Your mother wouldn’t like it. Those with long memories will recall that was phrasing used to famously sell the car in the advertisement campaigns, but while that Strapline is debatable, the MGB’s reputation as an everyday classic makes it a safe bet. Over half a million cars found homes, fast becoming the best selling single model sports car ever. It seems that everyone else, including your mother, has most likely warmed up to the car's allure since then. 

The last of the halcyon models, with chrome bumpers and a standard ride height, are frequently regarded as the preferred versions of the MGB, combining the charm of the original cars with more comfortable seats, a centre console with storage compartment and armrest, practical headrests, and a vibrant colour palette. The GT had a little more upmarket appeal than the roadster, thanks to its extra weight, which improves aerodynamics, and the high quality of the interior furnishings, which appealed to many of its buyers. The GT’s main virtue was its successful Pininfarina-designed rear design that transformed an already attractive roadster into a compact long-distance cruiser with space for your luggage too.

This beautifully presented 1974 GT has been owned by the same family since 1993 and has the benefit of a recently reconditioned gearbox. Finished in Damask Red, the car is fitted with the desirable Webasto sunroof which adds to the GT’s hatchback practicality.

The current owner has a keen eye for well-kept and well-cherished MGs and was approached by an East Sussex rally vehicle preparation specialist who came across the car locally and offered him first refusal. It had been in the same family for about 30 years, but the owner was having difficulty getting in and out. 

Despite having an undocumented restoration around 8 years ago, the present vendor was initially hesitant to take this car because it lacked an Overdrive.  However, an agreement was reached, and the Specialist refurbished the gearbox and added one. 

The car comes with evidence of recent invoices of maintenance, which cover the replacement of all of the engine seals and gaskets, a pair of new batteries and has an MOT to October 2023. A review of the last five MOTs reveals that the car has been driven approximately 2,000 miles per year, indicating that it has likely to have been driven in good weather while being stored in a garage during the damper months of the year. 

The cloth seats stand up to their age well and are free from any significant blemishes. The rear bench is presentable. The carpets both in the cabin and luggage area are in good shape, with no evidence of dampness. The car comes with a set of front mats.

The dashboard is correct for the model year as proven by the lower placement of the aftermarket Ezonetronics Radio/USB player. The facia is in very good shape, with no significant signs of age noted on the top of the padding of the dashboard, centre console and dash fascia cowl. The instruments all look good with decent bezels and all are said to be functional. The steering wheel and gear lever are in good order, with minimal touches of wear.

Other interior fittings and trim, such as the door cards good and boot furnishings are in good condition, with very little in terms of scuffs. The rear passenger areas have a pair of speakers mounted on the panel cards. The owner has pointed out that the Webasto roof headlining shows a little wear, but is simply an aesthetic issue, the roof is fully operational. The rest of the roof trim in good shape. 

It's reassuring to know that this car was reportedly restored about eight years ago and the sill structures still retain their box-section shaped like a “Castle rampart”, which should add considerable confidence that the work has been carried out to a high standard. The good news continues across the rest of the structure of the car, with decent inner wings and a solid floor pan, along with the suspension mounts and jacking points all looking good. 

The engine, boot and battery bays confirm the positive aspect of the structure. The quality of the body panel fit is good, with door gaps looking very even and no issues regarding the stiffness or obstruction of opening and closing all of the doors. The hinges and door stays are all up to scratch. The front wings, doors and lower sections of the exterior panel work are solid, with no significant issues noted on the scuttle panel or around the headlamps. 

The Damask Red paint finish has been well applied, with an even hue throughout the car. It retains good lustre. There are a handful of minor paint imperfections noted which may suggest paint reactions rather than anything deeper. They’re not significant, as only a close inspection of the top of the wings reveals any issues and certainly doesn’t distract from the car's presentation. 

The chrome bumpers and light trims are in good shape, they’re well mounted and free of damage, the rest of the trim appears to be original and shows signs of its age in places but nothing unsightly. The glass and its rubber seals are in good shape, with no significant damage noted on the glass. The lights and lenses are in very good condition, with the rest of the trim all correct for the model year. 

The desirable Webasto roof is nicely presented, with no tears and is fully operational. The car is fitted with a full set of matching Kumho tyres, all are around 5 years old with plenty of life in them. They are matched up to the GT’s distinctive Rostyle wheels, which have been well painted but show the slightest of imperfections on the outer rims. 

The presentation of the engine holds up well, with evidence of new plugs and leads. The wiring and hoses confirm a good level of maintenance, which complements the already positive appearance of the engine's core components. The car has an oil cooler installed, along with a pair of new batteries. It starts up immediately with the oil pressures hovering correctly at idle. 

There were no signs of misfiring, excess smoke or fluid leaks observed on the day. No engine cooling issues have been reported. On the move the car is said to perform well, with no issues with the recently rebuilt gearbox, with the bonus of an added Overdrive in 3rd and 4th gear, adding a further dimension to its sheer tractability at very low engine speeds.

The car is said to cruise sweetly in traffic and sits well, and the owner assures us that the car offers a compliant ride with no problems with road absorption and no impediments noted from the suspension or steering. The brake fluid levels look good, as the servo-assisted set-up manages the task of stopping the car with no reported issues. The exhaust is in good shape, and its distinct rasp contributes to the MGB GT's elegance and poise on the open road. 

The MGB GT, despite its ubiquitous nature, could be considered as the perfect classic car. The hatchback-style rear, combined with a 2+2 seating arrangement, gives the car a certain level of practicality, increasing luggage space significantly over the two-seat roadster. 

People didn’t buy the GT for its power, its up-to-the-minute handling, or its creature comforts; they bought it because they loved its simple charms, its classic good looks and the trusted MG name.