Added to the MG range in 1965, the MGB GT was an instant success: an affordable and practical coupé that could (just about) accommodate two rear-seat passengers. Lauded by motoring journalists, it fulfilled MGB customers’ desires for greater comfort and sophistication and it’s stood the test of time to become a genuine and sought-after classic car.
This example has had numerous mechanical and other upgrades with a view to being used for racing or rallying.
Has had some remedial welding work carried out recently
The vendor recently acquired the car, from the previous owner who had all the mechanical and other upgrades done. That previous owner had intended to use the car on track or for rallying, but sadly health issues meant that he was not able to fulfil this wish and he decided to part with the car. Having used the car for a while, the vendor has decided to sell it to fund other projects.
It comes with a remarkable folder of paperwork, including invoices going back a number of years, and lots of past MoTs.
The odometer reading was rest when the engine was rebuilt, so records only those miles covered since 2016.
Kenwood DAB radio/CD player with MP3 and Bluetooth
Pioneer door speakers
USB sockets
Oil temperature gauge
Voltmeter
Wooden MG gearknob
Wood-rimmed steering wheel
Map light
Detachable 3-point harness for driver’s seat
Rear bench seat
Spare wheel
Tools
Although by no means original, the interior here is comfortable and well-appointed. The seats have been refurbished and are supportive, and there’s a detachable three-point harness for the driver’s seat. The rear bench seat has also been refurbished but offers little in the way of legroom. In the rear footwell is a connection for the trickle-charger (which is also supplied with the car).
The dashboard has been modified to accept additional instruments, and there’s a modern DAB stereo.
The hatchback opens to reveal a carpet liner in very good condition; beneath this a wooden cover gives access to the spare wheel and tools.
There is some light corrosion on the rear valance but nothing structural
This is a 50 years old car so it does have age related marks but it is a drivers car
Pininfarina’s sharp lines deserved all the contemporary praise that was heaped on the MGB GT, and have stood the test of time; the car still looks every inch the stylish grand tourer. Here, the lack of front bumper, the front spoiler and the Perspex headlamp cowls give away that it’s been race-prepped. Less obvious are the glass-fibre front wings and Xenon headlights.
The car was repainted as part of the 2016 upgrade, in Craftmaster cream coach enamel paint; a part-used tin of this will be supplied with the car.
The wheels are showing signs of their age but are fitted with Continental tyres at the rear and Nexens on the fronts; the spare is a non-matching wire wheel.
Engine rebuilt in 2016 by Oselli to 1950cc stage 3A specification
Oselli rocker cover
Rebuilt gearbox with overdrive
Uprated clutch with re-faced flywheel
HS6 carburettors
K&N air filters
Facet fuel pump with regulator
12v battery conversion
Hi-flow alloy radiator with Kenlowe fan and manual override
16-row oil cooler
Large-bore stainless-steel exhaust system
Spax gas rear suspension
Moss Coilover front suspension
Uprated roll bar and brakes
Renowned MG specialist Oselli was founded in 1962 and specialise in the tuning and enhancement of MG Rover and BMC products. Their reconditioned engines are built to the highest standards and the 1950cc unit (as here) has a claimed performance increase of 40% over the standard unit. This Oselli engine was fitted in 2016 by the previous owner and the invoice is in the history file, as are invoices for numerous other performance upgrades.
The vendor reports that – as you would expect from a car with all those upgrades – this one drives and handles supremely well. It starts on first turn of the key and the engine idles well, with a healthy exhaust note.
Open the bonnet, and everything is in first-class order; it’s clear that all the work has been done to exacting standards.
Summary
A genuine British classic, the MGB GT has a huge enthusiast following, and there is fantastic spares availability, as well as club and specialist support.
This example isn’t the car for the owner who values originality, but with its numerous upgrades it’s a high-performance machine ready to be used on the road, on track or for historic rallying.
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