Highlights
- Very usable BGT with desirable optional overdrive
- Driven regularly and proven to be reliable
- Fastidious 400hrs of maintenance by owner’s workshop since 2015
- £5,000 spent on underbody improvements in 2021
- Huge history file including original MG Passport
- Will be sold with new 12 months MOT
The Appeal
Pininfarina’s clever restyle of the MG B roadster to create the pretty BGT was a masterstroke, turning the popular convertible into a mini E-Type for the masses. With superb parts supply and one of the best owners’ scenes of any car, these highly usable hard tops are very easy and rewarding classic cars to own.
There were few changes to the MG BGT during its long production run. Aside from the switch to rubber bumpers in 1975, for two short years from 1970 the car was given a revised recessed grille influenced by the contemporary Ford Mustang.
This 1971 BGT is one of those rare cars. It is a desirable chrome bumper and overdrive model. It has been lavished with attention as the thick history file attests, most recently receiving over £5,000 of underbody repairs in late 2021.
With an interesting history including featuring regularly on the BBC’s Antiques Road Trip series, it looks solid and is said to be reliable. Sold with the reassurance of a 12 months MOT it is a very usable car that can be gradually improved as it is enjoyed.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 5th August 1971
- Original MG Passport in good condition with first registration details and early service stamps
- Originally yellow but repainted black on 8th July 1979 and registered correctly with DVLA
- Acquired by the seller in 2015 as part of his guided classic car tour fleet
- Used for several series of the BBC’s Antiques Road Trip between 2015 and 2017
- Recently used by MG Cars to promote its new sports car at Goodwood Festival of Speed
- MOT and tax exempt
- History file includes:
- Old MOTs
- Old tax discs
- MGB handbook
- Workshop job cards from seller’s classic car repair business
- Previously bought via Car & Classic in 2015
- Will be sold with new 12 months MOT
Maintained by the seller’s classic car workshop:
- All work fully detailed in individual job cards
- 395hrs expended on maintenance between 2015 and 2022
- Clutch replaced in 2018
- Boot floor repairs in 2017
- Dashboard and dials refurbished in 2017
- Bodywork repairs in 2015
- Differential repairs in 2019
- Replacement engine fitted in 2019
£5,370 spent on underbody repairs in September 2021, including:
- Replacing floors
- Repairs to gearbox tunnel
- Toe board repairs
- Outer and inner sill replacement and repairs
The seller acquired this car in March 2015 via Car and Classic for use on the BBC’s Antiques Road Trip series, for which his company had the contract to supply cars. It was used over several different series between 2015 and 2017 as well as for a guided classic car tours business.
The car was maintained by the in-house workshop with nearly 400 hrs expended on improvements and routine servicing between 2015 and 2022. This included bodywork repairs, mechanical refurbishment and fitting a replacement engine in 2019. The new engine was sourced from a MG enthusiast and we understand it was a low mileage unit taken from a MGB GT. The car has run with this engine without issue since 2019.
In September 2021 the car was sent to a local restoration specialist for underbody repairs including the floors, gearbox tunnel, toe board and inner and outer sills. This work cost in excess of £5,000.
The Interior
- Factory correct black vinyl seats with restored crackle black dashboard
- Vinyl front and rear seats in good condition with no visible tears
- Carpets replaced by seller and presented in good condition with protective rubber MG over mats
- Factory correct black leather steering wheel has been refurbished but is showing signs of wear on the rim
- Dashboard refurbished in 2017 over 47hrs including repainting and renovating dials
- Remains in good condition, just some light deterioration on the glove box visible
- Dials are complete and clear and we are told work correctly
- MG branded radio blanking plate with factory fitted speaker grill under dashboard
- Door cards appear original and presentable albeit with some creases
- Door furniture complete and in good condition
- Trims between windows and headlining original but slightly deformed
- Original headlining
- Boot area in good condition with replacement black carpet and board beneath
- Matching spare wheel with tool kit
The Exterior
- Originally yellow but resprayed black in 1979
- Underbody restored in 2021 at cost of over £5,000
- Bodywork refurbished and resprayed black metallic in 2015 by seller’s workshop
- Boot floor repaired in 2015
- Some deterioration of paintwork visible on bonnet
- Scuttle area below windscreen on nearside shows areas of bubbling
- Various chips and marks around car including door edges
- Crack in paintwork on nearside rear wing above sill
- Original recessed grille with some rippling to chrome surround
- GT badges on C posts original but showing some age
- Offside front headlamp shows some deterioration
- Both rear arches show small signs of bubbling on the lips
- Some marks under fuel filler caused by spilt fuel
- Painted wire wheels in good condition but would benefit from cleaning
The Mechanics
- Replacement 1,799cc MG 4cyl engine fitted in 2019
- Desirable overdrive model with 4spd manual gearbox
- Carburettors tuned and overhauled in 2022
- Nearly 400hrs of workshop time expended maintaining and improving this car since 2015
- Differential refurbished in 2019
- Clutch replaced in 2018
Summary
With superb parts supply, populous clubs and enthusiast owners, buying a MG BGT is not just easy and relatively inexpensive, it gives access to a great social scene too.
This 1971 model is a TV star in a desirable specification. Its thick history file attests to careful maintenance and it presents as a very usable, reliable classic with scope to further improve.
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.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
