From its launch in 1962, the MGB was to become the epitome of the British sports car. It remained in the MG line up for a remarkable eighteen years, until the last one rolled off the Abingdon line in 1980. The MGB GT arrived in 1965 and was an instant success: an affordable and practical coupé that could (just about) accommodate two rear-seat passengers.
With glowing reviews in the motoring press, it fulfilled MGB customers’ desires for greater comfort and sophistication: “…above all, its smoothness, silence, and general refinement will be appreciated by people who, for one reason or another, are a little tired of the buzz and vibration of the typical sports car,” wrote Autosport journalist Jon Bolster of the (then-new) MGB GT in a 1966 issue of the magazine.
In 1975, US crash-safety requirements changed, threatening the future of the MGB in that market. Various solutions were investigated and the outcome was an increase in the car’s ride-height and the arrival of the rubber bumper.
This example was completely rebuilt to the specification of a previous owner – the vendor’s father-in-law – in 2004 by renowned MG specialists California Classics in Hull, who effectively created a new car with a new bodyshell, reconditioned engine and gearbox, and a custom-made interior.
The History and Paperwork
MoT- and tax-exempt
Past MoT certificates
Many invoices for maintenance and servicing
California Classics’ rebuild specification details from 2004
Invoice for 2004 rebuild
Rebuilt at 71,000 miles, so only 25,000 miles since 2004
The car was specified from California Classics in 2004 by the vendor’s father-in-law, who then owned it until 2015, at which point it passed to the vendor’s husband. Sadly, for the last couple of years health issues prevented him from using the car and he has now passed away. The vendor does not wish to keep the car and so has decided to sell.
As well as the full rebuild specification and associated invoices, the sizeable folder of paperwork includes invoices for all work carried out since the 2004 rebuild, most of this at renowned MG specialists Summit Motors and Beech Hill Garage, as well as past MoT certificates.
The Interior
Grey leather seats with red piping
Matching door panels
Rear bench seat
Dashboard in need of cosmetic attention
Pioneer radio/cassette with detachable front panel
Original instruments
Dashboard clock in working order
Excellent roof lining
Boot lined with matching red carpet
Spare wheel
Jack and wheelbrace
The seats and interior trim here are in a smart grey leather, with red piping, and there are matching red carpets in excellent condition. The rebuild specification mentions a walnut dash but this is no longer present, and the dashboard would benefit from some cosmetic attention.
The driver’s seat has some evidence of wear, most notably that the red piping adjacent to the door has worn through, but otherwise the front seats and the rear bench present very well.
The carpets have been protected by MG-branded rubber mats and so show very little wear, and underneath the carpets both footwells are sound with no evidence of corrosion.
The Pioneer radio/cassette player works, with the front panel detachable for security.
In the boot, the lining is matching red carpet, and beneath this is a spare wheel and a bag with essential tools.
The Exterior
Classic MGB GT profile
Dark red paintwork
Rubber bumpers
Excellent headlamps and rear lamps
Rostyle wheels in very good condition
MG logo mudflaps
Aftermarket glass sunroof
Although the MG purists’ initial reaction to the ‘rubber-bumper’ MGB was not favourable, time has moved on and the car’s ‘70s styling has become more and more popular.
This car’s red paintwork looks generally very good, and on closer inspection there are only a couple of minor issues – a ding on the front bonnet, and some rust bubbling on the top of the driver’s door.
Elsewhere, the rubber bumpers show signs of their age but are undamaged, while the badges and brightwork have some patina.
The Rostyle wheels are very good, with only minor corrosion around the rims on two of them. The tyres all have good tread.
The Mechanics
1798cc engine
4-speed manual gearbox with overdrive
New electronic ignition fitted in 2020
New coil and spark plugs in 2020
The car is temperamental to start
Following its lack of use for the last couple of years, the car is in need of some mechanical attention. It starts on first turn of the key, but the engine doesn’t run smoothly. However, the paperwork records that the car has been well-maintained throughout its ownership by the vendor’s family and getting the car running properly should be straightforward.
The engine bay is all in good order and reflects the careful custodianship of successive owners, and similarly underneath the car there are no apparent issues.
Summary
A genuine British classic, the MGB GT has a huge enthusiast following, and with excellent parts, owners’ club and specialist support, it’s a practical proposition to own and to maintain.
This one is essentially in extremely sound condition, and has been carefully maintained since its rebuild, it just needs some attention to resolve the running issues that arise from its lack of recent use.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
