Vehicle Description
1973 MG MGB GT
A simple calculus has a long guided assessment of the MGB: chrome
bumpers equals British classic; rubber bumpers equals British
Leyland mediocrity. Yet this prejudice unfairly maligns thousands
of cars and shortchanges the improbable 18 year run of the MGB. No
one disputes the greatness of the early MGB, which debuted in 1962
as a replacement for the MGA. Handsomely styled, fun to drive, and
relatively affordable, it quickly gained a wide following.
Participation in racing burnished the car's reputation, and the
introduction of the closed roof MGB GT in 1965 buoyed sales.
For consignment, a 1973 MG MGB GT with a one year only color spec
and a professionally rebuilt engine with work done by well known
Philadelphia area MG expert, Dick Moritz.
Exterior
Finished in Damask Red, this shade of burgundy suits the little
Brit quite well, covering the straight panels with well minded gaps
and intersected by an arrow straight side trim piece that spans
completely from the headlight ring to the edge of the taillight.
The profile of the car shows the dramatic, swooping rear window and
hatch along with the smaller back wheel openings, protruding rear
quarter, and upright windshield. There's nothing quite shaped like
a MGB GT and it's immediately recognizable, especially from behind
where the large rear window takes up a good bit of real estate
before the body concludes at the sculpted chrome bumper. 14-inch
wheels are adorned with polished aluminum trim rings. Other than
some dings in the grille surround and some fading on the emblem,
paint, body and metalwork are in excellent condition.
Interior
Navy blue dominates the interior and starts with the finely crafted
and clean door panels. This color was only used with Damask red in
1973 making it quite a unique spec. The blue corduroy covering on
the bucket seats and package shelf/rear bench is another 1973 only
feature and other than some compression and meandering piping, look
to be in good condition and contain headrests. A lovely 3 spoke
wood rimmed steering wheel presents to the driver leading to the
efficient and symmetrical MG dashboard, a virtual cornucopia of
essential gauges, indicator lights, dials, and switches on the
black vinyl background. In the center stack, a Kenwood AM/FM/CD
radio with USB and AUX capability above a switch panel which
waterfalls onto the center console that houses a wood handled
shifter in a leather boot. Black loop carpet covers the floor with
sectional mats and the light colored headliner is in great shape.
Black loop carpet also covers the rear cargo area which is
fantastically clean.
Drivetrain
Under the bonnet, a very clean presentation of the rebuilt 1.8
liter 4-cylinder engine with a Delta D9 camshaft and rated at 78
horsepower. It is fueled by 2 rebuilt SU carburetors and moved into
motion by an expertly rebuilt 4-speed manual transmission with
overdrive. Power is sent to the rear wheels with 3.909 gears. The
MG is equipped with disc brakes up front and drums in the rear.
Undercarriage
Driver quality conditions are found underneath this well traveled
coupe and includes bits of surface rust, residual oil on the rear
differential, drops of oil on the pan and transmission, and
evidence of windblown oil drift further back on the belly. The
knuckles and wheel components are very clean, as is the sing
exhaust which enters a stock style muffler before exiting via a
chrome tip in back.
Drive-Ability
Short, nimble, and ultimately fun to drive, the GT took to the test
loop like a fish to water. You might not get the open air
experience of a topless MGB, but the big windows here create a
bright greenhouse and the solid top, perhaps a stiffer chassis. The
car handles with spirit, tracks well, and shifts cleanly. The only
thing that didn't work was the heater blower. All other functions
including the cockpit like dash, work as intended. While Classic
Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time
of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be
working at the time of your purchase.
We've had the honor of representing a lot of MG's here at Classic
Auto Mall and none sell as consistently and with relative quickness
as the GT's. Each one we've had has found a new, loving home, and
we'd like to keep that string of successful matchmaking going.
These are the practical MG's, a feature which makes them desirable,
and their unique design makes them collectible. Ring us up, ol'
chap, (or m'lady), and we'd be happy to set you up on a date.
GHD5UD307034
G-MG
H-BMC 1.8 Series Engine
D-MGB GT
5-MK3
U-USA Spec, Left Hand Drive
D-1973
307034-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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