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| Lot number | 151 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | £2,300 |
| Description | MGB GT |
| Registration | VWL 629R |
| Year | 1976 |
| Colour | Red |
| Engine size | 1,798 cc |
| Chassis No. | GHD5-412352G |
| Engine No. | 12219 |
| Documents | V5C; MOT December 2016; restoration invoices |
MGBs are still such a relatively common sight on Britain's roads that it is sometimes easy to forget just what delightful little cars they are. Beautifully styled, easy to maintain and more than capable of keeping up with modern traffic, they are in many ways the perfect classic car.
Launched in 1962 to replace the MGA which had done wonders for the reputation of the marque and sold in previously unheard-of numbers, the MGB was also an immediate success. Powered by an enlarged 1,789cc version of the BMC 'B' series engine with pushrod operated overhead-valves, it developed a useful 94bhp, produced bags of torque at very low revs and could top 100mph with ease.
At first only a roadster was available but in October 1965 a Pininfarina-styled GT version was introduced. In late 1967 an improved MkII version was launched with various minor styling tweaks, an all-synchromesh gearbox, stronger rear axle and alternator (rather than dynamo) charging.
By 1974 MG had reacted to new US safety regulations by introducing rubber bumpers, raising the car in the process to meet changes to the lighting regulations. This US spec became standard across all markets, continuing up until the final car left the factory in 1980. Their reliability, performance and excellent handling mean that there is no reason why MGBs cannot be used every day.
Dating from November 1976, this GT has had just two owners since 1996 but has only been lightly used throughout that time, being kept in storage for the last five years and only covering 9,000 miles between 1990 and 2010. Recently recommissioned and refurbished, we are told that it has been treated to a full respray, an interior retrim in black leather and refurbished Rostyle wheels with bills on file totalling over £3,000.
Said to be in good order throughout and to drive well, it has an MOT until December 2016. Looking very pretty in bright red with a Websato sunroof, it is sure to draw lots of admiring glances when out and about over the coming summer months.
