1971 MG B GT

The MGB has become one of the most popular and useable of the sporting classics, with an excellent supply of spares and advice from various MG clubs. It is said that the late Prince Phillip made suggestions concerning the original design whilst on a factory visit and that the model would never have been produced if Renault had won their court case, claiming that the body was a copy of their own Caravelle convertible. Happily the convertible, produced from 1962, was joined by the GT a few years later. With large doors, access was reasonably easy and the cockpit was very comfortable , particularly on longer runs. Some 2000 modifications were made during the course of production. Power came from a rugged four cylinder engine of 1798cc which drove through a 4 speed manual gearbox, often supplemented by overdrive on third and fourth gear, which allowed relaxed cruising.

This super smart BRG B GT has been in the current ownership since 2017, where it has been cherished and expertly maintained. A very extensive history file reveals that the sports car underwent a restoration in the 2000s; work at that point included the fitting of many new panels including complete floor pans, inner and outer sills, front and rear valance panels, front wings and quarter panels, plus a new front cross member, door skins, door glass, roof aerial, body mouldings and much more. The MG was also Waxoyled and fitted with a new overdrive unit in 2005. The vendor tells us that it has been repainted at some point, possibly at the time of restoration, and is fitted with alloy road wheels. In 2016, work was carried out to the brakes. All the while, many other small components were renewed by the then custodian, all documented in the file. The record of work has continued in the current ownership; in 2018, the batteries were replaced with one 12 volt unit, a new oil / temperature gauge was fitted, as was a new exhaust system and manifold. In 2020, new rear brake shoes and new rear road springs were also fitted, and further minor components have been updated since.  Now, the bodywork is good, and the paintwork is very presentable. There are no known mechanical faults. The black leather upholstery is very good and the cockpit benefits from a CD player.

The aforementioned history includes a BL MG handbook, a Haynes manual, many invoices dating to the 1990s, MOT test certificates and the V5C registration certificate.

Auction Date: 23 November 2023