MG B GT (1969)

Today most people know the MGB as a fun, little, British sports car from the 1960's & 1970's. A nostalgic understanding of what life used to be like in their prime years when $200-$500 could buy you a bunch of fun on 4-wheels. It is no surprise these little roadsters and Coupes are perhaps the most loved classic sports car of all time. You can build one from scratch out of a magazine or find one in a newspaper for sale at least once a week. It will get you through the gate at any local show, and will provide loads of fun for the family for years to come. After 18 years of production for what most consider the final MG, it is a very large part of automotive history, a part of history that almost anyone can enjoy.

The example on offer here is a display of what we consider to be the perfect MGB GT. It is finished in the classic color combination of British Racing Green with a contrasting Tan interior. It has the benefit of selling new as a California car, and has always remained a south-west car between an estimated 3 caring owners. The most recent ownership spans since only 2007. A designer and pilot the most recent owner was an enthusiast with great care and attention to detail, making the perfect custodian for this B. Upon his acquisition of the car in CA, he noted the car was solid, running and driving, but not quite the caliber he desired. Within months of his purchase he commissioned a total restoration.

The restoration started on 100% rust free, un-hit example then finished in blue. It was taken all the way down to the bare chassis and a color change was completed, and done so very well. The engine was rebuilt and mated to a specially produced 5-speed transmission from Hi-Gear Engineering in the UK. All of the running gear was rebuilt as needed, all hydraulics are new, as are all of the brakes. Many drive-line items and systems are new or rebuilt, as well as the wiring harness and an aftermarket Flame Thrower Ignition system. The exhaust is tourist trophy stainless and includes headers which produce a very nice exhaust note. During the restoration the underside was lightly undercoated, as this example was being completed to be driven and enjoyed. Overall the restoration was thorough; very little body work was completed as this was an excellent example to start with. As such we are left with a lot of spot welds in all of the correct places, a testament to its originality.

Cosmetically this car is excellent overall. The paint is very smooth, high quality, and on dead straight metal with excellent panel fitment and door gaps. The chrome appears to be original and does show some minor blemishes. The bumpers however were re-chromed and are very nice. The glass is all original with some minor blemishes and the rubber is all new everywhere, however we noted some minor cracking on the rear hatch rubber, typical of a car living in the southwest. The tires are newer as well. The interior is a very nice place to spend the afternoon, supple tan hides, and correctness throughout with the exception of an Alcanatara headliner, which is a nice touch. The dash is free of any major/typical cracking and the interior overall reflects that of a 5 year old restoration, hints of use but no major blemishes of any kind. Clean door jams, nice rockers, and 100% solid throughout.

This B starts quickly and easily with a little choke. Once warm it shows over 50 pounds of oil pressure and holds even temperature with no smoke, misses, or issues of any kind. It revs quickly and freely and the clutch feels strong. Once warm the car runs out well making great power, easy shifts, and brakes and handles with ease. The 5-speed conversion is perhaps the most sensible upgrade one could desire on one of these cars. It makes for a very street-able example that allows for highway driving with lower RPM's, a real upgrade.
The engine bay is very clean and tidy throughout with attention to both correctness and sensible upgrades/adjustments. The underside is solid, straight and without issues. If we had to complain about one item it would be that the chrome (besides the bumpers) aren't up to par with the rest of the car, certainly presentable, but not as good as it could be.

Overall this is an excellent opportunity for any enthusiast or collector looking for the ultimate restored MGB GT. A true turnkey opportunity that would cost well over double the asking price to duplicate if one wanted such a well sorted and show worth example. Complete with spare, jack, hammer, knock off wrench, as well as receipts, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Please inquire with any additional interest.

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