MGB GT

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The stylish Pininfarina designed GT coupe version of the MGB Roadster was launched in 1965. A taller windscreen and new roof line did nothing to harm the good looks inherited from the open version.

It remained in production until 1980 by which time over 523,000 MGBs of all types had been produced, making it the most successful sports car ever, eclipsed only recently by the Mazda MX5. Offered in four basic versions over its lifetime, the MkII was announced in 1967 which added welcome synchromesh to first gear, the MkIII arriving in 1972 with a significantly revised facia, before the last of the line rubber bumper models left the line in late 1974, although interestingly these were never referred to as MkIVs.

This 1978 GT comes from a deceased estate and has had four owners from new, its most recent acquiring it in 2005. Sitting as part of his large collection of cars, he enjoyed maintaining them and keeping them up together more than actually driving them.

Its online MOT history shows that it has covered under 1,000 miles since 2009, the document folder listing details of several services, all at low mileages, the most recent of which took place in 2005, roughly around the time when the new owner acquired the car. The invoice shows an indicated mileage of 19,586 miles at this time, which doesn’t quite match up with the MOT history, so it may either have had a new speedometer between 2005 and 2009, or the number was written incorrectly.

Whatever happened, neither total adds up to a significant figure, the condition of the car suggesting an easy life, its current reading showing just 19,605 miles which may not be far shy of the truth, although you will have to make your own minds up on that score. It is currently MOTd until June 2016.

It was fitted with a full-length push back sunroof at the factory which matches the Seventies brown vinyl roof and flying quarter panels. The seats are trimmed in the original bright orange striped ‘deckchair’ material and the black carpeting appears to be the original.

The underside has been coated with a dark wax oil protectant, we suspect from new. The inner cavities have also been drilled and injected with wax liquid and although rather unsightly, the complete engine bay has received a protective coating as well. Two areas at the front of the engine compartment have been cleaned and polished to reveal the pristine original white paintwork underneath.

The late, rubber bumper MGBs have gained momentum in the classic car market of late, buyers appreciating their more sophisticated cabins and greater refinement over the earlier models, not to mention their value for money! Less overtly sporting they may be, but this simply makes them easier to live with on a daily basis, making this striking example look a particularly attractive proposition at its tempting guide price.