1971 MGB GT Coupe
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Highlights
・Bright and tidy chrome bumper B GT
・Genuine low mileage
・Factory-fit Webasto roof
・Local owners all its life and stacks of bills
The Background
Introduced in 1962, the MGB became the archetypal British sports car, enjoying an incredible production run of 19 years and boasting an astonishing survival rate – at the end of 2020, there were still 23,658 MGBs on the roads in Britain, making it the country’s most popular classic car by far.
The fixed-roof MGB GT was introduced in October 1965 and sported a ground-breaking “greenhouse” rear end, designed by Pininfarina. With its side-hinged rear window and flat-folding 2+2 seat, it offered surprisingly useful amounts of luggage space yet maintained the B Roadster’s sporty driving characteristics.
Although acceleration of the GT was slightly slower than that of the roadster, owing to its increased weight, top speed improved by 5 to 105 mph because of better aerodynamics. It was referred to by contemporary road testers as the ‘poor man’s E-Type’, thanks to its startling similarity to the much bigger classic Jaguar.
This example is from the B GT’s best sales year – 1971 – when the car came with the later improved interior and stronger five-bearing engine, but retained the chrome bumpers and upright grille of the earlier models. It’s considered the best era for a B GT. It also comes with a couple of highly desirable optional extras – a Webasto sun roof and a Triplex “Hotline” heated rear screen.
The History
Finished in Tartan Red, the B GT was first registered in Norfolk but has lived in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire for most of its life.
It was restored in the early 2000s, three owners ago, and was rebuilt using parts supplied by a selection of well-known and highly regarded MG specialists.
The current owner acquired the car in 2020, but has never really used it thanks to a family health concern that arose soon after he bought it. With more pressing concerns, he has decided to sell the car on, though he has spent quite a lot of money recommissioning it during his ownership.
The Paperwork
There’s a fairly hefty chunk of paperwork with this car including a selection of old MOTs going back to before it was restored. Being 'of a certain age' the car is of course eligible to be MOT and Tax exempt.
The majority of bills, though, relate to the past 20 years and there are vast sheaths of them. Of most interest is the log of work carried out on the car in 2002-2003 when it was restored. The owner kept a record of all of his expenditure, from small bungs and grommets to complete body panels. It runs to over £6,000 in parts alone, excluding any labour charges.
Since completion, the car has covered less than 10,000 miles, as backed up by its DVSA MOT history.
Also supplied with the car is a period Autodata workshop manual to help the next owner keep on top of its maintenance requirements.
The Exterior
An MGB GT, especially a Tartan Red one, is a very pretty car indeed and this example looks lovely on its period-correct Rostyle sports wheels.
Overall, it’s very smart and presentable and it also appears very solid underneath, with all of the structural welding completed during its refurbishment in the 2000s.
On top, it’s a good-looking car and the majority of the paint on it is still very good, but there are a couple of areas of the body that will need fettling in the future. There are rust bubbles on the front scuttle panel, passenger door bottom and leading edge of the bonnet, while there are also a couple of minor stone chips.
The chrome is largely good, though there is some oxidisation on the rear bumper.
The Interior
Interior-wise, this is an excellent example of the MGB, with smart and unworn black upholstery. The carpets are also excellent, having been replaced during the car’s refurb.
The dash features a smart aftermarket veneer inlay, which really suits it, while all of the dials and controls appear to work.
A roof mounted twist lever is all that’s required to open the folding Webasto roof, which is an engineering work of art and is still in flawless condition.
The Mechanics
We were unable to start the MG for the photographs as the battery was disconnected, but the owner says it runs well and has good oil pressure. This particular one comes with the 4 speed overdrive gearbox.
Last year (since when it has covered just 400 miles) it has had a fair chunk of work done on top of a service, including a new fuel pump, starter motor, diff overhaul, battery, track rods and propshaft joints. It has also had the all important unleaded fuel conversion done.
The vendor reports that the car runs and drives very well, has two keys and will come with a selection of spare parts.
The Appeal
Of course, the MGB is one of the hardy perennials of the classic car scene and with over 23,000 survivors ( and that’s just in the UK) it will continue to enjoy its status as one of the most accessible, enjoyable and hassle-free classics you can own, backed up by a vast network of specialists.
This one appeals partly because it isn’t perfect. It’s lovely where it matters (inside, under the bonnet and underneath) but the shiny side is in need of a couple of small ‘tidy-up’ repairs. Do those and it’ll be immaculate once again, pretty much show car standard.
Or, you could just look upon it as a practical, stylish and affordable classic GT and use it come water or high wind, safe in the knowledge that it’s tough both structurally and mechanically and is a smart and well-sorted example.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1971
- Make MG
- Model GT Coupe 1971
- Colour Red
- Odometer 65,648 Miles
- Engine size 1798
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Bedfordshire
- Country United Kingdom
44
bids
- wi•••• £7,900 12/07/21
- mi•••• £7,800 12/07/21
- wi•••• £7,700 12/07/21
- mi•••• £7,600 12/07/21
- wi•••• £7,500 12/07/21
- wi•••• £7,400 12/07/21
- no•••• £7,300 12/07/21
- wi•••• £7,200 12/07/21
- no•••• £7,100 12/07/21
- wi•••• £7,000 12/07/21
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