restoration in 1998
Regular servicing and routine maintenance by the Seller
Never raced but is suitable for hill climbs or sprints
The Interior
Rear roll cage
Black sports seats with blue Sparco racing harnesses
Mota Lita leather steering wheel
Alloy door handles
Padded vinyl trim on transmission tunnel
Black carpets in good condition throughout
This may be a modified BGT but, judging by the photographs, it is one you can live with. The purposeful racing seats with their Sparco harnesses and the colour-coded rear roll cage hint at the car’s purpose, but limiting the cage to the back means those seats are easy to access and look comfortable once you’re in them. Apart from those modifications, and the removal of the rear seats, the interior is standard, which means a simple MG dashboard and door cards. The BGT is a practical car so there is decent headroom, a good size boot and the pedals and gear lever are well placed for comfortable motoring.
This seats, carpets, headlining and door cards are all in good, used condition. The transmission tunnel has been recovered in padded vinyl to match the seats and there is an attractive small aftermarket Mota Lita leather steering wheel. There is some deterioration to the edge of the dashboard on the driver’s side but otherwise the fascia and padded vinyl top are in good, used condition.
The Exterior
Modified with fibreglass Sebring arches bonded to wings
Fibreglass Sebring bonnet
Fibreglass Sebring rear valance
Sebring headlight cowls with Lucas P100 headlights
High level Monza-style fuel filler
Leather bonnet strap
Side exit exhaust
Twin front and single rear fog lights
Period race decals and roundels
Bumpers removed and bodywork refinished
Knock-on wire wheels with centre spinners
Michelin Pilot Sport tyres
One of the joys of owning a MGB is that the club and parts support is second to none. Everything is available quickly and cheaply. Which is just as well because these cars have a reputation for rusting. So when you buy one you want to know the expensive stuff has already been done.
An extensive history file, shown in the photographs, indicates that this car was extensively restored in the late 1990s, including new sills, floor pans, castle sections, doors and wings. The photographs show that it is an older restoration, although one that appears to have held up well, likely due to the car’s limited use since. There are some signs of paintwork deterioration on the doors and wings and corrosion is beginning to appear on either edge below the windscreen, which is a common MGB weak point. The photographs of the underside indicate that it is solid. The car was last MOT’d in 2018 but is tax and MOT exempt.
The Sebring modifications have clearly been made with an eye for detail. The fibreglass wings were bonded to the original steel wings and there is also a fibreglass Sebring style bonnet as well as front and rear valences. The former is painted in Romeo’s trademark yellow. The bumpers have of course been removed. Various other Romeo Sebring goodies abound, such as the high level fuel filler, front and rear spotlights, side exit exhaust and even a leather bonnet strap. It’s all finished off with those period decals, which look to be accurate to the original car. The knock-on wire wheels differ from the original Romeo but look the part, appear in good condition and are shod with quality Michelin Pilot rubber.
The Mechanics
1800cc MGB four cylinder engine
Mechanical restoration in late 1990s
Twin SU carburettors
Three branch race manifold with side exit exhaust
MGB four speed manual gearbox with overdrive on third and fourth
MOT and tax exempt
50psi oil pressure
The fruity exhaust on this Sebring replica may tell a different story, but this car is thankfully largely standard. Twin carburettors and a three branch side exit exhaust are the main changes. That is good news for the new owner because that MGB engine and manual overdrive gearbox are durable and robust, and even when they do go wrong they are simple and inexpensive to repair. This is a car that looks the part of a race car, but without the complexity and expense of extensive modifications.
During the 1998 restoration the propshaft and kingpins were replaced. Useful upgrades include a Kenlowe fan, lowered suspension, front and rear anti roll bars and servo-assisted brakes.
The Seller has owned the car for a couple of years and says that he has used it sparingly. He tells us that the car starts promptly and runs a healthy 50psi when warm. He is trimming down his classic car collection so the Sebring has to go. It comes with a hefty history file that indicates it has been serviced regularly and subject to routine maintenance.
Summary
The MGB GT is a staple of the classic car community for some very sound reasons – it looks good, it’s practical and it’s simple and reliable. It’s also backed by an unrivalled club scene and parts network.
This BGTs is one that really stands out. The modifications are mainly cosmetic, but very detailed, so it retains the reliability and durability of the original, but with a very distinctive twist. It’s ready for weekend hill climbs or sprints or runs out to the pub. Whatever the destination, it will certainly be a talking point.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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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.
1980 MGB GT Sebring
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