1971 MGB GT *Sold £9,500*

Description

• Rare ‘Fish mouth’ model
• Dry stored since 1999
• Three owners
• 39,297 miles
• MOTs from 1974
• 12 months MOT

The MGB GT needs no introduction. Lovely to drive, huge fun and great value, all in one simple, easy to own package. As Goldilocks famously said about breakfast, hmmmm, just right. And they are, aren’t they?

Production ran from 1962 – 1980 with over a half a million rolling off the Abingdon line. It is a mark of their enduring appeal that there are so many of these classic British sports cars still up and running.

It is extremely unusual to find one in such original unrestored condition, with this mileage and the rich ownership history. A rare find.

History

• First registered to Capt. DJ Holtby RE on 3 July 1971
• Original bill of sale
• Capt. Holtby was part of the British Forces in Germany
• The MGB went with him in February 1972
• Capt. Holtby sold the vehicle to 2nd Lt TMT Power of the 3rd Anglian Regiment on 5 October 1972
• The MGB came back to England and was sold to Mr Saul from Norfolk in 1973. Mr Saul owned it until he passed recently
• The MGB was taken off the road and stored in 1999 but was still maintained during that time
• Mr Saul made notes of mileage and work carried out. A small highlight of these can be seen in the Gallery

There is a service record book with Dealer stamps, along with one stamp from its time in Germany. MOTs go back to 1974 and there are several other invoices. *The car was MOT’d in January this year and passed with just a couple of advisories – hazard light switch, wiper blades and a slight coolant leak – all of which will be dealt with by the end of the auction.

Mechanicals

• 1800cc B Series engine
• Engine number 18GG-RWE-H26583, which decodes as;
• 18 -1800cc
• GG – bearing crank with carb feed breathing circuit and fitted with an alternator
• R- Overdrive
• WE -4 speed synchro gearbox
• H-High compression
• A correct set of Rubery Owen satin black wheels (Ro-style)

The engine bay is clean, tidy and original. Original features such as the twin conical air filters are in place. They are usually the first thing to end up in the bin when owners start tinkering. There is a chrome rocker cover which has faded with age. If minded, the new owner might want to spend a couple of afternoons making them shiny again. Given the originality of the rest of the car, we’d probably leave well alone. And yes, the overdrive works.

Outside

• Glacier White paintwork
• We understand this is original paintwork
• Looking at the odd stone chip here and there, that does look correct
• Chrome bumpers with black upright overriders
• The trim, mirrors, bumper brightwork, all looks clean and tidy
• Period correct 165/15 Pirelli Cinturato tyres

Aside from the change to rubber bumpers in 1975, the MGBs stayed pretty much the same except for one important two-year period. The famous ‘fish mouth’ grille.

The ‘fish mouth’ style is so sought after that there are a range of aftermarket conversions. But if you have a rare original like this, it is a massive bonus.

Inside

We are in danger of sounding like a needle stuck on an old vinyl record. On the inside this MGB is original, period correct and in good condition.

• Three spoke slotted alloy steering wheel with MG centre push
• Crinkle dash
• Gauges either side of the two-clock binnacle
• 1974 Motorola Radio – with original manual
• Grey carpets with rubber over-mats
• Black door cards and seats are in good condition
• Carpeted boot area in good condition

As the name MGB GT implies, this MG is essentially a two-seater sports car, but the rear bench seat area and hatchback give a great deal more practicality than many other two seaters.

Our vendor tells us;

This MGB has never messed with, has a good history file – Mr Saul made notes of mileage and work done etc – is in great condition and runs lovely. 

We did ask about speedo reading of just 39,297 miles, he told us,

“As far as anyone can be sure on a 1971 classic car, looking at the old MOTs, the overall condition, the history and the way the doors shuts like a new car, I’d guess it probably is the genuine mileage”

Our view

A half million buyers cannot be wrong, can they? Due to their lasting attractiveness and an unapparelled network of suppliers, there remain a lot of MGs on the road. The spectrum of condition varies widely.

It is very infrequent we see one like this, with a superb history record, ‘un-messed with’ condition and low mileage supported with paperwork.

If we were in the market for a good MGB GT, we’d be putting this one top of the list.

Vehicle Location: Bridgend, CF31 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this MGB GT? Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.