MGB GT

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

In 1974 MG were forced to redesign the ever-popular MGB due to tougher crash safety legislation in America, one of the key markets for the car.

The old chrome bumpers were deleted in favour of new rubber items front and rear and the ride height was raised by one inch to bring the headlamps up to the new level now required. The interior was also redesigned with a more modern fascia and improved heating and ventilation. Otherwise the car was substantially the same as it had always been, with classically elegant bodywork and a gutsy 1.8-litre engine which gave 100mph performance.

This lovely example is on offer from a deceased estate and has covered a mere 12,850 miles in the hands of just two owners since it was sold new through MG dealers’ Meirion Motors in Aberystwyth. It was first registered to a lady living in Middlewich on 2nd June 1976 who kept it until 1980 when she returned it to Meirion Motors in part exchange for a new model.

The car subsequently passed to its second owner, a senior Professor at nearby Aberystwyth University who was a leading scholar of nuclear strategy and a representative on the United Nations Advisory Board for Disarmament. He had a passion for MGs and used an MGB GT Jubilee as his daily transport, keeping his shiny new acquisition for use on special occasions, although in reality this consisted of little more than the annual trip back to Meirion Motors for its MOT, service and engine tune.

Resplendent in its original Blaze red paintwork, the car was delivered from Abingdon with the rare option of full black leather upholstery which also included a fully trimmed rear bench seat. Other cost options selected from the price list included chrome plated Rostyle wheels, a Britax sunroof, Blaupunkt radio plus the application of Ziebart anti corrosion body protection.

Included in the sale are copies of the original British Leyland ‘Supercover’ warranty card, a stamped service booklet, the guarantee card for the Britax sunroof and photographs from the early 1980’s that were used for insurance valuation purposes. It is extremely difficult to tell any difference between the MG in these photos and the same car today such is its state of preservation.

Genuine low mileage examples rarely come onto the market and such is the car's originality, it could easily be held up as a reference example of the marque. Having never required any form of restoration, even the spot welds are positioned exactly as the Abingdon factory placed them and minor details such as the factory overspray on the painted rear latch is still present. The interior is also very much as it left the factory which still retains its original Blaupunkt radio.

Sold new and then maintained by the same MG Dealer throughout its life, we are delighted to be able to offer this superb example which is MOTd until August this year.