Description
1973 MGB GT in good, usable condition.
- 1798cc B Series 4-cylinder engine
- Four speed manual gearbox with overdrive (switch on dash)
- Stainless steel exhaust system with wrapped manifold
- Twin SU carburettors fitted with K&N filters
- Webasto sunroof
- Black vinyl seats
- Original chrome bumpers and trim
- Single 12V battery with Earth cut-off key switch
- Two spare wheels with tyres, box of miscellaneous spares (some new), Haynes manual and two keys included
We bought this MG from a restorer in 2015 who had performed a number of body repairs, re-upholstered the sunroof and seats, and resprayed the outer paintwork in the original "Harvest Gold" colour. Since then, it has been enjoyed as a Summer / weekend car and has always been very reliable, including venturing on long trips such as to Wales the Outer Hebrides. It has not been driven in salt and has been kept in a dry garage. It has been maintained by myself over the last decade, with all work carried out being logged in a notebook, which is included in the sale. Major jobs done include:
- New radiator, brake master cylinder and fuel pump in 2018
- New clutch and slave cylinder in 2019, with engine and gearbox mounts, crank seal and gearbox shaft seal also renewed
- Front suspension rebuild with new shock absorbers, drop links and bushes in 2021
- New Vredestein T-Trac 2 tyres fitted in 2022, with one spare also renewed in 2024
Mechanically this car is sound and I wouldn't hesitate to jump in it and go on a long trip. Oil changes have been performed between 4000-5000 miles and in use very little oil has been consumed. It does leak oil very slightly but this improved massively when I replaced the seals and gaskets during the clutch renewal. Other general maintenance has been kept up with over the years and this has all been logged in the notebook. The ignition is on points and condensor, which I have had no issues with, but these are easy to convert to electronic ignition if that is your preference. As far as I'm aware, the cylinder head has not been converted for running with unleaded so I have always used Castrol Valvemaster additive and run on Super Unleaded / E5 with no issues.
Note: the odometer reads 27222 miles but it is believed that it has gone round the clock once. Also, the odomoter and trip meter stopped functioning last year, but the speedometer still works. As such, the actual mileage is probably a few hundred miles higher.
Bodywork wise it is reasonably tidy but there are areas that will need attention if you want it to be perfect. The bottoms of the door skins in particular are getting a bit scabby and the skins could do with being repaired or replaced (they are the originals). There are other areas of bubbling on the paintwork at the seams on top of the front and rear wings, apparently this is a very common issue with these MGs. As mentioned, the paintwork was re-sprayed in 2015 and this has freshened it up a lot. The original colour was Harvest Gold and this can be seen in places such as inside the engine bay. The underside is solid with very little in the way of rust evident. The sills have been replaced in the past (possibly by the restorer in 2015) and appear to be fine. The bumpers and other chromework are original so bear the marks of 52 years of driving. All the glass is believed to be original so has some wear marks on the front windows. A previous owner removed the front overriders and we don't have these, so if you wish to return to original then it'll need a new set.
The interior is reasonably good with the seats having been re-covered in black vinyl in 2015, along with new black carpets and door cards. These all now bear some wear from use. The grey headlining and trim around the edges is original and some parts are getting tired, particularly around the boot opening. The steering wheel is a Mountney which has been in the car since we got it and is nice to use. Similar story with the stainless gearstick knob. The overdrive switch is mounted on the dashboard rather than the stick, this functions fine.
To summarise, this is a good, tidy example of an original chrome bumper MGB GT in sound mechanical condition, which can be driven and enjoyed straight away. It is not a perfect example but it would be a good basis for further restoration work to bring it up to a higher standard if that is what is desired, or just keep using as-is.
Because this is a historic vehicle over 40 years old, road tax is zero cost and it now does not require an MOT. It is also exempt from most LEZ/ ULEZ schemes in UK cities. Classic insurance for this car has always been very affordable for us.
We are sorry to see this MG go but we have had ten years of fun with it and, with an expanding family, it is time for someone else to enjoy it.
If you have any questions or would like more pictures then please ask. Inspection in person is welcome, please note that we are located in Ayr in South West Scotland, which has good road and rail links.
