(Note: Recently moved to NH. Make an offer!) This 1973 MGB GT is described as an honest and sorted chrome bumper example with under 64k original miles and four owners from new. The drivetrain, carbs, interior, floors, wheels, and trim have been kept original, while the body was repainted in 1978 and a recent rust repair was carried out as described below. Acquired by its second owner in 1974, it was driven to 50k miles, then repainted and put into storage in 1978. Recommissioned in 1996, the car was driven sparingly until sold to its third owner in 2009, at the time still wearing a set of vintage tubed Michelins. I acquired the car in August 2016 and have done numerous unseen upgrades, keeping the car as original as possible. Always garaged and well maintained, it comes with numerous service records, and a clean Massachusetts title.
The BGT's Pininfarina-modified bodywork wears the 1973-only shade of Limeflower Green, and is holding up well with some imperfections. Appropriately sized Vredestein Sprint Classics were mounted by the previous owner and are on OEM Rostyle wheels.
While in storage, the lower passenger side fender became home to a rodent nest lodged ahead of the rocker, necessitating a rust repair by the previous owner – the afflicted area was cut out, a new patch panel welded in, and paint blended to match. The cut-out piece was kept and used for color matching.
The rear hatch is clean and all glass is original. Trim is straight and complete, shining well throughout with a few dings. All lights and lenses are accounted for and clear, and a pair of NOS Cibie headlamps were installed in 2011.
The navy interior is completely original down to the corduroy and vinyl upholstery which was stock for the BGT in 1973, with no tears or rips but with a few imperfections. The foam in the front seats was replaced in 2017. New seatbelt connectors were installed at the floor in 2018. Door panels, carpets and rubber floor mats are well-preserved with some wear and discoloration evident.
The US-market padded dash houses clear Smiths gauges and a new turn signal stalk. All electrical items work including the period Blaupunkt radio and optional rear window defroster. The speedometer was sent out to Nisonger Instruments in 2018 for a good cleaning and is fully calibrated and works perfectly. As far as I am aware, the only thing that does not work in the cockpit is the seatbelt warning system.
Underhood, the car's original 1,798cc engine has never been out, is said to make good power with 130+ PSI in all cylinders. with healthy 60 PSI oil pressure at idle, and is linked to a four-speed manual transmission with no overdrive. Several parts have been replaced in the engine bay including a newer alternator installed by the previous owner. At some point the pollution pump was removed and the thermostat housing replaced, otherwise the engine compartment is mostly original. Twin SUs fitted with Cooper air cleaners feed the motor, while exhaust is via an Ansa Sport system and in good shape.
The car is free of serious corrosion underneath. The car leaks a little oil, which is to be expected. Oil and filter changes were done each season by myself using Shell X-100 motor oil with the last service being done is the fall of 2018. Brake lines were replaced by the previous owner.
Most records are available for all maintenance, parts and repair work done since 2009, as well as service records from 1996 on. A fitted car cover and boxes of spare parts come with the car – also included are the original owner's manual, passport to service, distributor/dealer guide, a perfect condition original sales brochure, a pristine Leyland Cars Workshop Manual and a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust record. A laminated 1974 title showing ownership in Massachusetts from 1974-2009 is also included.
