• Recent respray 

 • New carpets

 • New Chromework

 • 1800cc 4-speed + overdrive

Launched in 1965 at the Earls Court Motor Show, the MGB GT was launched as a four-cylinder Coupe. The MGB was a first for MG to use a unitary structure over the traditional body-on-frame design used on the MGA and MG T-series. The MGB was also one of the first vehicles to feature a crumple zone, protecting both the driver and passenger. 

Launched as a Roadster first in 1963, the GT followed on 2 years later with the sporty hatchback designed by Pininfarina. The GT came fitted with the same 1.8 litre engine used in the Roadster, but the GT had a higher cruising speed over the Roadster, thanks to the superior aerodynamics of the Coupe bodyshell. 

The car was an instant success and liked because it was a very practical sports car. The MGB GT remained the same until 1969, when some small interior styling changes were made, including the provision for reclining front seats. Pre 1974 models such as this one came with chrome bumpers and are classed by most as the better looking, who are we to disagree?

The seller of this nicely presented 1971 MGB GT has been the owner for approximately 8 months. Coming across the B GT for sale, the car had been off the road for a number of years, and the seller was unable to resist the classic MG, so the car was purchased with one thing in mind….. to refresh, recommission and to keep this British icon on the road for the foreseeable future.

As you can see from the images, the car has been given a respray to Almond Green colour which looks fantastic. The mechanical side has also been given the once over, with new parts fitted where necessary, ensuring that the B GT is running just right. 

With the work completed around 3 months ago, the car has recently been given an MOT, even though it is not necessary at this age, and we should mention it did pass with no advisories, making it ready for it’s new home as the seller has since spotted another classic MG he wants to get started on. 

 

The V5 is present along with 2 sets of keys. 

As mentioned, the car has been given a full MOT which is valid until the 20th January 2023. 

There is a nice history file showing invoices for parts purchased and work carried out, some of which dates back to 1993. 

Inside, the classic MG takes you right back to 1971. The seats are believed to be the originals, which are in really nice condition showing no signs of any damage, other than some light age related creasing to the material, as you would expect to find. The door cards are in as good condition with no noticeable scuffs or scratches to mention, and the rear seat is in even better condition looking like it has had very little use in it’s life. 

The dashboard is in good condition, with no splits or cracks to the top. The wooden trim fascia looks to be in good order along with the original Smiths instruments, which are reported to be working correctly, and the odometer shows a reading of 89,695 miles. This may increase due to some light use by the seller before the end of the auction. Also in nice condition is the switchgear, again reported to be working as it should. The lettering on the switches and heater dials is legible with little or no wear.   

The black carpets have all been replaced front to back, and are therefore in excellent condition, as is the headlining which has also been replaced. This sits nice and tight against the roof with no sagging. 

Into the boot area, and there is new carpet as mentioned. The spare wheel is located under the false floor which is a matching wire wheel. 

Finished in the period looking Almond Green, the B GT has been given a freshen up respray, which was completed approximately three months ago. Starting at the front of the MGB GT, the chrome grille has been replaced with a new one, and the front bumper rechromed, together with the overriders, bringing a bright finish to the front of the car. The headlights and indicator lenses are free from any splits or chips, and the bonnet looks to align as it should with the wings and grille. 

Moving to the flanks of the iconic shaped MGB GT, the door shut lines are matching and equal to both sides. Again, the chrome trim that runs down the swage line of the car is in good order, as is the chromework around the window surrounds. The windows have some light age related scratches, with the driver’s side being the worst, not that it's the end of the world as parts are more than readily available for the MG, so easy to replace.  

To the rear, like the rest of the vehicle, the tailgate aligns as it should, and the correct badges are in place and in good order. The rear bumper, like the front, has been rechromed to give a new finish, and the light lenses are free from any chips or splits. There is a twin tailpipe fitted to the rear silencer which helps with the sweet tone of the 1800cc.

The wire wheels are thought to be the originals, and these have been repainted in silver for a clean finish. The tyres are all matching. These have been replaced not so long ago and are in as new condition. 

The 1.8 engine has been given a recommissioning, with all the fluids replaced, new spark plugs fitted and a service to ensure everything is just as it should be. The MG fires up with the flick of the key and sounds as it should with the air sucking into the twin SU carburettors. The engine sounds great, with no untoward noises.

The MG is fitted with a 4-speed gearbox with overdrive available in 3rd and 4th via a button on the dashboard. The seller reports that this works just as it should, with no noises coming from the transmission, and the car comes to a stop as it should in a straight line. 

A nice little British sports Coupe. It has been resurrected from a number of years off the road with a respray and recommissioning to ensure everything is as it should be. This is a true British sports classic Coupe, finished in just the right colour. 

The 1971 MGB GT has been given a fresh MOT, which it passed with no advisories, meaning it is ready for the winning bidder to become the new custodian of this 70’s icon. The perfect way to step into the world of classic cars, will it be you?