Highlights
- Chrome bumper conversion that looks very smart on grey minilite-style alloys
- Good condition, very useable and presentable example of this practical classic
- MOT and tax exempt
- MG Owners Club magazine cover star in 2008
- Recent roll road tune and carburettor work
The Appeal
MG’s BGT really was the ‘mini E Type’, the handsome GT car that Pininfarina cleverly evolved from the original B roadster. Dozens of classic car events and rallies up and down the country, these very usable cars are both practical and rewarding.
This 1978 BGT started life as a rubber bumper car but was neatly converted some years ago to chrome bumper. With apparently little use since, it presents really well and looks particularly good on its grey minilite-style wheels with polished rims. MOT and tax exempt it appears to be a very useable, solid example of this much-loved classic.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered on 4th October 1978
- MOT and tax exempt and registered as a Historic Vehicle with the DVLA
- The last MOT expired in March 2019 and there is unfortunately no MOT history on the DVLA website to verify the mileage
- Cover star of Enjoying MG, the MG Owners Club magazine, in December 2008
- Good history file covering maintenance and invoices back to 1994 in photographs
The Interior
- Replacement leather front seats in good condition with just a light patina of use
- Face-off stereo with Kenwood speakers let into the door trims
- Factory correct vinyl rear bench seat in good condition
- Carpets are presentable but with some wear and aging visible in the photographs
- Sill covers with MG decals show slight wear and scuffs
- Some wear to the crackle finish in the dashboard including both ends and the glovebox, but not unsightly
- Chrome window winders fitted
- Steel non-matching spare wheel in boot with factory tool kit
- Leather sports steering wheel
- Red seatbelts with chest cushions
- All dials and switches present and in good condition for age
The Exterior
- Converted to chrome bumper, believed prior to 2008, and appears to have been professionally done
- Appears to have an older respray with a few very minor areas where pin-pricks of the white undercoat are showing through
- Pop-up sunroof fitted
- Dent in front bumper on the nearside
- Invoices for welding work in 2018 in history file
- Attractive grey 15inch minilite-style alloy wheels with polished rims in good condition, each showing only light marks on the rims
- Headlamp shrounds fitted
- Photographs indicate good panel fit, particularly to the doors
- Chrome trim missing from around the rear window but this may be deliberate to update the aesthetics
- Tyres appear older but in good condition with decent depth
- There are a handful of chips around the car including the nearside rear arch lip, the base of the offside rear arch and on the inside edges of both doors, but nothing significant or immediately visible
- There appears to be poor paint finish on the nearside front arch by the sill
- The aerial is broken
- Rust is beginning to appear at the base of the nearside door
The Mechanics
- Standard 1800cc MG engine developing around 90bhp
- Desirable overdrive model with 4spd manual box
- Invoice for service work in 2018 and seller states that he has covered less than 1,000 miles in two years
- Carburettors rebuilt and tuned in July and August 2022 with richer needles fitted
- Electronic distributor recently fitted
- There is a good history file with the car and the seller bought it from a family friend who had owned it for seven years
Summary
The MGB is that most remarkable of classics, a historic vehicle backed by parts supply to rival a brand new one. Relatively inexpensive to run and providing access to a vibrant social scene, it is easy to see why the B remains so popular.
The coupe adds GT-style practicality and verve, making it ideal for longer trips or classic endurance runs. This 1978 model has been nicely converted to chrome bumpers and looks very pretty in red with its alloy wheels. Solid, presentable and usable, it could be a good starter classic or addition to an enthusiast’s collection.
Notice to bidders
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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.
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