1969 MG BGT

First registered in January 1969, this MG B GT was out-shopped in Tartan Red over a Black vinyl interior with red piping, as confirmed by the accompanying heritage certificate. Supplied new to Wadhams Limited of Hampshire, the registration mark was first issued in the county of Surrey.

In addition to the above colour combination, the heritage certificate also confirms the following optional extras:

- Wire Wheels

- Heater

Purchased by the current owner in August 2019, the car was previously restored from ‘barn find’ condition (photographs of which are included in the history folder) in 2006 - 2010, and has subsequently been fettled, upgraded (sympathetically) and generally cosseted in the years since, remaining in outstanding condition throughout.

Notably, the car has always been garaged with a dehumidifier during the current owner’s time with the vehicle, and has been enjoyed and used regularly (weather and road conditions permitting - the car has never been driven with salt on the roads by the current owner) and showcased in a number of both local and national car shows, receiving plenty of well-deserved praise along the way.

A total of over £4,000 has been spent since 2019 keeping this ‘BGT’ in top condition, with the seller stating that any small issue, concern or problem was immediately addressed - “I like everything just right and I’m happy to pay whatever it costs” - whilst the previous owners have spent a total of £12,407.20 (documented) prior to the vendor taking ownership, all of which has been detailed in the kind of spreadsheet that would make the most meticulous of classic car enthusiasts envious.

Resplendent in Red as it was from the factory, this delightful British sports car presents in fantastic condition throughout, on account of its previous restoration work and continued care and attention.

The paintwork is in fine fettle, retaining a strong shine and with only a few small imperfections, as you’d expect from a car that has been used and enjoyed over the years.

Up-close, there are a few small patches of bubbling visible below the paintwork, on both front wings and on the leading edge of the nearside door, as shown in the gallery below.

All of the glass work is in good order and free from any visible damage, whilst the chrome details, badges and trims are present-and-correct, retaining a good shine with only some minor age-related patina being visible on some of the smaller fixtures.

The windscreen rubber surround looks to be in good shape, though the seal for the boot lid has perished from age in a few places, and a discerning owner may wish to address this.

The bodywork is nice and straight along the sides of the car with no obvious signs of impact damage that we can see, though the bonnet does sit slightly proud on the nearside edge.

Below the arches, all four wire wheels are in excellent condition, and are wrapped in matching period-look Blockley tyres, which were fitted in October 2019. The matching spare in the boot was also fitted with a new tyre at this time, and remains unused.

Moving inside, the good news continues unabated. The interior has been re-trimmed in black vinyl, but with white piping (a deviation from the OE red piping, as detailed in the Heritage certificate) and remains in nigh-on pristine condition throughout, with no rips, tears or damage and barely any creases or scuff marks.

Down below, the carpets are also in excellent condition, whilst the headliner up above remains taut and well-secured throughout.

Ahead of the driver, the dashboard presents very well indeed, with the only particularly notable discrepancy being a small scratch/abrasion on the centre top of the dashboard. Otherwise, it is free from any sun damage or cracking. The various high-traffic touch-points remain in great condition, in keeping with the rest of the cabin.

Inertia-reel seatbelts have been fitted for added safety and usability.

The steering wheel is, somewhat unusually, still the original-style item which is often replaced by owners looking for some more legroom, much to the detriment of the steering weight and ‘feel’. This shows some commensurate wear-and-tear, but adds a lovely touch of originality and character to the cabin.

The vendor is not aware of any faults or issues with the cabin’s various switches or displays.

Looking underneath, you’d be forgiven for thinking this MG B is some sort of garage queen, such is the condition of the chassis and underside.

Coated in clear Waxoyl (always the hallmark of a seller who is preserving, rather than hiding the condition of their vehicle) the chassis has been protected from the elements, and remains in visibly excellent condition.

In the engine bay, the block is notably free from the usual oil marks and streaks that often plague these B-Series engines, whilst the bay itself is commendably tidy and well-kept. Keen-eyed bidders will notice the upgraded oil cooler, along with the additional electrically-switched auxiliary cooling fan, which helps keep things under control in traffic or hot weather.

Starting with ease and settling into a smooth idle, this ‘B would appear to be in rude health, with the seller stating that he would happily jump in the car and take it anywhere, with any known teething issues or ‘quirks’ having been addressed and remedied under his ownership.

On account of its age, the car is exempt from mandatory MoT testing, but as a further show of how scrupulous our vendor is, the car has been annually tested in his ownership, with the most recent test carried out on 03 August 2023 at 84,155 miles, showing a clean first-time pass with no advisory items.

Accompanying the car is one of the finest history folders that we’ve seen for a long time. Kept in an orderly fashion within a ring-bound folder and a good 4-5” thick, it could quite happily keep you amused for a good evening in front of the fire, preferably with a glass of the finest scotch to enjoy whilst you learn about your new-to-you MG B GT.

Notable highlights include the following:

- V5 registered keepers document, showing 9 former keepers

- Fuel receipts, showing fastidious ownership history

- BMIHT Certificate

- VIN / Engine Number decoder

- Regular servicing invoices

- Fitment of the S & F Electric Cooling Fan kit

- Invoice for 5x Blockley tyres in October 2019 at a cost of £563.70

The seller has also kept all information of expenditure in an extensive excel spreadsheet, with other highlights including:

- A full engine rebuild in September 2019 to remedy knocking big-ends, including a new head and skimming, carried out by Anthony of Classical Gas

- New radiator, brake discs/pads all round, new brake hoses, new fuel tank and sender unit in September 2019.

Quintessentially British, a true ‘high point’ of the British Leyland venture and with extensive aftermarket and specialist support, the MG B GT enjoys a continued popularity amongst both new and seasoned classic car enthusiasts alike, and with good reason.

This particular example benefits from an outstanding history, previous restoration works and continued fettling and cherished ownership in recent years, and presents in very good condition throughout, ready to use and enjoy as the next owner sees fit.

We estimate for this car to reach anywhere between £12,000 - £15,000.

Viewing is always encouraged. This particular car is located with the vendor in Overton, Hampshire. To arrange an appointment 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, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.