The popular MGB debuted in 1962 as a successor to the MGA and its variants saw production of more than a half million units through 1980. It began as a 2-seat roadster, but the enclosed GT joined the ranks with 2+2 people capacity for 1966. With its hatchback-type styling, the GT offered more room for the driver’s “stuff” than the convertible did. Located in Auburn, California, this 1967 GT has been dormant for nearly 40 years and is said to be complete and ready for restoration. This English-built sports car can be found here on craigslist for $8,000. Our thanks go to Barn Finder Toddk for uncovering this tip for us!
MGB GTs were designed by Pininfarina whose more famous work was done for Ferrari. They shared most components with the roadster except that they offered a tiny rear seat for when more than two people needed to be carried (ideal for bags of groceries). They used the MGB’s 1.8-liter inline-4 engine and production lasted through 1980 although U.S. imports stopped in 1974 (trouble meeting growing U.S. safety standards?). The acceleration of the GT was off a bit from that of the lighter roadster, but the car gained a little top-end speed thanks to better aerodynamics.
We’re told this GT has remained in storage since 1999, though last driven in 1984. We don’t know if that’s due to mechanical issues or a decrease in owner interest. It has the desirable chrome spoke wheels and what we can see of the body and paint don’t show any rust issues, a common problem. Maybe resurrecting this old sports car won’t be that hard, but then it might not be easy either.
I thought that the rubber bumpers and raised ride height were to allow them to meet U.S. safety standards? As for emissions, they probably weren’t any worse than most other stuff for sale at the time.
I much prefer the chrome bumper/wire so the later ones. I bought one for £300 in the late ’80s; it was for a friend, so I had it for a day or two before I had to hand it over.
Side markers and a later looking dash lead me to believe this is not a ’67, probably a ’68 or newer.
Still a beautiful car. Love the wire wheels.
Yes, it looks to be a ’68.
I’m no expert, but do have a 1500 and a recurring theme I hear is that one year morphed into another on the assembly line and as such the line between one year and the other can be blurred.
The year cited is usually predicated on the build date and this causes the confusion.
If someone has more information I am always trying to learn more.
Good catch. The pillow dash is a dead give away. Air pump is also installed with gulp valve. Not great pictures, but a California black plate leads me to believe rust is minimal.
And Pale Primrose is one of the best colors.
Bad photos and only a couple are really useable. I’m a BGT fan, have owned three of them, all with overdrive and wire wheels.
Definaletly not a 67. Side markers and the dash is wrong for 67. Maybe a 69 ? Can’t see the headrests.
It’s definitely a 1969. That was the ONLY year MGBs had reflectors on their fenders/wings. 68s had nothing, and 79s on had a lighted lens. I’ve had 2 69 Bs, 4 69 Cs, and 2 68 Cs… and probably at least 1 of every other year made. I was a British car mechanic most of my younger life and way too many As, Bs, Cs and Triumphs followed me home over the years. I’ve whittled down to only 3 Bs, 1 C, 3 bugeyes, 5 Spitfires and an R titled Jag X type. Trust me.
Brian Fahey
Yes. Most definitely NOT a 67. Agree w/others that it is a 69. What is concerning about the year of the car being advertised incorrectly is that there is considerable difference between the earlier cars (specifically, up TO and including 67) and the “later” cars, starting with 68. MG Folk will generally concur that the 67 and earlier cars are more desirable. Starting with the padded “pillow” dash . . . I’ll betcha that one is either cracked, or will be cracking soon. Expensive and time consuming to replace. The earlier cars had the crackle finish metal dash, with real toggle switches and a simpler, cleaner layout.
Remember this, and it is really about all cars, not just MG. 1968 was when the onslaught of Federal safety standards first hit . . . thus the padded dash, rocker swtiches, side marker lights, (I believe . . . ) the collapsible steering wheel, more smog stuff, etc.
Damn smart fone can’t spel fer siht. My post was typed as from ‘1970 on’ the side lenses were lighted, not 79 on.
I love this site. PS, I’m also a resto-modder. (Please forgive me). I put a 215 v8 in a mk1 midget, a 4.2 turbo inline 6 in a 69 C, a 5 liter Ford and 5 speed in a 79 B, and a Camaro v6 in a bugeye. Everything is quiet and completely hidden. Sometimes I restore only.
Side markers. No. Steel dash. Padded. It’s a. 1969
I remember one a few years ago in good drivable condition with decent paint and interior for his asking price. Has the market doubled for these quirky British cars?
doesnt matter the yr.
THIS is the MG to have in my mind.
(as is wolwo 1800ES, inocent de tomasso, autobianchi Abarth, renault alpine).
I would respectfully disagree. The year is important for these cars. If you want to lump the mid 65s, 66’s and 67s together, then yes, you could say the year is not that important. That said, a 67 is an entirely different car than the 68’s and later.
GTs all had the Laycock overdrive iirc
Not all GT’s had overdrive. 1969 had side reflectors. What year does the title say? Do a VIN breakdown to identify year. Insurance companies and State agencies will care about the year being correct and matching the car’s VIN. Not fun having to correct someone else’s paper work mistakes.
You make a valid point. If they can’t describe the correct year in their ad, do they even have paperwork/title for the car? If the car has been out of service for almost 25 years it will need quite a bit to return it to service. It was parked for a reason, and it would be nice to hear that reason. It’s a desireable color, but there is quite a bit of difference in the market price for a 67 GT project and a 69 GT project. As mentioned above, the Mk1 cars are somewhat collectible, while the pillow dash Mk2,,, not so much. These folks could help a bit with some more information and maybe a few photos of the engine, the rear compartment, and dare I say, some under the car shots showing the extent of the rust (there is rust, just how much is the question). This could be a good car for a “driving restoration”, but with the lack of information his ask may be a bit optimistic.
Thus is a very nice, perhaps the best 69 B-GT. Chrome wires are the best. Still has great rockers, so I believe the floors would be perfect. This is a perfect driver. They’re not complicated cars at all. Take off the smog pump and the power is decent. Rebuild all the hydraulics (not hard) and use synthetic brake fluid. Do an oil change engine and transmission (transmission uses 30 weight motor oil) and enjoy it for what it was intended. Keep the salt washed off. Its a good deal considering it needs no body work. The beautiful color is primrose. Motor on.
I had a green one. It wasn’t as nice as this and when I went to sell it, the only thing anyone wanted was the transmission and the intake.