1980 MG B GT

This enigmatic MGB GT looks for all the world like an early iteration from perhaps the late 1960’s or early ‘70’s and that’s the intention. Our car, in fact, hails from 1980 with the chassis number (GVGEJ1AG512012) revealing it to be a UK specification, right hand drive car and just within the last 11,000 MGB’s to be built.

In an earlier tenure the GT has had much attention lavished on it to create a retro looking example of the genre but running on the most developed and modern MGB underpinnings. Thoughtful modifications and enhancements include a chrome bumper and grill conversion, fitment of 60 spoke wire wheels, the fitment of an earlier painted dash and gauges and earlier seats and upholstery.

Will reports that “the car drives and stops well. It certainly feels sounds every inch a classic and the Warwick Grey with Red interior feels very "60's" indeed!”

As an integral part of this MG’s transformation into an earlier model the car has benefitted from a full respray in a subtle Warwick Grey hue. In addition to this the body has received some restorative attention in the form of wing repair panels, a new offside sill, a rear hatch and new lights all round. Probably most transformational, however, is the conversion from the bulky and ungainly post 1975 rubber bumpers to the infinitely daintier chromed bumpers and grill. 

With this work in mind the paintwork looks good overall with a nice shine being exuded throughout and the subtle livery certainly suiting the Pininfarina-fettled coupe body of the GT. Likewise the more recent brightwork to the bumpers, grill and associated trim looks to be in fine order. There are a few areas, however, that could be further improved. Some of the panel alignment, especially around the doors, looks a little inconsistent and some of the visible panel joints may warrant some tidying. A few paint runs were also noted such as on the rear valance and offside sill panel.

Another feature vying with the bumpers for the “most-transformational” award are the 60 cross-spoked wire wheels. These are 14-inch items and are finished in hardwearing and practical satin silver paint. A matching set of recent-looking 175/70 R14 tyres are fitted.

The MG’s cabin has most effectively been given an earlier look and feel thanks to a complete retrimming in an earlier specification. The front seats are tightly upholstered in lightly textured vinyl in a deep red hue. The centres are arranged into vertical box pleats accompanying smooth bolsters and contrasting grey piping. These fold forward to provide access to the occasional rear bench which is identically trimmed. 

Door cards, rear side panels, window pillars and dash top roll are all upholstered in matching vinyl. An earlier iteration of box-style centre console is fitted to enhance the period feel and this is also picked out in deep red vinyl. Carpets are edge bound and may be original. Some UV-induced fading is noticed in places, especially on the top of the transmission tunnel.

The dashboard fascia is an earlier type which is normally finished in a crackled black paint. In this case the panel is painted in body colour which lends it a surprisingly different look. The earlier white on black Smiths gauge set is also fitted here. A delightful, chrome spoked, wooden rimmed steering wheel is fitted. 

In the boot the carpet set is quite faded giving it a light tan appearance but the overall condition in here looks good. The condition of the interior is impressive overall with only some inconsistent paintwork to the fascia panel noted.

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 carburettors the output was quoted at 95bhp and 110 Ib-ft of torque. By the time our car left Abingdon four speed manual gearbox with a Laycock LH type overdrive was fitted. In the post 1977 cars this just acted on fourth gear and was deployed via a Bond-esque gear knob mounted thumb switch.

In recent years our car has enjoyed considerable well-chosen mechanical attention. Current owner Will confirms holding receipts for “over £3200 in past few years alone.” Work has included fitting a new clutch master cylinder and associated pipes and hoses. A carburettor rebuild has been undertaken. Other new parts include wheel cylinders, back plates, brake hoses and pads, master cylinder and servo assembly, coil, plugs, points, condenser, HT leads, fuel pump, battery, speedo cable and starter motor.

Owner Will reports that “the car starts easily and quickly with a little choke and settles down to a steady typical B-Series thumping idle soon thereafter. Oil pressure at idle is very healthy at 60 PSI.”

The under-bonnet presentation helps underscore this tally of new parts with many of them being obvious. The general condition under here is good with the inner panels looking clean, straight and corrosion free. Some modern heat and sound absorbing insulation has been affixed to the bonnet’s underside. The underside of the car looks well cared for too, with no signs of leaks or grounding. The only corrosion visible is very much of the surface variety to various of the exhaust system components.

The paperwork presented here is minimal and limited to the V5 registration document and our own car history report. The V5 classifies the MG as an historic vehicle and so MoT exempt and VED zero rated in the UK. The car was last MoT’d in 2006 at 45,728 miles.

Will does allude to much paperwork being on hand, however, including those invoices and bills amounting to £3,200 of spend in just the last few years.

The MGB GT was always the pinnacle of the MGB range according to the so called “B” team behind it. It is oft forgotten, too, how many fewer of the Pininfarina fettled coupe versions were built with production of the convertible “B” outnumbering it by over 3:1.

This example is a unique proposition for those in the market for the most archetypal of British sports coupes. It offers a GT from the last year of production, and all its associated improvements, with a well-executed and decidedly 1960’s style and persona. A great colourway and well retrimmed interior combines with a well-attended mechanical condition help to make this a very interesting ownership prospect indeed.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Cornwall. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.