Highlights
- Low ownership car subject to extensive restoration works in recent years
- Mechanical upgrades including a new cooling system, fuel tank and electronic ignition
- Structural work completed where required with full respray in British racing green
- Interior seat retrim in stylish black vinyl
The Appeal
During its long production run from 1962 to 1980, the MG B established itself as one of the most loved sportscars of the period. The combination of its strong and light unitary body construction and peppy 1798 cc inline 4-cylinder engine made for a capable and popular sportscar; this popularity being reflected in its impressive production numbers.
Introduced in 1965 and penned by Pininfarina, the lovely looking MG B GT brought the added practicality of a 2+2 hatchback configuration to the model range. The GT proved to be a very popular model in its own right, and over 120,000 cars were produced during its 15-year run.
This particular low-ownership MG B GT has, in the hands of its current owner, undergone extensive restoration work which has included modification to ‘Sebring Tribute’ specification - a homage to the successful MGB racers which took part in the 12-hour endurance race at Sebring in the early 1960s.
During these restoration works the car underwent replacement of offside and nearside sill sections, underbody treatment and a full respray in British racing green, with these works being photographically documented. This car has also benefited from numerous mechanical upgrades as outlined below and now presents as a very stylish and usable classic, ready for plenty more B-road blasts in the hands of its new owner!
The History and Paperwork
- V5C present in name of current owner
- First registered 22/01/1980
- 2 former keepers from new
- Last MOT expired 19/06/2019, with no advisories at that time
- Photographic documentation of the restoration works undertaken under current ownership since 2019
- Invoices detailing historic servicing work
- Original Leyland Cars Passport to Service booklet and documentation
- Owner’s handbook and Haynes Manual
- Historic MOT certificates
The Interior
- Seats recently retrimmed in black vinyl
- Sporting period steering wheel in lovely dark polished wood and chrome
- Original Radiomobile radio/cassette player present (currently non-functioning)
- All interior lights and gauges reported to working normally
The MGB interior always provided its occupants with a fantastic sportscar experience, and this car is no different. With its seats retrimmed in stylish black vinyl and a lovely classic steering wheel to hold on to, this car makes its sporting intent clear from the off. The cabin itself is a lovely light and airy place to be, undoubtedly a benefit of what looks to be a period sunroof installation.
The interior condition is generally very good. The dashboard is complete and original, with all its switchgear present and correct. The original period radio is also a lovely touch, not currently operational, but certainly something that could be addressed by a future owner. The current keeper reports that for him the gorgeous exhaust note is more than enough entertainment!
One area that perhaps could benefit from some future attention would be the carpets, which appear to be original to the car and showing their age in one or two places. However, by no means do they detract significantly from the enjoyment of using the car and equally could easily be left in their current condition.
The Exterior
- Extensive and photographed restoration works undertaken by current owner
- New sill sections to both nearside and offside aspects of the car with passenger door skin replacement
- ‘Sebring Tribute’ modifications, including removal of front and rear bumpers and replacement vented bonnet
- Following attention to the bodywork where required given a full respray in British racing green
- 5 recently restored wire wheels with replacement tyres all round
The MG B GT was always an attractive car but was considered by some to have suffered a little with the introduction of large heavy rubber bumpers front and rear. This particular car, being to ‘Sebring tribute’ specification suffers no such fate. The removal of these unsightly bumpers and the addition of a chrome grill upfront immediately gives the car a more sporting presence and harks back to the earlier models of the 1960s.
Having gone through extensive restoration work this car wears its new coat of paint with confidence and sits very nicely indeed on a set of reconditioned painted wire wheels.
The owner reports that since its restoration work the body is in generally very good condition, with only evidence of minor bubbling at the seam on the offside aspect of the scuttle panel evident.
The Mechanics
- Extensive mechanical work undertaken whilst under current ownership
- Upgraded cooling system with new radiator and electric fan assembly
- Upgraded electronic ignition system
- Fuel system overhaul with carburettor strip-down and refurbishment and new fuel tank
- New hoses throughout
- New full stainless steel exhaust system giving lovely exhaust note whilst underway
- Generous supply of various spare parts included with sale
The vendor reports that whilst under his ownership this car has enjoyed a thorough mechanical overhaul, the result being it now runs exceptionally well and is a joy to drive.
The upgrades to the ignition and cooling system have, the vendor reports, made the car very reliable, starting on the first turn of the key before settling into a lovely burbling B-series idle.
On the road the car is reported to demonstrate ample performance and handle very nicely, no doubt helped by the excellent tread on all 4 wheels. During his ownership the vendor has attended to servicing requirements himself and reports that oil and fluids are fresh and to level without any significant leaks.
Summary
A charming example of a low ownership MG B GT which has been enhanced by recent tasteful and stylish modifications under its current stewardship. Combining great looks with sensible mechanical upgrades, this is an MG ready to undertake its classic car duties, whether that be classic car shows or countryside blasts!
Notice to bidders
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