1965 MG B GT

What makes this MGB GT so remarkable is its status as a very early production example. The accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms that this car was built in Abingdon between 21st October and 23rd November 1965 with MGB GT production only commencing in September of that year. Our example was specified with plenty of optional extras, too, including a heater (£14 6s 1d), switchable overdrive (£60 8s 4d) and seat belts which weren’t yet obligatory (£3 5s Od each). This would have added to the £825 basic price plus purchase tax to push the total to around £1,100 or so.

The GT didn’t travel far, around 8 miles or so from Abingdon to Oxford where it was sold at the Cowley Road dealership to a Mrs Mansfield of…………Abingdon. Mrs Mansfield took possession on or after the 1st January 1966 when the GT was registered for the first time. Mrs Mansfield was understood to have subsequently moved to the Liverpool area where this MG was thought to remain for the next 47 years, several colour changes and nine owners.

The GT was then bought by the previous keeper in 2013 having been off the road for the previous 10 years or so, reportedly living out in the open. This keeper then set about a full restoration, returning the GT to its original glory, its original colour and its original home of Abingdon. Current owner, Lucy, acquired the MG in 2015 and has been its proud custodian ever since. During Lucy’s oversight it has been diligently cared for by Abingdon Car Restoration, no less, continuing its unbreakable bond to the town of its origin. Lucy is now only parting ways with the MG due to a house move and a resulting loss of storage space.
 

With the advent of the MGB the company turned its back on its earlier predilection for re-warming old designs under the guise of “new” models. The “B” looked nothing like the “A” immediately succeeding in lending MG a newly found reputation as a progressive maker of modern cars. The earlier MKI cars represent the GT in its purest form and long before engineers in Abingdon had to worry about the welfare of pedestrians in Albuquerque. This car showcases the purity of the Pininfarina design, now back in its original Old English White livery. 

This finish was thought to have been applied around the year 2013 in previous ownership. In any event it looks great, and a nice deep shine emanates from the panels. No major imperfections are obvious perhaps due to Lucy’s diligent storage and the mere 8,000 or so miles covered in her tenure.

The MG’s brightwork provides a suitable contrast to the off white of the remainder. The extent of the chromed adornments are reserved for the dainty bumpers, grill, sundry trim pieces and the lovely, cross spoked wire wheels. These appear to have lost some of their chrome finish making them suitable for refurbishment if desired.  These 14-inch items are centrally affixed via chromed twin-eared spinners. A matching set of recent looking Barum tyres are fitted in a 165/80 R14 configuration. 

The black vinyl Webasto style, pull back sunroof is fitted that adds to the period charm as well as providing additional ventilation. This is in generally good order with just the front corners looking slightly worn.
 

Like the exterior, the GT’s cabin benefitted from a thorough make over during the previous ownership. Quality British made leather seat covers were fitted at that stage in black with white piping. The light and sympathetic use since then renders these in an excellent condition and the miniscule, but small dog-friendly, rear bench identically trimmed. The door cards are trimmed in black vinyl and complete with recognisably MG door furniture. Carpets are also black and edge bound for added luxury and longevity.

The dashboard fascia is formed from steel and finished in familiar MG crackled black paint. The top roll is formed from foam and finished in black vinyl. The MKI white on black Smiths gauge set is also fitted here. This consists of a speedometer, tachometer, a small duplex gauge measuring water temperature and oil pressure and a fuel gauge. A delightful, original looking, banjo style steering wheel is fitted. Despite the earlier refresh the originality in here is excellent with the original octagonal centre speaker and MG-inscribed radio blanking plate fitted. Even the Britax seatbelts appear original.
 

The MGB GT utilised an enlarged version of the MGA’s erstwhile B-Series engine but now bored out to 1,798cc. Fed by twin 38mm SU carburettors the output was quoted at 95bhp and 110 Ib-ft of torque. This GT features this redoubtable set up but further benefits from the fitting of a five-speed manual gearbox from Hi-Gear Engineering Ltd. This is a Ford Type 9 unit as used in the Mondeo and other Ford models. This lends the GT much improved usability, especially for motorway driving. What’s more the twin SU’s feature a pair of Cooper cans for improved airflow. This MGB GT is described as “mechanically perfect” by the vendor. 

The under-bonnet presentation of this GT sets the scene for what the copious paperwork will underscore in the next section. This seems to be a very well-tended and cared for MG. Some of that care and attention has likely been expended under here and even under bonnet insulating matting is present. The underside of the car fully belies its 60 years of age, too, with plenty of preservative underseal in evidence and everything presenting cleanly.
 

There is a reassuring depth of paperwork included with the MG. The V5 registration document is on hand. This categorises the MG as an Historic Vehicle by dint of it being over 40-years old. As such, it is MoT exempt and zero rated for vehicle excise duty in the UK. A number of previous MoTs in hard copy are present.

Other highlights include the illuminating, aforementioned Heritage Certificate and an MG 90-year anniversary event plaque. The remainder of the paperwork is predominantly invoices for work undertaken and parts procured and fitted. These mainly relate the last two periods of ownership and underscore the well cared for status of this MG.
 

It is easy to see why Thornley and Enever were so taken with the MGB GT. The GT seems like the more mature and rounded of the siblings but one who still knew how to have a good time when the opportunity arose. With the GT being a relatively ubiquitous car, although much rarer than the roadster, it is MKI cars that are most sought after – the earlier the better.

They don’t come much earlier than this MGB GT either. Built within a month or so of production starting at Abingdon. With that Oxfordshire connection bookending this car’s history, it seems appropriate that it has been returned back to its factory specification so well. An interesting, desirable, and early model indeed.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £8,000 - £12,000.

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