1967 MGB GT                                                 ...

Hammer

£5,500

1967 MGB GT                                                    

Registration Number: REU 178E       
Chassis Number: G-HD3-L/121528
Recorded Mileage: 36,250 miles

- Rare Californian dry-state car
- Subject to older restoration in the early 2000s

The MGB was first introduced in May 1962 as a direct replacement for the MGA. Performance was brisk with power supplied by a 1,798cc four cylinder iron block engine set within a monocoque lightweight body shell with crumple zones incorporated. October 1965 saw the introduction of the GT and was based on the already popular roadster. Designed by Pininfarina, the new GT sported a hatchback giving useful access to the rear luggage space and a rear bench seat that enabled the car to be called a 2+2. Although acceleration was slightly slower than the roadster, top speed was better by 5mph due to the increased aerodynamic efficiency.

Built in March 1967, by the time the Summer of Love was entering into full swing this little Primrose Yellow coupe was cruising the highways and byways of California. Sporting a period “UC Berkeley” window sticker, the little MG would have been a very cool choice of wheels in the college car park at the time.

The MG was repatriated into the UK in the late 1990s and into the ownership of a British sportscar enthusiast, who restored the ‘B’ and enjoyed it for some years before carefully dry storing and driving occasionally. This early example has some nice period features such as the correct three-synchro gearbox, aluminium bonnet, webasto sunroof, sprung steering wheel and painted wire wheels. These early Mark Is display much nicer detail than later chrome or rubber bumpered cars, and are seldom seen in such sound condition.

Having spent the majority of its life in a dry state, the bodywork is free of the corrosion which affects so many British-delivered examples. Having been stored in recent times the MG will no doubt benefit from further recommissioning, but, as it is, represents a sound buy for the enthusiast. If desired the ‘B’ can be easily swapped to RHD specification should the new owner wish, or just head to the continent instead - Le Mans classic, anyone?